The Natural Beauty Workshop

Mochachinno Massage Melts

Rich, creamy Mochacchino Butter is a unique blend of Coffee Bean and Cocoa Butter.  It's all natural aroma is absolutely delicious, and it's texture is smooth and moisturizing.  These Massage Melts are the perfect size for single massages.

Mochacchino Massage Melts
Makes 8 - 10 Bath Melts

Ingredients
2 ounces Mochacchino Butter
1 tablespoon Jojoba Esters MP70
2 ounces Babassu Oil
8-10 Coffee Beans

Directions
Place 10 foil cups on a jelly roll pan, or other flat surface and set aside.  In a double boiler, gently melt the Jojoba Esters completely, followed by the Mochacchino Butter and Babassu Oil.  After all of the ingredients have fully melted, stir the mixture well.  Carefully pour the hot mixture into the foil cups.  Allow the Melts to cool for 5 - 10 minutes, or until a firm layer forms on the top.  When the Melts reach this stage, gently press an individual coffee bean into each melt. 

Note: This recipe can easily be converted to make Bath Melts instead of Massage Melts. To make Bath Melts, use 2 teaspoons of Jojoba Esters instead of the tablespoon called for in the original recipe.  Also, it would make a nice addition to sift 1-2 tablespoons of Fine Oat Flour into the mixture.

To Use: Simply unwrap a single Mochacchino Massage Melt, and warm it between your hands.  The gentle body heat will soften the Melt, turning it into a slick, massage oil.  The Melt can also be warmed directly on the skin of the person being massaged.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub

Another variation of the Ice Cream Scrub that I shared with you on Thursday is the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub.  Super fine Vanilla Bean Specks add a touch of detail to this deliciously scented salt scrub.  In this batch I used Sea Salt, which has a slightly larger grain size than Dendritic, giving this scrub a little bit more scrubby power. Enjoy!

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub

Ingredients
1/4 cup Shealoe Butter
1/2 cup Sea Salt, Fine
1/8 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Specks
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Fragrance Oil or 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Absolute*

Directions
In a large mixing bowl combine the Shealoe Butter and Dendritic Salt.  Shealoe is naturally soft, so you should be able to mix this without heating the Butter.  However, if it is necessary, you can heat the Butter gently by warming the container in hot water.  (Be careful not to let the water get inside the container though.)  Next, add the Vanilla Bean Specks, followed by the Fragrance Oil or Absolute.  Mix well to make sure the scrub is fully combined before spooning into jars.

Usage and Packaging
The Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub is great for all over body scrubbing, but should not be used on the face or other very delicate areas.  Like most handmade skin care products, this Scrub should be used up quickly, as it has not been formulated for long term storage.  This scrub looks great in 2 oz. Flat PET Jars.

*Tip:  Most Vanilla Fragrance Oils, Vanilla Absolutes, or Vanilla Oleoresins will cause this scrub to turn brown over time.  To keep your scrub as light as possible, use Vanilla Non-Browning Fragrance Oil.

Neopolatin Ice Cream Scrub

Summer is here! I am so excited about Summer's arrival that I decided to celebrate with some ice cream.  Well, it's not really ice cream, but it sure looks and smells delicious.  This exfoliating salt scrub is made with creamy Shealoe Butter, yummy scented Fragrance Oils, and super fine Dendritic Salt.  You can make this scrub in one solid color, or layer multiple colors for super cuteness!  This recipe could be varied easily to create all kinds of delicious ice cream parlor inspired creations, like Orange Cream, Banana Split, or Mint Chocolate!  Just switch out the Fragrance and the Color Additive to create your own unique Ice Cream Scrub.

Neopolatin Ice Cream Scrub

Ingredients
6 ounces Shealoe Butter
1 1/2 cups Dendritic Salt
1/2 teaspoon Milk Chocolate Fragrance Oil
1/2 teaspoon Strawberry Fragrance Oil
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Non-Browning Fragrance Oil
1 .15 cc scoop of FDA Red Mica
2 .15 cc scoops of Umber Oxide

Directions
In a large mixing bowl combine the Shealoe Butter and Dendritic Salt.  Shealoe is naturally soft, so you should be able to mix this without heating the Butter.  However, if it is necessary, you can heat the Butter gently by warming the container in hot water.  (Be careful not to let the water get inside the container though.) After the Butter and Salt are fully mixed, split the mixture into three parts in three seperate mixing bowls.  Add one Fragrance Oil to each bowl, thouroughly mixing each into the mixture.  Next, add two .15 cc scoops of Umber Oxide to the Milk Chocolate scented batch of salt, and mix well to combine.  Add 1 .15 cc scoop of FDA Red Mica to the Strawberry scented batch of salt next.  Leave the Vanilla scented batch uncolored.  Once the batches are fully mixed they can be spooned into jars.

Usage and Packaging
This fine grained salt scrub makes a great body polish, but should not be used on the face or other very delicate areas.  The Neoploatin Ice Cream Scrub looks adorable packaged in 2 oz. or 4 oz. PET Jars.  Like most handmade skin care products, this Scrub should be used up quickly, as it has not been formulated for long term storage.

Simple Steps for Stress Relief

The everyday stresses of home, work, children, and life in general can catch up with you, causing stress and anxiety to build up, leading to stiff muscles, headaches, insomnia, or even illness.  Luckily, relieving stress can be simple, quick, and affordable.  Take care of yourself by taking simple steps to relax on a regular basis.

Baths
Bathing is an incredibly simple way to promote relaxation.  A warm bath, with or without the addition of luxurious ingredients like Milk, Honey, or therapeutic Essential Oils, can soothe stiff muscles, and provide you with peace and quiet, even if for only a short time.  Even a short, 15 minute bath can go a long way when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety.  Enveloping the body in warm water, and enjoying peace and silence for even a short time provides comfort to both the body and mind.  Bath time is also a great time to meditate, clear your mind, and become grounded.  To help make sure that you make it to your mini retreat regularly, try to schedule a time of night, or a day of the week exclusively for bath time. 

Meditation
There are many simple techniques available for meditation.  The first step, and sometimes to most challenging, is to find a silent, solitary place for meditation.  This can be especially difficult if you have children or a busy schedule.  Scheduling a daily or weekly time to meditate can be helpful, not only in making sure that you follow through with your plans, but also to help others get used to having you unavailable during your period of meditation.  Though there are many different techniques and purposes for meditation, one of the most common, and conducive to relaxation is the practice of clearing one's mind from all chatter, noise, and thought.  Simply sit down, breathe, and exist, clearing your mind of your thoughts, worries, and questions.  To learn more about meditation techniques, check out this guide from WikiHow.

Massage
A simple massage from your partner can help to relieve plenty of anxiety and stress.  Try using a simple Carrier Oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil, and a simple technique, such as Swedish Massage, before bed time.  Massage your partner for at least ten minutes, and then ask them to return the favor.  This quick, simple ritual can help to relax both of you, while making you feel closer and more connected. 

Napping
A short nap during the middle of the day can do wonders for your energy and stress levels.  While reports vary, some say that even a short, 20 minute power nap can help to recharge the body and mind.  Set aside some time for your nap, then lay down in a dark room with a comfortable temperature.  Close your eyes, relax, and drift into sleep.  Even if you are not a "good napper" and don't fully fall asleep during these sessions, taking the time to lay down and relax can still help to reduce your stress level significantly.  It is a good idea to allow yourself at least 40 minutes to dedicate to your nap.  You'll need around 10 minutes to relax and fall asleep, and about 10 minutes to fully wake up again.  Keep this in mind when setting your nap time alarm.

Aromatherapy
Many Essential Oils contain actives that can help to reduce stress or encourage relaxation.  Some of the most commonly used for relaxation are Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, and Mandarin.  You can easily incorporate Essential Oils into each of the previous relaxation techniques.  Add Essential Oils to Bath Salts, or Bath Oils to incorporate their aromatic benefits.  Using aromatherapy candles, or diffusers can help aid relaxation during meditation.  Herbal Sachets or Dream Pillows can help to induce sleep, essential for many nappers.  As always, Essential Oils must be used with extreme care due to their potency.  Make sure to check the warnings, proper dosage, and delivery method of any Essential Oil before using it.

Himalayan Pink Salt

Another in our line of specialty Salts & Sugars, Himalayan Pink Salt brings a bevvy of impressive properties to the table.  Not only is it stunning, with its speckles of red, pink, orange, and white, it is loaded with minerals that can help to cleanse, and rejuvenate the skin.  Himalayan Pink Salt makes an excellent bath salt.  Its natural colors make it attractive even in its simplest form.  Display it in a clear glass or plastic jar to show off its natural beauty.  Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils can be used to enhance the salts.  My first choice would be a blend of Ginger and Mandarin Essential Oils, or a personal favorite, Persimmon Fragrance Oil!  Himalayan Pink Salt would also make a gorgeous exfoliant in a body scrub.  Scented with juicy citrus scents, or soft florals, these speckled salts are sure to impress.

Himalayan Pink Salt's value does not lie only in its loveliness.  On the contrary, its rich mineral content makes it a very beneficial ingredient.  The variety of minerals and trace elements contained in Himalayan Pink Salt numbers over eighty, some of the most notable being: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron.  Like Dead Sea Salt, this wealth of minerals can help to tone, cleanse, and balance the skin and body, making Himalayan Pink Salt a boon to the spa and cosmetics industries.

Our Himilayan Pink Salt is harvested from ancient salt beds, deep under the Himalayan Mountains.  It is available in both a medium and fine grain variety.  The Medium Salt is well suited to bath salt and soak formulations while the Fine Salt has a texture more suited to use in scrubs, soaps, and bath powders.

Stack Attack!

Photos of stacked soap bars always spurs my creativity.  The variety of colors and textures can be so exciting.  These picks from The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool are some of my favorite soap stacks. Enjoy!

This sideways stack by Pink Bricks is so pretty!

This gorgeous stack by Body Language Soaps is totally magical.

These lovely soaps by Santo Sabao look great in a pile.

This stack by Campo di Fiore has a beautiful selection of earth toned soaps.

Soapier shared this stack of adorable mini tart soaps. How cute!

A very colorful stack by Morgan Street.

Have you got a stack that you'd like to share?  Join in the fun at The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool.  Every month we feature a selection of great photos that fit within the month's theme.  Yours could be next!

Marula Fruit

Originally uploaded by Astrid.

A lovely photo of Marula Fruit, found on Flickr!

Marula Oil

The Marula Tree grows widely across southern Africa, and its fruit, rich in Vitamin C, nourishes people as well as animals large and small.  Marula Oil, pressed from the kernels of Marula fruit, is highly moisturizing and nutritious.  It contains a hefty portion of antioxidants and oleic fatty acid, making it a superb skin care ingredient.  Marula Oil can help to soothe and soften the skin, as well as reduce redness.  Though it has a fairly thick texture, and can even become semi solid in very cool temperatures, Marula absorbs into the skin easily, and can help the skin to retain it's natural moisture.

Marula Oil is available in both Conventional and Organic varieties.  It can be used directly on the skin or hair, or it can be added to a number of formulations.  Marula Oil makes a wondeful addition to lotions, creams, or body butters.  It is also an excellent hair conditioner, making it a helpful additive in shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products.  Because Marula is quite stable, with an estimated shelf life of 2 years or more, it makes a great superfatting agent in soaps and shampoo bars.

Queen Bee Facial Mask

Royal Jelly plays a leading role in this rejuvenating facial mask.  Packed with beneficial components such as collagen, lecithin, hydroxy fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, it makes an excellent anti-aging ingredient.  Royal Jelly can help to soothe, moisturize, and nourish the skin, even when used at a very small percentage.  The typical usage rate of Royal Jelly Powder is between 1 - 3%.  The Queen Bee Facial Mask also contains Honey Powder, which helps to cleanse and soften the skin.  Yellow Illite Clay adds extra drawing power to this mask, making it both cleansing and nourishing.  Soothing Chamomile Flower Powder adds some extra absorbency to the facial's texture, while Blackberry Seed Oil and Carrot Seed Oil provide extra nutrients and anti-aghing benefits.  The mask is wetted with Cistus Hydrosol, which can help to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Queen Bee Facial Mask

Ingredients
1 tablespoon Honey Powder
1/2 teaspoon Royal Jelly Powder
1 tablespoon Yellow Illite Clay
2 teaspoons Chamomile Flower Powder
5 drops Carrot Seed Select CO2 Extract
1/2 teaspoon Blackberry Seed Oil
1 - 2 teaspoons Cistus (Labdanum) Hydrosol

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Honey Powder, Royal Jelly Powder, Yellow Illite Clay, and Chamomile Flower Powder.  Mix well, then add the Carrot Seed Select CO2 Extract, followed by the Blackberry Seed Oil.  Mix again, than slowly add the Cistus Hydrosol.  Add just enough Hydrosol to form a smooth, spreadable paste.  You may need to add a little more or less than indicated here, depending on your own preference.

To Use
Begin the facial by applying a warm, moist towel to your face, or by performing a facial steam.  Apply directly to the face, avoiding the mouth, eyes, and nostrils.  This mask can also be applied to the neck and decollatage.  Allow the mask to dry for approxamitely 10 minutes before rinsing with room temperature water.  Follow with a toner and moisturizer for best results.

Storage
The Queen Bee Facial should be used immediately as it is not suitable for long term storage.

Using Additives in Melt & Pour Soap

Melt & Pour Soaps are fun and easy to make, especially when you stick to the basic elements, such as Scents, Colors, and Soap Base.  In our Holiday Projects Series we covered how to create basic Melt & Pour Soaps using those three main elements.  We often get questions regarding how to use Additives, such as Milk Powders, Herbs, or Exfoliants in Melt & Pour Soap.  Here is a little insight into including these specialty ingredients in your Melt & Pour creations.

Herbs
Many Herbs have the potential to change dramatically when added to Melt & Pour Soap.  Often, these changes are not apparent immediately, but appear within days or weeks after pouring the soap.  The most infamous for this behavior is Lavender Buds.  Lavender Buds look and smell great fresh out of the package, and can even be pretty when you first add them to your soap.  However, after a week or so they take on a brownish yellow tinge, and can bleed that color into the entire bar of soap.   Rose Buds and Petals also have a hard time retaining their beauty when fully immersed into Melt & Pour Soap.  When you are dealing with these tricky Herbs, try using them as toppings instead of embedding them completely inside your soap bars.  For example, Rose Buds look very cute peeking out of the top of soap.

Other Herbs, such as Parsley Powder, or Calendula Petals retain their color beautifully when added to Melt & Pour Soap.  These Herbs can be added at a rate of 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons per pound of soap, depending on the appearance desired.  Experiment with small batches to get comfortable with how individual Herbs behave.  Natural ingredients, such as Herbs, often have unique quirks.

Some Herbs that work well in Melt & Pour Soap are: Alkanet Root Powder, Anatto Seeds, Beet Root Powder, Calendula Petals, Carrot Root Powder, Oat Straw Powder, Sandalwood Powder, Sea Vegetables.

Clays
Clay can lend extra cleansing ability, exfoliation, and color to your Melt & Pour Soaps.  Make sure to choose your Clay carefully, taking into consideration each Clay's strength.  Kaolin and Rose Clay are the gentlest Clays, while Illite Clay or Bentonite can be too harsh for sensitive skin.  Clay can be added to Melt & Pour Soap at a rate of 1 - 2 tablespoons per pound.  The easiest way to add Clay to your Soap is to wet it with a small amount of Distilled Water prior to adding it to your Soap Base.  Creating a smooth paste with the Clay and Water will help keep the Clay from clumping when you add it to the Soap.  While Clays can help lend color to Soap, keep in mind that the resulting colors will be slighlty different than they dry Clay.  Expect earthy, dusky tones from added Clay.

Milk Powders
Milk and Honey Powders can be added to Melt & Pour Soaps for their skin conditioning properties.  Keep in mind that the addition of these ingredients may shorten the shelf life of your Soaps.  Like most Additives, Milk Powders can be added to Melt & Pour Soap Base at a rate of 1 - 2 tablespoons per pound of soap.  To add the Milk Powder, mix it with a small amount of warm water to form a slurry or paste.  Add the paste to your Melt & Pour Base and stir well to make sure it is fully dispersed.

Exfoliants
There are many different types of Exfoliants that can be added to Melt & Pour Soap.  To choose the right one, consider the texture and behavior of each Exfoliant.  The biggest challenge you are likely to encounter when working with these Exfoliants is their habit of either floating or sinking in soaps.  Using Suspension Melt & Pour Soap Base can sometimes help alleviate this issue.  Exfoliants are generally added at around 1 - 2 tablespoons per pound of soap, but you may want to add more or less to achieve the texture you are looking for.

Fruit Seeds and Fibers provide gentle exfoliation, but can alter the appearance of your soap.  Fruit Fibers will lend subtle color to Melt & Pour Soaps, but not always the color that you expect.  For example, Blueberry Fruit Fiber tends to make Opaque Soap Base slighlty gray, while Cranberry Fruit Fiber adds a gentle, pink tinge.  Fruit Seeds can look adroable in Melt & Pour Soaps, but they are particularly prone to floating or sinking when added to Melt & Pour Soap Base.

Jojoba Wax Beads come in a wide range of bright, beautiful colors, and provide gentle exfoliation.  They are very tempting to use in Melt & Pour Soap, but they can also be very tricky to work with.  If Jojoba Wax Beads are added directly to hot Soap Base they are likely to melt, changing the color of the soap, as well as making it much harder, with less lather.  In order to add Jojoba Wax Beads to Melt & Pour Soap they must either be added at a very low temperature, which can be quite challenging, or they must be used as a topping on soap bars and logs.

Grain Powders, such as Oat Flour, Oatmeal, Rice Bran Powder, or Adzuki Bean Powder provide a range of gentle exfoliation.  It may be helpful to mix the very fine powders, such as Oat Flour or Adzuki Bean Powder with a small amount of water before adding them to the Base, as they can have a hard time dispersing when added directly.

 Seed Powders and Nut Meals are generally the harshest Exfoliants.  These more instense Exfoliants are great for Gardener's Soaps, Mechanic's Soaps, and Pedicure Soaps. Use these Exfoliants with care.  Too much Exfoliant can cause the soap to be hard to use, while too little Exfoliant can cause them to feel harsh and scratchy.