craftgrrl | newbie (with questions!)

Hey everyone, I just joined...I used to do tons of crafts as a kid and I'm just getting back into it now, dunno why..here's a few questions for you though:

-I've been attempting to decoupage a little cardboard box using the lazy way - glue diluted with water. However, I'm not getting the shiny look that I see in pictures of successful decoupage projects. Should I use decoupage medium? Should I just put on more layers of glue? Should I paint over it with shellac/clear nail polish/something else? I haven't a clue.

-I'm thinking about making some homemade lip balm using this generic recipie. I haven't decided what flavor to make the lip balm yet but I know I don't want the oils to have a strong flavor on their own if I can help it. I know coconut oil and cocoa butter have strong flavors - what other oils should I avoid?

-Last, I have gifts for all my female friends on my christmas list (I thought I was planning ahead, but after reading some of the posts in this community I think maybe I'm late, heh) but I'm having more difficulties for the guys. I can't give them home spa things like soap and lip balm and I can't give them sappy things like personalized picture frames 'cause they're all still at that stage where they have to be macho ;) Any ideas?

Thanks a lot, everyone.