A dermatologist with a love for natural remedies and all things skincare! With over a decade of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology, I’m here to share simple, effective tips that blend science and nature for your healthiest skin yet. A writer and co-founder of Skin Simple True.
A few months ago, one of my friends handed me a small, beautifully packaged lip gloss pot. When I opened it, the scent was subtle and sweet, and the color looked like it would add just the right amount of shine without feeling too sticky.
I tried it on and immediately loved how it felt on my lips, light, smooth, and even a bit plumping. I had to know where she bought it because it felt so different from the store-bought glosses I usually tried (and often didn’t finish). To my surprise, she told me she made it herself!
Curiosity got the best of me. I peppered her with questions, asking about the ingredients, the process, and how she managed to make a gloss that wasn’t sticky but still had the perfect amount of shine.
She shared her recipe and a few of her secret tips, and I knew I had to try making my own. The idea of creating a gloss customized to my preferences was so exciting!
In this article, I’ll share the exact recipe that my friend taught me, along with some extra tips I’ve discovered along the way.
This DIY lip gloss is simple to make, uses natural ingredients, and leaves your lips feeling smooth, hydrated, and beautifully glossy.
By the end of the article, I’ll cover all the ways you can personalize your gloss with colors, flavors, and even plumping options so you can craft a signature gloss that’s truly your own!
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you have read in this article. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. For more details, refer to our Disclaimer Policy.
Why Make Your Own Lip Gloss?
Honestly, I never thought about making my own lip gloss. I was perfectly happy grabbing a new gloss at the store whenever I needed one.
But the homemade gloss my friend gifted me completely changed my mind. It felt different, not just in texture but in quality and how gentle it was on my lips.
It was free from that sticky, heavy feeling and left my lips soft, smooth, and with a gorgeous shine.
Some other reasons to consider making your own lip gloss at home:
1. Customization: You can control the color, scent, and consistency. Want a hint of pink? Add beetroot powder. Prefer a vanilla scent? A drop of vanilla extract will do the trick. The possibilities are endless, and you can experiment until you find your perfect formula.
2. Safe and Natural Ingredients: Many commercial lip glosses contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and other potentially irritating chemicals. When you make your own, you know exactly what’s going into the product and onto your lips.
3. Cost-Effective: Although some natural ingredients may seem pricey initially, they’ll last for several batches, making DIY lip gloss significantly cheaper than high-end store-bought versions.
4. Eco-Friendly: You’ll reduce waste by reusing containers and opting for eco-friendly ingredients, which is a win for the planet.
5. Fun and Creative: Crafting lip gloss at home is fun, whether you’re doing it alone or with friends. You can create your own “signature gloss” and enjoy the satisfaction of making something beautiful and functional yourself.
The Basics of DIY Homemade Lip Gloss
Creating your own lip gloss requires a few basic components:
1 | Base Oil
This is the foundation of your gloss. Oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil are commonly used to moisturize and provide a subtle shine. Castor oil is especially good for gloss as it has a thick consistency that gives more shine and staying power.
2 | Wax
Beeswax or candelilla wax (a vegan alternative) is essential for texture. It gives the gloss body and prevents it from feeling too runny on your lips.
3 | Butters
Butters like shea or cocoa add a rich, creamy feel to the gloss, enhancing its moisturizing properties.
4 | Optional Plumping Ingredients
To create a plumping effect, ingredients like peppermint or cinnamon oil can be added. These oils slightly irritate the lips, increasing blood flow and creating a fuller look. Use these sparingly to avoid irritation.
5 | Color and Flavor
To add color, you can use natural colorants like mica powder, beetroot powder, or cocoa powder. For flavor, natural extracts like vanilla, peppermint, or strawberry are great choices.
DIY Plumping Lip Gloss Recipe
This recipe creates a non-sticky, moisturizing, and slightly plumping lip gloss that leaves your lips looking luscious and full.
The gloss is easy to apply, feels light on the lips, and provides a gorgeous shine without that tacky, sticky feeling.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon castor oil – Provides high shine and a slightly thick consistency.
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil or sweet almond oil – Adds moisture and a smooth feel.
- 1 tablespoon shea butter – Gives the gloss a creamy, luxurious texture.
- 1/2 tablespoon beeswax or candelilla wax – Adds structure and prevents it from feeling too oily.
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint essential oil – For a gentle plumping effect (adjust to personal preference).
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a subtle, sweet fragrance.
- 1/8 teaspoon mica powder – Choose a color you like (optional, for a hint of color).
- 1-2 drops vitamin E oil – Acts as a natural preservative and provides extra nourishment for your lips.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Set up a clean, dry workspace with all your ingredients and tools ready. You’ll need a small saucepan, a heatproof bowl, a small whisk or spoon, and a container to store your lip gloss.
- Melt the Wax and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, add the beeswax (or candelilla wax) and shea butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, creating a double boiler. Stir occasionally until the wax and butter have melted completely.
- Add the Oils: Once the wax and butter have melted, add the castor oil, jojoba oil (or sweet almond oil), and vitamin E oil. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate the Color and Flavor: If you want a tinted gloss, add a small amount of mica powder (start with a pinch and add more if needed) and stir until well mixed. Next, add the peppermint essential oil for plumping and the vanilla extract for fragrance. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Cool and Test: Remove the bowl from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Test the texture by dipping a small, clean spatula into the gloss and letting it cool completely. If you want a thicker gloss, you can add a bit more beeswax. For a thinner gloss, add a bit more castor oil.
- Pour into Container: Carefully pour the mixture into your lip gloss container(s) while it’s still liquid. Allow the gloss to cool and solidify completely before using.
- Label and Enjoy: Once it’s cool, label your container with the date (homemade lip gloss typically lasts for about 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place). Now you’re ready to apply and enjoy your DIY homemade lip gloss!
Tips for Perfecting Your DIY Lip Gloss
Final Thoughts
Creating your own lip gloss at home is a fun, rewarding way to care for your lips while exploring your creativity.
This DIY homemade lip gloss recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and a wonderful way to make a plumping, non-sticky gloss that feels luxurious on the lips.
Plus, it makes a thoughtful, personalized gift if you want to share your creations with friends or family!
By taking a few minutes to create this DIY homemade lip gloss, you’re not only pampering yourself but also supporting a cleaner, more natural beauty routine.
So go ahead, experiment with colors, scents, and textures, and enjoy the beauty of a gloss that’s truly your own.
Last Updated on November 26, 2024
Thank you so much for the lip gloss recipe, it’s easy to follow your instructions. I only have one question, the vanilla extract is water base, is it ok if I mix it with the oils?
Thank you so much. I am glad the recipe was easy to follow (:
About the vanilla extract, it is true that water-based extracts do not fully mix with oils, but the small amount in this recipe is meant to add a light scent and is optional. If you prefer perfect blending with no chance of separation, you can use a vanilla flavor oil instead.