SubjectsGeneral FactsFactsIP FactoidsWeird Facts Fish scales are commonly used to make lipstick. By IP Factly - Feb 4, 2016 0 5 Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Image credit:Fish scales by Rajesh dangi/GDFL, Lipstick/CC0 Public Domain. Do you know what makes lipsticks shimmer? Pulverized silver fish scales. It is also found in some nail polishes and mascara.