DIY: Repairing Broken Lipstick or Lip Balm - The Melting Method

Updated at: 15/02/2025

We've all been there: your favorite lipstick, the one with the perfect shade and texture, snaps in half, leaving you with a broken heart (and a broken lipstick). Or perhaps your beloved lip balm has become a sticky, unusable mess. Before you rush out to buy a replacement, consider this: you can often revive your beloved lip products with a simple and effective method – melting! This DIY technique can save you money, reduce waste, and allow you to enjoy your favorite lip colors and balms once more. It's a quick and easy fix, perfect for even the most novice DIY enthusiast.

This simple melting method is surprisingly effective and requires minimal materials. Forget throwing away your broken beauty products; let's get started with a step-by-step guide on how to repair those broken lipsticks and lip balms and give them a brand new lease on life. Read on to learn exactly how to melt, mold, and restore your favorite lip products!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water; never directly heat the lipstick/balm in a microwave or on a stovetop. Direct heat can cause uneven melting and burning.
  • Ensure the container you are using is thoroughly clean and dry before melting and repouring your product. Contamination can spoil your repaired lipstick or balm.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area, as some lip products may release fumes when melted. Avoid inhaling these fumes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broken Lipstick/Balm

    • Scrape the broken lipstick or lip balm using tweezers or a nail file.
    • Place the scraped material into a microwave-safe or steel container.
    Place the scraped material into a microwave-safe or steel container.Place the scraped material into a microwave-safe or steel container.
    Prepare the Broken Lipstick/Balm

  2. Melt the Lip Product

    • Use a double boiler (or microwave) to melt the lip balm. If using a double boiler, place the container in a pan of boiling water.
    Use a double boiler (or microwave) to melt the lip balm. If using a double boiler, place the container in a pan of boiling water.
    Melt the Lip Product

  3. Add Color and Mix

    • Add optional color (blush, eyeshadow etc.) and mix well while the balm is still in a liquid state.
    Add optional color (blush, eyeshadow etc.) and mix well while the balm is still in a liquid state.
    Add Color and Mix

  4. Transfer and Solidify

    • Transfer the melted mixture into an empty, clean container (ensure the container is airtight and doesn't have holes).
    • Refrigerate or freeze the container until the mixture solidifies.
    Refrigerate or freeze the container until the mixture solidifies.Refrigerate or freeze the container until the mixture solidifies.
    Transfer and Solidify
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Tips

  • Use a steel container and a double boiler method for best results.
  • Ensure your container is completely empty and airtight to prevent leaks.
  • Refrigerating for 2-3 minutes or freezing will speed up the solidification process.
  • You can even out the top of the lipstick/balm after it has set using a knife or similar tool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Too High a Heat

Reason: Excessive heat can damage the ingredients in your lipstick or lip balm, causing separation or a change in texture and color.
Solution: Use a double boiler or low heat to gently melt the product.

2. Not Properly Cleaning the Container

Reason: Residue from previous products can contaminate your repaired lipstick or lip balm, affecting the final product's color, texture, or even causing allergic reactions.
Solution: Thoroughly clean and dry the container with rubbing alcohol before adding the melted product.

FAQs

What if my melted lipstick/lip balm separates into layers after it cools?
This is common! Gently re-melt and stir the mixture thoroughly before pouring it back into its container. Make sure to use a clean, dry container and avoid adding any new ingredients that might further cause separation.