Do you subscribe to one or more beauty boxes?
Do you love the free gift with purchase at your favorite make-up counter?
Are you like me and take the extra bottles of shampoo/conditioner and lotion you receive from your hotel stays?
If you are like me, you may find that you have a bag full of beauty box extras that you haven’t used.
In the past I have reviewed the
monthly Ipsy bags and the quarterly
Fab Fit Fun Box. Typically, I love everything that I receive but there have been a few times when I didn’t like the lipcolor or received something that I would never wear (the Fall FabFitFun box had an apron).
I use many of the items I receive for travel. However, I often find that I continue to have an abundance of items. Although many of the subscription boxes offer exchanges and swaps among members, I am typically too busy (sometimes lazy) to take this step.
I recently went through my bag full of samples and products and realized how much I truly have. I’ve also established a collection of small bags (from Ipsy) that far outnumber the uses I could find for them.
I wanted to offer a few suggestions for good ways to share the love with others.
SHARE WITH FRIENDS
I regularly share the small bags and fill them with samples for my friends. I’ve given them alongside birthday presents, as Girls Night Out favors and simply shared items I knew I would never us. My friend Jennifer continues to be the recipient of most of my lip gloss colors.
SHARE WITH SHELTERS
There are a variety of shelters that are in need of various types of supplies. Most shelters attempt to provide their residents with personal items such as shampoo and soap. Providing small gifts such as make-up and perfume is often a gift they would never receive. Consider homeless shelters, women’s shelters or teenage/runaway shelters.
SHARE WITH NURSING HOMES
Nursing home residents are often unable to get out and depend upon others to do their shopping. Small samples are also easier to store with limited space.
SHARE WITH LOCAL PROGRAMS FOR TEENAGERS OR YOUNG MOMS
In my town, there are several programs that work specifically with teens and young mothers. These are individuals who likely do not have the finances to buy extra makeup or perfume. Providing make up items can help them feel special and improve their self esteem.
SHARE WITH PROGRAMS FOR THOSE REENTERING THE WORKFORCE
Throughout the country, there are programs that assist women in preparing for job interviews by assisting with clothes. Make up is a part of this interview package and receiving items can add an extra boost.
Sharing your extra items will not only make you feel better but also give you extra space in your closet!
Before donating, I do encourage you to check to make sure the items are usable and not out of date. Staff do not have the time to go through all donated items. No one wants to receive an item that is out of date, smelly and bad. Also, call the program to inquire if they would accept your items. Some agencies may have policies in regards to what they can accept.
What do you do with your extra beauty items?
]]>
Sharing with nursing homes, shelters, etc. is such a good idea! Women in those places would love a little cheering up, I’m sure.
Plus the small sizes make it easy for them to store and travel with!
These are such good ideas!! I stopped with beauty subscription boxes a long time ago but I still have so much from them.
I used to receive Ipsy and Birchbox but stopped because I didn’t use a lot of the items (wrong color etc). I’ve paired down things so that I’m keeping only what i know I will use.
These are great ideas – I actually have a ton of hotel toiletries that I need to get rid of too!!! I think shelters and nursing homes would be perfect!
Yes, Caroline. I’m like you and not only do I have what I don’t use from the boxes, but I always pick up the items at a hotel (for later use, that usually means in a bag).
Great ideas! I always take the bottles from hotels and give them to the Ronald McDonald House. Often times, families end up there without a packed bag and toiletries are always needed! I was one of those parents once (and also worked at one) so I see the importance of sharing. 🙂
I think when you have been the recipient of kindness, you know the importance of passing it along. Families in crisis often forget about the simple daily things.
I love these ideas! I don’t subscribe to any of these boxes but I feel like I have a ton of stuff still! Great tips!
Thanks Sarah, I think we all have more of these items than we realize. I always take the lotions etc from the hotels we stay at (thinking I might need them at another place I stay) and I never need them.
This is such a great post!! I had never even thought of that! Love that you’re suggesting donating them to shelters. Thanks for sharing these tips! xoxox, Kayla http://www.lostgenygirl.com
Thank you for stopping by Kayla! I feel it’s important that we each remember there are others who don’t have as much as we do.
I love your ideas, especially donating to the various programs to help others. 🙂
XOXO
Thank you Lady!! We all need reminders that about how fortunate we truly are.
I always make a goodie box for my closest women’s shelter <3
It’s such a good idea and so needed. I know they appreciate it.
I too find myself with so many items that I don’t ever use. Usually I’ll give a big bag of stuff to my local women’s shelter and they’re always so excited. Although, I’d had never thought of a nursing home. That’s a great idea too. Thank-you for this useful and important post. I don’t like to think of these things going bad or not being used when so many people would be happy to have them. 🙂