Aromatic Journeys: Lip Smacking Goodness

Hello, Roxana here once again to share tidbits from the aromatic world. For today’s segment we will focus on creating a balm for the visible portion of our mouth called lips. Considered an erogenous zone, women’s lips are often veiled in other countries in the world. In fact much of the symbolic meaning associated with the lips is sensual.

Lips ©Greg Spalenka

Whether it is Winter with blistery dry and cold weather or Summer when the Sun is at full forth our lips could use some extra loving care with a moisturizing natural lip balm, free of petro chemicals and handmade with love. After all you do want to support the handmade movement and nature right?

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

This recipe for creating a lip balm requires a few tools:

1. Ceramic casserole dish, mine is pictured above and below. A ceramic or metal ladle will work too, as long as they can be heated and the ladle handle will not get hot. (I saw some small ceramic measuring cups at Cost Plus World Market this past weekend that will work.)

2. Heat source: for example the burner on the stove top, a double broiler or hot plate.

3. Containers for the lip balm such as tubes, tins or jars. (Sunburst Bottle company has a good selection)

4. Stirring rod or small metal spoon. (Your stirring item must be made of glass or metal.)

5. Trivet or tile for setting the casserole on while you add ingredients.

The raw materials include:

1. Two teaspoons cosmetic grade, grated beeswax

2. Seven teaspoons almond, olive or jojoba oil

Optional Ingredients:

Essential oils, A small amount of grated bakers chocolate, vanilla infusion, apricot kernal oil. If you choose to add some grated chocolate you will only need a small amount. See below for more information about alternate materials.



Begin by melting the beeswax over a heat source or a double broiler. Be mindful to not over heat the wax. Once melted place the ceramic pot on a trivet or tile and add in the carrier oil. Stir the mixture until combined. Make sure the beeswax is melted, if not gently put it on the heat for a bit longer. Remove from heat source. If you are adding extras like honey, chocolate or essential oils add those now and stir to combine then pour into the container(s) of your choice. Allow to set at room temperature.



Notes:
The consistency of the balm is determined by the amount of beeswax used. If you desire the balm to be a bit firmer add more beeswax.

If you are adding essential oils use anywhere between 10 to 40 drops total. It depends on what essences you are using and the strength you prefer. I suggest experimenting.

If you choose to add some grated chocolate you will only need a pinch.

Like the chocolate, if you choose to add honey use just a small amount by stirring it in with your glass rod or spoon.

Flavor suggestions:
Citrus (Orange, Tangerine, Mandarin, Lime, Lemon or all)
Mint (Peppermint or Spearmint / can burn the lips, be mindful how many drops you use per tube.)
Chocolate Mint (Use pure grated Chocolate with Peppermint Essential oil)
Honey (Use a real honey)
Vanilla (Use an infused oil of the bean or a Vanilla absolute or C02. Vanilla used in cooking will not combine well with the above listed ingredients, feel free to experiment.)

To make a larger batch use this formula:
1 oz Beeswax
1 1/2 cup Carrier oil (Almond, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba, Olive or an infused oil. You could also combine some of these together.)

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” ~ Judy Garland

Thank you for stopping by, be sure to come visit again next month. My plan is to showcase an item you can make with aromatic treasures from your local farmers market. See you then!

~Roxana of Illuminated Perfume