Amanda Smith, owner of Bayside Beauty, a purveyor of natural handcrafted soaps, shares her techniques for creating a homemade sugar scrub and whipped body butter. Both products make excellent items to include in an at-home pampering gift for teachers.
Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil, olive oil or sweet almond oil
- 25 to 30 drops of your favorite essential oil, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs or flowers
- 2 to 3 drops liquid food coloring of your choice
Directions:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, salt, carrier oil and essential oil. Stir ingredients until thoroughly combined. If desired, add dried herbs or flowers and food coloring. Pack sugar scrub mixture into airtight containers and store covered until ready to use.
Whipped Body Butter
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unrefined shea butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup light carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil
- 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil
Directions:
Melt shea butter, coconut and light carrier oils in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments. Once most of the oils are melted, stir until shea butter is completely melted. Add your desired essential oil and place in the refrigerator or freezer until the oils solidify. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat until the mixture reaches a smooth, whipped consistency. Place body butter in a jar and store in a cool place until ready to use.