Simple Liquid Lipstick Formula for Beginners

It's great you're getting into making liquid lipstick! It can be a fun process. Let's break down how to convert percentages to grams and look at a simple formula.

Converting Percentage (%) to Grams (g)

To convert a percentage of an ingredient to grams, you need to decide on the total weight of the batch you want to make. Once you have the total batch size in grams, use this formula:

Grams of Ingredient = (Total Batch Size in Grams) * (Percentage of Ingredient / 100)

For example, if you want to make a 100-gram batch of liquid lipstick and an ingredient is listed at 10%, you would need:

100 grams * (10 / 100) = 10 grams of that ingredient.

If you want to make a 50-gram batch of the same formula, you would need:

50 grams * (10 / 100) = 5 grams of that ingredient.

So, the amount in grams changes based on your total batch size.

Simple Liquid Lipstick Formula (Oil/Wax/Film Former Based)

Here is a basic example of a liquid lipstick formula that uses oils, waxes, and film formers. This type is generally simpler for beginners than emulsion-based formulas.

Ingredients:

• Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate: 50%
• Cosmetic Oil (e.g., LipidSoft Shine or Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride): 22%
• Glossy Wax (Light, Non-Greasiness): 10%
• Lip Film HR (Gloss Film Former For Glossy Lip): 10%
• D&C Red No.6 Lake EasyMix™ (India) (Pigment): 5%
• ColorPerse™ A100 (Pigment Disperser): 3%

Total: 100%

Mixing Instructions:

1. Combine the Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate and the Cosmetic Oil in a heat-resistant container.
2. Add the Glossy Wax and Lip Film HR to the oils. Heat the mixture gently (around 100-110°C is needed for Lip Film HR) while stirring until all waxes and the film former are completely melted and dissolved.
3. In a separate small container, combine the D&C Red No.6 Lake EasyMix™ pigment with the ColorPerse™ A100 and a small amount of the heated oil mixture from step 2. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free pigment dispersion. You can use a small mortar and pestle or a mini mixer if available to ensure the pigment is well dispersed.
4. Once the main oil/wax/film former mixture is clear and uniform, carefully add the pigment dispersion from step 3. Stir well to ensure the color is evenly distributed throughout the liquid base.
5. Remove from heat and continue stirring gently as it cools slightly to prevent the pigment from settling. Pour the mixture into your liquid lipstick tubes while it is still warm enough to flow easily.

Important Notes:

• Always work in a clean environment and use clean, sanitized equipment.
• Start with a small batch size (e.g., 10-20 grams) for testing.
• You can adjust the percentages slightly to change the texture (more wax for thicker, less for thinner) or color intensity (more or less pigment).
• This formula does not include a preservative. If you introduce any water or expect the product to come into contact with water, or if you plan to sell it, a suitable oil-soluble preservative should be added according to the supplier's recommendations.
• Always test the final product for stability and performance.

This formula provides a basic starting point. As you gain experience, you can explore adding other ingredients like emollients, flavors, or other functional additives.