Price Increase: Creams & Butters - Effective 10/4/10

Natural Body Butter

BathBodySupply.com has been informed of a rather large price increase on both the Natural Body Butter and Tropical Butter Cream bases. We are rather disappointed as these are two of our top-selling cream bases.

We are unable to absorb the full 20% increase on these items. Rather than discontinue the bases (because they are amazing and because so many of you rely on them for your body butter & cream products), we have decided to increase

Tropical Butter Cream

the product price by 10% and absorb the other 10% for the time being. 

We will also be discontinuing the cases of these items and instead will offer a 5 Gallon Pail to help reduce cost to you. The hefty price increase is attributed to rising materials cost and a 3 year price freeze by the manufacturer which has now expired.

We are actively researching alternatives, including possibly reformulating the base to make it more cost-effective to produce. We will notify you well in advance if we decide to go this route. 

 

New pricing will be updated online Monday October 4, 2010. 

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Colour-Flame Firestarter Pinecones

You Will Need:

Pine Cones (Search outdoors or purchase at craft stores)

Beeswax Pastilles - White, Unrefined
Clean, Fine Sawdust (Check your local sawmill)

Fragrance Oil (Optional)

Mica or Glitter

Chemicals & Corresponding Burn Color:

• Borax Powder [burns Yellow-Green]
• Sea Salt [burns Yellow]
• Epsom Salt [burns White]
• No-Salt (Potassium Chloride)  [burns Violet]
• Strontium Chloride [burns Red]

Tongs (Cannot be reused for cooking)
Cookie Sheet covered in wax paper
Ziploc Baggies
Sharpie Marker
Rubber Gloves
Face Mask
Mini White Plastic Scoop - 1cc/1ml

• Warning: This recipe yields flammable pine cones which have been coated in chemicals to change the color of the flames in your fireplace or bonfire. It involves many components including melted wax, fine sawdust, mica and household chemicals. You should choose a well-ventilated area and use appropriate safety gear when combining these elements.

Phase 1: Melt beeswax in a double boiler over low heat. Remove from heat and add optional fragrance, stirring well to incorporate.

Phase 2: Put on your face mask and rubber gloves to prepare your chemicals. Combine sawdust and ONE chemical in a zippered plastic bag in a 2:1 ratio. So, 1 cup of sawdust to 1/2 cup chemical. Label the outside of the bag with the name of the chemical used. For safety reasons, these chemicals cannot be combined. It is imperative that you prepare your chemicals appropriately and label them so you know what they are. Continue in a separate bag for each chemical you intend to use, making sure to label each bag appropriately.

Phase 3: Prepare a second zippered bag for each chemical which contains a small amount of mica. We used 5 ml or 5 mini scoops per bag. Be sure to designate a different color mica for each chemical you are using so you can differentiate the chemicals from one another when your pine cones have dried.

• At this point, you should have 2 bags designated for every chemical you are using. Both bags should have the name of the chemical written on the outside. One bag should contain the sawdust/chemical mix. The other should contain 5 ml of mica designated for that chemical. We used Crimson Mica for Sea Salt and Gold Mica for Borax.

Phase 4: Decide which chemical to work with first. Using a pair of tongs reserved for craft projects, dip your pine cones in the wax mixture and then toss them into the zippered bag containing the sawdust/chemical mixture that you have chosen to work with first. Zip the bag closed and shake well to cover your pine cones. When covered, gently tap each pine cone to remove an excess dust that may be stuck in the crevices.

Phase 5: Immediately place your pine cones in the bag of mica which corresponds to the chemical you have used.  Zip the bag and shake to cover the pine cone in a shimmer of mica. Remove the pine cones, gently tapping to remove the excess mica, and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

Phase 6: Repeat phases #4 & #5 for each of the other chemicals you are using.

Phase 7: Let pine cones dry overnight then display in a basket until needed.

To Use: Place a pine cone between two logs and light. DO NOT mix chemicals in your fireplace or bonfire as they may react violently. Use ONE color/chemical at a time.

Disclaimer: As with all flammable products, exercise caution in households with pets or small children. Keep fire starters out of their reach. Remember, although these are made from natural materials, they are still not meant to be played with, chewed on or otherwise molested. Do not let children light fire starters without adult supervision. Use good judgment when storing and keep out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources. DO NOT MIX CHEMICALS IN YOUR FIREPLACE. USE ONLY ONE TYPE OF COLORED PINE CONE PER FIRE.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Funding A Business In A Down Economy

In the process of growing your business, you will eventually find the need to secure additional funding. Perhaps you need to buy equipment to expand your business, or you need a larger building, or maybe you need to hire employees to help process orders. You will likely find yourself in a position at some point to have to find outside funding to help make your dream a reality.

In today's economy, more and more business owners are finding that banks are less than willing to lend out money, even if you have excellent credit. What's an enterprising business owner to do then?

Creative funding is a requirement for businesses to survive and thrive and there are lots of alternatives at your fingertips to help!

The SBA 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program is the governments main small business financing tool. It helps secure loans for small businesses that are unable to find funding or reasonable credit terms via conventional lending channels and will guarantee up to $1 million.

Woman Owned was founded in 1997 by Christina Blenk as a resource for other women business owners online. They provide online business information and networking assistance as well as a number of resources for setting up / running / growing businesses.

If you plan to borrow from family or friends, check out Virgin Money (formerly Circle Lending) . This firm provides all of the loan administration, record keeping, payment processing, and structural support to set up a formal lending and payback schedule for your informal loan. They "provide a simple way to structure a social loan to help keep friendships exactly as they should be—friendly."

The National Business Incubation Association offers information on incubators and can help you locate one in your area. In the "Resource Center" select your state from the drop down menu.  

The federal government created SBIR grants to encourage small business to explore their technological potential.

Prosper.com is the world's largest peer-to-peer lending marketplace allows people to invest in each other in a way that is financially and socially rewarding. On Prosper, people list and bid on loans using an online auction platform. Borrowers list loan requests between $1,000 and $25,000 and set the maximum rate they are willing to pay. Prosper was co-founded by Chris Larsen, co-founder of E-LOAN. 

Kickstarter.com is a funding platform for creative projects. It is a great way for artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, writers, illustrators, explorers, curators, promoters, performers, and others to bring their projects and ambitions to life. Project creators inspire people to open their wallets by offering products, benefits, and fun experiences.

If your business start-up is one that has equipment needs, companies like Direct Capital  have been expanding their financial capacity for a while now, and may be able to provide some leasing options for your business. Leasing your equipment can be a good way to free up some of your up-front loan requirements.

Have you encountered other creative lending sources? We'd love for you to share them in the comments section below.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Starting A Business Without A Lot Of Cash

According to the SBA, about two-thirds, or 66 percent of businesses last past the first two years, leaving only a third of businesses that fail within these two years. Extended to four years, the number of surviving businesses decreases to only 44 percent, meaning that about 56 percent of businesses fail at the five-year mark. (U.S. Small Business Administration)

Most entrepreneurs don't start a company with an overabundance of "extra" money. In order to get your business off and running on the right foot, it's helpful to be as thrifty as possible (without cutting corners) wherever you can. If you can make the money you have last as long as possible, your business has a better chance of surviving beyond the SBA statistics.

The following cash-stretching tips will assist you in making smart money decisions:

Live Frugally. What does Frugal mean? Living frugally means making money decisions that cost little or are inexpensive. For me personally, this meant starting my business out of my home to save on rent expenses for a commercial building. Other tips include taking full advantage of rebates, signing up for discount cards at office supply stores like Staples, Office Max and Best Buy. Being a smart shopper can save you hundreds of dollars. Keep an eye out for coupons and store them someplace you are likely to use them. I plan shopping trips in advance and make a list of items to purchase to cut down on impulse buys, making sure to include the coupons I plan to use at those stores with my list.

Finance Creatively. It can be tough to convince a traditional bank to loan you money for your startup. If you feel comfortable asking family and friends for money to help start your business, this is a good place to start. Combined with your own accumulation of savings/credit cards/gifts, you can also look for free money like grant money or prizes from business plan competitions. The Small Business Administration is an amazing resource for information on free money in your locale as is Grants.gov.

Start Small. Rather than start with a huge product line in a large number of fragrances, start small. Fewer products means less initial investment. Find a niche market via market research.

Exhaust Inexpensive Marketing. Market through the media, by word of mouth, via Twitter, Facebook, tradeshows, local Chamber of Commerce, etc., before investing in paid marketing.

Rethink Employees. Consider contract or temporary help. Stay at home moms, college students and retirees have all worked well when we need seasonal help. Branch out. Consider hiring an intern who is interested in learning about your particular industry. Think about hiring virtual employees such as a virtual assistant to field phone calls and emails.

Negotiate! Realize that everything is up for negotiation, especially in a down economy when vendors are fighting for your money. Shop merchant account fees, banks, web designers, graphic designers, rent and labor. The worst that can happen is that you'll hear "No". If you can afford to pay cash, you have even more room to negotiate.

Utilize Inexpensive and Free Technical Tools. Voice Over Internet Protocals (VOIP) can shave dollars from your phone bill not to mention eliminate installation fees charged by local phone companies. Blogs can be started to help orient consumers about your business and as a free form of advertisement for little to no cost. Twitter and Facebook are free services to help advertise your business and create awareness of your product.

Use Credit Cards Responsibly. Look for cards that offer benefits for your business. We initially signed up for a credit card that gave us 3% back on all of our UPS purchases and saved thousands the first year we used it! Some other cards, like the American Express OPEN card offer cash back at the end of each month.

"Sell" A Piece Of The Action. If you can't afford the help you need, consider offering some ownership in your company as payment. Weigh all of your options prior to committing to piece up your company. Offering ownership is a legal agreement to give away a part of your company in return for money, expertise or services and is often permanent.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Beeswax Pine Cone Firestarters

You Will Need:

Pine Cones (Search outdoors or purchase at craft stores)

Beeswax Pastilles - White, Unrefined

Fragrance Oil (Optional)

Mica or Glitter (Optional)

Tongs (Cannot be reused for cooking)
Cookie Sheet covered in wax paper

Phase 1: Melt beeswax in a double boiler over low heat. Remove from heat and add optional fragrance, stirring well to incorporate.

Phase 3: Using a pair of tongs reserved for craft projects, dip your pine cones in the wax mixture and set them aside on a wax paper lined cookie sheet to dry. Once they are all dry to the touch, dip them again for coat two. You may need three or even four coats to completely cover the pine cone in wax.

Phase 4: If decorating with mica or glitter, lightly sprinkle the pine cone immediately after the last coating of wax is applied. You may prefer to use a small paintbrush to apply mica in a more precise fashion once the wax has dried. Beeswax is slightly tacky to the touch and mica is quite fine so it will still stick if applied while the wax is dry.

Phase 5: Let pine cones dry overnight then display in a basket until needed.

To Use: Place a pine cone between two logs and light.

Disclaimer: As with all flammable products, exercise caution in households with pets or small children. Keep fire starters out of their reach. Remember, although these are made from natural materials, they are still not meant to be played with, chewed on or otherwise molested. Do not let children light fire starters without adult supervision. Use good judgment when storing and keep out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Pine Cone Firestarter Candles

You Will Need:

Pine Cones (Search outdoors or purchase at craft stores)
Beeswax Pastilles - White, Unrefined
Fragrance Oil (Optional)
Mica or Glitter (Optional)

Wick:

• Candle Wick
• Twine
• Jute
• Hemp Cord

Mold:

• Silicone Mold
• Muffin Tin
  
• Other "found" containers that are heat-proof (like ramekins, small bowls or dishes)

Phase 1: Wrap a 3"-4" piece of wick material around the base of each pine cone and tie to keep in place. Set aside.

Phase 2: Melt beeswax in a double boiler over low heat. Remove from heat and add optional fragrance, stirring well to incorporate.

Phase 3: When wax is melted, pour a small amount in the base of each of your molds and center a wicked pine cone in the wax to anchor it. Carefully fill molds to between 1/2" and 3/4" deep. Allow to cool completely before removing from your mold. If using "found" containers, oil them well prior to filling to facilitate the removal of the pine cone candle when it is cool.

Phase 4: If decorating with mica or glitter, lightly sprinkle the pine cone while wax base is still liquid. You may prefer to use a small paintbrush to apply mica/glitter in a more precise fashion. Remember that the finished product will be burned, so mica/glitter is simply a decorative touch and not necessary for the cones to function as fire starters.

Phase 5: Trim wicks to a manageable length. If you have used an alternative wick like jute or hemp cord, you may wish to dip the wick in beeswax to make it easier to light the fire starter. Allow dipped wicks to dry before trimming to length. It is not necessary to dip candlewicks as they are generally already waxed or contain a wire for easier lighting.

Phase 6: Display in a basket until needed.

To Use: Place a pine cone between two logs and light the wick.

Disclaimer: As with all flammable products, exercise caution in households with pets or small children. Keep fire starters out of their reach. Remember, although these are made from natural materials, they are still not meant to be played with, chewed on or otherwise molested. Do not let children light fire starters without adult supervision. Use good judgment when storing and keep out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat sources.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Sale/Surplus/Discontinued Packaging

Natural SLIM Lip Tube & Cap - .07 oz
Natural OVAL Lip Tube & Cap - .15 oz
0.27 oz Hinged Sphere
1/3 ounce Silver Perfume Sprayer Set
1 oz Clear PET Swirl Bottle & White Top
18/415 Cosmetic Oblong Clear Glass Bottle - 2 oz
Salt Tube - Silver Screw Top -1" x 6" - (30)
20/415 Cosmetic Oblong Clear Glass Bottle - 4 oz
5 oz Clear Glass Woozy Bottle & Black Top
8 oz Clear French Square Glass Bottle & White 43/400 Lid
16oz Round Glass Apothecary Jar with Lid (6)

Clear Vinyl Bag with Black Zipper
Natural Kraft Gable Box

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Night Sky Beeswax Tarts

You Will Need:

16 oz Beeswax Pastilles - White, Unrefined
1.5 oz Night Sky Fragrance Oil

Phase 1: Fill the bottom of the double boiler with a few inches of water and set the top pan on. When using the two-pot method, be sure your top pan is a size smaller than the bottom pot.

Phase 2: Place the wax in the top pan or pot and insert the thermometer. Melt the wax over low to medium heat until melted (about 160F).

Phase 3: Take the melted wax off the heat and add fragrance. Fragrances are fragile because they contain oil and should be mixed into the wax after it is removed from the heat source.

Phase 4: Prepare your wax tart molds by placing them on cooling racks. This will help the air to circulate underneath and protect surfaces from heat damage. Almost any mold can be used to make tarts, including muffin tins and soap molds.

Phase 5: Pour the scented wax into the molds, leaving a small amount of room at the top in case sinking in the center occurs and a second pour is required after they are cooled.

Phase 6: Cool the tarts completely and check for depressions in the middle, at which point you might want to add more wax and cool them again.

Phase 7: Remove tarts from the molds. Placing them in the freezer for about 30 minutes can be helpful if popping them out is tricky. Package when cool.

To Use: Place your tart into a tart warmer and allow to melt.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

What's YOUR Manifesto?

Manifesto \ma-nə-ˈfes-tō\, n: A public declaration of principles and intentions.

Known as the Holstee Manifesto, the following was designed by Holstee. "Started in the heat of the recession in 2009, brothers, Mike and Dave left their full-time jobs to pursue their passion for a sustainable lifestyle through innovative design."


Following the mantra “Curating with a Conscience” the Holstee team seeks some of the most beautiful and innovative sustainable designs and shares them with their community though their video reviews, newsletter and shop.

A great manifesto to live by, I have a copy on my office wall. What's YOUR manifesto?

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

September Fragrance Spotlight

Soothing notes of Oatmeal, Milk, Honey and Almond a warm reminder of cooler days to come. This unisex blend is the perfect scent for everything from children's products to men's lines. Thanks to modern, fragrance innovation you can enjoy this heartwarming scent any time of the year!

For two weeks only, save 10% on Oatmeal Milk & Honey

Aromatic Notes include Oatmeal, Milk, Honey and Almond

Most Popular Usage: Candles, Sachet Beads, Reed Diffusers, Linen/Room Sprays, Bath & Body Products

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Bonfire Room Spray

One of the things I love the most about fall is the scent of burning wood. After a hot summer, while harvests are being collected and the unmistakable scents of earth, decaying leaves, wood and fungus fill the air...I am dreaming of a bonfire!

You Will Need:

4 oz Liquid Perfume Base
7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) Bonfire Fragrance Oil

Combine ingredients in a PET plastic bottle equipped with a fine mist sprayer. Close tightly and shake well to incorporate ingredients.

Note: This recipe will work equally well with other fragrance oils that inspire you. We also loved these fall-inspired scents: Cranberries & Cassis, Pumpkin Harvest, Night Sky and Apple Pie!

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Neutralizing Clay Poultice

9 days ago, a bee got stuck between the collar of my running shoe and sock and stung me six times on the achilles tendon. Luckily, I am the only person in my family NOT allergic to bee stings, so I had a relatively mild reaction. After cleaning the area well with rubbing alcohol, I iced it over a 24 hour period.

After a week the pain had mostly subsided, but the area began to itch uncontrollably, became red and warm to the touch. (As a child, I would scratch mosquito bites until they became raw and infected, so I've used my share of steroid creams and prefer to avoid them if possible.)

The following poultice eliminated the swelling and itching completely within 12 hours of application. So far I've applied it two days in a row and have only mild bruising and scabbing of the puncture sites.

If you think you may be allergic to bees, wasps or other stinging insects, seek immediate medical attention. Over 2 million Americans are allergic to stinging insects. Severe allergic reactions to insect stings are responsible for at least 50 deaths each year in the U.S.. My entire family carries epi-pens for emergencies such as these, but I was alone and on a relatively remote trail when I was stung. If I had experienced an allergic reaction, I'd have been in some trouble.

You Will Need:

4 oz Kaolin - White Clay
4 oz Bentonite Clay NF
2 oz Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder
2 oz Aloe Vera Powder
5 ml (1 tsp) Lavender, Bulgarian Essential Oil

Combine all ingredients in a blender reserved specifically for product formulation. Pulse to combine ingredients. When thoroughly combined, package in an airtight container.

To Use: Mix equal parts dry poultice blend with water. Apply to affected area and allow to dry. Rinse with clean water and pat dry.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

New Fragrance: Bonfire

Just Arrived!

Just in time for fall, rich woody notes of Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Leather, Rich Amber and Cashmere Musk combine and remind of chilly nights, starry skies and crisp leaves around the bonfire.

Compare to Slatkin Fireside.

Bonfire Fragrance Oil

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Awesome Products from "Product Body"

It's rare that I buy other people's skincare products, especially if it is something I can formulate on my own. That said, I've followed Joanna Schmidt of Product Body online for a couple of years and secretly lusted after her creations. With awesome product names like "Crush on You" and creative fragrance offerings like "Ruby Red Rockstar", I had to get in on what everyone else was talking about.

I purchased the following items from ProductBody.com:

Crush On You in "Beach House" - "Crush On You is like nothing you've ever felt (unless you've run your hands through a bowl of extra moist sugar cookie batter)." Exactly as described, this emulsified sugar scrub moisturized without leaving my skin greasy. The summery "Beach House" fragrance reminded me of Pina Coladas on the beach.

Cubano Bar Soap - "Deep, rich chocolate, served with a shot of Cuban espresso and a dollop of steamed vanilla bourbon." I really wanted to eat this soap bar, but refrained in a feeble attempt to not relive my childhood. My shower smelled like deep dark, delicious Cuban coffee for weeks! I was entirely depressed when the last sliver met it's death down the drain.

Perfume Sampler Set - "Product Body's perfume oils are hand blended with fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil." I'm really picky about perfume. Too many leave me with a headache and more regret than a college weekend spent bar-hopping. To my surprise, I fell in love with two of Product Body's vegan scents:

• Iniquity - Deep chocolate, smoky sandalwood, with a whisper of crushed almonds. Dark, mysterious....
• Mazu - Coconut milk, lemongrass, blackened vanilla, crushed Indonesian lime leaves, smoky clove, a whisper of jasmine and a tiny hint of dark musk.

Rumor has it a new unisex scent, Lounge, debuts soon! Description from Joanna's blog:

"Lounge smells like a warm and comforting combination of real, worn in leather, amber, sandalwood and black vetiver. "

If you are looking for high-quality skincare in amazingly unique scents, check out the offerings at Product Body...they won't disappoint!

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Hair "Mud"

You Will Need:

4 oz Aloe Vera Juice
4 oz Herbal Body Mist
2 oz Sea Clay
2 oz Bentonite Clay NF
2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) Tinosan SDC (Preservative)

Phase 1: In a sterile, glass mixing bowl, whisk together Aloe Vera Juice, Tinosan SDC and Herbal Body Mist.

Phase 2: Slowly add both powdered clays, to the liquid ingredients whisking together until thoroughly combined.

Phase 3: Package in an airtight container until use.

To Use: Apply to damp hair. Massage 1-2 tablespoons of "mud" into the hair and scalp for two to four minutes and rinse well. If your hair is longer than chin length, you may need to use more to coat the hair. Try rubbing the mud and hair between the palms of the hands for even coating. Rinse completely, repeat as needed.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Cosmetic Clays: A Brief Description

Clay is a naturally occurring material composed primarily of fine-grained minerals. Clay minerals are typically formed over long periods of time by the gradual weathering of rocks. Clay deposits are typically associated with very low energy depositional environments such as large lakes and marine deposits.

Primary clays, also known as kaolins, are located at the site of formation. Secondary clay deposits have been moved by erosion and water from their primary location.

Clays are distinguished from other fine-grained soils by differences in size and mineralogy. Silts, which are fine-grained soils that do not include clay minerals, tend to have larger particle sizes than clays, but there is some overlap in both particle size and other physical properties, and there are many naturally occurring deposits which include both silts and clays.

BathBodySupply.com carries 3 types of clay:

• Bentonite Clay - Useful on oily skin. Excellent oil absorbing properties. Thought to remove acne causing toxins from the skin and revitalize tired skin. Very soft clay. (Commonly used in skincare, winemaking and laxatives.)
• Kaolin (White) Clay - Useful on normal, dry and sensitive skin. Very mild clay that is good as a thickening agent. Does not draw oils from the skin. (Commonly used in skincare, food, toothpaste as well as the anti-diarrhea medicine Kaopectate.)
• Sea Clay - Useful on oily skin. Thought to remove acne causing toxins from the skin and revitalize tired skin. This is the clay used to make Sea Mud Masks. (Commonly used in skincare for mud wraps, mud baths and facial masks.)

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Oat & Clay Body Wash

You Will Need:

8 oz Suspension Gel Soap
0.50 oz Colloidal Oatmeal NF
0.50 oz Bentonite Clay NF
5 ml (1 tsp) Oat Straw, Tincture (Organic)
20 drops Rosewood (Renewable Source) Essential Oil
15 drops Orange (Sweet) Essential Oil
5 drops Fir Needle (White/Silver) Essential Oil
5 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

Phase 1: Using an immersion blender, combine clay, colloidal oatmeal and suspension gel in a sterile, glass mixing bowl. The stick blender will add some air to the product making it quite foamy. Continue mixing until ingredients blend smooth. It may be beneficial to sift the dry ingredients prior to mixing to reduce clumping.

Phase 2: Add oat straw tincture and essential oils to clay/suspension gel mixture and continue blending until combined.

Phase 3: Mixture may lose volume after sitting. We allowed ours to sit for 24 hours before packaging into clear PET Boston Round Bottles with Push Disc Caps.

To Use: Apply Clay Wash to skin using a circular motion from head to toe. Rinse clean. Excellent for very dirty or oily skin.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Cleansing Clay Fizzers

You will need:

8 oz Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
8 oz Citric Acid
2 oz Sea Clay
2 oz Bentonite Clay
1 oz Shea Olein

Witch Hazel (in a Spray Bottle)

Fragrance (We used Teak & Sandalwood Fragrance Oil)


Phase 1: Combine citric acid, clays and sodium bicarbonate in a stainless steel or glass mixing bowl. Wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area as airborne particles will affect respiration. We use gloved hands to gently mix ingredients.

Phase 2: Add fragrance to your preference. Dry pigments, dyes & micas can be used, however stick with water-soluble colorants and use a light hand as the color will intensify when added to water and could stain if over-colored (Pigments and some herbal powders/clays will tend to float in the bath water and leave a ring).

Phase 3: Add Shea Olein and combine all ingredients. Using a spray bottle of witch hazel, spritz your semi-dry ingredients several times and then mix with gloved hands. Spritz again, then mix again. And spritz again, and mix again. And again. And again. You get the picture! This is the patience-trying portion of the recipe. You will continue to spritz and mix until the mixture resembles the consistency of wet sand and holds together when squeezed into a ball. DO NOT OVER SPRITZ as this will set off a chain reaction where your ingredients will fizz. Once it starts, you can't stop it and the batch will be ruined.

Phase 4: When your mixture begins to hold together, you will begin packing it into prepared molds.

To Use: Gently glide product over wet skin to simulate a mud mask, then rinse clean. Fizzer may fizz slightly as it is used. Product is best used when molded into single use portions.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

September Fragrance Spotlight

Notes of Lavender and Olive with just a hint of Lemon and Lime combine in an herbal blend that reminds me of a warm, summer day in Tuscany. Thanks to modern, fragrance innovation you can enjoy this fresh, herbal scent any time of the year!

For two weeks only, save 10% on Olive & Herbs Fragrance Oil

Aromatic Notes include Lavender, Olive, Lemon & Lime.

Most Popular Usage: Candles, Sachet Beads, Reed Diffusers, Linen/Room Sprays, Bath & Body Products

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com