Homemade Lotion Bars

Today's "What's Cooking?" does not feature something edible.  Well, okay, I guess technically most everything in the lotion bar is edible but I wouldn't suggest eating these.

I was cleaning out my baking cabinet and noticed some organic vegetable shortening peeking out from under bags of chocolate chips that needed to be used pronto.

Because I am always up for a new project, I thought I would make some lotion bars.

I made these in cutesy shapes and even a loaf from which to cut an actual bar; but, I'll tell you the best mold I used was my silicone muffin pan.  It was easy to pop the little domes out and they are the perfect shape to hold in your hand as you use them.

As with all of my experiments, I gave most of them away so people could try them out.  Everyone who tried them loved them - especially for their knees and feet.

The best way to apply the lotion bar is just after you come out of the shower when your skin is still warm.  It helps to melt the lotion quicker.

I'm not going to lie, it is a little greasy at first but it does soak in and feels very luxurious when it does.  Be warned, that if you put this on your feet, you should put socks on afterward so you don't slip on the floor.

You can use essential oils or not; I used lavender because it's relaxing and because it's my favorite.

Winter dry skin is the pits and the best way I've found to combat the problem is with these lotion bars.  It's almost as if they coat your skin with a protective moisturizing layer.  Give them a try and see for yourself!

Easy Peasy Lotion Bars

1 part shortening (organic is preferred)
1 part coconut oil
1 part beeswax
1 Vitamin E capsule, broken to release the oil
10 drops of essential oil

Melt the beeswax, shortening, and coconut oil slowly in a double boiler (I used a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water.)
Stir in the Vitamin E oil and the essential oil if you are using them.
Pour the liquid into a silicone muffin mold.
Leave on the countertop until the bar hardens (it doesn't take all that long.)
Store in a ziptop bag or lidded container.

This is part of FPT.