Luxurious Care for Your Hands ... DIY Lotion Bars

We're all washing our hands more ... thank you! We're also likely using more hand sanitizer gels and other practices that are striping the delicate skin on the back of the hands in particular. Our skin in one part of our overall natural defense barrier to pathogens and is a reflection of our health so it's really is important to take care of our skin and hands.

One of my favorite things to do on a weekend is create these cute lotion bars. I know what you're thinking, Fran, you really need to get a life! Well, I agree but in this case, believe me, you're going to really enjoy making and gifting these luscious bars that are natural, simple to make and let you tap into some creative energy after what may have been an overly busy, stressful, or left-brain sort of week. Plus, letting these decadent lotion bars melt in your your hands and then massaging and inhaling all that richness is a gift to your senses.

I found molds at Michael's but frankly, you could use a small Mason jar very effectively here.

My favorite essential oils to work with on this little project are geranium (the poor man's rose), lavender, and frankincense + jasmine. Learn from my disappointment and after everything is melted, set you timer and wait about 3 minutes so the mixture can cool enough before adding your essential oils so that the heat won't make the aroma of the oils flash off before they're poured and cooled. I also really love chilling them in the freezer for 10 minutes after they're poured to get a beautifully detailed impression out of the mold.

I add beet root powder and even the red wax from cheese (just wash it, people) to add a soft blush pink color to my heart-shaped bars and it makes them a HUGE hit.

After one use, you won't know how you lived without it. Let's get you started!

Ingredients

⅔ cup beeswax

½ cup coconut oil

½ cup cocoa butter or shea butter

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

12-15 drops of dōTERRA essential oil(s). Geranium or lavender or frankincense + jasmine

Instructions

1. Measure all ingredients, except for essential oils, in large glass jar.

2. Place jar in saucepan with one to one and a half inches of boiling water.

3. Stir ingredients until combined.

4. Once melted, remove from heat. Let rest three minutes on a cool surface. 

5. Add essential oils and stir.

6. Pour mixture into silicone mold.Tip: For an exfoliating lotion bar, add oatmeal to the bottom of the mold.

7. Let mixture harden two to three hours. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in container until ready to use.

8. Hold bar in hands and as the warmth of you skin causes it to melt, inhale the aroma deeply. Massage lotion bar on skin for moisture. This application is also helpful for trouble spots like elbows and knees or areas where you may experience eczema spots to protect the skin from a "break-out".

Let me know what you think and until next time, keep breathing it all it!

Peace,

Fran