The Natural Beauty Workshop

Rose & Mimosa Solid Perfume

This all natural, vegan, perfume is made from only three ingredients: Mimosa Floral Wax, Clear Jojoba, and Organic Rose Damnascena CO2 Extract.  This is a pretty luxurious recipe, as it is made with mostly precious ingredients.  You can create a more economic version of this recipe by swapping the CO2 out for something less expensive.  Natural options include our Rose Essential Oil, Rose Absolute, or Rose Attar.  You can make the recipe even less costly by using a Rose Fragrance Oil in place of the CO2.  If you do choose to use a Fragrance Oil, be sure to use a little more than the recipe calls for, as the scent will not be as strong.

 

Rose & Mimosa Solid Perfumes

Ingredients

• 1/8 ounce Mimosa Floral Wax
• 1/2 ounce Jojoba, Clear
• 5 - 10 Drops Organic Rose Damnascena CO2 Extract

Directions
In a double boiler, gently melt the Floral Wax and Jojoba Oil together.  When the Floral Wax has melted completely, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for a few moments.  Add the CO2 Extract and stir well before pouring the mixture into containers.  Allow the containers to cool and harden completely before handling them.

Usage & Packaging
Dab a small amount of perfume onto your neck, behind your ears, on your wrists, or wherever you'd like to enjoy a touch of floral fragrance.  These tiny perfumes can be packaged in numerous ways.  Since they pack a strong scent in a small volume, I would suggest using small containers.  Our Crystal Jars, or Pink Mini Lip Balm Pots would be good choices.  We packaged ours in our 1/4 ounce Slider Tins for this project.  You can download free, printable labels here to make your tins extra pretty:  Download MimosaRosePerfumeSheet

Please note that the label print out includes two different ingredient listings, one that uses CO2 Extract, and one that uses Fragrance Oil.  Make sure you pick the right label when you decorate your tin.

Sleepover Party Edition Body Care Craft Kits

We're please to introduce our brand new line of Body Care Craft Kits, the Sleepover Party Editions!  These special Body Care Craft Kits each make six portions of handmade skin care product that can be created and enjoyed at your next slumber party.  Combine any of these new kits to throw a special sleepover spa party for your guests!

 
Strawberry Slushy Scrub Kit - This scrumptious smelling scrub is made with sweet sugar, and naturally moisturizing fruit and vegetable oils. White Sugar and dried Strawberry Seeds gently exfoliate your hands and feet, while Coconut Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, and real Strawberry Seed Oil condition the skin with a bounty of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Paprika and Beet Root add a touch of natural color to the mix, making this scrub extra fun to make and use. This recipe is made fresh to order and should be used as soon as it is mixed up. The kit makes enough for six slumber party guests to scrub their hands and feet until they are soft, smooth, and strawberry pink!  The scrub is meant to be enjoyed at the party, eliminating the need for excess packaging.

Shimmering Thai Coconut Bed Time Powder Kit - Add a touch of scent and silky softness to your bed sheets, and your body, using this Shimmering Thai Coconut Bed Time Powder. This handmade powder is lightly scented with sweet Thai Coconut, and shimmers with sparkling Silver Mica. The easy to make recipe yields six containers of shimmering powder that your guests can take home after the party. Enjoy this body powder after invigorating the skin with our Sleepover Party Edition Strawberry Slushy Scrub. Then sprinkle lightly in your sleeping bags to enjoy the sweet aroma while you slumber. Apply the powder to your feet before putting on your clean socks to make your feet feel extra smooth and silky.  The Shimmering Thai Coconut Bed Time Powder Kit contains enough ingredients to make six containers of sweetly scented, soft, shimmering powder for your body and bed sheets.

Raspberry Vanilla Facial Oil Kit - Packed with skin loving natural ingredients, Raspberry Vanilla Facial Oil is a moisturizing bed time treat for your skin. Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, and Vitamin E 400 Oil are naturally high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and nutritive vitamins that help to repair and condition the skin. Jojoba, a natural liquid wax, mimics your skin's natural protective barrier, to help keep your skin smooth, supple, and happy. A sweet touch of Vanilla Fragrance Oil makes it a soothing treat before bed time. This kit makes six bottles of Raspberry Vanilla Facial Oil; perfect for your slumber party guests to take home after the sleepover has ended.  The Raspberry Vanilla Facial Oil Kit contains enough ingredients to make six bottles of nutrient-rich, moisturizing facial oil.

White Chocolate Facial Kit - This gentle facial mask is made with White Kaolin Clay to gently cleanse the skin without stripping it of its moisture. Oat Flour soothes the skin with its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Real Cocoa Powder and our decadent White Chocolate Fragrance Oil complete this yummy facial with a sweet scent, and a smooth, chocolaty color. This recipe is made fresh to order, and should be used as soon as it is mixed up. The kit makes enough for six facials, perfect for a slumber party!  This facial kit is meant to be enjoyed at the party, eliminating the need for packaging.

 

Purchase our Sleepover Party Edition Body Care Craft Kits individually, or visit this page to order 3 or more Kits to save 5%.  Looking for our classic line of Body Care Craft Kits?  We are still proud to offer over a dozen different Body Care Craft Kits at From Nature With Love.  Check them out here!

Pretty in Pink

This month, I picked a selection of pretty pink projects from The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Group.  These gorgeous photos were added to the pool by some of our very talented group members. Thank you, contributors, for continuing to share your gorgeous work with us!  

Twilight Butter by SugarSugarScrub

Rosa Mosqueta by EnJabonArte Guatemala

Rose Soap by Morgan Street

Slice of Passion by Calencir

Snow Apple Shea Butter Lip Balm by FamiliarLover

Crema de Coco by Nevenka

French Lavender Soap by Naiad Soap Arts

Hot Couture Goat's Milk & Olive Oil Soap by Mea Culpa Body and Bath

Acai Berry Sugar Scrub Cubes by Anita's Sweet Treats & Crafts

If you'd like to join the fun, visit The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Group today.  It's totally free to join Flickr and the group.  Add your favorite handmade bath & body photos the group through Flickr, and it may be featured on an upcoming blog post. 

The Rub: A Guide to Home Massage

When it comes to home massage it usually takes two to tango.  This creates a wonderful opportunity for closeness and quality time, whether your partner is a spouse, a significant other, or your child.  A gentle loving touch can help to bring you closer together while promoting comfort, health, and relaxation.  For some tips on home massage, check out Beauty by the Batch's article, Tips For Gentle Home Massage.  You can learn even more by picking up a book on the subject.  Check out the Book Store at From Nature With Love for some great books on massage.

When you are ready to try your hand at massage, you'll need a good massage oil to use during your session.  You can choose a simple Carrier Oil, or create a special blend using one of The Natural Beauty Workshop's many Massage Recipes.  We've highlighted some of our top picks for each below. 

 Carrier Oils for Massage

• Sweet Almond Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Chardonnay Grape Seed Oil 
• Hazelnut Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Perilla Seed Oil

Massage Recipes from The Natural Beauty Workshop

• Ginger Wood Massage Oil
• Cooling Cucumber & Mint Body Oil
• Kapha Massage Bar
• Mochacchino Massage Melts
• Organic Body Oil
• Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars

Watermelon Sherbet Scrub

This creamy, multi colored salt scrub is scented with our yummy Watermelon Candy Fragrance Oil.  Made with creamy Shealoe Butter, and ultra fine Dendritic Salt, this unique scrub will have you buffed, polished, and smelling as sweet as can be. 

Watermelon Sherbet Scrub

Makes about 16 ounces

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Shealoe Butter
• 2 cups Dendritic Salt
• 1/4 ounce Watermelon Candy Fragrance Oil
• 2 .15 cc scoops of FDA Red Mica*
• 2 .15 cc scoops of FDA Green Mica*

*Please note: These colorants may bleed or fade over time.  For a more reliable color, try using Chromium Oxide Green or Avocado Mica for the green section and Rouge Flambe Mica or Pink Glimmer Mica for the red section.

Directions

Start by mixing the Dendritic Salt, Fragrance Oil, and Shealoe Butter together in a large mixing bowl.  The Shealoe Butter should be soft enough to mix at room temperature, but if it is too firm, try warming it gently by submerging the sealed container in a hot water bath for several minutes.  When the first three ingredients are mixed thoroughly, separate the mixture into four equal portions.  Place two portions into a separate mixing bowl and add the FDA Red Mica, mixing well to fully disperse the colorant.  Next, put one portion in another bowl and add the FDA Green Mica.  Leave the last portion of scrub white.  (Tip: If you like, you can add a little extra Mica for a bolder color.  Just don't add too much, or the color could end up dyeing your skin while using the scrub.) Now that your scrub is colored, you can scoop it into your containers.  Start by adding the green scrub, then the white, then the pink.  You'll want to fill 1/4 of the jar with green scrub, 1/4 with white scrub, and 1/2 with pink.  It helps to tap the mixture down in between each layer. 

Packaging

For this recipe, we used four 4 ounce PET Jars with White Lids.  You can split the scrub into smaller or larger portions by using another sized jar.  Your scrubs will look extra cute if you use our free printable labels.  Download them here: Download WatermelonSherbScrubLabelsSheet  You can attach the labels to the jars directly, or punch a small hole in them to use them as tags.  

Shampoo Bar Ingredients

Shampoo Bars are often made very similarly to bar soaps.  In fact, formulating a soap bar that includes ingredients that are beneficial to the hair is a great way to invent your own shampoo bar recipe.  From Nature With Love carries an extensive variety of ingredients that can be helpful to hair.  Try creating a cold process, hot process, or hand milled soap recipe using some of the following ingredients.  Click on each link to learn more about the  individual ingredients, and what they can be used for in hair care.

Vegetable Butters

• Aloe Butter
• Avocado Butter
• Cupuacu Butter
• Olive Butter
• Shea Butter
• Organic Nilotica Shea

Vegetable Oils

• Acai Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Argan Oil
• Amla Oil
• Arnica Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Baobab Oil
• Black Cumin Seed Oil
• Brazil Nut Oil
• Broccoli Seed Oil
• Buriti Fruit Oil
• Camellia Seed Oil
• Camelina Oil
• Carrot Oil
• Castor Oil, Pale Pressed
• Coffee Oil, Green
• Copaiba Balsam Oil
• Jojoba, Natural
• Kiwi Seed Oil
• Manketti Oil
• Marula Oil
• Meadowfoam Seed Oil
• Passion Flower Oil(Passionfruit), Refined
• Pequi Oil
• Vegetable Squalene
• Watermelon Seed Oil
• Yangu Oil (Cape Chestnut)

Essential Oils & CO2 Extracts

• CO2 Extract: Arnica Flower Total
• CO2 Extract: Chia Seed (Spanish Sage) Total
• CO2 Extract: Helio Carrot (Root) Total
• CO2 Extract: Oat
• CO2 Extract: Rosemary Select, Cineole Type
• Essential Oil: Bay, Dominican Republic
• Essential Oil: Cedarwood, Virginia
• Essential Oil: Juniper Berry, India
• Essential Oil: Neroli, Tunisia
• Essential Oil: Rosemary, Spain
• Essential Oil: Sage, Spain
• Organic Essential Oil: Yarrow

Herbs

• Amla Powder
• Bhringraj Powder
• Hibiscus Petal Powder
• Sandalwood Powder
• Shikakai Powder
• Stinging Nettles

Powdered Extracts

• Powdered Extract: Burdock Root 4:1
• Powdered Extract: Calendula 5:1
• Powdered Extract: Chamomile 4:1
• Powdered Extract: Green Tea Leaf 50%
• Powdered Extract: Oat Straw 10:1
• Powdered Extract: Stinging Nettles 4:1

Other Ingredients

• Lanolin Oil
• Silk Peptide Powder

Why are shampoo bars worth the effort?  Check out Beauty by the Batch's recent article on Shampoo Bars to find out more.  Shampoo Bars: Cleanse Your Hair Naturally and Inexpensively.   

What ingredients do you like to include in your Shampoo Bars?  Please let us know in the comment below.

Getting Scrubby: A Guide to Using Natural Exfoliants

Exfoliation is an important part of skin care.  Both your body's skin, and the delicate skin on your face needs to be buffed now and then to keep dull, dead skin cells under control.  Picking the right exfoliant for your recipe is the key factor in creating a recipe that you and your skin will adore. 

The following list breaks down our most popular exfoliating ingredients into categories by their strength.  For facials, try using an Ultra Mild or Mild Exfoliant.  As usual, too much of a good thing can yield bad results.  Even medium strength exfoliants can damage delicate facial skin.  Instead of blasting your skin with a strong exfoliant, try using a Mild or Ultra Mild Exfoliant regularly.

For body scrubs, you have a huge variety of options at your disposal.  You can use any of the Ultra Mild, Mild, or Medium Exfoliants in any combination to create body polishes, scrubs, or body masks.  

Strong Exfoliants should be reserved for your most tough areas.  They are great for foot scrubs, or for heavy duty hand scrubs.  Handle Strong Exfoliants with care.  They pack a serious punch!

Ultra Mild Exfoliants These exfoliants use natural lactic or fruit acids to loosen dead skin cells without scrubbing, giving your skin the gentlest possible exfoliation.  These ingredients can be used in body masks, but are most often used in facials. 

• Whole Milk Powder
• Buttermilk Powder
• Yogurt Powder
• Coconut Milk Powder
• Fresh Strawberry or Mixed Berry Puree

Mild Exfoliants These exfoliants are used to gently scrub the skin, without harsh abrasion.  These ingredients can be used to exfoliate the body in the stlye of a traditional ubtan.  They are also ideal for facial scrubs.

• Almond Flour
• Chickpea Flour
• Oat Flour, Fine
• Rice Bran Powder, Fine
• Rice Flour, Fine 
• Adzuki Bean Powder
• White Kaolin Clay
• Rose Clay
• Blueberry Fruit Fiber
• Cranberry Fruit Fiber
• Kiwi Fruit Fiber
• Raspberry Seed Powder
• Grape Seed Powder
• Vanilla Bean Specks
• Banslochan (Bamboo) Powder
• Jojoba Wax Beads
• Coral Calcium Powder

Medium Exfoliants These ingredients are ideal for body scrubs.  They pack plenty of exfoliating power, but are mild enough to be used all over your body.  However, they are a little too strong for your face, or other very delicate areas.

• Sea Salt, Fine
• Sea Salt, Small
• Dead Sea Salt, Fine
• Bolivian Pink Salt, Fine
• Himalyan Pink Salt, Fine
• Brown Sugar
• Turbinado Sugar
• Demerara Sugar
• Rice Bran Powder, Coarse
• Oatmeal, Coarse
• Walnut Shell Powder, Fine
• Jojoba Nut Meal 30/60
• Rosehip Seed Powder
• Blackberry Fruit Seeds
• Black Raspberry Fruit Seeds
• Blueberry Fruit Seeds
• Cranberry Fruit Seeds
• Kiwi Fruit Seeds
• Raspberry Fruit Seeds
• Strawberry Fruit Seeds
• Coconut, Shredded
• Dutch Blue Poppy Seeds

Strong Exfoliants These extra strength exfoliants should be reserved for especially tough areas, like the feet.  They are too rough for most areas of the body, and are far too rough for the face.  Also keep in mind that several of these ingredients don't dissolve, and can cause issues with some plumbing systems.

• Dead Sea Mud Grains
• Dead Sea Salt, Medium
• Walnut Shell Powder, Medium
• Pumice Powder
• Bora Bora White Sand
• Tahitian Black Sand (Volcanic)

Introducing Our New Exfoliant Samplers We are pleased to announce the addition of three new Samplers to our product line, all of which focus on exfoliants!  Use these Samplers to check out a variety of exfoliants for your different types of scrubs, cleansers, and exfoliating soaps. 

• Body Exfoliants Sampler
• Facial Exfoliants Sampler
• Exfoliating Salts & Sugars Sampler