What Can You Do with Extra Lipstick? -

We’ve all been there: you buy a lipstick shade that seemed perfect at the store, only to realize it doesn’t suit your style or skin tone. Or perhaps you have forgotten old favorites as new trends and products took over. Instead of letting those extra lipsticks collect dust in a drawer or go to waste, why not find creative ways to repurpose them? We’ve got the best tips and tricks to help you discover what can you do with extra lipstick?

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Turn Lipstick into Tinted Lip Balm

If a lipstick feels too bold or drying, transform it into a tinted lip balm. Here’s how:

Scrape a small amount of lipstick into a microwave-safe container.
Add a dollop of petroleum jelly or clear balm.
Melt the mixture in the microwave for a few seconds and stir well.
Let it cool and solidify.

This process creates a custom lip balm with a subtle tint while moisturizing your lips.

Use It as a Cream Blush

Lipsticks, especially cream or satin-finish ones, make excellent substitutes for cream blushes. Apply a small amount of lipstick to the apples of your cheeks and blend it with your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a brush.

Pro Tip: Choose shades in pink, coral, or berry tones for a natural, flushed look. Avoid matte or long-wear formulas as they may be harder to blend.

Create a Custom Lip Shade

Do you have a few lipsticks you’re not in love with? Mix them to create a new shade. Use a clean spatula to scoop out small amounts of lipstick, blend them on a palette or plate, and experiment until you find the perfect hue.

You can also layer multiple lipsticks directly on your lips to see how they combine before committing to mixing them.

Repurpose Lipstick as Eyeshadow or Eyeliner

Wondering what can you do with extra lipstick? Bold lipstick shades like red, pink, or unconventional colors like blue can be repurposed as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Here’s how:

Apply lipstick directly to your eyelids or use a brush for precision.
Blend it out with your fingers or an eyeshadow brush.
Use a fine-tipped brush for eyeliner to apply the lipstick along your lash line.

Important Note: Check the lipstick’s ingredients to ensure they are eye-safe, as not all lipsticks are formulated for use around the eyes.

Use It to Color Correct

Lipstick can double as a color corrector in your makeup routine. For example:

Orange or Peach Lipsticks: Neutralize dark under-eye circles or discoloration on deeper skin tones.
Pink Lipsticks: Brighten dull areas on lighter skin tones.

Dab a small amount on the desired area, blend well, and apply foundation or concealer.

Transform Lipstick into Nail Polish

Turn your extra lipstick into a matching nail polish for a coordinated look. Here’s how:

Scrape off a small amount of lipstick and mix it with clear nail polish.
Use a nail brush to apply the mixture to your nails.
Seal with a top coat for added shine and longevity.

While it may not last as long as traditional nail polish, it’s a fun way to experiment with color.

Craft Art or DIY Projects

If you’re feeling creative, repurpose lipstick for art or DIY projects. Some ideas include:

Draw or Paint: Use lipstick as a crayon or paint to create unique artwork on paper or canvas.
Custom Stamps: Apply lipstick to stamps and press them onto cards or scrapbooks.

These projects are especially fun for kids or anyone who loves experimenting with unconventional materials.

Revive Old Lipstick

If your lipstick has dried out or become difficult to use, revive it with these simple tricks:

Heat Method: Hold the lipstick over a candle or lighter (without burning it) to soften the formula.
Add Oil: Mix in a small drop of cosmetic-grade oil, like coconut or argan oil, to restore moisture.

This works best for lipsticks that are still safe but have lost their creamy texture.

Donate Unused Lipsticks

Consider donating if you have barely-used or unopened lipsticks that don’t suit you. Many organizations and shelters accept gently used or new makeup to help needy people. Just ensure the products are in good condition and hygienic.

Create Lipstick Samples

If you have multiple lipsticks but don’t want to carry full tubes around, create lipstick samples:

Scoop out small amounts of each lipstick into a pillbox or travel-friendly container.
Use a lip brush to apply when needed.

This method is perfect for mixing shades on the go or keeping your favorite colors handy without cluttering your bag.

Recreate Popular Trends

Use leftover lipsticks to recreate fun beauty trends. For example:

Gradient Lips: Apply a lighter shade to the outer edges of your lips and a darker one in the center, blending for a soft gradient effect.
Monochromatic Makeup: Use one lipstick shade across your lips, cheeks, and eyes for a cohesive look.

These trends are great for experimenting with new techniques while getting the most out of your products.

Seal Envelopes or Letters

Add a personal touch to handwritten letters using lipstick as a wax seal. Apply lipstick to the flap of an envelope, press it with a stamp or your finger, and let it set.

While this idea is mostly fun, it’s a creative way to give your letters an old-world charm.

Make a Lipstick Palette

Instead of keeping multiple tubes cluttering your vanity, consolidate your lipsticks into a palette:

Scoop out the lipsticks and place them into small empty palette or container wells.
Label each section for easy identification.

This is a convenient way to keep all your lipsticks accessible while saving space.

Teach Makeup Techniques

If you’re passionate about makeup, use your extra lipsticks to teach techniques to others. Whether showing a friend how to apply lipstick perfectly or conducting a mini workshop, those unused products can be tools for learning and sharing skills.

Upcycle the Packaging

When a lipstick is finished, don’t toss the tube. Clean it out and repurpose it for:

Storing small items like bobby pins or pills
Creating a mini travel container for lotion or balm
Using it as a mold for DIY lip balms

Reusing packaging is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste while being resourceful.