Christmas is right around the corner, and I have lots of co-workers and friends.  I had planned earlier in the year to make pepper mills for everyone.  They take at least 4 hours and 30+ dollars to make.  So on second thought I will do something more attainable.  This is the first in a small series of easy gift ideas for friends and family.

I shave my head and at times my face.  This ends up being a lot of shaving.  Over the years I have honed my process and tried a lot of products.  One that I picked up recently was a pre-shave oil from a favorite company.  The oil goes on before you apply shaving cream, always with a hot wet badger brush, and helps keep the blade lubricated while soothing the skin.  It really enhances the shave and keeps my skin happy, buuuuuut it is expensive.  Time to DIY!

I made the first batch a month or two ago and have been really happy with the results.  Making it is easy!  Mix a 2:1 ratio of castor oil and olive oil, then add essential oils as desired.  I started by making 6 ounces of the oil base, and used about 20ml of sandalwood oil.  The true sandalwood oil is really pricey, but still way cheaper than buying the finished product.  

Measureing out oils by weight

Olive and castor oil, premix

Oils mixed together

Menthol crystals

Mix everything and pour

The second batch used another round of base, but instead of essential oils I used menthol crystals.  It turns out menthol is a derivative of peppermint oil, and in its pure form comes in little crystals.  You have to heat the oil to get them to mix.  A minute in the microwave at medium power did the trick.  I used 1 ounce of menthol for 9 ounces of shave oil.  Everything got transferred into 1 ounce glass bottles with droppers.  It only takes 4-5 drops to get a good coating on your face.

Recipe and Use:

1. Mix 2 parts castor oil with 1 part olive oil
2. Add essential oils till desired aroma level is reached
3. If using menthol crystals heat mixture lightly to aid crystal incorporation

Very simple to make and use!

1. Wash face with warm water
2. Place 4-5 drops of oil in your hand
3. Rub oil between hands and all over skin to be shaved
4. Apply shaving cream and shave as normal