Zero Waste Beetroot Lip Stain Recipe

Oh my goodness, there are few things I love more than a classy red lip paired with glowing blushed cheeks. In my opinion, it’s a makeup look that is the very embodiment of class and simplicity. 

Today, I was able to accomplish just that look with my beetroot lip stain, both cheaply and completely waste-free. I’m pretty dang excited about this new zero waste solution!

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My Cheek Stain Wishlist

When I choose a highly-pigmented stain, I usually look out for the following qualities:

• I have very full lips, so the color I choose is usually something semi-sheer and classic, not trendy.
• My lips tend to chap easily in dry weather, so a moisturizing formula is essential.
• I can’t stand products that are cakey or settle deeply into fine lines.

The Beetroot Lip Stain Recipe That Did the Trick

People have been using beetroot to add color to the world for millennia. You can dye just about anything with beet juice: natural fibers like yarn and cloth, easter eggs, your cutting board… you name it!

The root vegetable comes in many different shades, but the most recognizable variety is red – a deep, gloriously rich jewel tone. It’s seriously stunning.

I chose to make beetroot lip stain for a number of reasons:

• Nothing seems to come close to the rich color of beets.
• Beets are sweet and jam-packed with vitamins.
• They break down easily into a lovely pigment.

Here’s how I did it! (find full printable recipe below)

Ingredients you’ll need:

• One large red beet
• Vegetable glycerin or coconut oil

Step 1: Peel and slice your beets into little chunks and place in heat-safe glass container or double boiler.

*Beware: Beets stain, if you didn’t already catch that. If you’re using a wood cutting board, be prepared for it to turn pink! I also suggest keeping a dark-coloured rag handy. And wear an apron.

Step 2: Use a double boiler or pot to steam your beets.

I don’t own a double boiler, but this worked just fine! Place your heat-safe bowl filled with beets and glycerin/oil inside a pot of boiling water.

You’ll need to ensure the two are comparably sized or your glass container will bounce around with the rolling boil and make a mess. I learned that the hard way!

Boil and steam until your beets are soft and can be punctured easily with a fork.

Step 3: When beets are soft, remove from heat and blend in a food processor.

Remove your softened beets and beet stain and run through whatever food processing appliance you have handy! You just want the beets to be pulp-ish, not whole, so you can strain the juices out. I used my Magic Bullet, but anything works!

Step 4: Strain beet liquid through a cloth into your chosen reusable container. Store.

Spoon bits of beet pulp into the center of a cotton straining cloth and squeeze with all your Herculean might into a reusable glass container! I used my teeny mason jars. The liquid should look like the picture above – bright and very pigmented.

The Result

Here’s how the beetroot lip stain looked in the end, paired with my Zero Waste Powder Foundation which you can also find here.

I’m actually super impressed! I love the way the stain feels, both on my lips and my cheeks and I really think it looks natural in every way.

Apply to your cheeks by gently dabbing dots across your apples and pat to blend. For your lips, just apply as you would any regular gloss or stain. It’s glorious!

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Oh my goodness, the color on this beetroot lip stain is absolutely stunning. It’s so rich and I honestly think it would suit any color tone!
• The mixture goes on soft and is very moisturizing. It has just the right amount of shine and isn’t sticky in the slightest.
• It’s natural and sheer in the best way. It looks like me, through and through.
• You could literally drink this and no harm will come to you. That’s a win in my book, especially for something that will go directly on my mouth.

Cons:

• I’m not super confident in the lasting power of this recipe, given it’s made from vegetables, but hey, I don’t mind reapplying! So far, it’s been an hour and I’m content.

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Have you ever made your own lip or cheek stain before? Please share your tips! I’m all ears.