Monday, January 11, 2010

Healing Lip Balm

Chapped lips are in season, I'm afraid. It doesn't help that my kids have the habit of licking their lips, making the chapping worse. So I make lip balm and give them each a container of it to use. And I keep one in the kitchen so I can put it on them when we're heading out the door. There's one in my purse. And another on my vanity table. The one stashed in the van is empty, so I need to refill it soon.

Most commercial lip balm products contain alcohol which has a drying effect on the lips. Burt's Bees is one that I have found does not contain alcohol but it's pricey at $3 a tube. I have a frugal alternative that is very effective and only takes minutes to make.

What you will need: 2 TBSP jojoba or sweet almond oil, 2 teas beeswax pellets and essential oil. I use peppermint oil for its healing properties, but lemon might be more palatable for kids.



Measure the oil and beeswax into a microwave safe measuring cup. Heat for 30 seconds, then carefully remove and stir well. The beeswax will still retain its shape.


Return to the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds. Most of the beeswax should be completely melted.


Stir until all the wax is incorporated. Add 10 drops of the essential oil and stir until combined. Pour into clean containers or tubes. I get three .5 oz containers of lip balm from this recipe.


This balm doubles as an effective cuticle treatment, too. It softens and nourishes that dry area around your nails very nicely. You can't be a two-for-one beauty treatment, lips and nails all soft and pretty!

For more helpful tips, take a peek at Works for Me Wednesday.

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the how-to! I just bookmarked this.

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  2. This is wonderful! Where do you get your supplies?

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  3. Annikke, I purchase most of my supplies from Mountain Rose Herbs, but most health food stores carry the essential oils and jojoba oil. Beeswax pellets are a little harder to find locally.

    www.mountainroseherbs.com

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  4. I sooo want to make this! I hate putting chemicals on our bodies. I hope Hobby Lobby has all that I need for this.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Pam

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  5. I am making the switch from store-bought to homemade health and beauty products - to eliminate chemicals, and also because everyone in our family has sensitive skin and/or allergies. Burt's Bees, Cetaphil, and Aquaphor are great for us, but they are expensive! I just bookmarked this post. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. What a great idea. I'll have to try it. Living in Nevada it's really dry here. Thank you! I just started my own blog so if anyone has any ideas for me, please come visit me at kityskrazylife.blogspot.com

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  7. Awesome - thanks! Have any recipes for those horrible skin splits my husband gets on his fingertips this time of year?

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