Gents: Like many of you, I don't like alcohol in my shaving products, and too many chemicals can leave me with a migraine. Although I have enjoyed using Nivea Sensitive and Scottish Fine Soaps ASB, I wanted to expand my den of ASBs. After experiencing some sticker shock, I decided to create my own balm, and using a variation of a recipe I found through a web search, I created my own. I thought I would share this easy to create recipe with you.
1 teaspoon CVS brand Aftersun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel (clear with no scent added)
2 teaspoons Thayers Alcohol-Free Toner Original Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula (no scent)
1 teaspoon distilled water
3 drops Tea Tree essential oil
3 drops Peppermint eo
2 drops Clove eo
2 drops Texas Cedarwood eo
Shake it all together in a small glass jar with a tight lid. Shake in throughout the day and then leave it overnight. DO NOT be fooled by the overly pepperminty top note when you open the jar, thinking you need to add more eo to balance it out; just be patient and let it all set-up overnight.
The result: a milky white, medium-weight balm that went on smooth and absorbed immediately without a lingering scent. When I put it on I immediately smelled the Tea Tree and Peppermint top notes, but more important is what I FELT after putting it on. The Peppermint provided a nice cooling sensation similar to menthol, and then after that, the Clove and Cedarwood (which did not present themselves as base notes)kicked in with a distinct warming on my skin. The warming lasted about 30 seconds at the most.
The overall feeling was magical. Best of all, the balm left my face and neck feeling moisturized without feeling tacky or sticky. I am very pleased with the result.
I do not wear colognes or any other lingering scent, since they tend to give me a headache - which is the primary reason I like balms. I will definitely be creating more combinations of scents and sensations in the future and refrain from buying overpriced ASBs.
Good luck creating your own!
1 teaspoon CVS brand Aftersun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel (clear with no scent added)
2 teaspoons Thayers Alcohol-Free Toner Original Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula (no scent)
1 teaspoon distilled water
3 drops Tea Tree essential oil
3 drops Peppermint eo
2 drops Clove eo
2 drops Texas Cedarwood eo
Shake it all together in a small glass jar with a tight lid. Shake in throughout the day and then leave it overnight. DO NOT be fooled by the overly pepperminty top note when you open the jar, thinking you need to add more eo to balance it out; just be patient and let it all set-up overnight.
The result: a milky white, medium-weight balm that went on smooth and absorbed immediately without a lingering scent. When I put it on I immediately smelled the Tea Tree and Peppermint top notes, but more important is what I FELT after putting it on. The Peppermint provided a nice cooling sensation similar to menthol, and then after that, the Clove and Cedarwood (which did not present themselves as base notes)kicked in with a distinct warming on my skin. The warming lasted about 30 seconds at the most.
The overall feeling was magical. Best of all, the balm left my face and neck feeling moisturized without feeling tacky or sticky. I am very pleased with the result.
I do not wear colognes or any other lingering scent, since they tend to give me a headache - which is the primary reason I like balms. I will definitely be creating more combinations of scents and sensations in the future and refrain from buying overpriced ASBs.
Good luck creating your own!
