How To Make Your Own Peel-Off Lipsticks

Throughout spring 2016, peel off lipsticks and stains took the beauty world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. After all, they’re simple, innovative, and packed with the kind of fun-factor that will make anyone nostalgic for pre-school arts and craft classes. In fact, they’re so much fun that I decided to try to make some myself.

After hunting the DIY treasure trove of YouTube, I decided to give vlogger Rachel Levin's method a go. Not only was her tutorial incredibly easy to follow, but it's also cost-effective by using two ingredients that nearly everyone has in their house: PVA glue and food coloring.

While the idea of putting glue on my lips did sound a little off-putting at first, I've got to admit that it works pretty well. And if you use a non-toxic, child-friendly brand, the process is completely safe.

You can also create a variety of colored stains with it. I tried out classic pinks and reds, which can be worn on a day-to-day basis, as well as slightly more out-there hues like purple and blue.

So whether you’re looking for a DIY product that can be added to your cosmetic bag or simply want to brighten up your makeup routine with wacky colors for a party or festival, here’s how you can make your very own peel-off lip stains.

What You'll Need

To create DIY peel-off lip stains, you'll need the following ingredients:

• PVA Glue
• Food Coloring
• Mixing Bowls
• Cotton Swabs/Spoon
• Makeup Brush

1. Pour PVA Into A Bowl

Start by squeezing PVA glue into a mixing bowl. As I mentioned earlier, non-toxic glue is safe to apply to your skin. Just make sure you read the label.

You can even use any leftover for other beauty DIYs. Take this peel-off charcoal face mask, for example.

2. Add Food Coloring

Next, add your chosen food coloring to the mixing bowl. I'd recommend either using a paste or liquid dyes, rather than powder, as they're usually far more pigmented and will leave you with better results when you peel the stain off.

3. Mix Together

Mix together the PVA and coloring until you get a shade you're happy with.

4. Create More Stains

Repeat the process and create as many different stains as you'd like. I opted for three: A red, purple and blue.

You can also create slightly more out-there colors like yellow and green. Or if you're feeling really brave, mix them up and apply one color to your top lip and another to the bottom.

Levin created a striking rainbow look in her original tutorial. Though I'm nowhere near brave enough to try that, I have to admit that it would be fantastic for a party or festival.

5. Apply With Makeup Brush

It's now time to use the stain. Simply dip a small makeup brush into the bowl and apply it just like you would normal lipstick.

If you want your lips to look extra pigmented, apply two or three coats. This will help the PVA set evenly and ensure that your lips don't end up looking patchy.

6. Peel Off

Once the PVA is bone dry, you can peel it off. The easiest way to do this is to slowly roll up the edges of the mixture before pulling the mixture off one lip at a time. After you've removed it, you'll be left with a striking stain that has some mighty staying power.

All that's left to do is add the final touches. If you're happy with the color itself, I'd recommend adding a coat of lip balm before you leave the house. This will help restore some much-needed moisture and balance out the drying effect of the peel.

And there you have it. Cheap, simple, and heaps of fun to make, there's no excuse not to try peel-off lip stains.

Food Coloring AmeriColor Student Kit, $25, Amazon

Images: Emma Matthews