HOMEMADE LIP GLOSS

The Internet has bazillions of recipes for DIY lip balms that can be made with beeswax, cocoa butter, and some essential oils (this one is particularly good), but if you’re looking for something even easier, try one of these, which use Vaseline (or generic-brand petroleum jelly) as a base:

HONEY LIP GLOSS

Combine three parts petroleum jelly and one part honey in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave 30 seconds, or until just melted. Pour into desired container and let cool.

CHOCOLATE LIP GLOSS

Scoop petroleum jelly in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, until just melted. Stir in a little cocoa powder, until you reach the desired flavor and color. Pour into desired container and let cool.

MINT LIP GLOSS

Add a few drops of peppermint oil to petroleum jelly; mix well.

Tip: You can also use a double boiler to melt the jelly (or just place a pyrex container in a pot of boiling water), or pour the jelly into a plastic bag, float it in hot water, and then cut a little hole in it to pour out the jelly into your desired container.

Tip: Add tiny slivers of lipstick to the mixture before melting if you want a little pop of color.

Tip: There’s a wide variety of packaging options out there; go here for some good picks.