The Natural Beauty Workshop

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)