When the temperatures drop in the winter, my skin gets dry and my lips feel like sandpaper. I used to buy a tub of petroleum jelly and slather it on my lips to soothe them, but it was a little gross. I have a better solution now — I make my own lip balm.
It’s actually super easy to make lip balm. Beeswax pellets, which you can find on Amazon, and coconut oil are the main ingredients. Then you can customize it with essential oils or pantry items like vanilla and honey. I’ve heard of people adding Kool-Aid packets for color and flavor. I just keep it simple by including a few drops of lavender essential oil.
This lip balm also works really well on your hands. It moisturizes without feeling greasy, and it absorbs nicely into your skin. I keep some at my desk at all times, in an Altoids tin. So I’m ready if anybody comes by and wants to shake my hand or kiss me.
What you’ll need:
Beeswax pellets
Coconut oil
Essential oil
1. Wash and dry your containers. A mint tin is great for having some lip balm on the go. Small, shallow jars are also perfect vessels.
2. Measure one part beeswax pellets and two parts coconut oil. This proportion creates a very solid balm. If you want your balm a little creamier, increase the amount of oil. Place these ingredients in a glass Mason jar or a Pyrex measuring cup.
Note: I used white beeswax pellets, so my balm turned out white. They are also available in yellow.
3. Make a double-boiler by pouring about an inch of water into a pot, and place your glass jar in the water. Make sure no water gets into the jar. As the water simmers, the beeswax will melt. Occasionally stir with a wooden skewer until the wax is completely melted. Add about 20 drops of an essential oil of your choice and stir.
4. Using an oven mitt, pour the melted ingredients into a shallow jar or mint tin. If you are using a tin, make sure you don’t fill it above the holes in the hinges, or some of the lip balm solution will seep out. Let it solidify overnight.
Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects here.
