Soap Making, Oils and Recipes
I am giving away a brand new copy of Dorm Decor: Remake Your Space with More than 325 Projects by Theresa Gonzalez and Nicole Smith!
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post only letting me know what your favorite bath & body product is to make. Comments must be posted by 9 pm PST, Friday, October 2nd. One entry per person only. Winner will be drawn randomly October 3rd and notified via email, so make sure it’s included in your comment.
See my review of Dorm Decor here.
As soon as the weather heats up and the days get longer, I swap out my moody nail colors for something a little more fun, flirty, and full of sunshine. Summer is the perfect excuse to get playful with your nail designs — and this year, I’ve been experimenting at home to find a few favorites that are both easy to paint and seriously cute.
I’ve rounded up three of my go-to summer nail looks that you can totally do yourself, even if you’re not a pro. These are the styles I keep coming back to because they’re fun, eye-catching, and honestly — they just make you feel good. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a backyard BBQ, or just want to admire your nails while holding an iced latte, these are the ones to try.
Let’s dive in!
This is hands down one of the most satisfying nail designs you can do yourself. The colors melt into each other like a beach sunset, and the end result looks way more advanced than it really is.
A base coat
Three polishes (I use pink, orange, and yellow)
A makeup sponge
Top coat
Nail polish remover for cleanup
Start with a clear base coat to protect your nails.
Paint horizontal stripes of your 3 colors directly onto the makeup sponge.
Dab the sponge gently onto your nail, reapplying polish to the sponge as needed. Tap until the gradient blends.
Clean up any excess polish around your cuticle.
Apply a top coat to smooth the colors and add shine.
This design is one of those that looks good even when it’s a little messy — the top coat really pulls it all together.
If you want vacation vibes without actually going anywhere, this one’s for you. The pastel base paired with simple black palm trees gives it that dreamy island feel.
A light pastel base polish or soft gradient background
Black nail art pen or thin brush with black polish
Top coat
Paint your nails with a soft pastel or ombre base.
Once dry, draw a thin curved line for the palm trunk.
From the top of the trunk, add small lines that fan out to mimic palm fronds.
Let everything dry completely before adding a glossy top coat.
Even if your palm trees aren’t perfect, they still look awesome. Think of it like nail doodling — just more tropical.
This design is so cheerful, I smile every time I see it. It’s a fruity twist on a French manicure and it’s perfect for pool parties or picnics.
Pink polish for the base
Green and white for the rind
Black polish for the seeds (use a dotting tool or toothpick)
Base and top coat
Paint your entire nail a soft pink.
Add a green curved tip at the top edge (like a French tip).
Under the green, paint a very thin white stripe.
Add small black dots on the pink section to create seeds.
Seal it all in with your favorite top coat.
This one is such a crowd-pleaser and looks adorable on both long and short nails.
Whether you try one of these or rotate through all three this summer, I hope these nail designs add a little color and creativity to your routine. They’re simple enough to do at home but still look like you spent time (and money!) at the salon.
Let me know which one you’re trying first — and don’t forget to tag us if you share your summer nail look!
My favorite bath products to make are bath bombs! They require only a few common ingredients, are infinitely customizable and they are lots of fun to use!
I like to make recycled face scrubbies from old nylon loofahs. That’s a bath and body product right?
Bath bombs! They are so much fun and kids go crazy for them.
Can I be entered if I’ve never made a bath and body product? I’m really interested in making lip balm, but haven’t gotten the supplies yet, so I can’t yet say I’ve made anything. 🙁
Ohhh great book giveaway!
My fave b&b item to make would be lip balm! The variety of “flavors” and organic ingredients rock!
Woot! My favorite bath and body product to make would be face wash. My husband has very oily skin and so we use special herbal remedies to help with acne.
Brown sugar scrub!
Ooh, I always used to make lip balms as a kid! I got a kit for Christmas and since I’ve discovered the world of natural products I’ve been dying to try to make some new balms as gifts.
Does making candles count? I’m a little obsessed with candles, especially in my bathroom!
I’m in college, so I would love to have a copy of this book!
My email is [email protected]
Oooh, body scrubs. And bath bombs. So fun!
Bath salts. Love ’em.
I think some face scrubs would be fun. Thanks.
I would like to learn to make soap.
Scrubs… even I can do those lol! But would love to try my hand at making some soaps.
I like to make melt & pour soap.
I love making brown sugar or coffee body scrubs! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love making fresh and fruity face cleansers and moisturizers…it’s fun teaching the girls in my dorm all about making handmade body products! 🙂 Thanks!
Definitely lavender & chamomile bath salts! Thank you for entering me in the drawing.
sugar and salt body scrubs are what we make and give for holiday gifts
love some new homemade gift ideas from you
thanks
I want to learn to make bath bombs and lip balm!
I love a sugar scrub for my hands – makes them soooo soft!
I love making goldfish in a bag soap and milk bath salts. Thanks!
My favorite to make is an easy body/foot scrub! My feet always need it!
I also have never made a bath & body product, but I’m very interested in learning to make fun soaps & loofas!
Hi….I like to make candles and scrubs. Great book!
Hey! I would love to be entered, and my favorite product to make is definitely a great exfoliator out of coarse sugar and honey…yummy. 🙂
I loooove making sugar and salt scrubs! & I love them even more when my husband uses them. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love making simple scrubs and loofas. And hair towels out of pretty fabric. The book looks gorgeous.
tea tree bath salt – so calming after a rough day!
I’ve never made any bath & body products, but I’m an avid learner!
Body scrubs and bath bombs!
bath bomb with lovely essential oils and rose pedals..
My daughter and I love to make soap. We’ve tried lip balm too. Thanks for the chance to win such a fabulous book.
I love making candles, and crocheting scrubbies from mesh materials. It is awesome to make them multiple colors!
I love making bath scrubbies from yarn,wool, fabric etc…
Bath Salts are easy to make and fun to give as gifts in pretty jars.
I can’t say that I often make bath and body products, but I like a good face mask when I do!
I love to make lavender spray for my pillow and car
I think this counts as a body product… I love making rice bags(heating pads) for gifts. I have made them as eye masks with lavendar in them and they are wonderful! So soothing and relaxing (the eye mask shaped ones are great for sinus headaches, too). Thanks for the chance at your giveaway!
OH I’m so excited about the new book~ I make homemade lip gloss and it’s awesome… watermelon flavor!
-Sarah from Create Studio
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