Apricot Mango Lip Shimmer

When I first started working at From Nature With Love I was instantly captivated by the huge selection of Pearlescent Micas. The rainbow of shimmering colors put glitter to shame. I couldn’t wait to start adding them to colorful soaps and sweet-scented lip balms. The funny thing about adding Mica to lip balms is that the color tends to come off as sheer – even when you add a ton of colorant. One thing that helps give your tinted lip balms a little bit more punch is Liquid Lecithin.

This gooey, soy-based additive is also used in foods like caramel and ice cream, and in skin care emulsions like lotions and creams. In lip products, Lecithin increases adhesion. This makes lip balms rich and creamy, and lipsticks thicker and more dense. In order to make a lip product opaque, something like Titanium Dioxide is usually added.

This formula is somewhere in between lip balm and lipstick. It is moisturizing, semi-sheer, and dual-colored. That last part is a little tricky, so I’ll walk you through how I did it. You’ll want to start off by cutting a thick piece of cardstock to divide your jar in half. Wedge the card in the middle of the jar, doing your best to create a tight seal at the bottom. After you mix both colors of balm separately, you’ll pour them into both sides of the jar, let it cool for just a few moments, then pull out the card.

This process is a little tricky – to be sure. It may take some practice to get it just right. As you can see from the photos I had some flooding in my test balms as well. If your surface ends up being too rough you can always shave it down a little with a sharp blade or place it under a hot air gun to remelt the top (just a little).

Apricot Mango Lip Shimmer
Makes two 15ml Jars

Ingredients

• 15 grams Beeswax Pellets (about 2 tablespoons)
  
• 15 grams Mango Butter (about 1 tablespoon)
• 15 grams Apricot Kernel Oil (about 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
• 5 grams Liquid Lecithin (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 grams Gold Karat Sparkle Mica (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 grams Two Tone Red Gold Mica (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 grams Apricot Plant-Based Fragrance Oil (about 3/8 teaspoon, optional)

Directions

1. Start by cutting a small piece of cardstock or cardboard to fit inside the sifter jar. Wedge the card into the center of the jar, dividing it into two equal sections.
2. Melt the Beeswax and Mango Butter in a double boiler over medium-high heat.
3. Add the Apricot Kernel Oil and Liquid Lecithin then stir to combine.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat, wait about one minute, then add the Apricot Plant-Based Fragrance Oil.
5. Place the Micas in two separate paper cups or beakers. Pour half of the mixture into the first cup and mix well. Meanwhile, leave the rest of the mixture back in the double boiler so it doesn’t harden.
6. While holding the divider card firmly in place (make sure it forms a seal against the bottom) carefully pour the first color of lip balm into one half of the jar.
7. Allow the lip balm to harden for about one minute, then fill the other side with the second half of the mixture.
8. Wait about thirty seconds, then carefully remove the divider card in one smooth motion. Allow the balm to harden completely before moving the jar or using the balm.

Usage & Packaging

These lip shimmers look great in our 15 ml Sifter Jars. To use, simply apply to your lips whenever you want a touch of shimmer.