• DIY Homemade Lotion Bars

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    Easy Homemade Lotion Bars with Essential Oils: A Simple DIY

    I've been there, struggling with dry, itchy skin on the whole family, especially during those harsh winter months. I tried every store-bought lotion, but nothing seemed to truly soothe and nourish their skin. That's when I decided to try my hand at making my own.


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    These homemade lotion bars are a game-changer! They're incredibly easy to whip up – seriously, less than 30 minutes – and packed with nourishing ingredients like [mention specific ingredients, e.g., shea butter, coconut oil]. Plus, they make the perfect little gifts for friends and family.


    I even shared some of the ingredients with my beloved homemade whipped body butter recipe (you know the one!). These bars melt beautifully onto your skin, providing instant relief for those dry patches on knees, elbows, and hands. And let's not forget those summer days – they're amazing after a long day in the sun.


    Trust me, once you try these, you'll never go back to store-bought lotions again! They're gentle on everyone's skin and feel so much better than anything I've ever found in a store. Let me know if you're ready to give them a try – I'm sure you'll love them as much as we do.

    Why you'll absolutely LOVE these lotion bars:

    • They're ridiculously easy to make! Melt the ingredients together, pour them into molds, and voila! You've got a big batch of these amazing little guys ready in no time.
    • Get creative! This recipe is a blank canvas. Experiment with different essential oil blends to find your favorite scents. And don't be afraid to get playful with the molds – heart shapes for Valentine's Day, stars for the kids, you name it!
    • The perfect gift (or a treat for yourself!). Nourishing, homemade lotion is something everyone can appreciate. These bars are beautiful to wrap and make such thoughtful gifts for friends and family. (But let's be honest, you'll probably want to hoard a few for yourself!)
    • Your skin will thank you! With simple, natural ingredients, these lotion bars are a real treat for your skin. I'm always amazed at how soft and silky my hands feel after using them.
    • Perfect for life on the go. No more messy spills in your purse! These little guys are compact and travel-friendly. I always pack a few in my suitcase along with my homemade shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and facial soap bar. It's the ultimate travel kit!

    What goes into these magical lotion bars:

    • Coconut oil: There’s a reason I use coconut oil in so many of my favorite skincare recipes! It is nourishing, soothing, and highly moisturizing. Be sure to use regular coconut oil, not fractionated coconut oil.
    • Cocoa butter or shea butter: Cocoa butter will make firmer bars while shea butter will produce slightly softer bars. You can use a combination of the two if you prefer.
    • Beeswax: Wax is essential for the bars to hold their shape. I use pellets rather than a block because they melt much more easily.
    • Essential oils: These are optional, but they make your lotion smell amazing! Use any of your favorite essential oils, or check out my suggested, click on the blue words!
    • Silicone molds or metal tins

    Here's how to make these amazing lotion bars:

    Step 1: Get melting! Combine all of your ingredients, except for the essential oils, in a double boiler or a glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water.


    Step 2: Watch the magic happen! Let the heat gently melt everything together. Once it's all smooth and combined, take that bowl off the heat.


    Step 3: Time for the good stuff! Let the mixture cool down a bit, then add your favorite essential oils. Stir it all up and get ready for that amazing scent!


    Step 4: Pour it up! Carefully pour the mixture into your molds. Silicone molds are my go-to, but you can use those cute little metal tins too.


    Step 5: Patience is a virtue (almost done!). Let those bars cool completely. Then, gently pop them out of the molds.


    And there you have it! Your very own homemade lotion bars. Store them in an airtight container and enjoy that soft, silky skin!


    Best essential oil blends for lotion bars

    These are just a few of my favorite essential oil blends for lotion bars, homemade body cream, and even my pumpable lotion.


    The best part about making your own lotion bars is that you're the boss! You get to choose exactly what goes into them, including the scent. So get creative and experiment with different essential oils to find the perfect blend for you. Lavender is super relaxing, citrus is invigorating, and there are endless possibilities!

    • Frankincense + Yarrow Pom + Rose
    • Lavender + Roman Chamomile
    • Frankincense + Melaleuca + Lavender
    • Lemongrass + Cedarwood

    Expert tips

    • I've included measurements both by weight and volume, but trust me, weighing your ingredients is the way to go for the best results. If you don't have a scale, don't worry! I've included a helpful video below that shows you how to measure by volume.
    • Now, let's have some fun with the molds! Christmas is coming up? Get those festive molds out and make some adorable snowman or snowflake-shaped lotion bars. Valentine's Day is around the corner? Heart-shaped bars are the perfect way to show some love.
    • If you're using silicone molds, store your finished lotion bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They'll last for about a year, so you can enjoy them all year long.
    • Just a friendly reminder: keep them away from direct sunlight and store them in a cool place. If your house gets too warm (above 78 degrees), those bars might start to melt. In that case, pop them in the fridge to keep them happy.

    Prep Time:

    5 mins

    Cook Time:

    25 mins

    Additional Time

    4 hrs

    Total Time

    4hrs/30mins

    EQUIPMENT

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Melting time! We're going to melt all of our ingredients together, except for those lovely essential oils. You can use a double boiler, or get creative and make your own by placing a glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
    • Watch it melt! Bring the water to a boil and let the magic happen. Keep an eye on it until every last bit of those wonderful ingredients is melted.
    • Cool down a bit! Once everything is melted, remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly.
    • Time for the scent-sational part! Stir in those delicious essential oils.
    • Pour it up! Now, the fun part! Pour the mixture into your molds. I love using silicone molds, but those cute little metal salve tins work great too.
    • Patience is a virtue! Let those bars cool completely. Then, gently pop them out of the molds.
    • And there you have it! Your very own homemade lotion bars. Store them in an airtight container and enjoy that soft, silky skin! 

    Notes

    • This recipe makes about 10-15 bars, depending on the size of your molds. Have fun with it!
    • Keep your lotion bars happy by storing them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. If your house gets too warm (above 78 degrees), those little guys might start to melt. Pop them in the fridge to keep them cool and happy.
    • Don't worry if you don't have cocoa butter on hand! You can use shea butter instead. The bars might be a little softer, but they'll still be just as amazing!

    I am not a nutritionalist. Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.


    This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.


    *** © ourhomely.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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  • Homemade conditioner bars_1

    Easy Homemade Conditioner Bars

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    Tired of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances in your hair products? Homemade conditioner bars offer a gentle, natural alternative. These simple bars are packed with nourishing ingredients to soften and strengthen your hair.


    After a bit of experimentation, we've perfected a recipe for solid conditioner bars that moisturize and repair damaged hair.


    Years ago, I embarked on a journey to create a more natural hair care routine. My first step was a DIY dry shampoo spray, and since then, I've been dedicated to replacing traditional hair products with natural alternatives.


    What is a Hair Conditioner Bar?

    A hair conditioner bar is a solid, bar-shaped version of a traditional liquid hair conditioner. They're gaining popularity due to their travel-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. 


    Making homemade conditioner bars is a breeze, and they'll last you a long time! A little bit goes a long way, making them much more economical than liquid conditioners.


    Why make your own hair conditioner bars?

    Let's be honest, it would be much easier to buy natural, organic hair care products. But the truth is, it can be quite expensive, and even products labeled "natural" often contain hidden chemicals.


    This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.

    Enter your text here...

    What You Will Need

    INSTRUCTIONS

    To create your conditioner bars, begin by melting cocoa butter, coconut oil, and emulsifying wax in a double boiler or a glass bowl over simmering water. Once melted, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, incorporate the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and allow them to harden for 2-3 days before use.


    How to use conditioner bars

    To use your conditioner bar, rub it between your hands to warm it up and apply it directly to your hair. For curly or thick hair, use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. For extra detangling, follow up with a DIY hair detangler spray.


    Why I chose/love these ingredients

    Each ingredient in this recipe is essential for creating a long-lasting, effective hair conditioner bar.


    Cocoa Butter

    Cocoa butter is not only delicious-smelling but also incredibly beneficial for both skin and hair. Its moisturizing properties make it an excellent hair conditioner, adding shine, preventing split ends, and softening hair. Plus, any leftover cocoa butter can be used to create homemade chocolates!


    Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil, a true superfood, is a staple in many households. Its moisturizing properties make it a fantastic ingredient for hair care. Coconut oil can help combat dandruff, dry scalp, split ends, and hair breakage. It's also a key ingredient in my coconut oil hair mask, a perfect treat for hair that needs extra TLC.


    Essential Oils (fragrance)

    Essential oils are a fantastic way to add a delightful fragrance to your conditioner. You can experiment with various combinations, but I personally love the refreshing citrus scents of tangerine and lemon. Feel free to try this blend or create your own unique combination.

    Choosing the fragrance

    Wild Forest for men

    • 6 drops sandalwood
    • 3 drops rosemary
    • 3 drops lemongrass

    Floral Fresh for women

    • 5 drops lavender
    • 3 drops of clary sage
    • 2 drops of wild orange
    • 2 drops lime

    Gentle and Calm

    • 3 drops lavender
    • 1 drop of Roman Chamomile

    Why you will love these conditioner bars:

    Homemade conditioner bars offer a multitude of benefits. They have a remarkably long shelf life, often lasting for years with minimal cost. Made with eco-friendly, plant-derived ingredients, they have a minimal environmental impact. Additionally, their versatility allows for customization. If you find the need to adjust the formula, simply re-melt the bars, make your changes, and re-mold them. Their compact size makes them ideal for travel, ensuring your hair receives optimal care, even on the go. Don't forget to pack a DIY shampoo bar to complete your travel hair care routine.


    Faqs/Tips

    • Longevity: These conditioner bars can last between 60-100 washes.
    • Frequency: Perfect for those who wash their hair once or twice a week.
    • Shelf Life: When stored in a cool, dry place, these bars can last around 2 years.
    • Ingredient Substitutions: Cocoa butter can be substituted with shea or mango butter, with shea butter resulting in a softer bar.
    • Storage Considerations: Coconut oil melts at temperatures above 76°F, so store the bars in a cool place like the fridge.
    • Best Usage: Ideal for wet hair, not recommended as a leave-in conditioner for dry hair.
    • Hardening Tip: If the bars are still soft, place them in the fridge for a few hours to harden.


    Wrapping up

    As you transition from conventional hair products to natural alternatives, it's important to be patient. Your hair may need some time to adjust to the new routine. During this period, using a DIY dry shampoo and a homemade natural shampoo can be helpful. This updated recipe addresses concerns about greasy hair, and with a little patience and persistence, you'll enjoy the benefits of healthy, natural hair. Thank you for reading, and be sure to follow us for more natural hair care tips and recipes. And if you love natural hair care products, be sure to follow us on social media for more popular products!

    Homemade conditioner bars that work great on all hair types.


    Prep Time: 5mins 

    Active Time: 20mins

    Total Time: 25mins

    Yield: 2 long lasting bars


    Equipment

    • ▢ Double Boiler
    • ▢ Silicone molds

    Ingredients

    • ▢ ½ cup of cocoa butter
    • ▢ ¼ cup coconut oil
    • ▢ 1 teaspoon of emulsifying wax
    • ▢ 1 teaspoon of vitamin B5
    • ▢ 10 drops of vitamin E oil
    • ▢ 8 drops of tangerine essential oil
    • ▢ 4 drops of lemon essential oil

    Instructions

    • Melt the Base: Combine cocoa butter, coconut oil, and emulsifying wax in a double boiler or a glass bowl over simmering water.
    • Cool Slightly: Once melted, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
    • Add Ingredients: Incorporate the remaining ingredients, stirring well.
    • Mold the Bars: Pour the mixture into silicone molds.

    Notes

    The conditioner bars can be removed from the molds once they've hardened. However, for optimal results, it's best to wait 48 hours to ensure complete hardening and a longer-lasting product. In warmer climates, storing the bars in the refrigerator can help prevent melting.


    This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.


    *** © ourhomely.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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  • Easy Honey Vanilla Candle Recipe

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    • By Our Homely | Updated: 12/16/2024 | This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Who doesn't love the warm, inviting glow of a candle? But did you know that most store-bought candles are filled with harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances?

    Why not try making your own beeswax candles? They're not only easy to make, but they're also much healthier for you and your family. Beeswax is a natural product that burns clean and releases negative ions, which can help purify the air.

    In my this post, I'll share a simple recipe for homemade honey vanilla beeswax candles. Get ready to fill your home with the sweet, comforting scent of honey and vanilla, all while breathing easy and enjoying the cozy glow.


    If you're a fan of sweet, comforting scents, you'll adore the heavenly aroma of honey vanilla. This delightful fragrance combination is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home.


    I recently made a batch of honey vanilla candles, and I'm already obsessed! It's a simple recipe that's very similar to my beeswax candle recipe, but with a twist. Instead of using essential oils, we'll be using a honey vanilla fragrance oil to infuse the wax with its delicious scent.


    Best Wax for Your Candles

    When it comes to making homemade candles, you have a few wax options: beeswax, soy wax, and paraffin wax.


    Beeswax is a natural choice, producing hard, long-lasting candles with a bright, warm glow. It burns cleaner than many other waxes and has a higher smoke point.


    Soy wax is a popular vegan alternative, offering a smooth burn and a longer burn time than paraffin wax.


    Paraffin wax is another option, but it's important to choose a high-quality, pure paraffin wax to ensure a clean burn.


    No matter which wax you choose, the basic candle-making process remains the same. In my next post, I'll share a simple recipe that you can adapt to your preferred wax

    Scenting Your Candles Naturally

    One of the most exciting parts of making your own candles is choosing a fragrance. You can get as creative as you like, from subtle to strong, and everything in between. Whether you prefer a natural, earthy scent or a sweet, floral aroma, the possibilities are endless.


    Scenting Your Beeswax Candles

    Beeswax itself has a subtle, sweet aroma, but you can enhance it with additional scents. Herbs like peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon, clove, and lavender are popular choices for natural fragrance. Simply add the fresh herbs to the melted wax, then strain them out before pouring the wax into your molds.


    If you prefer a more concentrated scent, you can use essential oils or fragrance oils. For this honey vanilla candle recipe, we'll be using a honey vanilla fragrance oil for a strong, delicious scent.


    Ingredients

    Tools

    Instructions

    Step 1: Start by melting your beeswax in a wax melter or a double boiler. A wax melter is a convenient choice for easy cleanup. If you opt for a double boiler, be cautious to avoid pouring wax down the drain.


    Step 2: While the wax is melting, secure the wick to the bottom of your candle jar using a glue dot.


    Step 3: Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat source and let it cool to about 160°F. Stir in your desired fragrance oil..


    Step 4: Allow the wax to cool further to around 150°F. Carefully pour the wax into your prepared jar. Use a wick-centering tool to keep the wick straight, or improvise with a pencil or bamboo skewer.


    Step 5: Let the candles harden completely, which may take 24-48 hours. Once hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch for optimal burning.


    NOTE: And there you have it! Your homemade beeswax candles are ready to illuminate your space. Remember, patience is key, so let the candles harden fully before lighting them for the best burn time.


    While honey vanilla candles are delightful on their own, you can enhance their aroma with essential oils. Floral scents like lavender, chamomile, and jasmine complement honey vanilla beautifully. If you prefer a woodsy fragrance, consider adding Siberian fir, sandalwood, or cedarwood. These scents are perfect for creating cozy, festive Christmas candles.


    Keep in mind that essential oils are quite potent, and you'll need to use a significant amount to achieve a noticeable scent in your candles. This is why many homemade candles rely on fragrance oils, which are more concentrated.

    Prep Time: 5 minutes

    Cook Time: 1 Hours

    Total Time: 4 Hours/ 5minutes

    Yield: 

    16 oz candle

    Creating your own beeswax candles is a rewarding and eco-friendly endeavor. These all-natural candles can fill your space with warmth and delightful fragrance. For easier mixing, we've updated this recipe to use fragrance oil instead of pure essential oils and honey.

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Melt the Wax: Melt your beeswax in a wax melter or double boiler.
    • Prepare the Wick: Secure the wick to the bottom of your candle jar using a glue dot.
    • Add Fragrance: Once melted, cool the wax to 160°F and stir in your fragrance oil.
    • Pour the Wax: Cool the wax to 150°F and carefully pour it into the jar. Center the wick using a tool or a pencil.
    • Let it Set: Allow the wax to harden completely, then trim the wick to 1/4 inch.

    Notes: 

    Tips for Stronger-Smelling Candles

    If you're finding that your homemade candles aren't as fragrant as you'd like, consider these tips:

    • Timing is Key: Add your herbs, essential oils, or fragrance oil to the wax when it's cooled to around 160°F. Adding them to hot wax can diminish the scent.
    • Don't Skimp on Scent: To achieve a strong scent, you may need to use more herbs or essential oils than you initially think.
    • Strategic Placement: Place your candles in smaller rooms and away from air vents to maximize their fragrance.


    What’s The Lifespan of Homemade Candles?

    Unlike food, candles don't have an expiration date. However, over time, they can lose their scent and color. Generally, candles can last up to a year after being opened and lit.

    Homemade candles are no different. To ensure the best quality, it's a good idea to use them within a year.

    The simplest way to determine if a candle is still good is by its scent. If it smells off or unpleasant, it's time to say goodbye.


    Recipe Notes

    • Fragrance Oil: When selecting a fragrance oil, opt for natural or organic options to avoid introducing synthetic chemicals into your candles.
    • Beeswax Scent: Beeswax has a lovely natural scent on its own. If you prefer a more subtle fragrance, you can reduce the amount of added fragrance oil.
    • Choosing the Right Jar: Ensure that your chosen jar or container is safe for candle burning. This recipe can yield two 8-ounce candles or one 16-ounce candle.
    • Patience is Key: Allow your candles to fully harden for 24-48 hours before lighting them. This ensures a longer burn time.
    • Protect Your Plumbing: Use dedicated equipment for candle making to avoid clogging your sink with wax.
    • Safety First: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated space, away from children, and flammable materials.
    • Candle Size: This recipe can yield two 8-ounce candles or one 16-ounce candle.

    This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe


    *** © ourhomely.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

    Read more