date for men fragrance one

HONEYCRISP APPLE COLD PROCESS SOAP RECIPE

Washington state is renowned for its delicious apples, and it’s no surprise that the state produces 6 out of every 10 apples consumed in the U.S.! To showcase this local gem, we’ve incorporated applesauce from BelleWood Acres, one of Northwest Washington’s largest apple orchards. Located just 15 minutes from the Bramble Berry offices, BelleWood Acres is a beloved part of the local community, and using their applesauce in this cold process soap is a great way to support nearby makers.

While many associate apples with traditional red and green colors, this soap draws inspiration from the Honeycrisp apple, featuring shades of bright red, pink, green, and a hint of yellow. A Hanger Swirl technique creates beautiful vertical color patterns reminiscent of the stripes found on Honeycrisp apples. The Apple Macintosh Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil gives the soap a fruity, slightly tart scent, perfect for bringing a fresh, apple-filled vibe to your skincare routine.

If you’ve never added a puree to your soap before, don’t worry! Adding applesauce to this cold process recipe is easy and safe. The applesauce goes through the saponification process, just like the oils and lye. The high pH of the soap batter ensures that the applesauce will not spoil in the soap (which is why adding purees to melt-and-pour soaps is not recommended).

To accommodate the extra water in the applesauce, this recipe includes a 10% water discount. I also recommend soaping at slightly cooler temperatures to counteract the natural sugars in the applesauce, which can accelerate the trace. If you live in a hot climate, placing the soap in the fridge after pouring it into the mold can help keep the temperatures in check. The natural sugars will also contribute to a nice, fluffy lather in the final bars.

When choosing your applesauce, be sure it doesn’t contain added preservatives or extra ingredients, as these could cause unpredictable results in your soap. Stick with pure applesauce for the best outcome!

What You’ll Need:

10″ Silicone Loaf Mold
Hanger Swirl Tool
9.5 oz. Olive Oil (27%)
10.5 oz. Coconut Oil (30%)
8.8 oz. Palm Oil (25%)
1.8 oz. Shea Butter (5%)
3.5 oz. Avocado Oil (10%)
1 oz. Castor Oil (3%)
5 oz. Sodium Hydroxide Lye
10.4 oz. Distilled Water (10% water discount)
2 oz. Applesauce
1.7 oz. Apple Macintosh Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil 
Buttercup Mica
Kermit Green Mica
Sunset Orange Mica
Raspberry Mica

Safety First:
Before beginning, always prioritize safety. Ensure you are wearing goggles, gloves, and long sleeves while working with lye. Keep children, pets, and any other distractions out of the soaping area. It’s crucial to work in a well-ventilated space when making soap.

Color Preparation:
In separate containers, mix:

  • 1 tsp. Buttercup Mica and 1 tsp. Sunset Orange Mica with 1 tablespoon of lightweight liquid oil.
  • 1/2 tsp. Kermit Green Mica and 1/2 tsp. Raspberry Mica with 1/2 tablespoon of lightweight liquid oil (such as sweet almond or sunflower oil).
    Use a mini mixer to ensure there are no clumps and the mica is fully dispersed.

Fragrance Preparation:
Measure out 1.7 ounces of Apple Macintosh Fragrance Oil into a glass container that’s safe for fragrance oils. Set aside.

Apple Preparation:
Measure 2 ounces of applesauce and set aside for later use.

Steps for Soapmaking:

Step One:
Carefully add the lye to the water and gently stir until it is fully dissolved and the liquid appears clear. Set the lye solution aside to cool. If you want a firmer soap that releases more easily from the mold, consider adding sodium lactate to the cooled lye water. Use 1 teaspoon of sodium lactate per pound of oils in the recipe, which in this case would be 2 teaspoons.

Step Two:
Fully melt and combine the coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, castor oil, shea butter, and avocado oil. Be sure to melt and mix the entire amount of palm oil before measuring and adding it. Once the oils are fully melted, add the applesauce and use a stick blender to mix for about a minute. Blending the applesauce into the oils before adding the lye helps to create a smoother consistency without speeding up trace.

Step Three:
Once the oils and applesauce mixture is well blended, carefully add the lye water to the oils. Use a stick blender to mix until you reach a thin trace. After about 10-20 seconds of blending, you’ll begin to notice the soap batter darkening into a honey-like color. This change is due to the natural sugars in the applesauce, which react during the saponification process.

Step Four:
After reaching a thin trace, divide the soap batter into four equal containers, each holding about 400 mL of soap. Take a moment to admire the beautiful color change! The batter should have transformed into a rich, honey-toned shade, thanks to the applesauce’s natural sugars.

Step Five:
Add the following amounts of dispersed mica into each container. Use a whisk to fully incorporate the color into the soap batter:

  • Container A (Pink): 1 tsp. dispersed Raspberry Mica + 1 tsp. Sunset Orange Mica
  • Container B (Green): 1 tsp. dispersed Kermit Green Mica
  • Container C (Orange): 1 tsp. dispersed Sunset Orange Mica
  • Container D (Yellow): All of the dispersed Buttercup Mica

Step Six:
Evenly divide the Apple Macintosh Candle & Soap Fragrance Oil into each container (it’s fine to eyeball it). Use a whisk to fully incorporate the fragrance oil into each container of soap batter, ensuring that the scent is evenly distributed throughout the soap.

Step Seven:
Begin pouring stripes of each color down the length of the mold. The order in which you pour the colors doesn’t matter, so feel free to start with any color. For this tutorial, the order was orange, followed by pink, green, and yellow. Pour the colors from varying heights to allow them to break through and mix into the layers below. Don’t worry about being overly precise—this part is about creating a fun, natural swirl effect!

Step Eight:
Continue pouring the colors into the mold, aiming for about four pours of each color. As you fill the mold, you’ll notice that the layers start to build up. Once you’re almost at the top, leave a small amount of each color to reserve for the top layer. This will allow you to create a nice finishing touch on the soap’s surface.

Step Nine:
Insert the Hanger Swirl Tool into one side of the mold, all the way to the bottom. Drag the hanger against the bottom of the mold toward you, covering about 1/8th of the way. Once you’ve dragged the hanger, pull it up slowly until it nearly breaks through the top of the soap, but don’t let it fully break the surface. Then, move the hanger slightly over and push it back down into the soap, dragging it along the bottom again for another 1/8th of the mold. Continue this process, bringing the hanger up just before it reaches the top, moving it over, and pushing it back down. Repeat the motion, but this time go in the opposite direction to create a swirling effect. Remember, this doesn’t need to be perfect—imperfections can make the design look even more unique and beautiful!

Step Ten:
Gently tap the mold on the counter to help release any trapped air bubbles and settle the soap batter. Once that’s done, drizzle each color on top of the soap, following the length of the mold. This will add a beautiful finishing touch and enhance the swirl effect when you cut the soap later.

Step Eleven:
Take a chopstick or dowel and gently insert it into the very top layer of the soap. You only want to swirl the top layer to create a nice effect without disturbing the rest of the soap. Drag the tool down the length of the mold, but do so in the opposite direction of how you poured the soap on top. This will create the most visually interesting swirl pattern. Be careful not to over-swirling, as it could cause the colors to blend together and lose their vibrant separation. Once you’re satisfied with the design, lightly spritz the surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol to prevent soda ash from forming as it cures.

Step Twelve:
Due to the extra sugar content in the applesauce, this soap may go through a gel phase, causing it to get quite hot. If you’re working in a cooler room temperature, you can leave the soap out on the counter without insulation for the first 24 hours. However, if you’re in a hotter climate, it’s best to place the soap into the fridge for 2 hours or even overnight to keep temperatures manageable. After the initial curing phase, let the soap sit in the mold for about 3 days to fully harden.

Once the soap has set, carefully remove it from the mold and cut it into bars. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks before using to ensure they reach their full hardness and lather potential. Enjoy your homemade Honeycrisp Apple soap!

Conclusion

Making Honeycrisp Apple Cold Process Soap is a fun and rewarding way to create a beautiful, fragrant, and unique soap. By incorporating local ingredients like applesauce, you not only enhance the soap’s natural qualities, such as a fluffy lather, but you also support your local community. With the vibrant colors inspired by the apples, and the addition of Apple Macintosh fragrance oil, your bars will evoke the sweet and tart essence of fresh apples.

The process requires attention to detail, from the careful mixing of oils and lye to the precise pouring and swirling of colors, but the result is a batch of soap that’s both visually stunning and gentle on the skin. After curing, you’ll have a delightful soap that you can enjoy or gift to others, knowing you’ve created something special from scratch. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own handmade soap!

DATE NIGHT BEAUTY TIPS TO ATTRACT ALL EYES

Ditch the tired notion of beauty routines meant to turn heads of strangers across the room. Date night is about celebrating a special connection, and your radiance should reflect that! Let’s explore some beauty tips that will turn up your confidence and leave your date utterly smitten. We’ll focus on a pre-date prep that enhances your natural glow, makeup that flatters your features, and overall touches that make you feel gorgeous from the inside out. So get ready to captivate your date, not the entire room!

6 BASIC PREPARATION STEPS FOR ACHIEVING AN ATTRACTIVE LOOK

GET DATE NIGHT READY WITH A GLOWING COMPLEXION 

Time to get your beautiful skin ready to shine! A healthy glow is the perfect base for a stunning look. First, wash your face gently to get rid of any dirt or oil. Then, use a scrub to buff away dry, dead skin cells. This will make your skin smoother and brighter. Exfoliating is super important because it helps your makeup go on easier and last longer – win win!

UNLEASH YOUR EYE BEAUTY

Let’s make your eyes, those gorgeous windows to your soul, truly shine! To fight any puffiness or dark circles (we’ve all been there!), dab on a light, moisturizing eye cream. Next, use a nude or light-colored eyeshadow primer on your lids. This acts like a base for your makeup, making it go on smoother and last longer.

Now for the fun part – color time! While smoky eyes are classic for a date night, there are many ways to go. Here’s one option: blend a pretty, shimmery eyeshadow into your crease. Then, use a slightly darker shade to add definition in the outer corners of your eyes. Finish with a few coats of mascara that plumps up your lashes. Boom! You’ve got gorgeous, eye-catching eyes that will definitely grab your date’s attention.

CREATE A KISS-READY SMILE

Let’s get those lips kiss-ready! Soft, smooth lips are a must-have for any date night. Before you put on any lipstick or gloss, gently buff your lips with a soft toothbrush or a scrub made with sugar. This will get rid of any dry skin flakes and make your lipstick go on smoother and last longer.

Next, line your lips with a pencil that matches your lipstick color (or is close to your natural lip color). This helps your lips look more defined and keeps your lipstick from bleeding outside the lines. Now for the fun part! Pick your favorite lipstick – a creamy one works well. Apply it in the center of your lips and blend it outwards. Want some extra sparkle? Dab a little gloss in the center of your lips. And there you have it – kissable lips that are sure to impress your date!

STYLE YOUR HAIR

Now that your makeup is on point, let’s turn our attention to creating a date-night hairstyle that complements your overall look. Remember, the key is to feel confident and beautiful, so choose a style that flatters your hair type and makes you feel amazing. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Classic and Effortless: For a timeless look, try sleek straight hair with a smooth blowout. You can add a center or side part for a touch of personality.
  • Romantic Curls: Soft, bouncy curls are always a hit. Use a curling iron or braid damp hair overnight for natural-looking waves.
  • Half-Up Hairstyles: Half-up styles are a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still showing off its length. Try a simple twist or braid along the crown, or a messy bun for a relaxed vibe.
  • Polished Ponytail: A high ponytail is a chic and sophisticated option. For a more relaxed feel, try a low ponytail with some wispy strands framing your face.
  • Embrace Your Natural Texture: If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, rock your beautiful texture! Apply a leave-in conditioner to control frizz and enhance your natural bounce.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to accessorize! Headbands, barrettes, and clips can add a touch of personality and help keep your style in place.

SET MAKEUP FOR LONG-LASTING WEAR 

All that work deserves to stay flawless throughout your date night! To lock in your stunning look, here’s the secret to long-lasting makeup. 

First, grab a translucent powder and dust it lightly over your entire face, focusing on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) where shine tends to show up. This mattifies your skin and absorbs oil throughout the night. 

Next, instead of a heavy setting spray, use a hydrating one. This will “melt” your makeup together for a natural, glowy finish that lasts. 

Finally, toss some blotting papers, powder, and your favorite lipstick in your purse. With these touch-up essentials, you can refresh your look throughout the night, staying picture-perfect from that first sip to the last bite of dessert.

EXPLORE MORE VERSATILE ACCESSORIES

The final touch! Now it’s time to accessorize and turn your date night into a masterpiece. Accessories are like decorations on your cupcake – they add personality and polish.

First, choose an item that reflects both your outfit and your emotions. A chunky bracelet, eye-catching earrings or a sparkling cocktail ring can instantly elevate your look. Want more sophistication? Add a sleek belt to accentuate your waist or a chic clutch to complete the outfit.

But that’s not all! Don’t forget the power of fragrance. A little bit of your favorite scent can be the most unforgettable accessory. Choose a perfume that makes you feel confident and seductive, whether it’s a timeless floral scent or a mysterious musk blend. If possible, consider best-selling women’s perfumes. Trust me, your date will remember your charm long after the night is over.

6 DATE NIGHT LOOKS YOU MIGHT LIKE

TO A FIRST DATE

Here’s a breakdown of date-night makeup looks that are perfect for a first date, keeping in mind that you want to enhance your natural beauty and feel confident:

The Naturally Flawless Look:

Focus on a fresh, even base: Apply a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone. Conceal any under-eye circles or blemishes for a polished look.

Soft and romantic: Keep your blush and eyeshadow soft and romantic. Opt for neutral or rosy tones that complement your skin tone and eye color. A light wash of shimmery eyeshadow adds a touch of sparkle without being overpowering.

Define your eyes: Line your upper lash line with a thin line of brown or dark gray eyeliner for a softer definition. Brown is less harsh than black, especially for daytime dates. Finish with a lengthening mascara to enhance your lashes.

Kissable lips: Choose a lipstick or gloss in a flattering shade. Keep it light and natural for daytime dates with a nude or pink shade. Save bold colors for a later date when you’re more comfortable with your date.

The Effortlessly Glam Look:

Flawless with a touch of coverage: Create a flawless base with a medium-coverage foundation and concealer. Apply a cool-toned contour for a subtle sculpted look.

Classic smokey eye: For the eyes, opt for a soft smokey eye in neutral brown or gray shades. Blend the colors seamlessly for a sophisticated look.

Dramatic lashes: Line your upper lash line with a black eyeliner pencil or gel and apply a volumizing mascara for dramatic lashes.

Timeless touch: Finish with a classic red lip for a timeless touch of glamour.

TO AN EXCURSION

Glowing skin and effortless beauty are key for an adventure-filled date night! Since you’ll be on the move, prioritize makeup that stays put and feels comfortable. Here’s how to achieve this:

Light and Lasting: Ditch the heavy foundation and opt for a lightweight, long-wearing tinted moisturizer. It evens out your skin tone without feeling cakey, perfect for all that activity.

Bronzed and Beautiful: A touch of bronzer adds warmth and dimension to your face. Focus on applying it to your forehead, cheeks, and jawline for a natural sun-kissed look.

Defined Yet Simple: For your eyes, choose neutral eyeshadow shades in brown or taupe. These define your eyes without being too dramatic, ideal for all the sights you’ll see. A quick swipe of brown or black eyeliner and a coat of lengthening mascara will complete your eye look.

Pop of Color (Optional): Feeling playful? Add a pop of color with a waterproof cream blush on your cheeks and apples of your face. This will add a touch of fun and stay put during your adventure.

Kiss-Proof Pout: For your lips, choose a comfortable, long-lasting lip tint in a rosy or nude shade. This ensures your lips stay colorful throughout your excursion, whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat or sharing a kiss at the peak of a hike.

TO A MUSEUM

Let’s create a museum date night makeup look that’s both cultured and captivating! Since museums often involve a lot of walking and looking up at art, prioritize comfort and long-wear.

Here’s the key:

Flawless Base: Start with a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer that evens your skin tone. Apply a touch of concealer to brighten under-eye circles or blemishes.

Bronzed Beauty: A touch of bronzer adds warmth and dimension to your face. Focus on applying it to your forehead, cheeks, and jawline for a natural sun-kissed look.

Defined Eyes: For the eyes, choose neutral eyeshadow shades in brown or taupe. This adds definition without being overly dramatic. A thin line of brown or black eyeliner along your upper lash line and a coat of lengthening mascara will complete your eye look.

Pop of Color: Want a touch of personality? Add a pop of color with a vibrant eyeshadow shade on your lower lash line – a teal or emerald green would complement a classic brown eye look beautifully. Just keep the application light and blend it softly.


Kissable Lips: For your lips, choose a comfortable, long-lasting lipstick or lip tint in a rosy or nude shade. This will stay put throughout your museum adventure and ensure you look polished for any post-museum dinner plans.

TO GO DANCING

Dancing the night away with your date? Let’s create a makeup look that stays put! Since you’ll be sweating on the dance floor, use long-lasting products that feel comfortable.

Smooth Start: Begin with a primer to make your makeup last longer. Pick a mattifying one to keep shine away.

Flawless Base: Apply a lightweight, long-wearing foundation that matches your skin tone. Avoid heavy layers to let your skin breathe.

Pop of Color: Use neutral or rosy blush and eyeshadow that match your outfit. A bit of shimmer on your lids will catch the light when you move.

Defined Eyes: Line your upper lash line with waterproof eyeliner. Finish with volumizing mascara that won’t smudge or flake.

Lasting Lips: Choose a liquid lipstick or lip stain in a bold or fun shade. These last longer and stay put even with drinks or kisses.

TO THE BEACH

Beach breezes and salty air call for a makeup look that’s both beach-proof and beautiful! Since you’ll be outdoors and soaking up the sun, focus on waterproof formulas and a light, natural look. Here’s your beach date night makeup guide:

Shine Under Control: Start with a primer specifically designed for oily skin or mattifying primer to control shine throughout the night.

Light and Lasting: Apply a lightweight, waterproof foundation that matches your skin tone. Skip the heavy layers – you want your skin to breathe and feel comfortable under the sun.

Sun-Kissed Glow: Enhance your natural radiance with a touch of bronzer on your forehead, cheeks, and jawline. Opt for cream bronzer for a dewy finish that blends seamlessly.

Waterproof Eyes: For your eyes, keep things simple with waterproof eyeshadow in neutral or shimmery shades. Line your upper lash line with a waterproof eyeliner pencil or gel, and finish with waterproof mascara to prevent smudging from the beach elements.

Beach-Ready Lips: Skip the heavy lipstick and opt for a tinted lip balm or a waterproof lip gloss in a sheer pink or coral shade. This will add a hint of color while keeping your lips hydrated and kissable.

TO A ROMANTIC DINNER

Setting the mood for a romantic dinner date night calls for a makeup look that’s both glamorous and effortless. Here’s how to achieve a balance of elegance and beauty:

Flawless Canvas: Start with a flawless base using a medium-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone. Apply concealer to brighten under-eye circles and camouflage any blemishes for a polished look.

Warm Glow: For a touch of warmth and dimension, sweep a bronzer over your forehead, cheeks, and jawline. This creates a natural sun-kissed effect that complements the candlelit dinner ambiance.

Smokey Elegance: Enhance your eyes with a classic smokey eye. Opt for neutral brown or charcoal eyeshadow shades, blending them seamlessly for a sophisticated look. A touch of shimmer on the lid adds a touch of glam without being overpowering.

Line and Define: Line your upper lash line with a black eyeliner pencil or gel for added definition. Finish with volumizing mascara to create dramatic, fluttery lashes that will captivate your date.

Perfect Pout: For your lips, choose a lipstick that complements your overall look. A classic red lip is a timeless choice for a romantic dinner, or opt for a deep berry shade for a touch of mystery. Finish with a lip liner to ensure precise application and prevent color bleeding.

FAQ

1. What’s the most important thing for date night makeup? 

Focus on feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin! Enhance your natural features and choose makeup that makes you feel comfortable and radiant.

2. What kind of mascara should I use for a date night? 

Look for a volumizing mascara that will lengthen and define your lashes. Waterproof mascara is a good choice if you’re prone to smudging or sweating.

3. What lipstick color is best for a date night? 

A classic red lip is a timeless choice for a romantic dinner. For a more daytime date, opt for a nude or pink shade. You can also try a bold berry shade for a touch of mystery.

4. How can I make my makeup last all night? 

Use a primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. Apply long-wearing foundation and waterproof formulas for eyes and lips. Set your makeup with a setting spray to help it stay put throughout the night.

5. What if I’m going on an active date night, like hiking or biking? 

Use waterproof and sweatproof formulas for your makeup. Skip heavy foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer. Choose a long-lasting lip tint or lip balm.

CONCLUSION 

While these tips and tricks can guide you in creating a stunning look, remember, the most attractive quality you can bring to a date night is your confidence. When you feel good in your own skin and radiate self-assurance, that’s what will truly turn heads and capture your date’s attention. So go forth, embrace your inner beauty, and have a fabulous date night!