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Lip Service
by Donna Maria It's January and it's cold outside in most parts
of the country. Here on the Mid-Atlantic coast, it's dry but unusually warm
for this time of year. Of course, the really frigid air is right around the
corner. One part of our bodies that can react most adversely
to the temperamental winter weather is our lips -- those hard working flappers
that help us articulate clearly and provide a lovely frame for our
pearly whites.
- Our lips helped keep our New Year's toddy from dribbling down our
fancy party dress last night.
- Our lips plant sweet kisses on those we love most.
- Our lips look fabulous when tinted with a color that complements our
skin tone, especially when it also matches our nails.
- Our lips pout to help us get our way (though we have certainly long
outgrown such manipulative behavior ...)
- Our lips smile to help us attract friends and positive energy.
- Our lips allow us to suck our favorite piece of hard candy.
- Our lips help us articulate so we can get our point across.
Our lips work hard for us in so many ways. Isn't it about time we treated
them to some serious top level service? If you're up to it and have a few
extra minutes during this New Year's month, I have a recipe for a natural lip treat
you can make at home. You probably have
everything needed to make this, except for the beeswax which you can buy at most any natural
products store. This recipe is made with virgin
olive oil, one of the best oils for the skin. When mixed with the wax, it
provides a smooth, protective coating for the lips. Vitamin E adds
additional moisture and allows the balm to serve as a nice gloss over any
lip stick or stain. Lip Service Balm Ingredients 2
tablespoons virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon grated beeswax
1 400 mg capsule of Vitamin E
1 drop fragrance or essential oil (optional) Blending Procedure Step 1.
Place oil and wax in a small microwave safe cup. Microwave on high for 30
seconds. Stir with a wooden stir stick or disposable straw. If the wax does not melt into the
oil upon stirring, microwave in 15 second
increments until gentle stirring melts the wax. Step 2. Pierce the Vitamin
E capsule and add it while the mixture is still hot. Stir to combine. Add a
single drop of your favorite fragrance or essential oil and stir. My favorites
include honey, chocolate, mint and lemon. Pour immediately into a clean jar. Small
baby food jars or used facial cream jars work OK in a pinch. Or if you can
wait a few days, order some lip balm tubes or pots from HBN members From
Nature With Love (in New York) or Bramble
Berry (in Washington state). Yield: about 1/2 ounce (enough for two 1/4
ounce tubes/pots); you can double or triple the recipe to make more.
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