Spring Cleaning: Makeup & Beauty Products

My resolution this month is to not buy beauty products, and I've spent the past couple of months trying to use up many of them. I thought I'd share my Spring Cleaning methods in the hopes it'll help you too! So before you toss your makeup, read on:

D A M A G E D or E X P I R E D

• This is the obvious first thing to do--are the products damaged? Is it time to upgrade that hair tool? 
• Or expired? I use this guide from Allure magazine to tossing makeup.

 R E T U R N or E X C H A N G E

• Many recently used products can be returned to the store--be sure to have the receipt and check the store's policy (Sephora, drugstores, Ulta, allow returns, for example).
• Can't return for a refund? Try seeing if the store will exchange.

S E L L or S W A P

• This is another obvious idea, but trying selling gently used products online, perhaps via Ebay or your blog. 
• I would advise against selling/swapping things that promote bacteria, like mascara or products you touch with your fingers, like facial cream in a jar. 
• Be honest with the condition of the products. Sanitize brushes and cut off the tip of lipsticks.
• Swap with friends, family, other bloggers your makeup or hair products.
• Have a Product Swap Party!

R E U S E

• Can you reuse the products in some way? Check out just a few ideas below:
• For lipstick shades that don't look as great as hoped, try using concealer to lighten them or try mixing lipsticks. Use the lipstick as a blush instead.
• Too many or broken chapsticks? Reuse them to make lip plumpers or solid perfume.
• Take powder that's too dark and use as a bronzer.
• Expired sunscreen or lotion can be used to tame flyaways or fight frizz in a pinch.
• Use that last bit of lotion or conditioner as shaving cream.

G I V E  A W A Y or D O N A T E

• While friends and family are natural choices to give products to, there are other options.
• Donate products to charity--I've done this with old/outdated curling/flat irons, etc.
• This next idea is my favorite: donate products to a women's shelter. I saw this on a news story a few years ago and it always stuck with me/
• Google your city + women's shelter to find out if they take makeup/beauty donations. Almost all take clothing.
• Many of these women are leaving abusive situations with just the clothes on their back. They need clothes, makeup, polish, hair products and tools, not just to make themselves feel beautiful, or to rebuild a life, but for job interviews too.
• Again, follow the common sense/cleaniness rules. Clean and sanitize when possible. Don't donate if nearly empty.

How do you do Spring Cleaning for makeup & beauty products?