Using Bee Products for Homemade Beauty Products
How to Make Your Own Natural Cosmetics Using Beeswax and Honey
© Andrea Seren Charrington-Greene
Jul 23, 2009
Beeswax has been used in cosmetic preparations for centuries. Making your own cosmetic products using beeswax and honey is not only great fun but you are also rewarded with heavenly scented balms, creams and ointments that will revitalise your skin. There has been a link between bees and beauty since Cleopatra was recorded as bathing in asses’ milk and honey and despite its connotations of luxury and opulence you can make your own beeswax cosmetics quite easily and without the need for specialist equipment and exotic ingredients.
For a bath to revitalise the spirits and give you a feeling of luxury without breaking the bank, you could try this very easy recipe for a milk and honey bath. It is a modern take on Cleopatra’s bath of asses’ milk and honey and requires very little preparation.
Milk and Honey Bath Recipe
You will need:
- 90g (3oz) powdered milk
- 60ml ( 4 tbsp) honey
- 6 drops of May-Chang essential oil (optional)
- bowl
Instructions:
- Simply place the milk and honey into a bowl and mix until it forms a paste. Stir is essential oil if desired.
- Dissolve in a warm bath as you run it.
A recipe that will make you think of sun-kissed beaches and care-free summers even on the dreariest of of days has got to be as good for the spirits as it is for your skin. This recipe: Coconut Butter Body Melt is a very rich moisturiser that is good for dry skin and excellent at protecting it from the elements of summer and winter. It has such a wonderful aroma that you’ll want to make it time and time again.
Coconut Butter Body Melt Recipe
You will need:
- 30ml (2 tsp) beeswax
- 10ml (2 tsp) distilled water
- 110g (4 oz) cocoa butter
- 60ml (4tbsp) sweet almond oil
- 30ml (2 tbsp) coconut oil
- 4 drops of sweet orange oil (optional)
- Double boiler
- Dark glass, screw top jar (sterilised)
Instructions:
- Place the beeswax and water into the double boiler and melt over a very low heat.
- Remove from the heat, spoon in the cocoa butter and stir until well blended
- Gradually blend in the oils.
- Pour the mixture into your sterilised glass jar and allow the mixture to cool. The lotion will thicken as it cools.
If you are looking to make something really easy then this amazingly easy recipe for beeswax lip balm should do the trick. Not only is it easy to make but it is also really effective and makes a wonderful gift.
Beeswax Lipbalm Recipe
- 30ml (2tbsp) grated beeswax,
- 20ml (4 tsp) sweet almond oil
- 10ml (2tsp) runny honey
- 2 drops of either geranium, lavender, or sweet orange essential oil
- Double boiler
- Small sterilised containers (to put the lip balm in)
Instructions:
- Place the grated beeswax, sweet almond oil and honey into the double boiler and simmer over water until they have melted.
- Remove from the heat and stir together until well blended
- Add your chosen essential oil and stir
- Pour the liquid into your ready prepared containers
- When the mixture is cool put the lids on.
A small pot of this lip balm lasts for a long time, meaning that not only does it give you the satisfaction of its being homemade, but it can also save you some money on shop bought salves that seem to disappear quite quickly.
Once you have started making your own beeswax cosmetics you will have hours of fun learning to master this craft. There are endless possibilities when blending your own lotions and ointments, and it is a very satisfying pastime that will make you view beeswax as something more than just an ingredient found in furniture polish.
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