Trying to make lip gloss from scratch isn't as hard as you think. Not only is it great for those with sensitive skin, but its all-organic base is just what you need for lasting shine, and lip care.

A woman's makeup bag is incomplete without her trusty lip gloss, where this luscious preparation is for the sole purpose of adding super or subtle shine and a little moisturizing, with plump, colorful lip tints.

It's a great alternative for those who don't prefer putting lipstick on, where others could add a coat of lip gloss over a layer of lipstick to give it more depth and longevity. It's amazing how companies come up with a variety of colors to suit each one's preference and skin tone, making lip glosses a staple in every handbag.

What about lip balms? The purpose of a lip balm is to provide moisture to dry lips, especially those sensitive to dryness. Balms come in a variety of colors as well, but lack the glossy, wet appeal of lip glosses.

While lip glosses may be your go-to lip stain, it's a lip balm that will offer overall coverage to protect lips from chapping, dehydration, and the harsh rays of the sun (many come with SPF protection). The best way to apply lip gloss is to use a complementary lip balm base before applying the former.

Making your own homemade lip gloss can be quite an experience since it allows you to control which ingredients go into the mix, while also keeping your skin's needs in mind.

While you'll find a great homemade recipe for lip gloss, you'll be delighted to find a lip balm preparation that you can try out as well. Before we do begin with the recipes for both makeup products, let's take a brief look at why making these at home proves beneficial.

Ingredients

• 6 fresh strawberries (if you use a lip gloss everyday, using fruit is all right)
• Cheese cloth
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil
• 3 drops of vitamin E (or crush a capsule)
• 1 teaspoon of pure honey
• 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly
• 3 drops of vanilla / mango / chocolate essence
• 1 teaspoon of paraffin wax
• 1 medium-sized airtight container

Alternatives

• You can replace the almond oil for coconut oil
• You could use a teaspoon of oil-based candy flavoring in place of actual fruit (if you're preparing a bigger batch in single sitting, add more of this)
• You could use candy-melts for color
• You can add essential oils (like lavender or rose) of your choice to any mix

Preparation
Place a wide pan on the stove and drop into this your strawberries, almond oil, vitamin E source, honey, and paraffin wax. Using a wooden spoon, gently mash up the contents of the pan while it reduces over a low flame.

Once it turns into mush take the pan off the heat. Use the cheese cloth to strain the ingredients of the pan into a Ziploc bag - wait for the mix to cool. After 10 minutes, add to this your preferred essence and a teaspoon of petroleum jelly, gently massaging the bag for a few seconds to let the ingredients combine.

Cut a hole at one corner of the Ziploc bag and gently let it fill the airtight container.

Tip: You could add a little more shine by using a ¼ teaspoon of powdered gold glitter.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• A medicinal dropper
• 3 tablespoons of beeswax
• 4 drops of vanilla essence
• 5 drops of rose essential oil (or any other)
• 2 tablespoons of shea butter (or cocoa butter)
• 1 medium-sized airtight container

Preparation
Using a medium-sized pan, melt the beeswax, along with the essential oils (use the medicinal dropper - if you don't have one, just use a teaspoon of this), shea butter, and coconut oil. Make sure to do this on a low flame.

Once the beeswax melts, pour this into the airtight container, adding the vanilla essence last before giving the mix a brief stir. Pop this into the refrigerator for 10 minutes - your lip balm is ready for use.

These recipes are incredibly simple to concoct and manipulate according to your liking. You could also experiment with key ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, mango butter (not cream), dried orange / lemon peel (powdered before adding to the mix), aloe vera, and the like.