Before you begin, you’ll need to source the containers for your lip balm. Various types of containers are available, from tubes to pots. You can find them and all the ingredients in this recipe at online stores such as Etsy or Amazon, or in the grocery store. Alternatively, if you have any old, empty tubes or pots, clean them out, sterilize them with freshly boiled water, and repurpose them. This recipe should make about eight small tubes or pots.

Once the mixture is ready, you’ll need to work quickly to pour it into the containers. You don’t want them to move around when you’re ready to fill them. Secure your containers in a safe place where they won’t be disturbed while the lip balm is setting. For the tubes, wrap a rubber band around them, so they are held together in a group; then, get some adhesive putty and stick them to a table or countertop. Do the same for the individual pots: use adhesive putty to stick them to a flat surface.

The base ingredients below are known for their hydrating and nourishing properties, essential for a quality lip balm. Using a small pot on your stovetop, add one tablespoon of olive, almond, or avocado oil, two tablespoons of shea butter, and two tablespoons of beeswax pastilles. Turn the heat on medium-low, and allow the ingredients to melt together and form a liquid. Stir them to combine, and then remove the pot from the heat.

The base ingredients will have a mild aroma once combined. But if you prefer a scented lip balm, add some additional ingredients here. Stir in either 20 drops of your favorite essential oil, one teaspoon of vanilla essence, one tablespoon of citrus juice of your choice, or 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. To distribute the ingredients evenly, gently stir the mixture with a chopstick or wooden spatula.

Our lips benefit from balms that hydrate, nourish, and offer protection from bacteria and viruses. Many natural ingredients you can find at your grocery store are known for their antibacterial properties. Try adding in half a teaspoon of honey to boost the antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal features of your balm and also add a little flavor. Lemon, lime, and cinnamon also provide some antimicrobial perks.

One of the most important ways to protect our skin is to use an SPF to stop harmful UV rays. But most standard sunscreen isn’t suitable for our lips, even if it's designed for the face. To add some sun protection to your homemade lip balm, stir in half a tablespoon of either non-nano zinc or titanium dioxide powder, which you’ll find online on Amazon or Etsy. These ingredients offer your lips some protection against UV rays.

Lip balm is perfect for any time of day. But if you’re planning on wearing it in the evening, you may want to add some shimmer or color to the mixture. There are several ways you can do this, like using glitter or shimmery eyeshadow. But the best and safest way is to get some gold or colored mica powder. Add a teaspoon to the mixture and combine well to elevate your lip balm.

Here's the tricky part: pouring the lip balm evenly into the containers without spilling a drop. You may want to purchase a small funnel to help you avoid any mess. Fill the tubes or pots evenly, and work quickly, so the balm doesn’t have time to set. When you're done, gently tap on the sides of the containers with the back of your chopstick to release any air bubbles.

When your lip balm mixture is still warm, it should have a translucent appearance. As it sets, it will take on an opaque, creamy appearance and be cool to the touch. Keep the lip balms in a cool, undisturbed place and allow them to set for at least two hours before sealing them with their lids.