If you’re like me and love creating your own natural beauty products, homemade lip gloss is a fun and easy place to start. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up custom shades that look beautiful and feel nourishing, all without any synthetic additives.

Whether you’re making these for yourself, gifts, or your homestead market table, this is a beginner-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

What Is Homemade Lip Gloss Made Of?

Homemade lip gloss is typically made with a carrier oil for shine and hydration, and mica powders or red iron oxide for color. You can add a drop of essential oil if you’d like a hint of flavor or scent, but that part is completely optional.

Because you’re in control, you can skip the harsh chemicals and dyes often found in store-bought glosses and create something safer and more natural.

Best Ingredients to Use for DIY Lip Gloss

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and why they work:

Carrier Oil: I love using jojoba oil for a lightweight feel, but castor oil will give a thicker, glossier finish. You can also try sweet almond, grapeseed, or even fractionated coconut oil.
Mica Powders: These are natural mineral powders that come in a wide range of colors. Choose your favorites and mix and match to create custom shades. Make sure it’s labeled as cosmetic grade or safe for skin use.
Red Iron Oxide: This is a great alternative to mica for rich red tones. It blends beautifully into oil. Make sure it’s labeled as cosmetic grade or safe for skin use.
Essential Oils (Optional): Just one drop per 10 ml container is enough. Peppermint, vanilla, or orange essential oils are great options.
Lip Gloss Containers: You can use clear lip gloss tubes or little pots—whichever works best for your needs.

Tools You’ll Need

Making lip gloss doesn’t require fancy equipment. Here’s what I use:

A pourable container (like a small glass measuring cup or silicone beaker)
A stirring stick or spoon
Small funnels or pipettes (for filling tubes neatly)
Lip gloss tubes or pots for storage
Paper towels (because this can get a little messy!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients:

Carrier oil (jojoba, castor, or your choice)
Mica powders or red iron oxide
1 drop essential oil per 10 ml container (optional)
Lip gloss containers

Instructions:

Add some carrier oil to a pourable container—just enough for one tube to start.
Add a pinch of mica powder or red iron oxide—make sure it’s labeled as cosmetic grade or safe for skin use. Stir well. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust until you get your desired color.
Add one drop of essential oil if using.
Using a funnel or pipette, pour the mixture into your lip gloss container.
Repeat for each color or gloss you’d like to create!

Tips for Customizing Your Gloss

Shimmer & Shine: Add a tiny bit of cosmetic-grade glitter for sparkle.
Thicker Texture: Use more castor oil or add a small amount of beeswax if you want a gloss that stays put longer.
Scent Ideas: Peppermint gives a fresh tingle, while orange and vanilla add a sweet touch.
Mix Your Colors: Try blending mica shades like rose gold and bronze for unique, multidimensional tones.

How Long Will Homemade Lip Gloss Last?

Your homemade gloss should last around 6–12 months, depending on the freshness of your oils and whether you used essential oils (which can act as mild preservatives). Store in a cool, dry place and avoid getting water into your containers to prevent spoilage.

Homemade lip gloss is such a simple project with a big payoff. Once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought again. Whether you want a subtle shimmer or bold color, the possibilities are endless—and it feels great knowing exactly what’s in your beauty products. Download our PDF printable recipe card.

Homemade Lip Gloss

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

No Ratings

Materials

Carrier oil (e.g. jojoba or castor)
Mica powder or red iron oxide
1 drop essential oil (optional)
Lip gloss containers

Tools

A pourable container (like a small glass measuring cup or silicone beaker)
A stirring stick or spoon
Small funnels or pipettes (for filling tubes neatly)
Lip gloss tubes or pots for storage
Paper towels (because this can get a little messy!)

Instructions

1. Add carrier oil to a small cup.
2. Stir in mica or iron oxide.
3. Add essential oil if desired.
4. Pour into gloss container.

Notes

Castor oil = thicker gloss.
1/4 tsp mica powder is a good start.
Red iron oxide makes great reds.

And there you have it—your very own custom lip gloss, made with just a few simple ingredients and tools. Whether you’re crafting a batch for yourself, gifting to friends, or experimenting with fun color combos, making lip gloss is a creative (and addictive!) DIY that’s as fun as it is functional. Don’t be afraid to play around with textures, shades, and scents to find your perfect formula. Your lips—and your wallet—will thank you!

Ready to mix up your next signature gloss?