Peppermint Scented Solid Perfume

Specifically created for someone who loves peppermint, this is a peppermint-scented solid perfume.  To use, apply a small amount to pulse points with your fingertip.  This product is easy to carry with you and will not leak!  These can be poured into any small container with a lid, including lockets or other wearable jewelry.

If you are in the United States, I hope you have an excellent Thanksgiving!  Try to do some creating between eating and shopping!  

Body Shimmer

With the holidays quickly approaching, how about making yourself a little cream that moisturizes and adds a bit of shimmer to the skin?

While I made this purple one for someone special who likes this color, you could make this in a variety of colors to suit the occasion.  This is a super simple, two ingredient recipe.  It is safe for the eye and lip area, too!  You can apply as thick or as thin as you want, depending on the color and shimmer you want.

Pirate-Blend Aftershave.

This rum infused aftershave looks good enough to drink!  Containing rum, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, and other piratey goodness, this is actually a great antiseptic aftershave.  Splash it on after you shave to clean the skin and close up those pores.  Any newly shaven Blackbeard* will love it's spicy fragrance.

*Blackbeard the Pirate, of course... 

Aftershave!

This aftershave was wonderful because it uses oils, which means it did not have to sit in a cool, dark place for weeks awaiting test trials to begin.  This is a rosemary, patchouli, grapefruit blend.  It is very earthy, but with a light citrus top note.  To apply, simply splash on after shaving.  Let dry.

Cranberries

Check out my article on the HERS Magazine blog!

This article contains two original recipes I created for using left-over cranberries!

Aftershave

The blog this week will feature two various versions of Aftershave.  While you are watching for them, take a few minutes to review the post I put on the book's Facebook and Google+ pages in August about why you should use aftershave as part of your normal skincare routine.  From those pages:

I have been in the test kitchen working on a couple different aftershave recipes. If you are not already using aftershave, there are at least three reasons you may want to considering adding this product to your shaving routine. 

First, aftershave should have antiseptic properties. After shaving, an aftershave will help keep your skin germ free. This is important because after you have raked a razor across your delicate skin, your skin will be open and vulnerable to germs.

Next, look for a product that closes your pores to help keep out dirt and oil. Find one that will not clog your pores to help prevent breakouts.

Finally, you want an aftershave to soothe your skin. It should help heal and moisturize the skin. If you can, find one that contains an ingredient that acts as a humectant. That means the ingredient draws/attracts moisture from the air and helps the skin retain that moisture, keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day.

You can find aftershave as a liquid/splash, cream, balm, or salve depending on what you prefer. If you are sensitive to scents, there are a variety of fragrance-free products out there, or make your own like I do!

Pumpkin Mani/Pedi Wrap

Here is a quick recipe for the next time you give yourself a manicure or pedicure (or both.)  Mix together pumpkin, an egg, honey, and yogurt and apply to your hands/arms and/or feet/legs.  If doing a manicure, you may need help with this next step!  Take plastic wrap and cover the mixture, but not too tightly.  You do not want to cut off circulation.  Plastic bags/gloves might work for you, too.  Allow the mixture covered in plastic wrap to remain on the area for up to 15 minutes.  After the time has passed, remove the plastic and rinse well.  Apply a lotion and you are ready to go.  

The pumpkin helps heal and smooth rough, cracked, and dry skin and promotes new cell production.  The egg firms the skin and reduces redness while soothing skin irritations.  The honey moisturizes, helps unclog pores, and contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties.  The yogurt removes dead skin and hydrates the skin.