How to Start a Lip Gloss Business Online [2023]
Starting your brand is always a fabulous journey. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going to start a clothing brand or a cosmetics line. What is more important is your intention to create value for people and your personal life as a business owner. Starting a lip gloss business can be fast and easy, as you don’t need an investor or some special knowledge. This type of business is trendy among girls 12-13 years old. The only thing you need is to figure out the steps to start with. So this article is created for those who have a dream to start a lip gloss business online. I’d like to share with you the most detailed guide on how to become a lipgloss business owner, and how to make lip gloss to sell investing under $100.
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Table of contents:
1. Why start a lipgloss business
So, you are interested in how to start a lip gloss business, but is it worth starting it?
Recent trends have shown that the beauty industry is being highly extended. The lipstick market is forecast to value about $10 billion
by 2024
. Women will continue to use more beauty products which will cause demand growth over the next few years. This fact is connected with the female entrepreneurship boom. So if you are about to start a lip gloss business you have all chances to grow fast.
A lipgloss business can be a great idea to start your business journey. It gives you an opportunity to understand the processes of making a real product and teaches you how to sell and work with clients. And it brings you the money! This is the main reason why so many girls think about making lip gloss products.
Lip gloss business trends: What should you pay attention to?
Over the last few years, the beauty industry has experienced some changes and developed under the influence of modern eco-friendly trends. Organic lip glosses that are not tested on animals attract more attention and will take leading positions on the market.
Talking about the target audience of a lip gloss business it is essential to stress that young women are more about using lip glosses than the older generation. Natural and transparent colors will be preferred over dark and bright ones.
2. Define the Lip Gloss Business model
When you start any business the very first step is to define your business model. In simple words, you just need to decide what you like doing the most and what lip gloss line business plan you will have.
You want to dive into the technology of product development and create something unique on the market.
On the other side, you may be more interested in marketing and sales and working with a brand that already has a name and reputation.
So, there are two options on how to start your lipgloss business:
- You can make your own lip gloss product
- You can become a lip gloss distributor
Each of these models can help you to achieve success, so let’s dive deeper into the details of how they work.
Business model 1. Make your own lip gloss for business
Making a lip gloss by yourself can be your competitive advantage because it is you to decide which colors to use, whether your lip gloss has glitter or sparkle.
When you have money to invest in your lipgloss business you can hire a cosmetic chemist who will develop a unique formula for your future product. But that is not necessary for the start.
Read on: 5 Best MakeUp Professional Kits For Business
If your lip gloss budget is under $100 you can make it at home by ordering all the necessary ingredients online.
Actually, you have two options here:
- Buy all the lipgloss ingredients separately
- Buy a lipgloss starter kit
How to make lip gloss to sell
If you are interested in how to make a lip gloss business, just know that it is fun and easy! And you can do it with a few simple ingredients and basic equipment.
What is lip gloss made of:
- Base oils, such as mineral oil, castor oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or vegetable oils.
- Emollients like lanolin, shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax.
- Thickeners such as synthetic polymers or natural ingredients like silica or mica.
- Pigments and dyes
- Flavorings can range from fruity or minty flavors to floral or sweet fragrances.
- Antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract.
So, here are some steps to make your lip gloss:
Step 1. Gather the ingredients. You will need petroleum jelly, a lip gloss base, mineral oil, lipgloss glitter, and lipgloss tubes.
Step 2. Heat the petroleum jelly.
Put some petroleum jelly into a heat-proof bowl and place it over a double boiler. The petroleum jelly will slowly melt.
Step 3. Add the lip balm
Once the petroleum jelly has melted, add the flavored lip balm to the bowl. Stir it until it is well combined.
Step 4. Add mineral oil
Add a small amount of mineral oil to the bowl and mix well. This will make your lip gloss smoother and easier to apply.
Step 5. Add some glitter/coloring
If you want, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the bowl. Stir it until it is well combined.
Step 6. Pour it into a container
Now carefully pour the lip gloss into a container of your choice.
Step 7. Allow it to cool
Allow the lip gloss to cool completely, then cap the container.
Step 8. Test it
Once the lip gloss has cooled, give it a try. If you feel it is too thick or sticky, you can add some mineral oil. If it feels too thin, add a little more petroleum jelly.
1. Lip gloss base
A vegan and organic lip gloss base can be a good fit for your new brand.
$9 at Amazon
TKB Lip Gloss Base
$9 at Amazon
Lip gloss base with lip color set
$9 at Amazon
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil provides a moisturizing effect and is a treatment for dry leaps. Make sure to add some natural coconut oil to your lip gloss line.
$14.5 at Amazon
3. Vitamin E pills
Vitamins are essential for a good beauty product. In fact, you could add different vitamins but vitamin E is highly recommended.
$15 at Amazon
4. Lip gloss Glitter
Since lip gloss with glitter is more popular among girls I would recommend buying a glitter pack to experiment with colors and find the ones you love the most.
$14 at Amazon
5. Oil flavor (optional)
This is an optional ingredient but you could also add some fruit flavor to your lip glosses.
$8.95 at Amazon
6. Lip gloss tubes
You can start by ordering 22 packs. That would be enough for your first lipgloss brand line. And make sure you buy tubes together with syringes not to pay for them additionally.
$4 at Amazon
So, you will need to spend around $66 in total to make a lip gloss line at home. It is not too much but there is an option to make a lip gloss even cheaper. Just buy a DIY lip gloss-making kit.
Here are some highly-rated Lip Gloss business starter kits you can buy at Amazon:
When you have a lip gloss business supplies list, just follow the steps below:
Step 1. Carefully mix all the ingredients in the right proportion
Step 2. Transfer your lip gloss into containers
Step 3. Let your lip gloss cool for at least 30 minutes
Done! Here are your very first lip gloss products ready.
Business model 2. Become a lip gloss distributor
Being a lip gloss reseller means being focused on marketing and sales strategies. In most cases, you don’t need any investment to start making money with this business model but the case when you plan to open a local cosmetics shop.
So, if you want to find lip gloss brands to resell the products here is the list of the most popular companies with a built reputation you can apply to right now:
- Black Up
apply here >>
- Avon
apply here >>
- Mary Kay
apply here >>
- Oriflame
apply here >>
- Attitude ™ by Amway
apply here >>
- Natura
apply here >>
- Merle Norman
apply here >>
- Mia Cosmetics
apply here >>
3. How to brand your lip gloss business
Once you have your product ready it is time to brand it properly. Branding is what will help you to stand out among all the other niche brands.
So, to brand your lipgloss business online do the following steps:
1. Create a business name
This step is highly important since your business name is what people should remember, share, and talk about. Surely, a brand name is not the most important element, much depends on the product quality and marketing strategy.
Anyway, make sure your lip gloss business name is related to your brand and easy to pronounce and remember.
If you are not sure how to name your lip gloss business here is the list of the most popular lip gloss business names generating websites you can use:
Select at least three lip gloss business names you like the most and share the list with your friends asking for their feedback. It will help you to understand how people would like it and choose the best variant.
2. Create a logo
If you have design skills creating a logo won’t be a problem.
If you are not a designer you still have two options on how to brand your lip gloss business:
Order a logo using freelance websites, such as Fiverr or Upwork
Use online logo-generating services
Best DIY logo makers for a lip gloss business:
3. Create lip gloss labels for your brand
Once you have a new logo the next step is to order your brand labels.
Depending on the size of your lip gloss tubes you need to order brand labels in the proper size.
To get lip gloss labels it is better to use the 3rd party services, or you can order such labels on Etsy.com (it will cost about $18).
To make sure your brand labels in high quality, it’s better to work with a professional label maker. CustomSticker has more than 20 years of experience in making stickers and labels. They can not only print stickers and labels quickly but also provide a free design service for you before printing. Any size, shape, and style labels are available on their online platform.
4. How to promote and sell a lip gloss business online
You’ve done an amazing job! Now you have not only a product but a ready-to-go brand. Since it is time to start selling and making money from your lip gloss business, here are the five best channels you should consider.
One of the most effective ways to promote a lipgloss business in 2020-2021 remains through social media. Instagram is the best platform to show up and demonstrate the beauty and quality of your lip gloss brand.
YouTube
There is a huge number of successful beauty bloggers on YouTube attracting millions of users through product reviews. For example, one of the most popular lip gloss video reviews by Ava Jules has almost 1.7 million views.
So, create videos promoting your product, showing lip gloss color palettes, or makeup tutorials with lip gloss.
Personal blog
Start a blog and publish reviews of your product there. You can create some categories dedicated to your business, such as
Reviews
Process
Client Service
Special offers
Clients’ love
Marketplaces
One of the easiest ways to start selling lip glosses is through marketplaces. Create an account on Etsy or Amazon and sell them online.
Your sales will depend on the product rating. The more positive reviews you get the higher positions your products have in the marketplace catalog.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is another way to sell lip gloss online. How does dropshipping work?
You offer a commission rate for your partners who sell your products
Your partners promote your products and make sales
Your partners provide information about the customers who buy
You deliver the product to the customers and pay the commission to your partners
For people who partner with you, it is a great opportunity to make money without a product.
For you, it is another powerful sales channel that will help you to move your brand to the next level.
Lip Gloss Business FAQ
1. How much does it cost to start a lip gloss business?
You can start a lip gloss business by investing under $50 in making lip glosses by purchasing a DIY lip gloss business kit. Additionally, you have the option to start a business as a lip gloss distributor and invest nothing in the product. So it is up to you which business model is better.
What do you need for a lip gloss business?
Starting a lip gloss business requires careful planning and preparation. The article describes the details of how you can start your own beauty business. So, here are just several key elements to get started:
- A Unique Product
You need to develop a lip gloss product that is different from what is already available in the market. This will help you stand out and create a demand for your product.
- A Business Plan
A well-written business plan will help you stay on track and give you a roadmap for success. It should include a market analysis, product development, and marketing strategies, a financial plan, and a management structure.
- Branding and Marketing
Create a strong brand and marketing strategy to reach your target audience. This may include a website, social media accounts, product demos, and influencer marketing.
Sum up
Starting a lip gloss business with almost no money is not a myth but a reality. This is when your success will depend on your efforts and desire to bring something new to the market.
If you decide to be a lip gloss reseller, focus on the creativity of your marketing. Think out-of-box and present the product differently. Be flexible and care about customer service.
If you want to make lip glosses at home – do it! Just remember to create a natural and eco-friendly product that is not only beautiful but healthy, and people will love it.
Tetiana Artemova
Tetiana Artemova is an entrepreneur and owner of IStartHub , a business media for ambitious female entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Manifesting any big money goals? I earned $10,000 per year selling easy-to-make printable products in an Etsy shop. Here is a free ebook teaching you how to get started with this side hustle too.
Wishing you had more money in the bank? Follow my instagram @millennialboss where I share my best money saving tips and ideas to make extra cash.
If you’re looking for a side hustle that pulls together your do-it-yourself skills and your creativity, look no further than a lip gloss business.
Is Selling Lip Gloss Profitable?
Selling lip gloss has three key things working in its favor.
First, startup costs can be low. Lip gloss startup kits can be less than $100 if you know where to look, and those kits come with everything you need to get your private label up and running.
Note that you’ll pay more money if you’re looking for higher quality products, but even then, the cost to profit ratio is reasonable.
Second, creating your own lip gloss is a relatively easy skill to learn. You don’t have to pay for classes, and usually, you’ll get it right on your first or second attempt meaning there’s no wasted supply.
Third, the lip gloss business is a growing industry.
According to Grand View Research, the lip care industry reached an $820 million valuation in 2020. Grand View Research projects that the industry will jump to $1.17 billion by 2025. In other words, sales are trending up.
Why Is The Lip Care Industry Trending?
One of the reasons the lip care industry is growing is that people are looking for more variety.
According to the Grand View Research report, a couple of key changes are occurring in the industry.
For one thing, consumer demand is changing. People are now looking for natural components in their lip care products, including beeswax, essential oils, aloe vera extract, green tea extract, and shea butter, to name a few.
People are also looking for something more in their lip care products, such as sun protection.
Also, the market is expanding. Men are starting to look for personal care products, including lip care products.
These changes are things that you want to consider as you start to create and grow your lip gloss brand.
Homemade Lip Gloss Business Types
One of the great things about the lip gloss business is choosing to create a type of gloss that speaks to you.
Makeup brand L’Oreal has a breakdown of the types of lip gloss you can create for your brand, including:
- Sheer Lip Gloss – Sheer lip glosses “…often provide a light wash of color, or are clear, making them perfect for topping off a lipstick that packs a more colorful punch.”
- Pigmented Lip Gloss – “Free of shimmer, but just as shiny as any other lip gloss, [pigmented lip glosses] provide bold color that isn’t quite as long-lasting as a lipstick.”
- Shimmer Lip Gloss – “Packed with fine-milled shimmer, [the shimmer lip gloss] type of lip gloss was an early 2000s staple.”
- Glitter Lip Gloss – Glitter lip gloss is a little chunkier than shimmer lip gloss, but it also has a lot more sparkle.
- Matte Lip Gloss – No shine, just a matte finish.
Things You Need To Start A Lip Gloss Business
Once you’ve decided what type of lip gloss you’re going to create, it’s time to gather the ingredients. The Naturally Handcrafted blog says you will need the following:
- Grapeseed Oil or Olive Oil;
- Coconut Oil;
- Cocoa Butter (If you want a chocolate flavor to your lip gloss) or Shea Butter;
- Beeswax;
- Vitamin E Pills (Should be D-alpha-tocopherol Vitamin E which is natural);
- Lip Gloss Tubes/Containers;
- Mica Powder (Color will depend on what color you want to make your lip gloss);
- Essential Oils (Scent will depend on what you want your lip gloss to smell like).
You may also want a double boiler, though you can also use a glass measuring cup and a pot of water to get the same result.
Naturally Handcrafted also has a recipe and step-by-step instructions to help get you started on your lip gloss journey. You can find it here.
Create Your Own Lip Gloss Line
Now that you have your lip gloss made, you’re ready to create your brand.
Possible Names For Your Lip Gloss Line
The first thing you need to do is come up with a name for your lip gloss brand. If you’re stumped, there is plenty of help out there.
The marketing brand agency Soocial brainstormed and created a list of 469 potential names for a lip gloss brand. While some of the names may already be taken, you’re sure to find one that you love.
The site Biz Name Wiz has created a list of more than 1,000 other potential names.
When you find a name you like, Google it. If no one has it, snag it for yourself.
Legal Requirements For Starting A Lip Gloss Line
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal agency that oversees the cosmetics industry. While you are not required to register your lip gloss line with the FDA before putting it on the market, you must work within the FDA’s guidelines.
Guidelines include making sure that your cosmetics are unadulterated and are not misbranded. They must be appropriately labeled, with all of the ingredients listed. If you add color additives to your the additive must be FDA approved, and you must use it as it was intended.
The FDA has pulled together a Q&A for people looking to sell homemade cosmetics. I suggest you read it before you start labeling and selling your products. You can find it here.
Do I Need A Business License To Sell Lip Gloss?
In addition to the rules put in place by the FDA, you also need to take into account the basic business needs of your new cosmetic line.
For example, do you need a business license? Some states will require you to have a business license while others will not. Usually, the answer depends on whether or not the state collects sales tax.
If you need more guidance, I looked into the issue in this post here.
Do I Need Insurance To Sell Lip Gloss?
The blog Modern Soapmaking has tackled this issue. While, the site specializes in soap, it’s also dabbled in lip gloss and balm as well. The bottom line, you need product liability insurance.
“Product liability insurance protects you from claims made against you as the manufacturer and seller of your products, including soap, lotions, lip balm, and more. It’s a common misunderstanding that if you formulate your products correctly, you don’t need product liability insurance because nothing can go wrong,” writes Modern Soapmaking.
Get insurance. Don’t stop your business before it starts going.
Branding Your Own Lip Gloss Line
With the legal all sorted out, you now need to consider branding your lip gloss business. You need to create a logo that people will associate with your business.
You will also need to create stickers that you will apply to your lip gloss. These stickers will include your company logo, all of the ingredients in the lip gloss as well as other requirements from the FDA. Again, if you have not read the FDA Q&A, read it!
You can find it here.
Where to Sell Your Homemade Lip Gloss
With your lip gloss all packaged and ready to go, you now need to find some customers.
Locally
You can choose to sell your lip gloss locally. That means you visit local beauty shops, talk to fellow crafters and attend local events to get the word out about your brand.
The benefit of selling locally is that you’re building a grassroots effort. You’re meeting personally with your clients and you’re getting immediate feedback on your brand and its products.
The downside is, building a brand like this takes a lot of time.
Online
Your other option is to sell your products online. For a little extra, you can create a website and an online store and then market your brand through social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
If you’re not sure how to get a shop started online, then turn to a ready-made marketplace like Etsy to sell your products.
Hybrid
There is also the hybrid option, which can offer the best of both worlds, but also requires more work for you as the small business owner. You can create an online shop, but also attend local events to get the word out about your product.
Conclusion
Whether you sell online, locally or both, a lip gloss business can be a very fulfilling and profitable side hustle.
Your own lip gloss line does not cost a lot of money to start and it’s fairly easy to learn. As you get better and your sales increase, you can increase your production to match.
Like many of the small businesses we feature a lip gloss business can be as much or as little as you want. It all depends on how you fit it into your lifestyle.
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