How to Repair a Broken Lipstick

Co-authored by Luca Buzas

Last Updated: December 8, 2021

If your lipstick has broken but it's still in good shape overall, or if your lipstick has melted in your car and is now a lumpy mess, it is worth trying to repair it rather than throwing it away. You can put a broken lipstick back together, and melted lipstick can be saved by putting it into a new container.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Putting Pieces Back Together

1
Prepare a clean work surface. Lay out paper towels on the work surface. Wear thin, disposable gloves to keep your hands clean and prevent anything sticking to the lipstick.
2
Swivel up the lipstick as far as possible. Expose the broken end that is still set in the base.

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3
Remove the broken piece. If it hasn't already fallen off, pick it up with a gloved hand.
4
Melt the broken ends of the lipstick.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.} Using a match or lighter, carefully run the flame underneath the broken part of the lipstick to soften it. Slightly melt the end of the lipstick that's still in the tube. Take care not to burn the lipstick or melt the case.^{[2]
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Research source}
5
Connect the broken piece to the base. Press the broken piece gently to the base of the lipstick.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}
6
Seal the edges. Use a toothpick or the end of a clean match to gently move the sides of the lipstick together and seal the stick as one piece.
7
Put the lipstick in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Let it cool until it's completely solid. If it still feels soft, leave it in for a while longer so it doesn't break again.^{[4]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Saving Melted Lipstick

1
Prepare your work surface. Put paper towels on your work surface to catch any drips.
2
Remove the lipstick. When it was melted, the lipstick probably pooled on the side and bottom of the tube, then hardened. Scoop it out of the tube with a small knife or paper clip. Be sure to get as much of it out as possible, so you don't waste any.
3
Melt it to remove lumps. To make your new lipstick perfectly smooth, put it in a metal spoon and hold it over a candle flame until it melts.
4
Pour it into your new container. Pour the liquid lipstick into a small, clean container.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}
- Lip balm jars are a good size and have lids that will close tightly, keeping your lipstick clean and contained.
- Empty pill containers will also work, but probably won’t be secure enough to toss in your purse.
5
Put it in the fridge for half an hour. It will cool and turn solid. Once hardened, your lipstick is ready to wear. Apply with a lip brush to keep your fingers clean and enjoy!

Community Q&A

Question

Will this work for lip balm?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

This method will also work for lip balm. Just be careful, because lip balm contains more oils than lipstick, so it'll melt faster.
Question

Will a hair dryer work to melt it?

Community Answer

Yes, but be careful not to have it on high because the product will get everywhere. Keep the blow dryer a couple of inches away to get an even melt.
Question

Will this work for Winky Lux lipstick?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

As long as the lipstick itself isn't too soft when it's in its regular state, I'd say it's probably able to withstand this. If when applying the lipstick normally, the heat of your lips practically melts the lipstick, then it's too soft.

Things You'll Need

Broken lipstick
Thin disposable gloves
Match or lighter; a barbecue match is a good idea if you are concerned about the duration of working on the lipstick
Clean workspace area, lined with paper towels
Small, clean container