I dragged this post up to say I've tinkered a bit with my lip balm formulas and am very happy with the results.
I did up the oil (and I use castor oil) amount to 40%. I changed my butter from shea to cocoa.
Also, I use the ButterEZ. I originally used it at about 15%, as I had read that amount was helpful in reducing graininess. The day I made the switch, I accidentally dropped in a blob that was twice the size I was intending to, which gave me about 30% instead of 15%. And I really liked the result, so I'm keeping that ingredient at that level.
So I'm much happier with my lip balms now. Should still play with the veggie waxes, I suppose.
Anita