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Are you interested in crafting your own lipstick? If so, it’s simpler than you might think, as many of the ingredients can be found right at home. Making your own lipstick not only saves on makeup expenses but also allows you to create unique shades. This article will guide you on how to make lipstick using natural ingredients, eyeshadow, or crayons to achieve the color you desire.
Steps
Using Natural Ingredients
Prepare the basic components for making lipstick. These basic ingredients are essential for creating a lipstick, and you can customize it by adding colorants. The base ingredients can be adjusted to create glossy, matte, or moisturizing lipstick. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of beeswax or beeswax pellets. You can find beeswax at craft stores.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of shea butter, mango butter, almond butter, or avocado butter. These ingredients will make the lipstick smooth and creamy!
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) of oil such as almond oil, extra virgin olive oil, or jojoba oil.
Choose your lipstick color. Once you’ve selected the base ingredients, the next step is to pick a color. There are numerous natural ingredients you can use to create shades within the red, pink, brown, and orange color families. Keep in mind that this is a natural lipstick recipe, so the colors will be subtle and earthy. Consider these options:
- For a vibrant red, use beetroot powder or finely crushed beets.
- Cinnamon can be used to achieve a reddish-brown hue.
- Turmeric, when mixed with other powders, can produce a copper tone.
- Cocoa powder will give your lipstick a rich brown color.
Melt the base ingredients. Place all the base ingredients into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the ingredients are fully melted. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
- Alternatively, you can melt the ingredients using a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with about 5cm of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Place the ingredients in a smaller pot and set it over the boiling water. Stir and heat until the ingredients melt and blend together.
Mix in the color. This is the most exciting part: add 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of the natural colorant of your choice. Use more powder for a deeper shade. Stir the powder into the base mixture and continue adding small amounts until you’re satisfied with the color.
Pour the mixture into a lipstick container. You can reuse an old lipstick tube, a lip balm container, a small cosmetic jar, or any other lidded container. Let the lipstick set at room temperature or refrigerate it before use.
Using Eyeshadow
Prepare the eyeshadow. Look for old eyeshadow (or buy an inexpensive one) in powder or pressed form, avoiding gel types. Place the eyeshadow in a bowl and use a spoon to crush it into a fine powder.
- To add shimmer, mix in a small amount of glittery eyeshadow with your main color powder.
- Using eyeshadow is a great way to experiment with unique lipstick shades. Eyeshadow acts as a pigment, making it suitable for this purpose. Try green, blue, black, or other unconventional colors rarely found in lipsticks.
- However, some eyeshadows are not safe for lip use. Always check the ingredients before proceeding. Avoid eyeshadows containing ultramarines, ferric ferrocyanide, and/or aluminum oxide. Only use eyeshadows with safe levels of iron oxide.
Combine eyeshadow with petroleum jelly. Add about 1 tablespoon (15ml) of petroleum jelly to a microwave-safe bowl. Mix in 1 teaspoon (5ml) of eyeshadow powder. Microwave the bowl until the mixture melts and becomes smooth, then stir until fully combined.
- Add more powder for a darker, more opaque lipstick.
- Use less powder for a lighter, more translucent finish.
- As an alternative to petroleum jelly, you can use a clear lip balm.
Transfer the lipstick into a tube. Use an old lipstick tube, lip balm container, or any small cosmetic jar with a lid. Let the mixture set and solidify before use.
Using Crayons
Prepare a box of crayons. The advantage of this method is that you can create vibrant lipsticks in rainbow colors. Use broken crayons or buy a new box specifically for this project. One crayon is enough to make one lipstick.
- Choose crayons from brands that are safe if accidentally ingested in small amounts. Since children often put crayons in their mouths, some brands are tested to ensure they are non-toxic. Look for crayons labeled as safe. Avoid oil-based or professional-grade art crayons, as they are not formulated like children’s crayons.
- Smell the crayons before purchasing. Since you’ll be applying this to your lips, ensure the crayons don’t have an overpowering odor.
Melt the crayons using a double boiler. If you skip this step, the crayons may burn when heated. Remember to remove any labels from the crayons. Place the crayons in a heatproof bowl and set it over the double boiler, heating on medium until fully melted.
- You can create a makeshift double boiler using two pots—one large and one small. Fill the larger pot with a bit of water and place the smaller pot inside, allowing it to float. Add the crayons to the smaller pot and heat over medium until melted.
- Use an old pot for melting crayons, as they can be difficult to clean afterward.
Stir in a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. Add 1 teaspoon (5ml) of oil to the melted crayons and mix thoroughly.
Add fragrance. A few drops of essential oil can help mask the crayon smell. Use rose, peppermint, lavender, or another essential oil. Ensure the oil is safe for use on lips and the surrounding skin.
Pour the mixture into a lipstick container. Use an old lipstick tube, lip balm container, or any small cosmetic jar with a lid. Carefully pour the hot liquid mixture into the container and refrigerate until it solidifies.
Using Old Lipstick
Place old lipsticks into a microwave-safe bowl. This method is ideal if you have multiple leftover lipsticks and want to create a new shade. You can mix lipsticks from the same color family or experiment by combining different colors.
- Ensure your lipsticks are still within their expiration date. If they are over 2 years old, they may be too old and should be discarded.
Melt the lipsticks in the microwave. Heat the lipsticks in the microwave for 5 seconds on high. Allow them to melt, then stir thoroughly with a spoon to blend the colors.
- Continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until the lipsticks are fully melted and smooth.
- Alternatively, you can melt the lipsticks using a double boiler instead of a microwave. Add 1 teaspoon (5ml) of beeswax or petroleum jelly for every 10cm of lipstick to enhance moisture. Stir the mixture well.
Pour the mixture into a lipstick container. Once the lipstick mixture is ready, transfer it into a small cosmetic jar. Let it cool and solidify before use.
- Apply the lipstick using your finger or a brush.
Tips
- If you want to soothe dry lips, add a small amount of aloe vera gel.
- Another way to create glossy lipstick is to use petroleum jelly and replace eyeshadow with Kool-Aid powder. This method is cost-effective and works well.
- Add vanilla extract or other flavorings to give your lips a pleasant taste.
- Mica powder is excellent for makeup products. However, when using it to color lipstick, stir thoroughly to avoid clumping.
Warnings
- If using crayons, opt for non-toxic options like Crayola or children’s crayons, as professional-grade crayons may contain harmful substances, even in small amounts.
- Note that Crayola advises against using crayons for lipstick due to potential bacterial contamination and lack of safety testing compared to cosmetics.
- Be cautious when handling the melted mixture from the microwave or double boiler, as it will be extremely hot.
