My Golden
Serum Lip Gloss Recipe
BY: Elisha PUBLISHED: 22 Oct ’24 UPDATED: 4 Oct’24
The Story Behind My Golden Serum Lip Gloss
As I stand in my Parisian kitchen listening to the hustle and bustle of the street below, I’m reminded of my Persian roots, where simplicity and natural ingredients reigned supreme. Growing up, the idea of beauty wasn’t about slathering on layers of synthetic products; it was about celebrating individuality and embracing what nature offered. However, like many of us, I became swept up in the whirlwind of modern beauty trends, unaware of the chemical concoctions lurking in my favorite lip glosses, balms, and chapsticks.
The journey back to my roots began when I moved to France. Here, health and a zest for life are not mere buzzwords; they are woven into the very fabric of daily living. The French take pride in their connection to food, beauty, and wellness, celebrating authenticity over artifice. This cultural shift ignited a desire within me to detox my lifestyle and embrace a more holistic approach to beauty.
On my second trip to Paris in the summer of 2022, I stayed for an extended 40 days. This length of time allowed me to truly observe the Parisian lifestyle, particularly the fresh, carefree look of the women around me. I couldn’t help but wonder: how did they achieve such a youthful, natural beauty? The answer became clear—LESS is MORE. My eyes danced across each of their faces as they passed me by, sitting at cafes and enjoying a delightful rosé. They embodied the art of embracing and loving who they are in the moment, highlighting their unique features without overwhelming their natural beauty.
The Journey Back to My Roots
It’s a delightful irony that a half-Persian and half-American woman like me found her roots in the enchanting streets of Paris. I moved here, and for the first time in my life, I felt truly at home. There’s a spirit that envelops this city—a spirit of love, health, and beauty that transcends the hustle for money and output. In Paris, people are valued simply for being who they are; it’s woven into the core values of France, and aging is celebrated as a beautiful journey rather than a decline.
As I wander through the streets, I’m captivated by the older (and wiser) women who embody this ethos. They age like fine wines, embracing each wrinkle and line as chapters in their extraordinary story. Each mark on their skin twinkles with the wisdom of a life well-lived. They treat themselves as prized jewels, exuding an elegance that is both effortless and inspiring.
You can see it in the way they carry themselves—walking down the street in their fashionable clothes, a purse casually slung over one shoulder, and a baguette nestled under the other, all while perched on their chic little heels. But it’s more than just their appearance; it’s a feeling that radiates from them—a confidence born from a lifetime of being cherished, not just for their achievements, but for their essence. In this community, they are valued for who they are, something I wish more Western cultures embraced.
This realization sparked my quest to learn more about the beauty practices and philosophies that nourish this vibrant culture. In a world that often pushes us to conform, I found inspiration in the authenticity and individuality celebrated here—its peaceful and unwavering.
Understanding What’s in Your Lip Care Products
As we celebrate the beauty of embracing our unique selves, it’s also essential to be aware of what goes into our beauty products. Let’s explore some common ingredients found in many lip care products—ingredients that deserve a closer look.
You may find substances like parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates lurking in your favorite products. Parabens, used as preservatives, have been linked to hormone disruption. These chemicals mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect everything from menstrual cycles to fertility. Considering that we apply these products daily—sometimes multiple times a day—over time, this constant exposure can build up in our systems, increasing the risk of long-term health issues.
Synthetic fragrances are another concern. While they may provide an enticing scent, these fragrances can be a cocktail of hundreds of chemicals, many of which are allergens and irritants. Regular exposure can lead to skin sensitivities, allergic reactions, and even headaches or respiratory issues. The harsh reality is that these fragrances don’t just sit on the surface; our skin absorbs them, allowing them to enter our bloodstream and affect our overall health.
Then there are phthalates, often included to enhance product texture and flexibility. These chemicals are notorious for their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, as they interfere with hormone function. Like parabens, they can accumulate in our bodies over time, contributing to various health complications.
It’s crucial to remember that our skin is our largest organ and acts as a barrier between our bodies and the external environment. However, this barrier isn’t impenetrable. Our skin absorbs a significant portion of what we apply to it, meaning that each lip balm, gloss, or treatment becomes a direct avenue for these harmful substances to enter our systems. The cumulative effect of daily application can be alarming, as these chemicals can interfere with our body’s natural processes.
In fact, studies estimate that the average American woman exposes her body to over 200 chemicals daily through cosmetics and personal care products. This consistent exposure can have profound implications for our immune systems. Many women today are grappling with autoimmune inflammatory diseases, which have been linked to environmental toxins and chronic inflammation.
Here are five common conditions that many women face:
Endometriosis:
A painful condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, leading to severe menstrual pain and fertility issues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage.
Lupus:
A systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:
An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism and various metabolic issues.
Multiple Sclerosis:
A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, coordination issues, and cognitive changes.
While this blog focuses on lip gloss, it’s important to consider the broader impact of all the products we use daily. From moisturizers and shampoos to body washes, perfumes, foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, blushes, and hair sprays, each product contributes to our overall chemical exposure. The compound effect of these products can amplify the risks associated with harmful ingredients, leading to a more significant burden on our bodies.
By becoming mindful of the ingredients in our lip care products, we can take charge of our health and well-being. Choosing natural, nourishing alternatives not only supports our skin but also honors the beauty traditions that celebrate authenticity and individuality.
In The End…
Creating this lip gloss has been a labor of love, rooted in my desire to reconnect with my Persian heritage while embracing the values of my new French life. It’s a reminder that beauty is not defined by the latest trends or the pressure to conform; it’s about nurturing ourselves with ingredients that honor our bodies and celebrate our unique identities.
As you embark on your own beauty journey, I encourage you to consider what you put on your skin. Seek out natural, nourishing ingredients that make you feel good—inside and out. Together, we can redefine beauty as a celebration of individuality, authenticity, and health, creating a world that appreciates the richness of our diverse selves.
Bisous, Bisous,
The Frenched Persian-American
Ingredients
- 16 g Rosehip Oil
- 20 g Caster Oil
- 4 capsules Vitamin E Oil (approx. 4 g)
- 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
- Measure the Ingredients: Start by measuring out the rosehip oil, caster oil, vitamin E oil, and peppermint essential oil in a clean, dry mixing bowl.
- Mix the Oils: Gently stir the oils together until they are well combined. You can use a small whisk or a spoon for this.
- Transfer the Mixture: Once your oils are blended, carefully pour the mixture into your lip gloss container of choice.
- Let it Set: Allow the gloss to sit for a few minutes to settle.
- Enjoy Your Lip Gloss: Your homemade lip gloss is now ready to use! Apply it as needed to keep your lips hydrated and plump.
- Once prepared, store your lip gloss in a lip gloss container of your choice. I will link my preferred container from Amazon in the blog for your convenience!
Notes
- Rosehip Oil: Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and C, promoting skin regeneration and deeply hydrating the lips. It helps smooth fine lines and keeps your lips soft, plump, and hydrated.
- Caster Oil: This thick oil acts as a protective barrier on the lips, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness. Its natural antibacterial properties also help keep lips healthy and free from irritation or cracking.
- Vitamin E Oil: Doubling the vitamin E oil boosts its antioxidant power, offering even more protection against environmental damage like UV rays and pollution. It aids in repairing skin, making your lips look youthful, smooth, and protected from the elements.
- Peppermint Essential Oil: The refreshing tingle of peppermint oil stimulates blood flow, giving your lips a natural plumping effect. It also provides a soothing, cooling sensation that relieves irritation while invigorating the lips.
Click HERE for the Lip Gloss Features in my Pictures