Body Scrubs & Bath Salts: Keep Your Skin Fresh and Rosy in Winter!

11 December 2020

My favourite things often have a story behind them and are usually handmade. -Amy Sedaris

Why use store-bought spa products which often contain substances with long scientific names you've either never heard of or definitely don't want on your skin? To make your own can be as simple as gathering things you probably already have in your kitchen at home such as sea salt, fruit or herbs. If you don’t, a quick trip to a local market or supermarket should do the trick.

Body scrub and bath salts min

Gifts with an Island Flair #

Instead of spending a small fortune on “things” no one really wants or needs, go for something handmade this year! With so many resources available on the island you don’t have to be “crafty” to be able to make amazing concoctions everyone will love. And as an extra bonus, they'll give you serious bragging rights about having made them yourself.

Dried orange cinnamon sticks christmas decoration min

Body Scrubs #

Giving your skin a good scrub on a regular basis gets rid of dead skin cells, which can block pores, cause dullness, and lead to dehydrated, itchy skin. Body scrubs made from natural ingredients are not only a great gift idea, they’re also practical for combating dry skin brought on by dry weather and brightening up dull skin bogged down by summer humidity.

A jar of basic scrub can be stored up to six months with a proper lid on it. Just be aware some of the extras you add, like fruit or herbs, may affect the longevity. Jars can be bought from most any cooking shop, larger supermarket or the “Chinese Shops” found in nearly every town. Get ones with good screw tops or seals to prevent leakage and to keep them fresh. You can make labels for each to give it a seriously personal touch.

The most basic scrubs can be fashioned from just using olive or almond oil, organic honey, and sugar. For added benefits and yummy scents, other ingredients can be added to customize every jar.

Basic Scrub Recipe
6 tbsp (90 ml) extra virgin olive oil or almond oil from local production
4 tbsp (86g) organic honey
½ cup (115g) organic sugar

Additions such as local figs, lemons and orange (the best are from Sóller), or pomegranates can be crushed or juiced and added to the mixture. Just let your recipients know they should be kept in a cool place (or even the fridge) to get the longest shelf life out of them. Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, basil or thyme from the garden can also be ground up and used, lending lovely fragrances and medicinal properties. You can also use essential oils on their own in place of herbs. They provide a stable long-lasting base and smell like heaven.

Body scrub sea salt lemon rosemary min

Bath Salts #

Along the same lines as body scrubs, but in a form that has a practically unlimited shelf life. Use essential oils made from local scents to personalise for each recipient.

This particular recipe calls for small ½ pint mason jars with good tight lids.

Ingredients
1 cup (300g) local sea salt
1 tbsp baking soda
3-4 drops of essential oil of your choosing, preferably locally made
OPTIONAL: 1-2 drops of food colouring to tint
OPTIONAL: dried lavender, rosemary, or any well dried herb/fruit of your choice well crumbled into the mix

Instructions
Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Transfer to a jar and tie with pretty twine or ribbon.

Bath salt min

Potpourris #

Not for use on the body, but ideal for gifts! Potpourris adds a lovely, warm feeling to any room, and during the festive season, the mingling scents are sure to evoke pleasant memories. All you have to do to use the potpourri is to put all or a portion of the contents in a saucepan with water and simmer on very low heat, so the smell permeates the whole house.

Ingredients
1 pint jar
3 cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
2-3 tbsp whole cloves
1 lime slice
2 lemon slices
2 orange slices

Instructions
Place ingredients in the jar and fill with water. Add water as needed when on stovetop.

Christmas potpourri glass jar cinnamon lemon min

Wrap Up #

If your concoctions are meant for gifts, then don’t forget the wrapping! In an age of eco-responsibility, tying a pretty twine around the lids with a small tag and a mini candy cane will set just the right tone. No waste yet oh-so appealing to the eye! Enjoy the moment.

Woman wrapping gifts christmas min

Sources

Wikihow.com
Shalomhomestead.com
Dessertwithbenefits.com
Thethingswellmade.com

#homemademallorca #homemadegifts #handmadegifts #mallorcagifts #handmadebodyscrubs

11 December, 2020

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