General rule of thumb for winter chapped lips…basic lip balm recipe: melt together one ounce (by weight, not volume) of beeswax preferably grated, it will melt faster), a ‘solid’ fat…shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, etc. and one oz of a rich liquid oil. (I like to use avocado oil or kukui nut for this.)

This makes a basic soothing balm or salve that can be divided into smaller portions and/or enriched in innumerable ways. Use herbal infused oils (infused chamomile or calendula) for skin soothing.

Add the essential oils of your choice…a drop of peppermint or steam distilled lime for lip balms… lavender and german chamomile for healing baby’s diaper rash…Patchouli or Frankincense for badly chapped hands.

Less beeswax or more of the liquid oil makes a softer balm, more beeswax makes a firm ‘stick’ that can be rubbed on.