Of Potions, Lotions and Creams

AS I'm typing out this post, I'm drenched in a luxurious concoction of premium east-african shea butter, rosehip oil and glycerin, scented with drops of ylang ylang and lavender essential oils. My skin is gleaming, reflecting the light from the window, and the scent, oh so intoxicating. The potion is soft and stable at room temperature but melts like butter on a hot bun when it hits the skin. I smell like the sweet offerings for the god of the skies, like an ancient temple or an Indian bride on her wedding night. Whatever, I smell so good right now. Ylang ylang, on its own puts me off but with lavender, it's mild and mysterious. It's been deeply satisfying making my own lotions, creams and balms.

Last night, I attempted a whipped body and hair cream. Unrefined shea and organic cocoa butters as the base with a teaspoon of glycerin, rosehip and coconut oils, bound by the humble rosemary and lavender essential oils. I had so much fun melting, mixing and beating the oils to a soft peak of creamy white potion that went smugly into a jar for use. This one is as heavy duty as it can get especially during the dry months, which Qatar is mostly. I would have preferred this one as a body bar though, the kind that you run over your bare skin with right after a hot shower during harsh winters. Hmm, just the thought of it makes my skin moist. 

All of my creams have been custom made for my thirsty skin, as in dry to very dry, so I haven't made anything that includes water. I'd love to experiment with hydrosols (rose, green tea water) in my other lotions that I may want to give away as gifts. Personally, I'd much rather just stick to shea butter because it's scent free on its own. Cocoa butter, as emollient and lovely as it can be, I find its rich sweet, chocolately scent a little off-putting. It makes me feel like I've tripped into a bowl of chocolate cake batter and I'm sticky all over. I'd like my lotions to be lightly woody/ herbal and floral with a dash of whimsy. 

For the lips, I made little luscious pots of balms. Since the balm was the first thing I ever made in this fairly new adventure, I couldn't contain the joy I felt as I leveled each pot with that sticky stable goodness. This is a gently melted pot of shea butter, beeswax, rosehip and coconut oils, a teaspoon each, iced with some drops of peppermint so it feels cool and soothing on the lips. I can't wait to add natural pink tint to the balms in my next try. Imagine, infusing hibiscus flowers in the oils prior to making the balms. 

Most of all, making my own skincare gives me a definite power over what I choose to put on my body so I know what works and doesn't for me. If it doesn't work, I only have myself to blame + I get to note the changes in my skin and try different natural solutions for the best results. Secondly, I have a whole world of oils to test and try on. Almond, jojoba, amaranth, argan, castor, the list is endless. For now, I'm happy with rosehip, noted for its anti-ageing properties. Shea butter is just amazing. I get mine from a friend who brings it from Nairobi with close contact to the source. 

Try making your own if you have a chance. It's addictive as much as it is fun! 

some of ingredients for my homemade potions 

my daily go-to mosturiser 

the whipped cream for body and hair

the whipped cream for body and hair

the soothing balm :) 

xx