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Have you ever wanted a certain color of lip gloss, but could not find it anywhere? What about making your own lip gloss? All you need is a tube of lipstick and some Vaseline or petroleum jelly. You can make your lip gloss extra fancy by adding things like coconut oil, vanilla extract, and cosmetic-grade glitter into it!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making Simple Lip Gloss

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  1. You do not need to use the Vaseline brand; you can use any type of petroleum jelly as well. Whatever you end up using, make sure that it is plain and unscented.
  2. Start out with less lipstick than you think you might need, about ¼-inch (0.64 centimeters). It is always better to start off with too little than with too much; you can always add more lipstick, but you can't take any away.
    • If you want a sparkly lip gloss, use sparkly lipstick.
    • The more lipstick you add, the more opaque your lip gloss will be.
    • Some people find that the moisturizing kind of lipstick is easier to blend than the regular kind.
    • Alternatively, try using eyeshadow to make a lip tint.[1]
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  3. Zip the bag shut, then smoosh, squish, and squeeze the Vaseline and lipstick together. You can even place the bag on the table, and swirl your finger over it. Keep doing this until the Vaseline and lipstick are completely mixed together.[2]
    • If the lip gloss is not dark enough, add more lipstick.
    • If the lip gloss is too dark, add more Vaseline.
  4. [3] You can use just about anything for your lip gloss container, including old lip gloss containers. Whatever you decide to use, it must be clean and dry. Choose something that is about 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) wide. [4] Here are some ideas to get you started:
    • Tiny jars meant for storing beads
    • Tiny jars meant for storing paint
    • Contact lens cases
    • Pill boxes with tight-fitting lids
  5. If the lip gloss is not completely blended together, give it a quick stir using a tooth pick. You don't want to see any streaks or swirls. Once you are happy with it, pop the lid onto the container. Your lip gloss is now ready to use!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making Deluxe Lip Gloss

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  1. Make sure that you are using the unscented kind. The scented kinds often don't taste very good. Remember, you can always add in your own scents and flavors.
    • You do not need to use the Vaseline brand. You can use just about any type of petroleum jelly, as long as it is plain and unscented.
  2. Stir the Vaseline between each interval. Depending on the strength of your microwave, it may take up to 1 minute and 30 seconds total.
    • Don't worry if the lip gloss is too gooey and liquid-y. It will become more firm as it cools.
  3. This will help the Vaseline finish melting as well as smooth out any lumps. Be careful when taking the bowl out of the microwave. It will be very hot. Use a potholder to handle it.
  4. When the Vaseline starts to become solid again, cut off some lipstick, and stir it in. Start out with less than you think you'd need. A little bit of lipstick goes a long way, and you can always stir in more if you need to.
    • If you'd like a shimmery lip gloss, use shimmery lipstick.
  5. Lip gloss is usually just for looks, but you can make it double-up as lip balm by adding a little bit of nourishing oil to it, such as beeswax, almond or coconut.[6] Avoid adding too much, however, or your ingredients will start to separate!
    • If you are using almond oil, start with 2 to 3 drops.[7]
    • If you are using coconut oil, start with ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil per 2 tablespoons of Vaseline.
  6. This is not necessary, but it can make your lip gloss taste better. And who doesn't like a little sparkle? Here are some ideas to get you started:
    • 3 to 5 drops of candy flavoring will give the lip gloss a nice, subtle flavor.[8]
    • A few drops of peppermint extract will give the lip gloss more flavor. You can also use vanilla extract instead.
    • Fruity flavors like cherry are always nice for lips, too.[9]
    • A sprinkle of cosmetic-grade glitter will give your lip gloss some sparkle. Do not use crafting glitter; even the scrapbooking kind is too thick.
  7. Stir until everything is mixed together, and there are no streaks or swirls. If you added glitter, be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl from time to time.
  8. You can use just about anything that is small for your lip gloss container. Something that is about 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) wide would be ideal. Whatever you choose to use, make sure that it is clean and dry. Here are some ideas to get you started:
    • Tiny jars meant for storing beads
    • Tiny jars meant for storing paint
    • Contact lens cases
    • Pill boxes with tight-fitting lids
  9. This will take about 20 minutes or so. Leave the cap to the contain off during this time. The lip gloss is ready to use after this. Keep in mind that, unlike lip balm, the lip gloss will always be sort of mushy. It will never harden and become wax-like.
    • Once the lip gloss hardens, you can take it out of the fridge and use it. You don't have to keep it in the fridge any more.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will the lip gloss stay hard?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. It shouldn't be hard after you add the Vaseline.
  • Question
    Would bag balm be an okay substitue for vaseline
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. They are similar and work the same. Just don't use too much, or it will make your skin oily.
  • Question
    How long can I use the lip gloss?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Most lip glosses last about 12-24 months, but if you notice a change in the consistency or smell throw it away and make a new one.
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Warnings


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Things You'll Need

Simple Lip Gloss

  • Vaseline
  • Lipstick
  • Plastic, zippered bag
  • Scissors
  • Small jar, about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide
  • Knife

Deluxe Lip Gloss

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Microwave
  • Spoon
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Lipstick
  • Almond oil or coconut oil (optional)
  • Cosmetic-grade glitter (optional)
  • Baking extract or candy flavor (optional)
  • Small jar, about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide
  • Knife

References

  1. Nini Efia Yang. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
  2. Nini Efia Yang. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
  3. https://lezoemusings.com/2013/02/14/diy-tinted-lip-balm/
  4. http://www.fleecefun.com/easy-sweet-homemade-lipgloss.html
  5. Nini Efia Yang. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
  6. Shara Strand. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.
  7. http://helloglow.co/diy-lip-gloss-with-cinnamon/
  8. http://helloglow.co/diy-lip-gloss-with-cinnamon/
  9. Shara Strand. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.

About This Article

Shara Strand
Co-authored by:
Makeup Artist
This article was co-authored by Shara Strand. Shara Strand is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Shara Makeup Studio, a makeup and image consulting studio based in New York City. She has over 15 years of image and makeup consulting experience including working as a regional artist for Bare Escentuals and Estee Lauder, Saks 5th Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. Her work has been featured in WNBC, Fox 5, Direct TV ABC morning news, and Hamptons Magazine. She is the creator of Shara Cosmetics and is a two time Billboard charted singer. She holds a BFA from New York University. This article has been viewed 84,017 times.
12 votes - 72%
Co-authors: 23
Updated: March 14, 2024
Views: 84,017
Categories: Lip Gloss and Balms
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 84,017 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Zayla Coughlan

    Zayla Coughlan

    Apr 9, 2020

    "I tried it and I added some non toxic fine holo glitters, and silver glitter to complete the look with a baby pink..." more
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