The Natural Beauty Workshop

Cranberry Pumpkin Salt Scrub

This fragrant Salt Scrub is packed with skin loving ingredients that can help to soften and moisturize your skin.  Pumpkin Seed Oil contains high levels of zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.  Cranberry Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. All of this natural goodness can help to improve your skin's condition while mineral rich Bolivian Pink Salt provides exfoliation and stimulates circulation.  This simple scrub is quick and easy to make, and a pleasure to use.  We've added Polysorbate 20 to this recipe to make it rinsable, and Cranberry Fragrance Oil to enhance the scrub's aroma. For an all natural scrub, simply leave out these two ingredients and double the amount of Cranberry Seed Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil.

 Cranberry Pumpkin Salt Scrub
Makes about 4 Ounces

Ingredients
1/2 cup Bolivian Pink Salt, Fine
1/2 ounce Pumpkin Seed Oil
1/2 ounce Cranberry Seed Oil
1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Fruit Fiber
1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Fruit Seeds
1 ounce Polysorbate 20
1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Fragrance Oil

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Pumpkin Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Polysorbate 20, and Cranberry Fragrance Oil.  Stir the liquids well to make sure they are fully combined.  Next, add the Bolivian Pink Salt and stir again, making sure to break up any clumps in the salt.  Add the Cranberry Fruit Fiber and Cranberry Fruit Seeds and mix well.  A natural or synthetic preservative may be added to this recipe at your own discretion.  For information on preservatives, please visit our informational library.

Packaging & Usage
Spoon the mixture into a PET plastic Jar.  Make sure that the top of the jar and the lid are totally free from oil before you cap the jar.  Any oil on the lid or the top of the jar can cause the scrub to leak.  In a sealed container, this scrub should last several months, but after it is opened it can easily become contaminated during use.  Keeping the jar away from water, and using clean utensils to scoop out the scrub will help to keep it from becoming contaminated.  You can also package the scrub in single serving containers so that they will be used up completely after they opened.

There are many scrubbing techniques out there, but this is one I am particularly fond of.  Step into the shower and before turning the water on, scrub your body all over! (Of course, avoiding very sensitive areas or broken skin.)  When you are thoroughly scrubbed, turn the shower on and rinse.  When the shower is over, make sure to moisturize your skin with a body oil, cream, or lotion.

To Make an All Natural Version
Simply double the amount of oils, and leave out the Polysorbate 20 and Fragrance Oil.  An Essential Oil can be added or you canleave the scrub unscented.

Now you can purchase all the ingredients and packaging you'll need to create around our Cranberry Pumpkin Salt Scrub in our Body Care Craft Kit for just $20.00! Body Care Craft Kits or finished cookies make excellent, affordable holiday gifts.

Red Raspberry Facial Mask

This fresh mask is great for combination skin.  The Organic Honey Powder acts as an antiseptic to help fight acne and oily patches while Organic Red Raspberry Oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, nourishes the skin.  Gentle Pink Kaolin Clay provides deep cleansing action without over-drying.  Our main wetting agent in this mask is Neroli Hydrosol, a gentle, but effective astringent with a sweet fruity and floral aroma.  This recipe makes about a third of a cup (or about 3 ounces) of mask.  You can share with a friend or two when you make this up or you can store the remaining mask, sealed tightly in your refrigerator for 3 - 5 days.  As with all natural formulations, the mask will run the risk of becoming contaminated or going rancid  prematurely without a preservative added.  Discard your mask if it changes color, odor or if appears “off” in any other way.

Red Raspberry Facial Mask

Ingredients
2 tablespoons Pink Kaolin Clay
2 tablespoons Organic Raspberry Seed Powder
1 tablespoon Organic Honey Powder
1/2 ounce Neroli Hydrosol
1/8 ounce Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil          

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Pink Kaolin Clay, Raspberry Seed Powder, and Honey Powder.  Stir the ingredients together, making sure to break up any clumps.  Next, add the Neroli Hydrosol and Red Raspberry Seed Oil.  Stir the mixture thoroughly, forming a smooth paste.

Instructions
Before applying the mask, gently open your pores by dabbing your skin with a warm, damp towel.  This mask can also be used on your neck, shoulders or any other problem zones.  Allow the mask to dry for about ten minutes before rinsing it away.  The Fruit Seed Powder makes a great exfoliant so be sure to gently massage the mask onto your skin before rinsing.  Follow the mask with the toner and moisturizer of your choice.

This mask is gentle enough to be used about twice a week.  Please be aware, though, everyone’s skin is different.  If you experience any negative effects from this or any other recipe, discontinue use immediately.

Lavender Lover's Kitchen Soap

A classic ingredient in provincial cooking, Lavender makes a perfect aroma for the kitchen.  This gentle kitchen soap is made with all natural Liquid Castile and a blend of fragrant Lavender Essential Oil and antiseptic Naiouli Essential Oil.  This gentle hand soap can help to disinfect and refresh your hands after cooking or cleaning.

Lavender Lover's Kitchen Soap
Makes about 4 ounces

Ingredients
4 ounces Aloe Castile Shower Gel Base
1 teaspooon Lavender Bulgaria Essential Oil
1/8  teaspoon Naiouli Essential Oil

Directions & Packaging
In a small mixing bowl or cup combine Aloe Castile Shower Gel Base and Essential Oils. Stir the mixture well before pouring it into a bottle with a Pump or Disc Cap. Brushed Almunimum Bottles are a my recommended choice for this soap, but it would also look nice in a PET Plastic Bottle. Lavender Lover's Kitchen Soap makes a great gift when accompanied by Lavender Lover's Body Polish.

Lavender Lover's Body Polish

For those who love the classic aroma of Lavender, this salt scrub should send them into euphoric bliss. This fragrant Body Polish is made with fine grain Icelandic Geothermal Brine to provide gentle buffing and exfoliation to the skin. The addition of all natural Castile Shower Gel helps the moisturizing scrub rinse away easily, leaving behind beautifully polished skin.

Lavender Lover's Body Polish
Makes about 6 ounces

Ingredients
3 ounces Avocado Oil
1 ounce Aloe Castile Shower Gel Base
1/2 cup Icelandic Geothermal Brine
1 tablespoon Lavender Buds Powder
1 teaspoon Lavender, Bulgaria Essential Oil

Directions
In a small bowl or cup, mix the Avocado Oil, Aloe Castile Shower Gel Base, and Lavender Essential Oil together. Next, add the Icelandic Geothermal Brine and Lavender Buds Powder. Stir the mixture well, making sure to break apart any clumps of salt. After the mixture is thoroughly combined it can be spooned into jars.

Usage and Packaging
Body Polishes are essentially the same as a classic Body Scrub.   The difference between the two is that Body Polishes use a finer grain exfoliant, making the scrub gentler.  Body Polishes can be used all over the body, but are still too harsh for most people's faces. To create a facial scrub you'll need to use an even gentler exfoliant such as Baking Soda, Milk Powder, or Oatmeal.

Lavender Lover's Body Polish looks adorable in 2 oz. Flat PET Jars with White Lids.  If you are giving the Body Polish as a gift, try tying it up with a piece of purple ribbon and fresh sprig of lavender.

Lemongrass Salt Scrub

Being the last month of summer, August's Scrub of the Month is made with the sunny aroma of Lemongrass and cheerfully colored Yellow Illite Clay. This slushy summer time scrub is packed with moisturizing oils and butters including Babassu Oil, Mango Butter, and Poppy Seed Oil. 

Lemongrass Salt Scrub
Makes about 8 ounces of scrub

Ingredients
1 cup Fine or Medium Grain Dead Sea Salt
1/2 ounce Mango Butter
1/2 ounce Babassu Oil
1 ounce Poppy Seed Oil
2 teaspoons Yellow Illite Clay
10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
10 drops Vanilla Absolute (Optional - This helps to soften the strong aroma of Lemongrass Essential Oil. You can also use a more economic synthetic Vanilla Fragrance Oil.)

Directions
Gently warm the Mango Butter and Babassu Oils until they are completely melted.  In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and oil with the Poppy Seed Oil and the Dead Sea Salt.  Stir well, and then add the Yellow Illite Clay and Essential Oils.  Stir the mixture well, making sure to fully disperse the Essential Oils and Clay.  Add a preservative if you'd like before spooning the mixture into jars.

Packaging and Usage
I prefer to package this scrub in PET Plastic Jars. These crystal clear jars show off the product well and are very durable.  In a sealed container, this scrub should last several months, but after it is opened it can easily become contaminated during use. Keeping the jar away from water, and using clean utensils to scoop out the scrub will help to keep it from becoming contaminated.  You can also package the scrub in single serving containers so that they will be used up completely after they opened.

Blissful Body Mousse

This deliciously fragrant variation of Whipped Shea Butter is a must-have in my personal skin care stash.  Peach Kernel Oil and High Linoleic Safflower Oil make this whipped body butter extremely nourishing and moisturizing, but what really makes this recipe irresistible is its heavenly aroma!  Vanilla, Bergamot, and Ylang Ylang are known for their aroma therapeutic properties.  With each whiff you'll add a little bliss to your day. (Or daydream.)

Blissful Body Mousse

Ingredients
5 Ounces Shea Butter, Crushed and Refined
3 Ounces Peach Kernel Oil
3 Ounces Safflower Oil, High Linoleic
1 Ounce Jojoba Esters, 70 (MP70)
1 Teaspoon Cornstarch

Essential Oil Blend
15 drops Bourbon Vanilla Absolute
25 drops Bergamot, Ivory Coast
5 Drops Ylang Ylang Extra, Madagascar

Directions
In a double boiler, melt and heat the Shea Butter to approximately 175 Degrees Fahrenheit.  Hold the melted Shea Butter at this temperature for at least twenty minutes before adding the Jojoba Esters.  Holding the melted Shea Butter at this heat for twenty minutes will allow tiny crystals in the butter to fully melt, allowing a smooth, even texture to form when the butter has cooled.  As soon as the Jojoba Esters have melted remove the mixture from heat.  Depending on your double boiler you may have to transfer the mixture to a bowl.  Next, add the Peach Kernel and Safflower Oils, and the Cornstarch.  Stir the mixture well then begin to whip it.  I recommend using a hand or stand mixer for this step, as the whipping process can take a fairly long time.  Whip the mixture for 5 - 10 minutes then add the Essential Oil Blend.  Continue to whip the mixture for another 5 - 10 minutes.  As the mixture cools it will thicken, and firm up.  The finished mixture can be spooned or piped into containers.  Within a few hours, the Mousse should set and become stiff.

Packaging and Usage
The Blissful Body Mousse looks fabulous packed in Flat PET Jars.  It can also be stored in Flat or Dome Cream Jars.  This recipe will fill about 20 ounces of volume.  It should fill about five 4 Ounce Jars or ten 2 Ounce Jars.

Monoi De Tahiti Summer Salt Scrub

During the summer, Monoi De Tahiti remains in a liquid state as long as the weather remains warm and sunny. This makes July the perfect month to feature Monoi De Tahiti in a Scrub of The Month recipe.  The subtle aroma of Tiare has been blended with Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils, and Ginger Lily CO2 Extract.  The warm, sunny aroma of this scrub is perfect for a summer spa session or a salt glow massage.

Monoi De Tahiti Summer Salt Scrub
Makes 4 ounces of scrub.

Ingredients
1/4 cup Sea Salt, Fine
4 tablespoons Monoi De Tahiti Oil
1 tablespoon Apricot Kernel Oil
20 drops Ginger Lily CO2 Extract
20 Drops Tangerine Essential Oil
5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Directions
In a small mixing bowl combine the Sea Salt, Monoi De Tahiti, and Apricot Kernel Oil.  Mix well, then add the Essential Oils and CO2 Extract.  Mix once again before packaging. 

Packaging
This scrub looks great packaged in a Flat PET Jars. 

Oatmeal-a-molé

I must admit, I have an Avocado problem.  They are a staple on my grocery list and on any given day you can open my fridge to find at least one or two tucked safely in the crisper.  If they are on sale I will methodically select multiple Avocados in a variety of ripeness so that I can be assured of a good Avocado stock for the next couple of weeks.  I could actually tell you how ripe the Avocado’s tend to be in any given area grocery store.  I’m nuts!  I make guacamole, put them in salads, on sandwiches and everywhere else I need a touch of creamy green goodness.  This facial mask recipe is an homage to my favorite item in the produce department.

Oatmeal-a-molé Face Mask

Great for dry, inflamed, or sensitive skin.  This recipe will yield between 1/3 and 3/8 of a cup of mask.   This can be used fresh or stored in a tightly sealed container for one to two days.

Ingredients
One half of a medium Avocado Fresh, very ripe Avocado
1 tablespoon Colloidal Oatmeal, Coarse   
2 tablespoon Oat Straw Powder   
1 - 2 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
2 drops Rosehip Oil

Directions
Cut one medium Avocado in half and remove pit.  Make sure to choose a very soft Avocado as it will be much easier to use in this recipe.  In a medium sized mixing bowl mash the Avocado until it is a smooth consistency (like guacamole).  Add the Colloidal Oatmeal and Oat Straw Powder.  Stir all ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.  Stir in Chamomile Essential Oil and Rosehip Oil. Make sure you do not add more than 5 drops of Rosehip Oil or the Mask will have a hard time sticking to the skin.

Instructions
Start with a clean face, but do not moisten before you begin.  This mask is inherently slippery so the dry skin will help it to stick.  Leave the mask on and relax for about ten minutes.  Gently massage the mask a little bit to exfoliate your skin before rinsing off.

Storage
Avocados oxidize quickly, but with the addition of Rosehip Oil and Chamomile Essential Oil a tightly sealed container of this mask may last for a few days in the refrigerator.  As with all natural formulations there is a chance that it can become contaminated or go rancid prematurely.  Keep a close eye on your mixture and discard it immediately if it shows any sign of rancidity or contamination.

(Pictured above: What a good sport! Laura, a close friend of mine, tries out the Oatmeal-a-molé Face Mask.It looks like she's enjoying it too!)

Mint Twist Exfoliating Lip Scrub

I’ve been seeing more and more lip exfoliating products online and in the stores lately.  I finally broke down and tried one recently and I just loved how my lips felt afterward - so smooth and soft! Unfortunately, I was a little unhappy with the texture of the particular brand I tried.  It was a bit too greasy for my taste.  I knew I had to make up my own version as soon as possible and I am very pleased with the result.  This recipe is pretty quick and would be a great addition to a facial, a spa party, or a unique lip care line.  The cooling, creamy Shealoe gives your lips something to smile about while gentle Jojoba Wax Beads and Organic Sugar Grains scrub away dry flakes.  The delicious aroma of Peppermint and Lime is just an added bonus. 

Mint Twist Exfoliating Lip Scrub

Ingredients

10 grams Beeswax (white, filtered, pellets)
22 grams Shealoe Butter
8 grams Organic Jojoba, Clear*
8 grams Castor Oil
2 grams Lecithin
1 ml Peppermint Essential Oil
1 ml Lime Flavor Oil**
6 grams Green Jojoba Wax Beads
6 grams Organic Sugar (Fine grain)***

Directions
In a hot double boiler melt the Beeswax and Shealoe Butter until they are completely liquefied.  Next, add the Jojoba, Castor Oil and Lecithin.  Mix the ingredients thoroughly and transfer the mixture into a small to medium sized mixing bowl.  Using a hand held whisk whip the mixture until it is just beginning to solidify.  Add the Peppermint Essential Oil and Lime Flavor Oil to the mixture now.  It is important that you add these oils before your mixture becomes too stiff.  Whip the mixture a few more times to mix in the oils and then add your Organic Sugar and your Jojoba Wax Beads.  Continue to whip the mixture until it is thoroughly mixed and has cooled completely. It should be the consistency of a thick frosting.

Packaging
If you are making this scrub for immediate use simply transfer it into a clean bowl and cover until you are ready to use it. If you would like to store it for later use I recommend our clear dome jars. This batch will fill between 5 and 6 1/4 oz clear dome jars. 

Instructions
Apply a small dab of the scrub to your lips and gently massage with your finger.  When you are finished scrubbing you can use a tissue to wipe away the excess scrub.

*Other varieties of Jojoba including, Organic Jojoba, Golden and Jojoba, Natural can be substituted in this recipe, but Organic Jojoba, Clear is superior for this formulation due to its lack of color or odor.
**Please make sure to use flavor oil as opposed to essential oil in this recipe.  Citrus oils can be bitter to the taste and are also known to be strong photo-sensitizers.  Lime Essential Oil would not be suitable for this recipe.
*** Organic sugar can be found locally at most grocery stores.  The ideal grain size is the closest possible to your conventional refined white sugar.  If you don’t have Organic sugar available locally conventional white sugar is the next best substitute.                 

Kapha Massage Bar

This warm colored massage bar is made primarily from the Ayurvedic Oil, Kapha.  Kapha Oil is made from a moisturizing Sesame Oil that has been infused with a carefully selected variety of herbs.  This herbal blend includes Ginger Lily, Agarwood, CedarWood, Turmeric, Sandalwood, and Cinnamon Bark.  Kapha Oil has a subtle, spicy aroma and provides a warming sensation while helping to increase circulation and stimulate the senses.  The Kapha Massage Bar is colored with Paprika to give it a warm orange tint on the top of the bar.

Kapha Massage Bar

Ingredients
3 ounces Kapha Oil
1 1/2 ounces Babassu Butter
1 1/2 ounces Candelilla Wax
1/2 teaspoon Paprika Powder

Special Equipment
Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
Massage Bar Mold

Instructions
Combine 1/2 ounce Babassu Butter, 1 ounce Kapha Oil, and 1/2 teaspoon Paprika Powder in a double boiler and heat for 10 - 15 minutes.  Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth to remove the Paprika Powder.  After the oil has been strained return it to the double boiler and add 1/2 ounce Candelilla Wax.  Once the wax has melted completely pour the mixture into a Massage Bar Mold.  The first layer of this bar will have to cool completely before you add the second layer.  You may want to put the bar in the refrigerator while you prepare the oils for the second layer.  Clean and dry the double boiler than add 2 ounces Kapha Oil, 1 ounce Babassu Butter, and 1 ounce Candelilla Wax.  Heat the mixture until completely melted than pour over first layer in the Massage Bar Mold.  Allow the bar to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the mold.  Removing it prematurely can cause the bar to crack or break.

Usage
Gently rub the Kapha Massage Bar onto the skin.  When the bar contacts skin it should begin to melt.  Use the bar to coat a generous amount of oil onto the skin and then set it aside while you massage.  The Kapha Massage Bar should be packaged in a tin or cello bag when not in use.  Kapha Oil contains a sizable variety of herbs and spices.  Some skin types may be irritated by one or more of these herbs or spices.  If any irritation occurs discontinue use immediately and wash the skin with soap and water.