Making your own lip balm is a money saver, and also a fun creative project. You also get full control over the ingredients so you can only use what you feel comfortable including.
Whether you’re tired of spending money on expensive store-bought lip balms or you’re just wanting to get creative with DIY beauty products, these recipes are for you.
Benefits of Making Your Own Lip Balms
When it comes to lip care, commercial lip balms can be expensive and often contain ingredients you don’t want. Some of these ingredients may be ones your lips react badly to.
Or it may be that you’re vegan, and loads of lip balms use beeswax, honey and other animal products. Whatever the reason, homemade lip balms give you the chance to make exactly the lip balm you want.
Ingredients for Homemade Lip Balms
To make a basic lip balm, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. These include:
Wax: a true wax is a crucial component of lip balms as it provides a protective barrier and helps retain moisture. Beeswax is very popular. Vegan options include food grade carnuba wax, candelilla wax, rice bran wax and berry waxes.
Carrier Oils: Choose carrier oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil. These oils have nourishing properties that keep your lips hydrated.
Essential Oils: Essential oils add fragrance and additional benefits to your lip balm. Some popular choices include peppermint for a cooling sensation or lavender for its soothing properties.
Optional Add-ins: You can also add natural colorants like beetroot powder or cocoa powder to give your lip balm a tint.
Basic Lip Balm Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started on your homemade lip balm journey:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon wax pellets
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon almond oil
- 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the beeswax pellets.
- Once the wax has melted, add the coconut oil and almond oil.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Remove the mixture from heat and add your chosen essential oil.
- Pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or small containers.
- Let it cool and solidify for a few hours before using.
Flavorful Variations
You can add all sorts of flavors to your lip balms by adding extracts, essential oils, flavorants or natural ingredients. Keep in mind when using natural ingredients like honey or juice, it may change the texture of the balm.
Vanilla Honey Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon wax pellets
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon almond oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Follow the basic lip balm recipe mentioned earlier.
- After removing the mixture from heat, add honey and vanilla extract.
- Stir well to ensure that the honey is evenly incorporated.
- Pour into lip balm tubes or containers and let it cool.
Citrus Burst Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon wax pellets
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
- 5 drops orange essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the basic lip balm as outlined in Section 3.
- Once you remove the mixture from heat, add the orange and lemon essential oils.
- Stir well to distribute the scent evenly.
- Pour into containers and allow it to cool.
Tips for Success
Keep these tips in mind for the best results.
- Use quality ingredients: Opt for organic and unrefined oils and butters for the best nourishment.
- Sanitize containers: Clean your lip balm tubes or containers thoroughly before pouring in your lip balm mixture.
- Experiment with ratios: Adjust the amount of wax and oils according to your preference for a softer or firmer lip balm consistency.
- Store properly: Keep your homemade lip balms in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting or going rancid.
Packaging and Gifting Ideas
Once your homemade lip balms are ready, it’s time to get creative with packaging and gifting ideas. Here are a few suggestions:
- Decorative tins or jars: Transfer your lip balms into attractive containers that can be reused by your friends and family.
- Personalized labels: Create custom labels with fun designs and personalized messages to make your lip balms extra special.
- Gift sets: Bundle different flavors together in a gift box or bag to create a thoughtful present for birthdays or holidays.