While so many of us spend hours at the gym or
in front of the mirror primping, cleansing and enhancing our
appearance, lip care tends to be completely forgotten. As lips
have the thinnest skin found on the entire body, they require
protection from the effects of wind, heat and sun exposure. Lip
balm helps to combat these drying effects as the lips do not
have natural sweat or oil glands. Licking our lips only
aggravates this dehydrating process as the salvia evaporates
quickly, leaving the lips even more parched then before. Regular
application of balm is truly the best solution for maintaining
the health of your sensuous lip zone. The texture and
ingredients within lip balm protects the lip surface and seals
in natural moisture.
Carry a tube of balm or gloss with you for
anytime shine and protection. An absolute necessity in your
makeup kit, purse, backpack and your car. Load up on a variety
of flavors and styles depending on your tastes and needs. Stick
versions are easy to apply, but the tubs keep the mixture from
melting and leaking.
Lip Balm
Types
Some of the main types of lip balm are derived
from petroleum products, like Vaseline or mineral oil. These
versions are common and inexpensive. They provide protection and
shine, but require frequent application.
Some women, who want to avoid the less organic
petroleum products, prefer options that are wax based. Beeswax
and carnauba are the most common ingredients found in the more
natural lip products. If you are concerned about the elements
hidden inside your lip products, always check the list of
ingredients because the packaging does not always tell the whole
story.
Some types of lip balm also contain sunscreen.
This is an ideal way to protect from lip cancer. Look for a SPF
of at least 15 and apply frequently when out in the sunshine.
Uses
Lip balm is not simply a lotion for your lips,
but also a beauty enhancement. Consider the following tricks to
best utilize your tub of miracle gloss:
Smear a little on top of your lipstick for
a sexy glossy pout.
Draw out of the lines with your balm to
ensure the skin around your lips has extra moisture to protect
from the fine lines that inevitably appear there.
Add some cherry Jell-O powder to your
favorite lip balm to turn it into a glossy lip tint.
Use a lip pencil and balm to create your
own long lasting lip color combination.
Mix eye shadow and lip balm to create a
specially designed matte lipstick – but avoid colors that are
too grey.
Homemade Balm
Whether you enjoy cooking and chemistry or
want to avoid commercial products, lip balm is easy to make at
home. Homemade recipes for the lips tend to last longer and have
no artificial ingredients.
Basic Lip Balm Recipe
Start with the following ingredients:
1/4 cup light oil – either sesame or corn
are the best types.
1/4 cup grated beeswax
1/2 teaspoon honey
Few drops of essential oils (optional)
Place oil, wax and honey into a double boiler.
Gradually heat until the wax is melted. Remove from heat and
stir until thickened. Add the essential oils while stirring, if
using. Pour into a sterile container and let cool completely
before placing on your lips.
Beeswax can be purchased at many health food
stores, or find it online at Liberty Natural (http://www.libertynatural.com).
If you have a tendency toward allergies, be careful with
beeswax, as some people are sensitive to it.
