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These days, you can easily go out and purchase a variety of luscious lip balms in various alluring colors and a vast array of shines and textures, but it is always important to know what you are putting in your body and one of the best ways is to make lip balms at home. It is a lot easier than people think and can be fun for children to learn as well. Making your own lip balms at home can also help you save money as the ingredients can be purchased for a very small amount.

Some very simple recipes for making lip glosses and balms are easy and simple to follow. There are many natural recipes that utilize beeswax as a base, which is a product that just as natural as Vaseline, a petroleum-derived product that is used to make many of the lip balms that you find on the market. You can build on your own recipe as you go along, with other natural ingredients of your own or some suggested additions.

You will need petroleum jelly, preferably an entire jar, sunflower oil or another cooking oil of your choice, flavoring or scent like drink flavoring (even syrups used to flavor drinks) or honey. For coloring you can use a bit of your favorite lipstick or simple food coloring, and other additives that you can include are vitamin E or other nutrients. Also get some small containers (you can save old lip balm containers prior to making your recipe) or if you choose to purchase containers, they can be found at almost any drug store.

Making the balm

Before you begin the balm-making process, be sure that you have all of your ingredients and tools ready for use. You will also need a microwave safe dish like a glass measuring cup with spout and hand grip. You will need to do the steps one at a time and in order, so that your lip balm will turn out the right consistency. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Put some of the petroleum jelly into your microwavable dish. Remember that glass dishes can get very hot in the microwave even in a short period of time, so be sure to handle with care.

2. If you are using lipstick for color, take a knife and shave off a little piece of it and add it to the jelly. Adding color does not have to be a precise step. However, the more lipstick you use, the darker your lip balm will turn out to be.

3. Microwave the jelly for 30 seconds to about a minute, as it does not have to be extremely hot. You just want it to melt enough for it to mix well with the other ingredients that you are using.

4. At this point, you can add glitter and flavorings if you choose. For flavoring you want to use from 3 to 5% of the total weight of your ingredients. This means roughly 1 tsp. for 8 oz. of base mixture.

5. Mix well to blend all of your ingredients together.

6. You can fill your new containers by using a dropper or by simply pouring it directly into them. Be sure to let the lip balm cool off before pouring. If you pour the lip balm while it's too hot, it can cause the containers to crack. Wait a while before you pour the balm. After a few tries, you will know how long it takes.

If this is your first time making lip balm, you might consider filling one container and letting it set in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can then test it out and see how happy you are with the end result. If you are happy with how it turned out then you can simply reheat the remaining lip balm mixture and fill the rest of your containers. You can always reheat the mixture and make any adjustments that you desire, if you wish. Once you are satisfied and feel like you have the final product you desire, you can fill the containers and set them in the refrigerator to set.

Making homemade lip balms can be great fun for adults, teens and children alike, as a craft project to do individually or as a team. By using a few simple household ingredients and simple trial and error you are sure to have a lip balm making experience that is truly worthwhile and successful.

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