Handmade Holidays
Delight someone special with a homemade gift!
There is nothing like the proud thrill of a successful DIY project. This holiday season, whip up your own nourishing body care products to gift (or to keep!) like lip balm, lotion bars, body scrubs, face masks, and more.
DIY Lip Balm
Surprisingly simple to make, lip balm is also a cinch to customize with essential oils for endless scent combinations. In a matter of minutes, you can craft a few tubes to give as gifts (and one to keep for pampering yourself). What makes DIY lip balm so great? Not only can you make it just the way you like it, you can control the ingredients and use simple, natural ones — no petroleum found here! . A local craft store is a good place to look for tins and tubes to hold the finished product. To make the balm, follow this general recipe, and customize to your tastes from there. We’ve included a few of our favorite scent combos for inspiration.
LIP Balm Recipe
Makes four ½ oz. tubes
1 tablespoon beeswax pearls (or grated, unbleached beeswax)
1 tablespoon shea butter
2 tablespoons carrier oil (sunflower, castor, almond or jojoba)
10 – 15 drops essential oil
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Directions
Melt beeswax, shea butter and oil together in a small bowl in the microwave, or use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water.
Stir until ingredients are liquid, then add essential oils and optional honey. Mix well.
Transfer to a large eyedropper, syringe, or container with a spout, and divide liquid among four ½ ouncelip balm tins, jars or tubes.
More DIY & Holiday Recipes
