DIY: Tinted Lip Balms

    We all reach that point in a tube of lipstick where we can willfully acknowledge that we are over the color and probably won't be reaching for it very often anymore.  I've discovered a great way to re-purpose these old lipsticks by turning them into tinted lip balms!

What you'll need:

A small plastic container (old sample containers work amazingly!)

Old lip balm (Chapstick works great, but any solid lip balm in a tube will do)

Old lipstick

Something to mix the balms and lipsticks with.  I chose plastic spoons!

What to do:

1. Prepare a work surface, because things will get a little messy.

2.  Take your Chapstick and remove half of it from the tube.  Figure about half a tube per tinted lip balm.  

3.  Cut the Chapstick up and place it in your plastic container.

4.  Take your old lipstick and cut about half a centimeter off of the top (more or less, depending on how heavily pigmented you want your balm to be) and place it in the plastic container along with the Chapstick.

5.  Once you've got the lipstick and the Chapstick in the same container, heat them in the microwave at thirty second intervals, stirring them in between.  

6.  Once the mixture is completely melted stir them until they are completely blended.  You don't want visible chunks of lipstick and Chapstick!

7.  Finally, allow them to set for at least an hour.  Place them in your fridge to speed up the process.

Each lip balm is below the lipstick they originated from.  Pretty, huh?

 Now you have yourself a new tinted lip balm!  

Think Thanksgiving: Things I am Thankful For

Alright, ladies and gentlemen!  Today is Thanksgiving, one of the best holidays of the year (at least in my opinion).  We are all probably going to eat way more than we anticipated and some of us may feel bad about it afterwards, but I honestly will not.  This whole week has been a giant Thanksgiving pre-game at my house.  My grandma has cooked us multiple meals and I've eaten everything.  This day only comes around once a year, so we have to just lose our inhibitions and enjoy the food.  I know holiday posts are cliché, but I think that Thanksgiving day is the perfect opportunity to talk about a few of the products and miscellaneous beauty items I am especially thankful for.  I might even throw in some people I am thankful for, for good measure.

Dickinson's Witch Hazel:  This stuff is so cheap (about $5 here) and has been with me through thick and thin.  It makes a great toner as well as a wonderful makeup setting spray.  I've decanted some from the original 16 oz. bottle into a small spray bottle, pictured below, which I keep in my purse.  It comes in handy whenever I feel the need to freshen up.  I have to warn you, however, that it does smell a little strange, but the smell wears off in less than a couple of minutes.   

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips:  I've already reviewed this product here, but I am in love with it.  I have found that while being amazing as a lip protectant, it's also perfect for the end of your nose after a week of over zealous tissue use due to the sniffles.  Multi-tasking products are the best!

Chapstick Vanilla Mint:  Who doesn't love Chapstick?  I am sure there are maybe a couple people  out there who don't, but I think the general population would agree that this is THE go-to lip product for those of us with tight budgets and chapped lips.  Vanilla Mint is probably one of my favorite flavors, aside from the classic cherry, of course.  It's minty without being too harsh and I love that! 

Bath & Body Works Twilight Woods Shower Gel:  This is possibly the only fragranced shower gel I have repurchased multiple times from BBW.  It is lovely and warm, and has a scent that lingers for a while after you get out of the shower.  It reminds me so much of fall.

Voluspa Makassar Ebony and Peach:  I have mentioned Voluspa's Suede Blanc in a previous post and this is another of their candles which I have fallen in love with.  This particular scent is very sweet, but not overpowering.  It smells a lot like a cup of Bigelow's Perfect Peach Tea.

Victoria's Secret Honey Suckle and White Patchouli Candles:  Unfortunately, this scent has been discontinued, but I still have two small candles left that are about 1/4 full.  I light them only when I need some serious relaxation and they just smell ah-mazing.

Vera Bradley Cosmetic Bag:  I love Vera Bradley's patterns... always have, always will.  They are so bright and classy.  This case was a gift and I love it!  It is perfect for girls like me who do not pack lightly, especially in regards to their cosmetics.  It fits just about everything I need no matter where I am going.  This case makes the perfect travel companion. 


While cosmetics are obviously very important to me, I would be crazy not to say how thankful I am for my wonderful family, friends, and boyfriend.  They are always there for me whenever I need them and they encourage me to pursue my ever-changing dreams!  I am so blessed and cannot wait to celebrate this wonderful day with them.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!