Is there really anything better than having a soft, kissable, and perfectly plump pucker? Our lips are covered with a very thin layer of easily disturbed skin, but this doesn’t mean that taking care of our lips has to be hard. A high quality lip balm is really all you need to keep that thin skin from splitting and drying, and your lips from sadly shriveling away. One good plant oil will do, but why stop at one when you can have two? Or three? Don’t limit yourself. You can have fun with your Shea butter skincare, and we’ve provided the perfect DIY recipe blueprint. Make this for yourself, or grab a couple friends and make an event of it!
The recipe is as follows:
· 2 Tbsp. raw African Shea butter
· ½ tsp. Jojoba oil
· ½ tsp. Rosehip seed oil
· 1-2 drops of essential oil of choice (optional)
Melt or soften Shea butter in a double boiler, and when soft enough, combine with other oils. Transfer to a container of your choice (you can find 1-2 oz. lip balm “pots” online), and place in the fridge to let cool and solidify.
The thick texture of the Shea butter keeps the lip balm from becoming runny and provides a balanced gloss and perfectly protective outer layer on the lips. Jojoba oil delivers a full spectrum of anti-oxidizing vitamin E deep into the lips, while also providing its moisture adaptive qualities to the balm. Rosehip Seed oil is special because it is considered a “dry” oil, meaning it does not leave a greasy film on the skin and soaks in quickly and with ease. It also adds its own unique essential fatty acid and antioxidant profile to the mix, making this easy and simple DIY lip balm a perfect balance of nourishment, shine, and healing.
If you would like, you can of course make a bigger batch and store in a larger container, or give some away to your friends as a gift. Also, feel free to experiment with the carrier oils you use. Don’t have Jojoba? Try Olive. Out of Rosehip seed? Use some Tamanu oil instead. The possibilities are vast and the fun to be had and the luscious lip care to be enjoyed are well worth the small amount of effort it takes to make your own Shea butter lip balm.