Worried About the Toxins in Your Lip Gloss? Learn How to Make Your Own

Friends sometimes ask me why I always wear red gloss on my lips.
Red lipstick, lip gloss, lip pencils.
Whatever.
If it’s red, I’m wearing it.
I guess it’s just my thing.
As far back as I can remember, I have worn red.
Bright, red lips became my trademark look.
Shopping trips to department store makeup counters were a thrill.
I loved trying on new brands–mostly variations on the same color theme.
And price was not an option either.
It was all about the color.
The redder the better.

I suppose I would have continued on this path if I had not become aware
of the health hazards associated with some of the harmful ingredients in
my favorite lipstick brands including:
*Lead
*Formaldehyde
*Parabens
*Petrolatum
*Mineral oil
*Colorants
*Fragrance
Just to name a few.
With so many hazardous chemicals and ingredients, no wondering my
lips were glowing?
Do you really want to wear those toxic ingredients on your lips all day?
I don’t.
Not anymore.

According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics,

“The average American woman uses 12 personal care

products a day, resulting in exposure to more than 120 chemicals,

many of which are likely linked to cancer,

 birth defects, asthma, allergies and other health problems.

More than 1 in 5 of all personal care products contain

chemicals linked to cancer.

Dangerous heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium

have been found in a wide variety of cosmetic products,

including lip gloss.”

As I learned more an more about what was really in thoses tubes and pots,
I realized that it was time to take control and learn to make my own.
Think about it.
At least if I make it, I know what is in it and what is being absorbed into
my bloodstream every minute that I wear it.
Thanks to the efforts of the Environmental Working Group and the Campaign for
Safe Cosmetics, I found some easy to follow recipes for making lip gloss and lip balm
right in our own kitcthens.

Are you ready to make your own lip gloss and lip balm?
Get in the kitchen and whip these up!

How to Make Your Own Lip Gloss

Beet Red Lip Gloss

Ingredients:
¼ cup beeswax (For a vegan version try carnauba or candelilla wax)
¼ cup castor oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
beet juice

Instructions:
Melt wax, remove from heat and add oils.
Add as much beet juice as desired for color.
Store in jar.

Lip Balm

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons grated unbleached beeswax (For a vegan version try carnauba or candelilla wax)
5 teaspoons carrier oil (sunflower, castor or jojoba)
6 or 7 drops essential oil (such as lime, lemon, tangerine, grapefruit or peppermint)

Instructions:
Melt the wax and carrier oil together in the top of a double boiler, stirring to combine.
Remove from heat.
Add essential oil.
Mix thoroughly.
To add a little color, you can stir in a tiny dab of organic, toxin -free gloss with a coffee stirrer.
Pour the mixture into containers.
Let sit 20 minutes before covering or moving.
For glossier lip balm, use 2 teaspoons wax and 8 teaspoons carrier oil.

Note: Recipes courtesy of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Ideas for Add Ins

For Red Hues: 1/8 teaspoon of beet root powder, alkanet powder, or hibiscus flower powder
For Brown/Tan Hues: 1/4 teaspoon (or more for color) of cocoa powder, a tiny pinch of cinnamon or turmeric to get the shade you want
For a Matte texture: 1/4 teaspoon bentonite clay- use this with a color to avoid white tint on your lips.
For Scent:  Try 1/8 tsp cinnamon or  a drop of peppermint essential oil.
Of course, you can experiment with different scents.
Lip safe essential oils include hemp, peppermint, lavender, anise, and cinnamon.
It is advisable to avoid grapefruit, lime, orange, and bergamot because they may cause the sun to burn your lips.
Other ingredient options:
Carrier Oils:  Olive, Sweet Almond, Avocado, Apricot, Camellia, Borage, Rosehip, etc
Moisturizing Butters: Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, Pumpkin Butter, etc.

 A Few Precautions to Keep in Mind

Since there are no preservatives in these recipes. it is important to take a few precautions
in to avoid contamination by bacteria.
-Cleanliness is key.
-Do not touch your lip gloss with your fingers – use a cotton swab for application instead.
-Try to use your homemade make up products within two weeks.
-Consider storing your homemade products in your refrigerator.
In addition, be careful to avoid ingredients that you might be allergic to like nuts, avocados or
other common foods.

Where to Find Ingredients

The ingredients required to make your own lip gloss and lip balm generally quite affordable.
A few online sources for ingredients, containers and supplies include:
*Mountain Rose Herbs – a respected, highly-comprehensive resource
*Banyan Botanicals – fair trade, certified organic, ayurvedic herbs and products
Essential Wholesale
Making Cosmetics
iherb
Also Amazon.com carries many of organic ingredients and supplies you will need.

You should be able to find some of these ingredients in organic or natural form at your local
Whole Foods and health food stores.
The best part about making them yourself is that your lip gloss will look good, smell good, feel good,
and be good for your skin.

Now that’s something to smile about!

Would you ever made your own own make up or skin care products?

Share your thoughts with us.