6 Companies That Will Give You Free Stuff for Recycling Your Makeup

February 4, 2019

If you're anything like me, you're a sucker for good marketing and cute packaging. Over the years this has led me to buy more beauty products than I could ever need, and as I've become more educated on sustainability and the environmental impact of plastics, I've started to feel real guilty about the countless containers I didn't even think twice about tossing into my trash bin. 


Dwelling on the past never got anybody anywhere, but as I've made strides to become a more conscious consumer and buy products that are better for my body and the planet, I've also done my research on how to better dispose of the plastics already in my cabinets. 


Over the past few years, SO many beauty companies have made strides to make their products cleaner and more eco-friendly, making it easier than ever to buy healthy, ethical products. But none of us are perfect, and there is still waste that comes along with most of the products we buy. 


That's why companies like the ones listed below have started programs to make recycling your empty and unwanted products effortless, and most of them even give you a little reward. Plus, you'll feel good about making a small choice that contributes to a global effort to care for our planet. 


1. LUSH


I could go on for days about why I love LUSH, but one of the many reasons is their 5 Pot Program. Basically, all you have to do is bring back five empty, clean black LUSH pots, and they'll give you a free full-sized face mask. The pots you return are recycled and reused to make new pots. 


2. BareMinerals


In September of this year, another one of my favorite clean beauty companies, BareMinerals, launched their Recycling Rewards Program, which gives you FAB points towards your next purchase in exchange for any makeup or skincare empty. 


3. Origins


According to their site, Origins was actually the first beauty brand to launch a recycling program for cosmetic packaging back in 2009. Origins accepts containers from any brand that they recycle or process for energy recovery. They don't currently offer any reward other than that good-doer feeling of saving the planet. 


4. MAC


Did someone say free MAC lipstick? Through the Back to MAC program, all you have to do is bring six MAC packaging containers (tubes, bottles, eyeshadow pots) that your makeup came in back to a MAC location. It doesn't matter if the product is used, empty or full, it just has to fall within their return guidelines. Help the planet, rock a new lipstick. Not a bad deal if you ask me. 


5. Kiehl's


Through Kiehl's recycling program, for every 10 full-sized empty Kiehl's bottles you return to them, you'll be gifted a free travel-sized product. 


6. TerraCycle


TerraCycle has partnered with Garnier to recycle beauty product packaging from any brand. All you have to do is create an online account, and they'll provide you with a printable shipping label. For every donation of 10lbs or more, you'll earn two TerraCycle points that can be redeemed and converted into donations to one of TerraCycle's charities, or a non-profit, school, or charity of your choice. You don't get a gift on this one, but there's no better reward than knowing you're helping the planet, and others. 


Know any other beauty brands that have recycling programs? Comment them below! 

Our Cozy Treehouse Stay At HoneyTree in Fredericksburg, Texas

By Ana Cahill • May 22, 2025
One thing about me is I'm always looking for a cozy retreat, an excuse to slow down, and a bathtub. When I stumbled across Honeytree on Instagram, I knew I had to add it to my list for my next trip to Texas. A few weeks ago I was there to celebrate Peter's birthday, and wanted to do something relaxing that wasn't just a typical stay-cation, and I knew Honeytree would be the perfect spot. It ended up being everything I wanted and more, and I thought I'd share a little bit more about the property, the cabins, and experience so you can book the perfect retreat for yourself, a gift, or honestly any occasion you just want to unwind. The Properties: Blue Sage & The Meadow HoneyTree actually has two separate locations in Fredericksburg: The Meadow and Blue Sage . Both feel thoughtfully removed from the noise of everyday life but each has its own energy. The Meadow is a bit closer to town and home to five original treehouses, all perched among old-growth trees with views of Palo Alto Creek. These cabins are a bit more tucked away and wooded if you want to feel like you're glamping in the trees. Blue Sage , where we stayed, is a newer property about 10 minutes from downtown, with 12 uniquely designed cabins with views of wide open Hill Country land. This spot is a little more spacious and less wooded, and has a common space with grills and a fire pit. They're in the process of adding some fun wellness perks that I can't wait to go back and enjoy like a sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, and more. Each cabin is privately tucked into its own space for privacy, and the only noises we heard our whole stay were the neighbors roosters which in my opinion really authenticated the Texas Hill Country experience. The Cabins One of the things I loved most about HoneyTree is that every single cabin feels intentional and unique. The husband-and-wife founders, Jacob and Katie, designed the cabins by alternating creative lead, with one designing the even numbers and the other designing the odd numbers. You can feel the balance of perspectives and care in every detail. It was honestly so hard to choose which one to stay in, but you know I'm a sucker for a good bathtub, and Peter had one on his roof growing up and I love nostalgia, so I landed on Cabin No. 7 , aka, The Rooftop Soak Tub. We woke up to the sunrise through our giant window with a view of the hills, tanned on the roof, and of course took advance of the soak tub as much as we could. The views were wide open and uninterrupted, but the cabin still felt secluded and peaceful. It was equipped with everything we needed - towels, robes, cooking supplies, games, bug spray, blankets, all the essentials and more.
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Fall Cleaning Checklist

By Ana Cahill • October 13, 2024
There’s no better time than the fall to give your home a refreshing reset. Fall cleaning is the perfect opportunity to tidy up, reorganize, and prepare your space for the cozy months ahead. Whether you’re welcoming holiday guests or simply wanting to enjoy a more serene and organized home, this fall cleaning checklist will help you tackle all the essential tasks. From decluttering to deep cleaning, this checklist includes all of my seasonal "to-do's" that will leave your home feeling warm, peaceful, and ready for the season.