Chapped and bleeding lips are a common affliction in harsh winters as also in scorching summers. Besides being painful, chapped lips look ugly. Even with the best make up tricks, it is difficult to cover up bleeding lips. Lip balms were specially formulated to cover up, moisturize and heal chapped lips. Lip balm is available in a variety of shades and flavors.
The principal ingredient in lip balm is petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly, when applied to the lips creates a thin layer through which moisture does not evaporate. Since petroleum jelly is also a softening agent, lips heal quickly. Ingredients like honey and Aloe Vera gel when added to the balm increase its medicinal value. Bright shades of lipstick and flavors are added to lip balm to add to the cosmetic value.
It is relatively easy to prepare lip balm from ingredients commonly found in most homes. Lip balms can thus be customized to suit individual tastes. Lip balms made at home are a fun family activity and also make great gifts.
How to make lip gloss at home:
To make lip gloss in your favorite flavor, you would need:
- Petroleum jelly
- Small glass containers to store the lip gloss
- Microwaveable bowl
- Spatula
- A small piece if a lipstick in the color of your choice
- The requisite flavor in small quantities. A few suggestions in this regard are:
- Zest of lemon or orange for citrus flavored lip gloss,
- Essence of vanilla, mint ,cardamom for spicy flavors
- Essential oil of rose
- Chocolate or honey
Steps to make lip gloss:
- Melt a small quantity of petroleum jelly in the microwave till it liquefies
- Add the pieces if lipstick and stir using the spatula
- Add a drop or two of the flavor
- Transfer to glass containers
- Cool and store in the refrigerator till it sets
Further Tips:
- In case you are unable to use a microwave to melt the petroleum jelly, you can use a double boiler. Take the requisite quantity of petroleum jelly in a vessel. Boil some water in a larger vessel. Once the water is boiling, place the vessel containing the petroleum jelly in the boiling water and turn the flame to low. The indirect heat of the boiling water is sufficient to liquefy the petroleum jelly.
- Once liquefied, the petroleum jelly is very hot. Hence use gloves to handle the vessel
- In case you plan on gifting the home made lip balm, make sure to use cute glass pots or tubs to store the balm in.
- You could decorate the lid of the tub or pot with an appropriate sticker or drawing to indicate the flavor. For e.g. a bunch of grapes or a sprig of mint to denote the flavor.