Handmade Lip Balm

The one commercial product that I haven’t been able to completely eliminate from my cosmetic case is lipstick. I love red lipstick. And I’ve been hoping to find a handmade, non-toxic alternative to my former favorite brand of lipstick, which lands firmly on the most wanted list for lead content.

It is true. I can’t touch an avocado without risk of anaphylactic shock but own two of the four most lead laden lipsticks sold in America.

I counted the commercial lipsticks that I own. I have thirteen. All of them are red, eleven different shades. And that is down one, because I finally threw out the one called dit moi oui – tell me yes – because I had only purchased it because I found the name amusing. I used to keep the two most wanted on hand at all times, one in purse, one in desk drawer at work. I had no idea they contained lead at that time. Also obvious, I have a red lipstick addiction.

What to do… I first tried mineral lipsticks, which had the most vile taste imaginable. Then I tried glosses, which I would like if my hair weren’t blowing into it and sticking.

Lip balm seems to be the best alternative. It comes in a stick or in a pot. And typically contains mild ingredients like olive oil and castor oil. Both of which can be ingested without harm.

Beeswax is another common ingredient in lip balms, used to harden it. Lip balm made with carnuba wax, a vegan alternative, is also easy to find.

Balm is versatile in application. It can be applied from the stick like lipstick, with a finger, or with a lip brush.

I like to dip plain lip balm into mineral blushes to color them. Do this with caution. If you use too much, you’ll end up with more on your shirt than your lips. And worse, the vile mineral lipstick taste. Apparently, there is no avoiding it if the mineral is used in great quantity. (My own, totally unscientific observation.)

MumMum’s Crafts has some nice balms. I tried the Pure Pink and Ruby Kiss. They are both sheer and have a mildly sweet flavor. The pink is pretty. My favorite of the two is Ruby Kiss. How predictable of me.