The Natural Beauty Workshop

How to Make Cocoa Almond Whipped Body Butter

We are proud to announce that we just published our very first video on the new From Nature With Love YouTube Channel!  Emmy and Kibby have been hard at work recording videos featuring step by step instructions on making recipes from our popular line of Body Care Craft Kits.  The first video features our Cocoa Almond Whipped Body Butter, a moisturizing body butter made with Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, and a touch of Almond Fragrance.  We hope that you enjoy this video while we work on creating more!

If you liked this video, visit our YouTube Channel to give the video a "Thumbs Up", leave a comment, or subscribe to the channel to be alerted when future videos are added.  Do you have a handmade personal care related YouTube Channel of your own?  Let us know, by leaving a link in the comments below.  We'd love to check out your videos too!

 

Cooling Cucumber & Mint Body Oil

This cooling, calming Body Oil was designed with shaving in mind.  After shaving your legs, your skin can feel quite dry, and can even become irritated.  Chamomile Essential Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe your angry skin, while Spearmint Essential Oil provides a gentle cooling sensation.  Cucumber, Aloe Vera, and Camellia Seed Oils can moisturize and condition the skin while also contributing to the cool, calm, experience this recipe provides.  This Body Oil is not only a great aftershave, it will feel great on skin that has been mildly irritated by sun, allergens, or chronic dryness.

Cooling Cucumber & Mint Body Oil

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Aloe Vera Oil
• 1 ounce Cucumber Seed Oil
• 1 ounce Camellia Seed Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Chamomile Essential Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Organic Spearmint Essential Oil
• 1 Drop Vitamin E T50

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the three Carrier Oils and mix well.  Next, add the carefully measured Essential Oils and mix again.  Using a funnel or a very steady hand, transfer the mixture to bottle.

Usage and Packaging
Try packaging this Body Oil in a 4 Ounce PET Bottle with a Disc, Turret, or Snap Cap for easy dispensing.  You can dress up the bottle with our printable labels, which you can download here: Download Cucumber Mint Body Oil Labels

The Oil can be applied directly to bare legs, and massaged into the skin, as you would a lotion or cream.  The Oil will take longer to penetrate the skin than a lotion, but it should absorb fairly easily.

Citrus Ice Cooling Body Spray

Though we haven't even hit June, Summer temperatures have been occurring all over the map.  Take the edge off of summer heat with this cooling body spray.  Menthol Crystals are dissolved into this Body Spray, giving it the power to cool and refresh you during hot weather.  Moisturizing Aloe Gel also makes this recipe great for dry, over exposed skin. This recipe also works very well with Cucumber, Green Tea, Vanilla, or Lemon Honey Floral Water.

Citrus Ice Cooling Body Spray

Ingredients
1 ounce Aloe Vera Gel 1:1
2 ounces Citrus Blend Floral Water
2 teaspoons Menthol Crystals
1 tablespoon Alcohol
1 ounce Distilled Water

Directions
In a small container, combine the Alcohol and Menthol Crystals.  The Crystals will take some time to dissolve.  Allow the mixture to sit for 5 - 10 minutes.  Stirring may help to quicken the process slightly.  When the Menthol Crystals have fully dissolved, pour them into a larger container.  Add 1 ounce Aloe Vera Gel 1:1, 1 ounce Distilled Water, and 2 ounces of Citrus Blend Floral Water.  Stir the mixture well.  The emulsifying agents contained in the Floral Water should allow the mixture to fully combine and soon turn clear.  If the mixture doesn't clear, add a few drops of Polysorbate 20 to help it along.  Carefully pour the mixture into a 4 oz. PET Bottle with Sprayer.

Usage
This Cooling Body Spray is quite potent, but it takes a few moments to feel its full effects.  Spray a very light mist onto your body.  The cooling sensation should last for about an hour.  Please note that this Spray should not be used on babies or small children.

Note: Hydrosol can be used in place of Floral Water, but it must be combined with an Emulsifier, such as Polysorbate 20 to keep the mixture from separating.

Rose Body Milk

This moisturizing Body Spray is made with Bee's Milk, a unique ingredient made from emulsified Beeswax, Sesame Oil, and water.  Rose Damnascena Hydrosol and delicate Rose Attar give this simple recipe a luxurious twist.  Rose Body Milk gives the skin a touch of moisture and delicate Rose aroma, one spritz at a time.

Rose Body Milk
Makes about 2 ounces

Ingredients
1/4 ounce Bee's Milk
1 ounce Rose Damnascena Hydrosol
1/8 ounce Polysorbate 20
1/8 ounce Rose Damnascena Attar*
1/2 ounce Distilled Water
7 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract

Directions
In a small measuring cup combine 1/8 Polysorbate 20 and 1/8 ounce Rose Attar.  Stir well to make sure they are fully combined.  In a larger measuring cup, combine 1/4 ounce Bee's Milk, 1 ounce Rose Damnascena Hydrosol, and 1/2 ounce Distilled Water.  Mix well, then transfer the mixture to a 2 oz. Aluminum Bottle.  Next, add the Polysorbate and Attar mixture to the bottle, followed by the Grapefruit Seed Extract.  Top the Bottle with a Sprayer Cap, screwing it on tightly to secure the contents of the bottle.  Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.

Usage & Packaging
We suggest using a 2 oz. Aluminium Bottle with a Sprayer to package this recipe.  When you order the Bottle, please note that the Sprayer Tube may be too long for the Bottle.  Use a pair of scissors to carefully trim the tube to the appropriate size.  Rose Body Milk should be sprayed directly on the skin, carefully avoiding contact with clothes or other fabrics, as it could stain them. Try using Rose Body Milk after a shower or bath to quickly moisturize your skin. 

*For a more econmonic version of this recipe, try substituing Rose Geranium Essential Oil or Red Rose Fragrance Oil for the Attar.

Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars

It may seem a little early for Valentine's recipes, but if you ask me, it's always a great time for love!  Besides, Valentine's Day is about a month away, and you may need some extra time to plan out that perfect valentine.  These sweetly scented Lotion Bars look adorable when they are made with our Heart Shaped Soap Molds, and make great gifts for your special valentines.  Made with aromatic Cocoa Butter, skin nourishing Passion Flower Oil, and a touch of candy sweet Fragrance, Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars make a decadent treat for thirsty winter skin.

Raspberry Truffle Lotion Bars
Makes about four 2.5 ounce bars

Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces Beeswax
1 teaspoon Red Jojoba Wax Beads*
4 ounces Cocoa Butter
2 ounces Babasssu Oil
1 ounce Red Raspberry Seed Oil
1 ounce Passion Flower (Maracuja) Oil
1/4 ounce Raspberry Truffles Fragrance Oil*

Special Equipment Needed
1 Heart Shaped Soap Mold

Directions
In a double boiler, gently melt Beeswax, Jojoba Wax Beads, Babassu Oil, and Cocoa Butter completely.  After the oils and waxes are melted, remove them from heat and allow them to cool for a few moments before adding the Passion Flower Oil and Red Raspberry Seed Oil.  Stir the mixture well, then add the Raspberry Truffles Fragrance Oil. Carefully pour the mixture into four cavities of the Soap Mold, initially leaving about 1/4 inch of space in each cavity. Split any remaining mixture between the four cavities.  Allow the bars to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the molds.  I don't recommend forcing them to cool with a freezer or refrigerator, as this could cause the bars to crack. 

Usage & Packaging
Lotion Bars can be rubbed directly onto dry skin.  Doing so after a shower or bath can help to replenish moisture and form a protective barrier over the skin.  Lotion Bars can be stored in small airtight tins or plastic containers.  When giving them as gifts, try packaging them in Small Cello Bags, as pictured above.  Tiny red heart stickers look adorable polka dotted on the package, but these bags can also be embellished with ribbons, paper, or other crafty goodies.

*For a more natural product, these Lotion Bars can be left unscented.  The rich aroma of Cocoa Butter in the recipe, combined with the slight fatty aroma of Raspberry Seed Oil will create a subtle, pleasant scent.  The Jojoba Wax Beads can also be removed from the recipe, and replaced with additional Beeswax.  To add a natural color to your Lotion Bars, try infusing 1/2 teaspoon of Alkanet Root Powder in the warm oils.

Rainforest Flower Body Cream

This fresh cream recipe has a rich, thick texture that is perfect for intensive moisturizing.  Just dab a very small amount on dry knuckles, elbows, heels, or anywhere else that needs some extra attention.  Made with skin nourishing Amazonian Oils, Maracuja and Andiroba, this thick, buttery cream packs a lot of moisturizing power into a very small package.  We've added Carrot and Arnica CO2 Extracts for extra healing power, and a touch of Bergamot Essential Oil to enhance its aroma. 

Rainforest Flower Body Cream
Makes about 1 1/2 ounces (By Volume)

Ingredients

Oil Phase
7 grams Illipe Butter
7 grams Andiroba Oil
7 grams Maracuja Oil
7 grams Jojoba
5 grams Beeswax

Water Phase
30 grams Neroli Hydrosol
8 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
1 gram Borax (Cosmetic Grade)

Additives
1/2 teaspoon Dry-Flo
10 drops Arnica Flower Total CO2 Extract
10 drops Carrot Seed Select CO2 Extract
10 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

Directions
Fresh creams are very fragile, so before you begin, make sure that all of your equipment is totally clean and sanitized.  In a double boiler, gently melt the Illipe Butter and Beeswax.  After these ingredients have melted, add the Jojoba, Maracuja, and Andiroba Oils.  Leave the mixture in the double boiler to stay warm, but turn the burner off.  In a small heatproof container, combine the Neroli Hydrosol, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Borax.  Mix the liquid well, then heat it gently in a hot water bath, or a second double boiler.  When both phases have been mixed and warmed, combine them in one mixing bowl.  Begin whipping the mixture immediately, and continue to whip until the mixture has cooled and emulsified completely.  Depending on the heat of the mixture, and the room temperature, this may take between 5 and 10 minutes.  After the mixture has cooled and emulsified, add the Dry-Flo and mix well to disperse it fully.  Next, add the Essential Oils and CO2 Extracts, and mix again.  The cream can now be spooned into small, sterilized jars.

A Note on Usage and Preservation
Unlike commercial creams, fresh emulsions can be very unstable without the addition of strong preservatives.  While this recipe does contain some Grapefruit Seed Extract to help it resist bacteria, it will still be prone to contamination.  The easiest way to deal with this problem is to create small batches, use your product quickly, and to handle the products with extra care.  Try to avoid handling the creams directly.  For example, instead of scooping the cream from the jar with your fingers, try using a clean spoon or spatula.  Unfortunately, most bacteria contamination will not be visible to the naked eye, so if you think that a batch of cream may have become contaminated, it is best to error on the side of caution.  When in doubt, throw it out!  This is another reason to make small batches.  If you do think something has been contaminated, it is easy to whip up a fresh batch instead of taking chances. 

If you'd like more information on adding preservatives to your fresh cream and lotions, or would like information on Product Challenge Testing, please visit our Informational Library at FromNatureWithLove.com.

Organic Body Oil

During the dry Winter months, your body has to work extra hard to retain moisture.  Using a nutritive Body Oil after showering or bathing can help to lock in your skin's moisture.  This light, penetrating, Body Oil recipe is made with Organic Ingredients, but you can substitute conventional ingredients as needed.  Apply the oil directly to the body, gently massaging into the skin. 

Organic Body Oil

Ingredients
2 ounces Organic Camellia Oil
1/2 ounce Organic Hemp Seed Oil
1/2 ounce Organic Jojoba, Golden
1/2 ounce Organic Argan Oil
1/2 Ounce Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil
10 - 25 drops Organic Lavandula Abrialis Essential Oil (optional)
10 - 25 drops Organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (optional)

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.

Blossom Body Cream

Blossom Body Cream

This recipe is an aromatic delight! You can almost always find a batch made up in my refrigerator.  It makes about 4 ounces by weight and a little more by volume (since it is whipped).  The naturally aromatic hydrosols and essential oils in this recipe give the cream an intense floral aroma.

Ingredients

Oil Phase
12 grams Mango Butter
12 grams Ultra Refined Cocoa Butter
12 grams Babassu Butter
10 grams Emulsifying Wax
2 grams Stearic Acid

Water Phase
35 grams Organic Lavandula Augistofolia Hydrsosol
35 grams Distilled Water
2 grams Glycerin                                       
3 grams Grapefruit Seed Extract

Essential Oil Blend
15 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
20 Drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Directions
In a double boiler, heat all in the ingredients in the Oil Phase until they are thoroughly melted.  In a separate container, gently warm the Water Phase ingredients.  Do not use a microwave as it can damage the ingredients.  Use a second double boiler or try putting a heat-proof glass or beaker inside a pot of hot water.  Heat the Water Phase until it is warm, but do not boil it.  When both phases are ready, transfer your Oil Phase into a sturdy mixing bowl.  Use a hand blender or electric mixer and begin whipping the Oil Phase.  Slowly, add the Water Phase to the bowl (while you are mixing).  The mixture should become white or creamy looking and will foam up when you add the Water Phase.

Continue to beat the mixture until it transforms into a cream (about the consistency of a thin pudding). This could take between 10 and 15 minutes of constant whipping.* When the cream has cooled to this point you can add in your essential oil blend. Be sure to thoroughly mix the essential oils into your cream. Dispense your cream into sterilized containers and you are finished!

*Tip: If your cream does not thicken up after 15 minutes of mixing, you may want to try cooling the mixture.  Set your mixing bowl inside a bath of ice water while you continue to whip the emulsion.  This should cool the mixture completely, allowing the cream to harden up.

Storage
Unless you add an additional preservative to this cream I would recommend keeping it in the refrigerator where it should keep for at least 2 weeks.  Products with water based ingredients are especially vulnerable to bacteria and rancidity.  Take extra care to keep your cream from becoming contaminated.  I suggest storing the cream in a closed capped bottle or if you are using a cream jar, to use a clean popsicle stick or other utensil to dispense the lotion (as opposed to your fingers).  This can help to extend the life of your cream.  If your cream changes in color, scent, or appearance, it may have expired or it may have become contaminated.  Discontinue using any cream or lotion that you suspect has gone bad.

Fresh Margarita Body Cream

In addition to the Margarita Salt Scrub, we made a matching body cream at our recent employee workshop. Fresh creams are so fun to make that it is hard to believe I was ever intimidated by them. The truth is that while I dove head first into handmade skincare, for a long time I shied away from anything that involved water. Emulsion and preservation were very scary words to me.

Luckily, my good friend and co-worker, Margaret, helped me to get past this fear by making my very first cream with me. We used The Minty Lime Foot Cream Kit from the Kits For Crafts line of handmade skin care kits. It was love at first emulsion. Very soon after this fateful day I brought home a copy of  Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions by Donna Maria. I devoured every page, thus beginning my love affair with fresh creams and lotions. I recommend this book whenever I get questions about making handmade creams. Donna Maria, the founder of the Indie Beauty Network, really does a great job of describing the process of creating an emulsion. She also provides a wealth of information on aromatherapy, carrier oils, and other natural ingredients. This is a great book!

You might also be interested to know that Donna Maria has a fantastic blog of her own. The Indie Business Blog is a daily inspiration to independent business owners, but it can also be inspiring to anyone who is interested in gaining some positive control over their own destiny.

But I digress, on to the fabulous Margarita Body Cream!

Margarita Body Cream

Ingredients

Water Phase
35 grams Organic Lemon Balm Hydrosol
35 grams Distilled Water
2 grams Glycerin
3 grams Grapefruit Seed Extract*

Oil Phase
12 grams Mango Butter
12 grams Ultra Refined Cocoa Butter
12 grams Peach Kernel Oil
10 grams Emulsifying Wax
2 grams Stearic Acid
1 tablespoon Parsley Powder

Fragrance (Optional)
6 ml Lime Fragrance Oil

Directions

• Add Oil Phase ingredients to the double boiler and melt/mix thoroughly.
• Place 1 tablespoon of Parsley Powder into a fine mesh tea ball or cheesecloth and drop it into the warming, melted oils.
• Allow oils to steep over medium heat for 15 minutes.
• Mix Water Phase ingredients together in a heat proof beaker or container. Pyrex works great. Gently warm the water phase in a sauce pan of hot water. (Just below boiling)
• Remove both ingredient phases from heat.
• Remove the herbs from the warm oils. Strain oil mixture through a cheese cloth, if necessary.
• While constantly mixing the Oil Phase, slowly pour the water phase ingredients into the double boiler. Continue to mix the Oil and Water Phases together. The liquid should become opaque and begin to thicken as it cools. To keep your mixture from separating, continue mixing for at least 10 minutes. You can mix this by hand or with a mixer. If you do use a mixer, I would recommend mixing in 3 minute bursts and letting the mixture rest for a few minutes in between each burst. This will help to keep the mixture from increasing its volume too much.
• Stir in Fragrance Oil.
• Pour into snap cap, disc cap or pump bottles. To make this step easier, pour your lotion into a zip lock bag, cut a small hole in the bottom corner and pipe your lotion into the bottles.

Packaging and Storage

Since this recipe contains water, it is especially fragile and will be prone to spoilage or bacteria growth. The Grapefruit Seed Extracts acts as an anti-microbial, but it is not as effective as chemical preservatives. I highly recommend storing this recipe in small bottles with snap or disc caps. This will encourage the cream to be used quickly, and it will  help to keep the cream safe from contamination. To ensure freshness, use your cream as quickly as possible or within 3 to 6 weeks. This can also be packaged in one or two ounce cream jars, but they will have a much higher risk of becoming contaminated in these containers. If your lotion changes color, odor or texture, it could be a sign that it has expired. Natural products can be unstable so please discard your cream if you suspect it of having turned.

*I chose to use Grapefruit Seed Extract as an anti-microbial agent in this recipe. If you prefer using an alternative preservative, please visit FromNatureWithLove.com for more information on preservatives.

** Citrus Essential Oils, such as Lime Essential Oil, can cause photo sensitivity when they are applied to the skin. For this recipe, I chose a synthetic alternative. However, there are many natural Essential Oils that would be suitable substitutes. For example, Ylang Ylang would be a lovely aroma for this lotion.