Category Archives: DIY Infused Oil for Skin

DIY Body Butter Bars (2 recipes)

Hey Maicurlies,

At long last I have a skin care tutorial & video! This is going to be about my DIY Body Butter Bars, I LOVE these gems! They are excellent for the winter months when the weather is cold and dry resulting in dry and sensitive skin.

Body Butter Bars

I have 2 different recipes my CoSheaCo Bars (I add some exfoliating ingredients to make a few exfoliating Body Bars) and my Simple CocoaCo Bars which only consists of 2 ingredients.

What are Body Butter Bars?

Literally they are bars made up of oils and melted butters to help moisturize and seal in moisture. You can add additional ingredients to make them super moisturizing e.g. glycerin/honey/agave nectar or coffee beans/dried roses/dried lavender/sea salt etc to make them exfoliating Body Butter Bars. They can be used in place of lotions or creams after a shower or bath.

Ingredients

CoSheaCo Bars (recipe yields 6 large and 3 small bars)

125ml Unrefined Cocoa butter (4.2oz)
80ml Unrefined Shea Butter (2.7oz)
60ml Virgin Coconut Oil (2oz)
40ml Coffee infused almond oil (use any carrier oil of choice) (1.4oz)
1 teaspoon glycerin (optional) – can replace with raw honey (my teaspoon is 0.1oz or 3ml)
20 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional) – use any essential oil of choice. (If you are pregnant do not use essential oils!)

CocoaCo Bars (recipe yields 4 small bars)

Instructions

1. I slowly melt the butters using a double broiler in a heat proof glass bowl. 2. I take the melted butters off the heat and add the Virgin Coconut Oil. 3. I add the other ingredients (e.g. Glycerin, Coffee infused oil and Essential oil in the CoSheaCo bars) once I know the butters are not really warm. 4. If you are making exfoliating bars put your chosen ingredients (coffee beans and rose petals) in the molds and then pour the melted butters and oils into the mold. 5. I let the mixture sit on a counter for a few minutes and then place the molds in my fridge. I prefer setting mine overnight (let them set for no less than 4 – 5 hours until they are completely firm, longer if possible). 6. Once they are set, gently pull back the edges of the molds and the bars will slide out.

I use silicon molds but for the purposes of this demo I also used metal molds in case you don’t have silicon ones.

Making CocoaCo Bars

Making CoSheaCo Bars

Storing the bars:

I always store my bars in the fridge in an airtight container. Since I do not use Beeswax in my recipe there is the potential of the bars melting in warm climates or hot households (more likely in summer) but I do not risk it so I store all but the one I will be using in the fridge*. The fridge and airtight container also helps to keep the bars from going “off” too quickly, but the general shelf life of the bars should be 6 months – 1 year since no bacteria inviting ingredients (e.g water, Aloe Vera juice etc) are used in combination with the oils and butters in the recipe. I keep the bar being used in an airtight container in a dark cupboard in my bathroom room.

* There is nothing “wrong” with beeswax, it is a natural ingredient but I choose not to use it simply because it tends to sit on my skin and I do not like that feeling (I have sensitive skin). There are thousands of Body Butter Bar recipes online that follow the same ingredients I use but also include beeswax.

How to use:

After a shower I don’t completely dry off all the water with a towel, I then rub the bar between my dry palms and apply like I would a body cream. The bar will help trap in moisture from the water and also add amazing benefits from the butters and oils. With the exfoliating bars I rub the bar itself onto my skin to get the additional scrubbing effect.

Benefits of the ingredients used:

Cocoa butter – is known for its deep hydrating and moisturizing properties due to its high fatty acid content. It is said that the butter can help reduce stretch marks and the fact that Cocoa butter is packed with antioxidants, means that it can help fight off free radicals and skin irritations such as eczema and dermatitis.

Coffee bean infused almond oil – is rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E, has been used to improve the skins complexion and its emollient properties soften the skin. Almond oil is quickly absorb into the skin and has healing and hydrating properties. The coffee bean infusion helps to tighten the skin giving you a youthful fresh glow, reduce the appearance of cellulite, reduce redness and skin inflammation and is known to fight free radicals thanks to the antioxidants contained in caffeine.

Coconut oil (Virgin) – is very good at re-hydrating the skin because it is absorbed into the skin and conditions, moisturizes, and softens the skin. Coconut oil naturally clears away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells and due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The oil acts as a good protectant against skin irritations and rashes. It is known to soothe insect bites, flaking skin and mildly sun damaged skin.

Glycerin (Vegetable) – is a natural humectant that draws moisture onto the skin by extracting it out of the air. Apart from its ability to draw in moisture, it is also known to help retain moisture in the skin. This makes Glycerin a great agent in fighting rough, dry, irritated and dull skin. It also makes it an excellent skin plumping product.

Grapefruit essential oil – aside from its delicious scent, it has antiseptic qualities and helps to clean and clear congested skin and to treat oily skin.

Rose petals & Coffee beans – used as exfoliating ingredients to help remove dead skin cells and stimulating blood flow.

Shea butter – is highly moisturizing, improves the skin’s softness, suppleness as well as soothes burns. Shea butter can also be used as a mild “sun protectant”, soothes, moisturizes and is an effective anti-aging & anti-wrinkling butter.

I have a video on my YouTube Channel (below) showing you exactly how I make both Body Butter Bars.

Have you used/made a Body Butter Bar before? What is your favorite? I would love to hear from you 🙂

Maicurls

DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil (Recipe 6)

25 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

My oil infusion has finally come to an end. I know, I know you all are doing a little happy dance and saying fiiiiinnnaaalllly! Yup this is it, no more oil infusion frenzy.

As you probably guessed (thanks to the title and picture) the oil I will be sharing is my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil! Doesn’t the coffee beans look oh sooooo good?!

Right, first off I need to stress how much I LOVE this oil!!! Of all the 6 in fusions I have done this is right up there along with my DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil. As with most of my infused oils you can use this one for both your skin (face/body and scalp) as well as your hair.

Finished Coffee bean infused Almond Oil

For the hair:

Reduces hair shedding and said to reduce excessive hair loss because of the antioxidants present in caffeine.
Increases hair growth since caffeine promotes blood circulation in the scalp which promotes growth.
Known to darken the hair and slowdown the early onset of grey hairs (with frequent and consistent use)*
Adds sine and dimension to the hair due to the darkening effect of the oil

*Should you have bleached/blond or dyed hair you do not want to darken, I suggest not trying this oil.

For the skin:

The caffeine helps reduce puffy and dark circles under the eye.
Tightens the skin giving you a youthful fresh glow.
Its anti-inflammatory properties is said to reduces redness in the skin and inflammation.
Said to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Fights free radicals thanks to the antioxidants contained in caffeine.

Mixing Process:

: I blend coffee beans for a few seconds then place them in a coffee filter

: Close the coffee filter with string

: Cover the coffee beans with Almond oil

: Let it infuse for 2 weeks

: Comparison of infusion before and after (right after 2 weeks)

: Place the filter in a sieve the collect excess oil from the coffee beans in the filter

I have a video up on my process:

NOTE: I am not a dermatologist nor a doctor. I provide this for informational purposes only so please consult with a professional before you apply anything new to your skin or hair. Should you be taking medication or creams from a medical professional please do not replace that with my DIY recipe – consult your medical professional first! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use do not use them. Do a small patch test on the inside of your arm when trying anything new before applying it all over your hair/skin. Always ensure to dilute the Essential Oils (EO) in a carrier oil as they can cause skin irritations if used undiluted. If you are pregnant you should NOT use any EO.

If you try this please let me know how it turns out. If you make your own Infused Coffee Oil I would love to hear from you!

Thanks!

Maicurls

DIY Neem Infused Coconut Oil (Recipe 5)

21 Replies

Hi Maicurlies,

This is my second to last Infused Oil (I promise)

Infusing Neem Leaves

I already wrote about Neem and the benefits of Neem Infused Oil over here. To summarize:

It contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties
Eases skin irritations, rashes, itchiness and is said to help ease eczema (I am not a doctor nor a dermatologist therefore always check with a professional).
Reduces the appearance of light burns and scars
Helps reduce hair shedding & breakage
Known to help slow down premature graying & the appearance of grey hairs
Naturally and gradually darkens the hair
Provides the hair with shine & luster
Promotes hair growth.

Ingredients/tools:

Spoon
Measuring cups
Container
Sieve

1.5 cups of dried Neem Leaves (you can use powder e.g. 1/4 cup*)
2 cups of Virgin Coconut Oil (you can use any oil of choice)
8 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional – you can use any oil of choice but if you are pregnant do not use any essential oil).

*If you use the powder I would recommend putting it in a coffee filter or cheese cloth to help keep the oil and powder separate.

Mixing Process:

: Adding Neem leaves

: Infusing Neem Leaves in virgin coconut oil

: 2 weeks later

: Sieving out neem leaves

: Adding essential oil

: Neem infused Coconut Oil

I have a video up on my process:

If you try this please let me know how it turns out. If you make your own Infused Neem Oil I would love to hear from you!

Maicurls

Benefits of Infused Neem Oil

8 Replies

Good Morning Maicurlies,

This is going to be a post all about Neem, Infused Neem Oil to be specific.

Fresh Neem Leaves

As a part of my “Infused Oil Series” I also make Neem Infused Coconut Oil and will have a video & writeup of how to make it shortly. For now I just wanted to point out the reasons why I like the oil and why you might want to try it.

What is Neem?

Like a lot of Ayurvedic plants & hebrs, the Neem tree is located mainly in Asia and is most predominantly popular India. Its leaves, nuts, twigs and barks can be used for Ayurvedic purposes. Pure Neem Oil that is cold pressed from the whole nut is exceptionally rich and full of nourishing properties as well as Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, but the one “negative” aspects of pure Neem Oil is that it has a strong pungent smell. However, if you can stomach the scent, your skin and hair can benefit greatly from its nourishing properties.

I of course use an infused version of the oil since I can not make the cold pressed version at home, so mine is not as strong however, I still get benefits from infusing the leaves (it is also not as “smelly”). Neem Oil and Neem Infused Oil can be used for your hair and skin thanks to its multipurpose properties.

Where can I find Neem?

There are a few websites online that actually sell Neem powder such as Butters n Bars. If you have a local Indian store nearby look out for the Neem Hesh brand locally otherwise check the ethnic section of your super market. If you have Neem trees readily available to you, you can use the leaves and/or make your own powder by blending up dried leaves. If you do blend the leaves it might end up being a little bitty so it is best to put them in a coffee filter or cheese cloth.

If you want to use fresh leaves then you need to use the oil up after production because otherwise you WILL grow bacteria in the container. For infusing – you will need to use either dried Neem leaves or powder.

Infusing Neem Leaves

For the Skin:

Its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties can help ease skin irritations, rashes as well as relieve itchiness (which can affect the face, body and scalp) . It is said to help ease eczema (I am not a doctor nor a dermatologist therefore always check with a professional). It can help reduce the appearance of light burns and scars – if massaged on the skin regularly and frequently.

For the Hair

The oil can help reduce hair shedding and strengthens the hair to help reduce breakage. Neem is also known to help slow down premature graying & the appearance of grey hairs due to the fact that it is known to naturally and gradually darken the hair*. It provides the hair with shine, luster, works as an excellent sealant and helps to promote hair growth.

*You will not end up with jet black hair but it can darken the hair and has a similar effect on light, bleached or blond hair and if that is not something you want then I would suggest not using this oil.

So those are the reasons why I like the oil 🙂

Stay tuned for my how to video and writeup Maicurlies!

Have you used Neem oil or Neem infused oil before? If so how do you use it and what do you think about it? I would love to hear from you.

Maicurls

DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil (Recipe 4)

4 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

I promise we are close to the end of my DIY Infused Oil obsession just two more to go after this (I will probably make more for myself but don’t want to push it by making you guys hear about EVERYTHING I make) 😀

I will be sharing how I make my DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil.

DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil

I have already mentioned the benefits of using Amla infused oil which you can read over here and in case you’re new to my blog (Hi there!) or perhaps missed my previous oil Infusion posts you can find links to them below:

DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil

DIY Hibiscus infused Almond Oil

Before I go any further I want to mention I was not requested or compensated for anything used in this DIY recipe. All products used were paid for with my own money. Amla oil is said to help darken the hair so if you do not want this attribute then this recipe might not be the one for you.

With that out the way – I have a video demonstrating how I make my Amla Infused oil on my YouTube Channel:

I also wanted to provide a write-up so here we go Maicurlies!

Ingredients/tools:

Spoon
Measuring cups
Container
Coffee filter
String (to close the coffee filter)
1/4 cup of Amla powder (Hesh)
1.5 cups cup of Grapeseed Oil (you can use any oil of choice)
15 drops Grapefruit essential oil (optional – you can use any oil of choice)

*NOTE: I am not a dermatologist nor a doctor. I provide this for informational purposes only so please consult with a professional before you apply anything new to your skin or hair. Should you be taking medication or creams from a medical professional please do not replace that with my DIY recipe – consult your medical professional first! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use do not use them. Do a small patch test on the inside of your arm when trying anything new before applying it all over your hair/skin. Always ensure to dilute the Essential Oils (EO) in a carrier oil as they can cause skin irritations if used undiluted. If you are pregnant you should NOT use any EO.

: I add 1/4 cup of Amla powder to my coffee filter paper

: Close the filter with string

: Pouring 1.5 cups of Grapeseed oil over Amla bag

: Let the Oil infuse for 2 weeks

: (left) before oil has infused (right) 2 weeks later after the oil infusion

: I take out the filter and squeeze out excess oil. (You can run the oil through a filter or cheese cloth afterwards).

: I add 15 drops of Grapefruit essential Oil (optional) and that is it!

Here are some of the ways you can use the oil:

To seal in moisture
Part of you deep condition mix
A pre-poo
In your whipped butter mix
For a scalp massage

I would love to hear if you have or will use Amla Infused Oil . I would also love to hear how you use the oil!

Thanks

Maicurls

Benefits of DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil

1 Reply

Hey Maicurlies,

I just fished editing my DIY Amla Infused Grapeseed oil and wanted to explain why I personally like using it. I have already mentioned how and why I like using Amla powder as part of my Henna/Amla Treatment and have a video of my process but also wanted to touch upon the benefits of the oil.

photo credit: Henna Sooq via photopin cc

What is Amla?

Amal (Gooseberry) is a green fruit renowned in Asia – mainly in India. It is rich in Vitamin-C and minerals and is considered a powerful antioxidant agent that has several uses (not just for the hair and skin.) The fruit itself tastes extremely taut and bitter but can be made into a juice or eaten as a fruit. Due to is high Vitamin-C content, it is known to be used against coughs and colds, can help boost the body’s immune system and is refereed to as a detoxifier that can help cleanse the liver and kidney. Amla juice has been said to be effective in lowering the fat content in the body which can help in weight loss and is even said to be beneficial for your eyes due to the presence of antioxidants.

Now looking at it as an oil: it can be used for both your hair and skin – I love multipurpose products!

Skin

Amla infused oil can be used to trap in moisture (after you have showered), provide a glow to your skin and delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (with frequent use). Its antiseptic properties makes it a good skin cleanser and is known to help reduce blemishes & dark circles under the eyes.

Hair

Amla infused oil can help darken the hair (with frequent use*), promote growth, strengthen the hair from roots to ends, enhance luster and shine, reduce shedding, thicken the hair and help promote its overall condition.

*If you have light or bleached hair and do not want it darkened then this oil might not be for you. The oil will not make make grey/white hair black but it can gradually darken its appearance.

Scalp

It is known to help combat mild scalp irritations and dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties (check with your doctor/dermatologist).

Oils for infusion:

Depending on your preference you can use any carrier oil of choice. The additional benefits you will get from the oil will all depend on what you choose to use. I usually use Grapeseed oil due to the fact that it is light and easily absorbed. Click on the link for a list of different carrier oils and their benefits for the hair and skin.

I will have a new post with my video and an explanation of how I make the oil shortly!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil (Recipe 1)

8 Replies

Good Morning Maicurlies,

I mentioned in my last post (here) that I am going to making a “mini series” of DIY Infused oils and here is the first. My DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed oil.

DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil

So, why would you want to use Rose Infused Oil for your hair and/or skin?

Hair

Helps retain moisture
Provides Shine
Strengthens hair at the root
Protects against frizz
Gives the hair a boost of luster
Helps stimulate growth (when massaged on the scalp)
Can help relieve psoriasis & dandruff – (consult your dermatologist)

Skin

Moisturizing effect on dry and chapped skin
Nourishes the skin to help retain moisture
Natural astringent
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – (with frequent use)
Can fight light skin irritations due to its antibacterial properties – (consult your dermatologist)
Soothing effect on lightly sunburned or sensitive skin – (consult your dermatologist)
Lightly fade acne scars and stretch marks – (with frequent use)
Improves the texture of the skin due to vitamin C

Depending on the carrier oil you choose, you also get the additional benefit of that along with the properties of roses. On my blog I have a list of different carrier oil benefits for the hair and skin.

I personally use Grapeseed oil because:

Grapeseed oil is easily absorbed into the hair and scalp without weighing down the hair or clogging up pores due to the fact that it is an extremely light oil. Those with fine hair (such as I) can use it without worrying about having greasy hair. It is known to help heal alopecia areata as well dry and itchy scalps (consult your dermatologist) and can help fight dandruff. It is great at sealing and retaining moisture.

Ingredients/tools used:

1/2 cup dried white roses (2x as I made 2 jars)
1/2 cup dried red roses (2x as I made 2 jars)
1.5 cups (roughly) of Grapeseed Oil (per jar)
11 drops Rose Essential oil (optional)
Spoon
Stirrer
Sieve
Coffee Filter
Funnel

Mixing Process:

Red & white rose petals ready to be covered with Grapeseed Oil

Red & White dried rose petals with Grapeseed Oil

2 Weeks later I sieve the petals.

After sieving there are tiny pits of Rose petals in the oil. I choose to filter them out (optional)

I filter the oil with a funnel and coffee filter paper

Clear Rose Infused Oil free from bits. I now add Rose Essential Oil (optional)

DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil With Rose Essential Oil

I have a video up of my process (see below):

If you try this please let me know how it turns out. If you make your own Infused Rose Oil I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Infused Oil “Mini-Series”

2 Replies

HELLLOOO Maicurlies,

I hope all is well!

I have been BUSY making DIY mixes, recording videos (editing), taking photos and have come up with an Infused Oil “series”! Do I hear you say: HOW EXCITING! (Yes, it is!)

Infused Oils

If you are wondering why would you want to make an infused oil? I say why not?!

In all seriousness, infused oils give you the option of incorporating your favorite ingredients to your favorite carrier oil – adding more punch, nourishment and benefits for your hair and/or skin.

Uses of infused oils for the hair

Infused oils can be used in a number of different ways such as: Pre-poo’s, hot oil treatments, scalp massages, Deep Conditioners, leave-in conditioners, whipped butters, sealing…ANYTHING! Their benefits depend on the ingredients used for infusion and the carrier oil you use. With each of my infusions I will list the benefits of each and how I personally use them.

Infused oil for skin

You can incorporate infused oils into a DIY Body butters, sugar scrubs or even directly onto your skin to trap in moisture after a shower.

So which Oils have I made (are in the making?)