Shaving Soap Recipe: A Father’s Day DIY

Not all of our DIY endeavors are ideal for the more masculine folks in our lives, which can make Father’s Day a bit tricky for those of us who are inclined to handcraft gifts for every holiday.

Enter Anne-Marie Faiola and her delightfully gender-neutral and Father’s Day-ready Handmade Beauty Box Shaving Soap Recipe.

Shaving soap set itself apart from standard soaps through the addition of bentonite clay. The clay is included to help the, “razor slip and slide smoothly and cleanly along the skin.”

We all know shaving can irritate the skin, so in addition to the smoothing addition of bentonite clay, this recipe (taken from the CreativeLive class, Make Your Own Bath and Beauty Products) includes chamomile extract, which acts as an anti-inflammatory on the skin, and olive oil which contains vitamins A and E.

As Anne-Marie says, “we really do want to leave a beautifully moist skin behind.” The heaviness of olive oil helps us to do exactly that.

Ingredients:

2 lbs foaming bath butter

1 ounce bentonite clay

1 ounce chamomile extract

4 ounce. olive oil

.7 ounce tobacco and bay leaf fragrance oil

Supplies:

Eight 4 ounce bail jars

Sanitized mixing bowl

Hand mixer

Steps:

Whip foaming bath butter in sanitized bowl to soften it.

Scrape down the bowl.

Add olive oil and chamomile extract.

Beat on low to medium speed until homogenized and fluffy

Add bentonite clay and fragrance oil and hand mix to integrate the powder.

Beat until fluffy.

Scoop into cosmetic-grade bail jars and enjoy!

To use: Add 1-2 tablespoons of soft shaving soap to a clean, damp face. Massage into skin until it forms a foamy lather. Using warm water will help soften the follicles for a closer shave. Shave as usual and rinse with warm water.

There is no curing and no dry time. This shaving soap is ready to gift as soon as you finish it and it is kid-friendly, so you can have tiny hands help during the process.

To learn more about making your own bath and beauty products, check out Anne-Marie’s complete class on CreativeLive.

Article contributed By Rachel Gregg

If your skin’s feeling dull and cranky from too much sun, sweat, or sunscreen, it might be time to give it a zesty little pick-me-up. This DIY Margarita Face Scrub is basically a cocktail for your complexion—minus the hangover. Inspired by the LUSH classic (but fresher, cheaper, and customizable), this tangy, citrus-packed sugar scrub gently exfoliates, hydrates, and leaves your face feeling oh-so-soft and radiant.

With lime zest, natural oils, a pinch of salt, and skin-loving extras like aloe vera or honey, this scrub is like a mini vacation for tired, sun-drenched skin. It’s perfect for summer, but honestly? You’ll want to make this year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Margarita Face Scrub

Smells like summer – Bright, fresh lime with a hint of sweetness
Gentle exfoliation – Sugar buffs away dead skin without irritation
Customisable texture – Go smoother or grittier depending on skin needs
Hydration boost – Thanks to natural oils and optional honey or aloe
Quick to make – Under 5 minutes start to finish

Ingredients

(Makes one small jar—perfect for a weekend treat or gifting)

3 tbsp fine white sugar
1 tsp sea salt (optional for a grittier feel)
Zest of 1 fresh lime
2 tbsp fractionated coconut oil (or jojoba/sweet almond oil)
1 tsp honey or aloe vera gel (optional for extra hydration)
3 drops lime essential oil (or grapefruit for a twist)
1 drop peppermint essential oil (optional for a cooling tingle)

How to Make It

Zest your lime into a mixing bowl. The fresh zest adds fragrance and gentle AHAs (natural exfoliants).
Add the sugar and optional salt, and stir to combine. This will be your exfoliating base.
Pour in the oil, followed by the honey or aloe if using. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Add the essential oils and mix again. Adjust the scent and texture to your preference.
Scoop the scrub into a clean glass jar with a tight lid.
Store in the fridge for up to a week for maximum freshness (the lime zest is perishable).

How to Use It

After cleansing your face, gently massage a small amount of the scrub onto damp skin using circular motions. Focus on areas prone to dullness (cheeks, chin, nose). Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer or face oil.

Note: Avoid open cuts and broken skin due to citrus and salt. Always patch test before trying new essential oils.

Optional Add-Ins

Green tea extract for antioxidants
Vitamin E oil for added nourishment
Coconut sugar for a softer grit
Spirulina or matcha for a detoxifying boost

Gift It!

Pop this summery scrub into a mason jar with a lime slice label and a handwritten tag:
“You’re the zest!” – and boom! You’ve got a refreshing handmade gift that feels straight out of a luxe spa.

This DIY Margarita Face Scrub is your shortcut to a spa day—without the overpriced products or chemical overload. It’s playful, effective, and perfect for anyone who wants soft, glowing skin with a side of sunshine. Just don’t actually drink it!

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