When it comes to creating the perfect lipstick, the formula is only half of the story,the lipstick mold plays an equally important role.
Whether you are a beauty enthusiast making small-batch DIY lipstick products at home or a global cosmetics brand preparing for mass production, understanding how to customize a lipstick mold is essential.
At Alovey, we work with both silicone molds for creative, small-scale use and aluminum (alu) molds for large-scale professional manufacturing.
The key factor that determines success lies in the diameter of the lipstick inner cup and the lipstick tube, since the mold must be perfectly matched to both.
Silicone Lipstick Molds: Perfect for DIY & Small Batches
For small-scale production or DIY use, silicone lipstick molds are a popular choice.
They are flexible, cost-effective, and allow easy release of the lipstick bullet without damage. They also make it possible to experiment with creative designs, from classic slants to heart-shaped or novelty bullets.
However, even with silicone molds, accuracy matters: the bullet diameter must match the inner cup of the tube.
If the fit is too loose, the bullet may wobble or fall out; if it’s too tight, assembly becomes difficult.
Silicone molds are widely used by indie beauty creators and R&D teams.
Flexibility:
Easy to release the lipstick bullet without damaging the shape.
Cost-effective
Lower investment, ideal for experimentation and sample testing.
Customization
Can be designed in different shapes—classic slant, heart-shaped, or novelty designs.
Tip
Even with silicone molds, the inner cup diameter of the lipstick tube must match. If the bullet is too loose, it may fall out during use; if it’s too tight, assembly will be difficult.
Aluminum Lipstick Molds: Standard for Mass Production
For large-scale cosmetic manufacturing, precision aluminum molds are the industry standard.
Durability
Can withstand repeated use in automated production lines.
High Accuracy
Ensures each bullet is uniform, with smooth surface finishing.
Scalability
Designed to handle thousands of lipsticks per production batch.
Tip
When customizing aluminum molds, the exact diameter of the lipstick inner cup (usually between 11.5mm–12.7mm depending on the tube design) must be measured precisely. Even a difference of 0.1mm can cause mismatch issues between the bullet and the tube.
The Connection Between Lipstick Mold, Inner Cup, and Tube
Lipstick Tube Inner Cup
The cavity inside the tube that holds the lipstick bullet.
Mold Cavity
Must match the inner cup diameter exactly for smooth assembly.
Another important factor is the mold cavity design. Aluminum lipstick molds are often made in different cavity options, such as 12 cavities, 24 cavities, or even 96 cavities.
A 12-cavity mold is commonly used for small batch testing or sample runs.
A 24-cavity mold offers medium-scale production, balancing speed and flexibility.
A 96-cavity mold is ideal for mass production, significantly improving efficiency by allowing multiple bullets to be produced at once.
Custom Fit
Before production, brands need to confirm their chosen lipstick tube size, then customize the mold accordingly.
For example, if your lipstick tube inner cup is 12.1mm, your mold must be designed to cast bullets at exactly 12.1mm diameter. This ensures a seamless fit, smooth twisting, and a premium user experience.
The Importance of Demolding
Once the lipstick is poured into the mold and solidified, demolding becomes the next critical step. Proper demolding ensures the bullet surface is smooth, the shape is intact, and there are no cracks or air bubbles.
Aluminum molds require precise temperature control. The lipstick must cool evenly before demolding; if removed too early, the bullet may break or deform. To aid demolding, some manufacturers use a light coating agent or controlled cooling methods to ensure the bullet slides out smoothly without surface damage.
Efficient demolding not only affects appearance but also ensures that the bullet will insert correctly into the tube’s inner cup, maintaining stability and premium user experience.
Steps to Customize Your Lipstick Mold
Confirm Tube Design
Select your lipstick packaging (standard tube, slim, or creative design).
Measure Inner Cup Diameter
Work with your packaging supplier to get precise measurements.
Choose Mold Type
Silicone for small-scale or testing; aluminum for mass production.
Define Shape & Finish
Classic bullet, flat-top, or custom-shaped lipstick head.
Prototype & Test
Always make sample runs before mass production to confirm fit and performance. We can help you make 12 cavity lipstick mold for your test. If everything goes well , we will make 24 cavity or 96 cavity for your choose.
Final Thoughts
Customizing a lipstick mold is not just about creating a bullet shape—it’s about ensuring compatibility with your packaging. At Alovey, we help beauty brands from the early design stage to mass production, making sure the inner cup, mold, and tube are perfectly matched for flawless performance.
Whether you’re experimenting with a DIY silicone mold or preparing for large-scale runs with aluminum molds, remember: precision in diameter equals perfection in packaging.
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