Beautiful Lip Balm

2 batches of lip balm

I am running out of my tinted lip balm and so I decided that it was time to make some of my own.  I really like the idea of saving money and a healthier solution.  I have made lip balm before, but this was a  bit different because of the tinting.

The base with zinc oxide

I started by measuring out my oils and butters.  I actually prefer using mango butter but I am currently out of stock, so I used shea butter instead.  This recipe is one that I found on Pinterest (don't you just love it) from Frugally Sustainable.  I really like this recipe because it is simple and customizable.

The mica has to be mixed into the oils

I used beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and vitamin E.  I melted them down in the microwave in one  minute.  I used a small glass bowl to melt the oil and as soon as I pulled it out of the microwave.  Once my oils were mostly melted I put the small glass bowl on a jar warmer to keep the oils melted.  I added the vitamin E oil after everything was melted as well as the essential oils.

I used peppermint essential oil and lavender essential oil.  The peppermint give a nice little bit of a tingle to the balm which I have found that I really like.  The lavender oil is great for helping the lips to heal and with the winter we are having this is a good thing.  These really don't add much in the way of flavor to the balm, but that isn't the reason that I use them after all.

The arrows show how the balm will form holes as it cools

For my base color I used alkanet powder infused in olive oil.  I also use this colorant in my soaps, although it colors much differently in an alkaline environment.   I added a bit of zinc oxide to give the color more coverage.  Zinc oxide is also healing and provides just a little bit of sun protection as well.    I added mica to the mixture after filling about 10 tubes for people like my mom that don't want any noticeable color left behind.  I however have replaced lipstick with tinted balm.  I  really like the way that my lips have improved in the way that they feel.  I continued to add colored mica until I was satisfied with the color that was given when applied.

I love the way it forms beads on the top.

Once I achieved the desired color, I started filling lip balm tubes.  I start by filling to just past the little screw piece in the middle.  I allow this to cool so that I get the best finish on my fill.  Since the base contracts some as it cools You have to allow it to cool and then finish filling.  I fill them until the surface tension is the only thing keeping it from overflowing.  This means that I get a slightly mounded finished fill.  I also fill them individually with a disposable pipette.  I have used the glass droppers, but they are a royal pain to clean.


I love the fact that I can make my own lip balm for about a dollar a tube and this includes the price of the tubes.  Granted I do buy some of my supplies in greater quantity than most people.  I also enjoy being able to supply my family and friends with quality health & beauty products.

I am linking with the following blogs:

http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com                                http://www.bystephanielynn.com
http://blackfoxhomestead.com/                                          http://www.iamannekehn.blogspot.com
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com                                  http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
http://littlehomesteadonthehill.blogspot.com/                      http://www.sewcando.com/
http://www.campwander.com/                                          http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
http://coloradolady.blogspot.com                                      www.aboverubies.net
http://abidingwoman.com/                                               http://www.besimplybetter.com/
http://www.deeprootsathome.com/                                   http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/
http://raisinghomemakers.com                                          http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/
http://www.52mantels.com/                                             http://www.the36thavenue.com/
http://www.create-with-joy.com                                       http://teachingwhatisgood.com/
http://www.the36thavenue.com/                                       http://seevanessacraft.com/
http://katherinescorner.com/                                           http://cupcake-n-bake.blogspot.com             http://alifeinbalance.net                                                    http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com
http://thediydreamer.com                                                 http://www.the-chicken-chick.com
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com                       http://www.flusterbuster.com
http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com                        http://www.adelightsomelife.com/
http://www.growinghomeblog.com                                 http://nourishingjoy.com
http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/              http://timeforseason.blogspot.com

http://trayerwilderness.com/                                           http://mylampisfull.blogspot.com/
http://shalommama.com/holistic-home