As a child, I was all about my lip glosses. The different flavors, the different scents, the different shimmers and sparkles and shine… what a treat! For any adult seeking lip relief or any little girl wanting to play “make up” before she is old enough to whip out the mascara wand, then lip balm, lip gloss, lip chap, chap stick – or whatever you want to call it – is step number one.
But my heart stopped when I discovered the dangerous chemicals that I was allowing not only myself but my 8 year old to put into her body: fragrance (methylene chloride is the worst of this category, a carcinogen that can also cause autoimmune diseases); methyl paraben (linked to immunotoxicity, allergies, cancers, and is banned in Europe, North America and Japan – but it sneaks over here in our Chinese-made products); proplyparaben (again, also linked to immunotoxicity, allergies, cancers, and toxicity); and dyes (particularly d&c red 17, which is straight up toxic for our bodies on many different levels).
After taking way her cherry and bubble gum and raspberry and Dr. Pepper and Dairy Queen ice cream flavored glosses, I explained how bad it is for her and proposed a new project for us both to undertake: creating our own lip gloss creations. And so it began…
The All-Natural
- 2 Tbsp. of almond oil
- 1 Tbsp. of grated beeswax
- 1/8 to 1 tsp. of beet juice or beet root powder (depending on your desired shade)
To make this lip quenching gloss, mix together both the oil and the beeswax in a water bath. Add enough beet juice or powder so that the mixture is a shade you would like to put on your lips, and stir.
NOTE: This mixture WILL probably separate like oil and vinegar at first, but as it cools it will stay together. You may also add more juice or powder as it cools if you would like a deeper shade of gloss.
For Kids (or even yourself!)
There are a few variations of recipes for beeswax, but I like to stick to the above. If you would like to change any colors or add other things to the lip gloss, the above recipe certainly allows for it.
To change colors: Consider Kool-Aid. Kool-Aid comes in flavors that lend both a natural and completely UNnatural look (green and blue gloss, anyone?)
To add glitter: Purchase some cake or pastry glitter and throw it into the mix. Your child will LOVE it!
To add pop flavors: Buy some natural sodas from your grocery store and add a bit into the mix.
WARNING: The pop flavors are delicious so you may be licking your lips for the entire day!
To add a twist: Melt some “Pop Rocks” (commercial candy) and add them to the mix. You can also steep some teas and add their flavor for a more “adult” taste (try chamomile, peppermint and “sleepy time”)
Wondering where to store your lip glosses? Pill containers (such as the daily ones you can find in pharmacies) are fantastic for those who are looking to store away several colors at once (such as your daughter).
photo by Alicia Solario
