Don't Throw Away Old Lipstick Tubes. Try An Organizing Hack Instead

It's a shame when you use all of the lipstick in a stunning decorative tube just to toss the pretty (and often expensive) creation in the trash, isn't it? Cosmetic companies charge so much for the packaging alone that it might feel like most of the money you spent went to waste. Thankfully, there is a way to repurpose your lipstick tubes so that you can use them again and again. Once you empty a tube, simply clean out the residue and use it to store small items like cotton swabs, tiny hair clips, or bobby pins. Even if you use lipstick that is sold in plain tubes that are not all that aesthetically pleasing, these DIY storage containers are still a great way to get additional use out of an item that would otherwise add to the 2.01 billion tons of solid waste produced globally each year.

You probably have not considered the many benefits of using a lipstick tube as storage before, so let's break them down. This packaging is super transportable. You can simply toss a few small hair accessories into a tube, and slide it into your purse to have on hand at all times. It is also small enough to use to store even the tiniest of items. If you have ever searched for storage containers to hold small objects like bobby pins, you know that it is difficult to find options that are the right fit. Now that you understand just how convenient this storage solution is, you might want to think twice about tossing your empty lipstick tubes.

You will need to give your lipstick tubes a really good cleaning before you can even begin to think about using them as hidden storage for small items. Otherwise, the objects you place inside will end up coated in waxy residue. To get the inside of the tube clean, start by scraping the remaining lipstick out using any small tool you have on hand, such as a flathead screwdriver or a small knife. Next, fill your sink with warm, soapy water. Place your tube inside for a few minutes to give the residue time to loosen. Lastly, remove the tube from the water and scrub away stubborn product with a cleaning cloth. Rinse it and allow it to dry completely before use.

Since this process is a bit lengthy, you may want to collect a pile of empty tubes over time so that you can clean them all at once. Once your tubes are clean, consider using them for those tiny items that always get lost at the bottom of your purse, such as small hair accessories. You could also place first-aid supplies like adhesive bandages inside to guarantee you are always prepared to tackle small wounds or injuries, even on the go. Now that you know how to use lipstick tubes for storage, why stop there? There are a variety of ways to repurpose empty makeup bottles and containers. For example, you could use empty face powder or skincare containers to store loose change you find around your house. These are just a few ideas to get you started on your makeup container upcycling journey.