by Marie | Jan 7, 2021 | Body & Massage Oils, Projects with Videos
Today’s formulation was inspired by Glossier’s “Body Hero Dry-Touch Oil Mist”—I saw it on their website and loved the idea of an oil mist, remembering reading on Lotion Crafter that fractionated coconut oil is “light enough to spray through a pump sprayer”. That got the formulation wheels in my brain turning 😊 There are almost no overlapping ingredients between this formulation and the Glossier product, save for the fractionated coconut oil (or caprylic/capric triglycerides) and the tocopherol, so it’s definitely more “inspired by” than “duping”, but I love it. It’s an ultra-light, softly fragrant oil that mists beautifully over the skin. Massage it in after towelling dry post-shower or bath, and you’ll be rewarded with soft, moisturized, lightly perfumed skin without any greasiness. Perfection!

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by Marie | Dec 28, 2020 | Beards & Mustaches, Projects with Videos
Today I’m sharing my last formulation of 2020—a Midwinter Conditioning Beard Balm. Beard balms are usually made up of carrier oils thickened with some sort of wax to create a firm balm. This formulation features argan oil, jojoba oil, and a small amount of beeswax—plus something a bit different for extra softness and all-around loveliness. The finished beard balm has an indulgently rich, almost ointment-y consistency and leaves beards feeling softer and more manageable. Let’s dive in!

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by Marie | Oct 5, 2020 | Facial Serums & Balms, Projects with Videos, Very Crunchy
Today we’re blending up an all-natural, lightweight oil serum that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory goodness. Starring exotic açaí berry oil and featherweight Neossance® Hemisqualane, you can easily mix up this serum in just a few minutes—just weigh, cap, shake, and you’re done!

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by Marie | Sep 28, 2020 | Facial Cleansers, Other 2020 Favourites, Projects with Videos
Today we’re squishing up a creamy off-white Gentle Clay Facial Cleansing Bar, starring velvety white kaolin clay and a gentle surfactant blend that kicks off dense, rich lather. You don’t need any heat or even a mould to make these—just a bowl, a dust mask, and a pair of gloves! We’ll smoosh and squish seven ingredients together, shape that dough as desired, and leave it to age. And that’s it! Gentle Clay Facial Cleansing Bar, here we come.

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by Marie | Jun 1, 2020 | Best of 2020, Lip Balm, Other 2020 Favourites, Projects with Videos, Very Crunchy
Today we’re blending up a simple, all-natural, Nourishing Lip Mask. I’ve called it a lip mask, but honestly, it’s a super versatile salve for all kinds of dry, irritated skin. It stars a short and sweet list of rich, soothing emollients to create a gorgeous ointment that’s brilliant for all kinds of things. Enjoy!

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by Marie | Apr 9, 2020 | Best of 2020, Body & Massage Oils, Other 2020 Favourites, Projects with Videos, Very Crunchy
I had a lot of fun creating these deceptively simple Cinnamon Cocoa Massage Bars. They’re silky smooth, cocoa and cinnamon-scented body butter bars that liquify readily on the skin, transforming into massage oil. Inspired by a LUSH product, I had a lot of fun experimenting with different ratios and techniques, as well as testing the bars to make sure they transformed into a gorgeous, slippy, long-lasting massage oil. The technique is really important with this DIY, so make sure you’re taking your time and watching the video so you get it right!

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