The Natural Beauty Workshop

Lemon Tea Tree & Honey Foot Mask

A moisturizing foot mask can be the perfect ending to a pedicure, or after a simple salt water foot soak.  Honey and Tea Tree are naturally disinfectant, and can help to eliminate smelly, foot loving bacteria while Yellow Kaolin helps to draw out dirt and purify the skin.  Pequi Oil and Shea Butter are intensively moisturizing, which is great for tired, dry tootsies.  The particular Shea used in this recipe is Organic Nilotica Shea Butter, which has an extremely soft texture, perfect for this formulation.  You may use another type of Shea Butter, but you'll need to melt it before adding it to the recipe.  This recipe is topped off with a dash of cooling and refreshing Peppermint Oil.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon Pequi Oil
1 teaspoon Honey
2 tablespoons Yellow Kaolin
1 teaspoon Organic Nilotica Shea Butter
1 Tablespoon Hot Water
1 drop Lemon Tea Tree Essential Oil
1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil

Directions
Combine all dry ingredients in a small mixing bowl along with 1 tablespoon of boiled or very hot water.  Next, add the Shea Butter, warming it gently only if necessary.  Next, add the Honey and Essential Oils and mix well.

Usage & Packaging
This mask should be used immediately as it is not designed with storage in mind.  If you have too much for one application, share with a friend, or discard the extra.  This intensive mask should be applied to clean feet, and then covered with a linen cloth, plastic wrap, or clean socks.  The mask should be left on the feet for 15 - 30 minutes.  Any residue should be washed from the skin after the mask is finished. If you like, you can follow this treatment with a body butter or lotion.

*Photo by Zsuzsanna Kilian

Trick Or Treat - Mini Scrubs

These miniature, single serving Salt Scrubs will thrill your friends and family this Halloween season.  This assortment of cute, candy scented scrubs look adorable packaged in colored tissue paper, and are sure to be a big hit with kids and adults alike.

This project starts with a very basic Salt Scrub recipe.  This base recipe is made in one batch, and then split into smaller portions to create a variety of scents and colors.

Trick or Treat Scrub
Makes about 6 ounces

Basic Scrub Recipe
3/4 cup Sea Salt, Fine
2 ounces Fractionated Coconut Oil
Assorted Micas and Fragrance Oils

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Sea Salt and Fractionated Coconut Oil to create the basic Scrub.  Next, take 1 mounded teaspoon of scrub at a time and color and scent it individually, in disposable paper cups, using the following combinations of Mica and Fragrance Oil:

• 1/4 teaspoon Milk Chocolate Fragrance Oil & a few pinches of Copper Mica and a pinch of Black Mica
• 1/4 teaspoon Bubble Gum Fragrance Oil & 1/16 teaspoon (or less) Pink Glimmer Mica 
• 1/4 teaspoon Caramel Apple Fragrance Oil & 1/16 teaspoon (or less) Jewel Tone Topaz Mica
• 1/4 teaspoon Pomegranate Fragrance Oil & a few pinches of FDA Red Mica and FDA Blue Mica and a pinch of Black Mica to deepen
• 1/4 teaspoon Raspberry Fragrance Oil & 1/16 teaspoon (or less) FDA Blue Mica (add a pinch of FDA Red Mica to achieve a more purple tone)

The micas go a long way so add a pinch at a time and stir to see how the color disperses. Use small pinches of the Black Mica to deepen the chocolate color and the pomegranate as desired. 

Usage & Packaging
Package each of your mini scrub in a 1 Ounce PET Jar.  Seal the lid with clear tape to make sure that there won't be any leakage.  Cut a 6 inch x 8 inch piece of of colored tissue paper for each jar,wrapping them individually.  Twist the ends to look like candy wrappers. The finished jars should resemble wrapped pieces of candy!  To dress these up even more, top them off with decorative Halloween stickers.

Red Apple Scrub

Keeping to my favorite September theme, I've dedicated this Scrub of the Month to shiny, red apples.  This exfoliating skin looks and smells great, and is so much fun.  Moisturizing Jojoba and Coconut Oil give this cute recipe some serious conditioning power, while lovely Bolivian Pink Salt adds smooth exfoliation on skin loving minerals to the mix.

Red Apple Scrub
Makes about 4 ounces

Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon Red Jojoba Wax Beads
1/2 cup Bolivian Pink Salt, Fine
1/2 ounce Polysorbate 20
1/4 ounce Clear Jojoba Oil
1/4 ounce Fractionated Coconut Oil
1/2 teaspoon Fresh Apple Fragrance Oil

Directions
Combine the Clear Jojoba and Fractionated Coconut Oil in a mixing bowl, followed by the Polysorbate 20.  Mix the liquids well, then add the Bolivian Pink Salt and Jojoba Wax Beads.  Stir the mixture well, and finish it off with 1/2 teaspoon of Fresh Apple Fragrance Oil. 

Usage and Packaging
The Red Apple 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.

Melon Cooler Salt Scrub

This deliciously scented Salt Scrub is made with cooling Menthol Crystals and Aloe Vera Oil, the perfect combination for taking the edge off during the dog days of Summer.  Moisturizing Watermelon Seed Oil completes this unique recipe, adding its conditioning properties as a benefit to your skin. 

Melon Cooler Salt Scrub
Makes about 4 ounces of scrub

Ingredients
1/2 cup Fine Sea Salt
1 ounce Aloe Vera Oil
1/2 ounce Watermelon Seed Oil
1 tablespoon Carrot Root Powder
1 teaspoon Menthol Crystals (crushed)
1/2 teaspoon Cantaloupe Fragrance Oil

Directions
Start by crushing 1 teaspoon of Menthol Crystals with a mortar and pestle.  Be sure to crush them into a fine powder, no smaller than the grains of the Sea Salt.  Next, combine the Menthol Crystals, Sea Salt, and Carrot Root Powder in a mixing bowl.  Add the Aloe Vera Oil, followed by the Watermelon Seed Oil and mix well.  Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of Cantaloupe Fragrance Oil.  If you prefer an all natural scrub, try adding a sweet scented Essential Oil instead.  Bergamot, Yuzu, or Orange would do nicely.

The Melon Cooler Salt 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.

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.