Ultimate Guide to Launching Your Private Label Lip Crayon Like a Pro

Why Lip Crayons Are Your 2025 Brand Launchpad (+Trend Data)

As beauty entrepreneurs, understanding market trends is crucial to launching a product that resonates with consumers. Lip crayons are rapidly gaining traction in 2024-2025, poised to be a staple in makeup bags worldwide. This versatile product combines the precision of a lip liner with the rich coverage of a lipstick, offering both convenience and style.

According to the NPD Group, glossy finishes in lip crayons grew by 27% in Q1 2024, indicating a strong consumer demand for hydrating, shiny textures. Meanwhile, satin finishes have risen by approximately 15% year-over-year, reflecting a preference for lip products that balance matte elegance with moisture. Euromonitor also reported a 22% increase in multi-use makeup products sales in 2024, underscoring the popularity of products like lip crayons that double as cheek tint or liner.

Given these insights, launching a private label lip crayon line in 2025 is an excellent opportunity to meet market demand with a product that blends innovation and practicality.

Top Trending Shades for Lip Crayons in 2025

• Warm Terracotta (#E2725B): This earthy, universally flattering tone lends warmth and sophistication to any look.
• Soft Mauve (#B784A7): A gentle, muted purple-pink that works beautifully for everyday wear and complements a wide range of skin tones.

Incorporating these trending colors into your initial launch palette can capture consumer attention and position your brand as on-trend.

Actionable Takeaway:

Keep your launch palette aligned with trending finishes and colors to maximize appeal and sales potential.

Step 1: Formula Foundations - What Beginners MUST Know

Creating a standout lip crayon starts with a solid, consumer-friendly formula. For new founders, the formulation process can feel complex, but focusing on a few key elements simplifies the path.

1. Start with a Smooth, Non-Sticky Base

Consumers expect lip crayons to glide on effortlessly and provide long-lasting comfort. The base typically consists of a blend of waxes and oils:

• Waxes: Candelilla, carnauba, and beeswax provide structure and help the crayon maintain shape.
• Oils: Jojoba, castor, and almond oils create smooth application and hydrate lips.

Using the right balance is key: too much wax makes the crayon dry and crumbly; too much oil can cause smudging.

2. Prioritize Vegan & Cruelty-Free Ingredients

Today's consumers increasingly demand ethical beauty products. A vegan lip product that avoids animal-derived ingredients and is cruelty-free can open up new customer segments. Vegan waxes such as candelilla and carnauba offer excellent alternatives to beeswax.

3. Consider Multi-Use Formulations

Formulating a lip crayon that can also double as a cheek tint or liner increases product versatility and consumer value. This approach appeals especially to minimalist consumers and travelers.

4. Cost-Saving Formulation Tips

• Use mineral pigments that offer high opacity and stability but are cost-effective.
• Optimize wax-to-oil ratios to reduce expensive oils without compromising texture.
• Source raw materials from reputable suppliers who offer volume discounts.

Formulation Checklist for Beginners:

• Choose vegan waxes and nourishing oils
• Test pigment saturation for vibrant, even color payoff
• Ensure smooth application with no drag or dryness
• Verify hypoallergenic and allergen-free status
• Never skip stability testing to ensure shelf life and safety!

Step 2: Packaging That Sells - Budget to Luxury Options

Packaging not only protects your lip crayons but also reflects your brand identity and influences consumer purchase decisions. Here’s a detailed look at packaging options suitable for various budgets and sustainability goals.

1. Affordable Packaging Options (Under $0.80/unit)

• Standard plastic twist-up tubes are widely used and customizable with printed labels or sleeves.
• These options allow lower MOQs and faster production turnaround.
• Ideal for startups focusing on cost control without sacrificing basic aesthetics.

2. Premium Packaging Upgrades ($1.50–$2.50/unit)

• Metal tubes or hybrid materials with magnetic closures provide a luxurious feel.
• Options include custom engraving, metallic finishes, or embossed logos for a high-end look.
• Higher MOQs typically apply; however, the perceived value can justify the investment.

3. Sustainable Packaging Alternatives

Eco-conscious packaging is increasingly important. Consider:

• Sugarcane-based bioplastics — biodegradable and renewable.
• Recycled plastics or aluminum tubes to reduce environmental footprint.
• Minimalist designs that reduce excess materials.

4. Navigating Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

MOQs vary widely depending on packaging complexity and customization. Here are tips to manage MOQs effectively:

• Request clear MOQ info upfront to plan budgets and inventory.
• Negotiate MOQs by combining packaging with formulation orders.
• Consider standard packaging with custom labels if MOQs are prohibitive.

Packaging Checklist:

• Define your target price point and customer expectations
• Evaluate sustainability preferences of your audience
• Confirm MOQ and lead times with multiple suppliers
• Request and test physical samples before finalizing
• Ensure packaging complements your brand’s visual identity

Step 3: Color Selection Science - From Pantone to Profit

Choosing the right color palette is like building a capsule wardrobe for your brand — it should be versatile, cohesive, and seasonally adaptable. Thoughtful color selection maximizes your launch impact and encourages repeat purchases.

Picking Your 5 Starter Shades

Consider the following for your initial palette:

• Neutral Nude: Pantone 14-1214 TCX (Almond Buff) — a warm beige suitable for everyday looks.
• Warm Coral: Pantone 16-1544 TCX (Living Coral) — vibrant and fresh for spring/summer.
• Classic Red: Pantone 19-1764 TCX (Fiery Red) — timeless and bold, perfect for statement looks.
• Soft Mauve: Pantone 16-3207 TCX (Mauve Mist) — a muted pink-purple, flattering for fall and winter.
• Deep Berry: Pantone 19-2026 TCX (Blackcurrant) — rich and sultry for evening wear.

Seasonal Adaptability

Offer shades that work year-round, but also plan limited-edition seasonal colors to create urgency and excitement:

• Spring/Summer: Bright corals and fresh nudes
• Fall/Winter: Deep berries and muted mauves

Color Strategy Checklist:

• Research and incorporate trending Pantone shades
• Test pigments for opacity, wear, and stability
• Create a cohesive palette that aligns with brand identity
• Include a mix of bold and neutral shades to broaden appeal
• Plan phased expansion based on customer feedback and sales data

Step 4: Cost Control Tactics - Manufacturing Insider Tips

Launching a private label lip crayon requires careful budgeting and understanding of cost drivers. Here’s a breakdown to help you control expenses:

Typical Production Cost Breakdown

• Formula production: $0.70 - $1.80 per unit depending on ingredient complexity
• Packaging: $0.80 - $2.50 per unit depending on material and customization
• Testing & certifications: Approximately $0.10 - $0.25 per unit spread over MOQ
• Shipping & logistics: Variable, but budget for 10-15% of total cost

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

• Certification fees for vegan, cruelty-free, or organic labels
• Import duties and taxes depending on manufacturing location
• Additional charges for rush orders or packaging modifications

Tips to Reduce Costs

• Consolidate orders for formula and packaging to negotiate better pricing
• Choose simpler packaging designs to lower tooling and production costs
• Work with manufacturers open to flexible MOQs
• Plan lead times carefully to avoid rush fees

Budget Control Checklist:

• Obtain detailed, all-inclusive quotes from multiple manufacturers
• Compare ingredient and packaging costs separately
• Allocate budget for marketing, certifications, and unforeseen fees
• Track expenses and update forecasts regularly
• Consider phased launches to spread costs and test the market

Manufacturer's Corner: How We Make Lip Crayon Development Painless

Partnering with an experienced manufacturer transforms your vision into reality. Here are five critical questions to ask before selecting a supplier:

• What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ), and is it negotiable? Understanding MOQ impacts your budget and inventory planning.
• Do you offer vegan and cruelty-free certifications? Certifications boost consumer confidence and can be a unique selling point.
• Can you customize formulations and conduct stability testing? Quality assurance ensures product safety and longevity.
• What packaging options and sustainable alternatives do you provide? Flexibility here supports brand differentiation and environmental goals.
• How do you manage quality control and production timelines? Reliable delivery helps you meet launch deadlines and maintain brand reputation.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Lack of transparency in pricing or production process
• Refusal to provide product samples or references
• Unclear communication or missed deadlines
• Absence of required certifications or testing reports

Bonus Insight: A good manufacturer acts as a partner, advising on formulation tweaks, packaging trends, and cost-saving measures. Choose one with a proven track record and excellent communication.

Final Thoughts

Launching your private label lip crayon in 2025 is an exciting journey that blends creativity with strategic planning. By focusing on trending formulations, smart packaging, savvy color selection, and cost control, you position your brand for success in a competitive market.

Remember, the secret to a standout lip crayon lies in balancing quality, aesthetics, and ethical values—ingredients that today's consumers prioritize. With the right manufacturer by your side and a clear roadmap, you can transform your beauty vision into a thriving custom cosmetics line.

Ready to formulate? Request our Lip Crayon Starter Kit and take the first step toward launching your private label lip crayon today!