Friday, 20 March 2009
All Year Beauty Regime
Winter is at its peak. If you have dry skin, follow the golden rule of keeping your skin smiling all the time - moisturize and nourish regularly.
Try mixing a combination of almond, apricot and sandalwood oils in equal quantities and massage your skin with it. Wipe off after an hour and you won’t feel sticky or stretched any more.
For patchy and dull skin, blend 2 tsp powdered almonds, 1 tsp fresh cream and 4-5 mashed figs to a smooth paste and massage gently. Wash face with tepid water.
For a glow, mix together 2 tsp orange peel powder, 1 tsp almond powder, 1 tsp oatmeal, 1 tsp honey and a little rose water. Scrub gently onto the skin for about 10 minutes and wash off with cold water.
If you have a combination skin, apply little almond oil to the under eyes, cheeks and neck area, and clean your T-zone i.e. forehead, nose and chin with a little rose water. Make a paste of 3 mashed figs, 1 tsp whole wheat flour, juice of half a lemon, 1 tsp honey and 1 egg, and scrub gently onto the face and neck. Wash after 10 minutes.
Take time out for a long, languorous body massage. Sesame and sandalwood oils mixed together is excellent.
Hair is more prone to dandruff and dryness in winter. For dandruff, oil hair with pure coconut oil twice a week followed by the application of the juice of one lemon to the scalp. This should be followed by turban therapy - wring out a towel in hot water and wrap it around your head to steam it.
Shampoo with a mild shampoo after two hours. You can make the most fabulous hair conditioning pack with the following ingredients: 2 tsp amla powder, 2 tsp shikakai powder, 2 tsp fenugreek powder, 2 tsp liquorice powder and 2 eggs. Make a smooth paste and apply this from the root of the hair to the ends and leave on for at least an hour. Shampoo off and feel your hair turn to silk.
APRIL-JUNE
Spring-clean your skin… This is the time when arms and legs are uncovered for the summer sun, so it’s absolutely important to have soft glowing skin.
Massage the hands with a nourishing cream and apply the following hand pack: 2 tsp oatmeal, 1 tsp sandalwood powder, 1 egg, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp lemon powder. Mix all the ingredients to a thick paste and apply on hands with special attention to the knuckles. Leave on for 15 minutes and dab with full cream milk and scrub off in a rotating movement. Wash off with cold water and see your hands turn as soft and supple as a baby’s skin!
The neck and back also require care. Start using a natural loofah while bathing as this helps slough off dead skin. Always use a body lotion after bathing. If you want to go completely natural, use a light hibiscus and lavender oil mixed with apricot oil. Not only will this keep your skin soft but also protect it from the sun.
JULY-SEPTEMBER
Skin must be kept clean especially during the monsoon months, so use plenty of cool rose water, cucumber water and mint tonics.
Use cool masks made of spring summer fresh fruits like plums, peaches, watermelon etc. For this, you need to take 5 seeded and mashed plums, 2 tsp whole wheat flour and 1 egg. Mix all the ingredients and apply all over the face and neck, leaving on for 10 minutes. Wash off with rose water.
If you have sunburn or tanned skin, freeze 2 slices of watermelon in the fridge for 20 minutes. Dip it in 4 tsp of honey and massage all over the face and neck, leave on for 5 minutes and wash off with cold water.
For limp, oily hair, take half glass each of strained tea water and beer, and juices of half lemon and orange. After shampooing, pour this all over the hair and well into the scalp. Let your hair dry, not only will your hair feel like silk but will shine as if there are sun beams dancing on it!
For dry hair, take half a glass of strained tea water, 1 tsp honey and half a cup of strained fresh carrot juice. After shampooing, rinse your hair with this fabulous hair rinse and feel the difference in your hair.
Monsoon is also the time to feel fresh and fragrant. Always use a deodorant and talcum. After bathing, in half-a-bucket of water,add 10 drops of citrus or jasmine oil and use as a last rinse.
OCTOBER-DECEMBER
The nip in the air, the stretch on the skin - time to prepare your skin and hair for the winter months. Start eating almonds, figs and raisins to give your body the extra nourishment and anti-oxidants that it requires.
Massage the skin with honey and feel your skin succumb to softness.l Regularly oil your hair, it would be a good time to switch to warmer oils like Mahabhringraj followed by turban therapy.
Use mayonnaise in your hair as a nourishing hair mask. Leave on for 30 minutes and shampoo with a mild natural shampoo, followed by a herbal conditioner.
The use of sea salt scrubs is highly recommended especially because the neglected areas of the body require special attention. The knees, buttocks, thighs, elbows - all start to show signs of neglect and dryness. Take 4 tsp of sea salt and mix with 5 tsp olive oil and 5 drops of sandalwood or lemon oil. Scrub these areas to uncover super soft skin in no time at all!
Indulge in these magical natural ingredients to make your skin and hair smile throughout 2009!
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Some helpful recipes....
Dry Skin Cleanser
Generic Cleanser (All Skin Types)
Rejuvenating Cleanser
Moisturizing Honey Wash
Stimulating Cleanser
Revitalizing Cleanser (All Skin Types)
Moisturizing Cleanser
Heal and Protect Cleanser
Simple Cleansing Scrub
Conditioning Scrub
Skin Softening Scrub
Citrus Exfoliating Scrub
Moisturizing Scrub I
Moisturizing Scrub II
Vitamin C Exfoliating Scrub
Skin Enriching Mask
Hydrating Facial Mask
Skin Firming Mask
Anti-Aging Mask
Rejuvenating Mask 2 teaspoons plain yogurt 1/2 teaspoon honey 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 4 to 6 finely pureed grapes Combine ingredients and mix well The yogurt and lemon exfoliates and cleanses, the honey moisturizes, while the grapes nourish and rejuvenates the skin.
Moisturizing Mask
Soothing, Healing Mask
Dry Skin Mask
Skin Firming Peel
Gentle Fruit Peel
Anti-Wrinkle Peel
PH Restorative Peel
Skin Revitalizing Peel
Hydrating and Moisturizing Peel:
pH Revitalizing Toner
Refreshing Rejuvenating Toner
Skin Restorative Toner
Green Tea Toner
Aloe Vera Toner:
Soothing, Smoothing Toner
Vinegar Re-balancing Toner :
Dry Skin Mask
Moisturizing Oils Olive Oil Soybean Oil Sesame Oil Coconut Oil Castor Oil Almond Oil Grapeseed Oil Lightly apply to warm, moist skin.
Healthy Glow Moisturizer :
Super Soft Moisturizer:
Dark Circle Night Creme
Wrinkle Eradicator:
Anti-Aging Moisturizer:
Balancing Moisturizer:
Hydrating Moisturizer :
Softening Face Cream :
Soothing Lotion:
Rich Protein Moisturizer:
Some Amazing Aromatherapy Formulas...!
To this add: Aroma Oils:
Note:This oil also makes a good blend for aching muscles & joints!
For relaxation, u need to add Aroma Oils in your warm running bath water.. This will help to release the full fragrance and disperse the oil..Please bath immediately ..u could light a candle for ambience . U can also put a few drops in glowing bulb in the bathroom for added effect!!
Add the following :Base Oil: Wheatgerm
Try it...and feel the difference in a week and offcourse...let me know
Oils that Ease Negative EmotionsTo Ease: Try:
Aggression: bergamot, chamomile, juniper, lemon, marjoram, rosemary,ylang-ylang
Anger: chamomile, jasmine, marjoram, palma rosa, rose, rosemary, ylang-ylang,
Anxiety: chamomile, lavender, orange, neroli, sandalwood
Disappointment: bergamot, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, orange, rose
Fear: cedarwood, fennel, ginger, patchouli, sandalwood, thyme
Grief: bergamot, chamomile, jasmine, marjoram, neroli, rose
Hysteria: chamomile, lavender, neroli, orange, tea tree
Impatience: chamomile, clary, frankincense, lavender
Indecision: basil, clary, cypress, jasmine, patchouli, peppermint
Jealousy: jasmine, rose
Loneliness: benzoin, marjoram
Fatigue (emotional and mental):basil, clary, coriander, ginger, helichrysum, jasmine, juniper, orange, Palmarosa, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, vetiver, ylang ylang
Fatigue (physical): basil, elemi, ginger, lemon, lavender, orange, peppermint, rosemary
Nervousness: chamomile, clary, coriander, frankincense, neroli, orange,vetiver
Panic: chamomile, clary, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, neroli, ylang ylang
Sadness: benzoin, jasmine, rose, rosewood
Shock: lavender, neroli, rose, tea tree
Shyness: black pepper, ginger, jasmine, patchouli, peppermint, rose, neroli, ylang ylang
Suspicion: jasmine, lavender
Tension: chamomile, clary, cypress, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, orange, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang
Natural Baby Oil
The blend of Lavender and Mandarin is not only beneficial to the skin, but is relaxing and can calm a baby along with the massage given as you apply the oil. Mix ingredients in the chosen container. Shake well to blend oils.
For Back Pain pls use the following..Apply at night before u retire to bed..u can ask your partner to apply this with light massage..dont touch the spine!!
Base Oil: Whatever u like : Almond Oil/Grapeseed/Xtra Virgin: 10 ml
Essential Oils:Peppermint : 3 dropsRosemary: 5 dropsLavender: 5 dropsAdd these and shake before applying & store in a dark clean bottle.
For Hair: Apply the following:
Directions: Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight fitting stopper or lid. Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (towel can be heated in a microwave or dryer) or shower cap; leave on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way.
Rose Oil & Honey Facial Mask
Directions: Mix honey, sweet almond oil and essential oil of rose. Massage onto clean face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry to reveal a fresh, soft complexion.
Tips: Rejuvenate and replenish your skin. Sweet almond oil, which is light and easily absorbed, softens and nourishes skin. Honey as natural humectant, moisturizes, leaving even tired skin incredibly smooth.
Make your own carpet fresh:
Sore Throat:
Drop the bergamot and fennel oils in small glass bottle with airtight cover; gently turn bottle over or roll between your hands to blend. Inhale directly from container as needed.
- refreshing: cedarwood/eucalyptus globulus/lemon (3 drops each) and 2 drops of orange or néroli;
- relaxing: 3 drops of lavender, 2 of ylang-ylang and 2 of lemongrass;
- estimulating: bergamot, rosemary (3 drops) and 1 drop of jasmin (or rose) and 1 of cinnamon...
Hope they are your taste! If you try them, let me know if you've liked!
Your Daily Bath Ritual to Ease Your Broken Heart
Prepare your aromatherapy blend by adding the following essential oils to a 10-oz bottle and filling with organic vegetable oil:
-4 drops Rose Essential Oil
Run some warm water for your bath and add 10 drops of your aromatic blend. Light some candles and turn off the lights. Close your eyes and place your hands on your heart. Visualize yourself filled and surrounded by a pink color. Take a few deep breaths. Feel the color soothing your being. Say aloud, "I am love myself." Take a few deep breaths again. Soak for at least15 minutes.
After you get out of the bath, pour a few drops of the aromatherapy blend into the palms of your hands and anoint your heart chakra (the seat of love: healing, grieving, acceptance), and the third eye (integrating, detachment, connection with your Higher Self).
Source : Blossom Kocchar
5 Minute Cleaning Routine!
Apple cider oily and combination toner:
Honey and rose toner for dehydrated and dry skin:
Egg white skin souffle:
Papaya porcelain mask:
Honey age care:
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Apple Mask :
Peach Facial :
Banana Fruit Facial Mask Recipe:
Grape Facial Mask Recipe :
Strawberry Mask :
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Here are some simple home remedies to deal with wrinkles on skin and prevent the formation of new ones –Apply egg whites to the skin under your eyes.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Recipes for Homemade Moisturizers
Moisturizing Oils
Olive Oil
Soybean Oil
Sesame Oil
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Almond Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Lightly apply to warm, moist skin.
Healthy Glow Moisturizer Juice of 1 lime 1/4 cup milk, boiled 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil Mix well and refrigerate after use
Super Soft Moisturizer 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 teaspoon lemon juice Mix together well Refrigerate any unused mixture for several days.
Dark Circle Night Creme 1/4 cup peeled potato 1 tablespoon green tea leaves 1 teaspoon sesame oil Process until smooth in food processor Apply thin layer under eyes before bed. Refrigerate unused mixture.
Wrinkle Eradicator 5 grapes 2 teaspoons citrus juice; lemon, lime or orange 1 tablespoon castor oil Combine until smooth in food processor. Refrigerate any leftover mixture for up to one week.
Anti-Aging Moisturizer 1 small cucumber, peeled and seeded Juice from 1 lime 2 tablespoons almond or olive oil Combine ingredients in food processor until very smooth. Refrigerate unused mixture for up to 3 days.
Balancing Moisturizer 1/2 cup of yogurt- homemade is best 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice Mix together thoroughly
Hydrating Moisturizer 1/4 cup cooked oatmeal 2 tablespoons of honey 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel expressed from one large leaf Mix well
Softening Face Cream :1/4 cup dried nonfat milk 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 tablespoon rose petals Mix well together in food processor
Soothing Lotion:1 overly ripe peach, peeled and mashed 1/4 cup cream 1 tablespoon cornstarch Mix well then strain through a sieve
Rich Protein Moisturizer: egg yolk 1/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil Mix thoroughly
Dry Skin Mask :
tablespoon of buttermilk. or yogurt 1 egg yolk 1/8 cup finely diced rose petals 1/4 cup cooked oatmeal Mix together thoroughly.The buttermilk or yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while the egg yolk, honey and oatmeal moisturizes and re-hydrates the skin.
Organic Skin Care Facial Toner Recipes
pH Revitalizing Toner :
Refreshing Rejuvenating Toner :
Skin Restorative Toner 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 cucumber- puree then strain the juice Mix vinegar and cucumber juice together thoroughly The vinegar cleanses, shrinks pores, tones and gently exfoliates while the cucumber diminishes brown spots, exfoliates and moisturizes.
Green Tea Toner:
Aloe Vera Toner:
Soothing, Smoothing Toner:
Vinegar Re-balancing Toner:
Natural Skincare Recipes for Facial Peels
Skin Firming Peel:
Gentle Fruit Peel:
Anti-Wrinkle Peel:
PH Restorative Peel :
Skin Revitalizing Peel:
Hydrating and Moisturizing Peel :
Skin Care Recipes for Facial Masks
Hydrating Facial Mask:
Skin Firming Mask :
Anti-Aging Mask :
Rejuvenating Mask :
Moisturizing Mask :
Soothing, Healing Mask:
Dry Skin Mask :
Skin Care Recipes for Rejuvenating Scrubs
Conditioning Scrub• 2 tablespoons of a coarse sea salt • Mix with 1 tablespoon of honey, or olive oil The sea salt exfoliates, detoxifies and cleanses while the honey or olive oil soften and moisturize.
Skin Softening Scrub• 2 tablespoons of cornmeal • Drizzle in enough buttermilk to form into a thick paste • Add a dash of olive oil The cornmeal is a gentle exfoliant that works in concert with the buttermilk and olive oil to condition and hydrate dry skin.
Citrus Exfoliating Scrub• 1 tablespoon of honey • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • Drizzle in the juice of 1/2 lemon or orange slowly, mixing into a thick paste The honey hydrates, moisturizes, and protects the skin while the sugar exfoliates and the citrus tones and exfoliates.
Moisturizing Scrub I • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt or buttermilk • Mix in 1/4 teaspoon honey The sugar exfoliates, the dairy cleans and tones while the honey moisturizes.
Moisturizing Scrub II• 1/4 cup granulated or "sugar in the raw" • 1 tablespoon grated cucumber, the juice from aloe vera leaf or one slice of avocado mashed • Drizzle in enough olive oil to make a smooth paste The sugar exfoliates while the cucumber, avocado or aloe vera, with the olive oil penetrate deeply hydrate and moisturize.
Vitamin C Exfoliating Scrub • 1 tablespoon sea salt or any coarse salt • Mix with the juice of half an orange The salt exfoliates while the orange juice stimulates, tones and exfoliates.
Few Formulas- Simple & Easy!
Dry Skin Cleanser• 1/4 cucumber, peeled and juiced • 2 tablespoons yogurt • 2 tablespoons cooked oatmeal • Mix together well Hint: Soak cotton pads in leftover solution for a quick refreshing wash.
Generic Cleanser (All Skin Types)• 1/8 cup ground almonds (A coffee grinder works well) • 2 tablespoons milk or cream • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • Combine thoroughly Use to gently cleanse skin rinsing well with warm water.
Rejuvenating Cleanser• 1 green tea bag boiled and cooled • 2 tablespoons cornmeal • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt • Soak cornmeal in tea and yogurt for several minutes, then mix well. Refrigerate any unused mixture for up to 3 days.
Moisturizing Honey Wash• 1 tablespoon oat or rice bran • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 teaspoon cream • Heat gently in microwave or on stove, stir ingredients until well blended. Use face wash while still warm.
Stimulating Cleanser • 1 ripe tomato • 2 tablespoons milk • 2 tablespoons citrus juice: lemon, orange or lime • Combine until smooth in food processor. Freeze any leftover mixtures for up to one month.
Revitalizing Cleanser (All Skin Types)• 1 slice of peeled apple • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 teaspoon citrus juice: lemon, orange • Combine ingredients in food processor until very smooth. Refrigerate unused mixture for up to 3 days.
Moisturizing Cleanser• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 4 grapes • 1 teaspoon milk • Mix well in food processor.
Heal and Protect Cleanser • 1 large aloe vera leaf, peeled • 1 small peeled slice of papaya • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 teaspoon plain yogurt • Mix well in food processor.
Easy Face Packs
2. Take 1 tsp lemon juice, ½ cup yogurt and 1 tsp orange juice. Make a paste and apply this on your face and neck and keep for 15-20 minutes and then wash with tepid water.
3. For dry skin this mask works wonders. Take one egg and beat it till frothy. Add 1 tsp honey.
1 tsp glycerin, 1 tsp mineral oil. Apply this on the face and other dry areas on the body and wash after 15 minutes.
4. Protein Pack: Soak 1 tsp urad dal and 4 almonds in water overnight and then grinding them into a paste. You can then apply this protein mask to your face and wash it off after half an hour. This exceptional protein mask will not only nourish the skin but also bleach it.
5. Mix 2 tsp rice powder, 4 tsp tea water, 1 tsp honey. Apply this mask to your face and wash it off after half an hour with lukewarm water.
6. Take 1 egg and beat it in a small bowl. Add ½ cup coconut oil and 1 tbsp honey and beat it slowly bringing its consistency like mayonnaise. Spread the mixture into a toilet paper roll, and set in the freezer overnight. To use, peel away the top of the cardboard roll and smooth the frozen stick over your face. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and then wash off with warm water.
7. Take 1 tbsp powder milk, 1 peeled cucumber and 1 tsp yogurt. Mix all these together in a blender to a fine paste and apply on the face for 15-20 minutes and wash off with warm water.
8. Take 1½ tbsp. honey, 1 egg white , 2 tsp. glycerin , 1/3 cup flour and Whisk the honey, egg white and glycerin, & then add the flour. The result should be a thick paste. Apply to face & rinse after 15 minutes. This mask effectively moisturizes and tightens the skin, making it smooth and soft. .9. Grind 1 tablespoon almonds into a fine meal in a blender or food processor. Mix almond meal together with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 egg white. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash
10. Home Remedies for Skin Whitening Care:
Soak 4 almonds overnight. Grind into a fine paste using milk. Apply on face and neck and leave it overnight. Wash with cold water in the morning. Do this daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.(OR)
Wonder Fruit - Avocado!
Chocolate Facial
3-4 tbsp cocoa powder
put all the ingredients in blender. mix well n apply. keep for 15 mins. wipe off with towel dipped in warm water.
u can also freshly made paneer(cottage cheese) in this pack for extra dry skin.[the paneer shud be made at home, add sum vinegar in "warm" milk it wud form granule like on top of milk. gather those granules n use :) juz add 1 spoon of cottage cheese.
or u can also add sum avocado pulp for extra moisturizing properties in above pack. juz add 2 tbsp mashed avocado pulp.
*or u can add both cottage cheese n avocado in above pack :) 1
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mix well apply on ur hands n feet. keep it as long as u can. then wash off with warm water with gentle circular motions.
keep for 20 mins :)
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2-3 tbsp grated dark chocolate (u can also use chocolate chips)
Hydrate, hydrate:
Donna Maria Coles Johnson, an aromatherapist and author of "Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions" (Storey, 2000), says lavender and geranium essential oils are great for all skin types. She recommends adding tea tree oil for oily skin (although be aware this has a strong medicinal scent) and German chamomile for dry skin.
Note: Facial steams are not recommended for people with sensitive skin, and should not be done more than two or three times a month. Follow with a toner and moisturizer.
It's a wrapMoisturize your skin by creating a nutrient-rich body butter with ingredients from your kitchen. Here's one of Donna Maria's favorite recipes from her new book. (Be careful, this can get a little messy.)
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana Flesh of 1 ripe avocado 1 stick softened sweet butter 1/4 cup whipping cream 1 or 2 drops of lavender or geranium essential oils
Directions:
Blend the ingredients one at a time in a food processor until smooth. Add more whipping cream if necessary to make the mixture silky. Steam in the bathroom to open your pores and prepare your skin for the body wrap. Place an old blanket on the floor, and put two plastic trash bags (end to end) on top of that. Massage the body butter onto your skin (avoiding the eyes), lie down on the trash bags, and wrap yourself in the bags and blanket. Relax for about 15 minutes and rinse.
Add some salt: Almost any spa you visit offers some sort of salt glow. Michelle Riley, owner of the Il Paradiso Day Spa in Miami, explains that their Celestial Salt Glow leaves skin soft because it helps to exfoliate the top layer of skin. You can do practically the same thing at home-minus the trained masseuse. Use about 3/4 cup of fine-grained sea salts (found at health food stores) and moisten the salt with about 1/8 cup of grapeseed or almond oil. Add three to five drops of essential oils (Riley recommends lavender and citrus), massage onto skin, and rinse. Keep in mind that this can be a little messy-and slippery-so you may want to be sitting down in your bathtub for this one.
Bathe it away: Instead of paying loads of money to soak in a tub with fresh herbs at Spas, soak in your own bathtub for the price of the herbs. For a relaxing treat after a long day, Mindy Green, director of education for the Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, Colorado, suggests using lavender, roses, or chamomile (available from health food stores). Brew the herbs in a pot of tea, allow them to steep for 20 to 30 minutes, strain the tea into your bath, and enjoy.
Skin balm: To help protect your skin from the harsh winter conditions, Donna Maria has created a recipe for a Winter Balm, especially for Ladies' Home Journal readers. Use it on your lips, dry cuticles, or anywhere you have dry skin.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons avocado oil 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1 slightly rounded teaspoon shea butter (available at health food stores or online) 1 1/2 teaspoons beeswax beads (available at herb shops or online) 7 drops lavender essential oil (optional) 5 drops geranium essential oil (optional)
Directions:
Measure all ingredients except essential oils in a heat proof measuring cup and microwave for one minute. (If the ingredients have not fully melted, microwave in 10 second increments until they melt.) Stir the mixture with a Popsicle stick. If you are using essential oils, wait a few minutes before adding them. Add the essential oil and mix well with the stick. Carefully pour the mixture into a clean glass jar. Allow to harden about 15 minutes before using. Store in a cool, dry place