In a world where beauty trends shift quicker than even the word ‘contour’ can be spoken, it is understandable that the contents of our old makeup bags are usually overflowing with a plethora of unused products in our possession.
But how do you reconcile the feeling of guilt, for instance, once that signature red lipstick becomes dull or that eye shadow palette sits in the drawer? Let us explore the vibrant street of old makeup recycling and how to give back to cosmetics while playing for Mother Nature.
Beauty in Disposal
Let’s imagine for a moment that every year, billions of lipstick tubes, mascara wands and foundation bottles are thrown away. Somehow, you seem to find this hysterical picture, isn’t it?
Such is the extent of the problem with waste management in the cosmetics industry that even a face as lovely as this would not bear the odds fighting timidity.
Well for the best, it’s not all bad news since cleaning up one’s desk and recycling one’s old expired makeup products does as well help the environment.
Also, prudent recycling can help you make savings in the future. Who said that going green could not be fashionable in the first place?
Who’s The One: Old Makeup Expiry 101
No, not so fast. Hold that thought. Let’s further investigate the issue of this recycling business what in other terms, will persuade you to let go of your beloved cosmetics?
It is bad enough to use out of date make up that it makes the user cringe with particular reference to the skin.
To the rescue, typical shelf lives:
| Product Type | Shelf Life |
| Mascara | 3-6 months |
| Liquid eyeliner | 3-6 months |
| Cream eye shadow | 6-12 months |
| Powder eye shadow | 18-24 months |
| Liquid foundation | 6-12 months |
| Lipstick | 12-18 months |
| Nail polish | 1-2 years |
But how do you know if your makeup has gone bad? Keep an eye (and nose) out for these telltale signs:
- Strange odor (if it smells funky, toss it!)
- Changes in texture (separation, clumping, or drying out)
- Discoloration
- Visible mold (yuck!)
The use of outdated items may prompt dreadful skin diseases or allergies, and eye itching may also occur. Bearing in mind your health; rather than risking it, this beauty regimen needs to be focused on bringing out the inner health of the person.
Prep Work: Cleaning and Sorting Your Stash
Ready to Marie Kondo your makeup collection? Let’s get our hands dirty (before we make them clean again, of course).
First, gather your supplies:
- Disposable gloves
- Cleaning products (rubbing alcohol works wonders)
- Sorting containers
- Old towels or paper towels
Now, it’s time to play cosmetic detective. Sort your items by material:
- Plastics
- Glass
- Metals
- Mixed materials (those tricky compacts with mirrors)
Pro tip: Remove as much product residue as possible. For stubborn makeup, try using a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover or rubbing alcohol.
Recycling by Product Type
Eye shadow Palettes and Compacts
These little treasure chests of color can be tricky to recycle due to their mixed materials. Here’s how to tackle them:
- Remove any mirrors (these can’t be recycled with regular glass)
- Pry out metal pans (if possible)
- Separate plastic components
Case study: Urban Decay’s Naked palettes are mostly recyclable once disassembled. The metal pans and plastic case can be recycled, while the mirror and brush should be disposed of separately.
Cosmetics: Lip Padding Agents: Stick and Gloss
Now pucker up that cute little mouth of yours once more but for this time it’s a final goodbye to all your lip wear.
Use all product if possible (we hope you’re having fun with the color mixing!)
Scrape all product out
Is the tube a hundred percent plastic or does it have some metallic part?
Interesting to note: There are some expensive lipstick cases that are purely made from an aluminum material, and such cases can also be disposed off in the recycling bins!
Foundation Bottles and Concealer Pots
Glass bottles are generally easier to recycle than plastic, but both can find new life with proper care.
- Remove pumps and caps (these are usually made of different materials)
- Clean thoroughly residual makeup can contaminate recycling batches
- Check your local recycling guidelines for specifics on accepted materials
Mascara and Eyeliner
These eye enhancing wonders require special attention:
- Remove wands and brushes
- Clean thoroughly (this might take some elbow grease)
- Recycle the tubes if they’re made of recyclable plastic
Did you know? Some brands like MAC and Kiehl’s offer free recycling programs for their packaging!
Nail Polish The Tricky One
Here’s where things get a bit sticky. Nail polish is considered hazardous waste due to its chemical composition.
- Never pour nail polish down the drain
- Check with your local waste management facility for proper disposal methods
- Some beauty stores offer nail polish recycling programs
Brand Specific Recycling Programs
Many cosmetic brands are stepping up their eco game with recycling initiatives. Here are a few standouts:
- MAC Cosmetics: Their “Back to MAC” program offers a free lipstick for every six empty MAC containers returned.
- L’Occitane: Bring any brand’s empty beauty products to their stores for recycling.
- Lush: Return five clean, empty Lush pots and receive a free fresh face mask.
Participating in these programs not only helps the environment but often comes with sweet rewards. It’s a win win!
DIY Up cycling Projects
Who says recycling can’t be creative? Transform your empties into something fabulous:
- Custom Travel Palette: Clean out an old compact and fill it with depotted eye shadows for a personalized travel set.
- Brush Holder: That pretty glass foundation bottle? Clean it out and use it to store your makeup brushes in style.
- Jewelry Organizer: Large palettes can be repurposed into chic organizers for earrings and small jewelry pieces.
The Zero Waste Makeup Routine
Want to reduce your beauty waste from the get go? Try these tips:
- Invest in multi use products (hello, lip and cheek tints!)
- Choose brands with refillable packaging
- Opt for package free items like solid shampoo bars and naked lipsticks
Sustainable beauty brands to check out:
Elate Cosmetics
Kjaer Weis
Zao Organic Makeup
Have Some Green Beauty Practices
Do not think that this eco beauty crusade only reaches towards recycling. Think about these:
`Makeup removal pads, also known as hygienic cotton pads, can be replaced with reusable cotton pads or a makeup remover cods considering microfiber cloths.
With regard to other less plastic bottled items, try using shampoo bars and naked moisturizers.`
- Do your research before buying opt for brands with strong sustainability commitments
Community Impact: Spreading the Word
Ready to be a green beauty influencer? Here’s how to make a bigger impact:
- Organize a makeup recycling drive in your community
Post your progress on Recycle in social networks with #BeautyRecycled
Get in touch with your beloved brands and inquire them about their recycling programs
A small group of thoughtful people can change the world. There is no other power in the world that can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are makeup wipes recyclable? A: Most likely not, as most makeup wipes aren’t recyclable. Use reusable options like microfiber cloths instead.
Q: Is it acceptable to recycle the cans of hairspray lacquer to be disposed of in an incinerator? A: Yes, but they should be entirely empty, and the plastic lids removed.
Q: And can I throw away small plastic containers and makeup samples through the recycling process? A: Most recycling plants have restrictions on objects under two inches in size. Look into the area’s disposal restrictions.
Q: Recycle a perfume bottle how? A: Poor the pump, clean out real well and disposed the glass bottle.
Q: These are disposed unuseable bio degradable make up brushes? A: Natural hair makeup brushes can be thrown in the compost. Synthetic makeup brushes are usually not recyclable.
Conclusion
As we have concluded, there are no doubts that it is possible to recycle make up but it is, in fact, a very crucial part for anyone who is a responsible makeup user.
There is a lot of fun and power in making up but, with the necessary adjustments on waste disposal of cosmetics, people can greatly minimize the effects on the environment.
A plastic straw in their drink, a lipstick tube in a trashcan, a makeup palette that has been thrown away, and a bought ethical product. Each of these actions is making one’s beauty industry more ethical and eco friendly.
So before you throw away that used up mascara, ask yourself can it be repurposed somehow for something new instead of being discarded?
Let’s make our beauty regimen as gentler to Mother Earth as they are to our Faces. After all, outward beauty only wins when inner beauty is taken care of and this includes the health of our planet too.
Now off you go and start recycling, she of the eco glam!