Creamy DIY Lip + Cheek Stain

If you’ve read this blog for long, then you know we make a lot of stuff. I mean, you should see my bathroom. It’s a nightmare of bottles and jars of concoctions to test out. Some make the cut, and some sit for so long I completely forget what’s in them (apparently that’s what labels are for).

But this DIY, this recipe is one I am so excited about. Because I love, love, love it. It’s easy to make (3 ingredients!) and makes the prettiest color for your cheeks and lips. It’s lightweight and perfect for summer.

I’m all about ‘no makeup’ in the summer. Multi-use makeup that I can apply with my finger is even better. Just swipe on your lips and cheeks for a healthy pink glow. It goes on easily and feels somewhere between a balm and a gloss on the lips. To apply, use your fingertip to dot a small amount onto your cheeks or lips and blend into skin.

Even if the stain starts a little strong, it’s easy enough to blend out to a sun-kissed flush that looks completely natural. I’m already obsessed! I like to bring it across my nose, too—a couple tiny dabs make for the perfect, I just came from the beach look. 

And that’s not even the best part—this stain is good enough to eat. Using beetroot powder for coloring is the perfect natural option for getting that flawless glow without resorting to using conventional products, some of which are irritating and not cruelty free.

Most blushes rely on carmine for red pigment, which comes from crushed up bugs. Ew! Plus, the combination of super-nourishing shea butter and castor oil make for the perfect base.

DIY Lip + Cheek Stain Ingredients

Here’s a rundown of the 3 ingredients:

Castor oil

Castor oil is very hydrating (it works great on eyelashes) and has a nice, thick texture that makes this recipe feel smooth and glossy. It is known for preserving moisture, and its fatty acids leave the skin feeling nourished.

Shea butter

Shea butter is such a silky, creamy ingredient. It provides healing moisture and also gives the blush its staying power on the cheeks.

Beet powder

I had no idea you could get beet powder in a pill form. The powder is a super bright hot pink, but don’t let that scare you! If you want to tone down the pink, you could add a tiny, tiny bit of turmeric or cocoa powder.

I’ve been more than a little afraid of venturing into make-your-own makeup territory, but this DIY might just have changed my mind! To keep this stain fresh for as long as possible, keep it in a cool, dark drawer or even better, the fridge. If you have a skin care mini-fridge, that would be perfect.

Because our ingredients are good enough to eat and we’re not relying on preservatives, it’s important to store our DIY products properly. If it begins to separate or smell a little funny, then you know it’s time to let go of this batch and whip up a new one, tout de suite!

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4.43 from 14 votes

Beet Lip + Cheek Stain

With just 3 ingredients, this lip + cheek stain makes the prettiest color for your cheeks and lips. It's lightweight and perfect for summer.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Natural Beauty

Cuisine: DIY

Keyword: lip balm

Yield: 2 ounces

Author: Stephanie Gerber

Cost: $5

Equipment

• Measuring cup
• saucepan

Materials

• 1 teaspoon castor oil
• 1 teaspoon beet root powder
• 1 teaspoon shea butter

Instructions

• Measure ingredients into a small glass measuring cup, then set in simmering water until shea butter melts.
  
• Stir in the beet powder and pour into a small jar and allow mixture to cool.
  

Notes

Store in a dark area away from heat. Stored properly, the blush should last up to 6 months.

Photos by Ana-Maria Stanciu