Lip balm recipes - they smell good, they taste good, and they nourish your lips at the same time
Lip balm recipes are very easy to make. Their main purpose is to protect the outer layer of the lips although some of them taste and smell good too :)
Applying lip balm regularly is a significant part of lip care, simply a must. Chapped lips can be prevented with regular use of lip balm.
You can choose between homemade lip balms or you can use store bought ones. When you opt in for the latter, keep this in mind: propylene glycol, a derivative of petroleum used in skin care, and a key ingredient of lip balms, is also used in detergents and in hair conditioners but it carries certain risks. Read more about potential health risks of petroleum used in cosmetics.With homemade lip balm recipes you know the ingredients you are using and can be as creative as you want.
You can use different oils to make it smell different. Want a refreshing feel? Use peppermint oil in it. Want a warm fragrance? Use vanilla oil. You get the point :)
Almost all lip balms recipes have one ingredient in common. It is beeswax. Beeswax is a natural ingredient, a perfect emulsifier. What it does it that it penetrates the epidermis while locking in the moisture. It also creates a protective shield that protects the skin from drying.
Equipment
- As I mentioned, you will be using beeswax. Since it is in solid state, you will need to melt it. You can either use a double boiler, a microwave safe container or a saucepan. A double boiler is probably the most efficient and is easy to use. When melting it in a microwave, place it in a microwave safe container no longer than 1-2 minutes. The saucepan can be used also. When the beeswax melts, remove it and constantly stir. Do not keep it on the stove.
- A lip balm container - a small, clean plastic container will do. Use the ones that have a lid so that it stays fresh longer. You could also use a small jar.
Keep the prepared lip balm in a cool, dry place.
This same equipment is used in preparation of lip gloss recipes so you don't have to buy additional items to experiment with lip gloss.
On to lip balm recipes...
This recipes are helpful with both chapped lips and severely chapped lips. Apply a generous layer whenever you can, it can't harm the lips, only help.
Apple lip balm
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of beeswax
- 5 teaspoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of glycerin
- 3 tablespoons of apple juice
Directions
- Melt the beeswax and slowly add the rest of the ingredients.
- While still warm, pour the mass into a container and leave to solidify
- This particular lip balm will stay fresh for a few days. Use it often during the day
When I mention glycerin (glicerol or glycerine), I have to point something out.
Glycerin is a strong emolient, meaning it softens the skin. Its molecules capture or draw the moisture out of the air and keep it locked. This is perfect in lip balm recipes, as this is the purpose of any lip balm: to keep the lips moisturized and soft.
However, the same way it draws the moisture out of the air, it does the same to the lips if it is used undiluted. The ones you can buy online and in stores are usually already diluted. If not, make sure there is a minimum of 3 parts water added to 1 part glycerin. When placed on skin, pure, concentrated glycerin can create blisters.
Citrusy Lip Balm
Courtesy of www.spaindex.com
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of apricot kernel oil
- 1 teaspoon of calendula oil
- 1 teaspoon of beeswax
- Lemon, lime, or orange essential oil. Choose the one you like, you will need a few drops.
Preparation
- Melt the beeswax and add the apricot and calendula oils
- Stir the whole time so the mass is consistent
- Remove from heat, keep stirring and let it cool down a bit
- Add the oil of choice and stir a bit more
- Pour in a plastic container or jar and store properly
Minty cocoa lip balm
Ingredients
- 1 oz beeswax
- 1.5 oz cocoa butter
- 1 oz beeswax
- 1.5 oz shea butter
- 01 oz. pure Vitamin E
- 3-5 drops of peppermint oil
Preparation
- Melt the beeswax and remove from heat while constantly stirring.
- Melt the cocoa and shea butter
- Mix the melted beeswax, shea and cocoa butter
- When the mass is consistent, add Vitamin E and stir a bit longer
- Finally, add the peppermint oil, stir and pour into a container
I hope you try one of these lip balm recipes. If you have a recipe you would like to share, or comment on the ones on this site, feel free to let me know.
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