Creating your own custom lipstick shades at home can be a fun and rewarding way to express your style and creativity.
Not only does it allow you to experiment with unique colours and formulations, but it also gives you control over the ingredients used, which is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Here’s a guide to help you craft your own DIY lipsticks and achieve personalised, beautiful results.
Before diving into the lipstick-making process, gather all necessary ingredients and tools:
To create the lipstick base, you’ll need beeswax or candelilla wax (for texture and hold), shea butter or cocoa butter (for moisture), and coconut oil or almond oil (for smooth application).
Use cosmetic-grade pigments or natural colourants like beetroot powder, cocoa powder, or turmeric to achieve your desired shade. Avoid using regular art or craft pigments, as they may not be safe for use on the lips.
Optional, for added fragrance or flavour. Choose lip-safe essential oils like peppermint or vanilla.
You’ll need a double boiler or heatproof bowl, small spatulas, mixing bowls, lipstick moulds or empty lipstick tubes, and a small whisk or spoon.
To start, melt your base ingredients together to form the lipstick base. Here’s a simple recipe:
1 tablespoon beeswax or candelilla wax
1 tablespoon shea butter or cocoa butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil or almond oil
Place the beeswax or candelilla wax in a double boiler or heatproof bowl. Heat gently over low heat until fully melted.
Add the shea butter or cocoa butter and coconut oil or almond oil to the melted wax. Stir until everything is completely melted and combined.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding colourants or essential oils.
Creating your custom shade involves adding pigments or natural colourants to the lipstick base. Start with small amounts and gradually build up to achieve the desired colour:
Before adding the colourant, test it on a small amount of the base to see how it looks. Use a small spatula or spoon to mix in the pigment.
Add the colourant to the base mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution. You can mix different colourants to create custom shades. For example, combine beetroot powder for a rosy tint with a bit of cocoa powder for a deeper hue.
Test the colour by applying a small amount to your lips or a piece of paper. Adjust as needed by adding more colourant until you achieve the perfect shade.
If you’d like to add fragrance or flavour to your lipstick, incorporate a few drops of lip-safe essential oils:
Once your colourant is well mixed and the base has cooled slightly, add a few drops of essential oil. Peppermint oil adds a refreshing minty scent, while vanilla oil provides a sweet aroma.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the essential oil is evenly distributed throughout the lipstick base.
Now it’s time to pour your custom lipstick into moulds or tubes:
Pour the melted lipstick base into the moulds or tubes. If using tubes, you can use a small dropper or pour directly from the bowl. For moulds, you may need to use a spatula or spoon to fill them.
Allow the lipstick to cool and set completely. This may take several hours at room temperature or can be sped up by placing the moulds or tubes in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Making your own lipstick at home not only allows you to create unique, personalised shades but also gives you control over the ingredients and quality of your products. By following these simple steps, you can craft lipsticks that reflect your style and preferences while ensuring safe and enjoyable use.
