Published By: Ishani Karmakar

DIY Lipstick – How to Create Your Own Custom Colors at Home

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 personalized, beautiful results.

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before diving into the lipstick-making process, gather all necessary ingredients and tools:

Base Ingredients

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).

Colorants

Use cosmetic-grade pigments or natural colorants 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.

Essential Oils

Optional, for added fragrance or flavour. Choose lip-safe essential oils like peppermint or vanilla.

Tools

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.

Create Your Lipstick Base

To start, melt your base ingredients together to form the lipstick base. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon beeswax or candelilla wax

1 tablespoon shea butter or cocoa butter

1 tablespoon coconut oil or almond oil

Instructions

Melt the Waxes

Place the beeswax or candelilla wax in a double boiler or heatproof bowl. Heat gently over low heat until fully melted.

Add Butters and Oils

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.

Cool Slightly

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding colorants or essential oils.

Choose and Add Colorants

Creating your custom shade involves adding pigments or natural colorants to the lipstick base. Start with small amounts and gradually build up to achieve the desired colour:

Instructions

Test Colors

Before adding the colorant, 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.

Mix Well

Add the colorant to the base mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution. You can mix different colorants to create custom shades. For example, combine beetroot powder for a rosy tint with a bit of cocoa powder for a deeper hue.

Check the Shade

Test the colour by applying a small amount to your lips or a piece of paper. Adjust as needed by adding more colorant until you achieve the perfect shade.

Add Essential Oils (Optional)

If you’d like to add fragrance or flavour to your lipstick, incorporate a few drops of lip-safe essential oils:

Instructions:

Add Essential Oils

Once your colorant 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.

Stir Well

Mix thoroughly to ensure the essential oil is evenly distributed throughout the lipstick base.

Pour and Set

Now it’s time to pour your custom lipstick into moulds or tubes:

Instructions

Pour the Mixture

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.

Cool and Set

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, personalized 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.