Winter is right around the corner, bringing chilly temps, frigid winds and dry indoor heat to many parts of the country. Unfortunately, all these elements can conspire to make your perfect pucker chapped and dehydrated.
You bundle up in a coat, scarf and gloves when you head outside in cold weather. But if you’re like many folks, you neglect to protect the thin, delicate skin on your lips from the chilly air. That’s where lip balm and gloss come in. And we happen to have a simple, nourishing recipe that uses one of the most popular ingredients of the season—elderberries!
What is elderberry?
The elderberry (a.k.a. Sambucus nigra) is produced by the European elder tree, which is part of the honeysuckle family. Believed to contain more antioxidants than blueberries and cranberries, elderberries have been used to support immune health for hundreds of years.† Plus, their purplish-black color makes them a natural choice for tinted lip gloss!
Eager-for-elderberries lip balm recipe
Although the steps are simple (there are just three ingredients!), it will take at least a week to make this luscious lip gloss. But trust us, it will be worth the wait!
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. elderberry powder
2 Tbsp. vegetable glycerin
1 Tbsp. honey
Directions
1. In bowl, combine elderberry powder with vegetable glycerin and allow mixture to sit for at least a week until desired color is achieved. (The shade becomes deeper over time.)
2. When you have achieved the desired color, strain vegetable glycerin and discard any excess elderberry powder.
3. Mix elderberry-glycerin mixture with honey.
4. Store mixture in small container and apply as needed for added moisture and shine.
Tip: Toss in some edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle!
And the bonus balms you’ve been waiting for…
Because it’s the holidays, we’re gifting you two additional recipes to help prevent your healthy lips from becoming parched this winter!
Better-than-a-candy cane peppermint lip balm
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. almond oil
1 Tbsp. avocado oil
1-1/3 Tbsp. beeswax pellets
1 Tbsp. cocoa butter
15 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
1. In small pan, add all ingredients—except for essential oil—and gently melt over medium-low heat.
2. Add essential oil to melted ingredients.
3. Pour mixture into small lip gloss pot and dab it on when desired for a moisturizing seasonal glow.
Make-it-in-the-microwave lemon lip balm
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. beeswax pellets
2 Tbsp. shea butter
4 Tbsp. coconut oil
15 drops lemon essential oil
Directions
1. In bowl, combine all ingredients—except for essential oil—in microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second increments, stirring every half a minute.
2. Add essential oil to melted ingredients.
3. Pour mixture into tube or pot and apply as needed to ward off any unpleasant effects of winter.
†This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
