Not sure if I should be more disturbed by the synthetic chemicals I was putting on my lips all those years, or the damaging marketing message Maybelline fed me during my teen years. Either way, if my girls want lip gloss, we’ll make our own. Here’s a recipe for you…

Remember when “Kissing Potion” was all the rage in the 70’s? Aside from the really shameless ad campaign that encouraged young girls to have multiple kissing partners (a lip gloss for each boy), lip gloss was fun.

I recall my father’s baffled expression after I slathered on a few teaspoons of the goopy stuff.

“Why do you want to put that on your mouth?” I recall him saying.

Wide-eyed, smelling like bubble gum, and having the appearance of someone who had been drooling, I declared with all sincerity, “Because it looks pretty!

Hmmm… perspective?

If lip gloss hadn’t been loaded with synthetic flavors, chemicals, and petroleum, and if I had used only enough to moisturize my lips, instead of enough to lubricate the tires on my uncle’s truck, it may have been worth it.

But, it wouldn’t have mattered; because as I gazed into my tri-light make-up mirror (permanently set to “evening”), you never would have convinced me that less is better.

However, I am convinced now. And I also know more about the dangers of synthetic chemicals, petroleum-based products, and kissing someone other than my husband (he gets all my flavors). That’s why I’ve come up with this easy all-natural recipe for you to try.

Common Scents Lip Gloss

• 3 T. sweet almond oil
• 1.5 T. liquid vegetable glycerin
• contents of one vitamin E gel cap
• 1/4 tsp. pure lanolin (optional for really dry or cracked lips)*
• 4 drops Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils (cinnamon, peppermint, lime, grapefruit, lemon, or orange)*
• Small roll-on bottles. You can find them HERE for under a dollar.

Add oils directly to roll-on bottle and shake well.

Note: If you want to add some color, gently heat the mixture and add some pomegranate seeds until it brightens to the proper shade. Strain out seeds and cool.

I only recommend Young Living essential oils for this recipe, as lower quality oils may be toxic.

*If you use lanolin in your recipe, you’ll want to warm the mixture until the lanolin melts. Then, cool and add to your roll-on bottle.