We Can't Stop Watching This Mesmerizing Video of How Lipstick Was Made in the 1950s
Mmmmm, all that wax and castor oil.


One of the more pleasant gifts the internet has given us is videos of How Things Are Made. These wildly satisfying clips show, say, how a cake is decorated or how gummy bears are produced, and as a viewer you are lulled by unlocking another mystery of the universe.
We've traveled to a beauty factory this year to see how lipstick is made, from the milling of pigments to whisking in the silica. The process is highly scientific, white-lab-coat-requiring stuff—a bit more so than this Buzzfeed video showing how lippies were mixed up in the 1950s.
Giant blocks of wax and vats of castor oil, plus colored powders, are what stars like Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall (and your grandma) were smearing on their lips. Informative!
Plus, who knew that the angled shape of the stick was created via a basic flame? Like, we could do that! What a simple way to get the fresh-from-Sephora triangle back.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-Flops
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions"
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
The Buzzy Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlighter Makes Me Feel Part of the One Percent
It's worth every penny, and lasts for *so* long.
-
NARS Just Dropped a Lip Oil Shade Inspired by the South of France and I’m Living for the Glow
The kind of bronze shimmer that transports you to the French Riviera.
-
I've Been to Over 100 Concerts, Which Means My Sweat-Proof Makeup Routine Is Basically Flawless
Hours of dancing later, I can confirm this is the best concert-ready routine.
-
22 Under-$50 Products at the Shopbop Beauty Sale I Swear By for My Summer Glow
My favorite self-tanners, bronzers, sunscreens, and more are currently 20 percent off at Shopbop.
-
This Cult-Favorite Urban Decay Eyeliner More Than Lives Up to the Hype
It passes my strict standards with flying colors.
-
The 2025 Met Gala Beauty Looks Were Even Better at the After-Parties
The behind-the-scenes hair and makeup we missed on the navy carpet.
-
Everyone Needs a Bad Bitch Lipstick in Their Makeup Collection
Hot girl certified.
-
Patrick Ta's Major Glow Bronzing Body Oil Gives My Skin a Vacation Glow—Without the Vacation
Patrick Ta's newest drop gives a vacation glow without the vacation.