DIY: Holiday-Flavored Pout Plumpers

About this time of year, some of us get the DIY bug--that THIS year we are doing HOMEMADE GIFTS for EVERYONE. That thought usually lasts about 5 minutes once you realize all the time/money/people you need to make gifts for/attention span (wait, that's just me). Well, I have a solution for you. Here's an easy, cheap, and quick DIY that makes a cute stocking stuffer (or a gift for yourself because you were so good this year). I made these Holiday-Flavored Pout Plumpers in the flavors of Cinnamon Bun and Candy Cane. And I made some labels to print out. Enjoy!

You'll need:

• Extract/flavoring (I used vanilla, mint, and cinnamon)
• Plain chapstick (I got 4 for $1)
• Microwave
• Microwavable measuring glass/cup
• Toothpicks
• Small funnel 
• Food coloring (optional)
• Pot holders/towel (optional)

Method:

• Roll chapstick all the way to the top. 
• Take from base and put into microwavable measuring cup. 
• Roll the empty tube back to the base--this is important. 
• With toothpick, cut the chapstick into smaller pieces.

• Place chapstick-filled measuring cup into microwave for 1 minute. 
• Carefully remove and stir/cut/chop/smile at the chapstick and put back into microwave for another minute/minute and a half. 
• Once completely liquefied, remove from microwave and add 5 drops of desired flavor. 
• For the Candy Cane flavor, I also added 2 drops of red food coloring. For the Cinnamon Bun, I did 5 drops of cinnamon and 2 of vanilla. 
• Stir. 

• The liquid will start to solidify, so pop back into the microwave for a few seconds to melt again. Use a pot holder/towel if the cup is too hot. 
• Pour the mixture into the funnel, which will fill up the tube. 
• Remove funnel once filled and let cool. Resist urge to try your DIY.
• Pop the top on, print out the label onto label paper, and attach to tube. Tie some curling ribbon, put in a cute bag, stuff in a stocking or my purse, etc.

Candy Cane (mint + red food coloring) and Cinnamon Buns (cinnamon + vanilla)

Labels:

Tips:

• Make sure you roll the empty tube back down before pouring the hot mixture!
• You can use a spoon and a bowl, but I've found pouring & wax removal easier by using toothpicks and a measuring cup.
• The liquid solidifies fast, so you have to work fast...but that's a good thing, making this a 5- MINUTE DIY (yeah!).
• Don't fret if there's leftover wax in the cup/bowl. You will have to lose a smidge of the wax to make space for the flavoring.
• No funnel? Make your own from paper.
• Natural beeswax can be used as well--I just found the process easier & cheaper by buying the chapstick.
• The mint and cinnamon temporarily plump lips by aggravating the top layer of skin, so be warned if you/whomever are allergic to those flavors. 
• Not a fan of those flavors? Use whatever flavors you'd like--I used these because they (a) remind me of the holidays (b) plump my lips.
• Need another idea? I used the same process to make solid perfume. Check it out here.

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