Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

Dorm Decor giveaway

by 40 Comments

9780811863476_normI 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.

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. 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!

  4. 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. 🙁

  6. 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.

  8. 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.

  17. 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!

  19. sugar and salt body scrubs are what we make and give for holiday gifts
    love some new homemade gift ideas from you
    thanks

  24. I also have never made a bath & body product, but I’m very interested in learning to make fun soaps & loofas!

  26. 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. 🙂

  27. I loooove making sugar and salt scrubs! & I love them even more when my husband uses them. 🙂

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  34. I love making candles, and crocheting scrubbies from mesh materials. It is awesome to make them multiple colors!

  39. 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!

Have you read?

DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

  • No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative 
  • Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies 
  • Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy 
  • Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support 
  • Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies 

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm) 
  • 2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets 

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil 
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Optional for kids under 5:
 Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

  1. Melt the base:
     In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid. 
  2. Cool slightly:
     Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid. 
  3. Add essential oils:
     Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness. 
  4. Pour into tins or jars:
     Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on. 
  5. Label & store:
     Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months. 

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

  • For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season. 
  • For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale. 
  • For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes). 

Mum Tips

  • Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities. 
  • Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles. 
  • For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support. 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *