(Part 3) Best refillable cosmetic containers according to redditors

1oz (~30mL) - 12 for $9

Or if you wanna get crazy, 99 for $55

i bought an empty sifter off amazon and i refill it with the RCMA powder, and i keep the parm cheese thing in my MUA kit.
If you have friends with the same problem you could even split with them, since i can only find these in multipacks

https://www.amazon.com/Hotop-Plastic-Blusher-Cosmetic-Containers/dp/B06XY2K1RB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1511888536&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=empty+powder+sifter&psc=1

That sounds like an awesome class! FYI, I use silicone travel bottles and fill them with peanut butter for our training and they honestly changed my life for the better. I’ve found that soft/puréed meat based foods or cream cheese work well too - my dog just happens to really enjoy peanut butter. Looking forward to hearing the updates!

I had really good luck with this set plus this for my foaming cleanser during a recent trip. It wasn't quite six weeks, but I didn't need to fill everything either, so I could have doubled up on bottles.

If you don't like the pink, it looks like there's also a clear set that's cheaper, but isn't available with prime shipping.

I found em as pumps!

LONGWAY 1 Oz (30ML) Empty Airless Pump Bottles | Travel Lotion Pump Containers/Airless Lotion Dispenser - for Refillable Cosmetic Bottle, Foundation Pump NO BPA (Pack of 6, Clear) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQR5SLB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DtOMDbFR4J5VR

I melted the aquaphor and used a syringe to put it in the tube. I bought the tubes from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0147YYJVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3zjLBb4F4VWYH

Zpacks sells a toothbrush kit with one of those in it, and then you can refill it from a big tube.

Alternatively, I recently added these to my Amazon cart to try out. Pic of it next to a travel tube. (0.06oz empty)

I don't know of any indies that make pencil eyeliners. There are some that do gel liners, which I think are the best of both worlds...the control of a pencil, the smoothness of a liquid. I'm pretty sure I've seen some from indie brands, but I don't own any. Maybe someone else has more info on that.

You need brushes, but they don't have to be super expensive. I use EcoTools and Elf brushes which you can get in drug stores. They do the job fine. Brushes with short, stubby bristles are better for packing on pigment, I usually use this for my main lid shade, softer brushes are better for blending, and narrow, stiff brushes are better for precision application.

As for eyeshadow...first eyeshadow primer sounds like a stupid product, but it will make your eyeshadow last all day without creasing or falling onto your cheeks. I like Eccentric Cosmetics primer, but Wet N Wild's Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer is pretty good, is $5 and you can buy it almost everywhere.

Most indie brands only offer loose shadow. A few have pressed shadows, but they cost more and you can't get pressed samples. If I were you, I'd get a few mini jars or samples (indie shadow samples come in plastic baggies, it's easier to use them if you dump them into these). Choose a few dark colors, a few medium colors, and a few light colors (colors significantly lighter than your skin to function as highlights), since you're just starting, I'd recommend going for "neurals with a twist" because it's easier to do cohesive looks with a more or less neutral pallette. Shiro is often recommended to beginners, they have a wide range of colors and finishes and very inexpensive samples, My Pretty Zombie has fewer colors but you can get sample sets sent letter mail which cuts down the cost. Watch some basic eyeshadow tutorials on YouTube (I don't follow many makeup channels, perhaps someone else can chime in) or find some blogs with pictures and instructions like this or this and just practice.

Sample containers:
௳ The bottles with the green flip-caps are from Amazon (~0.5oz/15mL each, $21.99 for 36).
௳ The little pots with screw-on lids are also from Amazon (3mL each, $7.99 for 50). I wound up making 2 pots for each sample because they were a little smaller than I had imagined (Starfish Lord, grant me the presence of mind to look at dimensions before ordering things), so next time I might get these slightly bigger ones (5mL each, $10.00 for 50).

Decanting supplies:
௳ I used these plastic transfer pipettes (3mL, $4.50 for 100) to decant anything that I could suck up with them.
௳ Anything in a pot was decanted using these wooden spatulas ($22.98 for 500); I put 2-3 in with each potted sample and kept the rest for myself. (Forgive me, my Spiny-Skinned Savior, for lacking the diligence to wash and dry my plastic spatulas after each use; pray accept my disposable compromise or guide me to a better way).

Baggies:
௳ The small ones are from the Container Store (2.5” x 3”, $0.89 for package of 10).
௳ The larger ones are from Wegmans, but similar ones are available at Target (3.5” x 5.5”, $2.24 for 64).

Markers:
I tested a lot of different markers before I found some that didn’t smear/smudge/wipe-off and that could withstand the watery trials of the bathroom counter. From my own stash, these three worked:
௳ Gold: Montana Acrylic Extra Fine Point (0.77mm) Marker in Matte Gold (Metallic) (available from Dick Blick for $5.35).
௳ White: Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Extra-Fine Point Marker in White (available from Joann for $2.62).
௳ Teal/peacock blue: Derwent Graphik Line Painter (acrylic, 0.5mm) in Brilliant (available from Dick Blick for $3.96).

I find that simply going to the travel section of a store or on Amazon is better. There's all sort of different sized and shape travel containers specifically designed for carting around small amounts of lotions and creams. Unless its an eye cream, the amount of product that a contact case can carry just isn't enough for me.

I bought a single 'travel pack'. It came with two tubes for lotions, two mini tubs for creams, and a spritz bottle. Plus they could all fit into a nice little bag that it came in. Bought it at target for like 5 bucks.

Something like this is probably gonna suit your gym bag needs really well.

Though contact cases are great for things you need a teeny amount of.

Here are the lipgloss tubes


Here are the 1oz tubes with fill syringes


And here is what I use to pack mixed drinks on the airplane because I'm a shameless tightwad

I have been using the little pump spray bottles that come in a travel kit from the dollar store.

Like these. http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Size-Spray-Bottle-oz/dp/B003XW0TG2

I've had two wear out on me but given their cheapness, I just keep a few extras on hand and at the first sign that it's shooting droplets instead of a mist, I toss it.

I prefer a pump. But you have to struggle at the last 1/4. I just refill. I am not a huge decanter. Mostly keep stuff in the orignal buttle. Not a lover of dropper bottles. Maybe you get further down the bottle without struggling with it vs a pump? Clearly not air proof, but not all pumps are. I just find them cumbersome. I would decant products out of dropper bottles, if it were easier to get the product out in one shot. The main thing I decant is my Scinic AIO, as it the jar is messy to work with. Also Holika aloe gel, as that cute aloe bottle is hard to control the amount comming out. Some of the bottles broke on me. I drop things. I decant some serums, because I think the antioxidants might last longer in a more opaque/airless bottle.

Bottles I like: These are good airless and opaque pumps. Here. Hard to tell when they are empty though or when you filled them. Looks like it might be clear, but the bottle is hard white plastic. But it keeps out air and light and keeps the ingredients fresh.

These are a bit easier to work with and small, so might be better for travel. Still dark to keep out most of the light but you can see the product. Air cleary gets in.

I am liking these misters, though clearly not for essences. They are a bit larger than I expected. They mist nicely. Again the blue keeps a fair amount of light out. Not to many toners I like to mist, but a few.

I bought this! It is PERFECT for Shiro baggie samples. I bought 12 sample baggies, tapped them into the little containers, and took the stickers off the baggies and put them on the containers. I had a little extra in some of the baggies, but overall it was a 10/10 experience!

Just an empty mascara tube like this with like 2 pumps of cleansing oil should do the trick. The cleansing oil I buy is this one so that's like $8.79 for yeaars of supply of it

Maybe something like this! Amber Glass Boston Round Treatment Pump Bottle - 2 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0172IB2RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EcGPDbEQYHH67

Sure, here it is!

Vivaplex, 12, Clear, 4 oz Glass... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5XPBZZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

So I got really spoiled because my stepmother worked for Evian for several years, and she always had several of those for me when I went to visit. Now that she's working elsewhere, I tried just making due with a spray bottle, but it felt more like I was being shot in the face than a luxurious part of my routine. I'm sure there are good bottles out there, but I'm lazy and I just buy either the Evian or Vichy water mists when they go on sale at my drugstore now. It's such a ridiculous splurge. That being said, I just watched a bunch of videos for Flairosol, and those look pretty good compared to your standard pump sprayer.

There are these containers with sifters on Amazon. I’m sure there are mini travel size brushes you can on there too and a small makeup bag to put it all in, or even a clear plastic bag will work, too.

Bare minerals’ powder concealer comes in a similar container but you can turn the inner lid to close off the holes and keep powder from falling out. I just got this concealer last week and so far I am loving it. The shade range needs some work though.

Also, I love this carrying case from Tarte that has blotting powder, a little brush, and a tiny case of blotting papers! It does a great job at touch ups and the case fits in your purse.

Edit: Fixed Amazon link. Also, I realize you’re trying to carry a product you already have, but I wanted to add the other two in case you end up returning it. I wonder if you could use an old empty compact, put some of the loose powder in it, add rubbing alcohol, smooth it out and let it dry. You know, like you can do to fix a broken blush or eyeshadow. I’ve done this with blush and it still works great, but I haven’t tried with setting powder.

I keep my toners and face mist in these little spray bottles but they're glass, so you may want to look for plastic if that's a concern for you. They spray a very fine mist if you put something super watery in them, and my thicker HL moist toner comes out as more of a stream. For oil cleanser and serums/essence these are great. For my thicker creams and moisturizers I use squeeze bottles that empty at the bottom so gravity helps it along. I got mine from the travel section at Target but they're similar to these Good luck packing and I hope you have a fun trip!

No reason at all. I have mine in an airless pump bottle and it works wonderfully. I can store half the jar away and refill when I need it. I can take it on the go too which is crucial for me. It's such a lightweight gel cream that pumps out so easy! Here's the bottles I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQR5SLB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It comes in a 6 pack for $13.99! I put some cute stickers around the bottle :)

Edit: plus it's more hygenic than dipping your fingers in the tub all the time. You can pump out the right amount and never worry about it dripping or making a mess!

Castor oil.

I picked up 2 of these and filled them with castor oil and apply a little every night before bed. I’ve noticed a marked improvement.

Mini Empty Mascara Tube Eyelashes Cream Tube Vials Bottle portable Refillable DIY Container Mascara Brush Eyelash Wand Bottle Vial Empty Travel Bottles Cosmetic Container 10ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075GTXV8J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ECkOAbYNY9894

Link?
*edit found them

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768VZRVV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KznNAbKH7M8C4

seconding this I use these 3g jars and they work pretty well! I purchased from this seller twice and haven't had any issues with any of the jars so far.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SS49UVA/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found these to be helpful

So I actually use a hyaluronic serum from Pearl Essence that I mixed with some Mario Badescu rose water & Pacifica’s Caffeine spray, I have a Fine Mist Spray Bottle I pour it into (which I highly recommend for spraying anything involving an oil or serum). However, I first realized the value of putting hyaluronic acid over makeup when my SIL recommended Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist (but it’s $48 for 1.35 oz- yikes).

I have some dropper bottles like this that are great for trips. They look tiny, but even 1/4 full is more than enough for a weekend. For thicker products, I use a combination of little jars like this and reused sample pots from Sephora.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M03LZ64/

something like this maybe

my main 'mist' bottle is from target. check the travel section of the toiletries aisles. pack of 4 travel containers for around a dollar. looks similar to this pack.

Hey!

I’m so happy you got them. I put mine in a rollerball like this https://www.amazon.ca/Quality-Amber-Bottles-Stainless-Roller/dp/B013SJMB10,
I leave mine over night. Check my page to see results. I am also on AIP, PRP as well but before I started PRP you can see results.

I bought a box of these for smaller batches of syrups, basically things I don’t use much of and are easy to whip back up. They may not be practical if you’re making a lot at a time though. Vivaplex, 12, Clear, 4 oz Glass Bottles, with Lids

I think you've already got your answer, but a couple of tips for you. A travel spray bottle works the best for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Size-Spray-Bottle-oz/dp/B003XW0TG2

It produces a nice fine mist. Spray from 6-8 inches away and move across your stencil as you spray. After each "coat" blot the paper with a paper/cloth towel. I wait 30 seconds or so between each coat. And usually apply 3-4 coats. After the last coat I rip off the paper and put the shirt on a hanger to "develop" to the color I want. The misting spray bottle give great coverage and an even look.

Good luck and post some finished shirts.

I think it was these! They’re awesome, never leak, hygienic, easy to label with a sharpie and you could pack like 40 of them lol

I keep smaller ink bottles in my bag. Sometimes up to five of them. They are not heavy. I just take the inks I like from the main ones and add to these ones:

https://www.amazon.com/Bottles-6-Pack-Travel-Friendly-Inkwell-Polycone/dp/B07948LGWL

So far no leaks or spills. I hope it helps. My favourite inks are Caran D'Ache inks. Almost any colour:)

How fun!
I've started hoarding wine corks and bought a cute bird cage to hold them in. It started out as just saving corks from special occasions, but it morphed into collecting the cork from every wine I've finished at home and every full bottle of wine I've finished at a nice dinner. Maybe one day I'll do the pinterest thing and make a cork board or something. But more likely, I'll just buy a 2nd bird cage when the first one fills up! I thought about linking photos of all the full wine bottles I currently have in my apartment, but I thought it would just make me look like an alcoholic :/

Corks on corks on corks

For my prize, I just bought a bunch of Shiro samples and need a container to store them in. This seems like it would do the trick!

For the base:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OSJ2RIW/

For the column:
https://www.amazon.com/Non-Stick-Silicone-Containers-Storage-Assorted/dp/B07CVWY3YY/

To put it together:
https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Super-Glue-15-Clear/dp/B001IY82FM

i collect mlp toys right now! iv been working on my set for a few years, i have most of the past 3 sets! the last time i counted was a few months ago, at that time i was at 70 ish ponys. My ponys

for a prize is love this or this

be sure to mist both the walls of the tub and the surface. most people just mist the walls and end up with very dry mycelium. using a super fine mister like [this]
(https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Life-Fine-Spray-Bottle/dp/B00LTW2ZHO/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1527294040&sr=8-8&keywords=super+fine+mist+spray+bottle) one is highly recommended.

good luck and I hope your first harvest is fat (:

I bought a bunch of rollerball vials from Amazon and fill with fractionated coconut oil and whatever essential oil blend I'm feeling. Right now I'm just using grapefruit, I love the happy citrusy smell.

the 10mL decants are for EDPs/glaces so they have sprayers! they’re these: Elfenstal- 20pcs Empty 10ml Clear... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M03LZ64?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

and yep i could decant some nightgown for you. i won’t be able to get it out until next friday or saturday probably tho. if that’s okay with you feel free to PM me!

I have these which I really like. They're a little fumbly to work with in the beginning, but once I figured out how the cap fits on, they were great.

I grabbed these and they’ve been great! I’m picky about my lotion and I like bringing leave in conditioner as well.

Actually, one of the best sprayers I've ever seen on a vial came on a plastic bottle, from a decant site in Alaska who decants mostly Guerlain and other scents as well. Kept meaning to email asking her where she got her vials. But I forgot and then I ended up [buying these](Elfenstal- 20pcs Empty 10ml Clear Fine mist Atomizer Glass bottle Spray Refillable Perfume Empty Bottle Glass Clean Cloth for Travel Party Portable Makeup Tool + Free 3ml Pipette https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M03LZ64?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf) at Amazon. They're glass, and I buy them 10 mL, 5 ml, and 3 ml. I've used them before.

Something like these perhaps? They’re only 15ml though.

4oz bottles

4oz spray bottles

Most shatter in WA comes in a single zip pouch. In the past i've gotten some fancier packaged stuff .. for awhile there were a lot of silicone containers like these .. https://www.amazon.com/Non-Stick-Silicone-Containers-Storage-Assorted/dp/B07CVWY3YY/ref=asc_df_B07CVWY3YY/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241911407998&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11904028334750256166&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=2840&hvtargid=pla-457101500130&psc=1

.. now sometimes I'll get a little glass vial with a non childproof cap (packaged in a blisterpack), I have seen the larger glass vial with childproof cap...

But those I actually reuse to store tiny things that I accumulate as a hobbiest maker ( tiny screws, springs, SM electronic components... )

Portable Travel Bottles Set, AMMAX Leak Proof Squeezable Silicon Tubes Travel Size Toiletries Containers, TSA Carry On Approved Refillable Travel Accessories for Shampoo Liquids 4 Pack (3 fl. oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D4PR3PY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_D8vTBb065211P

Anything along these lines is perfect for toiletries. You may not be able to bring a supply for the whole time but if you are frugal with amounts you use everyday- you’ll be surprised how long they last. Carry-on size is key so you are not stuck checking ever.

I’d bring your rain coat. Make sure it’s small and compact. I kept mine in my day bag and used it quite often in northern Vietnam (February). I bought a small Columbia jacket that folded down to very little which is probably better then a hoodie which will most likely take up lots of space. Speaking of space and organizing... PACKING CUBES!!! Life savors.

So, I'm completely on board with your sentiment, and I struggle at times with it also. I think, in general, the UL community is pretty obsessed with the idea of taking really good care of gear so that it lasts a long time. Since the gear is lightweight and inherently more fragile, I've found that I can get away with using "disposable" gear far longer than it is intentionally designed for. Personally, I use SmartWater bottles, but I wash them out really well when I return from trips, and my current ones are pretty darn old.

I use a bamboo toothbrush designed for children ( https://www.amazon.com/Toothbrush-Eco-Friendly-Colorful-Bristles-Surprise/dp/B07P5719FX/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=bamboo%2Bchild%2Btoothbrush&qid=1571854758&sr=8-9&th=1 ), so it's pretty short and really lightweight, and either a bamboo spoon or a bamboo spork I got at a music festival (I really don't like the feel of titanium utensils--personal preference). My toiletry kit does contain plastic containers for biodegradable soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0757B92V8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ), and I wash these when they're empty and refill with a syringe I obtained from Target, so I haven't had to throw anything out, and it's UL. None of the bags I use for liners or as "ditty bags" have needed to be replaced, so I feel pretty good on that front. I try to buy items that are lightweight, but not so lightweight that I know they'll develop holes in a short period of time. I've also been thinking about getting a kula cloth to bring to replace most of my toilet paper.

I think the area I struggle with the most is going zero-waste for food prep. I want to use waxed-paper bags more, but I've found them to not hold up very well under the stress of stuffing my food bag into my pack. Plus, so much shelf-stable food is packaged in plastic (or glass, which is not very appealing in terms of weight or risk of breaking).

As other have said, the small glass bottle with dropper is the way to go. Something like this - 12, Amber, 1 oz Glass Bottles, with Glass Eye Droppers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SS49UVA/

For me, using a typical tincture of my abv, one dropper full (about 1 ml, I believe) is a "light" dose and two will get me nicely rocked.

Id suggest picking up a fine atomizer type spray bottle ie: http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Size-Spray-Bottle-oz/dp/B003XW0TG2

It makes it a lot easier to keep Ceriglass in a slurry state Vs a large spray bottle that's going to spray out too much water. Be prepared to mist the glass often because the longer you work Ceriglass the warmer the surface will get and the faster the water will evaporate.