Bella Breakdown

A a time of year when you may be spending a lot of money on gifts, holiday outfits, food and more, it’s a great idea to think of some DIY items that make both affordable and thoughtful gifts. For your mother, sister, BFF, or dude who enjoys a good bath, these spa-inspired products are easy to make and absolutely beautiful. Make a big batch, divvy up the gifts and then be sure to keep a little extra for yourself, because #selfcare.

Homemade Rose Bath Milk

Your body will soak up this soothing bath milk. It’s hydrating and relaxing, with beautifully colored rose petals for a special bath.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups powdered milk (full fat if you can find it, otherwise nonfat will work)
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/4 cup (or more) dried rose petals
Red food coloring
Rose essential oil

Mix the powdered milk and Epsom salts together and add 2-3 drops of red food coloring. Mix until you have a uniform pink color. Then add the rose petals and 5-7 drops of essential oil. If you don’t have rose essential oil you can skip it or use any other soothing essential oil you might have, like lavender or chamomile. Then pour milk bath into a bottle or sachet and make a pretty gift tag.

Herb and Spice Holiday Soap

Customize these soaps with your favorite dried flowers and herbs. These are perfect for creating different, unique gifts based on your recipient’s specific taste!

Ingredients:
Block of glycerin soap base, available at most craft stores
Essential oils
Dried flowers, herbs, spices, and leaves (hibiscus, rose, green tea, rosemary, etc.)
Soap molds – small cups or trays in various sizes (silicone works best)

Chop the glycerin into cubes for easier melting. Melt the soap base. This can be done using a double boiler, a small pan or a glass measuring cup. (I like the measuring cup because it’s easier to pour.) Melt over medium-low heat or on 50% power in the microwave. Be careful – it will be very hot! Remove the measuring cup from the microwave when the soap is almost melted and stir it gently. Add the essential oils to the base. Use about 5-10 drops per ounce of soap. Stir slowly to prevent bubble formation. (There will still probably be a few bubbles.)

Arrange the desired petals, herbs, and leaves in the molds. Carefully fill the molds with the melted soap base. Let them sit for about an hour to solidify. Then pop them out and package them or store in a jar.

Pumpkin Spice Scrub

Like pumpkin pie for your face, this scrub will exfoliate and hydrate, while filling the bathroom with warm scents.

Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar (the finer the better)
1/2 cup jojoba oil for oily skin, or 1/2 cup coconut oil for dry/normal skin
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
oil from a few vitamin E capsules, or 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Apply to clean skin using your ring and pinky fingertips and warm water. Gently move the scrub around your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Once you’ve done a few rotations over your face, rinse with warm water. Remember, the lighter the pressure the better!