DIY BUBBLE BATH BLISS: CREATE YOUR OWN SOOTHING SOAK

There’s something incredibly calming about immersing yourself in a warm bath filled with soft, fragrant bubbles. Unfortunately, many commercial bubble baths contain chemicals and artificial ingredients that can irritate the skin. This homemade bubble bath recipe offers an all-natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative for a truly relaxing experience.

Who Doesn’t Love a Soothing Bubble Bath? We all enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath from time to time—I certainly do! I cherished them as a kid, and my love for them has only grown.

What I don’t appreciate, however, are the unnecessary toxic chemicals often found in store-bought bubble baths. Many of these products contain sulfates and synthetic fragrances, which have been linked to issues like endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to non-reproductive organ systems.

What concerns me the most is that many of these bubble baths are marketed toward children and babies.

Below are the ingredients from a popular, expensive store-bought bubble bath:

“aqua/water/eau, sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl betaine, ppg-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide, glycerin, glycol distearate, parfum/fragrance, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, panthenol, tocopherol, tocotrienols, trilinolein, triolein, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, camellia sinensis leaf extract, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10, maltodextrin, methyl gluceth-20, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, buteth-3, tributyl citrate, citric acid, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfite, polysorbate 20, potassium sorbate, disodium edta, maleic anhydride, sodium hydroxide, methylene di-t-butylcresol, phenoxyethanol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, fd & c yellow no. 5 (ci 19140), fd & c red no. 40 (ci 16035)”

Not only is this an overwhelming list of ingredients, but many of them are toxic. For instance, methylisothiazolinone can lead to immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs. Meanwhile, polyquaternium-7, an anti-static agent, poses risks for non-reproductive organ system toxicity and ecotoxicology.

This particular bubble bath isn’t just harmful to your health; it also negatively impacts the environment. And this is just one example—many other store-bought bubble baths have ingredient lists that look alarmingly similar.

That’s why I’ve stopped purchasing store-bought bubble baths and started making my own. It’s incredibly easy to create, all-natural, and significantly cheaper than the average store-bought option.

How To Make Your Own Bubble Bath

To create your own homemade bubble bath, gather the following ingredients and supplies.

BOTTLE

You’ll need a bottle or bubble bath dispenser that can hold 14 to 18 ounces, like the one shown here. The recipe below will yield approximately 18 ounces of bubble bath. If you opt for a larger soap dispenser, feel free to add a bit more castile soap.

I always prefer glass bottles over plastic because essential oils contain powerful chemical compounds that can break down and react when they come into contact with plastic.

UNSCENTED CASTILE SOAP

Castile soap serves as the base for this bubble bath, providing the bubbles you love. This vegetable-based, natural product is suitable for all skin types, including those of babies.

I always choose unscented castile soap so I can customize the fragrance to my liking.

NATURAL BODY WASH (OPTIONAL)

If you have hard water, you might find that the castile soap doesn’t create much lather. In this case, I recommend adding a body wash to your bubble bath.

Opt for a natural option, like Everyone unscented body wash. Even if you don’t have hard water but want an abundance of bubbles, adding the body wash is a great idea. It significantly enhances the sudsing when combined with the castile soap.

VEGETABLE GLYCERIN

Vegetable glycerin helps thicken the bubble bath, enhancing its suds and bubbles while also offering additional moisturizing benefits.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils provide the delightful scent for the bubble bath, as all the other ingredients are unscented. If you want your bubble bath to smell amazing, be sure to add essential oils.

Below, you’ll find various combinations of essential oil scents.

It’s crucial to use only 100% pure essential oils, as some are synthetic. Fake essential oils can be just as harmful as the toxin-laden store-bought bubble baths.

For tips on how to identify fake essential oils and to discover some of my favorite brands, check out my post titled Fake Essential Oil Brands You Should Avoid.

Homemade Bubble Bath Recipe

To create this homemade bubble bath recipe, simply add the following ingredients to your jar or bottle. I typically use an 18-ounce glass bottle for this bubble bath. If you’re using a larger or smaller container, be sure to adjust the quantities of each ingredient accordingly.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup castile soap
  • 1 cup body wash (if you choose not to use body wash, add an additional cup of castile soap)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
  • 30-40 drops of essential oils (see scent combinations below)

Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly and shake well before each use.

Simple Essential Oil Scent Combinations

You can create any scent combination you like with essential oils. If you prefer something straightforward that doesn’t require too many different oils, I recommend the following combos:

Simply add the essential oils to the recipe above, keeping in mind to adjust the amounts if you’re using a larger or smaller dispenser than I suggested.

Combo #1: 15 drops lavender + 15 drops lemon
Combo #2: 15 drops peppermint + 15 drops orange
Combo #3: 15 drops grapefruit + 15 drops lime

Homemade Christmas Bubble Bath

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to create some festive scent combinations for the holidays.

Candy Cane

30 drops peppermint + 10 drops spearmint

Christmas Cookie

20 drops ginger + 5 drops clove + 5 drops cinnamon + 4 drops nutmeg + 10 drops vanilla

Christmas Tree

30 drops fir + 5 drops vetiver + 5 drops cypress

This DIY bubble bath makes a great homemade gift—especially the Christmas-scented bubble baths.

You can sign up to receive free homemade printable gift tags below.

Alternatively, you can sign up to receive the colored bubble bath labels instead.

How To Use Homemade Bubble Bath

To use this homemade bubble bath, simply pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup into the bathtub while the tub is filling with water. Feel free to add more if you’d like it to be bubblier or sudsier.

For extra-large bathtubs, you may need to use more than 1/2 cup of bubble bath.

Keep in mind that homemade bubble baths typically don’t create as much suds as store-bought varieties. This is because store-bought bubble baths contain surfactants, which are responsible for producing those giant, foamy bubbles.

However, surfactants are harmful to the environment, so I prefer my homemade bubble bath.

I’ve heard that whisking an egg white into the bubble bath mixture can help create fluffy, long-lasting bubbles, but I haven’t tried that yet.

How To Store DIY Bubble Bath

This homemade bubble bath should be stored in a sealed container. The glass bottle I recommended earlier is perfect for storing this DIY bubble bath.

Just make sure to keep the pump tightly sealed at all times to prevent contamination from bacteria.

How Long Does Homemade Bubble Bath Last?

This homemade bubble bath can last for 1 to 2 years when stored in a sealed container.

How Often Can Homemade Bubble Bath Be Used?

You can use this homemade bubble bath as often as you like since it contains only natural ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing soak without worrying about harmful chemicals.

However, keep in mind that castile soap can be drying for the skin, so be sure to moisturize well after bathing. If you notice your skin becoming excessively dry, you may want to reduce your usage.

NEED ESSENTIAL OILS?

Make sure to use 100% pure essential oils when putting together this recipe. High-quality oils don’t have to break the bank.

I recommend brands like Simply Earth, Plant Therapy, and Far & Wild, as they all offer high-quality oils at affordable prices.

If you decide to buy from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive an essential oil recipe box, a bonus box, and a $45 Simply Earth gift card, all for just $29.99 (new customers only)!!!

If you’re unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes [here].

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, creating your own homemade bubble bath provides a natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought products.

By selecting your own ingredients, you can ensure that your bath is free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary additives, making it gentle on your skin.

Moreover, you can tailor the scents, textures, and moisturizing properties to suit your preferences and specific skin needs.

I truly hope you enjoy using this homemade bubble bath! If you have any questions about the recipe, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

HERE ARE THE 18 BEST CONCEALERS FOR OILY SKIN THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

Are you struggling with oily skin and looking for a long-lasting concealer? The downside to shiny skin is that concealer easily rubs off or wrinkles throughout the day. But don’t be afraid! Here’s a guide to the 18 best concealers for oily skin, specifically formulated to combat shine and provide flawless coverage. We already know about primer products for oily skin that give a long-lasting base. So, in this article, get ready to discover new divine concealers for oily skin!

OUR TOP PICKS 

AMI COLÉ SKIN-ENHANCING CONCEALER

The Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Concealer is a great option for those seeking a natural, radiant finish. This lightweight formula is breathable and won’t clog pores, making it suitable for oily skin types. It offers buildable coverage to target blemishes and hyperpigmentation, while still allowing your natural glow to peek through. The concealer is also infused with nourishing ingredients like baobab seed extract, hibiscus flower extract, and pumpkin seed extract to keep your skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.

REVLON COLORSTAY SKIN AWAKEN™ 5-IN-1 CONCEALER

Revlon’s ColorStay Skin Awaken™ 5-in-1 Concealer promises to be your daily dose of wakeup for your face. This multi-tasking formula is designed to not only hide imperfections and dark circles, but also brighten, hydrate, and refresh your skin. Infused with caffeine and vitamin C, it aims to tackle puffiness and signs of fatigue. With a lightweight, buildable texture that offers transfer-resistant natural coverage, this concealer claims to stay put for a full 24 hours.

SAIE BEAUTY HYDRABEAM BRIGHTENING + HYDRATING CREAMY UNDER EYE CONCEALER

Saie Beauty’s Hydrabeam Brightening + Hydrating Creamy Under Eye Concealer is ideal for those who prioritize hydration and a natural look. This concealer offers light to medium, buildable coverage that evens out under-eye darkness while leaving a dewy, radiant finish. Packed with ingredients like cucumber extract and olive-derived squalane, it hydrates and soothes the delicate under-eye area, aiming to prevent creasing throughout the day.

REVOLUTION CONCEAL & DEFINE CONCEALER

Revolution’s Conceal & Define Concealer is a cult-favorite for a reason. This drugstore option offers full coverage at an incredibly affordable price. The matte formula makes it ideal for oily skin, controlling shine and providing long-lasting wear. The creamy texture blends seamlessly to conceal blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. Plus, it comes in a whopping 50 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones.

MILK MAKEUP FUTURE FLUID ALL OVER MEDIUM COVERAGE HYDRATING CONCEALER

Milk Makeup Future Fluid All Over Medium Coverage Hydrating Concealer is a multi-tasking product that offers the best of both worlds for oily skin. The creamy formula provides medium coverage to conceal blemishes and even skin tone, while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear. Hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day, and the blendable texture ensures a natural, crease-proof finish. This is a great option for those who want a concealer that conceals imperfections without looking cakey or feeling heavy on oily skin.

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE UNDER EYE CONCEALER

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer is a popular choice for those seeking a full-coverage solution for dark circles and imperfections. Thistarte concealer offers highly pigmented, creamy formula that conceals blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and even wrinkles. It’s infused with anti-aging ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and vitamins to target signs of aging around the eyes. The waterproof formula ensures it stays put all day, even through tears, sweat, and humidity.

ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK FACE AND UNDER-EYE CONCEALER

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer is a luxurious option that offers radiant, medium coverage. The lightweight, buildable formula blends seamlessly to camouflage blemishes and dark circles, leaving a dewy, luminous finish. It’s formulated with ingredients like glycerin, caffeine, and vitamin E to hydrate and brighten the under-eye area, aiming to reduce puffiness and diminish the appearance of fine lines. This concealer is perfect for those who want a natural, glowing look that lasts all day.

17. SECOND SKIN ENHANCING CONCEALER

Rounding out our list is the budget-friendly 17. Second Skin Enhancing Concealer from Boots. This drugstore favorite is a great option for beginners seeking a balance between coverage and affordability. Thanks to its high pigmentation, it offers medium to full coverage to tackle dark circles and blemishes, yet reviewers say the formula feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Plus, it’s dermatologically tested, suggesting it should be suitable for most skin types.

MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER DARK CIRCLE TREATMENT CONCEALER

Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer is a drugstore favorite known for its multitasking abilities. This lightweight, clickable concealer offers buildable coverage to address dark circles and imperfections. It’s formulated with a cooling micro-swivel tip that massages the under-eye area, aiming to de-puff and brighten. Blended with Haloxyl, a trademarked ingredient, it claims to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, younger-looking appearance.

FENTY BEAUTY PRO FILT’R INSTANT RETOUCH CONCEALER

Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer is a cult-favorite for a reason. This creamy, long-wearing formula offers light-as-air, medium to full coverage that seamlessly evens skin tone and targets blemishes. The impressive 50-shade range ensures a perfect color match for all complexions, making it a strong contender for inclusivity. It boasts a lightweight, crease-proof formula that sets to a soft matte finish, ideal for oily skin types who want a concealer that lasts all day.

ROSE INC. SOFTLIGHT CLEAN DEWY HYDRATING CONCEALER

The ROSE INC. Softlight Clean Dewy Hydrating Concealer is a standout product designed to provide seamless coverage with a radiant finish. Infused with skin-loving ingredients, it offers a hydrating formula that ensures a smooth and dewy complexion. This concealer is ideal for those with oily skin, as it balances hydration without adding excess shine. Additionally, its clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulation makes it a conscientious choice for beauty enthusiasts. The Softlight Concealer effectively conceals imperfections while promoting a naturally luminous look.

NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a multi-award winning favorite for a reason. This luxurious concealer offers buildable, medium coverage that goes beyond just concealing. It features unique light-diffusing powders that blur imperfections without looking heavy. The formula is infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients to keep skin comfortable and radiant throughout the day. This concealer is perfect for those who desire a flawless, yet natural-looking finish that lasts.

DIOR BACKSTAGE CONCEALER

Dior Backstage Face & Body Flash Perfector Concealer is a luxurious option for those seeking full coverage with a radiant finish. This high-end concealer boasts a whopping 22 shades with 4 undertones to ensure a perfect match for various skin tones. Packed with caffeine, it aims to energize the skin and visibly de-puff under-eye circles. The innovative brush applicator allows for precise application, while the waterproof and crease-proof formula guarantees your flawless look stays put all day.

BOBBI BROWN SKIN CONCEALER STICK

Bobbi Brown’s Skin Concealer Stick is a hydrating, long-lasting formula that caters specifically to dry and under-eye skin. This creamy concealer offers buildable, medium coverage, letting you target dark circles and blemishes without looking cakey. The key here is its hydrating properties – it aims to reduce the look of dryness throughout the day, making it ideal for those who struggle with creasing or flakiness in concealers. This Bobbi Brown concealer is a great choice for achieving a natural, fresh look on areas that need a little extra TLC.

TARTE SHAPE TAPE FULL COVERAGE CONCEALER

Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer is a cult-favorite for its high-performance formula. This full-coverage concealer offers exceptional pigmentation to camouflage blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. It boasts a long-wearing, crease-proof formula that stays put throughout the day without feeling heavy on the skin. However, it’s recommended to apply a hydrating moisturizer underneath for drier skin types to prevent cakiness.

M.A.C PRO LONGWEAR CONCEALER

M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer is a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike for its full-coverage, long-lasting formula. This liquid concealer offers exceptional pigmentation to completely conceal blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. It boasts a waterproof and transfer-resistant finish that stays put for up to 24 hours, making it ideal for oily skin types or those seeking budge-proof coverage. However, the formula can be drying on some skin types, so applying a hydrating moisturizer underneath is recommended for a more comfortable wear.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP 24HR FULL COVERAGE MATTE CONCEALER

NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop 24HR Full Coverage Matte Concealer is a drugstore favorite known for its impressive staying power. This full-coverage concealer offers excellent pigmentation to tackle blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. The matte formula is ideal for oily skin types, controlling shine and ensuring your makeup stays put throughout the day. However, for drier skin types, applying a hydrating moisturizer underneath is recommended to prevent cakiness.

BENEFIT BOI-ING CAKELESS CONCEALER FULL COVERAGE LIQUID CONCEALER

Benefit’s Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer Full Coverage Liquid Concealer is a popular choice for those seeking a full-coverage concealer that won’t feel heavy or cakey. This creamy formula offers exceptional pigmentation to address blemishes, dark circles, and discoloration. It boasts a lightweight, yet long-wearing finish that stays put throughout the day without creasing. The unique flexible cushion tip applicator allows for easy and precise application, making it a great option for both beginners and makeup pros.

WHAT A DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDS FOR OILY SKIN

COVERAGE

Coverage level: Consider how much coverage you need. For dark circles and blemishes, you might opt for a full-coverage concealer, while for a more natural look, a sheer or medium coverage formula might be sufficient.

FORMULA

Skin type: Those with oily skin will benefit from matte or water-based concealers that control shine. Dry skin types might prefer creamier, hydrating formulas.

Finish: Consider the desired finish. A matte finish offers full coverage and shine control, while a dewy finish provides a more natural, radiant look.

SHADE

Matching your skin tone: This is crucial! Ideally, choose a concealer that exactly matches your foundation shade. For the under-eye area, you might go one shade lighter to brighten and counteract darkness.

Undertone: Look for concealers that consider your skin’s undertone, whether cool, warm, or neutral. Choosing the right undertone will ensure a natural, seamless blend.

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER IN THE RIGHT WAY

While mastering concealer application takes practice, there are pro tips that can elevate your results. Celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell suggests a strategic approach for blemishes: apply concealer after foundation, target the specific blemish only (“spot concealing”), and let it set for a minute or two before blending. This allows the concealer to fully adhere, maximizing coverage and minimizing the risk of the product moving around during blending. “This allows the concealer to almost ‘bake’ on your face and gives you maximum payoff and additional coverage,” she explains. 

For under-eye circles, celebrity makeup artist Daniel Beecham, whose work has graced the covers of GQ, Vanity Fair, and Essence Magazine, recommends applying a few dots of concealer and letting them sit for a minute before blending them outwards. This short waiting period allows the product to settle and potentially improve its ability to brighten and conceal darkness. “If you want to hide a deep under-eye bag, use your regular color concealer, but then take a color a few shades brighter with a thin brush and dab right into the crease and feather away the edges,” she says. “This will catch the light and make the bag appear less visible.” Once you’ve blended in your concealer, use a damp sponge or a fluffy brush to apply a light layer of setting powder to make sure it lasts.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it – the 18 best concealers specifically formulated to combat shine and provide flawless coverage for oily skin types! Whether you seek full-on camouflage, a dewy radiance, or a budget-friendly option, this list offers a range of formulas and finishes to suit your needs. Remember, considering coverage level, formula type, and shade are key factors in finding your perfect match. With a little trial and error and the application tips from the pros, you can achieve a flawless, shine-free base that lasts all day. Happy concealing!