For decades, we’ve relied on pre-made lipsticks to add a pop of color to our lives. But let’s be honest—how often have you found the exact shade you wanted, only to discover it doesn’t look right on you? Or worse, it ends up at the back of your drawer, barely used.
Fast forward to 2025, and the beauty world is shifting in exciting ways. Custom lipstick is on the rise, offering makeup lovers the freedom to create shades that suit their mood, skin tone, and unique vibe. If you’ve been hearing the buzz about DIY lipstick tools like GoPlay Cosmetics’ LipsKit, here’s why this trend is taking center stage—and why it just might be the future of lipstick.
The Pre-Made Lipstick Problem
Did you know the global lipstick market was valued at over $12 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to nearly $16 billion by 2028? That’s a lot of lipstick! But despite the variety on store shelves, many consumers still feel frustrated with pre-made options.
1. Limited Shade Ranges
Even the biggest beauty brands can’t account for everyone’s needs. A 2023 survey found that 67% of women feel limited by the shades offered in pre-made lipstick collections. Whether it’s the wrong undertone, an odd finish, or just not the vibe you’re going for, finding your perfect lipstick is often harder than it should be.
2. The Lipstick Graveyard
Research from TerraCycle shows that beauty products are some of the most commonly wasted items in the average household, with lipsticks being a big contributor. How many barely-used lipsticks are lurking in your makeup drawer right now? Pre-made products often lead to waste—both for your wallet and the environment.
3. High Costs for Luxury Options
Prestige brands like YSL’s Rouge Sur Mesure offer cutting-edge lipstick tech but often come with steep price tags. For beauty lovers who crave variety, spending upwards of $300 on a single device which offers only a handful of color options (and you're married to one single finish and texture) can feel like a big commitment.
The Rise of DIY Lipstick
As beauty trends shift toward personalization and sustainability, custom lipstick is emerging as a game-changer. DIY tools like GoPlay’s LIPSKIT are designed to give you complete control over your lipstick—from color and texture to how much product you make.
Why DIY Lipstick is Leading the Way
1. The Power of Customization
With DIY tools, you’re not limited by a pre-determined shade range. Instead, you can create lipstick colors tailored to your exact preferences. Want a bold coral for summer or a muted mauve for winter? You’ve got it.
Data from a 2024 beauty trends report shows that 74% of consumers are looking for products that allow for greater customization. It’s clear that personalization isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming a priority.
2. Sustainability in Action
The beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging annually, much of which ends up in landfills. Custom lipstick tools like GoPlay’s LipsKit are a more eco-friendly alternative. They’re reusable, reduce waste, and let you create only what you need, eliminating the clutter of unused products.
By switching to a DIY system, you’re not just creating your perfect lipstick—you’re also contributing to a cleaner planet.
3. Value for Money
While luxury brands offer limited shades at premium prices, DIY lipstick tools provide endless options at a fraction of the cost. For example, the LipsKit can produce dozens of shades for the price of a few high-end lipsticks. Over time, it’s a more economical choice for anyone who loves experimenting with their look.
4. The Fun Factor
Let’s not underestimate how satisfying it is to mix your own lipstick. DIY tools bring a playful, creative element to your routine that pre-made products simply can’t match. Whether you’re crafting a signature shade or experimenting with bold, trendy colors, the process is half the fun.
5. Sense of pride and achievement
If you've ever baked a cake, made something crafty, or simply created anything with your own two hands, you'll know the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with it. Makeup is no different. When you create your own colors, tweak them to your liking and apply them, the sense of fulfilment and satisfaction is something to experience, and you'll never get that with off-the-shelf makeup products.
Sure you can buy a cake from the roadside confectionary, but the feeling of baking your own cake, and eating it too is unmatched!
How Custom Lipstick Stands Out
Custom lipstick tools like GoPlay’s LipsKit are designed for modern beauty lovers who want more from their makeup. Here’s what makes the LipsKit unique:
• Endless possibilities: Minimize waste by using just 5 color refills to create an endless array of colors and textures. LipsKit is a system that’s built to last through your prom, graduation, jobs, wedding and much more.
• Vegan and Cruelty-Free: No harmful chemicals, no animal testing—just clean beauty.
• Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need to be a pro to mix your perfect shade; the system is intuitive and easy to use.
Cool Stats to Know
1. Lipstick Preferences are Evolving: A study by Mintel found that 61% of women aged 20–40 are interested in customizable makeup products.
2. Sustainability is Key: According to McKinsey, 78% of beauty consumers in the U.S. prefer brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices.
3. DIY is on the Rise: Pinterest searches for “DIY lipstick ideas” grew by 35% in 2024, showing growing interest in custom beauty.
Getting Started with DIY Lipstick
So now that you're convinced that DIY makeup is the way forward, here’s how to dive in:
1. Identify your personal color season: If you don't already know, each one of can be categorised into one of 12 color seasons, and based on your color season, there's a color palette that tends to highlight your best features. You can find your color season with our FREE quiz. When you pick your lipstick colors, based on your personal color season, chances are they'll look great on you.
2. Experiment with Color Theory: Start by mixing basic shades (like red + white for pink) and build your confidence from there.
3. Try Seasonal Looks: Use the freedom of DIY lipstick to create colors that match seasonal trends—think warm reds for winter or vibrant oranges for summer.
4. Mix Small Batches: One of the perks of DIY is that you can create just enough for what you need, so don’t be afraid to start small.
Final Thoughts
Custom lipstick isn’t just a trend—it’s a reflection of where the beauty industry is headed. As we embrace 2025, DIY tools like GoPlay’s LipsKit are leading the charge toward more personalized, sustainable, and creative beauty routines.
So, if you’re tired of wasting money on shades that don’t work for you or want to step up your beauty game, now’s the perfect time to give custom lipstick a try. Who knows? Your perfect shade might just be the one you create yourself.
