As a fair-skinned redhead, my skin type is sensitive and dry — very dry, in fact. It’s not only in the autumn and wintertime I find myself taking extra precautions to keep my skin supple, but I’m particularly on top of it now more than during the other seasons. While dry hands and cracking knuckles are a big issue, so are dry lips. With a lip balm placed in any convenient location (bag, desk, bathroom, nightstand — you get the idea), I am ready whenever I feel a crack start to form, either on my lips or the corners of my mouth, which tend to be most vulnerable.

In her article in the Winter 2025 Issue, Kami McBride shares her creative way for prioritizing delicate lip skin with her herbal overnight skin mask. It’s a luxurious treatment crafted with herbal oils and designed to support the skin, minimize dryness, and infuse moisture, all key during the cold months. And what I love so much about this publication is that most of the recipes can be made and given away as handmade gifts, just like Kami’s lip mask.

In addition to the overnight lip mask, I’ve also included two other wonderful lip-focused recipes. Enjoy!

Hydrating Overnight Lip Mask

by Kami McBride from Willow and Sage Winter 2025

You Will Need

• • Double boiler
• • 1 TB. plantain leaf oil
• • 2 TB. calendula flower oil
• • 1 TB. marshmallow leaf oil
• • 1 TB. elderflower oil
• • 1 TB. beeswax
• • 1 TB. cocoa butter
• • 2 TB. lanolin
• • Spoon/Spatula
• • Containers/Jars
• • Funnel (optional)

To Make

In a double boiler, combine all of the ingredients. Gently heat the mixture over low heat until all the ingredients are melted and well-combined, stirring occasionally with a spoon or spatula. Once melted, remove the container from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Carefully pour the melted mixture into clean lip balm containers or small jars, using a funnel if necessary to avoid spills. Let the lip mask cool and solidify at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster results. Once solidified, it is ready!

To use, apply a generous layer to your lips before bedtime, allowing the nourishing ingredients to work their magic overnight. Store any remaining lip mask in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for future use.

gingersnap Cookie Lip Balm

by Sarah Flanagan from Willow and Sage Autumn 2024

You Will Need

• • Double boiler
• • 1 TB. unrefined coconut oil
• • 2 TB. hazelnut oil
• • 1 TB. cocoa butter
• • 1 TB. beeswax
• • 6 drops ginger essential oil
• • 2 drops nutmeg essential oil
• • 3 drops cinnamon essential oil
• • 3 drops vitamin E oil
• • Spoon
• • Funnel
• • Lip balm jars/Tubes

To Make

In a double boiler, add the coconut oil, hazelnut oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax, and melt on medium heat. Lower the heat, and add the essential oils and vitamin E oil, making sure to stir well. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into small lip balm jars or tubes. Let it cool completely before securing on the lid.

Peppermint Scrub

by Arica Aspenson from Willow and Sage Spring 2025

You Will Need

• • Bowl
• • 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• • 1–2 TB. coconut oil
• • 1–2 drops peppermint essential oil
• • Spoon
• • Airtight glass container

To Make

In a small bowl, add the sugar, coconut oil, and peppermint essential oil, and combine thoroughly. Add the lip scrub to an airtight glass container, and store at room temperature for up to six months.

Discover more recipes for dry lips in Willow and Sage Autumn 2025.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.