Lip gloss is one of the few beauty products that can instantly boost your mood, confidence and make you feel empowered like the swipe of red lipstick. During this COVID- 19 period that it’s impossible to wear a fully matte lipstick under a nose mask, the lip-gloss comes in. There’s been an increase in the search rate by 45% on Google during the lockdown leading to an increase in the number of people searching for lip-gloss and how it’s made. This article will take you through what you need to know about lip gloss and the lip gloss base.
Grab a cup of coffee and relax.
What is a Lip-gloss base?
A Lip-gloss base, as the name implies, is the base of a lip-gloss. It’s a colorless, odorless gel with a thick and sticky formulation used in popular retail lip glosses. Versagel is mostly used as a lip-gloss base in most lip glosses. Versagel is also used in lotion, hair gels, and other body cosmetics.
Petroleum Jelly is used in place of Versagel at times, but it really depends on what you prefer.
Versagel or Petroleum Jelly gives the lip-gloss its slick, wet, shiny texture. It keeps the lips hydrated and prevents drying out.
Vera gel is widely used is because it’s waterproof and it retains fragrance. Lip gloss base gives the gloss a firmer and less slippery texture making the gloss long-lasting.
There are two types of Versagel commonly used in making lip glosses ;
- Versagel M500
- Versagel M750
Versagel M500 is a cosmetics-grade mineral oil that is considered the safest, non-sensitizing moisturizing ingredient ever found. It locks in moisture, heals dry skin, and makes products feel silky-smooth and luxurious. NYX, MAX, Starry Glosses, Beauty Treats, Broadway Glosses, and RK lip gellies all have their first mineral oil ingredient.
The Versagel M500 is not as thick as M750. With that being said, fewer base oils will be added to your formula to achieve the perfect consistency you want. The product is less greasy and easier to clean up.
Versagel M750 contains hydrogenated Polyisobutene as its base ingredient. Gelled hydrogenated Polyisobutene is very light and has good spreading properties. The product is more greasy, so it needs more oils to get a perfect consistency.
What is lip-gloss base made of?
Versagel contains hydrogenated Polyisobutene, an emollient that’s gelled with Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer and Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer. Vera gel is used in thousands of cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical products around the world. It’s clear, colorless, and can be stored for up to 3 years.
Versagel delivers superior stabilization, creates a film barrier for added moisturization and suspension properties.
How to make DIY homemade lip-gloss
There are two types of lip-gloss ;
•Organic lip-gloss
•Synthetic lip-gloss
The organic glass is made with natural ingredients doesn’t contain Versagel/Vaseline. Glosses made from organic ingredients is very vegan-friendly, nourishing and it comes out sticky. The ingredients it contains nourishes the lips and gives them a more shiny look.
How to make Lip-gloss with organic ingredients
For thick consistency lip-gloss;
• 1 part of beeswax
• 3 parts of base oil e.g. coconut oil, castor oil
• Essential oils e.g. Vitamin-E oil
• Color e.g. organic food scrapings, lip liquid dye(if preferred)
• Glitter (if preferred)
For a liquid consistency;
• 1 part of beeswax
• 2 parts of base oils e.g. Coconut oil, castor oil
• Essential oils e.g. Vitamin-E oil
• Color (if preferred)
• Glitter (if preferred)
Step-by-step Guide for Making an organic lip-gloss
1. Melt beeswax in a pan while stirring constantly.
2. Add a base oil of your choice to the mixture and stir
3. After a few minutes, turn off the flames
4. Add Essential oils. Mix well
5. Allow to cool and thicken then add color and glitter if preferred.
6. Pour into a lip gloss tube using a syringe, dropper, or pipette.
Tip: I highly recommend putting the mixture in the freezer for 20mins, so it can thicken and cool fast.
If you’re still not getting the consistency that you want, add more of your base oil to it.
How to make lip-gloss with Synthetic ingredients
For thick consistency;
• 2 parts of Versagel / Petroleum Jelly
• 3 parts of base oils
• Essential oils
• Colour (if preferred)
• Glitter (if preferred)
For liquid consistency;
• 1 part of Versagel/Vaseline
• 3 parts of base oils
• Essential oils
• Glitter (if preferred)
• Colour (if preferred)
Step-by-Step Guide for making a synthetic lip-gloss
1. Pour Versagel and any base oil of your choice. Mix well
2. Add any essential oil of your choice. Mix again
3. Add color and glitter if preferred.
4. Pour into lip-gloss tube after achieving preferred
For preferred consistency, add more of your base oils and mix well.
How long does lip-gloss last on my lips?
A well-made lip-gloss stays up to 12hours before clearing off and I’m sure that will cover the course of a party or meeting.
For long-lasting effect;
• Exfoliate your lips
• Use a lip liner as a base
• Apply your Matte
• Use a Setting Powder
• Try using a lip primer
How long does my tube of lip-gloss lasts?
You should change your lip-gloss every 12 months or when you see the mixture starts to separate or change.
