DIY individual shower soap jellies

DIY individual shower jellies fit in somewhere between a bar of soap and shower gel, but they're way more fun to use when it's time to hit the shower. You may have seen soap-tastic shower jelly from LUSH, a favorite luxury soap and skin care brand. It's easy to make a LUSH-like version yourself with this DIY recipe. Pick a color, scent and shape, and whip up a batch for a fun way to get clean. Think about how fun these would be to put in the bathroom when you have house guests staying with you.

Visit your local craft store to find small candy molds in fun shapes that you can use for this project. These molds work well to make individual-use jellies. When you're ready to run with it, remember that you'll need something to help transfer the liquid to the molds, so check in with your pharmacist. Yep. Your pharmacist. Mine gave me a plastic syringe that worked perfectly.

I added bergamot essential oil to these jellies because it's a light and refreshing scent. Bergamot is an essential oil known to have antiseptic properties, and can also help to calm skin — perfect for shower or bath time.

Use your favorite unscented liquid soap to make these jellies. I used Castile soap, which is made with 100 percent pure plant oils (no animal fats). It's gentle, biodegradable and hypoallergenic. The addition of glycerin will help your skin retain moisture and stay soft. To keep the jellies from turning back to liquid, keep them in a plastic or glass jar with a lid and refrigerate them.

Note: If you are pregnant, you should not use essential oils. For facts and safety information of essential oils and aromatherapy, check out the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

DIY individual shower jellies

Ingredients:

• 2 (1-ounce) packets unflavored gelatin
• 2 ounces boiling water
• 1/4 cup Castile soap, or another favorite unscented liquid soap
• 4 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon glycerin
• Plastic syringe or eye dropper
• 1 (18-count) plastic or silicone candy mold with cavities about the width of a quarter

Directions

1. Add the gelatin powder to a medium-sized bowl. Pour the hot water over the gelatin and mix it until it dissolves.
2. Add the liquid soap to the mixture along with the essential oil, food coloring and glycerin, mixing well as you go.
3. Place the candy mold on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place the baking sheet on a flat surface near the mixture.
4. Fill the syringe with the mixture, and carefully fill each cavity to the very top with the liquid. If you find some air bubbles in your jellies, use the tip of a paper towel to gently remove them.
5. Refrigerate the jellies on the baking sheet for several hours, or until the jellies have set.
6. Pop each jelly out from the mold. Use one for each shower or bath.
7. Store the jellies in a plastic or glass container with a lid, and keep it in the refrigerator.
8. Use within a week.

These jellies will get you wiggling in the shower.

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