Making lip gloss at home with a commercial lip gloss base is simple and allows for customization with colors, flavors, and nourishing ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed:
Commercial Lip Gloss Base (e.g., We will be using Flexagel M by TBK Trading)
Pigments or Mica Powders (for color) (Use cosmetic grade, approved for lips)
Flavoring Oils (optional, e.g., vanilla, mint...)
Carrier Oils (e.g., avocado , castor oil, vitamin E oil)
Lip Gloss Tubes or Pots
Mixing Bowls and Spoons
Pipettes or Syringes (for filling tubes)
Gloves and Sanitized Workspace
Needed supplies
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Your Workspace:
Clean and sanitize your work area and tools.
Wear gloves to maintain hygiene.
Wear old clothes.
Measure the Lip Gloss Base:
Scoop out the desired amount of the commercial lip gloss base into a mixing bowl.
I prefer to heat my lip gloss base in a double boiler or heat pad. It makes it easier to mix and pour the ingredients.
If you warm your lip gloss base it is easier to mix ingredients together and to add to the bottles. Customize with Oils (Optional):
Add a few drops of carrier oils (such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil) to make the gloss smoother and more moisturizing and less thick. Castor oil is often used as a carrier oil, it looks and feels great but smells waxy so I don't use it.
Add a few drops of vitamin E, it serves as a great carrier oil but also serves as a preservative.
Stir well to incorporate.
Add Color Pigments:
Gradually add mica powders or liquid lip tints, mixing thoroughly until you achieve the desired shade.
Test the color on your skin to adjust as needed.
Incorporate Flavors or Scents (Optional):
Add a few drops of lip-safe flavor oils or essential oils (e.g., vanilla or peppermint) for fragrance and taste.
Adjust the Consistency:
If the gloss is too thick, add a small amount of additional carrier oil to thin it.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and even.
Fill the Lip Gloss Tubes:
Use a pipette cut in half and taped to the end of your syringe to carefully transfer the gloss into tubes or containers.
Syringe with pipette added for length for reaching the bottom of the bottles. Wipe away any excess product for a clean finish.
Cleaning and Sanitizing the outside of the bottles. The excess oil is difficult to remove. First wipe with clean paper towel then wipe the bottle down with rubbing alcohol. If the bottles still feel a bit oily, use a damp paper towel wetted down with dishwashing liquid and wipe down. Then dry with paper towel.
Use alcohol to sanitize your bottles. When bottles are extra oily you may need to first wipe down with soapy water. Seal and Label:
Secure the caps tightly and label the tubes if desired (e.g., flavor, date).
If selling you will also need to properly label and seal with shrink wrap. There are quite a few rules around correct labeling.
Enjoy Your Homemade Lip Gloss!
Apply to your lips and enjoy the glossy shine and nourishment.
Tips:
Use cosmetic-grade ingredients only to ensure safety.
Experiment with different color combinations for unique shades.
Store in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Once you have a blend you like, document it so you can remake it.
Glosses last up to two years but I prefer to use within 6 months.
Let me know if you need specific ingredient recommendations!
Supplier List:
TKB Trading (Lip Gloss Base, Micas, Pigments, Flavoring Oils) Available on Amazon or https://tkbtrading.com/
Helpful Websites: https://www.humblebeeandme.com/