This post is all about lip gloss business ideas and how to turn that shiny little tube of confidence into real, actual money.
So darlin’ if you’ve been walking around thinking, “I should totally start a lip gloss business…. but where do I even begin?” don’t worry. I GOT YOU.
Grab a coffee, sis. We’re building a 💄 empire today!
And no worries, we’re totally going to keep it beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and “I-still-have-a-day-job-friendly.”
TL; DR
If you want to start a lip gloss business, you have three main paths:
➡️ Make the gloss from scratch
➡️ Buy premade base and tube it yourself
➡️ Buy fully finished tubes from a wholesaler
Start small, test your shades, give samples, build hype on social, and scale like the queen you are. Let’s dive in. 😊
Lip Gloss Business Ideas That Actually Make Money
First… why lip gloss?
Because lip gloss is basically the avocado toast of beauty products. Everyone loves it. Kids wear it. Teens wear it. Moms wear it. Grandma probably has one in her purse right now. It’s affordable, repeat-purchase-friendly, and fun to brand in your own style.
3 Ways to Start Your Lip Gloss Business (Pick Your Path)
1. Make Your Own Lip Gloss from Scratch
This is the DIY kitchen-lab girlie route.
You control:
- Ingredients
- Colors
- Scents
- How glossy the gloss really is
Great if:
➡️ You love being hands-on
➡️ You want a super custom brand
➡️ You have time
Not so great if:
- You’re working long shifts
- You hate cleaning
- You panic when Black Friday orders hit 500 overnight
Because yes… cleaning tiny tubes at midnight is a core memory you will never forget.
2. Buy Premade Lip Gloss Base & Fill Tubes Yourself
Think of this like halfway homemade banana bread.
The base is already done. You just:
- Add color (if you want)
- Squeeze into tubes
- Pop in the stoppers
- Clean them up
It saves time. Still feels creative. Still messy enough that you’ll question your life choices sometimes. But way easier than full-DIY.
3. Buy Fully Finished Lip Gloss from a Wholesaler
This is the CEO route.
You:
➡️ Order gloss already in tubes
➡️ Add your branding/logo
➡️ Start selling immediately
Zero mixing. Zero mess. Maximum “soft life.”
Yes, your margins might be slightly smaller. But your sanity? Priceless.
☝️ PIN THIS! ☝️
What Should You Sell? Smart Lip Gloss Business Ideas
Always Start with Clear Gloss
Clear gloss is the Beyoncé of glosses. It works for:
- Teens
- Adults
- Minimalist girlies
- Lip-liner-and-go babes
So, if you’re choosing shades, make clear gloss your MVP. Then add:
- Nudes
- Subtle pinks
- One bold shade
Test, test, test. See what people love.
Sell Lip Gloss Bundles
Bundles = bigger carts.
Try:
- “Everyday Basics” bundle
- “High Shine” bundle
- “Teen Starter Kit”
- “Gloss & Liner Duo”
People love ready-to-go combos.
Create a Budget-Friendly Lip Gloss Line
Start small:
- 10–20 tubes
- One clear gloss
- One nude
- One fun shade
You do NOT need 47 colors on day one.
Add Lip Gloss Samples
This is elite strategy energy.
Buy gloss in bulk and create tiny sample pots to hand out:
➡️ At work
➡️ At pop-ups
➡️ In every order
Big brands do it because… it works.
Marketing Your Lip Gloss Like A Pro (Without Feeling Cringey)
Show Your Product on Real Lips
Gloss only sells when people see it ON.
Try:
➡️ Before/after pics
➡️ Swatches on different skin tones
➡️ Video try-ons
If you do makeup? Baby… you already won.
Give Samples to Makeup Artists
MUAs = walking billboards with ring lights.
Enough said.
Talk About The FEEL
People don’t just want shine. They want:
➡️ non-sticky
➡️ Moisturizing
➡️ Smooth
➡️ Kissable
Describe the vibe. Not just the shade.
Pricing Your Lip Gloss
Keep it simple:
- $8–$15 per tube is normal
- Bundles can go $20–$35
And please… factor in shipping + packaging so you really profit from this, ok? Trust me, the ‘future-you’ will be thanking you!
Quick Business Tips So You Don’t Burn Out
- Start small
- Keep inventory simple
- Batch create content
- Re-invest in your biz
- Treat customers like gold
This is a marathon, not a sparkle sprint.
Lip Gloss Business Ideas FAQ
What do I need to start a lip gloss business?
You’ll need product (DIY or wholesale), tubes, labels, packaging, and somewhere to sell online.
Do I need a website?
Eventually yes. But you can start on Etsy or Shopify.
How much does it cost to start?
Anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on your route.
Do samples really help?
Yes. Samples turn browsers into buyers.
Is lip gloss still trending?
Always. Gloss is timeless. Matte comes and goes. Gloss stays.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a massive budget, a lab coat, or a million-follower platform. You just need one good idea, one good gloss, and the guts to start.
Because the truth is:
Someone out there is going to buy lip gloss today. It may as well be yours.
So girl, if you’re serious about turning these lip gloss business ideas into real income, you’ll love my other post on How to Start a Small Business with no money — it walks you through the easy first steps to get started.
