We’ve all been there your favorite eyeshadow palette starts to gather dust as the shades you once adored become forgotten. Maybe you’ve moved on to newer products, or perhaps you’ve fallen for the latest trend, leaving your old eyeshadows to waste away in a drawer.

But what if I told you that those seemingly outdated eyeshadows can have a second life? Repurposing old eyeshadow is a fun, creative, and sustainable way to refresh your makeup routine and give those forgotten colors a new purpose.

In this post, I’m going to show you how to breathe new life into your old eyeshadows. Whether you want to create custom beauty products, upcycle them into household items, or give your cosmetics a unique twist, this guide is packed with ideas that will inspire you to get creative!

Repurpose Old Eyeshadow into DIY Makeup Products

Eyeshadow can be so much more than just an eye product! Repurposing it into new makeup products allows you to experiment and add some variety to your beauty routine. Here are some simple yet creative ideas:

Create Custom Lipsticks and Lip Glosses

Old eyeshadows, especially those with shimmer or intense pigment, can be transformed into stunning lip products. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients Needed:

• Old eyeshadow
• Petroleum jelly (or a natural oil like coconut oil)
• Small container (lip balm or lipstick container)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Scrape out the eyeshadow from its pan.
  • Mix it with a small amount of petroleum jelly or coconut oil. Add more or less depending on the texture you desire.
  • Once the mixture is smooth, scoop it into your lip container and let it set for a few hours.
  • Voila! You now have a custom lip balm or lip gloss that matches your favorite eyeshadow shade.

Homemade Blush or Highlighter

Why buy new blushes when your eyeshadows can double as a gorgeous blush or highlighter? The shimmery shades work especially well for highlighters, while matte shades can give you a natural flush.

Ingredients Needed:

• Old eyeshadow (matte or shimmer)
• Cornstarch (for matte blushes)
• Face powder (for highlighter)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Grind up the eyeshadow using a small grinder or crush it with a spoon.
  • For matte blush: Mix the eyeshadow powder with a little cornstarch to tone down the pigment.
  • For highlighter: Mix the eyeshadow with some translucent face powder to create a light, luminous glow.
  • Transfer the powder into a small, airtight container.
  • Apply the new blush or highlighter with a makeup brush as usual.

Repurpose Old Eyeshadow for Craft Projects

Who knew eyeshadow could be used in crafting? Repurposing old eyeshadow can add some sparkle and color to your DIY creations. Here are some creative ideas:

Custom Greeting Cards or Art Projects

You can create custom greeting cards, artwork, or scrapbooks with eyeshadow pigments. The fine shimmer and vibrant colors make them perfect for unique designs.

Materials Needed:

• Old eyeshadow
• Glue
• Paper (cardstock or scrapbooking paper)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Open the eyeshadow and tap out some of the pigments.
  • Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to apply the eyeshadow to your paper.
  • You can mix different colors to create beautiful ombre effects, custom designs, or even use it to make glittery backgrounds.
  • Once dry, incorporate it into your scrapbooking or use it as a personalized touch for greeting cards.

Homemade Glitter for Decorations

Eyeshadow can be turned into DIY glitter for party decorations, holiday crafts, or even nail art. It’s an easy way to add some sparkle to your life without buying expensive craft supplies.

Materials Needed:

• Old eyeshadow
• A fine mesh sieve or strainer
• A container for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Scrape the eyeshadow out of its pan and break it into small pieces.
  • Place the powder into a fine sieve and shake it over a clean surface to remove any large chunks.
  • Store the finely ground eyeshadow in a small container, and use it for craft projects or for adding shimmer to cards, nails, or art.

Use Old Eyeshadow for Home Décor

Did you know that eyeshadow can help add a little sparkle and shine to your living space? Repurpose your eyeshadows into decorative accents for your home.

Colorful Candle Décor

If you’re into making candles or want to add some color to your store-bought ones, old eyeshadow can be a great option. Whether you use vibrant hues or shimmering shades, you can create unique candles that add a personal touch.

Materials Needed:

• Old eyeshadow
• Plain candles (unscented)
• Small paintbrush

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Scrape out the eyeshadow and grind it into fine powder.
  • Take your candle and gently brush the eyeshadow onto the surface, pressing down lightly to set the pigment.
  • You can layer different colors or even mix the shades for a marbled effect.
  • Let the eyeshadow set, and your candles are now beautifully decorated with a personal touch!

Eye-Catching Decorative Jars

Add some flair to old jars by turning them into shiny, sparkly storage containers. This is a simple project that can add personality to your home or make great gifts.

Materials Needed:

• Old eyeshadow
• Clean glass jars
• Hot glue gun or adhesive

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Apply a thin layer of glue to the outside of the jar.
  • Sprinkle or rub eyeshadow onto the glue while it’s still tacky.
  • Allow the glue to dry, and your upcycled jar now has a sparkly exterior perfect for storage or as a decorative piece.

Repurposing Old Eyeshadow: Common Mistakes to Avoid

While repurposing old eyeshadow can be a creative and fun way to give your products a second life, there are a few mistakes you should watch out for to ensure the process goes smoothly:

Not Testing for Allergies

When creating DIY makeup products from old eyeshadow, it’s important to test them on a small patch of skin to check for allergic reactions, especially if you’re using petroleum jelly or oils.

Using Expired Eyeshadow

Make sure that your eyeshadow is still safe to use. If your eyeshadow has expired, it could cause irritation or skin problems, so check for any signs of changes in texture or smell.

Mixing Too Many Colors

While it’s tempting to combine a lot of different eyeshadow shades, be mindful of the color combination. Sometimes, mixing too many can result in muddy, unflattering tones. Stick to a few key colors that complement each other.

Conclusion

Old eyeshadow doesn’t have to sit unused in the back of your makeup drawer. With a little creativity, it can be turned into something new and exciting, from beauty products to art projects and home décor. I hope these ideas inspire you to take that forgotten palette and repurpose it into something beautiful and functional.

FAQs about Repurposing Old Eyeshadow

1. Can I use expired eyeshadow to make DIY beauty products?
   It’s not recommended to use expired eyeshadow for direct skin applications, as the pigments may have deteriorated and could cause irritation. Always check the expiration date before using.
2. What’s the best way to store repurposed eyeshadow products?
   Store your repurposed products in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before use.
3. Can I use eyeshadow for anything other than makeup?
   Absolutely! As discussed in this post, eyeshadow can be repurposed for crafting, home décor, and more. Get creative with it!
4. How do I keep my repurposed lip products from melting or separating?
   When making lip balms or glosses, be sure to use enough base like petroleum jelly or oils to ensure the product holds together. Store it in a cool place to avoid melting.