13 Ways To Repurpose The Cosmetics Samples Cluttering Your Vanity

Did someone say free sample? Sometimes, it's hard to turn down complementary goodies (especially when you can enjoy the sweet scents without purchasing the entire product). In the midst of e-commerce dominance, about 87% of consumers still prefer in-store shopping for their cosmetics, according to survey published by Statista. From perfume testers to sample lotion bottles, there's nothing like trying out the freebies in malls and department stores. The only downside is accumulating dozens of samples on your vanity and dealing with the cluttered chaos. 

If you're looking for savvy ways to organize your beauty room but have too many unused samples taking up space, there are creative and practical ways to repurpose them. For example, if there are any upcoming holidays or other hosting events, you can provide samples for your guests to take with them. There are also multiple ways to take advantage of fragrances to keep your home smelling great. Here are 13 clever ways to repurpose perfume and other cosmetic samples causing clutter.

Obsessed with the smell of fragranced linens? If you've got a stash of unused perfume samples, why not use them for a DIY luxurious room spray? It's super easy, budget-friendly, and can have your rooms smelling amazing in no time. Just fill a small spray bottle about ¾ of the way with distilled water, the other ¼ with witch hazel, and 20 or more drops of the fragrance oils. Give it a good shake, and voila — instant room spray. Use it to mist your bed linens, curtains, or even your clothes for a subtle scent boost.

Imagine washing your hands and being greeted by a delightful scent. If your hand soap is feeling a little lackluster, give it a fragrant upgrade with your unused perfume samples. Simply add a few drops of your favorite fragrance to the liquid soap bottle and shake it well. A little goes a long way, so start with a few drops and add more to your liking. This is a great way to jazz up hand-washing. Plus, it's an easy way to finally use up those tiny perfume samples that have been collecting dust in your vanity drawer.

Tired of your closet or laundry basket smelling like old socks? Transform your unused perfume samples into a delightful air freshener. From gym clothes to the kids' soccer uniforms, your laundry room may start absorbing those unpleasant smells over time. Combat it by adding a few drops of fragrance samples to cotton balls and place them in a small, drawstring sachet. Hang the sachet on a wall hook or place it at the bottom of the laundry hamper for a subtle, long-lasting scent. This is a quick and simple DIY project to keep the space smelling fresh.

Do you frequently have guests spending the night at your home? If so, you've probably experienced the dreaded moment when someone forgets necessary toiletries. Fortunately in these situations, your collection of unused samples can be a lifesaver. You can even create a welcome basket with the samples and other essential items, like fresh towels and bedroom slippers, to welcome your guests. This thoughtful gesture can make your guests feel pampered and appreciated whenever they visit. Keep the basket in your guest room or bathroom as both a decorative and useful accessory.

If you're always on the go, your collection of unused cosmetic samples can be your travel savior. These mini-sized products are perfect for slipping into your purse or suitcase, taking up minimal space. Add them to your travel toiletry bag, such as a small, waterproof pouch, to keep the samples organized and prevent leaks. This way, you won't need to make a store run when you're out of town. Whether you're vacationing overseas or taking a quick weekend getaway with friends, your travel-sized samples will ensure you always look and feel your best.

Calling all party planners and hosts: If you want to treat your guests to something special (while sticking to a budget), consider creating personalized goodie bags filled with a variety of cosmetic and toiletry samples as party favors. These little gifts are perfect for bachelorette parties, holiday gatherings, and other special occasions where you want to show your appreciation. Simply gather your unused samples, along with other popular goodies like chocolates, keychains, and ornaments, and place them in decorative bags. You can even personalize the bags with tags or ribbons to match your event's theme.

Sometimes all it takes is one whiff of a sweet aroma to remember a special someone or moment in time. Scented letters and greeting cards can do just that. Personalize your stationery with unused fragrance samples, spraying a light mist of perfume onto a cotton ball and place it with your card in a sealed container. After about 12 hours, your card will have the same pleasant fragrance for the receiver to enjoy. Whether a birthday, anniversary, or simple "thinking of you," scented notes are a unique and thoughtful way to make someone feel special.

Struggling to get pet odors out of your home? Even without a stain or mess, sometimes it's just the lingering odor of our furry friends. When that's the case, you can transform your unused fragrance samples into a natural pet deodorizer to help mask smells. Simply mix a few drops of your favorite scent with baking soda and sprinkle the scented powder on carpets and rugs to neutralize odors before vacuuming. Just be cautious not to use too much fragrance, as certain products can be harmful to your pet.

Did you know you can DIY your own reed diffuser with items you already have at home, including your unused perfume samples? You just need a small vase, reeds or bamboo skewers, and a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. Simply fill the vase with oil and a few drops of your favorite fragrance sample, and place the reeds into the liquid. They'll gradually absorb the fragrance and release it into the air. You can place the diffuser in your living room, bedroom, and other areas of the home to enjoy a constant, gentle scent.

Many body lotions and creams already come with mixed fragrances, but if yours is weak or unscented, you can add it yourself. Simply mix a few drops of your favorite perfume sample to the bottle and mix it in a bit to infuse your lotion with the scent. This way, whenever you use your lotion or skin cream, you'll smell amazing. You can also mix your scented lotion samples with your daily moisturizer to enjoy the subtle scents. It's an easy way to level up your daily skincare routine and make the most of your unused samples.

Who needs a fancy wellness center membership when you can create a spa-like experience at home? For example, add a few drops of your favorite perfume to the warm water along with a luxurious bath tray that will make your space feel like a spa. You can decorate the tray and tub with your cosmetic samples and other relaxing essentials like candles, flower petals, a book, and a bowl of fruit. These elements are sure to create a calming and rejuvenating bath experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day or to celebrate a special occasion.

Do you own a short-term rental? Enhance your guests' experience by including a few perfume and other toiletry samples for their stay. Unexpected complementary samples like hand lotion packets and skincare wipes are an easy way to show hospitality and add a luxurious touch to your rental. Leaving samples can be a lifesaver for guests, and the added convenience can encourage them to write positive reviews of the thoughtful amenities during their stay (and make you stand out as a memorable host).

Want to reduce waste and get creative with your beauty products? Repurpose your empty cosmetic sample bottles into stylish home decor. Add your favorite shampoo or lotion samples to your full-sized bottles to avoid waste, then clean out the empty sample bottles for reuse. For example, once dry, you can fill a spray bottle with hand sanitizer or even turn empty perfume bottles into DIY vases. By upcycling these little bottles, you're not only decluttering your vanity, you're also making your home more sustainable. Here are more ways to repurpose old beauty supplies around the house.