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.

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.

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.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie Facial

With the return of Spring in our corner of the world comes the return of fresh produce.  Hot house fruits are OK, but nothing compares to spring and summer fruit for flavor and texture.  While you are slicing up fruit salads and drinking smoothies, take some time to treat your skin as well.  The following recipe can be used with almost any fresh fruit, mashed or pureed.  This basic mixture of Honey, Oatmeal, Kaolin, and Almond Flour creates a cleansing, skin soothing base, perfect for a facial.

Facial Smoothie Base
1/8 cup Honey Powder
1/8 cup White Kaolin Clay
1/8 cup Almond Flour
1/4 Cup Coarse Oatmeal

Mix the dry ingredients together and store them in an airtight container.  When you are ready to make a facial, puree about 1 tablespoon of fresh fruit and mix it with 2 tablespoons of the Facial Smoothie Base, and 1 tablespoon of Plain Yogurt.  You may need to add a little more or less of each ingredient to achieve a nice texture, depending on the fruit you choose.  To enhance your Facial, try adding a few drops of a corresponding Fruit or Berry Seed Oil.  You can use the facial as a mask or a fresh scrub.  Choose the fruit for your facial based on your skin type and the desired benefit.  Here is a quick overview of some of my favorite fresh fruits to use in facials.

Banana
Banana is packed with skin loving nutrients including Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Vitamins A, B, E, and F.  They can have a nourishing, and revitalizing effect on the skin, and are suitable for most skin types.

Mango
This tropical fruit contains a bounty of goodies for the skin, including a hefty dose of retinol.  Retinol can help to increase skin's elasticity,making it great for anti-aging treatments.  Retinol has a tendency to degrade when added to finished skin care products, making the use of a fresh ingredient, such as mango, a rare opportunity to enjoy the benefit of Retinol.  Mango also includes plenty of Vitamin A, B, and C.  Vitamin C is another nutrient that is great for the skin, and best used when fresh.

Strawberry
The potent alpha hydroxy acid contained in Strawberries make them an excellent cleanser.  These acids help to remove dead skin cells gently, without intense scrubbing or scouring.  Strawberry Facials can leave skin fresh and bright.  They may even help to reduce puffiness and acne.

Peach
Peaches also contain alpha hydroxy acids, as well as a nice portion of Vitamins A and C.  The juice and flesh from these fuzzy gems are great for toning and balancing the skin.  Like Strawberries, they can help with acne, puffiness, and clogged pores.

Guava
An effective astringent, Guava can help to cleanse skin, dissolve sebum, and unclog pores.  Guava contains  Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as a good amount of potassium.  This helps guava to tone, brighten, and enhance the look of the skin, making it a great facial ingredient.

Avocado
Deeply moisturizing and soothing, Avocados are perfect for dry, sensitive skin.  Avocados contain healthy fats that are great for your body as well as your skin.

Dill Pickle Salt Scrub & Lip Gloss

These dill-iciously scented recipes will be sure to thrill pickle lovers.  All natural Dill Seed Essential Oil and Cucumber Seed Oil create an aroma reminiscent of that favorite deli treat, the Dill Pickle.  Add a little brine to your bath and body routine by exfoliating the skin with this sea green, pickle scented Salt Scrub.  Pucker up with the matching Lip Gloss, colored a cheerful shade of green, and scented with a mouthwatering blend of Dill and Cucumber.

Important Note: Recipes using Dill Seed Essential Oil should not be used by pregnant women.

Dill Pickle Salt Scrub
Makes about 4 ounces

Ingredients
1/2 cup Sea Salt, Fine
1 teaspoon Parsley Powder
1 ounce Cucumber Seed Oil
1/2 ounce Grape Seed Oil
30 Drops Dill Seed Essential Oil

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine Salt, Oils, and Parsley Powder.  Mix well, making sure to break up any clumps in the salt.  Next, add the Dill Seed Essential Oil, mix again, and carefully spoon the mixture into jars.

Usage & Packaging
Show off the lovely green color of the Dill Pickle Scrub by packaging it in PET Plastic Jars.  To use, simply massage the Pickly scented scrub all over your body in a gentle, circular motion.  Be careful if you are in the shower or tub, as the oils in the recipe can create a slippery situation.  Rinse the scrub, and follow with your regular shower or bath routine.

Dill Pickle Lip Gloss
Makes 4 1/3 oz. Roll-On Bottles

Ingredients
2 teaspoons Glycerin
1/4 ounce Grape Seed Oil
1/4 ounce Cucumber Seed Oil
10 drops Dill Seed Essential Oil
1 - 2 drops Liquid FD&C Blue #1
2 - 4 drops Liquid FD&C Yellow #5

Directions
In a small paper cup, mix the Glycerin and Liquid Dyes together, to create a lovely shade of green.  In a second cup, mix together the Grapeseed Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, and Dill Seed Essential Oils.  Carefully Pour the Glycerin Mixture evenly between four 1/3 oz. Roll-On Bottles.  Next, pour the Oil mixture between the four bottles.  Cap the bottles, then shake well.  The mixture inside the bottles will separate, creating a lovely, two layered appearance.

Usage & Packaging
Apply Dill Pickle Lip Gloss directly to your lips whenever they are in need of a fresh dose of Dill.  The 1/3 oz. Roll-On Bottles used in this recipe are the ideal container for this type of gloss.  They are also available in a 1 oz. size.

P.S. Happy April Fool's Day, everyone!

Natural Pedicure Treatments

With Spring coming into bloom, it's a great time to pay some extra attention to your feet.  Dry winter air, and cold weather can take a toll on your feet.  They've spent several months locked tightly in socks, boots, and slippers, and are probably looking forward to breathing the fresh spring air as much as you are.  A simple home pedicure is a great way to get them ready for their Spring or Summer debut.  Follow these three simple steps to give your little piggies the royal treatment.

Soak
Begin by soaking the feet in a warm bath of water.  This step can be enhanced by using the following Foot Soak Recipe:

Peppermint Tea Tree Foot Soak

Ingredients
1/2 gallon Warm Water
1/2 cup Epsom Salt
1 tablespoon Borax
1 tablespoon Baking Soda
The juice of 1/2 fresh lemon, or about 1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 oz Turkey Red Oil
10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Directions
In a small cup, mix the Turkey Red Oil and Essential Oils together.  Warm 1/2 gallon of water to a comfortable temperature (about the same as bath water) and pour it into a foot bath tub.  Add the lemon juice, Epsom Salt, and powders to the warm water, and stir to dissolve.  Next, add the Turkey Red Oil and Essential Oil Blend, and stir to disperse. 

Usage
This recipe should be used immediately, as it would not be suitable for storage or packaging.  Soak the feet for 10 - 20 minutes, or until the water cools.

Exfoliate
After priming the feet with a relaxing soak, they should be exfoliated.  You can use an exfoliating tool, such as a Pumice Stone or a Pedi Groomer, or you can use a Scrub.  Another option, is to use a combination of both.  For the feet, it is a good idea to use a Scrub with a little extra power.  Try adding some intensive exfoliating ingredients, such as Pumice Powder, Walnut Shell Powder, or Dead Sea Grains.  The following recipe is great for pedicures.

Lemon Walnut Foot Scrub
Makes about 4 ounces

Ingredients
1/4 cup Sea Salt, Fine
2 tablespoons Pumice Powder
1 tablepsoon Lemon Peel Powder
1 tablespoon Walnut Shell Powder, Medium
1 ounce Perilla Seed Oil
1 ounce Walnut Oil
10 drops Saro Essential Oil
5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
5 drops Corn Mint Essential Oil

Directions
In a small bowl, mix the Sea Salt, Pumice Powder, Lemon Peel Powder, and Walnut Shell Powder.  Pour the Walnut Oil and Perilla Seed Oil over the mixture, and stir to combine.  Follow with Essential Oils, stir well, and spoon into jars.

Usage
This intensive scrub should only be used on tough skin, such as the bottom of your feet.  It is far too instense for more sensitive or delicate areas of the body.  Use this scrub with care, and discontinue use if it causes any discomfort.

Moisturize
After the exfoliation is done, treat your feet to some much needed moisture.  Any intensive balm, or body butter will work well, but using a recipe designed especially for the feet is the best.  The following recipe contains ingredients that can help to keep the feet healthy, happy, and moisturized.

Whipped Pedi-Butter
Makes about 2-3 ounces (by volume)

Ingredients
 1 oz. Illipe Butter
1/2 oz. Perilla Seed Oil
1/2 oz. Avocado Oil
1/8 oz. Jojoba Esters MP70
1 tsp. Dry-Flo
10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
10 drops Geranium Essential Oil
5 drops Neem Oil CO2 Extract

Directions
In a double boiler, melt the Jojoba Esters completely.  Add the Illipe Butter and allow that to melt completely.  After both solid ingredients are melted, remove the mixture from the heat.  In a small bowl, combine the Dry Flo with a few teaspoons of Avocado Oil to form a slurry.  Add the Dry Flo and oil slurry to the hot oils, followed by the remaining Avocado Oil, Perilla Seed Oil, and Neem CO2.  Next, add the Essential Oils.  Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it cools and thickens. This may take 10 - 20 minutes. To hasten the cooling time, you can try cooling the outside of the mixing bowl with an ice bath.  When the mixture has cooled to room temperature it should be thick and leave a trail when drizzled over the surface.  Pour the mixture carefully into a plastic bag and tie the end shut. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag, and use it to pipe the mixture into a jar.  Allow the mixture to cool and set for several hours before use.

Usage & Packaging
This whipped butter will be thick, and oily, but will provide the intense moisture that your feet need.  Apply a small amount directly to your feet, and massage it into the skin.  You may want to put on a pair of clean cotton socks while the oils sink in.  This recipe will make about three ounces by volume, and will fit nicely in a 4 ounce PET Jar or Cream Jar.

Sunrise Salt Scrub

This gorgeous, two layered scrub is colored with all natural Turmeric Powder and Cranberry Fruit Fibers.  Many natural herbs and botanicals can be used to create bold colors in handmade skin care products.  The variety of colors that can be achieved this way is surprising.  To learn more about natural colorants, check out our past article, entitled Using Natural Herbs to Color Products.

Sunrise Salt Scrub
Makes about 8 ounces

Ingredients
1 cup Sea Salt, Fine
1/8 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cranberry Fruit Fiber
2 ounces High Oleic Sunflower Oil
1 ounce Aloe Vera Oil
EO Blend:

• 10 drops Organic Orange Essential Oil
• 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 5 drops Basil Essential Oil

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine Sea Salt, Sunflower Oil, Aloe Vera Oil, and the Essential Oil Blend.  Mix thoroughly, then split the batch into two bowls.  In the first bowl, mix in the Cranberry Fruit Fiber.  In the second bowl, mix in the Turmeric Powder.  Carefully spoon the mixture into your jars, layering the colors to create a sunrise effect.

Packaging & Usage
I prefer packaging my handmade scrubs in small containers, but this particular scrub would look great in a larger, 4 or 8 oz. PET Jars.  You may want to add a preservative to this recipe, especially if you plan on packaging it in large containers.

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.