DIY Lip Balm

My lips haven't been coping well with these cold days at all and they've become very chapped. I have bought so many lip balms recently and none of it helps. It'll make them soft for a little bit but as soon as I get outside, bam, the chapped lips return. I was getting so sick of constantly applying and buying lip balm so I decided to do something about it. Usually home-made stuff is better so I thought I'd have a go at making one myself. I'm not usually one for making my own stuff because I'm not very creative etc. so I was really surprised when my lip balm came out so good. (The picture above isn't mine, by the way. I'm planing on making some more lip balm soon so I shall post some then) My lips haven't been chapped at all since I've been using my own. A few of my friends have also asked me to make them a lip balm and what makes making your own lip balm even better is that it's one of a kind. You can also add your own scents, colours and flavours. I definitely recommend you try making your own. It's great!

Ingredients you need to make your own lip balm:

1. 1 oz of candelilla wax. (You can also use soy or beeswax)

2. 1 oz of coconut oil, avocado oil, Shea butter, or whatever else you fancy.
3. 1/1 and a half oz of cocoa butter, floral waxes, or palm oil
4. 2 oz liquid oil jojoba oil or olive oil
5. A few drops of Vitamin E Oil
6. Essential oils (optional, your choice) - maximum 8 drops for each lip balm

The equipment you need:

1. Microwave-safe cup or bowl with pour spout

2. A digital scale (preferably)
3. A stirring spoon
4. A funnel that will fit opening of tubes/canisters
5. Lip balm tubes, canisters, pots

6. Labels, pens, stickers to decorate and personalise your lip balm.

Method: 

1. Measure your wax. Put your wax into a microwaveable container and melt on high heat in 30 second bursts. (Stir your wax after ever 30 second burst) Keep doing this until your wax is a liquid. 

2. Stir the mixture while you add all of your oils. First add your jojoba oil (or olive oil if you chose that) Then add your vitamin E oil, then add whichever oils you fancy. I chose rose oil for mine. (If the wax starts to harden while you're still mixing in ingredients, just put it in the microwave for another 30 seconds and stir!)

3. Pour your mixture into your pots or tube, it might be easier if you use a funnel to do this. Pour the mixture slowly into your containers, tapping a bit to remove any trapped air. If the resulting product cracks, it means you're pouring it while it's too hot - let it cool a bit and try again!

4. Leave your mixture for a few hours to set and when you return you'll have a great lip balm waiting for you to use. 

You can use any flavourings, oils, or colourings you want. It all depends on what you're in the mood for. Make sure you add Vitamin E oil though. This helps moisturise your lips and stops them from getting chapped. 

Hope you enjoy! :-)