Beeswax is useful for more than just candles. If you are throwing away candle scraps or stubs after your candles have burned down, you can easily turn these leftovers into useful, natural and high-quality products that would cost you many times the amount you'll save by making them yourself. Here are some of our best beeswax recipes.
Lip Balm
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp beeswax
- 1 vitamin E capsule
- Melt together and pour into a container, allow to cool.
There are endless variations using more and less of different ingredients, and other moisturizers for the lips. Various essential oils and flavors may be added to taste. Try a few drops of peppermint essential oil, rosemary essential oil, orange or lemon essential oils, or any flavors you might enjoy. You can use the candy flavoring oils to be found in the candy making shops.
ROSEMARY CREAM
Excellent for getting mascara & makeup off - for all skin types except oily skin. This will keep without refrigeration for about 1 month, so don't make up too much at once.
Step 1
- 12g beeswax
- 15g emulsifying wax
- 1 tablespoon (thick) coconut oil
- 100ml olive oil.
- Melt in a double boiler, or microwave in a Pyrex bowl. Remove from heat.
Step 2
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon borax
- 1 tablespoon rosewater
Heat water then mix ingredients in a Pyrex bowl till borax is dissolved. Add slowly to the melted oils from step 1 & stir constantly till almost cool. Mix well, when lukewarm, then add 5 drops essential oil (rose geranium is good for general skin care).
If the essential oil is added above 45C it will vaporize & you will loose the therapeutic qualities as well as most of the fragrance. Store in a sterilized glass jar.
BEESWAX POLISH
Beeswax furniture polish with its soft, satin shine is considered the ultimate in wood care.
- 4 ounces (weight) beeswax
- 2 tablespoons carnauba wax
- 2 1/2 cups odorless turpentine or mineral spirits
Melt the waxes on high in a microwave or in a double boiler. Remove the waxes from the heat and stir in the turpentine or mineral spirits. Apply the polish with a clean cloth and rub in small circles. Turn the cloth as it becomes dirty. Allow the polish to dry, then buff with a clean cloth. If more than one coat is desired, wait two days between applications.
FLOOR POLISH
- 4 oz. beeswax
- 1/2 cup liquid soap
- 1/2 pint water
- 1/4 cup linseed oil
- 1/4 cup turpentine
Melt the wax in the warm water, then mix in the soap. When cooled, add the turpentine and linseed oil. Store in covered container.
LEATHER WATERPROOFING
- 4 oz. beeswax
- 4 oz. resin or rosin (from a music store)
- 1 pint vegetable oil
Melt the solids in the oil, and apply while warm.