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I was recently invited to the media preview of You Won’t Believe It’s Trash – From Palette to Palette at Jem by Lendlease, and I must say, the entire experience felt unexpectedly therapeutic. Guided by celebrity makeup artist Elain Lim, we dabbled with expired makeup—not to contour or conceal, but to create actual art. Who would’ve thought that an old eyeshadow palette could be reborn as a paint medium?
Running from 10 July to 31 August across Lendlease malls in Singapore, this year’s edition of Lendlease’s annual sustainability campaign shines the spotlight on expired makeup and how it can be reimagined into tools for creativity. It’s a fresh take on sustainability, one that fuses art, wellness and community impact into a single inspiring initiative.
Painting with purpose with Lendlease
The main highlight is undoubtedly the upcycling art workshops led by Elain Lim. A celebrated makeup artist turned visual creator, Elain began experimenting with expired cosmetics during the pandemic and discovered it to be a soothing, almost meditative process. Her abstract, botanical-inspired works—crafted entirely from makeup past its prime—are on full display as part of the exhibition.
Shoppers can sign up for two types of workshops: an Acrylic Painting Workshop or a Watercolour Palette Workshop, both of which involve transforming old cosmetics into custom paints. Held on weekends at Jem, Parkway Parade and Paya Lebar Quarter, the sessions are open to Lendlease Plus Members who spend a minimum of $50 in a single receipt. Not only do you get to explore sustainable art, but participants also receive a $5 Lendlease e-voucher as a little reward.
Giving expired beauty products a second life
Makeup typically comes with an expiration date—and once it’s past that, it usually ends up in the bin. But this campaign challenges that narrative. From lipstick-turned-paint to blush repurposed into pigment powder, Elain’s artworks showcase how expired products can still hold beauty and meaning when used differently.
A standout piece, Passage of Time, pays tribute to her grandmother and mother, reflecting on generational dreams and limitations. Her deeply personal work serves as a reminder that the materials we discard may still hold stories worth telling.
Art for a cause
More than just a feel-good experience, the campaign is also about giving back. Lendlease malls are hosting a silent auction called Heartfelt Creations, Up for Bids, featuring four artworks created by young talents from ComLink+ families in Jurong West. Mentored by Elain herself, these budding artists used expired makeup to express their visions on canvas.
Every $50 spent in a single receipt earns a token to bid on your favourite piece via the Lendlease Plus app. And here’s the heartwarming twist—Lendlease Global Commercial REIT (LREIT) will match the top bid (up to $1,000 per artwork) as a donation to the Gift-A-Family (GAF) initiative, directly benefiting low-income families.
Beyond beauty: conscious shopping and textile recycling
To broaden its eco mission, Lendlease has teamed up with Cloop to bring the Open Wardrobe thrift store pop-up to Parkway Parade (24 July–20 August) and Paya Lebar Quarter (21–31 August). Fashionistas can score pre-loved finds at just $10 per piece, while supporting circular fashion.
There’s also a dedicated collection point at the exhibition for shoppers to drop off expired makeup and textiles. In return, Lendlease Plus Members will earn points—100 Plus$ for every unit of eyeshadow, blusher or eyeliner, and 2,000 Plus$ for every kilogram of textile donated. It’s a tangible way to make sustainability rewarding, literally.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a weekend activity that’s both relaxing and purposeful, You Won’t Believe It’s Trash – From Palette to Palette is well worth a visit. It invites us to rethink waste, embrace creativity, and take small steps toward sustainability, all while having a little fun along the way.
Catch the exhibition and workshops at a Lendlease mall near you, and who knows? You might just turn your old makeup stash into your next masterpiece. Find out more here!
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