How to Make a Wax-Based Beet Lip and Cheek Stain (With Optional Ginger Oil)

Natural, multi-use beauty products are having a quiet revival – and for good reason. A simple wax-based beet lip and cheek stain gives you soft colour, a nourishing texture and full control over what goes on your skin. This version is long-lasting, handbag-friendly and can be gently warmed with a touch of ginger oil if you like a subtle stimulating feel.

How to Make a Wax-Based Beet Lip and Cheek Stain (With Optional Ginger Oil)

This is a small-batch, mindful DIY that fits perfectly into a low-waste, slow-living routine.

Why Choose a Wax-Based Stain?

Unlike juice-only tints, a wax-based formula:

• Lasts longer on lips and cheeks

• Is less messy and more portable

• Allows better colour control

• Has a longer shelf life

Beetroot provides the pigment, wax gives structure, and oils nourish the skin.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp beeswax pastilles

• 1 tbsp carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba or olive oil)

• 1 tbsp beetroot powder

• Optional: 2–3 drops vitamin E oil

• Optional: 1 drop cosmetic-grade ginger essential oil (maximum)

Why Add Ginger Oil?

Ginger is known for its natural warming and stimulating properties. In a lip or cheek balm, a tiny amount of ginger oil can gently boost circulation in the skin, creating a subtle plumping effect on the lips and enhancing the natural flush of the cheeks. It also adds a softly energising, spicy note that makes the product feel more intentional and ritual-like rather than purely cosmetic.

Because ginger oil is potent, it should always be used sparingly and diluted well, making it an optional addition rather than an essential one.

If you prefer a vegan option, replace beeswax with candelilla wax and use roughly half the amount.

Method

1. Melt the base: Add the beeswax and carrier oil to a heatproof bowl. Place over a saucepan of gently simmering water and stir until fully melted.

2. Add the colour: Whisk in the beetroot powder until evenly blended. Keep the heat low and stir continuously to avoid clumps.

3. Cool slightly: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 1–2 minutes.

4. Add extras: Stir in vitamin E oil. If using ginger oil, add one drop only, off the heat.

5. Pour and set: Pour into clean tins or lip balm tubes. Leave to set completely before use.

A Bowl With Melted Wax Mixed with Beetroot

How to Use

• Lips: Apply lightly for a natural tint or build up for a deeper berry tone.

• Cheeks: Warm with your fingertip, tap onto cheeks and blend quickly.

Wax-Based Beet Lip and Cheek Stain

The finish is soft, satin-like and very natural.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Shelf life: up to 6 months when made with beetroot powder.

• Always use clean fingers or a spatula to extend freshness.

Safety Notes

• Ginger essential oil is warming and stimulating – use sparingly.

• Not recommended for very sensitive skin or broken lips.

• Always patch test before first use.

How to Make a Wax-Based Beet Lip and Cheek Stain; Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh beetroot juice instead of powder?

   You can, but it reduces shelf life significantly and can cause separation. Beetroot powder is more stable and gives stronger, more consistent colour.

2. Is ginger oil safe to use on lips?

   Only in very small amounts. One drop per 10 ml of product is the maximum recommended. If you’re unsure, skip it or reserve ginger oil for a cheek-only version.

3. Will this stain my skin permanently?

   No. The colour is temporary and fades naturally, but beet pigment can stain fabrics, so apply carefully.

4. Can I make this without essential oils?

   Absolutely. The recipe works perfectly well without them and is ideal for sensitive skin when kept fragrance-free.

5. How can I make the colour lighter or deeper?

   For a lighter tint, reduce the beet powder or add more oil. For a deeper tone, increase the powder slightly, a little at a time.