03/15

DIY Moisturizing Lotion Bars & a Giveaway!

Dry hand season is in full effect right now.  Between the cold weather and washing your hands a million times a day to avoid the latest cold/flu germs your skin is enduring some harsh treatment.  Fear not friends, I have the perfect DIY solution for you!!

Lotion bars are a chic and cool concept.  Think of them like a bar of soap, but they are depositing moisturizing lotion on your parched skin. No harsh chemicals just natural goodness.  Your green goddess friends would definitely approve.  Lotion bars are the perfect handmade gift. Even better, these little buddies are super travel friendly.  No more stressing about liquids in your carry-on suitcase because your lotion just became a solid. If it’s your lips that are needing a little TLC, then you should check out my lip scrub recipe.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup beeswax
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup cocoa butter
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 30 drops of essential oil

The essential oil element is something that you can completely tailor to your needs or if you are giving them as a gift, then suited to your recipient.  I like to add more than one type of essential oil to my bars.  I do not recommend using more than three scents at a time.  For these bars I chose to use lavender, orange and bergamot oils for my scent.  Also you can add items like zinc oxide if you are making a bar for a baby with diaper rash.  Fermented cod liver oil is also a good additive for those with Eczema.

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients except for essential oils in a double boiler with about 1.5 inches of water.  I think a mason jar is perfect for this type of project.  I have a mason jar that I use specifically for any of these types of messy projects so I don’t waste time and energy scrubbing my cookware.
• Bring water to a rolling boil while constantly stirring until everything is combined and completely melted.

The picture below shows aerial view of everything almost melted… patience is a virtue with this project!!

• Once everything is melted.  Remove jar from heat and let cool for 3 to 4 minutes before adding the essential oil(s).
• Lastly, pour liquid into molds.  Let cool for at least 3 hours before removing from molds.  I like to play it extra safe and let them cool overnight.  I’m loving how easy these are to make and I think they are the perfect gift for my snowbound pals on the east coast.  Moisturizing love is on the way my girls!!!

Now that we have your parched skin soothed what about your nails???  I’ve got a treat for you my lovely readers… a GIVEAWAY from Essie Nailpolish.   If you sign up for my newsletter here… I will choose 3 new subscribers to receive a gift from Essie!  (Entries must be from the United States.)