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“You leave your lipstick in the car, only to return and find a melted, gooey mess. Or perhaps your favorite lipstick has mysteriously disfigured in the summer heat while tucked away in your bag.” Indeed a frustrating experience. While the initial reaction might be grief, don’t despair! Your beloved lipstick can still be salvaged. Here are a few tips that tell you how to keep lipstick from melting?
Get ready to enjoy your favorite matte shades all year round, regardless of the temperature.
Why does lipstick melt?
Lipstick formulations typically consist of a blend of oils, waxes, pigments, and emollients. These ingredients work together to create the desired texture, color, and glide-on feel. However, many of these components, particularly oils and waxes, have relatively low melting points.
When exposed to excessive heat, high temperature and humidity, such as a car dashboard on a sunny day or a bathroom cabinet near a heat source, the delicate balance of these ingredients gets disrupted. The oils and waxes within the lipstick start to soften and melt, altering the product’s consistency and promoting the evaporation of certain ingredients.This can lead to several undesirable outcomes:
- Separation: The different components of the lipstick may separate, resulting in an uneven texture and color.
- Softening: The lipstick may become excessively soft and pliable, making it difficult to apply neatly and evenly.
- Melting: In extreme cases, the lipstick can completely melt, becoming a sticky, unusable mess.
How to keep lipstick from melting?
To safeguard your lipstick collection and ensure long-lasting enjoyment of your favorite shades, consider these preventive measures:
- Optimal storage: Store your lipsticks in a cool, dry, and dark place. A dedicated makeup bag or drawer away from direct sunlight and heat sources is ideal.
- Utilize lipstick savers: Invest in lipstick savers, small airtight containers specifically designed to protect your lipstick from temperature fluctuations and humidity. These handy devices create a stable environment for your lipstick, minimizing the risk of melting or drying out.
- Travel wisely: When traveling, pack your lipsticks in a cooler bag or a temperature-controlled travel case to maintain a stable temperature.
- Mindful placement: Avoid leaving your lipstick in places that are prone to extreme temperature changes, such as car dashboards, window sills, or near heat vents.
Also Read: How to make lipstick transfer-proof?
How to repair a melted lipstick?
The dreaded discovery of a melted lipstick is quite disheartening. But fear not, before you toss that tube, there are a few tricks to revive your beloved shades.
Assess the damage:
- Slightly warped: If the tip is slightly bent or misshapen, gently straighten it with your fingers and hold it in place for a few seconds. Then, pop it in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the formula to solidify.
- Completely melted: If your lipstick has morphed into an unusable mess, don’t despair. You can easily repot it!
Repotting your melted lipstick:
- Scoop and transfer: Use a toothpick or a small spoon to carefully scoop out the melted lipstick from the original tube.
Melt and pour:
- Microwave method: Place the scooped-out lipstick in a microwave-safe container and microwave for a few seconds in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Double boiler method: For a more controlled melt, use a double boiler method: place a small bowl over a pot of simmering water and gently melt the lipstick.
- Cool and set: Allow the melted lipstick to cool completely in the new container. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator.
FAQs about lipstick storage
What is the best way to store lipstick?
Store your lipstick tubes right-side up. While storing them upside down might seem convenient for identifying shades, it can lead to product damage and create a mess.
What are the ideal storage conditions for lipstick?
Cool and dry: Choose a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Avoid storing lipstick in excessively hot or cold environments.
How to keep lipstick from melting in a purse?
Invest in a small silicone makeup bag to protect your lipstick from heat and humidity.
What temperature does lipstick melt at?
Lipstick typically has a melting point of at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s crucial to note that this can vary depending on the specific formula and ingredients.
Is it okay to keep lipstick in the fridge?
Generally, refrigeration is not necessary for most lipsticks. However, if you live in a very hot climate, storing your lipsticks in the refrigerator can help to prevent melting and maintain their consistency.
Final Word
So, there you have it! Armed with these simple yet effective tricks, you can conquer the dreaded lipstick melt and rock your favorite shades all day long, no matter how high the temperature climbs. From prepping your lips to choosing the right formula and mastering the art of application, you’re now a lipstick pro. Don’t let the heat win – keep your pout perfect and your lipstick looking fresh. Now go out there and confidently flaunt your flawless smile!