The Natural Beauty Workshop

We've Been Added to Alltop!

We're very excited to have the Natural Beauty Workshop added to Alltop.com, one of the most comprehensive blog catalogs on the web.  Not only does Alltop bring together the best of the best when it comes to the blogosphere, it organizes its content very well, making it a breeze to find great blogs that are writing about the topics you love.  Thanks for the add, Alltop!

Want to get your blog featured on Alltop? Check out their submissions page for details!

Grape Seed Oil

The benefits of Grape Seed Oil are no secret. Jam packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutritive minerals, these little seeds offer a bevvy of goodness.  What is less well known is the variety of Grape Seed Oils that are available for use in cosmetics, hair care, and skin care. Standard Grape Seed Oil is available in both Conventional and Organic varieties.  Both of these standard Grape Seed Oils offer a light, moisturizing texture that is great for revitalizing dry skin or hair.

In addition to Standard Grape Seed Oils, there are two specialty Oils that are worth considering.  Both our Riesling and Chardonnay Grape Seed Oils are cold pressed, an extraction method that results in one of the highest quality Grape Seed Oils possible. Rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids, these light, nutritive Oils make an excellent addition to high end massage oils, creams, or body lotions.

Be My Valentine?

Who doesn't heart hearts?  What lady doesn't adore roses, bouquets, and boxes of delicate chocolate truffles?  I certainly do, and it looks like the members of our Natural Beauty Workshop Flickr Photo Group do as well.  Here is a taste of the lovely things we have posted in the group pool.  We'll post another set on Valentine's Day.  If you'd like to be included in our second Valentine's Day set, add your Valentine's themed project photos to The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Group before Valentine's Day!

Sweetheart Soaps by Soap Scentsations


Rosebud by Drachenzuber - Seifenmanufaktur


Cinnamon Lip Balm by A Breath of French Air

Safflower Oil

Photo by John Moore

While driving through farm country nowadays you might begin to notice countless fields of tiny, red and yellow flowers.  These are Safflower, and they are the source of what has quickly become one of the most popular oils for use in skin care and in food.  Safflower Oil is packed with Linoleic Acid, making it very moisturizing and nutritious for the skin.  It has a light texture, and is virtually odorless, making it a very versatile ingredient which can be used to make lotions, soaps, conditioners, massage products, or practically any type of formula you can imagine.  

Strawberry Seed Oil

Behold the Strawberry, one of nature's most delicious creations.  Rich in Vitamin C, and ever so tasty, these little red berries boast one of the most popular scents and flavors used in baking, skin care, and home fragrance, but did you know that Strawberry Seeds contained a bounty of beneficial attributes as well?  It's true!  Those itty bitty seeds contain huge amounts of antioxidants, tocopherol, and essential fatty acids.  When cold pressed, they yield a clear golden oil that is excellent for use in skin care.  Strawberry Seed Oil can be used in facials, specialty soaps, lotions, creams, and serums.  It is a great addition to anti-aging formulas, scrubs massage oils, or dry skin treatments.  Like most Berry Seed Oils, Strawberry Seed Oil has a delightfully light texture and a slightly sweet and acidic aroma. 

Pairing Strawberry Seed Oil with other ingredients couldn't be more fun.  Try using it along with Pink Kaolin Clay, Neroli Hydrosol, and Whole Milk Powder to create a sweet Strawberry Facial Mask.  Making a Salt Scrub?  Why not combine Strawberry Seed Oil with another light Oil such as Fractionated Coconut before adding it to some Bolivian Pink Salt and Dried Strawberry Seeds?  Top off any of your Strawberry inspired creations with a dash of our yummy Strawberry Fragrance Oil to make them totally irresistable.  Do you have any favorite recipes inspired by the Strawberry?  Share them with us in the comments below.

Bora White Sand & Tahitian Volcanic Black Sand

Photo by Claudia Meyers

Natural Sands from the Pacific Islands makes an exotic, and intensely exfoliating addition to hand, foot, and body scrubs.  These ethically harvested beach sands are collected under strict guidelines to ensure sustainability, and are sanitized for safe use in skin care products.  Though these Sands do make excellent exfoliants, they can be a little intense.  Keep this in mind when formulating. 

These Sands come in two varieties, Bora White Sand, and Tahitian Black Sand.  Bora White Sand is composed primarily of crushed coral or calcium carbonate.  It has a bright, white color, which adds a soft, lovely appearance to scrubs, soaps, and other exfoliating products.  Tahitian Black Sand is formed by volcanic lava, and has a gorgeous black color.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day is the perfect time to refresh yourself.  Your mind, body, or spirit can benefit from taking a little time for personal replenishment.  Here are some great ideas for celebrating the new year with self improvement in mind:

Spa Day
Whether you treat yourself to an afternoon at a professional spa, or pamper yourself at home with a handmade spa routine, a Spa Day is sure to hit the spot.  Facials, hair treatments, pedicures, manicures, and massage can enhance your spirits as well as your body.

Meditation
Taking a little time for meditation on the New Year is a wonderful way to relax, reflect, and center yourself.  The New Year is a great time to consider the past, plan for the future, and relish the present.  Centering yourself through meditation can help to prepare you for these challenges by providing a clear mind, and a calm emotional state.

Bubble Bath
Never underestimate the power of this classic indulgence.  A simple bubble bath can be just the thing to put you in a great mood for the New Year.  Try enhancing your trip to the tub with Aromatherapy Oils, or skin soothing additives such as Oat Flour or Kaolin Clay.

What will you do to celebrate the new year?  Let us know in the comments below!