Homemade Body Butter

This time of year dry skin is at it's worst!  It seems like no matter how much I moisturize, my skin is always super dry and itchy.  Well, I couple years back I found a solution to these winter dry-skin blues when I came across a recipe for homemade body butter.  I have been using this stuff for about 2 years now and I just made my third batch for myself and friends.

Because I know many of you are experiencing the same issue as me with these bitter cold temperatures, I thought I would post the recipe I have been using.  This body butter comes out so velvety smooth, and because it contains all natural ingredients, it is great for people with sensitive skin.  As another added bonus, it also contains shea butter, which is great for preggo friends because it helps prevent stretch marks.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup shea butter
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup olive or almond oil
2-3 drops of essential oil (optional)

How to make this amazing stuff:
Melt down the shea butter (I used African shea butter which is a little more moisturizing and is more yellow in color) and coconut oil in a double broiler or fondue pot on low heat.  Both melt down pretty quickly, so it shouldn't take too long.  Let cool for about 30 minutes or so and add in your almond or olive oil along with your essential oil (if using).

Let it set in the refrigerator for about 2-2 1/2 hours.  When you poke the mixture, it should be a little soft still, but hardened at the same time.

 Put your mixture in a mixer and whip it using your whisk attachment to give it the nice, whipped texture.  I usually put the finished product into mason jars.

This stuff lasts forever because a little goes a long way.  It does tend to go on oily, but it sets in your skin pretty quickly.  I use mine almost every time I get out of the shower.  It is especially heavenly when your skin is still warm from the shower or bath!