As the holidays approach, it’s time to ask that inevitable question, “What should I get people?” We know that the holidays are nearly two months away, but it’s never too early to start planning. Trust us when we say that they’ll be here before you know it, and being prepared never hurt anybody. Rather than buying a funny shirt that someone will never wear, make the peppermint lip balm in this article and give it to your friends or relatives.
The lip balm is made from all natural ingredients that nourish the skin on the lips, which is especially important during winter’s dry weather. Once you apply this balm on your lips, you’ll realize that you never want to purchase lip balm in stores ever again. The people who receive them as gifts may even want you to make them again next year. Plus, the peppermint aroma is perfect for the holiday season. You can even get festive with the tins and paint the tops like peppermint candy.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural substance that bees secrete to build their hive. Composed of hundreds of different compounds, beeswax is not new to the world of skin care. Different cultures have used beeswax in skin care products for centuries, as it acts as an emollient and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Beeswax works to seal in moisture, protecting your skin from drying out, which is especially important for your lips during winter. Additionally, beeswax works to create a barrier between the lips and the environment, an important factor when you’re in cold, windy, or dry weather conditions.
Coconut Oil
Lips are very sensitive to moisture loss because the skin is very thin. Plus, they are more exposed to the elements than other parts of your body. Coconut oil is an emollient, which is a non-cosmetic moisturizer that helps protect the skin. Emollients trap moisture into your skin, and it is best to apply them after bathing. Coconut oil may also keep your lips germ-free because it exhibits disinfecting and antimicrobial properties. If your lips are swollen or red from harsh weather, the anti-inflammatory properties in coconut oil may help calm the swelling.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is incredibly popular in the beauty space because it contains triglycerides, fatty acids, and vitamins that benefit the skin. Although shea butter is a common ingredient in skin or face moisturizers, it is a great ingredient for lip balms. Just like coconut oil, shea butter is an emollient that helps to hydrate your lips by locking in moisture. Shea butter also provides a smooth, soft canvas for your lips, which is beneficial if your lips tend to peel.
Sweet Almond Oil
Working to remove dead skin cells and prevent chapped lips, sweet almond oil does a great job at moisturizing the lips. Sweet almond oil contains vitamin E, which helps keep your lips healthy and protects them from UV rays. Sweet almond oil is also rich in fatty acids that work to prevent your lips from chapping. Additionally, the emollient properties of sweet almond oil keep the lips feeling soft and smooth.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil exhibits several therapeutic effects that are beneficial for chapped lips. The anti-inflammatory properties may help target the true roots of lip issues. Peppermint is known to reduce inflammation, so the essential oil may help reduce irritation from chapped lips. The oil is also soothing and calming, creating a pleasant sensation on your lips, which is beneficial if they are chapped or dry. Lastly, peppermint essential oil may enhance blood circulation to your lips, which may make them appear somewhat plump. Lips with better circulation tend to have a healthy glow and look more full-bodied.
DIY Peppermint Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 1.5 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
- 20 drops peppermint essential oil
- Small metal tins with lids
Instructions:
- Pour about an inch or so of water into the bottom of a double boiler. Place over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and place the top on the double boiler. In the top, add the beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. Stir frequently until melted.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the peppermint essential oil.
- Pour the mixture into the metal tins right away and allow the lip balm to harden (about 24 hours).
- Place the lids on and use when ready.
