DIY: Tinted Lip Balm!

After reading an article in Company magazine by craft guru Jazz Domino Holly about making your own lip balms and butters, I just had to try it out myself. I love the idea that you can create a lip product that is completely customised to your taste, with a little bit of professional lip product thrown in by using a bit of lipstick.
This is a really easy and fun way of turning your old lipsticks into gorgeous lip balm.

So here's what you need:

• Vaseline
• An essential oil of your choice
• An old lipstick
• A small pot or container for storage
• A microwavable dish 

I decided that I wanted to use my Nude Pink (Shade 206) lipstick from Rimmel, partly because I didn't like the finish on my lips but loved the colour, but mostly because it was the least expensive lipstick I own (Cost approx. £3!) and I didn't particularly want to hack into any of my Dior Addict shades.

So, here's how I made my own tinted lip balm:

1) Scoop up some Vaseline using a tablespoon and put it into the microwavable dish. You might want another spoon or cocktail stick at the ready for this, as it's pretty tricky to get off of the spoon!
 

2) Cut off an inch of the lipstick and blend it into the Vaseline using the back of the spoon. This is the amount that was given in the magazine, but to be honest I think it's far too much. Yes it does produce a gorgeous colour but it said use at least an inch, and realistically if the lipstick is old it's not going to have over an inch left? The lipstick i'd used i'd only worn once or twice, and I could barely salvage an inch. So really, just use as much as you can!

(This picture is really poor quality and the colour looks really coral, but it's actually a combination of coral and pink!)

3) Mix in one or two drops of your chosen essential oil in with the mix. Don't use any more because essential oils have a really strong scent. I chose lavender because it's really soothing, and I could do with any attempt to relax!

4) Put in the microwave on the highest setting for 30 seconds. Stir (make sure you have your second spoon or cocktail stick at the ready!) and then microwave again at 30 second intervals until the mixture has liquified - not boiled. I found that I needed about another two minutes in total to liquify the mixture, but it depends on your oven (I used an 800w), and even then the mixture wasn't completely liquid but I didn't want to risk it starting to boil.

5. Pour the mixture into your small container and leave it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Voila! You've made your very own tinted lip balm! Here's how mine turned out:

Because it wasn't entirely liquified when I poured it in, it didn't set smoothly but i'm really happy with it! As soon as you open the lid they're a subtle hint of lavender that's instantly relaxing, and the colour definitely looks better as a balm than it did as a lipstick! The one I chose had a slight shine so it's got quite a glossy look to it.

As you can see the colour isn't too overwhelming, but will add a hint of peachy pink to your lips. The Vaseline is hydrating and moisturising, and the lavender really comforts chapped lips.

Overall, this was an absolute success. I had so much fun mashing up my lipstick and blending everything together, and it's just so simple!
 If you're a fan of glitter, you can add a few sprinkles of edible glitter into the mix. Or if you're a chocaholic like me, try adding a few chocolate drops and a drizzle of honey instead of the oil?
I can't wait to start experimenting with different oils, colours and flavours.

Let me know what you think.. have you tried it? What ingredients would you use?