Over the years, I’ve experimented with various lip balm recipes, like a Burt’s Bees knockoff and a tinted version with a bit of shimmer. However, this DIY lip balm necklace offers a classy twist on the usual lip balm.
Before making my own skincare products, I constantly battled dry lips, likely worsened by the collection of store-bought lip glosses in my bathroom. Once I discovered natural lip balm—and started crafting my own—I was hooked. Now, I always have some homemade balm handy, either at home or in my purse. With this locket necklace, you can stylishly carry your natural lip balm wherever you go. It also makes a fantastic gift, whether for Valentine’s Day or as a stocking stuffer.
Many of my lip balm recipes include coconut oil, but not this one. Although I’m a fan of coconut oil, it can be unpredictable with temperature changes, melting at 76 degrees. This isn’t an issue for jarred balm, but it’s different when stored in a locket. Therefore, I opted for jojoba oil as the carrier. Unlike coconut oil, jojoba remains consistent in different temperatures. It’s one of my favorites as it resembles our skin’s natural oils, and my skin absorbs it well.
This lip balm has a firmer consistency than some of my other recipes, which helps it stay put in the locket and prevents it from melting or softening. I use the back of a fingernail to scoop some out for application. Thanks to the higher beeswax content, a little goes a long way in protecting my lips, offering ideal coverage for harsh winter or sunny days.
My original lip balm recipe includes peppermint essential oil for a refreshing tingle. For this recipe, I wanted something reminiscent of the holiday season, but most festive oils aren’t lip-safe. In the winter, I often diffuse oils like clove and cinnamon, which smell like Christmas but can be too harsh for skin. Tisserand suggests using just .07% cinnamon bark oil on the skin, and lips need even more caution.
Luckily, there’s a simple fix! I’ve chosen orange essential oil with a hint of cinnamon leaf. Cassia cinnamon and cinnamon bark oils are harsh, but cinnamon leaf is safe when diluted. According to the International Fragrance Association, the safe level for lips is .5%—this recipe uses .25%. If you don’t have cinnamon leaf, you can skip it or swap the orange oil for another lip-safe option, like peppermint.
Affordable lockets are available at most craft stores or online. I aimed for something elegant yet inexpensive to avoid damage. I found a nice one that looks a bit like sterling silver, but the cavity was shallow, holding less lip balm than desired. I later discovered a larger locket with ample space for lip balm, available in several floral designs, though that might not suit everyone’s taste. Larger lockets with deeper compartments are ideal.
Depending on how many lockets you make, you might have leftover balm. This extra can be poured into lip balm tubes or jars for immediate use or saved for refills.
These moisturizing lip balm necklaces make great gifts for daughters, moms, and grandmas. Just don’t forget to make one for yourself, too!
Have you tried making lip balm at home? What are your favorite scents? Feel free to share in the comments!
