💄 How To Make Lip Gloss

You could buy gloss, sure. Or you could whip up your own and feel like a kitchen alchemist with better lips. It’s easy, customizable, and weirdly satisfying. Let’s turn basic ingredients into shiny, cushiony magic.

1. Classic Clear Gloss Base

Start simple: a sleek, glassy gloss that goes with everything. It’s your blank canvas and your everyday go-to.

Key points:

• Use castor oil for shine and slip.
• Add fractionated coconut oil to keep it lightweight.
• Blend with a lip-safe gel base like Versagel for that glossy cushion.

Pro tip: Warm the base slightly to remove bubbles and get a smoother pour.

This works because it nails the balance of glide, shine, and staying power without stickiness.

2. Tinted Balm-Gloss Hybrid

Gloss that acts like a balm? Yes, please. Think juicy tint with comfort.

Key points:

• Mix Versagel with a little shea butter for cushion.
• Add a smidge of lip-safe mica or iron oxides for tint.
• Use castor oil to keep it glossy, not waxy.

Pro tip: Pre-wet pigments with oil so they blend evenly—no specks.

It works because butter adds comfort while the gel keeps that glassy finish.

3. High-Shine Glitter Gloss

Disco ball, but make it wearable. Sparkle that catches the light without feeling gritty.

Key points:

• Use cosmetic-grade glitter only—lip safe or don’t use it.
• Build a base with Versagel + castor oil for slip.
• Go for fine shimmer over chunky for comfort.

Pro tip: Add a touch of squalane to keep the sparkle suspended evenly.

Shimmer works because reflective particles amplify shine without heavy pigments.

4. Juicy Fruit Oil Gloss

Tastes like summer, looks like glass. This one’s about shine with a hint of flavor.

Key points:

• Blend Versagel with sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil.
• Add a drop or two of lip-safe flavor oil (think strawberry or peach).
• Optional: a smidge of liquid lip tint for a sheer wash.

Pro tip: Don’t use essential oils; stick to flavor oils labeled lip-safe.

It works because light oils and a tiny tint give a fresh, juicy finish.

5. Plumping Cinnamon Gloss

Spicy, tingly, a little extra. Minimal effort, maximum lip drama.

Key points:

• Base: Versagel + castor oil for cushion.
• Add a micro amount of cinnamon leaf extract or peppermint flavor oil.
• Include vitamin E to soothe.

Pro tip: Patch test. Start tiny—overdoing spice equals regret.

This works because mild irritation boosts circulation for a fuller look.

6. Nude MLBB Gloss

My-lips-but-better with a glossy twist. Polished without trying.

Key points:

• Mix warm or neutral mica (rose, beige, caramel) into the base.
• Add red iron oxide sparingly to adjust depth.
• Use jojoba oil for a skin-like feel.

Pro tip: Swatch on your lips, not your hand—undertones shift.

It works because subtle undertones enhance your natural lip color.

7. Glow-From-Within Pearl Gloss

Soft-focus lips with a lit-from-within sheen. Think dewy, not sparkly.

Key points:

• Add pearl mica or champagne mica for a diffused glow.
• Keep pigment low for a sheer halo effect.
• Use squalane to boost slip and hydration.

Pro tip: A drop of blue or violet shift mica can brighten dull lip tones.

It works because pearlescent particles blur texture while reflecting light softly.

8. Hydrating Honey Gloss

Plush, soft, and a little sweet. Comfort-first gloss with shine.

Key points:

• Blend Versagel with glycerin-based honey extract (lip-safe version).
• Add hyaluronic acid serum powder pre-dissolved in water-glycerin blend if your base allows emulsifying.
• Seal with castor oil for gloss and moisture lock.

Pro tip: Water-based add-ins require an emulsifier and preservative. If skipping those, stick to oil-soluble extracts.

It works because humectants draw moisture while oils keep it in.

9. SPF-Inspired Day Gloss

Shine with a side of sun sense. Protection and pretty can coexist.

Key points:

• Use a lip-safe SPF balm layer underneath; then top with your clear gloss.
• Choose non-whitening mineral tints or sheer formulas.
• Keep finish sheer to avoid casting.

Pro tip: Reapply often—gloss can increase sun exposure without SPF underneath.

It works because layering preserves shine while the base provides protection.

10. Latte Brown Sheer Gloss

Cozy coffee tones, zero heaviness. Soft brown that flatters everything.

Key points:

• Blend bronze mica with a touch of yellow and red oxide.
• Add vanilla flavor oil for café vibes.
• Use apricot kernel oil for smooth glide.

Pro tip: Add a drop of blue undertone corrector if it pulls too orange.

It works because sheer brown enhances depth without dulling your lips.

11. Jelly Tint Gloss

Gloss that looks like candy. Sheer, squishy color with shine.

Key points:

• Use lip-safe liquid dye in tiny amounts for transparency.
• Keep the base clear and bouncy with Versagel.
• Balance with castor oil for comfort.

Pro tip: Add polybutene if you want extra cling and glass.

It works because dyes tint evenly without opacity, giving that jelly look.

12. Night Repair Gloss-Oil

Bedtime lip mask, but glossy. Wake up with pouty, soft lips.

Key points:

• Use richer oils: rosehip, meadowfoam, jojoba.
• Add ceramide complex (oil-soluble) and vitamin E.
• Keep pigments out; make it all about repair.

Pro tip: Layer over a light lip serum for bonus hydration, then seal with this gloss-oil.

It works because barrier-loving oils and actives restore lips overnight.

Conclusion

Lip gloss is basically a tiny chemistry set for your face—fun, fast, and fabulously shiny. Mix a base, tweak the tint, add a flavor, done. With the right oils, pigments, and a dash of common sense, your DIY gloss can out-glow the store-boughts and cost way less. Go make something glossy and slightly dangerous to your self-control.