can you use olive oil as massage oil

HOW TO MAKE DIY FLORAL LOTION BARS

Making my own homemade lotion bars means a lot to me because I know exactly where every ingredient comes from. The best part is blending the beautiful scents of natural herbs and flowers into my lotion bars. It allows me to get creative and craft different magical scents that not only smell amazing but also soothe the skin.

If you’ve never made your own lotion bars before, let me guide you through the process! With this recipe, you’ll create a lovely lotion bar to treat yourself or gift to a friend or loved one, no matter the season. This particular recipe features flowers that bloom in spring, but if you’re looking for a winter-inspired option, check out my Homemade Winter Forest Lotion Bars.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWER LOTION BARS

Wildflower season in Southern California is in full swing! This time of year is hands down my favorite time of year here on the west coast. The flowers are popping up everywhere. You can find Calendula, Lavender, Roses, Poppies and all sorts of beauty everywhere you go. I always daydream of going to lay safely in a bed of flowers, yet I don’t because I don’t want to disrupt their beauty.

Ever since I made my Winter Forest Lotion Bars, I’ve been dreaming of making a version inspired by all of the magical flowers. Since I can’t quite go lay in a bed of flowers without disturbing the blooms, the next best thing is to make a lotion bar infused with their scent that magically transports me to this daydream. Every piece of this recipe’s aroma is extracted naturally so you get the full benefit of the flowers.

HOW TO MAKE THE FLOWER-INFUSED OIL BASE

The base of this lotion bar recipe is olive oil, and you have two options: you can use plain olive oil, or you can take it a step further and make your own flower-infused olive oil! I personally love using the flower-infused oil because it brings additional skin-nourishing benefits and a subtle, magical scent.

For this recipe, I’ve created a calendula-infused oil, but you can get creative and use any skin-safe flower to infuse. I’ve made oils with calendula, rose, and lavender, and each one has an incredible fragrance! I believe in using what you already have, so there are plenty of options.

Making your own flower-infused oil is super simple. For this example, I’ll guide you through creating a calendula-infused oil. If you prefer a different flower, simply swap out the calendula for your chosen blooms. Start by placing dried or fresh calendula flowers into a jar, then pour olive oil over the flowers, ensuring they are fully covered. Let the flowers infuse in a dark place for 4-6 weeks, though you can leave them longer if you’d like. A pantry or apothecary works perfectly for this process! Once your infusion is ready, strain out the flowers using a strainer or cheesecloth.

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time for infusing, you can always skip the step and just add a few drops of essential oils for your desired aroma. While I believe infusing the whole flower is truly magical, this quick method works too.

For more tips and tricks, check out my instructions on how to make Flower-Infused Body Olive Oil. The secret to consistently making homemade lotion bars or skincare products is to always have a flower-infused oil ready in your apothecary. That way, when inspiration strikes, you’ll be all set!

CREATING YOUR HOMEMADE LOTION BAR

Once your flower-infused oil is steeped and ready, it’s time to create your homemade lotion bars! The best part is that they’re super easy to make, and you can get really creative with the process. Let your imagination run wild and have fun!

Start by melting the beeswax into your infused flower oil. This forms the base of your lotion bar. Once the beeswax is fully melted, turn off the heat and add in the shea butter, mango butter, and essential oils. You don’t want to overheat the butter, so turning off the heat once the beeswax is melted is key. The oil and beeswax will retain enough heat to melt and blend the butters evenly. If it’s taking a little longer to melt, just turn your stove to the lowest setting and stir often.

After the infused oil, shea butter, mango butter, and essential oils have blended with the beeswax, pour the mixture into silicone molds. This is where you can really get creative! I love adding dried flowers to the molds for an extra touch of beauty. The lotion bars will take on the shape of the mold, and the dried flowers will make them even more stunning. Make sure to use silicone molds—this ensures the bars will pop out easily once they’re set.

Let the lotion bars cool and cure completely before using them. In my experience, they take about 20-30 minutes to fully cool and set. Once they’re ready, pop them out of the molds and place them in small containers, like 4 oz push-top tins or wide jars, lined with parchment paper. I recommend storing them in small metal containers or jars. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Now comes the best part—enjoying your beautiful, homemade lotion bars!

BENEFITS FOR YOUR SKIN

There are so many wonderful benefits to using these homemade lotion bars! The natural olive oil and beeswax work together to moisturize and soften the skin, leaving it feeling incredibly nourished and smooth. But that’s not all—the aromatherapy from the flowers helps to ground you and bring a sense of peace and relaxation. Plus, the flowers and essential oils in this recipe provide additional skin benefits.

In this lotion bar, I used Patchouli, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender essential oils. When applied to the skin, these oils offer several advantages:

  • Nourish the skin with essential nutrients
  • Energetically grounding, helping you feel centered and balanced
  • Support the lymphatic system, aiding in detoxification
  • Promote healing for wounds and skin irritations
  • Hydrate all skin types, leaving your skin soft and moisturized

These lotion bars not only nurture your skin but also offer a soothing, holistic experience with every use!

HOW TO USE LOTION BARS

Now that we’ve made these beautiful lotion bars and discussed their amazing benefits, you might be wondering how to use them. Fortunately, they’re super easy to apply! All you need to do is take the lotion bar and warm it slightly with the heat of your hand. Once it softens a bit, gently massage the bar into your skin. As you rub it in, the lotion bar will start to melt and absorb, just like any other lotion. Once softened, continue to massage it over your body and feel the moisturizing effects. Let the calming scent and soothing properties transport you to that wildflower field as you pamper yourself!

Here are a few personal tips for using your lotion bar:

  • I recommend applying it right after you shower when your skin is warm and more receptive to absorbing the benefits. Whether it’s a morning or evening shower, your skin is in the perfect state to soak in the nourishment.
  • Make using your lotion bar part of your self-care or self-love ritual. The process of massaging it into your skin is incredibly relaxing and grounding, adding an extra touch of peace to your routine.

conclusion

In conclusion, making and using homemade lotion bars is not only a creative and enjoyable process but also a wonderful way to nourish and pamper your skin naturally. By infusing your own flower oils and choosing the right essential oils, you can customize your lotion bars to suit your needs, whether it’s for hydration, relaxation, or a touch of aromatherapy. The benefits of these lotion bars go beyond just moisturization—they offer grounding, soothing effects while supporting your skin’s health.

So, take time to enjoy this self-care ritual, incorporating it into your daily routine for the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or treating yourself, these lotion bars are a beautiful, natural way to feel pampered and connected to the magic of nature.

HOW TO CREATE TALLOW CANDELS WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Tallow, a natural byproduct of rendering animal fat, offers a clean, long-lasting burn and a unique aesthetic. By infusing these candles with your favorite essential oils, you can create personalized fragrances that promote relaxation, focus, or simply enhance your ambiance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of creating your own tallow candles, from selecting the right materials to blending essential oils.

How to make tallow candles with essential oils

Candles have a unique way of transforming any space into a relaxing haven. Whether I’m preparing a meal, working at my computer, or indulging in a spa day at home, I love lighting a candle to set the mood.

There’s just something about the calming atmosphere candles create – they’re a staple in my home. And even during the seasons when I don’t burn them as often, they’re always handy in case of a power outage.

Living naturally often means letting go of your favorite commercial candles. But with this easy tallow candle recipe with essential oils, you can make your own toxin-free candles at home! It’s simpler than you think.

Ready to create your own chemical-free candles? Keep reading to learn how…

What are tallow candles?

Tallow candles are made from tallow, an age-old ingredient used in candle-making for thousands of years. Unlike modern commercial candles, which can release harmful toxins into the air, tallow candles provide a healthier, natural alternative.

Many people aren’t aware, but commercial candles often contain toxic chemicals that, when burned, release harmful fumes into the air, affecting the health of you and your family (source). To maintain a chemical-free home, I choose to use only pure, high-quality candles made from tallow—one of my favorite ingredients.

Tips in making tallow candles with essential oils

Making candles doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this simple recipe, you can easily create dozens of tallow candles in just a few minutes.

Here are some helpful tips for making the best tallow candles:

  • Scenting your candles: Adding fragrance is totally up to you. If you’re making candles purely for decoration or light, you may want to skip fragrances altogether. If you’d like to add a scent, be sure to use only pure, natural essential oils. I recommend essential oils from trusted brands like Plant Therapy for the best quality.
  • Lubricating your molds: Before pouring in the tallow, remember to lubricate the candle molds with an oil such as coconut or olive oil. This ensures the candles come out smoothly once they’re set.
  • Choosing the right wick: It’s important to choose the right wick for your candles. Look for organic cotton wicks that are coated with beeswax, if possible. Some commercial wicks contain chemicals, so be mindful of what you use. My personal favorite are beeswax-coated organic cotton wicks.
  • Extra candles for gifting: I always make a few extra candles to have on hand as last-minute gifts. They’re perfect for hostess gifts or adding to a holiday gift basket.

Now that you’ve got my top tips, keep reading for step-by-step instructions to make your own tallow candles!

How to make tallow candles with essential oils

Making tallow candles with essential oils is one of my favorite activities. Not only do they help create a peaceful environment, but making them is also a fun and easy craft that you can complete in just an afternoon. Here’s how you can make your own:

INGREDIENTS:

  • Grass-fed beef tallow (from leaf fat; soft tallow from trim fat won’t be hard enough)
  • Essential oils (60 drops per cup of tallow)
  • Coconut oil or olive oil (to help with pouring consistency)
  • Wicks (cotton wicks are a great choice)
  • Glass jar or candle mold (for shaping your candles)

GLASS JAR CANDLE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Melt the tallow: Gently heat the pure tallow in a saucepan until it turns into a liquid. Be sure to do this on low heat to avoid burning it.
  • Cool the tallow: Allow the melted tallow to cool down a bit, but don’t let it solidify yet.
  • Add essential oils: Once the tallow has cooled slightly, add 60 drops of essential oils per cup of tallow. Stir well to ensure the oils are fully mixed in.
  • Prepare the wick: Secure the wick by placing a clothespin on the top of the glass jar, letting the wick hang down into the center of the jar.
  • Pour the tallow mixture: Carefully pour the tallow mixture into the glass jar, making sure not to disturb the wick. Leave some space at the top of the jar.
  • Let it cool: Allow the candle to set and cool at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
  • Trim the wick: Once the candle has fully solidified, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the tallow.
  • Light and enjoy: Your candle is now ready to be lit and enjoyed!

PILLAR JAR CANDLE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Lubricate the mold: Use coconut or olive oil to lightly lubricate the inside of the candle mold. This will help you remove the candle once it’s solidified.
  • Thread the wick: String the wick through the center of the candle mold, leaving extra length to trim later. Use a clothespin to hold the wick upright at the top of the mold.
  • Leave space at the tip: When pouring the tallow, leave some space at the tip of the mold to allow room for any expansion.
  • Pour the tallow mixture: Pour the liquid tallow into the mold, filling it up to your desired height.
  • Let it set: Allow the candle to cool and solidify at room temperature.
  • Remove the candle: Once the candle is completely solid, carefully remove it from the mold. Trim the wick to your desired length.
  • Light and enjoy: Your pillar candle is ready to be lit and will provide a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.

What supplies do you need for candle making?

Surprisingly enough, making your own tallow candles doesn’t require a lot of equipment. When using tallow, you can easily melt it on your stove and start crafting right away. Here’s a quick list of the supplies you’ll need:

SUPPLIES FOR TALLOW CANDLES

  • Glass jars (Make sure they are thick, like mason jars, to prevent the glass from shattering due to heat)
  • Natural wick (Cotton or beeswax-coated wicks are great)
  • Essential oils (Choose your favorite natural oils to scent the candle)
  • Clothespin (To hold the wick in place while the candle sets)
  • Candle mold (If you’re making pillar candles, here’s a great option for that)

MELTING THE TALLOW

The most time-consuming part of the entire candle-making process is melting the tallow. You’ll want to heat it gently on the stove over low heat, as it can take some time to fully melt, depending on the amount you’re using. But don’t worry — once it’s melted, the rest of the process is quick and easy!

Keep reading to learn more about the step-by-step process for melting tallow and making your own candles!

How long does it take to melt tallow?

Tallow is the hard fat found around the organs of animals, and it has countless uses, making it one of my favorite ingredients for a natural living lifestyle. Beyond making candles, you can use tallow in cooking, such as for frying or baking pie crusts, or even for crafting projects like the homemade candles featured in this article.

If you want to make your own tallow, it’s easy to render it using just a crock pot! Rendering tallow at home typically takes several hours, depending on how much you’re melting. For example, it takes about 5-6 hours to fully melt around 4 quarts of tallow. This method is simple and efficient, and it ensures you’re getting pure, high-quality tallow for all your DIY projects.

How much tallow should you melt?

When it comes to rendering tallow, I like to melt as much as I can — or as much as my crock pot will hold. That way, I can make my candles in batches and have some extra tallow for other projects or even gifts.

Tallow is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to use it beyond making candles. Here are a few ideas for utilizing your tallow:

  • Make skincare products: Tallow is fantastic for creating nourishing lotions, balms, and soaps. (Check out this complete guide to tallow skincare for more details.)
  • Season your cast iron skillets: Use tallow to season your cast iron cookware, giving it a non-stick surface and helping it last longer.
  • Cook with it: Tallow has a high smoke point, making it great for frying, sautéing, or baking.
  • Condition leather: Tallow works wonders as a leather conditioner, keeping your leather goods supple and protected.

Honestly, if I had to choose one thing to take with me to a deserted island, tallow would definitely be on the list. It’s just that useful!

What are the best essential oils to add in a tallow candle?

One of the things I truly love about candles is how the right scent can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. Here are a few of my favorite scents for my homemade candles:

  • Lavender: A calming and soothing fragrance, perfect for relaxation.
  • Chamomile: A gentle, floral aroma that creates a peaceful, comforting environment.
  • Frankincense: A rich, resinous scent that adds depth and warmth, ideal for meditation or grounding.
  • Vetiver: Earthy and grounding, this scent is great for creating a serene and tranquil space.
  • Tranquil Synergy: A calming blend of essential oils that promotes relaxation and peace.
  • Relax Synergy: A comforting mix that soothes the mind and body, perfect for unwinding.

It’s also crucial to highlight the importance of using pure essential oils. Personally, I only use Plant Therapy essential oils in my home. They are known for their high-quality oils, sourced from the best plants. When it comes to candles, you want to ensure you’re using oils that are free from toxic chemicals, as many commercial oils can contain harmful substances. By choosing pure oils, you’ll get the best scent possible and avoid introducing any harmful chemicals into your home. This will not only improve the scent of your candles but also make your environment healthier and safer.

How long do tallow candles last?

The longevity of your homemade tallow candles depends on factors like the amount of tallow used, the wick type, and the candle size. To ensure your candles last as long as possible, here are a few tips:

  • Candle Size: Choose a larger container for your candles to increase their burn time. A bigger candle will take longer to fully melt, meaning it will last for several uses.
  • Wick Type: Opt for the right wick for your candle’s size. A wick that’s too small may burn too quickly, while a wick that’s too large may cause the candle to burn too fast and unevenly. Proper wick selection ensures an even, long-lasting burn.

By making sure your candle is sized appropriately and using the right wick, you can enjoy your homemade tallow candles for many months to come.

How to store tallow candles properly?

To ensure your tallow candles last as long as possible, store them in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. A basement is an ideal location due to its consistent, cool temperature. If you don’t have a basement, a low shelf in your closet works well too.

Proper storage will help preserve the quality of the tallow and the essential oils, allowing your candles to last for several years. Just make sure they are kept in a stable, cool environment to prevent any melting or degradation over time.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making your own tallow candles with essential oils is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to enjoy a natural, toxin-free alternative to commercial candles. Not only do they provide a clean, long-lasting burn, but you can also customize the scent to suit your mood or needs. Whether you’re looking to add a relaxing fragrance to your home, create a unique gift, or have a backup for power outages, homemade tallow candles are an excellent addition to your home. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy a sustainable, personal touch to your candle collection.