Lipstick Shade Making: How to Mix & Create Your Own Lipstick Shades at Home

Lipstick shade making is the process of combining two or more lipstick colors to create a completely new customized shade. The concept is similar to color mixing in painting — blending different tones together changes the final color result.

For example:

• Mixing pink and brown creates a soft nude shade

• Red and maroon create a deep wine tone

• Nude and peach create a warm everyday lip color

• Pink and red produce vibrant rosy shades

You can mix lipstick directly on your lips, on a palette, or in a small container to create personalized shades according to your preference.

Many beauty enthusiasts use existing lipsticks like LAKMĒ BEYOND MATTE LIP LIQUID (Indie Maroon shade) and LAKMĒ BEYOND MATTE LIP LIQUID (Nomad Pink shade) to create trendy mauves, berry tones, and soft rosy lip colors.

Homemade lipstick offers a natural, customizable alternative to store-bought formulas, allowing you to control the ingredients, color, and nourishment for your lips.

One of the biggest advantages of homemade lipstick mixing is the ability to create shades that perfectly suit your skin tone. Sometimes store-bought colors may feel too bright, too dark, or too warm, but mixing helps achieve the exact tone you want.

Instead of purchasing multiple lipsticks for every trend or season, you can create new shades using products you already own. This makes lipstick shade making budget-friendly and practical.

DIY lipstick mixing allows you to experiment with different combinations and finishes. You can create glossy, matte, bold, subtle, or ombré effects based on your mood and style.

Many people have unused lipsticks sitting in makeup drawers because the shades do not suit them perfectly. Mixing these lipsticks gives them a new purpose and reduces waste.

You can easily control the intensity, undertone, and depth of the lipstick color by adjusting the amount of each shade used in the mix.

For example, blending LAKMĒ FOREVER MATTE LIPSTICK (Pink Summer shade) with LAKMĒ FOREVER MATTE LIPSTICK (Red Retro shade) creates a balanced rosy-red shade that works beautifully for festive makeup.

• Two or more lipstick shades Choose matte, satin, cream, or liquid lipsticks depending on your preferred finish.

• Lip brush or makeup spatula Helps mix colors evenly and hygienically.

• Small mixing palette or clean container Useful for blending lipstick shades before application.

• Cotton swabs or tissues Helps clean edges and remove excess product while testing shades.

• Lip balm or moisturizer Keeps lips hydrated before lipstick application.

• Small airtight container Ideal for storing homemade lipstick mixtures for future use.

Learn how to mix colors and natural ingredients to create customized lipstick shades at home with simple, beginner-friendly steps.

Start with the dominant lipstick color you want as the foundation of your custom shade. Nude, pink, or red shades usually work well as base colors.

Example: Use LAKMĒ BEYOND MATTE LIP LIQUID (Nomad Pink shade) as a soft pink base.

Add a darker, lighter, or warmer lipstick to modify the undertone and intensity.

Example: Add LAKMĒ BEYOND MATTE LIP LIQUID (Indie Maroon shade) to deepen the pink into a mauve or berry tone.

Use a lip brush or spatula to blend both shades evenly until you achieve a smooth and uniform color.

Apply a small amount on your wrist or lips to see how the color appears in natural lighting. Adjust by adding more pink, brown, nude, or red if needed.

Use a lip brush for precise application. Start from the center of the lips and blend outward for a smooth finish.

If you have leftover mixed lipstick, transfer it into a clean airtight container and store it away from sunlight and heat.

Mix:

• Brown + Pink
• Nude + Peach
• Mauve + Beige

These combinations create soft everyday shades suitable for office wear and minimal makeup looks.

Try mixing:

• LAKMĒ FOREVER MATTE LIPSTICK (Pink Summer shade) with a nude lipstick for a soft rosy nude effect.

Mix:

• Pink + Maroon
• Red + Purple
• Nude + Berry

These combinations create trendy cool-toned lip colors ideal for evening makeup.

Try:

• LAKMĒ BEYOND MATTE LIP LIQUID (Nomad Pink shade) + Indie Maroon shade

Mix:

• Bright Red + Deep Maroon
• Red + Orange
• Red + Brown

These combinations help create customized festive or bridal lip colors.

Try:

• LAKMĒ FOREVER MATTE LIPSTICK (Red Retro shade) mixed with a darker maroon lipstick for a rich wine-red finish.

Mix:

• Orange + Pink
• Peach + Nude
• Coral + Beige

Perfect for summer makeup and fresh daytime looks.

Mix:

• Brown + Burgundy
• Nude + Dark Brown
• Brown + Red

These combinations create warm deep lip colors popular in modern makeup trends.

Technique:

• Apply a darker shade on the outer corners
• Use a lighter shade in the center
• Blend gently for a gradient effect

This technique creates fuller-looking lips and adds dimension.

• Always start with small amounts while mixing shades

• Test lipstick colors in natural lighting before final application

• Use lip balm beforehand to prevent patchy lipstick texture

• Matte lipsticks usually mix better for long-lasting results

• Use a lip liner to define lips and prevent feathering

• Keep makeup tools sanitized to avoid contamination

• Experiment gradually with darker colors because they dominate quickly

• Blend shades completely to avoid uneven color patches

• Mixing too many shades at once can create muddy colors

• Using expired lipstick products may irritate the lips

• Skipping lip exfoliation can make lipstick appear flaky

• Applying thick layers may create uneven texture

• Ignoring undertones can result in unflattering shades

• Not testing the shade before application may lead to unexpected results

• Storing lipstick improperly can reduce product quality

• Store lipstick mixtures in clean airtight containers

• Keep products away from direct sunlight and excessive heat

• Refrigeration can help increase shelf life in hot weather

• Always use sanitized brushes or spatulas when reapplying

• Homemade lipstick mixtures usually last around 1–3 months depending on ingredients and storage conditions

• Discard the product immediately if you notice unusual smell, texture, or separation

• Using expired lipsticks may cause irritation or dryness

• Poor hygiene during mixing can introduce bacteria

• Some ingredients may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive skin

• Overuse of matte formulas may cause lip dryness

• Artificial fragrance ingredients may irritate cracked lips

• Always perform a patch test if trying unfamiliar products

DIY lipstick shade making is a fun, creative, and budget-friendly way to customize your makeup collection. By learning how to make different lipstick shades, you can create unique lip colors that suit your skin tone, personal style, and every occasion. From nude everyday shades to bold berry tones and dramatic reds, the possibilities are endless.

With the right techniques, quality lipsticks, and proper storage habits, homemade lipstick mixing can become an easy part of your beauty routine. Products like LAKMĒ BEYOND MATTE LIP LIQUID and LAKMĒ FOREVER MATTE LIPSTICK offer versatile shades that blend beautifully for creating trendy customized lip colors at home.