When your lips are chapped and dry, don't reach for store-bought products containing parabens and petroleum. Mineral oils and additives dry out the sensitive skin, temporarily soothing, but in the end, resulting in the need for more and more product to keep lips luscious and moisturized. Instead, mix up one of these simple recipes in your home. Each stores well at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for up to six months. They make great gifts for friends and family, or provide a fun activity for a group gathering or sleepover.

Essential oils can be added to each of these recipes for scent and soothing properties. I recommend no more than 4 drops per ounce, meaning 4 drops maximum for the Simple Chap Stick, 10 drops maximum for the Basic Balm, and maximum 8 drops for the Lip-Saving Salve. In the latter two, you may also substitute cocoa butter for shea butter and add a drop or two of chocolate extract for a rich cocoa-scented lip treat!

Simple Chap Stick

Makes about 1 oz (4 1/4-oz chap stick tubes)

Ingredients

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax flakes or pellets
• 4 large-sized vitamin E capsules

Instructions

Place all ingredients in heat-safe measuring cup or bowl and place in double boiler, or a medium saucepan of water over low heat. Allow hot water to melt ingredients, but prevent from boiling. When all solids have melted, remove from heat and stir until well combined. Pour into chap stick tubes or lip balm jars and allow to cool completely, uncovered, before sealing or using.

Basic Balm

Makes about 2.5 oz (10 1/4-oz lip balm jars)

Ingredients

• 3/4 oz shea butter
• 2/3 oz jojoba oil
• 1/3 oz extra virgin olive oil
• ½ oz white beeswax flakes or pellets
• 1/4 oz candelilla wax flakes

Instructions

Place all ingredients in heat-safe measuring cup or bowl and place in double boiler, or a large saucepan of water over low heat. Allow hot water to melt ingredients, but prevent from boiling. When all solids have melted, remove from heat and stir until well combined. Pour into small lip balm jars or tubes and allow to cool completely, uncovered, before sealing or using.

Lip-Saving Salve

Makes 2 oz (8 1/4-oz lip gloss bottles)

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tsp soy wax
• 4 tsp shea butter
• 15 large-sized vitamin E capsules

Instructions

Place all ingredients in heat-safe measuring cup or bowl and place in double boiler, or a large saucepan of water over low heat. Allow hot water to melt ingredients, but prevent from boiling. When all solids have melted, remove from heat and stir until well combined. Pour into small lip gloss bottles and allow to cool completely before closing or using.