I would try substituting liquid lecithin for lanolin.  It is often soy based, so unless you have a sensitivity to soy as well as lanolin, you should be OK.  Lipstick needs something like lanolin or lecithin to help keep it creamy and to provide coverage.  Try using your favorite lip balm recipe, but adding a portion of lecithin at around 5% of the total recipe.  If you don't have a lip balm recipe, try this one:

Lip Balm Tube Recipe

    * 1 Ounce Oil (Sweet Almond, Fractionated Coconut or Sunflower are good choices)
    * 1 Ounce Vegetable Butter (Mango Butter or Cocoa Butter are two good ones)
    * 1 Ounce Beeswax
    * 1 teaspoon Liquid Lecithin

This recipe makes 3 ounces, enough to fill around 20 Lip Balm Tubes

To get the color just right, you'll have to experiment.  Try adding 1/8 tsp. of pigment to the batch at a time, then filling one lip balm tube and letting it cool.  See how you like the color.  If it is not rich enough, empty the tube back into your batch, remelt it, and add another 1/8 tsp. of pigment to the batch.  Repeat this until you reach a color you like.  Keep track of how much pigment you've added so that you can repeat the recipe again later.

Also, make sure to double check that the pigment you are using is safe for use on the lips. Not all cosmetic pigments are safe for this purpose.  If you're not sure, contact the supplier or manufacturer that you purchased it from.  They should be able to tell you.

Good luck! I hope this helps!

LOL. This is why I love Craftster so very much. Where else would you find so many people who can giggle together over pickle lip gloss!?

Hey guys. The Maracuja can be replaced by any light textured carrier oil. Sweet Almond, Fractionated Coconut, or Apricot would be some good choices. Unfortunately, the Jojoba Esters are harder to find a substitute for.  The next best thing would be Jojoba Wax Beads. You could also try using a very hard butter, like Cocoa Butter, but that will change the texture and aroma of the recipe.  Try experimenting, though! You may come up with a bath melt you like even better than this one.

 

Thanks everybody! I'm glad you are digging the pickles. 

BTW, Pickle Sno-Cones sound amazing!

Hee hee. Thanks, guys! And yes, it does really smell like a pickle. If you want to get even crazier, add a little garlic powder. 

[Important Note:]

I know my Craftster buddies will get a giggle out of this. This recipe was made especially for April 1st, wink wink. 



These dill-iciously scented recipes will be sure to thrill pickle lovers.  All natural Dill Seed Essential Oil and Cucumber Seed Oil create an aroma reminiscent of that favorite deli treat, the Dill Pickle.  Add a little brine to your bath and body routine by exfoliating the skin with this sea green, pickle scented Salt Scrub.  Pucker up with the matching Lip Gloss, colored a cheerful shade of green, and scented with a mouthwatering blend of Dill and Cucumber.

Important Note: Recipes using Dill Seed Essential Oil should not be used by pregnant women.

Dill Pickle Salt Scrub
Makes about 4 ounces

Ingredients
1/2 cup Sea Salt, Fine
1 teaspoon Parsley Powder
1 ounce Cucumber Seed Oil
1/2 ounce Grape Seed Oil
30 Drops Dill Seed Essential Oil

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine Salt, Oils, and Parsley Powder.  Mix well, making sure to break up any clumps in the salt.  Next, add the Dill Seed Essential Oil, mix again, and carefully spoon the mixture into jars.

Usage & Packaging
Show off the lovely green color of the Dill Pickle Scrub by packaging it in PET Plastic Jars.  To use, simply massage the Pickly scented scrub all over your body in a gentle, circular motion.  Be careful if you are in the shower or tub, as the oils in the recipe can create a slippery situation.  Rinse the scrub, and follow with your regular shower or bath routine.



Dill Pickle Lip Gloss
Makes 4 1/3 oz. Roll-On Bottles

Ingredients
2 teaspoons Glycerin
1/4 ounce Grape Seed Oil
1/4 ounce Cucumber Seed Oil
10 drops Dill Seed Essential Oil
1 - 2 drops Liquid FD&C Blue #1
2 - 4 drops Liquid FD&C Yellow #5

Directions
In a small paper cup, mix the Glycerin and Liquid Dyes together, to create a lovely shade of green.  In a second cup, mix together the Grapeseed Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, and Dill Seed Essential Oils.  Carefully Pour the Glycerin Mixture evenly between four 1/3 oz. Roll-On Bottles.  Next, pour the Oil mixture between the four bottles.  Cap the bottles, then shake well.  The mixture inside the bottles will separate, creating a lovely, two layered appearance.

Usage & Packaging
Apply Dill Pickle Lip Gloss directly to your lips whenever they are in need of a fresh dose of Dill.  The 1/3 oz. Roll-On Bottles used in this recipe are the ideal container for this type of gloss.  They are also available in a 1 oz. size.

Wow, those are a great idea!  I have to say, I'm very impressed that you used real rose essential oil (wow!!! so cool!)  One question, though:  what are "Jojoba Esters MP70"? Sorry, I'm kinda a noob to soap-making.

Thanks! You can also use Rose Fragrance Oil if you want to make this recipe a little more afforable. Jojoba Esters are solid flakes of hydrogenated Jojoba Oil. They come in a variety of textures, the hardest being MP70. They are great for bath melts, body butters, and other recipes where wax would be too stiff or have too high a melting point.

Thanks, everybody. I'm so glad you like them. If anyone makes a batch please post some pics.

[Rose Bud Bath Melts]

I've been working on some Valentine's themed recipes over at The Natural Beauty Workshop Blog, and wanted to share my favorite with my Craftster friends! These Bath Melts are sort of decadent due to the use of Rose Essential Oil, but you can create a much more affordable version by subbing Rose Fragrance Oil.

Rose Bud Bath Melts
Makes between 8 - 10 melts

Ingredients
1 teaspoon Jojoba Esters MP70
1/4 teaspoon Red Jojoba Wax Beads (optional)
1 ounce Babassu Oil
1 ounce Coconut Oil
1 ounce Passionfruit (Maracuja) Oil
1 tablespoon Fine Colloidal Oatmeal (sifted)
8 - 10 Pink Rose Buds
1/2 teaspoon - 1 teaspoon Rose Otto Essential Oil*
8 - 10 Small Foil Cups

Directions
Begin by covering a baking sheet or platter with wax paper or parchment paper, then set it aside.  In a double boiler, gently heat the Jojoba Esters (and optionally, the Red Jojoba Wax Beads) until fully melted.  Next, add the Babassu and Coconut Oils and heat until they are fully melted as well.  Add the Colloidal Oatmeal to the hot mixture.  This works best if it is sifted through a fine mesh strainer or flour sifter as it is added.  Stir the mixture well, then remove it from heat.  Add the Passionfruit Oil, and the Essential Oil and stir well.  Carefully pour the mixture into the foil cups.  If you fill the cups completely you should have enough for about 8 melts, but I recommend leaving a 1/4 inch or so of space in each cup.  If you do this, you should have enough for about 10 cups.  Allow the Melts to cool for about 5 - 10 minutes.  The Melts should thicken as they cool, leaving a firm layer on the top.  The time that this will take will vary depending on your room temperature.  After this layer forms, carefully place on Rose Bud in each cup.  Allow the Melts to set for another hour or two before attempting to move them.  If your Melts are especially poky at setting up, try popping them in the fridge for ten to fifteen minutes.

Usage & Packaging
Rose Bud Bath Melts should be used one at a time.  Simply unwrap the melt and pop it into a warm bath.  The Essential Oil will fill the bathroom with its wonderful aroma while the moisturizing oils begin to melt in the bath water.  These Bath Melts look beautiful when packaged in small candy or gift boxes.  Check out your local craft supply or baking shop for small boxes.  Ribbons, stickers, and even fresh flowers can be used to enhance the presentation of your melts, especially when giving them as a romantic gift!

Happy Valentine's Day, Craftsters!

Thanks for including my cookies with so many other awesome projects. Craftster is the best!