Homemade Lip Gloss

Generally, people use the words lip gloss, lip balm, and chapstick interchangeably, but, there are various differences between the three. Lip gloss is used to add shine, gloss, or color to lips, while lip balms and chapsticks are used to moisturize the lips and heal chapped lips respectively. Lip gloss is just like a shiny lipstick. These are becoming quite popular nowadays, because they can be put into small, portable, plastic containers, and be carried around anywhere. They are easily available in the market, but people prefer to make them at home, because of the following benefits:

• Homemade lip gloss has no preservatives, artificial colors, or sweeteners.The product is less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin.
• Skin pampering ingredients according to person's wish can be used.
• People can experiment with many oils and ingredients to make their one-of-a-kind lip gloss.

Making lip gloss can also be used as an arts and craft activity for children. People can invite their kids to make their own flavored lip gloss. Why not try it out and give cosmetic companies a run for their money.

Here is a simple, yet, effective way to get you started on making your lip gloss at home.

Things Required

• Vaseline or Crisco
• Vanilla extract
• Unsweetened Kool-Aid or any flavored drink mix
• Cocoa powder
• A small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Microwave
• Food coloring
• Cake decorating glitter
• A container for the lip gloss
• Stickers

How to Make

• Decide the flavor of lip gloss before starting to mix anything
• Start with putting some Vaseline into a bowl (microwavable) and heat it in the microwave for about two minutes, until it melts. Do not let it boil.
• If making chocolate lip gloss, add a little cocoa powder to the base and mix it well. Make sure to get rid of lumps, if any. Add cocoa powder according to your wish, keeping in mind that the more powder you add, the darker the tint will be. Put the mixture in microwave for another 20 seconds, and then, stir again.
• If trying vanilla flavored lip gloss, do not heat the Vaseline in the bowl, instead, add a little amount of vanilla extract to it.
• If trying red cherry flavored lip gloss, warm the Vaseline in the microwave for about 20 seconds and then, stir in some Kool-Aid.
• If making it with help of kids, let them stir in some food coloring to tint the lip gloss. Cake glitter can be added to make it sparkle.
• Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool. Be careful, as the bowl may be hot because of microwave heating.
• The lip gloss is now ready. Once finished making the lip gloss, stickers can be added according to one's preference.

Noticed how simple and easy it is to make lip gloss? Once you get in the mode of making lip balm, you might want to try your hand at other crafts as well. Many people who enjoy making lip balm, also enjoy making lotions, soaps, bath salts, shower gels and many other toiletries, which can be made at home. Another very creative craft work is candle making.

These aren't just toiletries, they are, in fact, unique gift ideas for friends and family. You can make these according to one's choice of color, scent and flavor. Homemade lip gloss, and related products, make a pretty yet, inexpensive gift for any occasion.