Introduction: Breath Freshening Lip Balm

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If I tell you not to lick your lips, will you anyway? Lips have the most densely concentrated amount of nerve endings than any other part of the body! So when you're lips are chapped, you can really feel it. Chapped lips can not only be annoying but can be made worse by dehydration, sun damage, hormones, and yes, even licking! Treat those poor lips of yours with mint flavored beeswax lip balm! This great ointment will flush your lips with hydration, then seal in that moisture while helping to freshen your breath. Talk about potent!

Let's get started!

Step 1: Ingredients

For this project, you will need:

Containers for the end product

1/3 cup coconut oil

1.5 oz beeswax grated (I used a beeswax candle, minus the wick of course!)

3 or 4 Mint leaves

Essential Oils of your choice (I used a couple drops of lavender)

Step 2: Gather Containers

I upcycled small tin mint boxes which I would pour my balm into. You can use any kind of container you like, just make sure that it can withstand hot temperatures, as the liquid balm will be really hot when it'll need to be poured.

Step 3: Why the Mint?

Besides smelling so fresh and so clean, mint actually has many medicinal qualities as well. From helping to improve digestion and reducing nausea, to cleansing your palate and helping reduce respiratory congestion, mint packs a quite the punch! Makes you wonder why we don't use more of those magical green leaves in our lives on the daily! I use it in the balm mainly for its fresh smell and taste.

Step 4: Prep Your Beeswax

Grate your beeswax or simply cut it into small chunks. I found the latter too difficult and the former much quicker to dissolve whilst melting.

Step 5: Prep Double Boiler

I did not have an actual double boiler, so I used a glass measuring cup (pyrex cup) and hung its handle over the lip of a saucepan. I filled the saucepan with about 3 inches of water.

Step 6: Pour It All In

Pour your coconut oil and beeswax into the double boiler. Allow to completely melt, about 5-7 minutes on medium heat, mixing occasionally. Be careful mixing, as any utensil you use may become waxy. I recommend using a popsicle stick for easy clean up.

Once the coconut oil and beeswax has dissolved, add in any essential oils you like, and then a couple of mint leaves. Allow leaves to steep longer for a stronger taste, if desired.

Step 7: Pour It All In... Again

Take mixture off heat and carefully pour into containers. If using plastic containers such as an old chap stick stick, wait about a minute for the mixture to cool so it won't warp the plastic. Any longer than a minute, and the balm will begin to thicken and set! You can simply re heat it if this happens.

Step 8: Allow to Cool Completely

In about 15 minutes your balm will have cooled completely to the touch, but allow to it to set overnight.

Enjoy soft, moisturized lips that will help to freshen your breath!