Homemade Lip Balm

Do you like spreading petroleum and chemicals on your lips? Or would you rather use something made from natural ingredients that actually heal and moisturize your lips? If natural is your choice, you will love today's lesson.

You will have the choice of making one of two of these lip balms.

Moisturizing Lip Balm

1 teaspoon beeswax
1 tablespoon shea butter
1 teaspoon coconut oil
5 – 6 drops peppermint essential oil

Remove tops of lip balm containers.
Measure all ingredients into a glass measuring cup or even a wide mouth jar. Place jar or measuring cup into a sauce pan and fill up about 1/3 of the way up the side of the jar with water.
Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce.
Stir frequently to melt beeswax.
While the oils and beeswax heat, have your essential oil out and ready to go.
Once melted, remove jar from sauce pan and shut off heat. 
Add in the oil and stir well to combine.
Fill containers using the tray or a syringe, working quickly as the beeswax will harden pretty quickly.  
If needed, reheat the jar to remelt the oils as you work.  

Allow balm to harden and cool completely, then add lids.
Wipe containers off with a clean paper towel to remove any spills and label.

Soothing Calendula Lip Balm

2 teaspoons calendula-infused oil
1 teaspoon (3 grams) beeswax pellets
5 drops calendula extract or essential oil
2 drops vitamin E oil

Begin by measuring your calendula-infused oil and beeswax pellets into a small heat-proof container.
Create a makeshift double boiler by placing your container in a small saucepan filled with a couple inches of water.
Heat on medium heat until the beeswax melts.
Stir gently with a mini whisk or spatula to ensure even heating.
Once the beeswax is completely liquified, remove from heat.
Allow the mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes, then drop in the essential oils (or calendula extract) and vitamin E oil. Stir to incorporate.
It's important to make sure your wax is completely melted, otherwise your lip balm may end up grainy. So, make sure your melted lip balm liquid is completely clear before removing the mixture from heat.
Immediately pour the liquid mixture into your glass lip balm container.
Carefully screw on the lid, then place in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes until completely hardened. It is important to harden your lip balm in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. This allows quicker, more even cooling, which helps prevent your wax from taking on a grainy texture.
Allow to come to room temperature before use.
Apply to dry, chapped, itchy or irritated lips for soothing relief.
This recipe yields approximately 15g or 15ml of calendula-infused lip balm.
Calendula essential oil is a viscous solid, so may need to be warmed in a bowl of warm water before use.
Store your lip balm in a cool, dry place away from light. If stored correctly, your homemade calendula lip balm should last approximately 1-2 years depending on which carrier oil you use. Although, keep in mind that the calendula oil's soothing properties may decrease over time.
If your lips are particularly damaged, you should skip the essential oils in this recipe. Your lip balm should be soothing, so if you experience any stinging or irritation, discontinue use immediately.