GLOSS THEORY
You will formulate two versions of a pigmented lip gloss, using observation from the first to inform a more deliberate color and finish decision in the second.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
FORMULA CONSTRUCTION
1
Measure and combine a clear lip gloss base with pigment to produce a finished cosmetic product.
COLOR DEVELOPMENT
Explore pigment selection and concentration to achieve a desired color and finish.
2
COMPARISON & EVALUATION
3
Analyze the differences between your two completed lip glosses in color, opacity, and appearance
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
01 SAFETY
Eyes & LIPS
Wear your safety glasses at all times. Keep all ingredients away from eyes. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. All mica colorants and gloss base used in this kit are approved for lip area use. Do not substitute ingredients.
SKIN TEST
Apply a small amount to the back of the hand before applying to lips. Discontinue if any irritation occurs.
External use
Everything made today is for external skin application only.
Mica Dust
Avoid inhaling loose mica powder. Keep containers capped when not in use. Work on a clean surface.
QUESTIONS
If anything is unclear — an ingredient, a step, a result — ask before proceeding.
HYGIENE
Wash hands before beginning. Sanitize your mixing cup and spatula with isopropyl alcohol before filling. Keep mica containers capped between uses to prevent cross-contamination.
YOUR KIT CONTENTS
1. Lip gloss tubes (2)
2. Clear lip gloss base (1 jar)
3. Mica color tubes (2)
4. Iridescent color tube (1)
5. Filler tubes (2)
6. Mixing cups (2)
7. Large spatula stick (1)
8. Spatula stir sticks (2)
9. Alcohol pads
10. Safety glasses
11. Gloves
12. Apron
13. Hair net
14. Face mask​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
02 mAKE YOUR LIP GLOSSES
Lip Color Science
1. Set out all of your materials: 2 lip gloss tubes, 1 jar of clear lip gloss base, 2 mixing cups, 1 large spatula stick, 2 spatula stir sticks, 2 mica color tubes, 1 iridescent color tube, 2 filler tubes, and your alcohol pads.
2. Put on your safety glasses, gloves, apron, hair net, and mask before handling any materials.
3. Use an alcohol pad to wipe the inside and outside of both mixing cups, your lip gloss tubes, and your filler tubes.
4. Open your jar of clear lip gloss base. Using the large spatula stick to guide it, slowly pour approximately 7 ml of base into one mixing cup. Stop at the 7 ml line — there is exactly enough base for 2 lip glosses.
5. Choose your first color. You may use one full tube, a portion of a tube, or a combination of colors. If you would like to swap a color with a classmate, do so before opening any additional tubes.
6. To open a color tube, hold the cap and rotate it slowly until it releases. Do not use tools or any other method to remove the cap. Set the cap aside.
7. Pour your chosen color into the mixing cup with the clear base. Use one of your stir sticks to mix thoroughly.
8. To test your color, place a small drop from your stir stick onto the back of your hand — do not touch the stir stick directly to your skin. Adjust color as needed.
9. Wipe your stir stick on the inside edge of the cup to remove excess. Remove the plunger from your filler tube and place the cap on the tip of the filler tube. Pour your mixed gloss into the filler tube.
10. Select one of your lip gloss tubes. Remove the cap from the tip of your filler tube. Set the filler tube inside the empty lip gloss tube, insert the plunger, and fill the lip gloss tube completely.
11. Remove the filler tube. Press the corresponding lid down firmly onto the lip gloss tube and rotate until fully closed.
12. Repeat steps 4 through 11 for your second lip gloss using your second mixing cup and stir stick. You may choose a different color, adjust the amount for a more sheer or more pigmented result, or incorporate the iridescent topper.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Clean your lab station.
QUESTIONS
1. How did the amount of mica you used affect the color payoff of your lip gloss?
2. What differences do you notice between your two lip glosses — in color, finish, or texture?
3. How did the iridescent pigment change the appearance of the gloss compared to the mica colors?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​