Argan Oil Lip Balm

I just tried this recipe for argon oil lip balm and it's fabulous.  I added about 1/2 tsp of peppermint oil - perhaps I have no feeling in my lips, but I can never feel the tingle with a few drops!  I also added one capsule of vitamin E because I had some.  I used shea butter and jojoba oil as my other oils.

You can get just about all of these ingredients for free (or for about $1) if you go to review sites like https://www.amzreviewtrader.com/ or https://elitedealclub.com/ - all you have to do in exchange is leave a quick review on Amazon.  Definitely worth it!

Argan Oil Lip Balm

Argan Oil – 2 tsp
Carrier Oil – 4 tsp (Jojoba, Coconut, Avocado, Sweet Almond, Olive, etc.)
Beeswax – 2 Tbsp.
Shea Butter / Cocoa Butter – 2 Tbsp.
Essential Oil – a few drops (Peppermint, Orange, Lemon, etc.)

Method

Take a double boiler if you have one, or take a thick glass vessel and place in a sauce pan. Now, add in the butter and bees wax and heat them at minimal temperature.

Once melted, add the Argan Oil, Carrier Oil and Essential Oil. You can add this after switching off the flame, or just before you do that.

Remove from heat, transfer to lip balm containers (You can pour with a funnel or use a little pipette) and let it set.

You should be able to fill 8 – 12 lip balm containers. Once dry, you are all set to use it.

DIY Mascara

Okay, so this is not a food recipe, but I figured I'd share anyway.  I tried making this last week when my mascara ran out and I was really happy with how it turned out.  It doesn't fake or melt off and it lasts all day.  As with most DIY make-up, the initial cost is more, but the ingredients last forever and it's quite cheap overall.
I ended up adding aloe vera gel to get a smooth enough consistency (by the way, this is different from the blue aloe vera you get in the sunscreen section).

DIY Natural Mascara Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp activated charcoal (this was one capsule for me)
• 1/4 tsp bentonite clay, scant
• 1/8 tsp (about 4 drops) vegetable glycerine
• 1/4 tsp (plus more if needed) aloe vera gel
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

What to Do:

1. Mix all ingredients in a very small bowl until completely smooth.
2. Add more aloe vera gel if needed to get a smooth consistency.
3. Carefully scoop into the medicine dropper with a spatula and slowly squirt into the mascara container (or jar)
4. Alternately, you can add the ingredients directly to the mascara tube and mix with the mascara brush, though it takes a while of mixing to get the ingredients smooth inside the tube.
5. Use as you would regular mascara.