As far as DIY beauty products are concerned, few concoctions rival the simplicity and efficacy of homemade lip oils. We've explored the world of lip balms and scrubs before, but since lip oils are having a moment in the world of makeup, we thought we'd explore this area a bit further.
Bursting with natural goodness, these nourishing elixirs offer a luxurious solution for moisturising and enhancing the lips, all while indulging in a bit of creative expression. Whether you're whipping up a batch for personal pampering or considering a small-scale venture into the world of natural beauty, crafting lip oils at home is a delightful journey worth taking.
Embrace the benefits of lip oils
Lip oils have surged in popularity thanks to their ability to deliver intense hydration and subtle tinting without the heaviness of traditional lip balms or the stickiness of glosses. What if you could create your own viral lip oil at home? Well, you can. Formulated with a blend of nourishing oils and tinting agents, these versatile concoctions offer a host of benefits:
- Hydration: Rich in moisturising ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, and shea butter, lip oils provide deep hydration to parched lips, leaving them soft, supple, and rejuvenated.
- Subtle tinting: Infused with natural pigments from ingredients like beetroot powder, cocoa powder, rose petal powder or hibiscus powder, lip oils offer a hint of colour that enhances the natural beauty of the lips while adding a touch of allure.
- Plumping and beautifying effects: Ingredients such as cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and ginger extract stimulate blood flow to the lips, resulting in a temporary plumping effect and a fuller appearance. Additionally, gentle exfoliants like brown sugar help to slough off dead skin cells, leaving lips smooth and revitalised.
- Mood enhancing benefits: Incorporating mood-enhancing essential oils such as mandarin, grapefruit, sweet orange, spearmint or bergamot, can help lift your spirits and promote overall well-being. Experiment with different oils and blends to discover which ones resonate with you the most.
Formulating your lip oil masterpiece
Creating your own lip oil masterpiece is both an art and a science. Start with a nourishing base of carrier oils like jojoba, coconut, or argan oil, which provide the foundation for hydration and moisture. These oils serve as the primary vehicle for delivering the benefits of other ingredients.
Base oils: choosing the right foundation
Sometimes called a carrier oil, a base oil forms the backbone of your lip oil, a neutral base for the other ingredients to work within. Choose one that has a neutral flavour and a texture that works with the packaging you want to use.
- Jojoba oil: Ideal for all skin types, jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural oils, making it highly compatible and deeply moisturising.
- Avocado oil: Rich in fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, and other nutrients, avocado oil is highly moisturising and nourishing, making it an excellent choice for hydrating and softening the lips.
- Coconut oil: With its rich texture and moisturising properties, coconut oil provides a luxurious feel and a hint of tropical fragrance. Since coconut oil is a solid at cooler temperatures, this is a great option for packaging in jars or pots.
- Argan oil: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, argan oil protects the lips while promoting softness and suppleness.
Tinting agents: adding a splash of colour
There are many ways to add a bit of colour to a lip oil, and many natural ingredients that will do the trick. Here are a few to get you started.
- Beetroot powder: Delivers a natural pink to red tint, imparting a subtle flush of colour to the lips. To vary the intensity of colour payoff, add more or less beetroot powder.
- Cocoa powder: Provides a warm brown tint with a hint of chocolate aroma, perfect for creating neutral, earthy tones.
- Hibiscus powder: Offers a rosy hue that adds a touch of romance to your lip oil, enhancing your natural lip colour with a delicate tint.
- Rose petal powder: Imparts a beautiful, deeper red hue.
Beautifying ingredients: enhancing the elegance
Since the beginning of cosmetics, humans have used natural ingredients to enhance their features. From plumping to exfoliation, many effects can be achieved using a few natural ingredients.
- Cinnamon bark oil: Contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, which can help improve blood circulation and stimulate blood flow to the skin. Provides a gentle plumping effect and imparts a warm, spicy aroma to your lip oil creation.
- Peppermint oil: Offers a cooling sensation and stimulates blood flow, resulting in a refreshing and stimulating effect and fresh, minty fragrance.
- Coconut blossom sugar: Acts as a natural exfoliant, gently buffing away dead skin cells to reveal soft, smooth lips.
Shelf life and storage recommendations
To ensure the longevity of your homemade lip oils, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, lip oils can typically last for up to six months to a year, depending on the ingredients used. However, natural formulations may be more susceptible to oxidation and spoilage, so it's essential to monitor the condition of your lip oils regularly.
Using a closed container - like a roller top bottle - can help to reduce the volume of oxygen in contact with your lip oils. If you are using an open container, like a jar, package them in small amounts to ensure the product is used before natural oxidation occurs.
