The Natural Beauty Workshop

Natural Laundry Tips

You can help your laundry "go green" along with the rest of your household by creating simple laundry products in your own kitchen.  A simple laundry softener can be made from 1 part Borax and 2 parts Baking Soda, and can be scented with natural Essential Oils, or left unscented.  Toss one or two tablespoons of this simple powder into your wash to help soften and fragrance your clothing and linens. 

Certain Hydrosols make great Linen Waters too. Neroli Hydrosol, Lavandula Hydrsosol, or Rose Hydrosol can be used while ironing to add a touch of gentle, all natural fragrance to your clothing.  Ironing with Hydrosol is best reserved for dark fabrics, but all fabrics should be tested with a little Hydrosol prior to use as Hydrosols can stain certain fabrics.  Since Hydrosols can vary from batch to batch it is important to patch test your fabric every time to avoid accidental staining, even if you have used a particular type of Hydrosol for this purpose in the past.

Another easy way to scent your laundry with natural Essential Oils is with your dryer.  Add just one drop of Essential Oil (Lavender is a great choice) to a cotton ball, and seal it inside a Muslin Bag.  Toss the Muslin Bag into the dryer along with your wet laundry.  The scent of the Essential Oil will quickly fill the Dryer with aroma, leaving just the right amount of scent on the laundry.  Be careful to choose an Essential Oil that is safe for the entire family, and to never use more than one or two drops per load.

Oxides & Ultramarines

Oxides and Ultramarines are another commonly used group of Color Additives found in skin care and bath & body formulas.  Oxides and Ultramarines are also used in conventional makeup as well as mineral makeup.

Ultramarines & Oxides have bold, matte colors that can add intense or subtle color to your recipes, depending on the amount added.  They are dispersible in oil, but not in water, and can be used in a wide variety of skin care formulas including lotions, balms, body butters, mineral makeup, and bath bombs.  Ultramarines & Oxides are also great for coloring cold process or melt & pour soaps.  Unlike FD&C Dyes, Ultramarines & Oxides won't bleed between layers of glycerin soap.  In cold process soap, Ultramarines & Oxides can provide bold color for swirls and layers.  Some Ultramarines & Oxides can morph in color during cold process or hot process soap making.  Make sure to experiment in small batches whenever you try using a new color.

These brightly colored mineral powders are available in different grades suitable for various applications.  The most notable are Cosmetic and Technical Grades.  When using Oxides & Ultramarines in skin care products or soaps it is important to use only Cosmetic Grade.  This grade of mineral colorants has been carefully regulated to ensure its safety for use on the skin.  Some raw minerals contain high contents of dangerous components, such as heavy metals, and cannot be used for skin care.   For safety reasons, these particular Cosmetic Grade Oxides and Ultramarines are created in labs. Though their composition mimics the natural mineral almost completely, they are by some standards, synthetic.

Technical Grades of Oxides and Ultramarines are often composed of a higher amount of natural or raw mineral, making them unsuitable for use in skin care.  Technical Grade Ultramarines or Oxides are used for industrial applications such as coloring paints or plastics.  While the price of Technical Grade Oxides or Ultramarines can be tempting, they should never be used in the creation of skin care products or soaps.  The heavy metals that can be contained in Technical Grade Colorants can be extremely toxic.

For a complete listing of Cosmetic Grade Ultramarines & Oxides available at FromNatureWithLove.com, please check out our Color Additives Section.

Pearlescant Mica

Pearlescent Micas can be used to add shimmer and color to almost any kind of skin or body care product.  This powdered Colorant comes in a huge variety of colors and particle sizes, making it important to choose wisely based on your formula.  Mica can be used in Mineral Makeup, Body Powder, Soap, Creams, Lotions, Body Butters, and Lip Balms.   However, all Mica is not created equally, and it is important to choose a Mica based on its particle size and additives, not simply its appearance.  Some Mica can cause batches of Soap to seize, while others are too fine to be used around the eyes.  Check out our Mica Safety Chart to help you choose a Mica that is safe for your recipe.

Pearlescent Micas are made mostly from the natural mineral, mica.  This mineral has a natural shimmer that reflects light, creating a lovely pearlescant effect when it is crushed and powderized.  Mica Powder consists only of the natural, powdered mica, but Pearlescent Micas contain dyes, and color additives as well as the mineral powder.  Because they contain a high proportion of natural mineral, they are often considered natural in marketing terms. However, a purist may not consider Pearlescent Micas to be totally natural.  The dyes and color additives used to give them their lovely colors are often synthetic. 

To find out exactly what is in each Pearlescent Mica, you can check out the ingredient's INCI name.  Color Additives commonly used in Pearlescent Micas include D&C and FD&C Dyes, Oxides, Ultramarines, and Carmine.  Carmine is something that you should look out for if you are formulating for vegans as it is not considered to be a vegan ingredient. 

To learn more about Pearlescent Micas, check the informative article accompanying our Pearlescent Mica Section at FromNatureWithLove.com.

Earth Day & Green Goddess Bath Melts

Happy Earth Day, everyone!  Earth Day is a very special day here, at From Nature With Love.  It is a day to love and appreciate our planet, and to remind ourselves that we are all responsible for keeping it safe.  Earth Day is the perfect day to begin a new green habit, sign up for some volunteer work, or make a change in your home or lifestyle.  Visit The Earth Day Network for some ideas on how you can make Earth Day special.

Another great way to observe Earth Day is to do some eco-friendly crafting!  The folks at CraftStylish.com have dedicated the month of April to eco-friendly and nature inspired crafts.  There are loads of great projects that incorporate re-used materials, including clothing, home decor, and accessories! CraftStylish.com also featured a special Natural Beauty Workshop Recipe that is perfect for Earth Day, Green Goddess Bath Melts!

These all natural, green as can be Bath Melts are made with moisturizing Cucumber Seed, Babassu, and Organic Virgin Coconut Cream Oils, and are topped with dried Jasmine Flowers.  They are scented with a bright, feminine combination of Yuzu and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils.  To check out the complete recipe, PLUS two other amazing, all natural Bath Melt recipes, visit the following article featured on CraftStylish.com:

How to Make Garden Flower Bath Melts

CO2 Extracted Oat Oil

Oat products are known for their soothing abilities, and are often used in Soaps to comfort and nourish the skin.  Oat Oil also contains antioxidants, making it a helpful addition to mature skin and anti-aging formulations.  While Oat Flour and Oatmeal are likely the most commonly used Oat Ingredients, Oat Oil has become increasingly popular as it allows formulators to incorporate Oat properties into other types of formulas.  Our CO2 Extracted Oat Oil, and can be included in lotions, creams, scrubs, balms, and salves.  It also makes a great addition to spa treatments, such as Facials, Masks, and Hair and Body Wraps.   Because Oat CO2 Extract is of a superior quality than other Oat Oils, and is concentrated, it can be used at a very low percentage in formulations.  Add just 1 - 5% to incorporate Oat benefits into your skin care formulas.

April Shower Goodies From our Flickr Photo Pool

April showers are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a peak at The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool?  The following images remind me of water, rain, and the emergence of Spring!

Peppermint and Rhassoul Soap by To You, From Me Soaps

Femininity Soaps by Soap Making Essentials

Swirl Soaps by Dutch Knitting

Kangraroo Kiss Soap by Hint of Eden

Baby Powder Cupcake Soap by Norma's Bath and Body

Heather Scented Olive Oil & Cocoa Butter Vegan Soap by Sun Kissed Bud

Moonlight Path Soaps by LoveMichie

These lovely photos were submitted the The Natural Beauty Workshop Photo Pool on Flickr. If you have photos you'd like to share, please join us!

Coffee Bean Blends & Solid Sugar Scrubs

Roasted Coffee is often blended with a wide variety of flavors.  Some of the combinations chosen by roasters can be surprising, but these complex layers of flavors and aromas create some of the most delicious cups of coffee I've ever tasted.  Inspired by the creativity of coffee roasters everywhere, I decided to experiment with my favorite Coffee Bean Ingredient, Coffee Bean Butter.  This smooth, creamy Butter has a gorgeous color, similar to that of Coffee Ice Cream, and a deliciously robust coffee aroma. I created several small batches of Solid Sugar Scrub in order to experiment with this unique ingredient.  By making very small batches of Scrub, I was able to create a variety of blends using carefully selected Fragrance Oils.  However, I've provided a master recipe so that you can make individual Scrubs of your own. 

I experimented with the following Fragrance Oils while making my Mini Solid Sugar Scrubs:

• Roasted Nuts
• Pumpkin Pie
• Blueberry Delight
• Coconut Cream
• Fig
• Peppermint
• Maple
• Raspberry Truffles
• Dulce De Leche
• Pear Quince

I was impressed by the way that each of the Fragrances that I used blended so well with the natural aroma of Coffee Butter.  Surprisingly, my favorites of the bunch were Coconut Cream, Roasted Nuts, and Pear Quince.

Here are some more Fragrance Oils that I would love to experiment using Coffee Butter with:

• Raspberry
• Vanilla Pumpkin
• Dark Chocolate
• Caramel Apple
• Butterscotch
• Cinnamon
• Amaretto
• Apple Spice
• Banana
• English Pear
• Honey Ginger
• Tonka Bean
• Spice

Mini Solid Sugar Scrubs

These solid cups of Sugar Scrub melt upon skin contact, giving you the luxury of a sugar scrub in convenient, individual portions.  There are many techniques to create these kinds of scrubs, but I'm particularly fond of portioning them in cute Foil Cups. 

Ingredients
2 ounces Coffee Butter
2 teaspoons Jojoba Esters MP70
1/2 cup Turbinado Sugar
1 teaspoon Fragrance Oil
10 - 12 Foil Cups

Directions
Place your Foil Cups on a baking sheet or another flat surface and set them aside.  In a double boiler, gently melt the Jojoba Esters and Coffee Butter.  Once these ingredients are completely melted, remove the mixture from the heat.  Next, add the Turbinado Sugar and Fragrance Oil and mix well.   Carefully spoon about a tablespoon of mixture into each cup.  Continue to stir the pot of Scrub to make sure that your Foil Cups are filled with the right amount of Sugar and Butter.  Allow the Scrubs to cool and harden completely before moving them.

Usage and Packaging
These little Scrubs should be packaged to reduce exposure to air.  You can fit about six inside on of our Acetate Soap Boxes.  These also look very cute in candy boxes, or small bags.  To use, bring one of your Mini Solid Sugar Scrubs into the shower or bath and massage it gently onto your skin.  The Scrub should soften and melt in your hands, allowing you to buff and scrub all over your body. 

New Spring Themed Kits at FromNatureWithLove.com!

I am thrilled to share three of our new Spring themed Body Care Craft Kits with you this morning.  Creating these new Kits was a blast.  I've been dying to show them off, and am very excited to announce that the first three are finally available.  Check out our complete line of Body Care Craft Kits at FromNatureWithLove.com.

The first Kit I'm going to show you is our Spring Garden Bath Salts Kit.  This kit is extra special due to its limited edition packaging.  We have a limited supply of these lovely glass apothecary jars.  After the stock is finished, the Kit will be continued using PET Plastic Jars instead. 

These simple, colorful Bath Salts look gorgeous displayed in a powder room, or placed in a gift basket. 

I love the way that Epsom Salt reflects the colors of the Mica in these salts.  I couldn't resist sneaking a macro shot of the Spring Garden Bath Salts.

Another Kit that has just come out is our Blossom Body Polish.  Everyone loves a good salt scrub.  This double sized Kit contains enough ingredients to create two 4 ounce jars of all natural, Blossom Body Polish. 

This fantastic salt scrub is made with Fine Bolivian Pink Salt and moisturizing Passion Flower and Cherry Kernel Oil.

Blossom Body Polish is scented with all natural Bergamot and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils.  This classic combination creates an aromatic delight, perfect for the home spa!

The last new Kit that I'm showing off today is our Cherry Blossom Body Butter Kit.  Body Butters are a moisturizing treat for dry skin, but in warm weather they can become a little challenging to use.   This recipe uses Deodorant Containers, also called Stick Tubes to package a solid Body Butter, making applying the Butter quick and easy. 

Cherry Blossom Body Butters are scented with our very popular Cherry Blossom Fragrance.  This is a favorite for ladies of all ages.

These Body Butters are made with a moisturizing combination of Mango Butter, Cherry Kernel Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Poppy Seed Oil.  Cherry Blossom Body Butters are made with Candelilla Wax and Jojoba Wax, making them 100% vegan!

More new Kits will be coming out soon.  Check back here to get the scoop when they become available.

Using Natural Tinting Herbs to Color Lip Balms

With the recent addition of Beet Root Powder to our line of Herbs, we received a great question from one of our readers.  She wanted to know how Beet Root Powder would compare to Alkanet Root Powder when infused in Lip Balm.  Inspired by her question, I experimented with our Lip Balm Base Kit and an assortment of Tinting Herbs.

For my experiment, I combined 1/2 ounce of Lip Balm Base with 1/8 teaspoon of each Powdered Herb, and heated the mixture in a double boiler for about 5 minutes each.  Warming the Base for longer could result in a more intense color for some of these Herbs.  As you can see, the Alkanet Root Powder yielded a deep red, while the Beet Root Powder yielded a softer purple.  Cranberry Fruit Fiber was the least effective, only achieving a slightly orange pink.  Paprika Powder, Turmeric Powder, and Oat Straw Powder created very intense colors.  While these balms hold a bright color in their containers, they are likely to fade overtime, and will not add much color to the lips.  However, their bold colors do make a great impression! For my experiment, I simply added the Herbs to the Base.  Since the Herbs don't dissolve in oil, they collected on the bottom of each container. A better way to do this, would be to infuse the liquid portion of Oil in your Lip Balm recipe with your chosen Herb prior to adding it to the Lip Balm mixture.  You can strain the Herb Powder from the warmed Oil using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.

Coffee Bean Ingredients

The coffee bean is used to produce one of the most popular beverages on Earth, coffee!  This simple beverage, made by infusing roasted coffee beans into water, has been enjoyed for generations, and reinvented countless times by  farmers, roasters, and baristas.  Skin care formulators have recently gotten into the act as well, incorporating coffee Ingredients into natural skin care products.  The natural, beneficial components found in coffee make it an ideal ingredient for anti-aging products, and it is quickly becoming popular in the skin care industry.

We are proud to carry a huge line of coffee based ingredients.  Each ingredient has its own unique values and benefits, allowing coffee lovers to choose exactly the right ingredient for their formulas. 

Green Coffee Oil
The most unadulterated of coffee bean ingredients, Green Coffee Oil is cold pressed from fresh, green coffee beans, and contains an impressive amount of phytosterols  and essential fatty acids.  It has a striking, herbaceous aroma that is quite different from roasted coffee bean ingredients.  It is ideal for use in facial products, spa treatments, and mature skin care.

Roasted Coffee Oil
The most obvious difference is in the Oils color and aroma.  Roasted Coffee Oil is dark brown, and has a robust coffee aroma.  Like Green Coffee Oil, Roasted Coffee Oil is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acids.  Both Oils are highly moisturizing, but the strong odor of Roasted Coffee Oil makes it a better choice for balms, lotions, body butters, or lip products.  Products that will benefit from the addition of Roasted Coffee Oil's natural aroma are ideal, as the scent is not easy to mask.

Coffee Bean Butter
This smooth creamy Butter resembles delicious coffee ice cream, and has an aroma that is equally enticing.  Made by hydrogenating Roasted Coffee Oil and Vegetable Oil (usually Sunflower or Soybean Oil) Coffee Bean Butter makes a wonderful addition to balms, body butters, or lip balms.  It can also be used as an aromatic substitue for other soft butters such as Avocado or Macadamia Butter in many recipes.

Mochachinno Butter
This Butter is especially unique, as it is our own blend of Coffee Bean Butter and Pure Cocoa Butter.  These two delicious smelling Butters create a sensation when blended at just the right proportion.  This Butter is truly a treat for Mocha Lovers, and makes an incredible addition to any formula that includes a semi soft Butter.  Though the aroma of Coffee Bean and Mochachinno Butters will not survive complex formulas such as Cold Process Soap, they make a great impression on simple recipes such as balms, lotions, and bath melts.