Eucalyptus + Mint Soap by Kimmie's Kitchen

 Hiya boys + girls!

Have I mentioned how much I love how great my name alliterates with a lot, such as the word "kitchen"!?  I took the long weekend as an opportunity to try something I've never tried before!

I did a thing!!  

I made some some soap because 1) I always wanted to try it, 2) I was stanky from all the hiking and road tripping, and 3) let's face it, who doesn't like sexy fragrant artisan soaps in the rub-a-dub-tub.  It's a total game changer, trust me!  But, what's even better than artisan soap?  When you have the bragging rights of "kitchen to tub"...(my take on garden to table dining...but, on bathing)

Also, huge fact I'm going to throw in right now.  Men, you are hard judged by women on the caliber of your soaps.  I don't make the rules, but I know'em.  It would behoove you to step up your soap game.

Okay, since no one seems to want to leave comments anymore on my posts (which are wildly encouraged to let me know you're reading and not talking to a wall + that you're engaged with me as a blog author), I shall fabricate my own questions:

Question: Kimmie, why did you choose Eucalyptus + Mint soap?

Answer: First Eucalyptus!  This essential oil keeps the bugs away!  Sprays that use deet are laden with chemicals.  YUCK!  So, alternative brands such as Off! and Repel use lemon eucalyptus.  Also Aussie Aborigines used the eucalyptus leaves to treat infection.  In modern application, it's also used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.  Eucalyptus, when added into steam, remedies asthma and sinusitis.  Lastly, it eases joint pain.  Any questions as to why this is the perfect ingredient to your soap??

Mint gives acne free complexions!  And, it works as the exfoliator in this bar.

Question: As your first time ever making soap, where you totally scared to screw this up?

Answer: Hard YES!  However, I'm not a perfectionist so I thought "let's hop right in and see how this goes!"  I did make one error which I'll discuss below.  And, I'm so excited to buy my next batch to make it ever better!  Soap making is so much fun, and you can get really creative with it.

Question:  What are the ingredients should I want to try this soap making business at home and have boujie soaps?

Answer:  I'm so glad you asked!  Here's the stuff to get:

1 pound of shea butter glycerin soap (cos it's dry out here y'all...I don't wanna dry up like a raisin!)

1/2 oz. of Eucalyptus + Mint Fragrance Oil

5 ml. of Eucalyptus Essential Oil

1 bottle of stain Glass Lime / Green coloring

1 Package of dried mint leaves (total optional, yet highly recommended!)

2 Vitamin E Caplets (thank me later)

1 Soap Mold w/ 4 cavities

1 Dropper for both fragrance and color

Question: But, how do I make it?  Is it an intense process?  

Answer:  

No, relax!  Making soap is super fun!  First, gather all the above referenced supplies!  The process goes by pretty quickly.  The longest part is the mold/setting stage.

Step 1:  Cut your glycerin soap base into cubes, because it melts better this way.  Place cubes in a bowl and heat for 15-20 seconds at a time as to not boil!  DO NOT allow the base to boil.  If it boils, you've ruined the batch.  Microwave until just melted.  

Step 2: Add the color!  (you'll want two bowls if you want to have different colors of soaps.)  I just used the lime green, because it suits eucalyptus.  

Step 3: Add Scent/Essential Oils.  A little goes a long way here.  For 8 oz soap base, it is recommended to use 1/4 to 1/3 ounce of fragrance/oils. 

Step 4: Add dry botanicals or oils (recommended - hibiscus for exfoliant, oatmeal, or lavender buds.  I used dried mint leaves.

Step 5: Pour the soap into your mold.  If there are air bubbles, spray with alcohol.  Let the soap harden (2-3 hours)  If you have a hard time popping them out, put the mold in the freezer and then come back to it.

NOTE: Step 5 is where I screwed up a wee bit.  I decided to get a little fancy (less is always better) and add more exfoliants such as the flax + chia seeds from my pantry.  In err, I sprinkled the seeds on top while the soap was setting.  Don't do this!  If you want to add pretty toppings, add it to the bottom of the mold, THEN pour in the soap.  The gravity will help the soap mix sink into the seeds (or whatever you creatively add) and become part of the soap (as opposed to flake off the first time you use it.)

ALSO: If at any time during the process, the soap becomes to hard to stir, pop back in the microwave to melt (again 15-20 seconds at a time!)

Enjoy some photos of the process below:

I sincerely had the BEST shower this morning.  I feel rejuvenated and refreshed.  I was so surprised that this bar made some yummy suds!  I was worried with the glycerin it wouldn't lather as much as I wanted but the suds were the best ever!  I'm so happy with the finished product.

I was able to wash down the flax + chia seeds that flaked off.  So much for being fancy.  But, here's the wisdom from it.  I took a creative risk and learned from it.  As with anything you do there is a learning curve, right?  But, always be brave enough to suck as something new.

"One of the most underrated secrets to success is to start before you're ready..."

Marie Forleo

I'll leave you with this since we're talking essential oils and fragrances.  Has anyone seen "Perfume: Story of a Murderer" with Dustin Hoffman?!  Oh man!  It's so dark!  The story is set in 18th century France and is a psychological thriller about an olfactory genius on his homicidal 

quest for the perfect scent.  You can rent it on Amazon Prime.  I watched it for the first time in almost 20 years.  If you're in to film noire + psychological thrillers, you're welcome!

Love, 

Kimmie