DIY Beauty: How to Make and Customize Lip Gloss

Isn't it wonderful when you know exactly what you're putting on your face or in your mouth? When every ingredient is one you can pronounce and even purchase at your local grocery store? If that's the case, then this recipe for a basic lip gloss is ideal for you! And the best part about it is that this recipe is customizable. You can add whatever your heart contents (within reason, of course) to make your very own "you" lip gloss.

Pay very close attention! Here's what you need:

Option 1 (the extra-easy route) - Have you ever applied Vaseline to your lips? Well whether you have or haven't, it's a great moisturizer for your puckers. If you prefer to take the easy route (which is great when you're in a bind), can use this as your base and then customize the rest.

Option 2 - Take 1 tablespoon of beeswax and place it in a clean glass jar. Place the jar in very hot water. Be careful not to get water in it as the two don't mix well. With a toothpick or stick-like device, stir until you see that the wax has softened.

Next, add a tablespoon of almond oil. Mix thoroughly. If you want, you can add a capsule of Vitamin E which preserves your gloss for a longer amount of time and also adds nutrients. Another option is to add ½ a teaspoon of honey. This makes it a little sweeter and also adds nutrients.

If you're a simple lassie then you can stop here. If you're in the mood to customize, here are a few ideas to give a go:

Fresh and Fruity - Add a few berries to your mixture while it's hot. Crush the berries and pick out the skin or strain it. Some great berries to try are cranberries (which create a lovely shade of dark pink) or blueberries which create a pinky-tone. [Check out my Berry Berry article which has a great Blueberry Honey gloss].

Mighty Mint - Add a few drops of peppermint or spearmint oil, mix it up and you're set to go! Refreshing!

Cola Queen - Add a few drops of your favorite cola (try Sprite or Orange!) and mix thoroughly. Yum!

Charming Chocolate - You can either purchase chocolate scented oil or melt a little piece of chocolate with your beeswax. Guaranteed to melt on your lips! That's a good thing.

Whimsical Flowers - Feeling romantic and whimsy? Try a little jasmin, rose or lavender oil!

Brewed Beer Gloss - That's right! Infuse your lips with the scent of beer! Just add a few drops of your favorite brew and mix it up.

Lemon Lady - If citrus is your thing, squeeze a bit o' lemon, lime or orange juice into your beeswax and mix thoroughly. Zing!

These are just a few ideas. Let your mind go free and you're sure to come up with even better customizations!

*Make this gloss in small doses as it does not last forever. Store it in your fridge and night to make it last longer. Oh, and if you want to bring it out with you (a total "do"), store it in a recycled lipgloss container or even a fabulous little pill box!