One of the most common things that I suffer with during the cooler months is dry, chapped lips. I have a bad habit of licking my lips which makes them even worse because your saliva strips the natural oils from your lips. You can try buying one of the many lip balms that are on the market but, from personal experience, I have never found one that really works. It is always a temporary relief for my lips and than I just feel like I’m reaching for the lip balm again in a couple of hours to reapply.

So, what is the best way to keep your lips moisturized throughout the day? My remedy has been coconut oil. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that I have found works well for keeping my lips smooth during cold and dry weather. You can use the oil 1 of 2 ways, you can either apply the oil directly to your lips or for added moisture you can make your own lip balm. I prefer making my own lip balm because I can always keep it handy by bringing it along in my purse.

Ingredients:

Yields 12 lip balm tubes

DIY Natural Lip Balm

2 Tablespoons beeswax (about 1 oz)
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
2 Tablespoons shea butter
12 lip balm containers
Medicine dropper

Directions:

1. Melt beeswax in a small pan on low heat. Add coconut oil and shea butter until all ingredients are melted.
2. Using a small medicine dropper, suction up and poured the melted mixture into your lip balm containers.
3. Allow lip balm to cool completely. Decorate or label as desired.

I never knew how easy some homemade projects were to make until I started experimenting with them. It’s a great way to be creative and save some money while you’re at it. When making the above lip balm it will smell slightly like honey however you may add essential oils, if desired, for a stronger scent or flavor. Peppermint or cherry lip balms have always been my favorite scents to purchase, maybe I will try that next time.

What is your favorite lip balm scent or flavor?

-Lani