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How to Make Homemade Lipstick

Posted by Kelly Lip and Mouth Recipes, Makeup, Natural Beauty 92 comments
Please Share

Make your own organic and healthy homemade lipstick easily and with natural ingredients. It’s an easy, fun project, made with cocoa butter, shea butter, and natural root powders and clays for a tinted appearance.

Over the past few years, I have been working on making everything else I use on my body homemade and/or natural as well.  For more great homemade beauty recipes click here.

Homemade Lipstick Recipe from Simple Life Mom

This lipstick recipe also make wonderful lip balms.  They glide on smoothly and are great for healing chapped lips, or for just keeping your lips healthy. To try them first, you can get them in my shop.

Homemade Lipstick Recipe

This recipe has cocoa butter and beeswax and makes a bit of a harder stick. Choose one of the hue combinations to add to the recipe. Make the color darker than you want the end product to be. They will lighten as they cool.

If you want to make a great lipstick naturally, you are going to have to add a bit more color.  Natural lipsticks seem like they really are half pigment at least, which is great, but just slightly different to make than lip balms.

There are a number of ways to get the right hue for you.

If you’d like a pink color, combine alkanet root powder with pink kaolin or rose clay, adding more rose clay. The purple alkanet root powder seems to carry the color over better and helps it stay as it cools.

For a purple color, add alkanet root powder. Too much can be grainy, so let it settle at the bottom before pouring into tubes.

For a tan color, add a little but of rose clay along with cocoa powder. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or turmeric to change the hue into what you are looking for.

Homemade Lipstick Directions:

  • Melt the beeswax, cocoa butter and sweet almond oil or coconut oil in a glass measuring cup in a small saucepan of simmering water. It should melt quickly because so little of each ingredient is used.
Homemade Lipstick by Simple Life Mom
  • When melted, remove from heat and add any optional ingredients like color or scent.
  • Once all ingredients are mixed well, carefully pour into the lip containers. I try to fill it until it’s almost overflowing.  This reduces the chance of a hole forming as it cools and shrinks.  Leave them to cool for at least half an hour.  Do not allow to set in the sun or they will melt. 
Homemade Lipstick by Simple Life Mom

Notice how much lighter it gets when it cools!

I’ve gotten a better result by mixing alkanet root powder with beet root for a rosey red. But remember to make yours look very dark when it’s hot so that it will be a good color when it cools and hardens.Save

Save

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Lipstick Recipe #1

A naturally colored lipstick recipe
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Keyword: lipbalm, natural makeup
Servings: 2 tubes
Author: Kelly

Equipment

  • 2 lip balm tubes
  • 1 glass measuring cup
  • 1 small saucepan
  • 1 measuring spoons
  • 1 whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon beeswax , or candelilla wax
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa butter
  • 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Red Hues

  • ¼ teaspoon beet root powder
  • ¼ teaspoon alkanet root powder

Brown/Tan Hues

  • ¼ teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch cinnamon , or turmeric until you get your hue

Purple Hues

  • ½ teaspoon alkanet root powder

Matte texture

  • ¼ teaspoon kaolin clay

Instructions

  • Gently melt the beeswax and cocoa butter with the sweet almond oil in a saucepan over low heat. When everything is melted, remove from heat.
    1 teaspoon beeswax, 2 teaspoons cocoa butter, 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
  • Add the essential oil (optional) and natural colorant of choice and whisk.
    5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • Pour into lip balm tubes or pots.

As I mentioned above, you can try these first in my shop.


Please Share
92 comments

About Kelly

Kelly is the author of number one best seller The Natural Soap Making Book for Beginners and Easy Soap Making. She's also written multiple ebooks on herbal remedies and natural bath and body DIYs. Her journey toward better health has inspired her to make things in and around the home from scratch, start a homestead, and become more resourceful when it comes to health and home. She shares her recipes and DIYs here on Simple Life Mom and has a shop where she sells products for those who would rather buy than make (SimpleLifeMom.com/shop).

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92 comments

Leave your reply.
  • christineasuncion
    · Reply

    December 2, 2012 at 1:34 AM

    woah, this seems tedious to do, but great you have the patience for it! 🙂

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      December 2, 2012 at 10:33 PM

      Actually, it’s just like if you were making cookies…just following a recipe. If you like that kind of thing, then it’s fun 😉

      • christineasuncion
        · Reply

        December 3, 2012 at 4:15 AM

        the ingredients are just a bit hard to find, in my case, I think. :p

        • Didi
          · Reply

          July 27, 2018 at 4:01 AM

          where can you buy all these ingredients
          That is my problem

          • Kelly

            Author
            July 30, 2018 at 3:41 PM

            Click on the links in the recipe for ideas.

  • vietnameazy
    · Reply

    December 2, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    you’re amazing!!

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      December 4, 2012 at 1:17 AM

      awww, you’re very kind 🙂

    • Anila
      · Reply

      August 28, 2019 at 6:39 PM

      Hi i really appropriate your work and i love to make my own foundation after visiting your website , Great job dear . Can you please teach me how to make loose glitters into pressed glitters ? Its like my assignment to make losse glitters into gelbor pressed form but without Alcohol .kindly tell me any recipe for eyeshadow glitters. Many people have made their recipe of mixing glitters in Aloe vera gel but it doesn’t work without Alcohol .please kind me i am waiting for your positive response.Regards

  • simplelifemom
    · Reply

    Author
    December 4, 2012 at 1:24 AM

    oh, I understand. I ordered the shea butter (which I use for lotions, etc) online (2 lbs for $10), and a friend gave me a bunch of bees wax, and I found the oils on sale at a GNC not long ago. But they are not just at your local grocery store for 50 cents. That’s for sure. I’m surprised at how long everything is lasting though. I’ve been able to make so much with a little amount. I hope things go well with you. Good luck!

  • Laura Rittenhouse
    · Reply

    December 5, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    Thanks for the recipe. I recently acquired 2 bee hives and I’ve collected a bunch of wax. I want to try making useful things (candles, furniture polish, lip balm) with them – now I’ve got my first idea!

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      December 5, 2012 at 1:18 AM

      Great! Congratulations on your bees.

  • frolickingflamingo
    · Reply

    December 6, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    Love your blog! I can’t wait to try some of these recipes!

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      December 6, 2012 at 1:52 AM

      Thank you so much!

  • Michaela P
    · Reply

    July 19, 2013 at 9:48 PM

    I tried using beet root but I ended up in a big mess. Any tips???

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      July 19, 2013 at 11:23 PM

      I’m not sure what your “mess” was like….Make sure you add color in the end when all ingredients are melted together and warm. Let me know what happened and I would be glad to try and help.

      • Michaela P
        · Reply

        July 21, 2013 at 5:52 PM

        Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, well I followed the recipe for the lipstick, but when I tried to add the beet root powder, it all sunk to the bottom and looked very gritty. After grinding the powder with a grout and pestle, I tried again. Same result. Am I doing something wrong??

        • simplelifemom
          · Reply

          Author
          July 21, 2013 at 6:05 PM

          I’ve blended mine with a hand mixer and have never had it clump. It does that with soap, but I’ve never seen it do that with this recipe. Did you try a mixer? Other than that, I’m not sure exactly why yours is clumping up. You can try something else to color color it instead if you’re not having any luck with the beet root powder. There are other options mentioned, you can also use clays. Sorry you’re having trouble.

          • Michaela P

            July 21, 2013 at 6:13 PM

            I heard that hibiscus powder works too. What do you think??

      • katharinetrauger
        · Reply

        December 13, 2013 at 9:02 PM

        I like to use a food processor for blending addends into oils and melted waxes. I also have a very small jar that is made to use with my blender, another excellent choice. The trick may be to pulverize the powder finely enough (again, the blender may be the go-to) and then to blend the final product until it begins to set up, which would be once it cooled some. I find that works best and can even add small amounts of tisanes with ease and completely incorporate them. So, if the beet addend was rehydrated…who knows?
        Question: Do any of these recipes turn out opaque? I’m not really looking for a gloss, but something more like Avon. 😳

  • threedogsandamoose
    · Reply

    October 25, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    I aspire to be someone like you who does things like this. Maybe someday. Thank you for the shout out!

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      October 25, 2013 at 7:53 PM

      Thank you. One thing at a time gets you there 🙂

  • threedogsandamoose
    · Reply

    November 3, 2013 at 1:00 PM

    Thanks for checking out my blog! I aspire to be someone who makes their own lipstick. Unfortunately I was a person born without patience. So I’ll live vicariously through you. L

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      November 3, 2013 at 2:00 PM

      Hey if you can cook a meal, then you can make these things too…just following a recipe.

  • Middlemay Farm
    · Reply

    November 11, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Oh, I love this! Just what I was looking for.

    • simplelifemom
      · Reply

      Author
      November 11, 2013 at 8:40 AM

      I’m glad I could help.

  • Simple Life Mom
    · Reply

    Author
    December 13, 2013 at 9:59 PM

    Katharine, both recipes come out creamy looking without adding a coloring. It comes out slightly softer, or no different at all, than store bought lip balm.

  • Mary Jane
    · Reply

    December 17, 2013 at 8:20 AM

    When I make my lip balm I am using a medicine dropper to add it to the container. I fill them all the way to the top, but most of them seem to settle lower in the middle after they harden up. They aren’t level with the top of the container. When they settle sometimes there is a tiny circle showing in the middle. What is the trick to get them all the way full so they are level after they harden? Would a syringe work better for filling the containers? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      December 17, 2013 at 8:52 AM

      It’s not what you use to fill them, it’s how they cool. I fill mine until they are bubbled up, about to overflow and it definitely helps. They may sink a little, but no hole. It’s easier on hot days when they cool slower.

      • Mary Jane
        · Reply

        December 17, 2013 at 9:46 AM

        Thank you! I was just filling them level to the top and I found if I added more later on it would chip off.

  • My family, my friends, my world ...
    · Reply

    January 4, 2014 at 7:28 AM

    I’m so glad I found your site, I’ve bookmarked you and can’t wait to try some of your ‘recipes” …….

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      January 4, 2014 at 9:22 AM

      I’m so glad!!! 🙂 Let us know how things go.

  • Mrs Frugal
    · Reply

    January 9, 2014 at 3:58 PM

    Reblogged this on A Frugal Life For Me and commented:
    Had to share this. Simple Life Mom has some brilliant homemade beauty ideas and this one really got me thinking…. will have to make some soonies and give them a try

  • Veronica
    · Reply

    January 13, 2014 at 10:21 PM

    Hi, Thank you very much for your website. I have tried to make the lip balm with beet root powder for color. It is very gritty. Is there a way to get the beet root powder to disolve and still have a good red color? On another attempt,it was a lot dark, but stilly gritty. Thanks so much, ~V

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      January 13, 2014 at 10:39 PM

      It may be the beet root powder you are using. Someone else mentioned that problem, but I’ve never had it. In fact it turns out silky smooth. I would try another brand, like spicesage.com. You can also use clays, alkanet, or hibiscus powder.

  • Veronica
    · Reply

    January 14, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    Thank you very much. I’ll give that a try.

  • Ashlie
    · Reply

    January 24, 2014 at 4:15 AM

    Colouring my lipstick with cocoa powder and beetroot powder doesn’t seem to affect the colour on my lips. The product in the container is a deep brown but it goes onto my lips colourless. Any advice please?

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      January 24, 2014 at 8:42 AM

      Yes, it will enrich the color of your lips, but if you want it to really add color you just have to add a lot more beet root and cocoa. You can remelt what you made and add more until it suits your liking.

  • Nancy B
    · Reply

    January 29, 2014 at 9:11 PM

    It’s great to have this to refer to. I think a coffee bean grinder would pulverize the beet root powder before adding it to your melting pot. I will do this before I make my first batch. Thank everyone. I learned by reading.

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      January 29, 2014 at 9:25 PM

      oooh, great idea! Thanks!

  • Jessica @ The 104 Homestead
    · Reply

    February 10, 2014 at 3:29 PM

    I am definitely following. I’ve been starting from roots to toes. I’m up to natural DIY shampoo, conditioner, detangler, dry shampoo, face cleanser and moisturizer. Makeup is next on the docket.

    Share with me! Blog Hop every Friday (entries accepted until Thursday at noon).
    www,104homestead.weebly.com

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      February 10, 2014 at 5:43 PM

      Wow, thanks for stopping by! I can’t wait to check out your blog.

  • Janine
    · Reply

    February 17, 2014 at 8:29 AM

    I miss lipstick. I feel absolutely naked with out it! I will have to try this. Would love it if you will share this with my readers on Oil me Up Wednesdays at My Lamp is Full.

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      February 17, 2014 at 8:37 AM

      Thanks, I’ll check it out. 🙂

  • Angela June Voss
    · Reply

    February 20, 2014 at 9:42 AM

    I’m loving this! I’m experiencing menopausal acne and covering it up with my make-up. This was next on my list to make. I have all the ingredients but the color. My question is ;if some are having trouble with the beetroot powder, could we add it while the mixture is still simmering so it would dissolve better? also do you have an inexpensive way (on my home computer) that I could print labels?

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      February 20, 2014 at 5:33 PM

      I’ve used very fine beet root powder from myspicesage.com and haven’t had any problems with blending. As for labels, you can download for free and print using Avery, but you’ll need to buy their labels. There’s at least one idea 🙂 Hope that helps.

  • Lady gaga
    · Reply

    March 6, 2014 at 1:05 AM

    How do you make containers for lip balm without using bottle lids?

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      March 6, 2014 at 7:13 AM

      I buy my containers online, but you can use anything you like.

  • Lady gaga
    · Reply

    March 6, 2014 at 1:06 AM

    I love this recipe

  • organic4greenlivings
    · Reply

    March 26, 2014 at 8:04 AM

    This sounds like a simple easy recipe to make and love the ingredients. Will share on Pinterest & Google. Visiting from Oil Me Wednesday!

  • brandangelak
    · Reply

    April 9, 2014 at 7:49 PM

    I am so excited to find these! I have a friend who just asked me if I would be willing to try making homemade makeup, and I’m a little nervous, but you’ve inspired me to at least try! I think the lipstick and eyeshadow will be my first attempt. 🙂

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      April 9, 2014 at 8:12 PM

      It’s kind addicting. Now I think…oooh, what else can I make?

  • Chelsea
    · Reply

    April 14, 2014 at 2:59 PM

    Another great post. Just found you at barn hop Mondays… Signing up for newsletter!

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      April 14, 2014 at 3:16 PM

      Yea, Thank you Chelsea 🙂

  • Once Upon a Time in a Bed of Wildflowers
    · Reply

    April 21, 2014 at 9:29 AM

    I’m excited to try some of these! I would love a nice, red — homemade and safe — lipstick! 🙂
    ~ Christine

    • Simple Life Mom
      · Reply

      Author
      April 21, 2014 at 10:09 AM

      I know. It’s so nice to put on something that looks nice, is healthy, and even tastes good. 🙂

  • Karen
    · Reply

    September 9, 2014 at 6:02 AM

    I’ve now used this recipe, and played with it some. It’s just wonderful! I can’t find anything on the market that doesn’t either have frightening ingredients, or something I’m allergic too. Next I’m going to try adding some pure mica for colour. They’re natural, safe and totally non-irritating. I was surprised how reasonable all the ingredients were online- unlike in craft stores!!!

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      September 9, 2014 at 6:53 AM

      I totally agree. That’s one good thing about the internet 🙂

  • Kathleen
    · Reply

    December 13, 2014 at 4:50 PM

    Hi Kelly,
    I just made quite a few batches of the lip balm making different flavors. The recipes were very easy and everything turned out great. Now the question is, How do I make the labels?
    Thanks!

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      December 13, 2014 at 10:51 PM

      That’s been an issue with me when trying to avoid high costs. What I ended up doing was buying sheets of paper that are sticky on one side, printing, cutting out, and sticking.

  • rob
    · Reply

    January 20, 2015 at 9:30 PM

    kelly, i am confused…you are honest and sincere lady and i have made 3 batches with your lip base. one had food coloring added just b4 poured into liptube, other nutmeg, other tumeric…..all feel like balms on the lips and i wish to do next stage and get vibrant lipstiks like mac and revlon but naturally!

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      January 20, 2015 at 10:43 PM

      If you want more vivid color there are a few things you can do. First, you need to add a LOT of pigment. All colors will get amazingly lighter as is shown in the picture. Secondly, you will need to let it steep over heat for more time, up to an hour over a double broiler. For some reason this really helps the color come out. Hope that helps.

  • Payton
    · Reply

    May 26, 2015 at 7:40 PM

    I love this recipe, although I have a hard time completely dissolving the beet root powder, any suggestions?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      May 27, 2015 at 5:06 AM

      Yes, I’ve found that where you get the beetroot powder really does make a difference. I don’t know if some is more fine, or what the deal is. I have had great luck with beetroot powder from myspicesage.com.
      Secondly, not all will dissolve, but it will dye the recipe much better when stirred over low heat longer. Although it gives a pretty color right away, it’s best to stir it for 10 minutes before removing from heat.

  • Ameeta
    · Reply

    December 1, 2015 at 9:15 PM

    Love your ideas for lip balm and lipstick. Where can I buy the tubes you show in your picturs…thanks so much

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      December 1, 2015 at 10:27 PM

      I think I got that batch from bulk apothecary but I’ve also bought from Amazon.

  • jay
    · Reply

    December 17, 2015 at 6:36 PM

    the color after cooling looks great but do not taint the lips even a bit. what is the mistake

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      December 17, 2015 at 7:00 PM

      You have to make it super dark to make it tint the lips. Adding a mica helps as well.

  • zahra
    · Reply

    November 14, 2016 at 8:12 AM

    thanks a lot for your recipe. would you mind if i use another lipstick materials? Ive found that usage of beetroot water, sesame oil and castor oil with beeswax resulting in awful colorless lipstick.. Im confused why the color bottle lid went to dark brown? could you give me some advice with it? and what time is needed to heat?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      November 14, 2016 at 8:25 AM

      I’m confused. You used beet root water?
      I have had some herbs turn brown with heat (especially in soap making), but not beet root. You can try alkanet root powder or hibiscus powder.

  • Katie
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 7:53 AM

    Could you add in a liquid coloring? Such as concentrated beet or strawberry juice? How about homemade alcohol-based extracts for flavor?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      February 17, 2017 at 5:24 PM

      As long as it is oil based. Infusing water or alcohol bases into oils can be very tricky and they don’t last long at all.

  • warisha amir
    · Reply

    January 21, 2019 at 11:10 AM

    beet root powder is not oil soluble i wonder how you use it?

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      January 21, 2019 at 1:34 PM

      I’ve been using it for years and it turns out wonderfully, so I’m guessing it must be oil soluble.

  • Sandi
    · Reply

    February 14, 2021 at 8:02 AM

    Hi Kelly,
    Since the Covid outbreak I have been researching so much online from food, clothing, utensils, to cosmetics. So much is Made in China with so many poisons that effect our health, and was so glad to come across your site.
    Thank you, and lets hope it inspires more people, the world, to go back to healthy alternatives. Love and Light Sandi

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      February 16, 2021 at 5:45 PM

      That’s wonderful to hear! Let me know if you’re looking for something you don’t find.

  • Ilona
    · Reply

    June 30, 2021 at 2:56 PM

    Dear Kelly!
    Love Your recipes! Just started my Journey with natural cosmetics DIY and I think it is amazing. So many tries, fails, but… It is worth to try and try again. I prepared few days ago amazing finish powder from oatmeals and a little bit cocoa.
    You inspired me somany times! Keep goin’ 🙂
    Ilona from Poland

    • Kelly
      · Reply

      Author
      July 1, 2021 at 10:54 AM

      Oooh, that sounds like a great idea! I’m so glad I could help you along your journey. Keep it up!

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