The Winter months can cause some unappealing beauty side effects such as nasty, chapped lips. Everyone loves a new lip balm but many of the products currently on the market contain a handful of chemicals that nobody should want near their mouth. However, there is a solution, with ingredients you very well may have in your kitchen that will be both natural and cost effective.

Why Most Lip Balms Don’t Work

The truth is, those lip balms we buy at the drug store don’t condition lips long term. They provide temporary relief, thanks to ingredients like camphor and methol. It was once thought that these ingredients healed skin, but in fact, they actually dry it out. Before you know it, you’re in for a vicious cycle of apply-reapply. That’s how people can become “addicted” to lip balm.

The Disgusting Truth

The bad stuff doesn’t stop there. Most store bought balms contain fillers such as synthetic wax, mineral oil, and petroleum. These ingredients sit on your lips and don’t penetrate the skin surface to moisturize. The worst part, many of these ingredients are also used for industrial purposes such as drilling and engine manufacturing. Who wants that near their mouths?

The Homemade Solution

Once I learned the real story behind store bought balms, I considered the idea of making my own at home. And surprise, it’s easy and fun! For less than $15 you can have all the tools and ingredients needed to make a long lasting supply.

What You Will Need…

1 Tablespoon – Pure Cocoa or Shea Butter (available at health food stores)

1 Tablespoon – Pure Avocado, Almond or Jojoba Oil (or all three combined)

1 Teaspoon – Honey, Agave Nectar or Cocoa Powder (optional, for flavour)

Jar or tin for storing lip balm

Begin by warming cocoa or shea butter in a small, stainless steel saucepan over the lowest heat setting. This may take 20-30 minutes, depending on the initial softness of the butter. Stir until melted and remove from heat. Add honey and oil(s), stirring until thoroughly mixed. Transfer to jar or tin and let stand for 4 hours in a cool, dry place. Voila! Your very own homemade lip balm with the conditioning of all-natural ingredients

About Michelle Pino…

Michelle Pino is the Spa Manager at Skana, a spa in upstate New York at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY. She enjoys DIY projects, healthy recipes, exercise and all things related to skin care. If you have any comments or questions for Michelle, feel free to contact her at michellepino@turningstone.com