How to Repair a Broken Lipstick

Co-authored by Luca Buzas

Last Updated: September 24, 2024 References

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. Just remove the broken piece, smooth the base with a cotton swab, melt the broken ends with a lighter, and connect the two pieces together. Or, put the lipstick on a metal spoon, run the spoon over an open flame, then pour the melted product into a clean container.

Tips to Fix a Broken Lipstick

Remove the broken end of the lipstick, and smooth out the base with a cotton swab. Hold the end of the broken piece over a lighter to soften it, and do the same thing with the lipstick that remains in the tube. Place the melted ends together, use a toothpick to clean up the edges, and wait for the lipstick to cool completely.

For popular FAQs on repairing broken lipstick, jump to more common questions.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Putting Pieces Back Together

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Lay out paper towels on the work surface. Wear thin, disposable gloves to keep your hands clean and prevent anything sticking to the lipstick.
Expose the broken end that is still set in the base.

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If it hasn't already fallen off, pick it up with a gloved hand.
^{[1]
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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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Press the broken piece gently to the base of the lipstick.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Luca Buzas
Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}
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.
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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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Saving Melted Lipstick

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Put paper towels on your work surface to catch any drips.
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.
To make your new lipstick perfectly smooth, put it in a metal spoon and hold it over a candle flame until it melts.
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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.
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!

Julie Gabriel, Natural Beauty Expert

When it comes to repairing broken makeup, a little creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way. With some basic ingredients and tools found in most homes, you can often fix cracked powders, salvage broken lipsticks, and revive dried out beauty products. Don't be afraid to experiment and come up with your own solutions for giving your makeup new life.

Common Questions: Tips to Fix & Prevent Broken Lipstick

Why did my lipstick break?

Lipstick can break if you leave it in your pocket or store it in a warm area, like a hot car. Remember to keep all of your other beauty products out of direct heat and sunlight!

Why is my lipstick crumbling?

If you’re applying lipstick to dry lips or putting on too many layers, it can cause the product to pill or crumble.^{[6]
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Research source} Using an expired lipstick could also be another reason. If the color, scent, or texture of your lipstick has changed, it’s time to throw it away.^{[7]
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How can I revive a dried out liquid lipstick?

Submerge the lipstick in a bowl of warm for 10-15 minutes to loosen the formula. Alternatively, add 4-5 drops of cold-pressed coconut oil to the tube and shake it for 2 minutes.^{[8]
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Tips

Some people advise using a tissue to work with the lipstick. This is good in a fix, as it is likely to be easily available. However, the gloves are cleaner and won't stick to the lipstick as a tissue might, so if you can use the gloves over a tissue, do so.

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Lipstick that has very little base left can still be recovered and used for a bit longer. Simply mash the broken part back into the tube with a clean, gloved hand and continue to apply using a lip brush instead.

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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