Make Up- How to Make Lip Balm

A couple of years ago I experimented with making my own lip balm and although I still buy the occasional lipstick I have to say that I haven't bought a new lip balm since learning to make my own. There really is no comparison, I found shop bought lip balm had to be applied between 3 to 5 times a day, and when I stopped using it I had a maximum of 2 days before my lips started cracking and splitting in cold weather. However with my homemade stuff I never have to apply it more than twice a day and if I stop using it I have 3 or 4 days before my lips start to crack.

Having made my own lip balm I'll never buy it from a shop again, this stuff is amazing!

Before we start please note- My body is not your body. I do not know what allergies or reactions you may have to the ingredients I have used. Please be sensible and always test them first.

Things you will need-

• Beeswax
• Linseed Oil (also known as Flaxseed Oil)
• Vanilla Extract (optional)
• Small sized pot
• Medium sized pot
• Cosmetic lip balm pots
• Scales
• Small spoon

First you need to weigh out your ingredients. If you like solid lip balms I suggest a ratio of 40:60 beeswax to linseed oil. If however you prefer softer lip balms try a 30:70 mix instead. To fill up five small cosmetic pots I used 12g of wax and 18g of oil.

When melting wax it's important to always heat it indirectly otherwise it will burn. Fill the medium sized pot with water and heat it up to a gentle simmer. Place the smaller pot inside the medium sized pot and add the beeswax. 

Once the beeswax has fully melted add the linseed oil and stir it thoroughly. Add a few drops of vanilla extract for flavour (if you wish) and thoroughly stir again. You don't have to add any flavouring but linseed oil has an unusual flavour so you may prefer something more familiar. It's not bad but it is strange. The best way I can think it put it is there's nothing wrong with the flavour of potato but no one sells potato flavours lip balm!

Remove the mixture from the heat and while it is still hot carefully spoon it into your cosmetic pots and allow it to cool completely.

My one small pot of lip balm has lasted me almost two years now without going bad or losing its effectiveness. And in case you're wondering these also cost less to make from scratch than they do buying ready made from a shop.