DIY Cosmetics Supplies (General)

Welcome to the second part of my series for Introduction to DIY Cosmetics. This post will be about all the supplies you will need to start making cosmetics. Keep in mind that some of these items are recommended and others will just be nice to have items. This post was updated 5/25/23.

I am going to provide non-affiliate links to all the supplies on Amazon. I will put an asterisk (*) if I have it or not. I get most of my supplies from Amazon. For people not in the United States, I recommend looking up the items online and finding the best price. This is going to be a general list; I am not going to provide project-specific equipment. I will do that later in the series :) (link to powder cosmetics post)

This is going to be a repetitive statement, so write it down. ***Make a wish list of items you want. Making your own cosmetics adds up VERY quickly. It is better to buy all the supplies for one project then to buy things one at a time. Believe me, I know! Keep in mind that equipment will last a lot longer than ingredients (hopefully) so it is better to buy nicer equipment***

Now that is out of the way, Here the table:
​(Click on the item to be sent to Amazon)

General Cosmetic Supplies

Item	Description
Scale	A scale is essential to beginners’ inventory. Formulations are measured in grams. Grams are more accurate than volume measurements. A scale accurate to 0.01g and the max weight is 500g will do. I also have a scale the is accurate to 0.01 but, the max weight is 100g. So, I use it to measure out preservatives and essential oils. Do not forget to buy the calibration weight that the scale requires. It will make the scale last longer with appropriate use, of course. I find the models that look like this are the same. So, if you find a better price, I would buy that instead.
Tiny Measuring Spoons	​These will come in handy with iron oxides, mica, dyes, and any powder that is a small amount. Will need as little as 1/64 of a teaspoon of highly pigmented color. The set I linked to includes a set of 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32. 1/64. This can be an option if you do not want to invest in a scale specific for color cosmetics.
Pyrex Measuring Cups	These will be important when we need to heat things up. For very beginners, you can get away with only one. If you want to start with lotions, then you will need two. One for each phase.
Glass Beakers	Glass Beakers will be used for heating up ingredients. Ingredients like butters, oils, and waxes need to be heated to be incorporated. Most of the beaker’s bottoms are thin. They can also be useful for general mixing.
Packaging	Every time you make a product, you will need packaging to put that product in. There is so many different package options. I buy all my packaging from Amazon. There are times that you can not get a specific packaging then I check for suppliers. I have found suppliers do not have good prices unless you are buying in bulk. For makeup packaging, TKB will probably have it.
Flexable Spatulas	They are the BEST! The Flexible Spatulas are thin and long enough that you can get every drop. I recommend getting at least two of them. One for each phase.
Thermometer/Temperature Gun	​Thermometers measure temperature, obviously. ​Some ingredients have certain temperature restrictions. For example, preservatives. That is why we have a cool down phase because we do not want to scorch our ingredients. Ingredients can also look melted when they are not, so a thermometer is essential. You can get a nice one for $20 on Amazon. Temperature gun I do not recomendad as much. They really only measure the surface temperature.
Tiny Hand Mixer	​For small-scale mixing, it is perfect. It is also handy for color cosmetics as well.
Stick Blender	This is for lotions that are at least 100 grams or more. Can also be used to create whipped products.
Glass Prep Cups	Super useful for measuring ingredients in and then add to a larger container to then melt it. You can then take away some of the ingredient without taking it from your large glass with all the other ingredients. So then, all you must do is add it to the Pyrex measuring cup or a glass beaker.
Notebook	A place to write all your ideas, your experiences, or any improvements you want to make. It is also to write down formulations. So that you can reference it as you are making. Just get one during back to school time for the best price. Nothing fancy.
Calculator	Not essential but, extremely handy. Nothing fancy. You could use your phone but, sometimes it is just easier to have it separate. You would feel better if you spilled some water on a $8 calculator rather than a $500 phone. I use mine all the time to calculate percentages, add formulas, and scale up or down recipes./td>
Pens	Will be needed for your notebook. Writing formulas, observations, and other notes.
70% Isopropyl Alcohol (At least)	Just for sanitation. More on this later.
Plastic Spoons	For getting out ingredients and measuring.
Dust Mask	Every important for colorants and surfactants.
Disposable Pipettes	Essential for transferring liquids and measurement. You can even use them to help with packaging your formulation. You want to get many of these.
Either a pH meter or pH strips	More on this in another post.
Gloves	For sanitary reasons.
Lables/Label Maker	It is important that you know what the product is and the date you made it.