Waiting for a homemade lip balm to set up is a little like developing a Polaroid.
You stand there and watch. And then you touch. And then you curse, because it wasn’t quite dry and you screwed up the pristine look.
And then you watch. And touch. And do it all over again two more times.
So my first recommendation when making your own homemade lip balm: Pour it in your container and walk away.
Seriously. Walk away. And don’t look back for 3 hours.
These are the three homemade lip balm recipes that I’ve enjoyed the most over the past couple of years.
One is made with lavender essential oil, one has a main ingredient of coconut oil, and the last … well, it’s peppermint-chocolatey goodness.
Luscious Lavender Lip Balm
Now, with all these recipes, you can substitute whatever essential oils you have on hand (or prefer). So, for instance, this recipe calls for lavender essential oil: Feel free to leave it out completely or substitute it with a soothing essential oil like rose, sweet orange, chamomile, vanilla, or carrot seed.
This recipe uses honey, which gives the balm a heavenly taste. Just be careful not to lick your lips TOO much. That’ll just dry ’em out, which just so happens to be the opposite of what we’re going for here.
Note: This lip balm is relatively soft, but I think it would hold up just fine if you wanted to pour it in a clean lip balm tube. Just be sure to clean the old balm out well (unless you get your hands on brand new, never used lip balm tubes somewhere) and sterilize the tube in boiling water for a few minutes.
Luscious Lavender Lip Balm Recipe
- 4 Tbsp jojoba, almond, or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp grated beeswax or beeswax pearls
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil (or 3 punctured, squeezed out liquid vitamin E capsules)
- 7 drops lavender essential oil (or other essential oil)
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 tsp colored, natural lipstick (optional, if you want it to have a hint of color)
Warm the oils, beeswax and honey in a small, stainless steel pot or bowl. Be sure to warm it on VERY low heat. (You can use a double boiler, if you’d like.) Stir until the beeswax is completely melted. Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the essential oil, vitamin E, cocoa powder, and colored lipstick. Place the bottom of the bowl into a shallow pan of ice water and continue whisking quickly as you add the honey. Once the honey is incorporated, quickly transfer the balm into your lip balm container (tube or tin) and allow to set for 3 hours.
More About the Color
As you can see, my lavender lip balm is kind of a dark aubergine color. It actually turns out a very light mauve when I use it on my lips.
I don’t particularly think the color is necessary, but it gives the lip balm a little fun twist.
I would recommend the lipstick I used to turn it this color, but I have an issue. The labels on the lipstick are completely worn off, and I have no clue what the brand was. Here. My cat would like to show you:
If you recognize the tube shape, then maybe you’ll know. It might have been Kiss My Face, but I’m not 100% sure. The guy who sold them to me last year at the little store looked like Santa, though, if that helps.
Anyway, I mixed the two colors to come up with the color for my lip balm. That’s part of the fun. Mixing things until they’re wholly and completely “yours.”
Coco-Rosey Homemade Lip Balm
I made this for a second time tonight, because I had the itch to experiment.
Before, I didn’t bother with “other” ingredients. It was just coconut oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. This time, I wondered what would happen if I steeped some rose petals in the oil for a while before finishing the balm.
It was lovely! Roses, in particular, are super soothing. But you could use any kind of dried herb or flowers you’d like.
Most effective (in terms of soothing your lips) would be: Rose, chamomile, calendula, green tea, lavender, or even hibiscus. In fact, if you used hibiscus, you’d end up with a beautifully pink lip balm. (Wish I would have thought of that before I started dumping in the roses!)
You know what else? This is a PERFECT lip balm for this time of year. The cocoa butter and rose is so very reminiscent of Valentine’s Day.
Make it as a gift to your hubby or significant other. Only you’re the one wearing it. Catch my drift?
One more thing about this particular lip balm! Any lip balm you make can be used as a hand salve, too, but this one, in particular, makes a fabulous moisturizer for any part of your body. I had a bunch left over, and I immediately coaxed Fiance into giving me a foot rub.
(I got a Valentine’s Day present out of it too, huh?)
Coco-Rosey Lip Balm Recipe
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp grated cocoa butter
- 1 Tbsp dried rosebuds (or any dried flower, green tea, etc.)
- 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil (or 3 punctured, squeezed out vitamin E capsules)
- 3 drops rose essential oil (optional, or substitute lavender, vanilla, or sweet orange)
On very low heat, melt the coconut oil in a small stainless steel bowl or pot. After the oil is liquid, add your roses (or other dried flowers) and stir well. Allow to steep (again, on very low heat) for 1 hour. Strain oil into a bowl through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Wipe out your original heating pot/bowl, pour oil back in, and return to heat. Add cocoa butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat, add vitamin E oil and essential oil and stir well. Transfer to a small container and let set for 3 hours (or until completely set).
Note: Because this is predominately coconut oil, DO NOT put this in a lip balm tube, and do not keep it in your pocket. Coconut oil liquefies rapidly with just a small amount of heat, and if you keep it somewhere warm (like next to your hot little body), it’ll leak all over.
Minty Chocolate Homemade Lip Balm
This super fun (and very firm) lip balm is adapted from this recipe at From Nature With Love.
I made it last year for Christmas for the chicas in my family. And then I kept 3 tins for myself.
However, of all the recipes I’ve given here, this one lends itself VERY well to being more of a “tube” lip balm. It’s very firm and almost a little difficult to apply from a tin. It takes some patience to rub your fingers around it until it’s soft enough to transfer to your lips.
Surprisingly, the cocoa powder doesn’t give it much color at all. It turns out a very light tan hue. However, the smell with the mint is out of this world.
Yet again, no matter how heartbreakingly tempted you are to lick your lips when you wear this – don’t do it! It’ll be a fleeting moment of deliciousness followed by an hour of feeling dry. Totally not worth it. (Okay … maybe a little worth it.)
Minty Chocolate Lip Balm Recipe
- 1 Tbsp grated beeswax or beeswax pearls
- 1/8 c. coconut oil
- 1/2 Tbsp shea butter
- 1/2 Tbsp cocoa butter
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/8 tsp vitamin E oil (or 2 punctured, squeezed out vitamin E capsules)
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Place the shea and cocoa butters in a small pot or double boiler, and add the coconut oil. Heat over VERY low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Try not to let the mixture go over 175 degrees, or the shea butter could end up a little gritty.) Add the beeswax and stir well. After the beeswax has completely melted, remove the mixture from the heat and add the essential oil, honey, vitamin E, and cocoa powder, whisking well the whole time. After everything is incorporated and smooth, transfer to a lip balm tube or tin and allow to set for 3 hours.
Ready To Make Your Own Lip Balm?
What do you think? Super easy, yeah? The hardest part is getting hold of the ingredients (of which you can find all at stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, or any natural grocery store).
The one I’m planning to video tomorrow is even easier on the ingredients, too. I’m super excited to try it. If I don’t eat all the chocolate chips first …
Do you have any homemade lip balm recipes you’d like to share?
Feel like you’re ready to try this on your own now?
While it’s so easy to just run out and buy a tube of balm, it’s so gosh-darned satisfying and empowering to just make your own. (And give extras away.) Here’s another lip balm recipe option in case these aren’t enough to satisfy your cravings.
Do you have any other questions about making your own lip balm? I’ll try to answer ’em as best as I can.
Big love!
The Crunchy Chemist’s Love Affair With Vitamin E
I made some lip balm and instead of using a double boiler or a crockpot I used a rice cooker. the condensation formed on the lid of the cooker and I believe some water may have got into my lip balm. I used vitamin E as a preservative. Will it go rancid if some water got into the base? I hate to throw it all out, but don’t want it going rancid either. Your help is appreciated. Thank you.
loed making it
Hi I would like to know what I can use instead of olive oil for lip balm what can I use as a substitute???
Thank U
Hi
I’ve got a recipe for a super easy lip balm, which is just beeswax, shea butter and olive oil. Do I use just regular cooking olive oil?
Also, what parts ratio would you suggest to get a firm lip balm? (I’m in Australia, so a firm lip balm would be suitable in our climate).
I’ve tried lots of different ratios and just can’t get it right, but I’m wondering if it’s due to the quality of shea butter or olive oil I’m using.
Thanks.
Bec.
Hi soooo happy to have found you but one question… In the minty chic recipe you have a ‘c.’ Next to the coconut oil… What does that mean? Oh.. And another, can I add more coconut oil to soften the balm? Thank you ☺️
What can i use in substitution for shea butter in lip balm???
Mmm. Something even more simpler for lazy people? Petroleum jelly that you have already purchased. You can use it straight from the container applying with clean and dry fingertips. It also protects your dry and chappy hands well during the winter.
Hi Crunchy Betty,
Love your blog and recipes! It’s taught me a lot. I’ve made lip balms a few times now. My favorite one is my green tea infused with honey. Super simple to make and everyone I’ve given them to loves it. Today, I’m following your coco-rosey recipe but instead of rose pedals I’m using Hibiscus flower and a rose EO. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
The minty chocolate I hade, but I like it when I substatute the cocoa with brownie mix. To me it adds a special flavor to it. Plus I added a tad more coconut oil. It came out perfect.
In the minty chocolate lip balm can you omit the vitamin e, or use a substitute? Also how much do these recipes make? I really want to do this, but don’t need a years worth. Thanks!
Does the vitamin E oil have to be pure? I have the Jason 5000 iu oil that’s blended with almond, apricot, avocado, sunflower, and wheat germ oils.
Me and a friend made the chocolate minty ones today, worked out really well! It would have been helpful to know how much your recipe made though, as we’ve ended up putting surplus lip balm in every available receptacle in my house, at least 5 years worth made altogether. What size and how many tins were your recipes intended for?
If a recipe calls for shea butter, do you know if you can substitute with butter made from Goat’s Milk?
Thanks,
Rebecca
If a recipe calls for shea butter, can you substitute with butter made from Goat’s Milk? I’m actually making lip balm…
Thank you for your time…
Rebecca
hi I was wondering how many you made using that amount of ingredients?
I have been experimenting with the following mix, one tsp beeswax, one tsp honey and 2 tsp coconut oil and I can’t for the life of me get the honey to stay incorporated. I have a small electric wisk and I mix it extremely well but when it cools the honey is under the balm on the bottom of the bowl. It just doesn’t stay mixed in. Help
I have the same problem. The honey always settles out to the bottom of the tin, no matter how vigorously I whisk it in.
I was wondering if mango butter can be used in place of coco butter?
First thing’s first-your blog esp this particular post is a life(read:lip) saviour 😉 I was running out of my favourite lip balm and suddenly this idea bursted in my devious brain that I should make one instead of relying on store bought ones!and guess what your blog was the first(& the BEST) I came across while searching 4 easy DIY lip balm recipes 🙂 just 1 query-In the “COCOA ROSE LIP BALM” DIY I use Vaseline instead of cocoa butter? That’s it 🙂
First of all I want to say wonderful blog! I had
a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourselpf and cleasr
your thoughts prior to writing. I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out there.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems liike the first 10 to 15 minutes
are wasted just trying too fkgure out how to begin.
Any ideas or hints? Kudos!
Thanks so much for the recipes! #1 is working great for me so far.
But – I was thinking if it would work, how good it could be to halve the cocoa powder in 1 and use a portion of powdered peanut butter instead (omitting or swapping out the lavender oil), then you should get chocolate peanut butter lip gloss. yum.
I have no idea if this would work, i’ve never used powdered peanut butter before, but maybe now i’ll have to invest.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was
wondering what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like
yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100%
certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Weebly:) I created my own website alone on there. Comes with a blog. Or wordpress I hear. Check out my website creaturesofsb.com and look under that “my journey” tab to get a feel. I’m only 22 so hopefully it will inspire:)
I tried the cocoa butter and coconut oil. It’s been 24 hours and is not solidifying. Any thoughts? I added orange oil and sweet orange green tea. Also a couple drops of E.
Your lipstick was burts bees lipshimmer.I love the stuff!!!!!!!!!
Where do you get the tins, i assume Etsy??
THANKS AHIMSAOILS!!!!!!!
New Directions Aromatics (http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com) has lip balm tubes. They are 100 for $13. They also have a filling tray that makes it super easy if you aren’t blessed with a steady pouring hand (like me). The sad thing is they recently started adding a $20 small order processing fee if you do not have an order of $100 or more. Not that it’s hard to spend that when one enters the DIY world….
Roughly how many tubes would you say the Minty Chocolate recipe will make? I can’t wait to try this! Thank you.
Hi, I have bought 1 kg of cocoa butter to make homemade lip balms to sell for charity. I need a recipe for this amount. Does coconut oil smell like coconut or can I use avocado, olive or almond oil? My cocoa butter is unrefined and has no smell… I am aiming for a shaped, moulded balm that people can rub on their lips and skin. Can ANY essential oils be used? I would love a chocolate irange, chocolate raspberry or chocilate pomegranate flavour. If I add the honey and cocoa powder, are pomegranate , mandarin and raspberry essential oils safe? I want it slightly softer that hard cocoa butter and have just bought some UNREFINED cocoa butter that does smell of chicolate. Pkease help… it will mean helping to save endangered cockatoos in Indonesia and providing aid dogs to the disabled – like me! Cheers, Alex
I need a high spf lip balm recipe. I’ve heard carrot seed oil is good for it’s spf properties but I cannot find a recipe. Also…do I use carrot seed oil or carrot seed essential oil? Is there a difference? I appreciate any help you can give me on this!
Carrot seed oil, not the essential oil. Subs for half the coconut oil. It is still not SPF, but may help limit harmful sun rays.
What’s up, I read your new stuff like every week.
Your writing style is witty, keep up the good work!
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I made the choc mint lip balm today, it smells and feels amazing 🙂 I will be looking forward to using it everyday and it made a fair amount which will last me for over a year. Thank you.
I just made the last lip balm on the page (sans the cocoa powder since I didn’t have any) and it turned out great!
One thing, though, perhaps it was because of the type of honey I used, I used a raw honey that’s somewhat hard and added it after I took the mix off of the double boiler, but it wouldn’t mix no matter how much I stirred. Luckily, it just settled as little liquid drops to the bottom and didn’t pour out until the very last dreg. The lip balm, otherwise, turned out GREAT! It’s so very moisturizing, and even without the cocoa powder, the cocoa butter gives it enough of a mild, chocolaty fragrance.
Thanks, these are great. I have tried lip balm several times and haven’t quite found the right consistency. I kind of combined the 1st and last recipe because I have a really good Shea butter I wanted to use. I used geranium and lavender essential oil ( doTERRA) for moisture retention and healing.
Love the slight splash of color the cocoa adds
I’m definitely going to try that minty chocolate one. Sounds promising.
Thanks!
I am confused with the instructions for the lavender lip balm. At what point is the honey added? During the warming process or afterward as you are whisking in a pan of cold water?
I’ve had great results melting a tbsp. each of beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter (lotion bar recipe) then pouring into new empty chapstick tube containers (found on Ebay 10 for $2)but I would love to try these recipes for something different. I’m sure you can buy the empty tins on Ebay as well.
Im alergic to coconut oil. So what do I do. Also do you have to beez wax?
you can substitute another butter for coconut oil. shea butter would probably work well.
Shea butter can make your lips sticky – I would recommend jojoba oil and/or olive oil and cocoa butter. Delicious! Also use Candelilla wax as an alternative to bees wax.
Hi Crunchy Betty- love your website! Do you have a source you love for purchasing lip balm tins?
Thank you!
It’s going to be ending of mine day, except before ending I
am reading this great article to increase my experience.
Just for clairification: in the first recipe you site honey twice. Once to heat and once to whisk in as its cooling. I am confused.
Could those lipsticks be from Savannah Bee Company? They look like them, maybe the blackberry and tupelo.
Could you omit the beeswax from recipe 1 and 2 or would it not set it/harden? Just thinking for a vegan, I *think* they don’t like using beeswax?
Don’t know about omitting, but to make vegan friendly you should be able to substitute Candilla wax for a vegan friendly version. I’ve heard some people use it in place just because it doesn’t melt as easily in heat
Do you have any website or store recommendations for finding ingredients?
Thanks!
Thanks for the awesome recipes! I’m actually in the process of crockpot infusing some oils right now for some homemade lip balm.
I actually ordered a whole bunch of empty chapstick tubes ($0.30/each) from Mountain Rose Herbs (AMAZING herbal store). I’m experimenting with a more natural way to color though (rather than use store bought lipsticks). I’m making herbal infusions with plants like hibiscus which are natural dyes. 🙂
Anyway, your recipes are giving me a whole bunch of ideas! I bought some Amish honey at the Farmer’s Market and I’m totally planning on adding some now (never would have thought about it before).
🙂
THANKS!
I love your writing – made me laugh….And thanks for all these tips. I logged on just for a reminder of how to make lip balm…and stayed to read all this. Made me laugh.
I’ve been making my own lip balm, tissue oil and hair oil for the past year now. I recently stumbled upon your site and I have to say that I do like the sound of your recipes. I am dying to try them out. I am just not sure about adding actual herbs to it. Straining the melted oils and wax may prove a daunting task. I use essential oils and a couple of other oils which has added benefits (my secret!). What I am not so sure about is making lotions and ointments. I can’t seem to get the water and waxes to mix properly. Beeswax is suppose to be a natural emulsifier, but getting the water and the wax at the same temperature is equally tedious.
Does any one have any advice?
hey, where can you buy the containers? i’ve been looking everywhere, but i can’t find any.
“Etsy” sells the new empty tubes.
follow me on twitter @evilpixie28 would love to hear more recipes
If I’m from Korea, where can I get all these ingredients?
I just made the tasty lip balm, with peppermint and vanilla instead of lavender. It is amazing! A little question, though. I added the honey just like instructed, and the lip balm turned out very butter-like, not too easy to pour into a container. I ended up melting it a bit more before pouring, but by the end it had most of the honey at the bottom and some of my tubes are mostly honey! Is there an easier way to do this, or will I need to stir as I go (messy)?
Ha??
Does it still work if I do not have any vitamin E oil? I can’t wait to make my lip balm but I do not have any Vitamin E capsules or oil….. Help!
Any idea how to make the product a little less soft? I used the lavender recipe without Vitamin E oil, and used a vanilla essential oil which makes it smell absolutely delicious. But it’s too wet for application – do I add less almond oil?
Use a little more bees wax, it will make it firmer.
Is there a substitute for the beeswax in the choco mint? Can you leave it out? Sounds amazing
gangster mean maori mean my nigga
I’ve only made the lavendar lip balm so far but its awesome. Very rich and nurishing.
do each of these recipes only make one tin/tube of lip balm?
In my experience they make many standard-sized tubes — about 15. I just made a quarter recipe (but added extra mango butter, so it made a bit more) and it made 5 tubes. Those tubes fill up quickly and a little goes a looong way. It’s also super easy. I just made a batch while waiting for my dinner to finish cooking (about 7 minutes).
Can you use maple syrup in your first recipe (Lusicious lip balm)? If so, how would you recommend incorporating it?
My sister makes her own lip balms – they can be found here: Sniff! Scents You could ask where she gets her containers from. I love her products – they are made with organic materials (except the flavoring) and they work GREAT!
Yummy lip Balm 🙂
Yummy lip Balm 🙂
Thanks for the recipes! Quick question, I am confused as to when I’m supposed to add the honey. In the beginning or the end? Thanks!
…for the Luscious Lavender recipe.
You add it at the beginning, with the oils and beeswax.
Oh, and nice name 😉
I just made my first batch of homemade lip balm/gloss. I used vaseline & cocoa & vitamin E oil as a preservative. Darn, I wish I had thought to use Coconut oil! I’m so glad I read your post as I didn’t realize it needed to “set”. I put mine in the containers & let them sit in the fridge but didn’t really think about how long they needed to be there. Thanks for the great recipes!
I’ve been mixing up homemade recipes for a while now, and I haven’t been able to find an easy way to transfer the mixture from the pan to the bottle without losing a fair amount that just solidifies quickly. I work with essential oils and I worry that if I reheated it I would lose them. I tried using a small ladle, and that’s helped, but I still lose some. Anyone have ideas and/or thoughts on equipment or method?
Maybe use a funnel? Or you can use droppers
Thanks for this recipe!! I was looking to sell chapsticks, and these turned out awesome!!
Hi, just curious, have a question. I just made a lip balm recipe that called for vegetable glycerin. What benefit would VG give our lips? I am still learning about ingredients and their benefits. Thanks!
Vegetable glycerin is a humectant, like honey. Humectants attract moisture.
I am so happy I found you. For one, you are funny, I feel like we are chatting and I like it. I am not a big fan of chatting but feel I could with you;) Also your recipes are easy and very helpful to encourage me to experiment. THANKS!
I’ve made chapsticks before, and I was tired of the same recipes. Yours were new and yet easy. Thanks for sharing!!!
Do you think I could make the chocolate mint one without beeswax?
This may be a little late on the subject of containers but I use the little round pots you can get at Jo Ann’s Fabrics or Michael’s Craft Store, in the beading section. They are just small round,clear plastic pots with screw on lids. They work great and don’t leak in your purse. They are usually sold in packages of 12 or 24. You will find them on the shelf with containers for bead storage.
As for the lip balm recipes, I love the homemade formulas! They feel fantastic on the lips and aren’t so waxy and hard like the manufactured types. And I love the control you have over the ingredients added.
I also found great little tins at the Container Store. Type in the search:” shallow, seamless tins. Cheap and the perfect size.
Made the first one. It’s super thick and greasy, but I also haven’t let it set yet. I incorporated the honey during the ice bath, and hopefully that was the correct way (there is a typo in the directions, which have you add the honey at 2 different points). Everything cooled and thickened immediately in the ice bath, so I’m not sure what kind of setting it really needs to do at this point…wait and see!
How long should I steep the dried herbs for? I’m gonna try with rosmery and jasmine possibly? I dunno for sure but I was looking at a chart for EOs you put on a post and seeing the health benifits.
For the minty choco wonderfulness does the pepperment essential oil work as a lip pumper?
How would I add goat milk to these recipes? I am making a honey mint lip balm (using the minty chocolate recipe, without the cocoa) and I want to add fresh goat milk. If you could please email me the amount of milk to add? Thank You! [email protected]
I have a question – where do you get the tins to put the balm in? I have all the ingredients but nowhere to put the balm…
Does the vitamin e act as an emulsifier? I didn’t have any and when I added the honey it just beaded up at the bottom.
I’m fairly certain that those are Burt’s Bees lip colors. I sell them in my store and they look almost identical… just saying lol
What is the shelf life of these lip balms?
How long will these balms stay good for?
Betty, You rock!
The first one looks great! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Betty, you rock! 🙂
People, who have tried these recipes.. Which one is has been your favourite?
Hi,
When I was making your last lip balm (minty chocolate) I found that when i put the honey in to the mixture it seperated could this be because of the type of honey I’m using ?
I love these lip balms.
I scalded my lip today on steaming hot tea. Even though I was told it was really hot. Why do we do that??? Anyway, I was feeding my baby some avocado and I rubbed a chunk of it on my sore, burning lip and let it sit there while he ate. We matched. When I licked it off, my lip felt better! Accidental discoveries are awesome.
I made this for my mom on mother’s day. I kind of improvised since I didn’t have all of the ingredients on hand… I used petroleum jelly (vaseline) and melted it, added red and blue food coloring to make purple, and added jasmine extract. It turned out WONDERFULLY. I’m only 12 yrs old so I was glad that this recipe was simple. My mother LOVED it.
sooo sweet u r…cutypie
Those tubes look an awful lot like a favorite of mine — Savannah Bee Company’s lip tints.
http://allthingsfadra.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/photo-2-e1309065297174.jpg (That picture is not mine. I’m just too lazy to make my own.)
I think Savannah Bee Company might be somewhat regional though (of course, we have it here in Georgia.) But the resemblance is striking.
How did you manage to get the beewax pearls to melt down if you used them? I have it in a double boiler type set up on low heat for about 40 mins now and they are still tiny balls. Any thoughts?
Your old tubes with the worn off labels look like they could have been Burt’s Bees 🙂
I agree, definitely Burt’s Bees tubes. I own both colors 🙂
Can you post on pinterest?
I tried the first recipe! I don’t have essential oils… So used vanilla essence instead! It is sooo yummy!!! I am definitely going to make more! Thanks so much for the awesome recipe! Keep it goin’… 🙂 ^_^
How do you transfer it from the pan to the small containers without getting it absolutely everywhere? I am about to try this but want to be prepared for those things that might not be mentioned, so I can make this easier. (I will be working with my 4 yr old 😉
I use a syringe…like the free ones you get with kids’ medicines but the amounts eventually wear off, etc.. Works GREAT for transferring to lip tubes
http://mommasuzs.blogspot.com
neat site!
for awesome lip balm containers and even tubes for super cheap. I just orderd a ton and I cannot wait to get started!!!!
https://www.specialtybottle.com/checkout.aspx
Betty, love your site, love your ideas! Wanted to ask why you do not have a search box on your front page? There are things I have seen and want to get back to, but have to go through all your tabs, links, etc to find them. Like this page for instance. It would be so helpful! Thanks 😉
Amanda, there is a search box (it is a little difficult to find though). It is on the right side between the “Who’s Betty” and the “Crunchy Shopping” links.
{(^o^)}
Sarah
I have a question regarding how long these will last as there are no preservatives. An estimate would be great. Already made the lavender (sans cocoa) and a sweet orange (with cocoa!) and love them both! A friend was just curious as to an expiration 🙂
Yes please reply…so want to know as well.
The vitamin E oil acts as a preservative, but I don’t know exactly how long it will last. When my friend made lip balm, it lasted really well. It has been a year, and her’s hasn’t separated at all. Or shown signs of going rancid.
Just made the first one and it is really great. I added some glitter powder (safe for body products/lip balm). Thanks! Love your site.
I love this u people rock
Crunchy Betty…love the name! I’d like to try your Coco-Rosey Lip Balm Recipe with the tea option for flavoring. Maybe Chai, Bengal Spice or Egyptian Licorice for something exotic and spicy! I like that it doesn’t use beeswax too.
Arrived via Today’s Creative Blog. Thanks for the recipe…cheers!
I made the minty chocolate balm as Christmas gifts for all of my friends (of course I kept one for me). It turned out awesome! I labeled them “thin mint” and everyone raved. Thanks!
How much is all the ingredients for the minty chocolate lip balm? I am making a gift basket for my family and time is running out! This is putting me into a panic!!Help!
I am having trouble with the honey, it doesn’t stir in and just settles so when I went to transfer my melty mixture to containers, the last one is always mucked up cuz it’s the honey that wouldn’t stire in…suggestions?
try letting it cool a little until it has about the consistency of vaseline and then stir in the honey
Hello: I made lip balm with coconut oil, vit E oil, jojoba oil, and glycerine. It set up wonderful but after it set out for a while it liquefied. Of course we put it back in the fridge but I don’t want to give them away if they are going to liquefy. any suggestions??? Carol
I always enjoym and look forward to getting your newsletters thanks. Now to go have some fun!
Are cocoa butter and coconut butter 2 different things? I used coconut butter for the lip balm recipe. It turned out great, but I was wondering what the difference is and where I can get cocoa butter. Thanks!!!!
I’m confused… In the lavender lip balm directions it says to heat up the honey with the beeswax and oils.. But then it says to add the honey after the beeswax is melted. What should I do?
I am wanting to make these for gifts can you let me know how many tubes or tins this recipe makes! The Minty Chocolate one is what I am wanting to make! Thanks for all the great gift ideas! These and the lotion bars are awesome!
How much lipbalm do the recipes make? I want to make gifts, and make sure I make enough, but not soo much that I have no where to put the extra.
Thanks!
I made the lavender lip balm a week ago. It is wonderful!
But last night I wanted to make the one with roses and coconut oli. Instead of roses I chose to use green tea, but never the less.. It did’t work out. I stored it in the cooler for a while. It was almost frozen after just 10 minutes. Then I placed it on my nightstand. And when I woke up this morning, it was liquid. Not just in the container, but all over my nightstand. Really messy. Not nice.
How do you make it not-as-liquid and not-as-solid? Is it even possible?
Hey! just saying, you can get lipbalm tubes (like lypsyl tubes) from http://www.brambleberry.com ! theres loads of things like that there, you should check it out! Great page 🙂
How many tubes of lip balm will the mint chocolate one make? Does anyone know?
It made 5 for me
where do you find the little containers? and any other cheap container ideas?
Majestic Mountian Sage website sells different kinds of containers.
I have had allergic reactions to products with beeswax in them… is there a good natural substitute for beeswax to use in lip balms and lotions?
Thanks for sharing these recipes!
So I just made the first balm (better late than never), but used spearmint oil in place of the lavender. HEAVENLY. I didn’t have any fun color to put in, but I don’t do lip color that often, anyway. Underestimated the yield, to be sure, but I had enough pots for it all, and now I have scrumptious, shiny lip balm for myself and others! This stuff is the jam, and I officially fangirl you now.
Tip for anyone who can’t get hold of lip tins: I used the itty bitty paint storage pots from my craft store. Found in, of course, the art supplies section, and less cute than the tins, to be sure, but it works.
What’s your craft stores name? And where is it located?(: thanks
I tried the first recipe today, and my two tubes and 2 makeshift tins are setting right now, no fingerprints in them yet. 🙂 I used peppermint instead of lavender and yeah, I totally licked the spoon when I was done scraping it out. Chocolate minty goodness with organic honey… I am tempted to drizzle it over ice cream.
Or I could just go hunting around town for some tins to put this in, the lip balm can’t stay in the tin foil boats I made forever. Seriously, I could moisturize an army of lips right now.
Again, you are awesome.
I just made the Coco-Rosey Homemade Lip Balm. I’m having trouble with my lip balm not solidifying. I let it set overnight and it still hasn’t set. Was there anything that I could have done differently? Does Unrefined Cocoa Butter make a difference?
Raw is better, but it probably wouldn’t have made it set up all THAT much differently.
Let me guess. It was pretty warm where you live today? I bet your jar of coconut oil is really soft (or even liquid) right now? Cocoa butter alone isn’t enough to set that lip balm up to “solid state” so it sits in a tube. And SUPER warm/hot days won’t help.
Pop it in your freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, and it’ll set up. But it might reliquify again if it gets really warm. (This is definitely a better winter balm than summer. 🙂
same with me
I really want to try the minty chocolate one. I loved reading through this. thanks so much for the tips!
Did someone already tell you that those empty containers with the worn labels look like Burt’s Bees lip glosses?
Hope that helps!
I was just going to say this. I have a tube of the stuff and it looks exactly like this, except mine has a yellow label and is deliciously minty.
Sooo confused! I was going to make your luscious lavender top one, and do I add double honey, or is it added to the warming or in the ice as you said both? Help! 😀
(my friend got me a pound of beeswax and a ton of herbs and oils and flours for our early wedding gift!!! Yheee!~ )
I was confused too, but I just ended up putting the honey in lastly (off the heat in the pan) instead of in the beginning where it is first mentioned… then when I dunked it in the ice bath, it set up waaaay too fast to even pour it into my tube, so I had to put it back on the heat of the double boiler, let it liquefy, poured it into a pyrex measuring cup with a pointy spout, then from there poured it into the empty tube since it was super narrow.. popped it into the freezer for– I kid you not– like 30 seconds, and it was already ready to go! Hope this helps!
Neat! Thanks for sharing. I’m excited to try the cocoa-mint recipe. My husband always complains about my lip balm tasting nasty when I kiss him. It sounds like this is a win-win!
http://www.sothisisarmylife.blogspot.com
Where do you get the cute little tins for the lip balms?! I need to find those and I want to try these lip balm recipes! 🙂
Where can I find the tubes or tins to put the balms in?
Would it be possible to add a hint of orange in the mixture to give it a different flavor?
I made the Luscious Lavender Lip Balm, but I used a little extra cocoa and Sweet Orange oil. I couldn’t even wait for it to set up! I used some off of my whisk. It tastes amazing and I have to thank you for sharing these recipes.
Now, to head back to the lab, er, um, kitchen and concoct a recipe of my own.
Omgee your recipes are seriously crunchy 🙂 I was just wondering cuz I do hav lavender essential oil, which says that its supposed to b used with oil burner, but the name’s still essential oil, but again, it also says ‘do not digest’. Can I use this for d luscious lavender recipe?? Asap thx a lot 😀
How about a chocolate-orange combo? Any suggestions?
Though I saw this kind of lip balm at a ren faire it was the best lip balm I ever had…
Peppermint/Chocolate? Lavender? I’m sold… but I’m also broke! Couldn’t you make them and sell them like you did with the awesome face scrub??? I would totally buy it from you! 🙂
Just wondering if these balms turn out really oily? All the recipes I’ve tried in the past don’t seem to do the trick for me. (I have crazy lips. And skin. I am considering getting a referral to a dermatologist because I am at a loss!!) Right now the ONE that is doing it for me is the Burt’s Bees peppermint lip balm. Yay!
THANK YOU for these! I love to make my own lip balm. I buy most of my supplies online from Mountain Rose. I LOVE them!
On the list of things to learn in our quest for a more self-sufficient lifestyle is how to make our toiletries and beauty items. Thanks for the great recipes
Ok. So glad you’re “back” lady! I REALLY missed your recipes! Really. My mom is becoming a convert as I make recipes from your site for her to try! Woo hoo. She is not the try it yourself type so this is BIG! Cannot wait to see the chocolate chip recipe and have already made my shopping list. Found a website for you to check out for containers. Know nothing about them but prices seem reasonable. Didn’t check out shipping though. I may order from there if I don’t find something better.
http://www.thesage.com/catalog/LipBalmContainers.html
Many crunchy thank you’s!!!!!
not to be creepy but the lip color with the worn off label you used is by burts bees 😀 good stuff
Haha. Not creepy. I SO had no idea. I bought them over a year ago and kept them in the front pocket of my purse (where I dig around constantly). The labels were worn off within two months.
To my defense, I had no idea about Burt’s Bees until last month. 🙂
I’ve got everything! Except something to put them in. I could really use a blogger who tells me how to make my own cosmetics and also has a shop to buy pretty containers to put them in.
Seriously friend- I searched and searched at Christmas and ended up giving them in ziploc bags.
I’ll give these recipes a try. Though I will wait until I see the video, it might be the winning recipe.
Y’know, I wish I knew a shop off the top of my head. We used to have a store right across the street that sold all KINDS of containers for lip balms, oils … anything, really. I stocked up before she packed up and moved out, and I haven’t needed to look yet.
On my to-do list.
The year I went nutso bananas and gave a million homemade gifts to everyone in my family (and everyone in their family’s family), I put a lot of stuff in cellophane bags (bought at a crafts store).
But something more natural is much better than cellophane. Off to find out what that something natural might be!
I get my lip balm pots and tubes from brambleberry.com These look great! I’m a fan of making my own lip balms and sometimes I’ll use the same tubes and pots and recipe for the most part to do solid perfumes.
I’m so glad you posted these!
Check out Sunburst Bottle – I’ve used them a few times for various products and have been satisfied. http://www.sunburstbottle.com
(No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.)
http://www.elementsbathandbody.com/
This has essential oils, butters, containers, bags… hope this helps. 🙂
i go to sally beauty supply an just buy thier little containers that come with one small and one large. i use the small to hold my products and the large to hold any liquid supplies.
Amazon has lots of cheap makeup container. I have bought ones the twist up like the kind of Chapstick you buy in the store. Instead so letting it harden all together you put it into a tube. They make great gifts.
You might try Michael’s for containers. They have supplies for soap, lip balm, etc. making and you might be able to find something there. Also try your local health food store. I think Vitamin Cottage has some near their essential oils.
lipbalmtubes.com allows you to order how many you need and they are pretty cheap. If you are going to make more than a few I have to recommend SKS Bottle and Packaging (http://www.sks-bottle.com/). I’ve done alot of business with them and they are really helpful!
You should be able to find containers or some sort in your local co-op food store. I work at one and we have TONS of little containers that are perfect for home-make-up projects.
Try ebay or brambleberry http://www.brambleberry.com/Lip-Balm-C89.aspx
I have found tins that work well at the Container Store. Type in : “shallow, seamless tins. Cheap and the perfect size 🙂
Try the craft department at walmart or check on amazon. I was lucky that I just happened to have these small round containers that previously had samples of mineral make up inside. I emptied out the remains, washed them in hot water & soap & then let them dry. works perfect!
My 4yo got a crappy synthetic, dangerous, lip gloss in a Disney Princess container on Halloween that I can’t get her to give up. Maybe I can make one of these with her and get her to give up the other. I’ve tried offering to give her her own organic lipbalm, but she wants the color. This might do the trick.
Love. That. Idea.
The one tomorrow (if I ever get my butt off the couch and in front of the video camera) will be even more fun for kids. What little girl wouldn’t want to use lip balm made out of chocolate chips?
(Fingers crossed that it’s actually a good recipe. Guess we’ll find out soon.)
I am sooo excited to make these!!! Just got to get to the store for a couple things. Can’t believe I don’t have any vitamin E handy.
A few days ago, I read a Lamebook (www.lamebook.com) status update that said, “Can anyone tell me how to download a webcam?”
I wish I could download some vitamin E to you right now. Hehe.
These sound really yummy! What do you think about adding a little rose clay to the recipe for color? It’s supposed to hold moisture, too.
Rose clay sounds heavenly. I wouldn’t use much, or the texture might get a little weird. If you try it, you have to let me know what you thought!
These sound AMAZING!!! I can’t wait to try, especially the peppermint chocolate one! Don’t ask me why, but I have to put on peppermint lip balm before I go to sleep at night. I just can’t go to bed without it. Now I get to have chocolate AND peppermint?! I can’t wait to make these!!!!
I’ve been enjoying a yummy peppermint lip balm from Rose of Sharon Acres (http://roseofsharonacres.com/)(they have great goat’s milk soaps, too!) that my friend got me for Christmas, but other than that, I’ve just been slathering plain ol’ coconut oil on my lips. So I can’t wait to jazz up my coconut oil with your recipe, too!
You rock. Seriously. I know I tell you that all time, but you are so freakin’ awesome, there is no other way to describe it. Much crunchy love to ya!
Oh my gosh! I love that link. Their tooth chips sound SO intriguing. Have you ever tried them?
Actually, I have – I got some of those for Christmas too, in the orange cinnamon flavor! It comes in a little container and it looks like little strips of soap – almost like how shredded coconut looks. You take a little piece, and bite down on it with your back teeth, and then you start scrubbing with a wet toothbrush. Your mouth feels SOOO clean afterward, it’s really amazing! You just have to rinse really well after brushing. There is a bit of a soapy taste (at least in the flavor I tried) that takes some getting used to, but it’s not bad, the cleanliness is awesome, and their stuff is totally natural and safe – I’d rather have a tinge of soapy taste and know what is in my mouth is safe 🙂 . I’ve also tried their blemish balm and it’s been helping my breakouts (especially this week!) a lot – and it doesn’t dry my skin at all. I’m thinking of trying their tomato complexion soap, too, since you said before that tomato juice is good for acne prone skin. So basically, I love everything I have tried and will go back for more 🙂
Ok, is it really bad that I desperately want the cocoa-mint lip balm but really want someone else to make it for me?
These days I barely have time to shave my….uhh…legs. Shave my legs.
But damn I want the lip balm.
Y’know, maybe if you took time out to make lip balm, you could talk Himself into shaving your legs.
Is that creepy?
That was creepy.
You can also use blush (mineral makeup is best) to tint lip balms. 🙂
Anyone have a guess on how much mineral makeup we might add to get a nice, soft color?? I have tons of different colors of mineral makeup, and that would be so fun to mix in!!
I made a very small cream blush using cocoa butter and shea butter. I bought one of those ELF cream blushes at Target for $1, scraped out the junk and filled it with my own stuff. I also had a sample of mineral blush, which was in a little zipper-bag. I used the whole thing. I added slowly, testing with little spots on the back of my hand until it was as dark as I wanted.
Hope that helps.
amazing recipes…surely would try them but gotta get beeswax and other butters first…..
It always amazes me how easy beeswax is to find these days. It’s one of those, “Once you start noticing, you notice something everywhere” things. I even saw some in the King Soopers supermarket once.