If you’ve ever tried making lip gloss and ended up with something sticky, gritty, or separating—you’re not alone.
This DIY shimmer lip gloss is smooth, glossy, lightweight, and beginner-friendly. It uses simple oils, a touch of butter for structure, and cosmetic mica for a beautiful shimmer finish.
Whether you want a natural everyday gloss or something with a little sparkle, this recipe is easy to customize and comes together in minutes.
What Makes This Lip Gloss Different?
- Non-sticky, lightweight feel
- High shine from castor oil
- Smooth texture (no graininess)
- Beginner-friendly (no emulsifiers or preservatives needed)
- Customizable shimmer + flavor
If you enjoy simple oil-based recipes, you’ll also love this DIY Dry Shampoo for All Hair Colors
Watch Video Tutorial on Making Lip Gloss
Some links on this website are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Ingredients (100 g Batch)
| Ingredient | % | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba Oil | 38% | 38 g |
| Sweet Almond Oil | 27% | 27 g |
| Castor Oil | 20% | 20 g |
| Mango Butter | 14% | 14 g |
| Lip Oil Flavor | 1% | 1 g |
| Cosmetic Mica |
What Each Ingredient Does (+ Substitutions)
Jojoba Oil
What it does:
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Mimics natural skin oils (sebum)
- Prevents the gloss from feeling greasy
Substitutions:
- Grapeseed oil (lighter, slightly less nourishing)
- Sunflower oil (budget-friendly option)
Sweet Almond Oil
What it does:
- Adds slip and glide
- Softens and conditions lips
- Helps balance thicker oils
Substitutions:
- Apricot kernel oil (very similar)
- Fractionated coconut oil (lighter feel)
Castor Oil
What it does:
- Adds thickness and shine
- Gives that “glossy” look
- Helps suspend mica evenly
Substitutions:
- You can reduce slightly, but don’t fully replace it
This is the key ingredient for shine—removing it will change the final result.
Mango Butter
What it does:
- Adds structure and thickness
- Prevents the gloss from being too runny
- Gives a soft, conditioning feel
Substitutions:
- Shea butter (softer, slightly more creamy)
- Cocoa butter (firmer, more solid gloss)
If you love working with butters, check out Whipped Body Butter for Dry Skin
Lip Oil Flavor
What it does:
- Adds scent
- Makes the gloss feel more like a finished product
Substitutions:
- Flavor oils (lip-safe only)
- Essential oils (ONLY lip-safe + properly diluted)
Optional, but highly recommended for user experience.
Cosmetic Mica
What it does:
- Adds shimmer and color
- Creates that reflective, glossy finish
Substitutions:
- Lip-safe pigments
- Leave out for a clear gloss
Always use cosmetic-grade, lip-safe mica.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heat-safe glass beaker or bowl
- Small spatula or stir stick
- Digital scale (grams)
- Pipette or pouring container
- Lip gloss tubes or squeeze tubes
This formula balances lightweight oils with thicker ingredients so you get shine without stickiness.
How to Make DIY Lip Gloss (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Melt the Heat Phase
Add the mango butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and caster oil to a heat-safe container and gently melt using a double boiler on a low heat. You will want to mix with a spatula while it is on the heat.
Stir until fully combined.
Step 3: Add Flavoring
Add the lip gloss flavoring and mix well.
Step 4: Add Mica
Stir in your mica powder. You want to be sure that it is lip safe mica.
Mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Pour Into Tubes
Carefully pour into tubes while still liquid.
Let cool completely before using.
Final Texture + Feel
This gloss is:
- Smooth and cushiony
- Glossy without feeling heavy
- Non-sticky
- Slightly thick for better wear
Customization Ideas
- Add more mica for stronger shimmer
- Use tinted mica for color
- Adjust butter for thickness
- Blend multiple micas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding mica when too hot
- Not mixing thoroughly
- Using too much butter
Ready for more advanced recipes? Check out Emulsified Body Butter Guide
Shelf Life
- Typically 6–12 months
- Store in a cool, dry place
FAQ
Is this lip gloss sticky?
No—this formula is designed to be lightweight and non-sticky.
Can I make it thicker?
Yes—add slightly more butter.
Do I need a preservative?
No—this is an oil-based formula with no water.
Printable Lip Gloss Recipe
DIY Shimmer Lip Gloss Recipe
Ingredients
- 38 grams Jojoba Oil
- 27 grams Sweet Almond Oil
- 20 grams Castor Oil
- 14 grams Mango Butter
- 1 grams Lip Oil Flavor
- Lip Safe Mica
Instructions
- Add the mango butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and caster oil to a heat-safe container and gently melt using a double boiler on a low heat. You will want to mix with a spatula while it is on the heat.
- Once melted remove from the heat.
- Add the lip gloss flavoring and mix well.
- Stir in your mica powder. You want to be sure that it is lip safe mica. Mix thoroughly.
- Carefully pour into tubes while still liquid.Let cool completely before using.
