Lipstick Tubes

Empty Lipstick Tubes for Bullet Shaped Lipstick, Tinted Balm, and Lip Color

What a lipstick tube is used for

A lipstick tube holds a solid stick of lip color that the customer twists up from the base and applies straight to the lips. A lipstick tube is used for lipstick, tinted balm, lip crayon, matte lip color, and other solid lip products. Small beauty brands, makers, and private label sellers buy empty lipstick tubes to fill at their own site. A tube is clean to use, fits a purse or a pocket, and works for retail, travel, and gift sets. The cap protects the stick, and a snug fit keeps the cap closed in a bag.

Sizes and how to measure

A lipstick tube is sized by the width of the inner cup, which is the part that holds the stick. Common cup sizes are 12.1 mm and 12.7 mm (about 0.5 in), and a cup of this size holds a full size stick of about 3.5 g to 4 g. Check the total height with the cap on, because that sets the size of your box. Measure the outer width of the tube and the flat side for a label. The cap, base, and inner cup are a matched set, so send us the size you want and we confirm the match.

Example sizes (approximate and for reference only; we confirm the exact size before you order):

• Round tube, 12.1 mm cup: about 0.9 in wide x 3.1 in tall with cap
• Round tube, 12.7 mm cup: about 1 in wide x 3.2 in tall with cap
• Square tube, 12.7 mm cup: about 0.9 in x 0.9 in wide x 3.1 in tall with cap

Shapes, materials, and colors

A bullet shaped lipstick tube is built around the classic bullet shaped stick, and the cup holds the stick in place as it is twisted up. Round and square tubes are the most common shapes, and slim and flat shapes give a more unique look. A clear lipstick tube shows the color of the product and suits a light, modern style. Black and white tubes are the classic choice, and custom colors can match your brand. Tubes are made of plastic such as ABS, AS, or PETG, and some brands ask about metal or glass. A glass lipstick tube is heavy and breaks more easily, so ask us in the free consultation what is possible for your project. Caps and bases can match the body or be a contrast color in gold, silver, black, or white.

Printing, coating, and finishes

A design lipstick tube can carry a logo and a pattern in several ways. Screen printing puts one or two colors straight on the tube and lasts well, and white or black ink stands out on a colored tube. Hot stamp foil in gold or silver gives a sharp metallic mark. A pressure sensitive label gives full color and room for the shade name. A matte, glossy, or soft touch coating can match your brand. Bulk orders can be printed with the same design on every tube, or left plain so you can add a shade label after filling.

Choosing a lipstick tube manufacturer

When you compare a lipstick tube manufacturer, ask about the minimum order, the proof, and how the parts are matched. At LuLu Packaging, orders start at 5,000 units, you approve a proof before production, and we confirm the cap, base, and cup match for you. Tell us how you plan to fill the tube, and we suggest the best size and material. Ask whether the supplier shares a dieline, because that shows you exactly where your artwork can go.

Labeling notes

If your tube holds a lip product, the label must carry the text that the law requires for your product, such as ingredients, net contents, and warnings. A tube has little room, so plan a short label or a larger outer label or box. You supply the text and the layout, and we print what you send. We do not write or check label text or claims, so please have your final label reviewed by a person who knows the rules for your product.

Artwork and dieline

We send a free dieline that shows the print area on your tube, or the size of your label. Supply artwork as a vector AI or PDF file with fonts outlined and images at 300 DPI in CMYK. Screen print and foil designs work best as single color vector files. If you have no artwork yet, free design support and a free consultation are included, and our team can help lay out the logo and the text from your brand colors. You review and approve the artwork before production starts.

How to order custom lipstick tubes

1. Choose your tube size, shape, color, and cap.
2. Send your quantity, starting at 5,000 units.
3. Receive your free dieline and add your artwork, or ask for help.
4. Review and approve the artwork and the part match.
5. Production takes 25 to 30 business days after artwork approval.
6. Your order ships free to one U.S. address.

The final price depends on tube size, shape, material, color, printing, finishing, and quantity. The 5,000 unit minimum suits a first launch and a wholesale order alike.

What comes with every order

• Free shipping to one U.S. address
• Free thank-you cards equal to the units ordered
• Free design support, free dieline, and free consultation
• Orders start at 5,000 units
• Eco-friendly materials sourced from certified suppliers