Make Your Own Kool-Aid Lip Gloss

We go through a lot of lip gloss in our house. One little girl and I seem like I am always searching for a tube or buying another pack at the store. Of course, if I had known just how easy it was to make our own tinted, scented lip gloss, I would have started years ago.

I ended up making 4 different glosses, but I just found some of the invisible (uncolored) Watermelon Kiwi that my son has asked me to use for him. I try not to leave him out of the fun.

I feel like I should warn you, Kool-Aid powder in concentrated form will stain fingers, counters, etc. So I opted to not make it with my small children. I also put down a plastic placemat so there were no pesky drips or spills.

Okay, the good news is this is so easy to make. I only used 3 ingredients for them. You need: coconut oil, sugar and powdered Kool-Aid. Why the sugar? Have you ever tasted unsweetened Kool-Aid? It has a pucker factor of 11 on a 1-10 scale. I used just a little sugar to sweeten the gloss so it was still had a Sweet Tart type of flavor, but wouldn't be shocking.

Okay, again... grab:

• 2 Tbsp. Coconut Oil
• 1/2 package of Kool-Aid
• enough water to form a paste
• 1 tsp. sugar or to taste

I used two custard cups to make up a batch of gloss. First I started by softening my coconut oil. I heat the oil in the microwave for 5 seconds and then stir vigorously. You don't want to overheat it, it should not be in liquid form, but you could put it back in for another few seconds if it is too firm.

In another cup, pour in about half of the Kool-Aid. Add just enough water to form a paste and see the color. Whisk in your sugar and add it into your softened coconut oil a little at a time till you achieve the desired color.

I used a small whisk and some elbow grease to mix it all together. The oil and paste don't mix well unless you work at it... just a little bit. I kept wisking till most of my sugar had dissolved. It kept dissolving as it sat and I was pleased that my gloss was smooth when I tried it out.

Then I spooned the gloss (it will still be a litle soft) into 2oz makeup bottles like these. You can find them on Etsy or at a craft store.

Now I just need to design labels for them...

Let them cool completely or refrigerate briefly to solidify the oil again. I love how it warms up to the touch as I apply a little to my lips.

My daughter tried out the cherry first.

Despite looking pretty dark in the bottle, it was a nice and gentle red. This whole project was a little girl's dream come true. My little girl is already brainstorming the new flavors she wants to try.

We finally may have more lip gloss than we need.

Take a peak at my Kool-Aid Meringue Cookie and DIY Snow Cone Syrup recipes and stay tuned for more Kool-Aid fun next week.

Have you ever made lip gloss? What Kool-Aid flavor would you try?

Skin Care for a Busy Mom - Olay Fresh Effects New Product Line

I have a confession. Despite being 34, I don't always take good care of my skin. Yes, I know what I should do, but most days I just don't find the time. Add to that having to wade through all the products in the beauty aisle and trying to narrow down what I need for a good beauty regime. I just don't have the time. Sadly, I have been using some of the same products since high school. The products are the same, but my skin's needs sure have changed.

What if I told you that Olay Fresh Effects new product line must have been developed with busy moms like me in mind? Following this beauty regime has been fool-proof, easy and I love the results.

I am not a teenager or even in my 20's anymore. I used to spend hours on my face and make-up. That was before my kids and life in general took over. Now I notice the fine lines, skin changes and with pregnancy and a whole cocktail of hormones, most days I'm a mess.  I need help, a grown up cleanser and moisturizer to start with.

The generous folks at Olay sent me this fun vanity to celebrate their new products. My daughter has her eye on it already. It was filled with a great assortment of items to share with all of you. You can find all these Olay Fresh Effects skin care products at your local Walmart.

First off I rely on a good exfoliater. Bead me Up! Exfoliating Cleanser contains gentle foaming bubbles and microbeads to clean away rough skin and let a more refreshed face shine through. The scent is mild and my skin felt softer after use without feeling sensitive or being irritated.

After 4 days of use my skin was smoother and tighter looking.

I was also sent a package of S'wipe Out!. Now I have used make-up removal towelettes before at the gym, etc. but now I really understand how smart these are to have on hand. I know it is gross, but I have turned in after a long day and slept in my make-up. Being too tired isn't an excuse with these cloths handy. I could use them anywhere since they are pre-moistened and do not require a rinse afterwards. Now I no longer have an excuse to skip this step.

Then there is Va-Va-Vivid. This powered contour cleansing system goes along with the Shine, Shine Go Away! cleanser. Oh, this was so much fun! Soft bristles do all the work to massage and clean my skin. This is one new step to my cleaning routine I  have embraced with open arms. If you haven't tried it before, I insist you do.

After a long day it feels amazing and it has done amazing things for the circulation on my face. The triangular head fits into all the areas of my face, especially the angles in my T-zone.

Last, and most importantly, the product line includes two moisturizing options. Now, this step is one I know not to skip. 

I was sent the Long Live Moisture! lotion with a satin finish. What does that mean? It is light and grease-less going on and kept my face feeling smooth and hydrated all day. I definitely have some dry spots on my chin and nose and this really helped me without leaving those areas feeling or looking oily.

My absolute favorite product though was the BB Cream! It is a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15. Since I am always short on time I don't always put on much make-up. Usually a simple foundation and light blush - if I'm lucky. This product combines the essential moisturizing step with light coverage as well. I tried the light to medium tint and found it perfect for everyday use.

Love that they included a small amount of SPF in this product. Whether it is a cloudy or rainy day the sun's rays still beat down on my skin and I don't want to add any premature aging to my list of skin worries.

Yes, this is a great skin care option for a busy mom of soon to be 3! Overall I am very happy with these products and since they work so well together, I plan to keep on using them.

Have you seen the Olay Fresh Effects products in your Walmart, yet? Look for them in the beauty aisle. 

Connect with Olay products on their Facebook page or @OlayUS on twitter.

*Disclaimer - The Olay Fresh Effects product, information, and two gift packs have been provided by Olay. All opinions and experiences are my own. Olay does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite.