Singapore funeral home launches donation drive for unused cosmetics

Singapore funeral home Casket Fairprice will launch a donation drive for people to give their unused makeup a new lease of life.

From Dec 19 to Jan 17 next year, people can donate their unused cosmetics which will be used to beautify the recently departed in preparation for their final send off. 

Part of its Dignity for the Departed campaign, Casket Fairprice hopes to reduce wastage of normally neglected or thrown away makeup products, and upcycle it for embalming processes like face and body restoration.

Any brand of unused cosmetics can be donated, including eyebrow pencils, lipstick, setting spray, high coverage foundation and concealer, which embalmers use the most, the funeral home said in a press release on Friday (Dec 16). 

Donors can also drop off any additional makeup tools they may have, with the exception of double eyelids tape and false lashes.

However, those with expired cosmetics should not be in a hurry to bin them, as Casket Fairprice also accepts expired makeup so long as they are not dried up and caked.

Several checks on the cosmetics will be conducted to ensure they are of suitable quality for embalming. After checking the expiry date, Casket Fairprice will look out for defects or signs of use in the makeup.

Liquid products should have a smooth consistency and not be dried up or sticky, while powder products should not be damaged or cracked.

If foul smells or fungus are detected in the cosmetics, they will be disposed of immediately, Casket Fairprice told Youthopia. 

Makeup remains an essential part of the embalming process as it covers up the visible effects of decomposition of the body and helps embalmers maintain the lifelike appearance of a recently passed loved one.

For those who suffered unnatural deaths such as accidents, covering their wounds through embalming will also give the departed a dignified send-off and help to alleviate any traumatic feelings the departed’s family may have.

Sometimes, a recently departed person’s face and body muscles might stiffen into unnatural positions. Embalmers mitigate this by performing a restoration, which includes massaging the stiff muscles and setting their facial features to a more serene one and applying makeup to return the skin tone to its natural colour.

Adequate amounts of makeup are also required for a typical wake in Singapore, which can last from three to seven days. 

However, such long wakes can bring about more serious challenges embalmers have to face, such as heat and humidity. The body restoration may not last during the wake if insufficient makeup is applied during the embalming process.

As part of a wider sustainability programme, Casket Fairprice will also launch an eco-friendly funeral package for environmentally conscious customers. These packages include biodegradable coffins and urns, which are more fuel efficient since they require less time to cremate.

Other things they are planning to look into are sustainable wake setups, usage of artificial or preserved flowers, and reduction of single use plastics used at the wake such as plastic table covers.

For every green package sold, a tree will also be planted in honour of the departed.

Those interested in donating their cosmetics can mail or drop them off at Casket Fairprice located at 37 Sin Ming Drive #01-571.