Fresh lip balm recipe {vanilla bean and lemon balm}

Have you claimed a fresh summer lip balm yet? I have concocted a recipe with the inspiration of Julie Diers of Bumble and Company that will have you dancing for joy through the salty ocean waves!! This lip balm recipe is very flexible too. I will give you ingredient swap suggestions if you per-say do not have fresh lemon balm or vanilla bean on hand.

 

Not keen on making your own fresh lip balms? Keep your beady eyes peeled for the launch of Eco Bathhouse in August! I will be selling these luxurious "after-bath" preservative-free lip balms just like this one!

You will need:

*Organic Coconut Oil{Wegman's or your local nature's market}
*Beeswax{Find this at your local nature's market}
*1 whole Vanilla Bean{Wegman's or you can use vanilla extract, but make sure you use the good stuff without alcohol}
*Optional: 6 to 10 fresh lemon balm leaves {you can also substitute peppermint or mint julep}
*Optional: 1 to 2 drops of essential oil {rose or tangerine would be nice}
*1 large clean mason jar
*3 or more small clean pots

Gather your supplies above. First, Take a small pot and put your coconut oil in to melt on low heat. Note: I did not tell you how much to use. The amount of coconut oil you use is your preference. I keep a clean ball jar on hand to pour the final product into and then I can keep this in the refrigerator for gifts or for later use. Next, grate your beeswax or add your pastilles. Note: again, I did not say how much to use. This is also a personal preference of texture. I would start with one ounce at a time and then do a dip test.

How to do a dip test: Take a clean spoon and let your balm dry{2 to 3 minutes}. Then take your finger and test the texture. If you would like the balm to be firmer add another ounce of beeswax and then do another dip test. Repeat as necessary.

After you have the consistency you desire, remove your melted mixture of beeswax and coconut oil from the burner. Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. After your mixture has cooled, add your vanilla bean and lemon balm. Let your mixture sit for 3 hours or longer. The longer the mixture permeates the more intense the lemon balm and vanilla bean scent will be.

Once your balm is done percolating, place back on low heat to retrieve and discard the loose vanilla bean and lemon balm leaves. At this time, you can take a clean knife to open the vanilla bean if you would like the beans floating throughout your balm.  Remove from low heat and add your 1 to 2 drops of essential oil{optional}. Then pour into your clean lip balm containers! Wa-lah, fresh preservative-free lip balm. Store up to a year in a cool, dry location. Not in your boiling hot summer vehicle:) Enjoy, kiddos! Xo

Warning: This recipe is property of Eco Bathhouse and is not to be replicated for profit. Only personal enjoyment. Many thanks!