MUJI

Guide to upcycling disappointing beauty products: How to find a second life for stuff you didn't like

If a product isn't worth repurchasing, you don't always need to stop using it altogether. Here's how I found new uses for a disappointing toner, shampoo, and face wash.

I write about a good number of products that have disappointed me—either because they irritated my skin, led to breakouts, or just didn’t seem to be doing much for me at all. But because I was raised by immigrant parents who know what it’s like to go without such luxuries, I try not to automatically dispose of products before trying to think of a way to upcycle it. Without further ado, I’d like to share a few of my most recent attempts to give disappointing products a new lease…

MUJI cotton pads review: Better than Swisspers

MUJI's best-kept secret: Cotton pads that are oh-so-soft (and oh-so-affordable).

It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone who’s lived in New York City long enough must become accustomed to a certain level sticker shock. $6 boxes of cereal, $14 salads, $30 brunches….hmm, why do I live here again? Today’s tip isn’t exactly going to unbreak the bank, but it’s still pretty awesome: MUJI cotton facial pads. If you live in New York (or any city with a MUJI), please stop buying those sad, generic brand cotton balls from Walgreens—you need to…

MUJI moisturizing face soap review

MUJI's moisturizing face soap is creamy but nothing to write home about. And it contains three comedogenic ingredients (per Acne.org's list).

I’m not spontaneous person—my idea of taking a risk is buying skincare products IRL at unexpected places, like Trader Joe’s, TJ Maxx, or Whole Foods, without Googling them on my phone. This stands in stark contrast with my usual shopping habits, which consist of minutes hours of diligently reading reviews online before finally clicking “Add to Cart.” I recently took a chance on an IRL purchase of MUJI Face Soap Moisture—and boy, do I wish I hadn’t. I used it over…