This couldn’t get much easier. If you read our Lotion Bars post, you can see these are the same ingredients, only in different proportions. So no more ingredients to buy. And again, two versions–economy and first class. Everyday Jane and Princess. (Accidentally switch them up and you may not be able to tell the difference.)
Everyday Lip Balm
3 T. vegetable oil
2 T. vegetable shortening
1 T. beeswax
Melt shortening and beeswax in double boiler or small pan in larger pan of barely simmering water. Stir in vegetable oil. If you like you can add 3-5 drops essential oil such as peppermint. Lemon or lime is also a possibility, but use caution because citrus oils may increase sun sensitivity for some people. Pour into mold(s) or tiny dishes or reuse clean, empty lip balm tubes or pots. It is ready to use when cool.
Luxury Lip Balm
3 T. avocado oil
2 T. shea butter
1 T. beeswax
1/2 tsp. calendula extract (optional)
3-5 drops essential oil (optional)
Melt shea butter and beeswax in double boiler (or small pan in larger pan of water) warmed just enough to melt the oil and wax. Stir in avocado oil, essential oil, and calendula extract. Pour into molds. Since shea butter can occasionally go grainy if it is overheated, watch it carefully over the heat and cool it quickly by pouring it into shallow containers in a cool room or by putting it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Ready to go.
The oils and extracts are available through soapmaking suppliers and some health food/nutritional supplement or craft stores.
For containers you can do better than the salt cellar in the picture above. Search “lip balm containers” and you will be on your way to tiny jar cuteness in no time.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I need to make this… we go through a ton of chapstick every winter and this sounds better. Thanks!
It’s so easy. And you can put flavor oils in it, too.
Soooo….think I could use EVOO and our coconut oil from India (its liquid right now, definitely not a solid!)? Would the end product still set up firmly enough? I’m wanting to get away with just buying the beeswax for this little project (I’m a chapstick-a-holic and would love to make my own!!)
Kalinda–Yes, that should work fine, any combination of solid at room temperature fat, liquid fat, and beeswax in that proportion is what it’s all about. And, “solid at room temperature” refers to things such as coconut oil which go solid at reasonably-close-to-room-temperature conditions. And I’m with you on not wanting to buy lots of fiddly things. Yours will be lovely.
“Tiny jar cuteness” is a brilliant phrase.
I’ll be making this – and lotion bars – and my own soap – and my own dishcloths – before too long. One thing at a time, of course, and somehow this blog makes me feel like it’s actually possible to achieve.
Now to look up calendulularar extract to figure out what that is.
Oh my gosh! Just made a batch of this for Xmas presents, and of course had to keep some for myself…AWESOME!! I made the “regular ole” version, but it’s awesome!! Now onto the lotion bars!