When having to heat the oils and beeswax together, this is what I do: Water Bath Method
Use a clean, glass mason jar (or clean, glass peanut butter jar, etc.). Fill a 2 quart saucepan with about 2 inches of water. Place the jar in the pan (without the burner on) and place all the ingredients needed in the glass jar. Heat until beeswax is melted and stir (using a spoon or knife). Using pot holders (JAR WILL BE VERY HOT!), remove the jar from the pan and pour oil mixture into the water mixture and continue directions for mixing.

DO NOT refill pan with cold water while the jar is still in the pan and the jar is hot. The cold water will cause the glass jar to crack.

Use a whisk for stirring for best results. You can also use a blender, but it will have to be a blender specifically for lotions, because you will most likely never get all the wax cleaned out of the blender.

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Below you will find recipes for the following handmade lotion (all recipes have a printable page):

• 1/4 tsp borax powder
  
• 1/4 cup water (distilled/artesian)
  
• 3 tbsp almond oil
  
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil
  
• 2 tbsp grated natural beeswax
  
• essential oil of choice (optional),
  (lavender, peppermint, orange, etc.)

In a glass bowl stir the borax powder in the 1/4 cup of water until it dissolves. Set to the side. Place the oils and beeswax in a glass jar and place in a pan filled with about 2" of water. Heat the oils and beeswax until the beeswax is melted, stirring occasionally. When beeswax has melted, heat the borax and water in the microwave for approximately 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave and slowly pour oil mixture into the bowl of water. Using a whisk, stir as you are pouring and then whisk fast until mixture has thickened. As you are whisking and it is cooling down, add about 10-20 drops of essential oil if you want it scented. Pour lotion into a clean container or bottle and allow to cool before placing lid back on (or else you will get water condensation).
Yield: approximately 4 oz
Should be used within a month. Will keep longer if kept refrigerated.

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
  
• 2 tbsp almond oil
  
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
  
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter
  
• 2 tbsp grated natural beeswax
  
• essential oil (optional)
  
  

Using the water bath method, place all the ingredients in a clean, glass jar. Heat until everything is melted, stirring occasionally. After melted, pour into a clean container and allow to cool before placing the lid back on.

• 2 tbsp cocoa butter
  
• 2 tsp mango butter
  
• 2 tbsp shea butter
  
• 2 tbsp almond or olive oil

This is a very rich cream that works well on feet, elbows, knees and hands. Using the water bath method, heat all ingredients until melted. Pour into a clean container and allow to cool. At it's coolest state, the lotion may be somewhat hard (the original state of the cocoa, mango and shea butters), so just place the container in the microwave for a minute or two to soften it up. Store in a cool, dark place.

• 1/4 cup cocoa butter
  
• 2 tsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp almond oil
  
• 1 tsp wheat germ oil
  
• 2 tsp vitamin E oil
  
• 1-2 tbsp grated natural beeswax
  
• essential oil (optional)

This is a nice, rich cream that is good to use when you are pregnant or while you are losing weight. Rapid weight loss can cause stretch marks and so can pregnancy. Use this everyday, twice if you can. Using any lotion after a bath or shower is great, because your skin is warm and moist, which will help the lotion absorb quicker. If using this while you are pregnant, don't wait until your stomach starts getting bigger. Begin right when you find out to prepare you skin for the expansion.

Using the water bath method, heat all the ingredients until the beeswax and cocoa butter is melted. Place in a clean container and mix well. As you are stirring, add 10-20 drops essential oil of your choice. Use everyday for best results.

• 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
  
• 2 tsp almond oil
  
• 1 tbsp sesame seed oil
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 2 tbsp cocoa butter or mango butter
  
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
  
• essential oil (optional)

This is a rich lotion that is best used at night, because of it's thickness. Using the water bath method, heat all ingredients until the butter product is melted. Pour into a clean container and mix well. As you are stirring, add 10-20 drops of essential oil. Allow to cool completely. Apply to face and neck at night time. This is great for dry hands as well.

• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
  
• 2 tbsp witch hazel
  
• essential oil (optional)

This is a nice, oil-free hand lotion. Make sure you purchase real aloe vera gel/liquid from your health food store. If you are unsure what to look for, ask an employee and tell them exactly what you need.

Put all ingredients in a squeeze bottle, and add essential oil if desired. Shake well before each use.