Winter Lip Rescue Balm

Skill Level: Beginner

What conditions it helps with: Severely chapped lips, lip cracking and bleeding, cold sore prevention, wind-burned lips, chronic lip peeling, sensitivity to cold air, protection during winter sports and outdoor activities

Why this is a great DIY recipe: Lip skin is among the thinnest on your body (3-5 cellular layers versus 16 on facial skin) and completely lacks oil glands. This makes lips the first casualty of winter weather. The constant cycle of licking dry lips, which provides momentary relief but causes more severe drying as saliva evaporates, creates a difficult cycle to break. This balm costs less than $1 per tube to make versus $4-8 for premium natural lip balms—allowing you to make multiple tubes for every coat pocket, bag, and bedside table. The combination of protective cocoa butter with healing shea oil creates both immediate relief and lasting repair. Most users report complete healing of cracked lips within 3-4 days of regular use.

Ingredients:

• Raw cocoa butter: 30ml (2 tablespoons)
• Raw shea butter: 15ml (1 tablespoon)
• Shea oil: 10ml (2 teaspoons)
• Vitamin E oil: 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions:

1. Melt cocoa butter and shea butter together in double boiler until completely liquid
2. Remove from heat and cool for 2 minutes
3. Add shea oil and vitamin E oil, stirring continuously for 30 seconds
4. Carefully pour into empty lip balm tubes or small tins (a small funnel makes this easier)
5. Allow to cool undisturbed at room temperature for 3-4 hours until completely solid
6. For tins: use clean finger to apply small amount to lips; for tubes: apply directly from tube
7. Reapply every 1-2 hours during waking hours, and always before bed and before outdoor exposure

Customization Ideas:

• Add 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil for tingling, cooling sensation and fresh taste
• Include 1/4 teaspoon red palm oil for additional healing and subtle orange tint
• Create a subtle tint by adding 1/8 teaspoon beetroot powder (natural color)
• Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for sweet scent (use extract, not essential oil, for safe lip application)

Usage Protocol: For severely damaged lips: apply thick coating, leave on for 10 minutes, then gently wipe off outer layer (this removes dead skin). Reapply thin layer for protection. Repeat morning and night until healed. For prevention: apply before outdoor activities, after eating/drinking, and before bed.

Storage: Keeps for 8-10 months at room temperature. The high cocoa butter content provides natural preservation and firm texture. In very hot weather, store in refrigerator to prevent melting. Make multiple tubes for convenience.