Making Lotion Bars & Lip Balm

A good friend, Sarah, taught us a class on Friday.  She demonstrated how to make lotion bars and lip balm, which she has been doing for several months.  Sarah has been suffering from problem skin on her hands for several decades.  When her hands come into contact with almost anything, she ends up with blisters, cracks, bleeding, and horribly itchy hands.  She wears gloves to clean and do quite a few things because most things including creams from doctors have only made it worse.  She has been reluctant to use anything on her hands.

About six months ago, I suggested that she try coconut oil.  She was hesitant at first, but tested it out and was pleasantly surprised.  Since then, she did some research and started making lotion bars and lip balm.  The lotion bars actually act as a protect-ant so that she is able to do some of the normal things we all do without her gloves.  She decided to share her technique with us last Friday.

First, she melted equal parts of cocoa butter, lip balm and coconut oil.  She poured the melted mixture into molds and chap-stick containers.  Next, 3 -5 drops of essential oils were added.  She swirled them in with a toothpick.  The last step was letting them cool.  Sarah also had a shrink wrap for the chap-stick that was adorable.  We cut out scrapbook paper for a label and melted the shrink wrap around it.  

The lotion bars and lip balm are great for anyone to use.  Some essential oils that soothe skin include helichrysum, juniper berry, thyme, geranium, melaleuca, lavender, and patchouli.  

Chivalry Cologne for Men

For Valentines day, I decided to make up a special cologne for a male family member.  I had the perfume making notes in mind when I started and wanted to incorporate oils from each category (link to perfume post).  I also definitely wanted it to smell masculine and attractive.

Here is my recipe:

10 drops of vetiver
20 drops of white fir
10 drops of clove
5 drops of thyme
25 drops of bergamot
5 drops of lemon
fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil

When I made it, I didn't have plans to share the recipe other than with the person it was for.  However, it seems to be a huge hit.  I gave it a name this evening and decided to post it.