How to Make Lip Gloss Using Vaseline and Lipstick

Co-authored by Shara Strand

Last Updated: December 23, 2022 References

Have you ever wanted a certain color of lip gloss, but could not find it anywhere? What about making your own lip gloss? All you need is a tube of lipstick and some Vaseline or petroleum jelly. You can make your lip gloss extra fancy by adding things like coconut oil, vanilla extract, and cosmetic-grade glitter into it!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Simple Lip Gloss

1
Place a spoonful of Vaseline into a plastic, zippered bag. You do not need to use the Vaseline brand; you can use any type of petroleum jelly as well. Whatever you end up using, make sure that it is plain and unscented.
2
Cut off a small amount of lipstick, and add it into the bag. Start out with less lipstick than you think you might need, about ¼-inch (0.64 centimeters). It is always better to start off with too little than with too much; you can always add more lipstick, but you can't take any away.
- If you want a sparkly lip gloss, use sparkly lipstick.
- The more lipstick you add, the more opaque your lip gloss will be.
- Some people find that the moisturizing kind of lipstick is easier to blend than the regular kind.
- Alternatively, try using eyeshadow to make a lip tint.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nini Efia Yang
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.}
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3
Close the bag, then massage the Vaseline and lipstick together. Zip the bag shut, then smoosh, squish, and squeeze the Vaseline and lipstick together. You can even place the bag on the table, and swirl your finger over it. Keep doing this until the Vaseline and lipstick are completely mixed together.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Nini Efia Yang
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.}
- If the lip gloss is not dark enough, add more lipstick.
- If the lip gloss is too dark, add more Vaseline.
4
Snip off the bottom corner of the bag, then squeeze the lip gloss into a small container.^{[3]
X
Research source} You can use just about anything for your lip gloss container, including old lip gloss containers. Whatever you decide to use, it must be clean and dry. Choose something that is about 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) wide. ^{[4]
X
Research source} Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tiny jars meant for storing beads
- Tiny jars meant for storing paint
- Contact lens cases
- Pill boxes with tight-fitting lids
5
Give the lip gloss a final stir with a toothpick, if needed, then put the lid onto the container. If the lip gloss is not completely blended together, give it a quick stir using a tooth pick. You don't want to see any streaks or swirls. Once you are happy with it, pop the lid onto the container. Your lip gloss is now ready to use!
- Just keep in mind this lip gloss won't hold very long, so you'll need to touch it up more frequently than regular lipstick.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Nini Efia Yang
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Deluxe Lip Gloss

1
Put a spoonful of Vaseline into a microwave safe bowl. Make sure that you are using the unscented kind. The scented kinds often don't taste very good.^{[6]
X
Research source} Remember, you can always add in your own scents and flavors.
- You do not need to use the Vaseline brand. You can use just about any type of petroleum jelly, as long as it is plain and unscented.
2
Microwave the Vaseline at 30-second intervals until it is completely melted. Stir the Vaseline between each interval. Depending on the strength of your microwave, it may take up to 1 minute and 30 seconds total.^{[7]
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Research source}
- Don't worry if the lip gloss is too gooey and liquid-y. It will become more firm as it cools.
3
Take the bowl out of the microwave, and give it a final stir. This will help the Vaseline finish melting as well as smooth out any lumps. Be careful when taking the bowl out of the microwave. It will be very hot. Use a potholder to handle it.^{[8]
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Research source}
4
Wait for the Vaseline to cool off, then stir in a small amount of lipstick. When the Vaseline starts to become solid again, cut off some lipstick, and stir it in. Start out with less than you think you'd need. A little bit of lipstick goes a long way, and you can always stir in more if you need to.
- If you'd like a shimmery lip gloss, use shimmery lipstick.
5
Consider adding some moisture. Lip gloss is usually just for looks, but you can make it double-up as lip balm by adding a little bit of nourishing oil to it, such as beeswax, almond or coconut.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Shara Strand
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Avoid adding too much, however, or your ingredients will start to separate!
- If you are using almond oil, start with 2 to 3 drops.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- If you are using coconut oil, start with ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil per 2 tablespoons of Vaseline.
6
Consider adding some flavor and/or sparkle. This is not necessary, but it can make your lip gloss taste better. And who doesn't like a little sparkle? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- 3 to 5 drops of candy flavoring will give the lip gloss a nice, subtle flavor.^{[11]
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  Research source}
- A few drops of peppermint extract will give the lip gloss more flavor. You can also use vanilla extract instead.
- Fruity flavors like cherry are always nice for lips, too.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Shara Strand
  Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
- A sprinkle of cosmetic-grade glitter will give your lip gloss some sparkle. Do not use crafting glitter; even the scrapbooking kind is too thick.
7
Stir everything together one last time. Stir until everything is mixed together, and there are no streaks or swirls. If you added glitter, be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl from time to time.
8
Pour the mixture into a small jar. You can use just about anything that is small for your lip gloss container. Something that is about 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) wide would be ideal. Whatever you choose to use, make sure that it is clean and dry. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tiny jars meant for storing beads
- Tiny jars meant for storing paint
- Contact lens cases
- Pill boxes with tight-fitting lids
9
Place the lip gloss into the fridge, and leave it there until it hardens. This will take about 20 minutes or so. Leave the cap to the contain off during this time. The lip gloss is ready to use after this. Keep in mind that, unlike lip balm, the lip gloss will always be sort of mushy. It will never harden and become wax-like.
- Once the lip gloss hardens, you can take it out of the fridge and use it. You don't have to keep it in the fridge any more.

Community Q&A

Question

Will the lip gloss stay hard?

Community Answer

No. It shouldn't be hard after you add the Vaseline.
Question

Would bag balm be an okay substitue for vaseline

Community Answer

Yes. They are similar and work the same. Just don't use too much, or it will make your skin oily.
Question

How long can I use the lip gloss?

Community Answer

Most lip glosses last about 12-24 months, but if you notice a change in the consistency or smell throw it away and make a new one.