Lotions and Potions

I attended a genealogy class today, and got motivated again. Our local Family history library offers free classes every Monday morning. I've learned a lot from them, I can't believe the quality of teachers we have in this rural area! Hopefully I can attend a few more this year, but they're at the same time as yoga, so once it starts I'll miss the genealogy class. I can still go to the library on Tues. or Wed. though, and plan to as often as possible.

The past year I've been making my own face soap, lotions and potions. First I made lip balms, which worked really well. For Christmas I made some great Shea butter hand cream, and recently found a recipe for face cleanser for dry skin. It's pretty simple,
Facial Cleanser
1/4 c. organic cider vinegar
1/8 c. Olive oil (Grapeseed or Almond oil are lighter, and just as good a quality)
1/8 c. honey
3 TBLSP Vegetable glycerin- optional
It can be stored in the cupboard, doesn't need refrigeration. You do have to shake it up before using it, but that's not hard to remember. I added vegetable glycerin, which can be found at a good natural foods store, just for a thicker product, but it isn't necessary. Apply with a wet washcloth, rinse well.

The shea butter cream is also pretty easy, but does require products from a natural food store or an online company.

6 Ozs. Shea Butter, melted in microwave 1 Tsp. Cornstarch
1 Oz Cocoa butter, melted in microwave 8-10 drops essential oil (optional)
3 Ozs. Almond oil
3 Ozs. Vegetable glycerine


>Place ice in a large bowl and place a metal bowl on the ice. Mix the ingredients together in the metal bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the oils. Whip with an electric hand mixer and continue to beat. Add in the essential oils desired. Continue to beat until light, fluffy thick and cool. Place in a glass jar, store out of sunlight and use as needed. If you don't like cocoa butter, it can be exchanged with coconut oil, or omitted and use more almond oil.
This is a very yummy butter, it smells and feels great!
I started making my own to avoid the chemicals and preservatives in commercial products. Once I realized how easy it is, I've gotten more adventuresome in trying different 'potions'. There are some great websites with recipes, here's a couple to try.
www.spa-living-for-health.com/, www.mybeautyrecipes.com, www.pioneerthinking.com/lotions.html