DIY Scented Nail Polish

Hate the smell of nail polish? Then this DIY is for you! Make your very own custom scented nail polish that won't wreak of alcohol and artificial chemicals.

Directions:

1. Carefully fill your empty glass nail polish bottles about 90% full with suspending nail polish base and then insert a couple of the mixing beads.  Note!  Don't use the mini funnels to pour your base into the bottles -- the base is too thick and the funnel opening is too narrow.
2. Place your small funnel on the top of the bottle neck.  Select your choice of micas and/or glitters and scoop them into the funnel.  Add just one scoop at a time and tap the funnel between each addition to get the colorants down into the bottle.
3. If you'd like to add fragrance to your nail polish, add it at this time.  Only use about one mL of fragrance so as not to dilute the nail polish.
4. Insert the brush down into the neck of the bottle and the screw on the cap.  This action will connect these two separate elements.
5. Now shake the bottle for at least one minute to completely combine all of the ingredients.  You can now test your nail polish by brushing it directly onto your nails or a piece of paper.  If you want to add additional colorants, you can do so at this time and then cap and shake thoroughly again.
6. To keep track of your custom nail polish combinations, consider keeping a DIY recipe book listing out your ingredients and painting a small swatch of the finished polish.

Moisturizing Shaving Cream

This shaving cream is not only moisturizing but smells amazing! The mixture of shea butter, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil is an enriching combo that's hard to find in pre-made shaving creams.

Directions:

1. Combine the coconut oil and the shea butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, remove and stir. If there are solids remaining, continue to microwave for 10 second intervals until completely dissolved.
2. Add the sweet almond oil and the fragrance oil and stir. Place this mixture in the refrigerator until it becomes solid, then remove and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes on your counter.
3. Place the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer and whip until light and fluffy.
4. Transfer to a plastic (recommended) jar with a lid until ready for use.
5. To use, moisten skin with warm water, scoop out a small amount and spread on skin prior to shaving.

Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

Exfoliating is key to maintaining soft skin year round!

Directions:

1. Cut the soap base into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. If there are solid pieces remaining, continue to microwave on high for 10-second intervals until the soap base is completely melted. We used a goat's milk glycerin soap base, but any melt-and-pour soap base will work.
2. The melted soap base will soon begin to cool and set, so we want to add in the remaining ingredients somewhat quickly. Add the sweet almond oil and the vanilla extract to the melted soap base and stir thoroughly. Then add the sugar and stir well to combine.
3. Pour the mixture into the silicone ice cube tray, filling each compartment to the top. If your soap base has begun to cool and set, the mixture will be thicker and you'll likely have to scoop it into each compartment and press it down with your fingers.
4. Allow your sugar scrub cubes to cool and set for an hour. Then invert your mold and gently press on the underside to release the cubes.
5. To use the sugar scrub cubes, take one or two into the shower and crush them between your hands under warm running water. Gently rub them into your skin in a circular motion to exfoliate and clean.

Soothing Shower Oils

Make refreshing and moisturizing shower oils perfect for day and night time use. The AM shower oil will wake you up and energize you for the day ahead. The PM shower oils will calm and relax your body after a long day.

Morning Shower Oil Directions:

To fill an 8 ounce plastic container combine 1/3 cup of fractionated coconut oil, 1/3 cup of avocado oil and 1/3 cup of sweet almond in one container. Add in four drops of spearmint essential oil and 4 drops of grapefruit essential oil. Stir to combine and pour into your prepared container using a small plastic funnel.

Evening Shower Oil Directions:

To fill an 8 ounce plastic container combine 1/3 cup of fractionated coconut oil, 1/3 cup of avocado oil and 1/3 cup of sweet almond in one container. Add in four to six drops of bergamot essential oil. Stir to combine and pour into your prepared container using a small plastic funnel.

Colorful Soap Cubes

Why not have a little fun in the shower with these colorful soap cubes?

Directions:

1. Begin by selecting a simple object to make a mold of - making certain that it's dry and clean.
2. Amazing Mold Putty comes in two parts, measure out equal parts of both - enough to cover your selected object. Set your timer for one minute and knead the two parts of the putty together until they create one uniform color with no streaks.
3. Next set your timer for two minutes. Roll your putting into a ball and gently press it down onto the underside of your object. Roll the putty up the side of your object to capture all of the detail, doing your best to achieve a uniform thickness all the way around.
4. Allow the mold to sit for 15 to 20 minutes -- during this time the mold cures into a flexible rubber. Afterwards, gently flex the sides away from your object and remove it.
5. Cast a custom molded soap by cutting glycerin soap base into small pieces and placing it in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the pieces on high for 30 seconds, remove and stir. If there are any solid pieces remaining, microwave for additional 10 second intervals until the base is completely melted.
6. If desired, stir in soap colorant and fragrance.
7. Pour the melted soap mixture into your mold and allow it to sit for 40 minutes to an hour. When the soap is set and solid, gently flex the sides of the mold away from the soap and remove it.

All-Natural Lotion Bars

If you hate the liquid consistency of lotion and are looking for a new way to moisturize, try these shea & cocoa butter lotion bars! They offer the same benefits as regular lotion and just the right amount of moisture to give your skin back its hydrating glow.

Directions:

1. Place the beeswax and sweet almond oil in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for one minute. Remove from microwave and stir. Microwave for an additional minute and stir again to melt these two ingredients completely.
2. Stir the shea butter and the cocoa butter into the melted beeswax/sweet almond oil mixture. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes and then add 6 drops of your bergamot essential oil (more or less according to your preference).
3. Pour the mixture into your push tubes or molds and allow them to set for at least one hour before moving or placing lids on them. At this point your lotion bars are ready to use and enjoy!