There’s something timeless about a good lipstick. A single swipe can make you feel put together in seconds, even on the most casual day. I love having a few natural shades on hand that feel comfortable to wear and don’t require much thought. This simple DIY matte lipstick has become one of my favorites.

It’s made with nourishing butters, waxes, and oils for a smooth texture and a soft, matte finish. The formula glides on easily and gives just enough color without feeling heavy or dry. Once you get the hang of it, making your own lipstick is quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying.

Why Make Lipstick at Home?

There’s something satisfying about making your own everyday essentials. Lipstick might seem like a small thing, but crafting it yourself turns it into a mindful process. You get to choose the color, look, and even the scent. In the past, I’ve experimented with homemade lipstick and created several different shimmery ones I like. This time around, I wanted to go for a matte version. 

Another perk is customization. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want a softer formula? Add a touch more jojoba oil. Prefer a stronger pigment? Increase the mica or food coloring. The nice thing about DIY skincare is you can tweak things until they’re perfect for you. 

Like the idea of a healthy lipstick, but don’t have time to make it? Toups & Co. makes beautiful, healthy lipstick with clean ingredients you can find here. 

Matte Lipstick Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the right texture and feel. Here’s how they work together:

• Beeswax gives the lipstick its structure and staying power. It also creates a light barrier that helps lock in moisture.
• Emulsifying wax ensures the blend stays smooth and uniform, preventing the glycerin from separating from the oils. It’s also what holds together my homemade hair conditioner.
• Cocoa butter adds firmness and feels smooth and creamy on the lips. It’s naturally rich in antioxidants and helps keep lips soft.
• Mango butter is a little lighter than cocoa butter (it’s actually slightly astringent) and adds slip without feeling greasy. It’s high in vitamins A and E for a moisturizing boost.
• Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oils. While it works well in lotion or face oil, I also love it for dry lips. 
• Glycerin is a natural humectant to lock in moisture and helps the lipstick feel comfortable, even with a matte finish.
• Rose kaolin clay gives the lipstick its smooth matte texture and subtle color while helping it adhere to the lips. 
• Red mica adds a soft color and slight shimmer. I also used some natural red food coloring to deepen the tone a little without adding too much sparkle from the mica. 
• Peppermint essential oil is optional, but I use a few drops for a cooling, refreshing feeling. The mint also reminds me of candy canes this time of year!

Here’s how to make it:

How to Use Homemade Lipstick

While I love creating my own natural lipstick, it will not perform quite the same as conventional options. It feels soft and moisturizing on the lips, but it doesn’t have artificial ingredients to prevent color transfer. You will need to reapply after eating and drinking. 

This one also doesn’t have super bold, crazy shades like conventional lipsticks. That said, you can still use different micas or even add some cocoa powder to experiment with the shade. The matte lipstick recipe yields a firm lipstick that still feels soft on the lips.

I used lip balm tubes for storage, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can also find lipstick molds online. You could also use a small jar or tin if you prefer, but it would be harder to apply this way since it’s a firmer consistency. 

Have you ever made your own makeup before? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!