Making bespoke lipstick

When I was about 14!

I wouldn’t because of the possibility of unnoticed bacteria forming on the old lipsticks that wouldn’t be killed by warming.

Nor me.

No, does not seem very hygienic. Any bacteria is likely to increase in the warming/cooling down process.

Not with lipstick but I did try it with a tin of black shoe polish about 40 years. It had cracked and broken into pieces. I had a brainwave and decided to heat the tin gently on the cooker expecting the polish to melt and set in a smooth solid layer.

It didn’t! It exploded and hit the ceiling and spattered black blobs all over the place. As well as buying another tin of shoe polish I had to buy a tin of white emulsion to repaint the kitchen ceiling!

Bad luck GNW. I did this way back in the summer, with success. Luckily no disasters.

On a similar vein I find it hard to get the right shade of foundation so buy a light one and a dark one and mix them in one of those decanter pots you get for travelling.
Although I use sunscreen my face is always slightly darker in summer and that way I can adjust as necessary.

Hmmm, only a few days ago, can't remember where, I read that old lipsticks should be discarded because they house harmful bacteria.

Joseann

Hmmm, only a few days ago, can't remember where, I read that old lipsticks should be discarded because they house harmful bacteria.

Yes, as you and others have said.

You're supposed to discard old makeup 18 months? after opening.

I've just researched old lipsticks and harmful health problems. Wish I hadn't! Off to have a clear out.

I bought new ones but don't like them as much ☹

This may be worth having as a rough guideline, I copied it down a few years ago to remind me to occasionally have a clear out:

Use by:

Mascara: Three to six months -the wand is coming in close proximity to your eye, so watch out for any contamination.
Powder: These don't deteriorate, so keep anything you like and that suits you.
Lipstick: Three years.
Perfume: Tell by the pungent smell or if the colour has turned significantly darker. To make it last longer, store it away from direct sunlight.
Cleansers, toners and serums: Two years.
Moisturiser: Two years
Eye creams and gels: Two years.
Face masks: Two years, if the product is water based.
Facial scrubs: Two years.
Hand lotions: Two years.
Sunscreen: Eighteen months, but check the label for an expiry date.
Anti-blemish treatments: If it's from the pharmacy, it may have a shorter shelf life. If the product contains antioxidants, look out for any changes in colour.
Hair shampoo and conditioner: Two years.
Nail polish: One year.

Thanks toscalily - but so far no problems with my DIY lipstick. All the other products you list last me nowhere near the use-by date.

I haven't, but then I buy lipstick as a treat and don't feel the need to be economical with it. I don't think I've actually ever finished one. I do wear balm most days, and go through lots of that.

And I definitely have lipstick older than 3 years! I know I have a Mac lipstick that I bought for my DD's wedding almost 10 years ago. Although I've heard you can spray with alcohol to disinfect, I have never bothered.

I can’t judge as i react to makeup but I just wonder if the short shelf life of items such as lipstick is hype put about by cosmetic companies to sell more of their products

I've mixed lipstick colours that are quite right together with a knife on paper and put them into old Carmex type tins .

Another trick :
you can break up old eyeshadows and mix them into nail polish to make new
glittery variations .