Natural Lip Tints and Oils: Beauty Secrets from Way Back When

I don’t go anywhere without my lip balm. I can forget my phone, my keys, my wallet – even myself at times – but my lip balm? Never! I keep it everywhere: my bag, my pocket, my drawer, you name it. I’m the kind of person who’ll go back inside the house to apply it when I realise that I forgot to. I honestly don’t know how I would survive without it.

And you know that question got me wondering… how did people survive before lip balms were a thing? Didn’t their lips get dry? Didn’t they enjoy the occasional tint before major events? I recently learnt that this obsession isn’t new; I’m not the only one.

Humans have been kind of extra about their lips for centuries now. Long before the advent of tints and glosses, people used to make their own nature-sponsored mixtures with flowers, herbs and oils. “Was that even effective?” The answer is yes, way more effective than you can imagine. It kept their lips soft, protected and subtly coloured. Your lip care routine may be advanced and have 5 steps, but the truth is, ancient people never needed that many.

You’re intrigued right? I was too. And understandably so. Hence the blog :)
Pucker up as we dive into the history of lip balms, almost a thousand years ago, from ancient India to Egypt and through Ayurveda, and beyond.

Ancient India

The country with the oldest documented histories of beauty practices of course had something for softer and tinted lips too. Natural ingredients like beetroot juice, pomegranate seeds and hibiscus petals were used to create vibrant red tints. Beyond mere aesthetics, they delivered benefits like hydration and protection against harsh sun and dry climates.

Ayurveda even laid great emphasis on oil for lips as part of daily lip care routine. Oils like sesame, coconut and almond oil were massaged onto lips to prevent cracking and maintain softness. In those times, a lip care routine went far beyond appearances; it was a ritual for nourishment and protection.

Egyptian Era

Famous for their love of beauty, it is no surprise that the Egyptians’ approach to lip care was far advanced. Queen Cleopatra is said to have used crushed carmine beetles for that deep red tint, mixed with natural oils to keep her lips nourished. Honestly? Very on brand for her. Egyptians were also said to be among the first ones to come up with the concept of protective lip balms which had ingredients like beeswax and castor oil to shield the lips from the dry climate of the desert.

Interestingly, lip colour in Egypt was more symbolic than cosmetic. Wearing darker shades symbolised wealth and status. 

Despite this symbolism, the Egyptians never compromised on care. They very well understood the importance of moisture and protection, long before the modern formulations arrived.

Ayurveda and Traditional Remedies

Known for its holistic and sustainable approach, Ayurveda always put great emphasis on the use of natural ingredients for beauty and wellness. For lips, herbs like licorice, saffron and turmeric were recommended, in combination with nourishing oils. The formulations not only added colour but also addressed issues like chapping, dryness and inflammation.

As previously mentioned, these Ayurvedic lip care routines were incomplete without oil for lips. This process helped maintain softness, enhance circulation and improve the colour of the lips naturally. Today, few brands in the market keep this Ayurvedic legacy alive by offering natural lip tints and balms and Blue Nectar is one of them.

Colonial and Modern Era

The arrival of colonial powers led to local traditions being influenced by Western beauty practices. Hence, the introduction of commercial cosmetics and synthetic lip colours. Now, various lipsticks with bright red and pink shades became widely available.

However, the price paid for these products was very high; not in terms of money but as harsh chemicals, dryness and even allergic reactions. People realised the importance of natural ingredients and started searching for gentler alternatives. This period is said to have marked the beginning of modern awareness of combining beauty and aesthetics with lip care routine essentials like protection and hydration.

Return to Naturals

After years of dealing with harsh chemicals, people finally decided to go back to their roots. In the last few decades, the global beauty industry has witnessed a major shift back to the natural and sustainable ingredients their ancestors started with. Customers now prioritise beauty with care rather than just one of these factors. Oil for lips, which was once just a traditional practices, now trends as a core ingredient in all lip care products from balms to tints. Ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter and almond oil form the core part of all lip care treatments due to their moisturising and healing properties.

Today, lip tints are designed in a way that they provide subtle, buildable colour while maintaining lip health. More and more people are embracing multitasking products that hydrate, protect and colour their lips in one go, reflecting centuries-old practices in a modern context.

The Role of Blue Nectar

Where does Blue Nectar come into this picture and how does it contribute to things?
Blue Nectar is one of the few brands which has taken the ancient Ayurvedic wisdom of natural ingredients and made it accessible for today’s beauty enthusiasts. By blending herbal oils with naturally derived pigments, Blue Nectar ensures a lip care routine that is both effective and indulgent.

Blue Nectar products contain moisturizing oils that soften and shield lips while imparting a natural color. By following ancient remedies while blending them with modern formulations, Blue Nectar enables you to indulge in the best of both: natural care as well as beauty enhancement.

The Future of Lip Tints is Anchored in the Past

Trends come and go but one thing is for sure: the best lip care traditions are those that respect both, nature and tradition. It is very much the wisdom of ancient cultures that continues to influence today's traditions.

With ingredient consciousness and sustainability on the upswing, the natural lip stain and oil market can only keep growing. A thoughtful lip care routine these days is not just about vanity; it's about caring for, protecting, and paying homage to centuries of knowledge.

Conclusion

Natural lip tints are a time, culture, and tradition-touring story. From the ancient Indian's flower petal to Egypt's beet tints, and from Ayurvedic oils to contemporary herbal preparations, man has never been short of desire to nourish and beautify his lips.

Nowadays, choosing natural ingredients for your lip care is not just a beauty trend; it's a tip of the hat to history, culture, and health. With the right tints and oils, your lips can be soft, healthy, and glowing, and by doing so, show that sometimes the greatest innovation comes from looking back.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar

Shubhr Natural Lip Balm with goodness of Ghee ( 10 herbs , 10g )

Shubhr Lip Tint, Cheek & Eye Tint with Nourishing Ghee & Shea Butter (10g)

Shubhr Lip Balm & Gloss (Pack of 2*10g)

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