Tinier Vessels

Thus far, I've written two articles on the topic of (beauty) bottles... particularly on the materials from which they are composed. In Oil My Goodness, I spoke about a greater reliance on glass bottles over plastic ones. In Poppin' Bottles, I spoke about the best way to use glass bottles in transit (often to and from yoga class). And while, from a political perspective, I may be seen as poo-pooing oil and favoring glass bottles while I enjoy my soy-latte and wear my thick rimmed glasses (they're real, I swear!) it really comes down to a matter of price.

From an environmental perspective, I do favor glass bottles over plastic ones. While I realize that a local-craftsman is likely not hand-blowing each jar I use from recycled sea-glass, I enjoy the fact that glass jars tend to leach less chemicals into their contents and, as price may tell, such aforementioned contents tend to be of better quality than those delivered in plastic bottles. Indeed, Into the Gloss has published articles informing readers how to best display their often high-end, glass-encased contents in the bathroom (see What To Do When The Lighting In Your Bathroom Sucks). For myself, these articles go a bit too far in the vanity of showcasing expensive products (and in simply owning them). Baking soda and vinegar work just fine as an exfoliant or de-greaser (respectively) but we still need something to keep these products in. And, while I sometimes roll my eyes about articles which help one showcase the fact they have high amounts of discretionary income, most articles on Into the Gloss are extremely helpful including the piece of beauty advice which suggests that one buy products in bulk and decant them into smaller containers (that particular author relied on Muji containers). Indeed, since I like getting a bargain (and natural beauty products) I tend to buy said baking soda and vinegar in bulk and decant them into smaller (glass) containers. Therefore, it's truly a crescendo of cost-saving fireworks when I can place these products in reusable glass bottles for free (and, you know, help the environment at the same time). As such, below is a list of several products contained in nice glass bottles which can be reused and applied to your beauty routine. Enjoy!

Argo Tea: top shelf to the right and straight on 'till morning.

Argo Tea: On the first day of school this year, I was running late yet still found time to get into a gas station in search of a caffeine fix. As I browsed the shelves of sugary sodas, I came across a bottle of iced, green tea. While it wasn't caffeinated, I was intrigued by its slender, glass bottle which I couldn't believe I could keep afterwards. While it could easily be reused as a water bottle, I use it to hold essential oils whilst I'm in the shower. Just a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil and some steam from the shower can transform your morning (or evening) routine into some next level shit.

Dessert Coupes (Dog Tag Bakery): This description is not about dessert coupes per se but about the vessels they are contained in. If you live in the D.C. area, the Dog Tag Bakery is a great place to visit. Not only does it provide its patrons with delicious baked goods, it also helps disabled veterans get back into the workforce! Several weeks ago, I was looking for something small and quick to provide a much needed afternoon snack and the bakery's dessert coupe certainly provided. At around $3.25, I received a delicious chocolate mouse, and as I got it to go, I was able to keep the small, glass container in it came. Long after the dessert had been devoured, I now use the jar to store my baking soda which I use as both a cleaning and beauty product in the bathroom.

Baking soda and its bottle.

So there you have it, a small list of products one can use to gain a glass jar in the process. While the list is edited and may only apply if you live in D.C., I hope it gets you thinking about (re)using glass bottles to "beautify" both your bathroom and the environment.