Don't Toss Your "Meh" Beauty Products!

You try a new serum. It’s fine. Not amazing. Not terrible. Just... mid. So now it’s sitting half-used on your shelf, quietly collecting dust while you scroll for its flashier replacement. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Between influencer hype, algorithm-driven “holy grail” lists, and FOMO-fueled shelfies, it’s way too easy to end up with products that didn’t live up to the promise, but don’t quite deserve the trash either.

Here’s the thing though: the beauty industry already has a serious waste problem. An estimated 70% of cosmetics end up in landfills every year. And not every “meh” product needs to be part of that stat. With a little creativity (and maybe a reality check), you can repurpose what you’ve already bought — and actually use it to the last drop. Let’s talk about how to make the most of the stuff you didn’t love.

 

How to Repurpose Skincare You Didn't Love

Not every product is a total flop. It just might not be right for your face. And that’s okay. Your body is full of real estate that’s much less picky than your cheeks. So before you toss something that didn’t wow you, try giving it a second life.

Face cream that didn’t impress?
Use it as a hand cream, body moisturizer, or night cream. That “just okay” cream might not have transformed your skin, but your hands, arms, and legs probably won’t mind. Nighttime is also perfect for using richer or heavier formulas since you’re not layering SPF or makeup over them.

Face oil too greasy or smells weird?
It’s your new cuticle oil, foot treatment, or body glow. Face too slick? Cool, your dry cuticles will thank you. That sandal season foot prep you’ve been avoiding? Done. And if you’ve ever wanted your legs to glisten like a glazed donut, this is your moment.

Serum didn’t vibe with your skin?
Try it on your chest, neck, or even your knees. Serums often have good ingredients, even if they’re not a perfect match for your face. Use it up on areas that don’t break out easily. Your décolletage deserves nice things too.

Body butter feels like way too much?
Your feet won’t complain. If it feels like you dipped your hands in frosting, slather it on your feet at night and throw on some socks. You’ll wake up feeling like you just got a pedicure. (Bonus: this trick works for any too-rich lotion.)

Tinted moisturizer or BB cream is the wrong shade?
Hello, body bronzer. If it’s too dark for your face, mix it up in your hands with some body lotion and give your arms or legs a little glow-up. Too light? Use it like a subtle brightening primer on your chest. The possibilities are endless if you stop thinking “face only.”

Face sunscreen that didn’t work out?
Use it on your arms, chest, neck, or hands.
Maybe it felt too greasy, smelled weird, or left your face looking like a ghost, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless. Your body still needs sun protection, and these areas are just as exposed (and far less picky). SPF is still SPF, even if it’s not your forever fave.

Gift it to a friend, relative, or skincare newbie.
Didn’t work for you… but might work for someone else? Just because a product didn’t suit your skin doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. Maybe it was too rich for your oily skin, but your dry-skinned bestie would love it. Or maybe your mom doesn’t care that it smells like a plant died in it, she just wants her hands to stop cracking. (Love you, Mom.)

Of course, only gift items that are gently used and still hygienic to share — no double-dipping. But passing something along to someone who will use it is way better than letting it expire in your cabinet or tossing it into the trash.

 

Smarter Shopping = Less Waste (+ Less Regret)

We all get caught up in the hype sometimes. A viral video, a dreamy “shelfie,” a flash sale. It’s real easy to end up with products that looked good on Instagram but don’t work in real life. The good news? A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to avoiding skincare waste in the first place.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you hit that “add to cart” button:

Don’t go all in on a new routine at once
You don’t need to buy every cleanser, toner, serum, oil, and cream in one go, especially if you’re trying a new brand (yes, even mine). Skincare works best when introduced slowly. That way, if your skin reacts, you’ll know what caused it. Plus, layering a dozen new things at once is more likely to irritate than improve.

I always tell my customers: start with the basics. Then build. That’s better for your skin and your wallet.

Skip minis — they’re not always the answer
You’ll hear advice everywhere to “just buy a mini,” but as a small brand, I’ve learned firsthand that minis often create more waste than they’re worth. They sit longer, expire faster, and don’t always give a true sense of long-term results.

That’s why I don’t offer individual minis anymore, but I do offer curated skincare bundles that save you money and help you build a routine that makes sense for your skin type. Fewer impulse buys. More intention.

Sit with your skincare cravings
Before jumping on a trending product, give yourself a 48-hour rule. If you still want it after two days (and it actually fits your skin needs), it might be worth it. If not? You just saved your money and your shelf space.

Read the ingredient list — not just the claims
“Clean,” “non-toxic,” and “natural” don’t mean effective. Look for ingredients that are suited to your skin goals and needs, not just buzzwords. If you’re not sure what something does, ask someone who formulates (👋 hi, it me).

Skip the “collector” mindset
You don’t need every scent, every color, or every launch. Skincare isn’t Pokémon — you don’t have to catch ’em all. Buy with intention, not for the dopamine hit of newness.

Support brands that make intentional, useful products
If a brand focuses on quality, transparency, and multi-functional use, chances are you’ll actually finish what you buy. That’s the real flex: not how full your shelf is, but how empty your jar is when it’s time to repurchase.

 

Want Skincare You'll Actually Finish?

If you’re tired of half-used jars and “meh” products gathering dust, it might be time to rethink not just how you use your skincare, but what you’re buying in the first place.

At Lather + Soul, I don’t believe in bloated routines or trendy junk that only gets used once. I believe in:

• Thoughtful ingredients
• Formulas that do what they say
• Skincare you’ll actually want to use to the last drop

Whether you’re building a simple routine from scratch or looking to swap out a few underwhelming products for something better, I’ve got you.

👉 Check out my skincare bundles to save on curated sets | oily/blemish and dry/sensitive
👉 Or shop individual products if you already know what works for you here

Because skincare should feel good, work well, and let’s be honest, not end up in a landfill.