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Apricot Scrub

This face scrub is gentle and non-drying for sensitive skin.   Apricot kernels are very finely ground so they gently exfoliate without irritating sensitive skin.  The base of the apricot scrub starts with the reserved face cream (see previous post).

Lark Books 2005

You will need:

1/4 cup reserved face cream

2 T melted opaque glycerin soap

2 T ground apricot kernels*

1. Combine all ingredients into a small bowl and stir.
2. Store in a small jar.

Makes 1/2 cup

*Available at most health food stores or the soap making supply section of most craft stores.

Face Cream

Photography by Sandra Stambaugh for Lark Books

This recipe makes a generous batch of heavy face cream and is  suitable for very dry skin.  Use the essential oil of your choice, or leave it out if you are sensitive to fragrance.  Enjoy!

You Will Need:

2 4-ounce glass jars

1/2 cup aloe vera gel

1/2 cup witch hazel*

3 drops essential oil

1/8 teaspoon borax**

1/2 cup grapeseed oil*

1/2 teaspoon lanolin*

1/4 cup grated beeswax

Blender, or hand mixer

1. Combine the aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and borax in a blender or small bowl and blend until the gel has liquefied and the borax has dissolved.
2. Combine the grapeseed oil, beeswax, and lanolin in a small glass measuring cup.  Microwave for 30 seconds on high, then check every 20 seconds until the beeswax and lanolin are completely melted.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle the oil mixture into the aloe mix.  Add essential oil.  Go slowly, if you pour it to fast it will separate.    Mix really well, until the oil and water has emulsified and looks like mayonnaise.
4. Pour into jar while warm.  It will set quickly as it cools.

NOTE:  This recipe makes slightly more than two 4-ounce jars.  Reserve the extra to make Apricot Scrub.

*Available at most health food stores.

**Available at most drugstores.

***A food processor work best for making this cream.  If you use a blender, just stop the motor often and scrape down the sides.

Orange Dream Body Lotion

Photography by Sandra Stambaugh for Lark Books

The scent of this recipe can be easily modified by changing the essential oil.  Be careful to use only high quality essential oils and make sure that they are safe for topical use.

You will need:
16 ounce container with a pump top
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup grapeseed oil
3 Tablespoons grated beeswax*
1/2 teaspoon borax**
10 drops sweet orange essential oil
5-6 drops orange color
Grater
Funnel

1. Combine the water, and borax in a blender and pulse until the borax is dissolved.
2. Combine the grapeseed oil and beeswax in a small glass measuring cup.  Microwave for 30 seconds on high, then check every 20 seconds until the beeswax is completely melted.
3. With the blender running, slowly drizzle the oil mixture into the water mix.  Mix really well, until the oil and water has emulsified.
4. Pour into bottle.

*Available at most health food stores

**Available at most drug stores