1. Beard Oil – There’s no Hallmark card for “I want to kiss you every day of my life but your beard is giving me road rash, ” but there is this beard oil.
This homemade beard oil softens and tames scruff, reduces skin flaking (aka “beardruff”), and smells great. You only need a few ingredients to make it, too.
Equipment
2 ounce glass dropper bottle
stainless steel fork or toothpick
measuring cup
Ingredients
4 tbsp carrier oil (Argan Oil, Avocado Oil)
18-24 drops essential oil (See suggestions in “Manly Essential Oil Blend” section above)
Instructions
To Make
In a measuring cup, use a stainless steel fork or toothpick to mix the carrier oil and essential oils together.
Pour the homemade beard oil into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
To Use
The amount needed varies depending on the size and texture of the beard, but most beard aficionados recommend working in a a few drops into freshly-washed (slightly damp) facial hair first thing in the morning, then increasing if needed. It can also be applied to dry facial hair if preferred.
To use, your recipient will just rub the beard oil between their palms and massage into beard hair, then comb if desired. It takes about half an hour for the oils to absorb, so don’t freak out if it feels a little greasy at first. After that, they’ll love their softer, more kissable beard! And if it’s your significant other, you’ll enjoy kissing the one wearing it. 🙂
Notes: Shelf life: About 3 months.
2. Bay Rum Aftershave – Clean and woodsy with spicy notes and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
8 oz. vodka or witch hazel
8 oz. jamaican spiced rum
20-40 drops bay west indies essential oil*
1/4 teaspoon allspice (where to buy organic allspice)
1 stick of cinnamon (where to buy organic cinnamon sticks)
3 dried whole cloves (where to buy organic whole cloves)
zest of one orange or two limes, preferably organic
1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns (where to buy organic black peppercorns)
1 teaspoon glycerin (optional – where to buy non-GMO glycerin)
¼-½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional – where to buy vanilla extract, how to make homemade vanilla extract)
* At this I am foregoing specific recommendations regarding essential oil companies. However, this particular oil is not carried by most companies and you may have difficulty finding it. If your favorite oil company does not carry it, you may try Mountain Rose Herbs.
Equipment
Lemon zester (optional but recommended – here’s the one I use)
Brown kraft labels (optional – I used these)
Two 8 oz. decorative bottles (optional)
Instructions
Note: If you’re in a rush to make this and don’t have West Indies essential oil on hand, mix everything else together and let it steep while you order the oil. When the oil arrives just add it in. It won’t affect the final scent to add it later.
1. Wash and dry your orange/limes.
2. Using a vegetable peeler or lemon zester, remove the outer skin of the fruit. Make sure not to peel off the bitter white pith, just the outside will do.
3. Place peels in a jar and cover with the vodka/witch hazel and rum.
4. Add bay west indies essential oil, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns. Add optional glycerin if desired.
5. Shake thoroughly and place in a dark cabinet for four weeks. Shake every few days for the first week, then occasionally after that.
6. At the end of four weeks, pour a splash of aftershave on your wrist and see how you like it. If you want it to be stronger, give it a couple more weeks to steep. If you’d like it sweeter, add ¼-½ teaspoon vanilla extract. When you’re satisfied with it, strain out the peel and spices and pour the aftershave into a clean jar.
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