Vegan Lip Balms and Glosses

Want your lips to look like this? Try the vegan lip balms and glosses! They soften your lips as well as fragrance-free. Not everybody's lips are normal. They can be sensitive. I'm not so sure if any stores have vegan lip glosses and balms, but here's how to make them in case you can't find them.


Ingredients:

1 double boiler (a pot within a pot), or similar contraption

1 glass measuring cup, with spout

*1 Tablespoon plant-derived wax (soy, carnauba, candelilla, etc.)

3 Tablespoon organic, unrefined oil (I like to use 2 Tablespoons of virgin coconut oil + 1 Tablespoon hemp seed oil)

¼ tsp^* kukui nut oil, for soothing dry, chapped skin (optional)

¼ tsp^* (or less) vitamin E oil, for extended shelf life (optional)

*10-20 drops organic essential oils (mint and citrus work well in lip balms, but go crazy  and use whatever makes you smile!)

*Be aware that the more oil you use, the more wax you may need to add to get the desired consistency.

*I'd use strawberry.

Directions:

Start by melting your wax slowly, over low heat, in a double boiler on your stovetop. When the wax has all turned liquid, add in your carrier oils. Keep in mind that the oils that are solid at room temperature will result in a firmer consistency in your final product.

Once everything has mixed together into a homogenous liquid (I like to stir with a clean chopstick to help this process along), add the kukui nut and vitamin E oil, if using. Remove from heat and begin adding essential oils- this is the best part! Start slowly, as adding too much can be overpowering, and may even make delicate lip skin a little irritated.

Mint can make a fresh, clean feeling lip balm, while herbal oils such as lavender and chamomile can add a more relaxing element. Using the knowledge of aromatherapy, you can create whatever scent (and vibe) you like, just be sure to check the properties of the oils you use to be sure they don’t contain compounds that may cause photo-sensitivity (such as bergapten in bergamot) or that aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy (if you’re expecting, that is).

Transfer from boiler into glass measuring cup and pour slowly into tins, lip balm tubes, or salve jars. Make sure not to cap until product has fully set; I usually like to wait at least 4 hours or so, though it may take longer if it’s more humid where you are. Now you can feel great making your own premium, organic lip balms for a fraction of the cost… If you enjoy a bit of color, you can also powder your lips with some vegan mineral powder in the color of your choice right after applying the balm.

Enjoy!!