DIY Moisturizing Matte Lipstick

There’s something timeless about a good lipstick. Just one swipe can have you feeling great in seconds, even on the most casual day. I like to have a few natural shades on hand that are comfortable to wear and don’t require a lot of 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, creating your own lipstick is quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying.
Why make lipstick at home?
There’s something satisfying about creating your own everyday essentials. Lipstick may seem like a small thing, but making it yourself makes it a conscious process. You can choose the color, the look and even the scent. In the past I have experimented with homemade lipsticks and have created several different shimmery ones that I like. This time, I wanted to opt for a matte version.
Another advantage is customization. You can change the ingredients according to your preferences. Want a gentler formula? Add a little more jojoba oil. Do you prefer a stronger pigment? Increase the mica or food coloring. The great thing about DIY skincare is that you can tweak things until they’re perfect for you.
Love the idea of a healthy lipstick, but don’t have time to make it? Toups & Co. makes beautiful, healthy lipsticks with clean ingredients that 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 hold. It also creates a light barrier that helps retain moisture.
- Emulsifying wax ensures the mixture remains smooth and uniform, preventing the glycerin from separating from the oils. It’s also what keeps my homemade conditioner going.
- Cocoa butter adds firmness and feels soft and creamy on the lips. It is naturally rich in antioxidants and helps keep lips soft.
- Mango butter is a bit lighter than cocoa butter (it’s actually slightly astringent) and adds slipperiness without feeling greasy. It is rich in vitamins A and E for a hydration boost.
- Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural oils. Although it works well in a facial lotion or oil, I also love it for dry lips.
- Glycerin is a natural humectant that locks in moisture and helps lipstick feel comfortable, even with a matte finish.
- Pink kaolin clay gives the lipstick its smooth matte texture and subtle color while helping it adhere to the lips.
- Red mica adds soft color and slight highlights. I also used natural red food coloring to deepen the tone a bit without adding too much sparkle to the mica.
- Peppermint essential oil is optional, but I use a few drops for a refreshing, refreshing feeling. Mint also reminds me of candy canes this time of year!
Here’s how to do it:
DIY Moisturizing Matte Lipstick
A silky lipstick in a pretty matte color for healthier looking lips.
Yield: 7 lip balm containers
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To the top of a double boiler or heatproof glass bowl, add the waxes, butters, oil, and glycerin. Stir occasionally until melted.
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Stir in clay, mica, essential oil and food coloring (if using).
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Pour immediately into your containers and let cool at room temperature until firm.
- Once cooled, your lipstick is ready to use.
- Try experimenting with dyes to get your favorite shade. You can add a different shade of mica or even try cocoa powder for a brown tint.
How to use homemade lipstick
While I love creating my own natural lipstick, it won’t work quite the same as conventional options. It feels soft and hydrating on the lips, but it doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients to prevent color transfer. You will need to reapply after eating and drinking.
This one also doesn’t have super bold and crazy shades like conventional lipsticks. That said, you can always use different micas or even add cocoa powder to experiment with the shade. The matte lipstick recipe results in a firm lipstick that stays soft on the lips.
I used lip balm tubes for storage, but if you’re fancy you can also find lipstick molds online. You can also use a small jar or can if you prefer, but it would be harder to apply this way because the consistency is firmer.
Have you ever done your own makeup before? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!




