pink roll on wax

HOW TO MAKE LIP GLOSS – WITHOUT WAX

How to make simple DIY lip gloss without using any wax. All you need are a few natural ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance. This homemade lip gloss is not only easy to make but also makes a thoughtful gift!

WHY YOU’LL LIKE MAKING YOUR OWN LIP GLOSS

All-Natural Ingredients: This lip gloss is made with simple, natural ingredients, making it a safe option for kids and those with sensitive skin.

Quick & Easy: You can prepare a batch in just 15 minutes, and it will last you a long time!

Budget-Friendly: With just a few affordable ingredients, you can make this lip gloss at a fraction of the price of store-bought options. While the initial cost might seem high, you’ll have plenty left to make several more batches!

Hydrating & Soothing: The ingredients provide moisture and relief for dry lips, leaving them soft and smooth.

Customizable: You can personalize the color and scent to suit your style, or keep it clear and unscented. I love using pink rose clay for a soft tint and lavender essential oil for a gentle fragrance!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
  • 2 tablespoons vitamin E oil
  • 30 drops essential oil (optional)
  • A pinch or two of natural pigment (e.g., mica powder, beetroot powder, pink rose clay, cocoa powder, or hibiscus powder)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients, whisking until fully blended and smooth.
  • Using a small funnel or dropper, carefully pour the mixture into roller ball bottles. Be mindful not to overfill, as a little goes a long way!
  • Secure the lids tightly onto the bottles. Wipe off any excess oil from the outside to keep them clean.

Notes

  • To Use: Apply the lip gloss by rolling it gently across your lips until you achieve the desired amount.
  • To Store: Keep your homemade lip gloss at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. It will stay fresh for up to one year.
  • Variations: Customize the scent by using different essential oils like orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, or vanilla.
  • Substitutions: You can substitute the almond oil with jojoba oil, fractionated coconut

FAQS

1. Does lip gloss need a preservative?
No, this lip gloss recipe doesn’t require a preservative since it doesn’t contain water. It can be safely stored at room temperature for up to a year!

2. How can you tint lip gloss naturally?
You can tint your lip gloss naturally by adding a pinch of natural pigments like beetroot powder, cocoa powder, or mica powder. This allows you to create a variety of shades while keeping the gloss safe and chemical-free.

3. Can you use essential oils in lip gloss?
Yes, you can add essential oils to your lip gloss for fragrance and potential benefits. However, it’s crucial to ensure the oils are safe for topical use. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, before application. In this recipe, 30 drops of essential oils are safe to add because they are mixed with 4 tablespoons of carrier oil.

KETO MEATBALLS – ITALIAN SLOW COOKER MEATBALL RECIPE 

These easy keto meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a family favorite! This recipe features Italian-style meatballs cooked in a rich, low-carb marinara sauce, perfect for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a quicker option, try the pan-fried version to enjoy flavorful low-carb meatballs in under 30 minutes. Whether served as a hearty appetizer or a healthy keto dinner with zucchini noodles, these carb-free meatballs and their savory sauce are sure to satisfy!

INGREDIENTS

Keto Meatballs:

  • 1 2/3 lb (750 g) ground beef or a beef and pork mix
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/4 cup (5 g) fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
  • 1/4 cup (5 g) fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, minced (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano)
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/4 tsp dried rosemary)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • Fine sea salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Keto Marinara Sauce:

  • 2 (28-oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bay leaf

For Serving:

  • Zucchini noodles
  • Grated Parmesan for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare the Slow Cooker: Preheat the slow cooker, if required.
  • Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Shape the Meatballs: Using lightly damp hands, roll the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) balls. Place the meatballs on a plate.
  • Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches, sear the meatballs for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned.
  • Cook in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sliced onion, and bay leaf. Stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
  • Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
  • Finish and Serve: Stir the sauce, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm over zucchini noodles or your choice of low-carb sides. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.

NOTES

Prepare in Advance: You can shape the meatballs a day ahead. Place them on a wax paper-lined tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Arrange cooked or raw meatballs in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. If freezing with sauce, store the marinara separately for best results.

Reheating Instructions:

  • Fridge to Skillet: Reheat meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
  • Frozen Meatballs: Thaw in the fridge before reheating using the method above.

Enjoy these versatile, flavorful keto meatballs as a delicious meal or appetizer!