As winter approaches self-care and ‘me time’ is more important than ever, and a relaxing, steamy bath is not complete without a scented bath bomb. These small spheres unleash colour and aroma when dropped in a bath, immediately fizzing and dispersing through the water. Thankfully, making them yourself is a piece of cake. Customise your bath bombs with scents and colours to enjoy when you put your feet up. This easy recipe makes for a creative and relaxing activity at home and you’re likely to have most of the required ingredients already.
Materials
Makes 4 bath bombs
- 1/2 cup fine grade citric acid powder (available from a chemist)
- 1 1/2 cups bicarbonate soda
- A sieve
- Potpourri (alternative: herbal teabag contents – try rosehip or chamomile)
- Essential oil (try lavender)
- Food colouring
- Sweet almond oil (available from a chemist)
- Rubber gloves
- Muffin moulds
Instructions
1. Sieve citric acid powder and bicarbonate soda together in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Transfer 1/2 cup of this mixture to a medium sized bowl and stir in the herbal teabag contents or potpourri. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, add 6 drops essential oil, ½ tsp sweet almond oil, and 8-12 drops food colouring or until you reach your desired colour. Stir well.
4. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients mix. Stir immediately to avoid the citric acid fizzing.
5. Put on the rubber gloves and combine the ingredients by hand until it starts to clump together when compressed.
6. Line the inside of a single mould with sweet almond oil, then fill the mould by packing the mixture in firmly.
7. Make the remaining bath bombs using ½ cup of the dry mixture per bomb.
9. Leave the moulds for 36 hours to completely set before turning them out. Then, add one to your next bath to watch the magic unfold.
Tips
- Essential oils have different effects on the body. Try lavender for deep relaxation and restful sleep. Use peppermint for a full body re-energisation and clarity of mind, and geranium essential oil for healthy hair and skin and to elevate your mood.
- Bath bombs make thoughtful personalised gifts. Simply wrap one in a recycled cardboard box with colourful tissue paper or fabric offcuts for padding.
Treating yourself to a pamper night may be just what the doctor ordered. Enjoy the burst of colour and inhale the delicious aroma of your bath bomb created for you, by you. You might even pour a glass of wine, turn on some music or a podcast, and enjoy a luxurious soak in the tub.
