42nd Celebration Balm
A balm to celebrate a rich 42 years on this planet.
Base
40 g: Shea butter / intense moisturizing, emollient base
10 g: Castor oil / liquid skin protection, smoothes & calms
Melt in
20 g: Beeswax / provides structure and antimicrobial foundation that hydrates while retaining natural skin moisture
Cool slightly before mixing botanicals/medicinals
10 g: Herbal infused oil blend / chamomile, calendula, comfrey leaf infused sweet almond oil - 2 soothing demulcent flowers and a powerhouse leaf with excellent skin affinity infused for 2 weeks on my shelf in the sun, creating a deep forest green decadent blend
5 g: Seabuckthorn oil / brightens color formulation and brings high value essential fatty acids, carotenes, tocopherols and phytosterols
40-50 drops Essential oils, for this blend I used Helichrysum, Bergamot Mint, Citrus, Frankincense, Ginger / discussion of benefits regarding each is too long for a brief post
16 drops Vitamin E: preserving, stabilizing
Formulating, measuring & mixing
Double boiler for gentle heat
Tubes filled
Use a double boiler to gently combine (eg <100 F) your base oils + butters + beeswax. Once slightly cooler (although not hardening on the spoon) add your essential oils + vitamin E. Pour into tubes or tubs, jars of choice. Along the way as the mixture cools slightly I may re-melt with double boiler to keep a smooth liquidy consistency for pouring. Fill tubes/tubs near brim and put straight into fridge to cool. This keep a single consistency without grit from butters cooling faster than oils. If you want a perfectly smooth top, you may need to pour, cool, pour until the top of the tubes is gently rounded to prevent a well/hole developing in the center as the balm cools from the outside inwardly, or don’t worry about the asethetics as with use the well will disappear.
How to choose base oils, infuse oils, select butters and essential oils for your balm? Or where / how exactly to use your balm? These answers arise with practice, reading, learning and time spent with your botanicals allied along your path. My personal balm selections and varieties do change seasonally and based on bodily preference, and your recipes will grow with you too.
Interested in a personalized consultation, product formulation or skills class? Learn about opportunities to connect here.
Hydrating, soothing lip nourishment that is edible (though topical)