If there is a country that knows the ins and outs of pampering, it’s Thailand. Synonymous with luxurious self care (point in case – the legendary Thai Massage) Thailand’s spas have set the standard for indulgent pampering treatments all around the world. And when you visit a spa in Thailand, it’s likely you’ll also be treated to hand made soaps and scrubs, that make use of local ingredients such as coconut oil and jasmine essential oil.
I’ve always loved creating my own beauty treatments, especially with ingredients you can find around the home, so I’ve taken inspiration from these artisanal soaps and scrubs to create my own moisturising rose petal sugar scrub and a jasmine scented soap.
WHAT YOU NEED:
A lotus flower silicone mould – the one I used was quite small, about 5cm in length
50 grams of melt and pour soap (adjust to the size of your mould)
Purple soap dye
Jasmine essential oil
A recycled jar or tin (washed well and sterilised)
A cup of sugar
2 tbs of rose petals
2 tbs of coconut oil (melted)
2 tbs of jojoba oil (optional)
Masking tape
Hot glue gun
Small scraps of hessian fabric
A small jar or tin
A second lid that is the same size as your jar.
First prepare your soap by melting it – you can do this either in the microwave or in a bath of simmering water. Never melt your soap by placing it directly on heat!
2. Once your soap has melted, and while it’s still in the hot bath, add a tiny drop of purple soap dye. You don’t need much. Also add a drop of jasmine essential oil and a quarter of a tablespoon of coconut oil. All these additives are optional, but will ensure your soap smells great and moisturises at the same time.
3. Pour into your silicone mould, and gently tap to get rid of any air bubbles that might be trapped. Work quickly as your soap will begin to harden as soon as it’s off the heat. You can leave at room temperature for four hours, or if you’d like to make a few with the same mould, just freeze for 30 minutes. Gently peel away from the silicone mould – note you’ll need to leave your soap overnight before you use it to make sure it’s properly set. Make 4 or 5.
4. Prepare the scrub by adding the dried rose petals, a few drops of jasmine essential oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil to the sugar. Mix well.
5. Transfer the scrub to your jar, and screw on the lid. Take the second lid, and apply plenty of hot glue, and stick it to the other lid so the opening is facing up. Line with a few pieces of hessian fabric or a sponge.
6. Cover the two lids with a piece of patterned masking tape or ribbon.
And you’re done! To use, scrub hands well, rinse, and then clean off the oil residue with your soap. Your hands will be beautifully clean and moisturised! The scrub mixture will last for about two weeks, and can be stored in the fridge if you live in a hot and humid climate.
Have you received a spa treatment in Thailand? What was your favourite part about it? Let me know if the comments below 🙂
This post was done in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand.