If you’re like me, you probably have a drawer or a corner in your bathroom filled with empty or nearly-empty lip gloss tubes that you’ve used to death.
The thought of throwing them out is always followed by that little voice in your head: “Could I reuse this?” And why not? With a little creativity and some effort, these tubes can be repurposed in countless ways, saving you money and reducing waste.
But, as with any creative DIY project, it’s important to know what you’re doing so that you don’t end up with a mess or a wasted tube.
In this post, I’ll guide you through different ways to reuse lip gloss tubes, from simple beauty hacks to innovative household ideas.
Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how many possibilities are out there. So, let’s dive in and transform those old tubes into something functional, fun, and eco-friendly!
How to Clean and Sanitize Your Lip Gloss Tubes
Before we dive into all the amazing ways to reuse your tubes, it’s crucial to make sure they’re properly cleaned and sanitized.
Lip gloss tubes are small, and the product that was inside can leave behind residue, which can be unhygienic. Here’s how you can clean them up and get them ready for their second life.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
- Disassemble the tube:
- Remove the wand and cap, separating all parts if they come apart.
- Rinse out excess product:
- Use warm water to rinse out any leftover lip gloss. Hold the tube under running water, and gently shake it to remove as much product as possible.
- Use soap and water:
- Fill a small container with warm water and dish soap. Place all the tube parts in the container and let them soak for 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub with a brush:
- Use a small brush (a toothbrush works wonders) to scrub the inside of the tube, getting rid of any stubborn residue.
- Rinse and dry:
- Thoroughly rinse the tube under warm water to ensure all soap and debris are gone. Leave everything to air dry completely before reusing.
Once your tubes are clean, you’re ready to move on to the fun part: reusing them!
Beauty Hacks: Reuse Lip Gloss Tubes for DIY Cosmetics
One of the most obvious uses for old lip gloss tubes is to repurpose them for your own homemade beauty products. Here are some creative ways you can do just that:
DIY Lip Balm
Want to make your own natural lip balm? Use an old lip gloss tube for a neat, portable solution.
How to Do It:
- Melt beeswax and coconut oil (or any oils of your choice) in a double boiler.
- Once melted, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like peppermint or lavender).
- Pour the mixture into the cleaned lip gloss tube.
- Let it cool and solidify.
Pro Tip: You can experiment by adding a little color using a small amount of lipstick or beet juice.
Custom Lip Gloss
Another fun way to reuse your lip gloss tube is to create your own lip gloss. Mix shea butter, coconut oil, and a little shimmer powder to make your custom shade.
How to Do It:
- Mix a small amount of shea butter with a few drops of coconut oil in a heatproof bowl.
- Add a bit of mica powder or shimmer (to taste) and a dash of honey for a smooth finish.
- Pour into your clean lip gloss tube and let it set.
Tinted Lip Oil
If you love a more natural, glossy look, why not create your own tinted lip oil? With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a lovely, hydrating lip gloss that is perfect for everyday wear.
How to Do It:
- Mix castor oil with a little rosehip oil for hydration.
- Add a tiny bit of a lip stain or a red lipstick shade for color.
- Pour it into the tube, and you’re ready to go!
Household Hacks: Creative Ways to Use Old Lip Gloss Tubes
If you don’t want to make beauty products, there are many practical ways to repurpose lip gloss tubes in your home. Here are a few fun ideas:
Mini Travel Containers
Use lip gloss tubes to store small amounts of your favorite products when traveling.
What to Do:
- Clean the tube thoroughly.
- Fill it with shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, or even sunscreen.
- You now have a compact, leak-proof travel-sized container!
Nail Art Supplies
If you’re into DIY nail art, lip gloss tubes make perfect little storage containers for glitter, small beads, or tiny rhinestones.
What to Do:
- Clean the tube and fill it with the tiny items.
- You can even use the wand for applying the tiny embellishments to your nails!
Sewing Kit Containers
Are you a fan of sewing? A cleaned lip gloss tube can be an excellent little case for needles, thread, and even small buttons.
What to Do:
- Place your needles and thread in the tube for an easy-to-carry mini sewing kit.
Table: Quick Guide to Reusing Lip Gloss Tubes for DIY Projects
| Project | Key Ingredients/Items | Steps to Follow |
| DIY Lip Balm | Beeswax, coconut oil, essential oils, lipstick | Melt beeswax and coconut oil, add essential oils, pour into tube and cool. |
| Custom Lip Gloss | Shea butter, coconut oil, mica powder, honey | Melt shea butter and coconut oil, add mica powder and honey, pour into tube. |
| Tinted Lip Oil | Castor oil, rosehip oil, lip stain/ lipstick | Mix castor oil with rosehip oil, add lip stain for color, pour into tube. |
| Mini Travel Container | Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen | Clean tube, fill with small amounts of products, seal tightly. |
| Nail Art Storage | Glitter, rhinestones, small beads | Clean tube, fill with glitter and small nail embellishments. |
| Sewing Kit Storage | Needles, small buttons, thread | Clean tube, place sewing supplies inside for easy transport. |
Mistakes to Avoid When Reusing Lip Gloss Tubes
While reusing lip gloss tubes is a great way to be eco-friendly, there are a few mistakes that you should avoid to ensure the best outcome for your projects.
1. Not Cleaning Properly
If you skip the cleaning step or don’t do it thoroughly enough, you could end up contaminating the new products you’re making with residue from the old lip gloss.
Tip: Always clean thoroughly using soap, water, and a scrub brush.
2. Using the Wrong Materials
Lip gloss tubes are designed for liquid products, so using thick or sticky substances that don’t flow well may clog the tube.
Tip: Stick to products that are thin and smooth in texture. If you’re making lip balm or gloss, make sure the consistency is thin enough to work with the tube.
3. Overfilling
It’s tempting to stuff your tube with as much product as possible, but overfilling can cause spills, leaks, or difficulty in applying.
Tip: Leave a small gap from the top so the product can move freely when you use it.
Conclusion: Reuse and Reduce Waste, One Lip Gloss Tube at a Time
Reusing lip gloss tubes is not only a fun and creative way to reduce waste, but it can also help you save money on DIY beauty products and household essentials.
Whether you’re making your own lip gloss, lip balm, or creating mini travel containers, there are endless possibilities.
By following the tips I shared, you can turn those old tubes into useful, functional items that add value to your life. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give those tubes a second chance!
Try one of these ideas today and share your experience with me in the comments! What creative ways have you found to reuse lip gloss tubes? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any new ideas you have for upcycling!
FAQs:
1. Can I use lip gloss tubes for other products besides beauty items?
Absolutely! Lip gloss tubes can be repurposed for travel containers, sewing kits, nail art storage, and more.
2. How do I prevent leakage when using lip gloss tubes for travel?
Make sure to clean the tube thoroughly, fill it only about 3/4 full, and always check that the cap is tightly closed before packing it.
3. How do I clean lip gloss tubes without damaging them?
Soak them in warm soapy water, use a small brush to scrub the inside, and rinse thoroughly. Allow them to dry completely before reusing.
4. Are there any other beauty products I can make with lip gloss tubes?
Yes! You can also make your own mascara, tinted lip balms, or even small batches of body oils.
