Organic Beauty DIY: Red Lipstick
In the world of beauty products, there’s nothing quite like the allure of a bold red lipstick and even better when it’s an Organic Beauty DIY lipstick! Because truth is… when it comes to what we put on our skin and lips, the quality and source of ingredients matter.
Today, I’ll show you how to create a vibrant red lipstick using entirely organic ingredients that are not only safe and sustainable but also nourishing for your skin💋
What you need: Ingredients and Their Benefits
Beeswax
Extracted from the honeycomb of bees, beeswax forms the base of many organic lipsticks. It’s excellent for creating a protective barrier on the skin, which helps retain moisture and can heal dry, cracked lips.
Shea Butter
From the nuts of the shea tree found in West Africa, shea butter is renowned for its moisturizing properties. It’s rich in vitamins A and E, which are essential for keeping skin supple and healthy. Shea butter also provides a soft, creamy texture to the lipstick.
If you want to know more about shea butter and how to use it read my “shea butter” article here.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, comes from the kernel of mature coconuts. As you know coconut oil is a staple in beauty regimens around the world. It hydrates the skin by replenishing natural oils and provides a smooth glide when applied as part of lipstick.
I’ve written about the magic of coconut oil for your skin here.
Alkanet Root
This is a natural dyeing agent derived from the roots of the Alkanna tinctoria plant, native to the Mediterranean. Alkanet root offers a range of hues from purple to deep red and has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for sensitive skin.
[Optional] Sea Buckthorn Oil
This little-known treasure is extracted from the berries of the sea buckthorn plant, native to Europe and Asia.
Packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it promotes skin hydration, elasticity, and regeneration. Adding a few drops to your lipstick mixture can enhance its nourishing properties and impart a slight orange tint.
Organic Beauty DIY Red Lipstick Ingredients
- 1 tsp organic beeswax pellets
- 1 tsp organic shea butter
- 1 tsp organic coconut oil
- ¼ tsp alkanet root powder (for color. See below for beetroot substitute -more challenging!)
- Optional: 1/8 tsp organic sea buckthorn oil (for added nourishment and a unique color twist)
Now to the “how to”
1. Prepare the Colorant: In a double boiler, gently heat the alkanet root powder with coconut oil until the oil turns a deep red. Strain the mixture to remove any large particles.
2. Melt the Base: Add beeswax pellets and your organic shea butter to the strained oil in the double boiler. Heat until the mixture is completely melted and combined, stirring frequently.
3. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add sea buckthorn oil add it to the mixture and stir well.
4. Mold the Lipstick: Pour the hot lipstick mixture into a clean lipstick mold or small container, you can reuse one that’s almost empty! Let it set in a cool place or in the refrigerator until solid.
5. Application: Once solidified, apply your homemade organic red lipstick as usual!
Honestly, I’ve found that making my own organic red lipstick (with my daughter!!!) is a fun and creative process.
The addition of alkanet root offers a stunning red hue. I have made two, one with sea buckthorn oil to enhance the lipstick’s power/benefits and one without. If you can, add the oil!
Give it a try. Seriously!!! Also, once you have mastered the technique this is a great gift for your BFF.
FAQs about DIY Organic Lipstick
Is this DIY organic lipstick long-lasting?
While DIY lipsticks may not have the same long-wearing properties as commercial lipsticks that contain synthetic binders and preservatives, using beeswax and shea butter helps to improve the staying power. For best results, apply a lip liner first to define your lips and help the color stay longer.
Can I customize the color of my lipstick?
Absolutely! Alkanet root powder provides a beautiful red hue, but you can adjust the shade by varying the amount of powder or mixing in other natural colorants like beetroot powder for a more pinkish tone or cocoa powder for a darker, more earthy shade.
What can I do if my lipstick is too hard or too soft?
The consistency of your lipstick can be adjusted by varying the amounts of beeswax and shea butter. If your lipstick is too hard, increase the amount of shea butter or coconut oil. If it’s too soft or watery, add a little more beeswax to the mixture during the melting phase.
How should I store my DIY lipstick?
Store your lipstick in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Using a small, airtight container can help prevent it from melting in warm conditions and maintain its quality over time. If you live in a particularly hot climate, keeping your lipstick in the refrigerator can also extend its shelf life.
Can I use something else instead of alkanet root powder?
Yep! Another natural option for achieving a red hue in DIY lipstick is beetroot powder!
Beetroot powder is made from dried, ground beetroots, which are root vegetables known for their deep, vivid red color.
Benefits of beetroot powder for your lips and skin:
-Natural Staining: Beetroot powder provides a beautiful and natural reddish pigment that can range from pink to deep red, depending on the concentration used. This makes it an excellent choice for customizing the color of your lipstick.
-Antioxidants: Beetroot is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the lips from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
-Moisturizing Properties: When used in lip products, beetroot powder can offer slight moisturizing benefits, helping to keep lips hydrated.
Beetroot powder in your DIY Lipstick:
-Substitute beetroot powder directly for alkanet root powder in the recipe. Begin with a small amount and gradually increase to achieve your desired shade.
-It’s water-soluble!!! Read below!!!
Pay attention!
Let me be honest. Using beetroot powder can be slightly challenging due to its water solubility. So, you will need more patience.
Let me explain: beetroot powder does not naturally dissolve in oils and can lead to uneven dispersion of color or a gritty texture. You can still use it BUT with a few adaptations:
-Go for a finely ground powder: The finer the particles, the less likely they are to create a gritty texture.
-Pre-Mix with Oil: Before adding beetroot powder to the rest of the ingredients, mix it thoroughly with a small amount of a very light oil (like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil) to create a paste. This can help distribute the pigment more evenly when mixed with the other ingredients.
-Use an Emulsifier: Lecithin, derived from soy or sunflower, can help bind the water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients together.
-Straining: After melting your beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil with the beetroot mixture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh to remove any undissolved particles. This step is crucial to achieving a smooth finish.
Finally, Beetroot powder might not provide as long-lasting color as some other natural dyes because it is more prone to fading and might bleed slightly if applied heavily. 😲
If you’re courageous and go for the beetroot powder concoction, please reach out and let me know how it went!
I almost forgot! I have a video for you on my Youtube Ch.
Lip Balm Benefits | 3 ingredients they must have to be effective.
Everyone wants to make sure their lips are as plump, hydrated, and as kissable as possible, but what are the best clean beauty lip balms and ingredients that will help with those goals? When it comes to lip balms, the more hydrating, the better.
In this video, I’ll give you the best ingredients, why they work so well, and I’ll share some of my clean beauty recommendations.
Thanks for being here. I appreciate you xxx
