Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Lip Gloss Sticks (or Solid Lip Gloss)

Here's another version of lip gloss that I've tried and loved. I think it's a little simpler than the liquid version I posted earlier. I really like them both!


For this all you need is some non-petroleum "petroleum" jelly (click here for my recipe) and some sort of color. I used a mica pigment from Coastal Scents (available here). I think a small chunk of lipstick would also work, or maybe some Kool Aid powder or powdered beet root, although I have not personally tried either of those. 


I didn't measure this, but I probably used about a tablespoon of the jelly. Not that it really matters tho...since all you're doing is adding color to it, use as much as you want. :) When you're filling lip balm tubes, a little goes a LONG way, so I'd start small.


Put the jelly in a small glass bowl and microwave for about 30-40 seconds. Stir in any un-melted chunks until smooth. 


Add your color to the melted jelly and stir. I probably used about 1/2 a teaspoon of this pigment, but this is very much "to taste." Not that you should be EATING it, but put in as much pigment as you need to get to the color you want. :) I used the Crome Carmine pigment from Coastal Scents. Just a heads up..."carmine" is a reddish pigment derived from scale insects. If that freaks you out, use something else. :) The process it goes thru thoroughly removes any insect, so it's not exactly like you're smearing crushed bugs straight on your lips. Plus, when you think about all the things that are in regular lipstick (fish scales, anyone?), this probably doesn't sound quite so bad. ;)


I guess I didn't get any pics of stirring in the color or filling the tubes, but it's basically the same process as my tinted lip balm, so check out that post if you'd like pictures. :) Work quickly to fill the tubes before the gloss hardens. 


Let the tubes sit (either at room temp or in the refrigerator) until solid all the way through. This lip gloss will be solid at room temp, but will melt against your lips into a rich, glossy balm. 


The pigment I used made a rich rose gloss with a strong, gold-glittery overtone....very pretty!! 


And here are my lips again...haha. I really like the gold tones! Very shimmery. 


And there you have it! Another simple, natural, petroleum FREE, lip gloss!! :)