Shower essentials

I already told you about the homemade shampoo and rinse I use in a previous post, but I wanted to mention a couple other things that are very useful, frugal, and healthy to use in and after the shower. 

I make my own soap and experiment with this every once in a while.  I've made exactly 2 batches from a basic soapmaking book, so I am no pro, but the results were awesome.  I collect waste fats from chicken and beef in a large plastic sherbet container throughout the year and keep it in my freezer.  I render this using a basic soapmaking book when I am ready for a batch.  If I am not ready to make a batch yet, and I run out of room in the container, I render this anyway and can it for later use.  I understand this could be used for homemade candles as well, but I am banned from making candles because I am a firehazard in my own right.  More about that another time ;) Anywho, the batch of soap I made the second time has lasted me two years and counting, as I have only used half. The bars last FOREVER!  I am super content to know that I am not bathing myself in chemicals when I shower.  It also works as a shampoo if you really want to economize, but it can be drying unless you make a moisturizing bar; mine was basic lye soap. 

The second vital thing I use is virgin coconut oil.  I use this as a salve to prevent shaving bumps/burns and it is very soothing, moisturizing, and antibacterial. 

I made homemade deodorant out of this with baking soda, arrowroot, and essential oils.  This is my favorite product as it has worked better than any deodorant I have ever tried, including many natural store-bought options.  And yes, it also is missing harmful chemicals. 

Lastly, I did a cleaning and threw out all my store bought creams, moisturizers, gels, lotions, and treatments.  Instead I made up a batch of raw shea butter, virgin olive oil, and essential oils as a facial/hand/elbow/kneecap/foot moisturizer.  Not only did it make my rough skin go away, but it makes my face feel like velvet.  I think it is plumping up my fine lines on my face and neck as well. I really love how it feels throughout the day.

 If you want more exact recipes, I am happy to post an update.

***UPDATE***I tried to link most products I've used at the Amazon link below especially for harder to find items...

Hand cream (useful for everything else!) is as follows:

1/2 c Raw unrefined Shea butter
1/2 c Cold pressed virgin olive oil or almond oil
1-2T Virgin Coconut Oil
5-10 drops cedarwood essential oil
10-15 drops orange essential oil

Place shea butter and coconut oil in microwave safe bowl and melt 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring occassionally, until all lumps are gone.  Put olive oil in a blender and place on low speed. Pour in the shea butter mixture in a slow stream until it is all incorporated.  Pour this into a container and add the oils to your liking.  I found that the olive oil has a strong aroma and it is hard to completely wipe it out.  Not a bad thing and it doesn't linger on your skin, but if you are not partial to it, use almond oil.  I like the healing effects of olive oil though, so it stays in my batch.  Let this set a few hours until is stiffens some.  Use sparingly up to what you need, instead of slathering too much initially.  Update how it's worked for you!

Me