DIY lip gloss and lip color

Natural pigments and caring ingredients for beautiful lips

Creating your own lip gloss or lip color is both creative and fun – and with natural ingredients, you can also take care of your lips while adding color to them. In this part of NSL Cosmetics' little formulation school, we'll go over how to formulate a softening and safe lip gloss from scratch!

What does a natural lip gloss contain?

A plant-based lip gloss often consists of:

• Vegetable oils – such as castor oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil

• Waxes – such as beeswax or candelilla wax, which provide hold and shine

• Butter – e.g. shea butter or mango butter for a softening effect

• Pigments – natural colorants such as mica, iron oxides or plant-based pigments

• Aroma and vitamin E – for scent, taste and shelf life

Example of complete DIY formula (w/w%)

Here's a balanced formula that works as both a lightly tinted lip gloss or a nourishing lip balm with color:

• Castor oil – 30%

• Jojoba oil – 20%

• Shea butter – 15%

• Beeswax – 12%

• Mica (natural pigment) – 5%

• Cocoa butter – 10%

• Tocopherol (vitamin E) – 0.5%

• Natural aroma oil (e.g. raspberry, vanilla or mint) – 0.5%

• Extra jojoba oil – 7%

Total: 100%

Gently heat the oils, butter and beeswax until everything is melted. Then stir in the mica and add the fragrance and vitamin E when the mixture has cooled slightly. Pour into small jars or tubes.

Tips and variations

• Want more shine ? Reduce the beeswax slightly and increase the oils.

• Want more color ? Try mixing mica with a little iron oxide for increased intensity.

• Want a firmer consistency ? Increase the amount of beeswax.

• For a vegan formula , replace beeswax with candelilla wax.

With natural shine and nurturing love,
NSL Cosmetics