Fave Five: Things to do With All Those Beauty Box Samples

I have only received five beauty boxes (two Birchbox, two ipsy, and one Walmart beauty box), and I'm already feeling a little overrun by beauty samples.  I've loved some of the samples.  I've disliked a few.  I've been apathetic about others.  In any case, I need to divest myself of some of the samples before I'm buried in an avalanche of makeup.  The pile is already starting to get out of control.

Here are five ways I've thought of to share the love and keep my cabinets from being overwhelmed:

1. Share with Friends: As I try products, I think about the other people in my life who might enjoy them. When I'm done sampling, I share.  I gave BB and CC creams to a friend who expressed an interest in trying those and another cleanser to a friend who liked the Vasanti cleanser I tried last month.  
2. Donate to a Charity: Homeless shelters, battered women's shelters, and other charities have a need for toiletries.  Imagine it could brighten another woman's day to get a really nice set of toiletries at a hard time in her life.  It's a little thing, but little things matter, too. 
3. Make a Guest Toiletry Stash: Want to impress your overnight guests?  Offer them a selection of toiletries for their visit.  Who doesn't love pawing through the toiletries at a hotel?  
4. Make an Emergency Kit: An emergency kit in your desk drawer can help you look your best in a flash.  Mine has a subtle Blistex Lip Vibrance Lip Protectant**, a bold Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain, the Neutrogena mascara sample from the Summer Walmart beauty box, the Amika Un.Done Texture Spray from the July Birchbox, and a tube of C.O. Bigelow Chapped Hands Remedy (gifted by my friend Natalie), all tucked into the makeup bag from my June ipsy Glam Bag.  

   

   In case of beauty emergency, open bag.

5. Save for Travel: Samples you like can be saved for travel.  Small sizes mean less space in your luggage, and quality products can make travel feel even more special.  

Birchbox and ipsy each have 5 products per month, and it is probably a reasonable goal to average one product per month that fits into each category.  Once my emergency kit is full, I can make them for friends.  Once my travel stash is full, I can donate more to people in need.

No one wants used, contaminated products, so, if you may not keep your samples, make sure you keep them clean.  Use cotton swabs for lipsticks and eyeshadows, and cotton balls for blush and powder.  Eye-liners are probably not ideal for re-giving.  

*This post contains referral links.  If you sign up for Birchbox or ipsy through the links I may receive points towards future purchases.  This is not a sponsored post.

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through those links, I will receive a small commission.