OK, let’s talk about something that literally makes me feel like an artist every single time: making your OWN custom lip shades!! 🎨💄 Like, seriously, what’s better than having a lip color that’s made JUST for you? You’ll be mixing shades like a mad scientist and ending up with a color that’s unique, one-of-a-kind, and completely YOU.
Have you ever faced that moment? You know, when you’re checking out the lipstick aisle, swatching EVERYTHING, only to find that none of them are EXACTLY what you’re looking for? UGH. So frustrating. 😩 Well, today we’re totally solving that problem because I’m going to show you how to hack it and create your own custom lip shades at home. Get ready to slay!
Why Make Your Own Lip Shade?
Let’s be real. We love our fav lip shades (looking at you, Kylie Lip Kits 🖤), but sometimes they don’t exactly nail the color we’re daydreaming about, right? Whether you’re going for that perfect nude or a specific coral-pink combo that’s just not on the shelves, customizing lets you get control like NEVER before. Plus, it’s hella fun. Imagine all the compliments like, “OMG, what lip color is that?” and you’ll be like, “Oh, this? I mixed it myself.” 👑 Thanks, queen.
What You Need
Before we get crazy with colors, here’s your basic lip lab shopping list to create your masterpiece. And trust me, you probs already have most of these!
- Lipsticks and Lipliners: Grab any shades you like. Mix and match! Even an old lipstick that’s lowkey forgotten at the back of your drawer can be magical now.🔥
- Lip Balm OR Lip Gloss: This is mainly for giving your new shade some moisture and a smooth texture. 💧
- Small Container or Palette: You’ll need something to mix it all together AND hold your final mix. CLEAN your makeup brush holders or find a tiny clean dish.
- A Tool: A small spatula, toothpick, or the back of a brush – anything that can help mix your shades properly.
Bonus suggestions: Depending on how extra you wanna be, you can also sprinkle in glitter pigments ✨ or a dab of highlighter to really customize your mix!
Mixing Basics: The Fun Part 🥳
Think about colors you like. Mixing dark with light makes new mysterious shades, while adding tons of pink or red can bring warmth and boldness. It’s all about experimenting.
Here’s a quick formula when you start mixing these babies up:
Mixing Formula
| Lipstick 1 | Lipstick 2 | End Result Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Red or Plum | Nude/Beige/Peach | Rich, Subtle–But Make It Luxe |
| Hot Pink | Muted Brown | Edgy, Electric Pink + Cool Base |
| Coral/Orange | Warm Red | Sunset Summer Bold |
| Brick Red | Gloss or Highlight | Glossy ‘90s LEGEND vibes |
| Deep Purple | Pink | Sophisticated but Flirty (OMG!) |
Step 1: Start with the Base
Get whichever lip shade feels like your “base” color. For example, if you want a cool-toned lip, start with something on the cooler side like a mauve or taupe. If you’re more into a warm fiery mix, grab those reds and corals! Don’t overthink it.
Use your spatula or tool to scoop a small amount out of the tube and place it into your container or mixing palette. Remember, just a lil bit at first, because you can always add but can’t really go back if you overdo it (been there, done that 💔).
Step 2: Now Add a Buddy
Now, here comes the fun: Add in a complementary or contrasting shade by gradually scooping in a bit at a time. The trick is to go slower than you think you should. You don’t wanna end up putting ALL the product in before knowing whether or not the colors actually work together. Stir, stir, stir until everything looks smooth.
💋 TIP: It’s all about mixing until it’s even. Trust your gut (aka your eyes) to tell you when it looks bomb AF!
The magic of mixing is how limitless it feels. You’re free to create something no one else has!
Step 3: Test It Out!
Once you’ve mixed the colors together, grab a lip brush. Swatch that baby onto your lips (or back of your hand if you’re still unsure – I get it 💁♀️) and test how it looks. Does it need more depth? More brightness? Is it too warm? Too cool? This is when you get to tweak it.
💡 Pro Tip: If it feels dry or too matte, add a bit of lip balm or gloss at this stage. It’ll make the color more flexible and give it that gorgeous texture you love.
Step 4: Lock It In Place 🔒
You’ve got your custom dream color. YAY! Do the fun “look in the mirror, pose, and pout” moment. Take a selfie because you deserve this, girl!
To keep your creation staying slay-worthy all day, outline with a clear lip liner or one that matches your new shade. And if you wanna add MORE moisture, go over with a glitter gloss or a shiny topcoat. Mwah! 💋
My Fave Combos You NEED to Try
Not totally sure where to start with your mixes? I got your back with some of my go-to custom combos that literally never let me down:
1. The “TikTok Viral Vibes” Combo
Take a plum lipstick and mix it with a nude pink. It’s like the modern-day nude but with drama. This just screams you could be reblogged for daysss.
2. The “No-Makeup, Who Dis?” Look
Wanna look effortlessly gorge? Think natural vibes. A soft terracotta or peachy nude mixed with just a touch of pink gloss. You’ll get the no-makeup makeup look (but with impact, duh).
3. Bold AF, Red and Purple Crush
People WILL notice you with lips like these. Mix your classic red lip (like MAC Ruby Woo, icons only) with a deep purple. It’s this edgy, sultry, boss vibe all at once. You’ll feel like a total QUEEN, trust.
Be bold, be fearless, but most of all, be comfortable being YOU with custom shades.
Troubleshooting Common Mix Mistakes
Everyone will make at least one mistake. Don’t freak out if your first mix doesn’t turn out exactly how you imagined in your head. Here’s how to fix some common things:
- Too dark? Add more light colors, but gradually so you don’t overdo it.
- Too light? Toss in a dab more of a concentrated or bold tone like red or fuchsia.
- Too dry? Add more balm or moisturizing lip gloss until it’s smoother.
Stay patient. Be the Picasso of lipstick. It takes a few mixes sometimes to get that PERFECT unique shade.
But… What If You Want Something SUPER Smooth?
If you’re not about that mix-on-the-palette life BUT still wanna customize your color, let me put you on to tinted balms! They’re super easy to play around with and WAY less mess. Just glide your fav lipstick onto your lips and top it with a tinted balm or gloss and BOOM, you’ve created a new color BUT with a soft finish. 🧴
Some of my current faves: Glossier Balm Dotcom for that dewy sheen or NYX Butter Gloss because it has serious pigment and will change any shade.
The Verdict: You Are Your Own Lip Queen 👑
Honestly, babes, you don’t need a million dollars or a makeup lab to create your ideal lip shade. All you really need is a few lipsticks and some creativity! Mix ’em, match ’em, and wear them LOUDLY. There’s no wrong way to do it, and at the end of the day, the best part is that YOU are the only one with THAT specific lip look.
Hope you had fun hanging with me and don’t forget to tag me in your custom lip shade selfies! 💬 ❤️ Just remember, slapping two colors together is a mood, but finessing it like a boss? That’s an art.
Now go mix up some 🔥🔥🔥.
