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Can I get Discontinued Lipstick?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Those who are interested in purchasing discontinued lipstick can either search for the product on websites that specialize in selling discontinued beauty products or they can have the lipstick color recreated by working with a custom lipstick company. In some cases, it may not be possible to find a discontinued lipstick, especially if the color and formula have been out of production for a year or more. In these cases it may make sense to contact a company that makes custom cosmetics. In order for this to work, it is probably necessary to have some of the product on hand to send to the company for analysis and recreation. For people who are serious about their cosmetics and find that their favorite lipstick shades are out of production, this may be the best option.
When recreating a discontinued lipstick with a custom cosmetics company, it is important to consider the finish of the lipstick as well as the color. In addition to getting the color right, the level of shine that the product adds to the lips should also be replicated. A matte red, for example, creates a very different look than a red that includes a high level of gloss. Companies that make discontinued lipstick shades can often help in determining the right level of shine, but be sure to discuss this before investing in a custom product.
Another way to replace a discontinued lipstick is simply to search for a replacement in the market. There are thousands of kinds of lipstick that are available for purchase. Simply keep what remains of the discontinued lipstick and use it for comparison while shopping. It may be possible to replace a discontinued lipstick with a nearly identical product that is still in production.
There are a few things to look for when comparing a discontinued lipstick with a new lipstick. The first and most obvious thing to look for is color, but it is also important to consider whether there is any shimmer in the lipstick. Shimmer may be caused by the use of an ingredient like mica. Also test the gloss and the feel of the new product. Most stores have testers for their cosmetics, so rub a bit of the new product on the back of the hand to determine whether it has the same level of gloss and the same feeling as the discontinued lipstick.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![A woman applying lipstick.]()
By: bst2012A woman applying lipstick. -
![Additives such as mica, fish scales, and silica may be used in the shimmery lipsticks for shine.]()
By: vvoeAdditives such as mica, fish scales, and silica may be used in the shimmery lipsticks for shine. -
![Some websites specialize in selling discontinued lipsticks and other makeup.]()
By: GreseiSome websites specialize in selling discontinued lipsticks and other makeup. -
![When buying a discontinued lipstick, make sure that the product has not expired.]()
By: alex83chWhen buying a discontinued lipstick, make sure that the product has not expired.
Discussion Comments
I’ve had an issue with finding lipstick and other cosmetic products that have been discontinued. It’s extremely frustrating—like losing your favorite pair of jeans. You know the ones that look great and you can never replace. If you are using cosmetic brands that are easily found in your local pharmacy or discount store, you may be able to find some “leftovers” at closeout stores like Big Lots. Higher end products such as Lancome or Molton Brown may be found at their respective websites. The internet is a wondrous thing. A girl can find almost anything she’s look for out there.
One suggestion I have is to find out why a product has been discontinued. Was it due to a change in style or was it an issue with a particular ingredient?
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