Yesterday I made some lotion bars in my pink cottage's vintage kitchen. I used coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. I melted them together on the stove, and then poured the mixture into a soap mold.
The beeswax had to be grated into the pot. Everything became liquid very easily. I used my small Le Creuset saucepan. My mom gifted my brothers and I each a starter set twenty years ago, and mine are all still going strong. I did have to replace a couple of the handles for the lids, but that was easy and inexpensive to do.
The lotion bars harden in about four hours. I am still using one from the last batch that I made. I don't add any fragrance oil to mine. I love the smoky scent of the beeswax. It gives them a slightly golden color, too. They are a helpful substitute for hand lotion. I like that there is no packaging involved.
Yesterday I picked up several pieces of jewelry that I had taken in to have repaired. They look brand new now; I am so pleased! My mom, grandma, and Aunt Mary would be happy that I am taking care of their gifts and wearing them in their memory.
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Ooh, lotion bars! How lovely! I love how you make all your soaps, lotion bars, and such.
ReplyDeleteThat's good that you were able to get your jewelry repaired so you can wear them, again. :)
Thanks Bless. It's a good feeling. I like not buying the packaging. The ingredients are natural and I have them on hand, too.
DeleteI like the idea of the lotion bars. Can I ask how they are used? In my mind I would simply hold one in my hands until a little bit melts onto my hands... Would this be a wrong impression?
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right, Cherie. The warmth from your hands is enough to give you just enough on your skin. In the hot weather, I keep them in the fridge.
DeleteYour lotion bars sound lovely, especially as my poor neglected skin begins to feel rather dry at this time of year. X
ReplyDeleteThanks Jules. I feel like my homemade soap keeps most of my skin moisturized without needing lotion. I do like to use these on my hands and feet, though.
DeleteYour lotion bars sound so gentle on the skin and must be satisfying to make too, Stephanie. How did you learn how to make them?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pensive Pensioner. I found the recipe online. I'm sure there are lots of them if you do a Google search. I will post the recipe I use on my blog.
DeleteThe lotion bars sound delightful particularly the smoky smell of the beeswax.
ReplyDeleteI love the smell of beeswax, too, mm. They are cheaper without the fragrance oil. More natural, too.
DeleteLotion bars sound like they are very practical. Is the saucepan only used for melting beeswax? I love old jewelry and wear my Grandmother's engagement ring daily. I did have to have the diamond prongs reset on it once.
ReplyDeleteI melt everything together in the saucepan, Anita. Some people use the microwave or a double boiler. I like the Le Crueset pots, because they are so heavy. I bet your grandmother is happy that you are wearing her engagement ring.
DeleteI love the idea of lotion bars. If you don't mind me asking how do you use them?
ReplyDeleteI just rub them on my skin, sustainablemum. They are easy to pack when you are traveling or backpacking, too. (since they are solid.)
DeleteYour soaps and lotions are lovely, Stephanie. It's amazing really what can be made at home with simple and natural ingredients.
ReplyDeleteI am going to make a first attempt at a simple soap today. I am going to follow a recipe I found which uses pure soap flakes, milk and powdered milk. Not quite like the beautiful soaps you make but I am eager to see how it turns out. MegXx
That sounds like a terrific start, Meg. I did melt and pour soaps for a while before I dove in and bought all of the equipment and ingredients for making soap with lye. Let me know how yours turn out!
DeleteStephanie, could you please let me know how much oil, shea butter and beeswax you used? I have all three ingredients and would love to try it. :)
ReplyDeleteSure, Nil. I will post the recipe here. It's really easy. That's wonderful that you already have all of the ingredients.
DeleteLotion bars really go a long way in use! I love them for my lips but I really need to use them on my hands, etc to use up more. Neat about your jewelry. Andrea
ReplyDeleteThey are great for the lips, too, Andrea. I like keeping one in my purse and one in my backpack when I'm hiking. I am so happy that the jewelry is all fixed.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, the flowers are gorgeous. Are they Hollyhocks? If now what are they so pretty. I use beeswax to make candles. I'm just starting out, can I use that same beeswax for lotion bars? I see that you grated yours. I'm guessing I could use what I have for bars. I've got a lavender plant in the herb garden, I suppose some of those buds could be used as well. Enjoyed my visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Faith! Yes, they are Hollyhocks. I think you can use what you have. It should be fine. Thanks for reading and for commenting.
ReplyDelete