The Truth About What Is Lipgloss Made Out Of Will Surprise You: A DIY Guide

This guide will walk you through creating your own natural, moisturizing lipgloss at home. You'll be surprised at how simple and customizable it is, and you'll know exactly what's going onto your lips! Ditch the potentially harmful chemicals found in some commercial lipglosses and embrace a DIY approach for a healthy and personalized pout.

Prerequisites:

  • Patience: While the process is straightforward, take your time and enjoy the experience.

  • Cleanliness: Ensure all tools and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination.

  • Allergy Awareness: If you have known allergies, carefully research each ingredient before using it. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin (like your inner arm) 24 hours before applying to your lips.

    • Tools & Materials:

  • Base Oils (Choose one or a combination):

    • * Castor Oil: Provides shine and stickiness.
    * Coconut Oil (Fractionated): Lightweight and moisturizing. Fractionated coconut oil remains liquid at room temperature.
    * Sweet Almond Oil: Nourishing and adds a subtle sheen.
    * Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it easily absorbed.
  • Thickening Agent (Choose one):

    • * Beeswax: Adds firmness and structure. Use sparingly.
    * Shea Butter: Provides a creamy consistency and moisturizing benefits.
    * Candelilla Wax (Vegan Alternative): Similar to beeswax but plant-based.
  • Coloring Agent (Optional):

    • * Mica Powder: Natural mineral pigment for shimmer and color. Available in a wide range of shades.
    * Beetroot Powder: For a natural pink or reddish tint. Use sparingly as it can be quite potent.
    * Cosmetic Grade Lip Safe Pigments: Available online and in craft stores.
  • Flavoring Agent (Optional):

    • * Essential Oils: Peppermint, vanilla, citrus (use lip-safe essential oils and dilute properly).
    * Flavor Extracts: Vanilla, coconut, almond (use food-grade extracts).
  • Vitamin E Oil (Optional): Acts as an antioxidant and helps to prolong the shelf life of your lipgloss.

  • Small Heat-Safe Bowl or Beaker: For melting ingredients.

  • Small Saucepan: To create a double boiler.

  • Spoon or Stirring Stick: For mixing ingredients.

  • Lipgloss Tubes or Small Jars: For storing your finished lipgloss. You can purchase these online or repurpose clean, empty lipgloss containers.

  • Small Funnel (Optional): For easy filling of lipgloss tubes.

  • Paper Towels: For cleaning spills.

  • Digital Scale (Optional but recommended): For accurate measuring of ingredients.

    • Step-by-Step Instructions:

    1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down paper towels to protect your work surface. Gather all your ingredients and tools within easy reach. Ensure your lipgloss tubes or jars are clean and dry.

    2. Create a Double Boiler: Fill the small saucepan with about an inch or two of water. Place the heat-safe bowl or beaker inside the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. This indirect heat will prevent the oils and waxes from burning.

    3. Melt the Thickening Agent: Place your chosen thickening agent (beeswax, shea butter, or candelilla wax) into the heat-safe bowl. If using beeswax or candelilla wax, start with a small amount (e.g., 1/4 teaspoon for a small batch) and add more later if you desire a thicker consistency. Turn the stove on to medium-low heat and allow the thickening agent to melt completely, stirring occasionally.

    4. Add the Base Oil(s): Once the thickening agent is melted, add your chosen base oil(s) to the bowl. A good starting ratio is approximately 1 part thickening agent to 3-4 parts base oil. If using multiple base oils, combine them in the desired proportions. Stir continuously until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

    5. Incorporate Coloring Agent (Optional): If you're adding color, now's the time. Start with a very small amount of mica powder or beetroot powder (e.g., 1/8 teaspoon) and stir thoroughly. Add more gradually until you achieve your desired color intensity. Be careful not to add too much, as the color will intensify as the lipgloss cools.

    6. Add Flavoring Agent (Optional): Once the color is incorporated, add your chosen flavoring agent. For essential oils, start with 1-2 drops per small batch and increase to taste. For flavor extracts, start with a few drops. Remember that a little goes a long way! Stir well to distribute the flavor evenly.

    7. Add Vitamin E Oil (Optional): If using Vitamin E oil, add a few drops at this stage. Stir well.

    8. Test the Consistency: Remove the bowl from the double boiler and carefully place a small amount of the mixture onto a spoon. Allow it to cool for a minute or two. This will give you a better idea of the final consistency of your lipgloss. If it's too thin, add a bit more thickening agent and reheat. If it's too thick, add a bit more base oil and reheat.

    9. Pour into Containers: Once you're happy with the consistency and color, carefully pour the lipgloss into your chosen containers. If using lipgloss tubes, a small funnel can be helpful.

    10. Let Cool Completely: Allow the lipgloss to cool and solidify completely before using it. This may take several hours. Avoid disturbing the lipgloss during this process.

    11. Enjoy Your Homemade Lipgloss!

    Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Lipgloss is too thick: Add more base oil and reheat gently.

  • Lipgloss is too thin: Add more thickening agent and reheat gently.

  • Color is not intense enough: Add more coloring agent.

  • Lipgloss is grainy: This can happen if the shea butter wasn't melted completely. Reheat the mixture and stir thoroughly.

  • Lipgloss separates: Ensure you are stirring the mixture consistently while it is melting. This will ensure ingredients are fully combined.

  • Lipgloss has a strange smell: Ensure your ingredients are fresh and of good quality. Avoid using rancid oils.

Storage:

Store your homemade lipgloss in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it should last for several months. The shelf life will depend on the freshness of your ingredients.

Summary:

Creating your own lipgloss at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to control the ingredients and customize the color, flavor, and consistency to your liking. By following these simple steps, you can ditch the potentially harmful chemicals found in some commercial lipglosses and create a natural, moisturizing lipgloss that's perfect for your lips. Remember to prioritize cleanliness, allergy awareness, and careful experimentation to achieve the perfect homemade lipgloss.