but first skincare candle

DIY HOMEMADE LAVENDER LOTION RECIPE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

This DIY Lavender Lotion Recipe is Light, Creamy, and Made with Natural Ingredients like Shea Butter and Lavender Essential Oil.

Switching to all-natural skincare can feel expensive, especially when you see the price difference between Burt’s Bees lip balm and regular chapstick. I thought there was no way I could make it work long-term on a budget!

But here’s the good news: making your own beauty products like body butter, lip balm, and even baby wash is super easy—and often cheaper than store-bought versions!

Most commercial lotions are packed with chemicals, fragrances, parabens, and preservatives, which aren’t exactly the ingredients you want soaking into your skin. Making your own lotion with ingredients you know and trust is a much better choice!

I personally struggle with dry hands, especially in the winter (and all year since we don’t have a dishwasher). This lavender lotion has become a key part of my nighttime routine to help me unwind after a long day.

It’s also great for my kids—rubbing it on their legs and backs helps them relax and get ready for sleep, as the calming scent of lavender is perfect for sweet dreams.

Prefer a solid option? Check out my recipe for homemade lavender lotion bars!

What You Need To Make Homemade Lavender Lotion

Ingredients:

  • White Beeswax Pellets – Beeswax helps reduce the greasy feel of your lotion while still locking in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
  • Shea Butter – Known for its skin-softening, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter is a fantastic choice for homemade skincare. If you prefer, you can substitute it with cocoa butter for a slightly different texture and scent.
  • Almond Oil – This oil has healing properties that make it great for acne and skin blemishes. If you don’t have almond oil, jojoba oil or olive oil are good alternatives.
  • Vitamin E Oil (optional) – A teaspoon of vitamin E oil adds extra healing power to your lotion, making it great for dry or sensitive skin.
  • Lavender Essential Oil – The star of this recipe, lavender essential oil, provides a calming, natural scent perfect for a relaxing lotion. I recommend this particular brand for DIY skincare because it’s both strong and affordable.

Supplies:

  • Electric Mixer – You can use a blender, food processor, stand mixer, or a hand mixer with a bowl to blend the ingredients into a smooth, creamy lotion.
  • Double Boiler – Alternatively, you can create a double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a saucepan with an inch or two of water in it. Heat the water over medium heat, and add your ingredients to the glass bowl to melt.
  • Glass Container – Use a glass jar or container to store your finished lotion. Make sure it’s airtight to preserve the freshness of your homemade product.

How To Make This Homemade Lavender Lotion Recipe:

Melt – In a double boiler or a glass bowl placed over a pot with a few inches of water, heat the almond oil, shea butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil (if using) over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until everything has melted and there are no solid bits left.

Whip – Once the oils have melted and cooled slightly, transfer the mixture to a stand mixer or use electric beaters. Whip the mixture on high speed. Slowly and gradually add in the water, continuing to mix until the lotion becomes light and creamy.

Add the Essential Oils – Once all the water has been incorporated and the mixture turns bright white and fluffy, add 30–50 drops of lavender essential oil. Continue whipping to fully combine the scent into the lotion.

Tips For Success:

To Use: This homemade lavender lotion is safe for most parts of your body, but it’s best to avoid sensitive areas like your face or eyes. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use immediately.

To Store: Store the lotion in a cool place, like the refrigerator, in an airtight glass jar for up to 3 months.

Variations: Lavender pairs beautifully with other essential oils like orange, lemon, vanilla, and grapefruit. You can experiment with a blend of these oils, but make sure the total amount doesn’t exceed 50 drops.

Substitutions: If you don’t have almond oil, you can easily substitute it with jojoba or olive oil in this recipe.

About This Lavender Body Lotion Recipe

All-Natural Ingredients
This lotion is made with completely natural ingredients, making it a great choice for even sensitive skin types. No worrisome chemicals here!

Easy to Make
You can make enough lotion to last your family all winter in just 15 minutes—no complicated steps required!

Super Cheap
The ingredients cost only a few dollars, which is a fraction of the price of store-bought all-natural lavender lotion. And even if it seems a bit pricey the first time, you’ll have plenty of leftover ingredients to make multiple batches.

Plus, leftover beeswax can be repurposed to make baby lotion, beeswax candles, or lip balm!

Moisturizing
Each ingredient in this lotion is naturally hydrating and healing, perfect for dry skin.

Creamy
This homemade lotion is light and creamy, melting into your skin without any greasy residue.

Easy to Customize
Lavender essential oil blends well with many other oils. Try adding a few drops of chamomile, vanilla, lemon, grapefruit, rose, geranium, or orange essential oils to create your own signature scent!

FAQ About This Homemade Lavender Lotion Recipe

How Many Drops of Lavender Oil Should You Put in Lotion?
It’s generally recommended to use 12 drops of lavender essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil, body cream, or lotion. Since this recipe uses about 4 ounces of oils, I typically add between 30 and 50 drops of lavender oil to achieve a pleasant, fragrant scent.

How Should You Store Homemade Lotion?
To extend the shelf life of your homemade lotion, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When kept in the fridge, it can last up to 3 months. Plus, essential oils should be stored away from direct sunlight to preserve their potency, so the fridge is the perfect place to keep your lavender lotion fresh and aromatic.

Is This Lavender Lotion Safe to Apply to Your Face?
This lavender lotion is made with all-natural ingredients, so it should generally be safe for use on your face, as long as you avoid your eyes and nostrils. However, to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of lotion to a spot on your cheek, and wait a few minutes to see if any redness or irritation develops before using it more liberally on your face. This will help ensure your skin reacts well to the ingredients.

CONCLUSION


Making your own lavender lotion is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. With ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, and lavender essential oil, you can create a luxurious, moisturizing lotion without the worry of harmful chemicals. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable to suit your preferences, whether you want to add other essential oils or create a thicker or lighter texture.

By making this homemade lotion, you’ll save money in the long run, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in your skincare products. Plus, the soothing lavender scent is perfect for relaxation, making it a great addition to your nightly routine.

Store your lotion in a cool place, and it’ll last up to three months—so you can enjoy soft, nourished skin all season long.

21 CUTE AND THOUGHTFUL COLLEGE CARE PACKAGE IDEAS YOU’LL WANT TO STEAL

Moving to college is a big step, and while exciting, it can be tough to say goodbye. A college care package filled with snacks, essentials, and fun items is a thoughtful way to offer support. Whether for holidays, celebrations, or just because, these surprise packages are perfect for when students feel homesick or need a boost. Here are 21 cute college care package ideas you’ll love!

COFFEE ESSENTIALS BOX

My caffeine addiction definitely started in college! I could hardly get out of bed and prepare for classes without my morning cup of coffee. This adorable box of coffee essentials will provide any student with the boost they need to tackle their day!

BASICS CARE PACKAGE

This starter package is perfect for college students during their first week on campus. The transition to dorm life and new classes can be overwhelming, so a care package filled with essentials can offer much-needed comfort. Include a mix of snacks, drinks for their mini-fridge, and useful items like vitamins and Band-Aids. This thoughtful gesture will help them settle in and start their college journey on the right note.

SNACK ESSENTIALS CARE PACKAGE

I used to constantly forget to stock my fridge and snack drawer in college, being so used to my parents handling the grocery shopping. To make sure your college student never goes hungry, send them a care package filled with their favorite snacks and treats—it’s a thoughtful way to keep them fueled and happy!

SPA DAY BOX

A spa day box makes for an adorable college care package for girls. When I was in a dorm, my roommate and I loved having spa days to relax and bond after a hectic week of classes. Be sure to include extra goodies so your student can share the pampering experience with friends and dorm mates, making it even more fun!

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN BOX

When the holidays arrive, creating and sending college care packages becomes even more exciting! You can easily theme your package to match the season, like this adorable and spooky Halloween box. It’s a fun way to celebrate and share festive cheer!

COZY CHRISTMAS BOX

I would be absolutely obsessed if I received a cozy Christmas care package as a college student. This super festive box is bound to put anyone in the holiday spirit and has such cozy vibes.

RAINY DAY CARE PACKAGE

Everyone deserves a secret stash of cozy goodies for those rainy days. Fill this snug box with books, bookmarks, candles, fuzzy socks, card games, and other essentials to keep them entertained and comfy. They’ll surely appreciate it when they’re stuck in their dorm during a storm!

GAME NIGHT BOX

This box is the perfect way to inspire your college student to host a fun game night with friends and roommates. It includes everything they need for a cozy night in, complete with card games, board games, and tasty snacks. It’s an adorable way to bring everyone together for some laughter and bonding!

ORGANIZATIONAL CARE PACKAGE

This practical college care package will help your loved one stay organized. Fill it with productivity essentials like planners, desk calendars, sticky notes, pens, highlighters, and stationery. To make it extra stylish, choose matching sets from brands like Rifle Paper Co. for a chic and coordinated touch!

BEAUTY CARE PACKAGE

Let’s be real–college students are always on a budget. Makeup, skincare, and hair care products can get super expensive, and most students aren’t able to afford all of their favorite beauty products all the time. Gifting someone with a beauty care package with products and accessories would be such a sweet gesture. 

STAY POSITIVE CARE PACKAGE

The transition to college life does not come easily to everyone. If you know someone who is feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or lonely in their new campus environment, you can send them a sweet surprise to put a smile on their face. This bright and bubbly college care package will remind your student to have positive thoughts and remember that they are loved.

STRESS RELIEF CARE PACKAGE

In college, stress can feel overwhelming. This stress relief care package provides your student with everything they need to unwind after final exams, late-night study sessions, and a busy schedule. Be sure to include aromatherapy products and soothing tea bags for the ultimate relaxation experience!

COLD NIGHTS COZY CARE PACKAGE

Dorm rooms can get quite chilly, especially during winter. This college care package is filled with essentials to keep your student snug and cozy on those cold campus nights. If you prefer not to assemble it yourself, you can easily find pre-made options on Etsy!

SELF-CARE PACKAGE

Prioritizing self-care is crucial for students. With this adorable self-care package, you can remind your college student to take time for relaxation and rejuvenation during their busy schedule.

PROUD OF YOU CARE PACKAGE

If a loving phone call or text just doesn’t feel like enough, you can let your student know how proud of them you are with an appreciative college care package. This care package is so heartfelt and can be as personalized as you want. 

ALL PINK CARE PACKAGE

This vibrant college care package for girls is absolutely to die for! It’s a fun and spunky surprise, perfect for anyone who loves pink. It’s sure to bring a smile and brighten their day!

S’MORES NIGHT BOX

Making s’mores with college friends is always a fun experience. Whether they’re heading to a camping trip, enjoying an on-campus bonfire, or melting marshmallows over the stovetop, this s’mores night box is sure to bring them joy. It’s also super easy and affordable to put together—all you need are marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars for a gooey treat!

MOVIE NIGHT BOX

Nothing beats a cozy movie night with friends, a big bowl of buttery popcorn, and some comfy snuggles. This cute care package will provide your student with everything they need to host the perfect movie night, including snacks, candy, and even a Netflix gift card!

STAY HEALTHY CARE PACKAGE

Staying healthy is essential for all students. A healthy care package filled with nourishing goodies will keep college students feeling energized and cared for. When you feel good on the inside, you’ll be much more productive and motivated in your classes!

BOX OF SUNSHINE

This college care package is like a literal ray of sunshine! It’s guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day. I’m obsessed with the yellow-themed goodies and the cheerful, positive vibe this package brings—it’s the perfect pick-me-up!

MISSING YOU BOX

Feeling homesick is completely normal in college, especially for freshmen adjusting to a new campus. A care package that shows how much they’re missed by family and friends back home is sure to warm any student’s heart. To make it even more special, personalize the box with family photos, handwritten notes, and their favorite candy!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, creating a college care package is a heartfelt way to show support and love for students navigating the challenges of college life. From essentials for staying organized and healthy to cozy items for relaxation and fun, these 21 cute and thoughtful ideas cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Whether it’s a vibrant box of snacks, a cozy spa day kit, or a stress relief package, these care packages provide comfort and encouragement, reminding students that they are cherished and missed. So, pick your favorites and get creative—your thoughtful gifts will surely brighten their days and make their college experience even more enjoyable!