How to Fix a Broken Lipstick: 3 Easy Methods

The Heartbreak of the Snap

It’s a universal beauty tragedy: you’re in a rush, you twist your favorite lipstick up a bit too far, and—snap—the bullet breaks off at the base. Or perhaps you left your purse in a hot car and your signature shade has turned into a melted mess. Before you throw it in the trash and head to the store for a replacement, take a deep breath. Learning how to fix broken lipstick is easier than you think and can save you hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of your collection.

Lipsticks are essentially a solidified mixture of waxes and oils, which means they can be "re-molded" using a little bit of heat and care. Whether your lipstick is a clean break or a melted disaster, one of these three methods will bring it back to life.

Method 1: The "Lighter and Melt" Technique

This is the best method for a clean break where the bullet has snapped off but is still in one piece.

1. Prep: Use a clean Q-tip or a toothpick to clean the broken edges so they are flat.
2. Heat: Use a lighter or a match to gently heat the base of the lipstick still in the tube for about 2-3 seconds until the surface looks "glossy" and melted.
3. Attach: Carefully press the broken bullet back onto the melted base.
4. Seal: Use a small brush or your finger to smooth the "seam" where the two pieces meet.
5. Freeze: Put the lipstick in the freezer for 15-30 minutes to let the bond solidify.

Method 2: Depotting Into a Palette

If your lipstick is too shattered to be reattached, or if you have several broken lipsticks in similar colors, depotting is the way for how to fix broken lipstick.

1. Scoop: Use a small spatula to scoop the remains of the lipstick out of the original tube.
2. Melt: Place the lipstick in a metal spoon and hold it over a candle or a light bulb (not a direct flame!) until it becomes liquid.
3. Pour: Carefully pour the liquid lipstick into a small, clean pot or a multi-well lipstick palette.
4. Set: Let it cool and set at room temperature. You now have a custom lip color that can be applied with a brush. This is a favorite trick for makeup artists who want to see all their Trending Shades at once.

Method 3: The Microwave Method (For the Fearless)

If you have a lot of product left and want to be very thorough, you can use the microwave. Only do this with a microwave-safe container, never the original tube! Place the lipstick chunks in a small glass dish and microwave in 5-second increments until liquid. Stir and pour as described in Method 2.

If you’ve tried these steps and your lipstick is still a lost cause, don't worry. Our Dupe Finder can help you find an identical match for the color you lost, often for a much lower price. You can even use our Shade Matcher to take a photo of the "remains" of your broken lipstick, and our AI will identify the shade and suggest the best fresh replacements on the market.

Knowing how to fix broken lipstick is a badge of honor for any true beauty lover. With a little bit of patience, you can save your favorites and keep your collection looking pristine.

Ready to find your perfect shade? Skip the guesswork — try POUT's free Shade Matcher and discover your match in seconds.