skin texture before and after

FLUFFY SLIME RECIPE: EASY AND BORAX-FREE

Fluffy slime is a favorite among slime enthusiasts!

This recipe is borax-free, using baking soda and contact lens solution to activate the slime. The addition of shaving cream gives it that irresistibly fluffy texture.

This slime was the first in our collection of easy slime recipes for kids. We now have a variety of fun slime ideas, so be sure to explore and save your favorites for later!

Keep reading or watch the video below to see just how fun and simple it is to make this slime recipe!

Easy Fluffy Slime

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure here.

Please ensure adult supervision when making or playing with slime, and always follow the slime safety guidelines listed at the bottom of this page.

Fluffy Slime Ingredients

  • 1 cup glue
  • 3 cups shaving cream
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 2-3 tablespoons contact lens solution
  • Food dye or acrylic paint (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional; improves smoothness)
  • 2 tablespoons lotion (optional; increases stretchiness)

Fluffy Slime Basics

Before you make fluffy slime, there are a few important things to keep in mind. If it’s your first time creating fluffy slime, be sure to read all the tips and notes below before you get started.

WHAT IS FLUFFY SLIME?

You might be curious about what exactly fluffy slime is. Fluffy slime is just what it sounds like: a fluffy, stretchy slime that’s incredibly fun to play with. Its signature fluffiness comes from the addition of shaving cream.

FLUFFY SLIME NOTES

First, make sure you’re using shaving cream for this recipe, as shaving gel won’t provide the same level of fluffiness.

Second, since this recipe doesn’t use borax, your contact lens solution must contain boric acid. If it doesn’t, it won’t activate the slime, so be sure to check the ingredient list before purchasing any solution.

For this recipe, I used the Target brand Up & Up Clear Comfort Multi-Purpose Solution, which contains boric acid and is more affordable than name-brand options.

Elmer’s has also introduced a convenient product called Magical Liquid, which replaces both the baking soda and contact lens solution, allowing for fewer ingredients.

While I use non-name brands for the contact lens solution, I recommend sticking with Elmer’s glue. If you plan to make a lot of slime (trust me, your kids will love it), consider purchasing Elmer’s glue in a gallon size. We have both the standard and clear gallon jugs on hand.

How To Make Fluffy Slime

Add the glue to the bowl. For this recipe, we used regular Elmer’s glue.

Add the shaving cream, cornstarch, and color additive to the mixture. We used food dye to color the slime, but you can also use acrylic paint.

Note: The cornstarch is optional, but it will help give the slime a smoother texture. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry! However, if you do, I recommend giving it a try.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then add the baking soda and contact lens solution to the bowl.

Use a fork to mix the baking soda and contact lens solution into the slime batter.

After mixing, use your hands to start kneading the slime batter. You can dip your fingers in the contact lens solution to reduce stickiness.

Note: Fluffy slime can be quite messy at this stage. It may get all over your hands, and if you’re new to making slime, you might worry that you did something wrong. Don’t panic! Continue to knead, pull, and work the slime until it begins to stick to itself and come off your hands. For us, this took about 3 minutes of kneading.

You can stop here and start playing with the slime, or you can choose to add lotion to enhance its stretchiness. Keep in mind that adding lotion will also introduce moisture, making the slime sticky again. Don’t worry; just keep mixing, pulling, and playing with the slime, and it will return to its original texture.

That’s it!

I can’t express how much fun my kids have when we make slime! It’s a blast for both kids and adults to play with!

If you encounter any issues, be sure to check out the following section on troubleshooting fluffy slime problems.

Keep in mind that this slime will lose its fluffiness over time (it typically lasts about a day or two), so I recommend making it on the same day you plan to use it.

Fluffy Slime Troubleshooting

Q: What do I do if my slime is too sticky?

A: When you first begin kneading the fluffy slime, it will be quite sticky. This is completely normal, so don’t worry! As you mix, knead, and pull it apart, it will start to stick to itself and form the slime. If, after a couple of minutes, it’s still very sticky, add a bit more contact lens solution (one to two teaspoons at a time). Make sure to fully incorporate the newly added solution before adding more.

Q: Can you make fluffy slime with shaving gel?

A: Technically, yes, you can make fluffy slime with shaving gel. However, I believe shaving cream yields a much fluffier and less sticky slime, so I recommend sticking with shaving cream every time for the best results.

Q: I added the contact lens solution to the mixture, but it never made slime. What’s wrong?

A: First, ensure that your contact lens solution contains boric acid, as this is essential for making slime. If it doesn’t contain boric acid, it won’t work. If your solution does contain boric acid but the slime isn’t forming properly, you may need to add more to the mixture. Add it a little at a time (2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon), mix thoroughly, and then reassess the consistency.

Q: Why is my fluffy slime stiff and breaking?

A: You likely added too much activator (either baking soda, contact lens solution, or both). Sometimes, adding a bit of lotion can help make the slime stretchier, but if you really overdid the activator, you might need to start over.

Slime Safety

Please ensure that an adult supervises children while they play with slime. It’s important to communicate to your child that this type of slime is not edible. If any part of the slime is ingested, seek medical advice immediately.

Parents or another responsible adult should always make the slime. This type of slime is not suitable for children aged 3 and younger.

If your child has sensitive skin, consider using gloves while playing with the slime or monitor them to ensure the slime doesn’t cause any irritation.

Always remind your child to wash their hands after playing with slime.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making fluffy slime is a fun and engaging activity for kids (and adults!) that encourages creativity and sensory play. By following this simple recipe and keeping safety guidelines in mind, you can create a delightful and fluffy slime that will provide hours of entertainment. Remember to supervise children during play, ensure they understand the slime is not edible, and encourage good hygiene practices afterward. Enjoy the process and the fun of squishy, stretchy slime!

7 ESSENTIAL STYLE TIPS FOR MEN OVER 50 BEFORE YOU SHOP

Navigating the world of fashion in your 50s (and beyond!) may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s entirely achievable. While I can’t personally guide every man receiving an AARP membership in the mail, I can offer you this comprehensive guide to dressing for mature men.

If you’re new to my writing, you might be asking yourself: Caroline, as a 29-year-old woman who spends her free time watching Nordic crime dramas and perfecting my homemade macaroni and cheese, what do I know about the style dilemmas faced by men approaching early retirement?

Well, for one, I have a soft spot for well-dressed older gentlemen.

Every man over 50 has unique wardrobe needs that reflect his personal style and lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for casual attire, looking for shopping recommendations, or simply wanting to elevate your fashion game, dressing well at this age can be just as exciting and diverse as it is for younger men.

Not sure where to begin? No need to fret! Below, 7 tips on nailing mature style for men:

Get a tailor

Everyone I’ve spoken with in the realm of men’s style, especially for those over 50, agrees on one crucial point: the difference between “a guy wearing clothes” and “a well-dressed man” often comes down to good tailoring.

Building a relationship with a tailor is essential for any mature man looking to elevate his style.

Consider your tailor your clothing’s doctor. Just as you have a dentist for your teeth, an internist for your health, and a dermatologist for those pesky moles, it’s time to have a tailor on speed dial to ensure your wardrobe is in top shape.

Now, I can already hear you thinking: “The clothes I own fit me just fine!”

But let’s be real—no man, and I mean none of you, can wear off-the-rack clothing perfectly.

Sure, you don’t need to have every t-shirt tailored or sweatpants hemmed, but those button-down shirts you wear daily with jeans or chinos? Get the sleeves adjusted to the right length.

And don’t forget about those jeans and chinos! 

What about the blazer you wear for dinner with your spouse each week? Could it use a little adjustment to fit you better?

Think of this process like visiting a doctor. You don’t go in every day for every little issue, but for the significant matters, you want to consult a professional. 

Focus on the finishing touches 

When it comes to presentation, the key differentiator between well-dressed men and those who simply wear clothes is the extra attention to detail. These subtle touches may not be immediately noticeable, but once you see them, they make a significant difference.

This attention to detail extends beyond your clothing to grooming, including a well-maintained beard (and nose hairs!), clean nails and cuticles, and a pleasant scent. Just look at the smart tie and coordinating socks worn by Stanley Tucci—voted the most stylish man of 2023 by Style Girlfriend followers!

Accessories are an excellent way to elevate your style as a man over 50. A beautiful scarf can enhance a simple blue overcoat, while the right shoes can complete your outfit—just as easily as the wrong ones can ruin it.

Investing in accessories is a smart choice for your wardrobe. Timeless pieces, like a classic pair of glasses, will never go out of style, and if you choose quality items built to last, you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

I’d like to highlight timepieces: they’re one of the first things I notice on a man. If you wear a watch, I can’t help but notice which one it is.

Let me be clear: you don’t need to spend a fortune on a watch. However, if you can invest in a quality timepiece, it’s often worth it. Even an affordable tank-style Seiko can make you look polished and distinguished.

Invest in forever pieces

By avoiding fleeting trends, you can invest more wisely in your wardrobe. Why? Because when you focus on timeless pieces, you know you’ll wear them for more than just one season.

Instead of purchasing multiple inexpensive shirts and trousers, consider buying one or two high-quality staple items. Then, invest in having those pieces tailored to fit you perfectly. The final step? Embrace the ease and simplicity of cultivating a signature personal style!

Look for brands that prioritize craftsmanship and quality. 

While you may not have the budget to splurge on every item in your closet, you can be strategic about your spending.

Identify the pieces you wear most frequently. If you rarely wear sweaters but often don blazers—think of a post-presidential Barack Obama—prioritize your budget accordingly to reflect your lifestyle.

Lean into a Monochromatic Color Palette

Monochromatic dressing involves combining pieces from the same color family to create a cohesive and polished look. This style not only elongates your body but also gives you a sleek, modern appearance with minimal effort.

Take, for example, the character Steve Martin, 79, plays on Only Murders in the Building. He often sports monochromatic ensembles, like blue jeans paired with a white shirt and a blue knit sweater or overcoat.

For men over 50, these outfits are not only simple to assemble but also effortlessly elevate your style.

You can approach monochromatic dressing in a few different ways. Our favorite at Team SG is the black and blue route—opting for rich, deep blues like navy—or embracing earth tones, such as pairing tan chinos with a chunky oatmeal rollneck sweater.

Aim for leveling up your personal style instead of chasing trends

Here’s a little secret: I often share this advice with my younger clients, but it’s especially true for older gentlemen—dressing for who you are, rather than trying to keep up with the latest trends, makes all the difference.

By midlife, you’ve witnessed countless trends come and go, which makes it easier to identify which cuts and styles flatter you and which colors and textures enhance your personal aesthetic.

Consider what clothing aligns with your lifestyle and which pieces don’t quite fit who you are. 

Think of this guideline not as a limitation, but as a permission slip to bypass fleeting trends. That’s a true luxury! As men age, they naturally become more distinguished—there’s a reason the term “silver fox” is a compliment.

Allyson B. Fanger, the costume designer for Netflix’s (criminally underrated, in my opinion) *Grace and Frankie*, shared that one of the joys of dressing older characters like Robert and Sol—played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, both in their eighties—is that these men have lived rich lives.

The show features two lawyers who leave their wives for each other after their kids have grown up, and their style is spot on.

Robert and Sol don’t need to evolve further in their fashion choices, which makes dressing them all the more enjoyable for Fanger.

They each have favorite brands, signature color palettes, and distinct approaches to style.

Robert is traditional, favoring button-down shirts and chinos—he’s a Brooks Brothers man through and through.

Sol, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of a hippie, opting for Cubavera camp shirts and comfortable Tommy Bahama linen pants.

These characters exemplify how, regardless of personal taste or style, it’s entirely possible to achieve top-notch personal fashion at any age.

Ultimately, knowing who you are and being confident in that is the cornerstone of any man’s style, and that understanding becomes more profound as you accumulate life experience.

Adopt a wardrobe uniform

Larry David, at 76, is a big advocate for uniform dressing. While many people think of a daily uniform as a traditional suit and tie, David exemplifies how versatile and liberating this approach can be.

He’s a king of casual style—if you’re searching for casual clothing ideas for men over 50, the *Curb Your Enthusiasm* star offers an excellent blueprint.

His go-to wardrobe staples include crewneck sweaters, zip-ups, AG 5-pocket chinos, and soft shoulder blazers. 

If the thought of choosing an outfit every day feels overwhelming, this dressing strategy might be perfect for you. 

Consider building a capsule wardrobe filled with a few pieces you love: your favorite pants, a handful of shirts that make you feel your best, and some knitwear or jackets.

And don’t hesitate to buy items you adore in multiple colors! (This is another trick David uses.)

This way, each morning, you can reach into your closet and confidently know that whatever you pick will likely coordinate beautifully.

Be yourself 

It might sound a bit silly to wrap up a list of style tips with a reminder to just accept yourself, but hear me out. You might think, “My style is just a ripped sports jersey and Crocs,” and to that, I say: maybe it’s time for a change! (Just kidding… or am I?)

What I really mean is don’t overthink dressing for a particular age. These style tips are helpful if you’re unsure where to start or want to elevate your look. But if you already have a signature style or enjoy dressing outside the norm, don’t let the number in front of your age hold you back. Embrace what makes you unique and wear it with confidence!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, navigating style in your 50s and beyond doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Embrace the principles of good tailoring, invest in timeless pieces, and build a wardrobe that reflects who you are. Remember, personal style is all about confidence and authenticity—wear what makes you feel good, whether it’s a classic blazer or a funky shirt.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with accessories and details that can elevate your look. And most importantly, don’t let age define your fashion choices. Celebrate your individuality and express yourself through your clothing. After all, style is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to redefine your aesthetic!