Winter can be brutal on our delicate lips. It’s like more moisture is sucked out by the minute, leaving you with dry, cracked, chapped lips. Lips are especially susceptible because they are constantly exposed and they have only a thin layer of skin for protection. Fortunately, there’s something to do about it: lip balm. A good lip balm will be absorbed into your lips, restoring hydration, while also sealing in the moisture and protecting your lips from more damage.
You can buy lip balm almost anywhere at any price range, but you can also make your own! It costs a lot less, you can control the ingredients that go into it, and… it’s also a fun project. The basic ingredients for a good, moisturizing lip balm are beeswax and coconut oil. Beeswax, because it moisturizes and acts as a barrier. And coconut oil, because it’s a deep moisturizer and also helps to reinforce the skin’s fat layer, which holds in hydration.
Here’s how to make your own lip balm:
- equal parts coconut oil and grated beeswax (buy a small, inexpensive grater to use just for beeswax because you’ll never be able to get it clean!)
- a few drops of vitamin E (for some extra moisturizing and for its antioxidant properties that help prevent skin damage)
Melt the ingredients together over a double boiler, stirring until it’s melted and combined. Or you can do this in the microwave, taking it out and stirring every 30 seconds until melted and combined. Now you’re ready to make it your own with some add-ins:
- a few drops of essential oils: good options are peppermint, orange, rosemary.
- honey: melt it in with the beeswax and coconut oil; it adds flavor and moisture to your balm.
- lipstick: melt and stir in a little piece to give your balm some tint.
- shimmery eye shadow: use a pink, red, or orange eye shadow for tint and shimmer.
- tea tree oil: add a few drops for antibacterial protection.
When your mixture is all combined put it into the container(s) of your choice. You can use recycled mint tins, or actually buy some cool tubes and little jars from Amazon and other suppliers. Make a large batch to give as gifts, and you can even design your own labels. Have fun and experiment, and keep your lips from drying out this winter!