A broken lipstick is not always caused by a bad formula.
Sometimes the problem is the texture of the lipstick, and sometimes it is simply the way the lipstick is being used.
Lipstick Needs Strength and Flexibility
A lipstick bullet must be solid enough to hold its shape.
But if it is extremely hard and brittle, it can behave almost like chalk.
A lipstick therefore needs more than hardness. It also needs enough flexibility to tolerate normal application.
Different waxes contribute different types of structure and flexibility.
Why Twisting Lipstick Too Far Out Causes Breakage
One of the most common practical mistakes is twisting the entire lipstick bullet out of the tube.
The farther the lipstick extends from its container, the less support it has.
When pressure is then applied against the lips, the unsupported bullet can snap.
This can happen even with a commercially manufactured lipstick.
How Much Lipstick Should Be Exposed?
Only expose a small portion of the lipstick while applying it.
The tube then supports the rest of the bullet.
This dramatically reduces the mechanical stress placed on the lipstick.
Can Temperature Affect the Bullet?
A lipstick also needs to remain stable during normal temperature changes.
A lipstick that becomes excessively soft may bend or lose shape, while one that becomes extremely brittle may be uncomfortable to use.
The finished product should remain practical under normal storage conditions rather than requiring refrigeration for daily storage.
How Can You Tell Whether the Problem Is the Product or Application?
If the lipstick repeatedly breaks despite exposing only a small portion, the bullet may be too brittle.
If it breaks mainly when it is twisted all the way out, application technique may be the main problem.
Key Takeaway
A good lipstick needs both strength and flexibility.
And even a well-made lipstick should never be twisted completely out of the tube before application.
