Do you keep original packaging? (Like boxes, sleeves, etc.)

It’s very seldom that I do, otherwise I would need even more space than my makeup takes up, lol! I might keep particularly interesting press kits or boxes for a couple of months on display and then eventually recycle.

— Christine

15 Comments

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Raven Avatar

Nope! I don’t have room for all that, haha. I might keep a box or two for a while after getting something special but they get thrown away eventually.

Deborah S. Avatar

It sort of depends on what the product is and how I plan to store it. I have most of my lipsticks stored in clear acrylic towers or flats. That is for easy access and so I generally don’t keep their packaging. My foundations are also stored in acrylic boxes that I can see through and I usually keep those that I am using regularly on my vanity. I keep the backups of my cushion foundations in a drawer in my bureau. Now to palettes and other makeup items. I do keep all of the packaging including velvet pouches and outer boxes because I use them for storage. I have mentioned this on the blog before, several years ago now, but I usually cut the box at about the 3/4 mark and then return the product with the upper 1/4 extending out of the box. This helps the product to remain upright and available for easy access and keeps everything from collapsing if I take something out to use. This is especially helpful when storing things that are oddly shaped or rounded.

Ana Maria Avatar

Nowadays I keep most of the outer packaging because I bring / sent most of my makeup and skincare packaging to special recycling programs (Terracycle, Back to MAC, etc.). I know cardboard and paper are easily recycled locally, but I think there’s a better chance like this.

Katrina Avatar

That’s actually a great idea, because so often packaging for cosmetics uses foil elements that not all recycling centers will accept or be able to handle. I really appreciate brands that have TerraCycle programs or that make sure their products are fully recyclable.

kjh Avatar

Pat lipstick ‘boxes’ are square and make them easier to store than round tubes. Not because I love the design, just the aid in storage. Just a few for design. MAC Rocky Horror, Chris Chang, NARS Splendor on the Grass.. you know, the one which offended everyone but me. Annoyed that I had to put tiny fuzzy dog stickers on MAC Nose For Style. Basically all packaging is saved for ease of storage.

Jane Avatar

For the most part yes for palettes, since I don’t buy anything in large kits, so the packaging helps protect the palette. I don’t keep lipstick packaging or those of smaller makeup items. I did keep the PML lipstick boxes as they are artistic and I like the winding string button closure.

Mariella Avatar

Nope. It’s only makeup and I have enough clutter in this house. My husband keeps all the boxes from appliances, electronics, etc. (because apparently if there’s a problem you have to return/ship back in the original packaging). I finally made him clear out our attic which was filled with boxes, many of which were for tvs, computers, blu-ray players that we had already got rid of….but not the boxes!)

I do keep a few boxes for protecting delicate products when I’m travelling but more and more, I just don’t want to bother. The rest – like I say, it’s makeup not meaningful art pieces!

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