(photo credits - @danyelmoe)

Is there anything more satisfying than reaching the bottom of a skincare bottle? It almost feels like an accomplishment, like “I finished this product without losing it! Or breaking it!” 

This feeling is obviously then quickly followed by the realization that you have to replace this product and get rid of the empty bottle. But before you toss it, why not consider some innovative ways to reuse your empties and reduce your waste. Plus you get to make an activity out of it?

Recycling doesn’t need to be a chore. In fact, DIY recycling projects can even be pretty fun! Upcycling and recycling your skin care empties may feel like a baby step but can have a huge impact on reducing your carbon footprint and landfill waste.

Create a DIY product 

You just used your last spritz of your favorite Rosewater Facial Mist, or any other spray bottle for that matter, and now not only is your favorite product gone, but you also have to find a replacement for it. Worry not - we have the perfect solution for you! FIll up the spray bottle about half or ¾ of the way with water and add as many drops of lavender oil as your heart desires, or any other essential oil. Fill up the rest of the bottle with aloe vera and shake it up. Now you have made your own refreshing face mist while reducing your waste! 

Make fun-sized containers 

Whether you’re sleeping at a friends house or spending the weekend at a secluded cabin with your closest group of friends, chances are that you don’t really need or want to take a full-sized skincare bottle. Instead of carrying that huge bottle back and forth or wasting money on travel-sized containers, you can use your empties as travel friendly bottles! Now, when you’re packing for your trip, you can re-pot your own products into your empties and save the time and money that it would take to get a new travel set! 

Oil Diffuser 

Many products these days come in glass bottles, like our Castor Oil Eyelash Serum. And yes, glass is a recyclable material, but where’s the fun of just tossing your empty bottle in the recycling bin when you can take your empty glass bottle and make an oil diffuser. Oil diffusers have been used in aromatherapy for centuries, and they’re great to help relieve stress, refresh your home and help with your overall psychological well being. And during these unprecedented times, who doesn’t need a bit of a stress reliever? All you need to do is fill the glass bottle with warm water, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (mine is tea tree) and add some twigs, yes twigs, and voila! 

Flower Vase

Flowers are great. They make a fabulous gift, they brighten up a room, and can even complement the aesthetic in your home. And every empty skincare bottle is an opportunity for a new flower vase! No matter how wide or thin, big or small the bottle is, there will always be a flower that will liven it up. Next time you run out of a product, paint it your favorite color, maybe even draw a design on it and stick in your favorite flower.