My own version of shower jelly.

Before I ordered my Lush, I was loving the idea of the shower jelly. I searched online and found a recipe. I made the version with the two packets of gelatin so that it would be firm enough to hold and use as is. (With the Lush version, many people pinch off a piece and smush it into a loofah because its hard to hold on to.) I think I may try using just one and a half packs next time and see how it works. You keep it in the fridge so when you use it is nice and cool and silky. I did not use the preservative and I have had the green one well over a month and it is still just fine!
I just found a new recipe that looks more like Lush's. Here is the link to it http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=3

Here is the recipe I used:

1/2 cup melted transparent pour and melt soap. You can also substitute the melt and pour for a liquid shower gel or bubble bath. (I didn't notice you could use liquid soap. I might try that to make it a little more jiggly!)

2 cups boiling water

1 envelope Knox brand unflavored gelatin

1/2 oz Germaben II (a preservative that prevents mold and available from many online supply companies). Only needed if you won't be using the bath jelly within a few weeks. A couple teaspoons of Vodka (yes, the kind you drink) will also help prevent mold and can be used instead of Germaben II.

1/4 to 1/2 ounce fragrance oil

Water based soap coloring


Several small containers, like empty yogurt containers, or plastic baby food tubs. I love the plastic baby food containers because they are clear (with no label) and have snap-on lids.

GETTING STARTED

Step One
This receipe will make approximately 16 ounces of bath jelly. For firmer Jelly that you can slice, add 1 additional packet of gelatin to the above ingredients. Sliced jelly soap pictured below. I poured the gelatin/soap mixuture into square Tupperware containers, let set up and then gently removed from tray with a plastic spatula.

Step Two
In a bowl, add gelatin to boiling water. Slowly (and I mean slowly; you don't want to create a bunch of foam) stir until completely dissolved.

Step Three
Set the gelatin/water mixture aside. Using a glass measuring cup, melt the soap base on a low setting in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat.
Step Four
Allow melted soap to cool down a bit before adding fragrance and color.
Step Five
Pour melted soap into the gelatin/water mixture. Stir slowly and gently.
Step Six
Pour mixture into clean containers. Allow to set up in fridge until firm (3-5 hours).
Step Seven
Store any unused bath jelly in the fridge until ready to use. Like any gelatin, it will melt if stored at room temp.
Step Eight
NOTE: You can revise this recipe using liquid soap or bubble bath. Substitute 1/2 cup clear shower gel or bubble bath for the melt and our soap and reduce boiling water to 3/4 cups.

Lush Report #2

Here are more things from Lush that I've tried and REALLY like!
This is the "Ma Bar Bubble Bar." You just break off a chunk and crumble it under the running water for nice rich toffee and chocolate scented bubbles. (It does turn the water a bit dirty looking, but smells great!)


This is the Godiva solid shampoo bar. It smells like jasmine and I have really enjoyed using it. You can buy these tins to keep them in, or if you buy two shampoos, you get a free tin.



This is their most popular soap called, "Honey I Washed the Kids." It smells like honey is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Contains Aloe Vera.

This looks black in this picture, but is actually a deep purple with glitter in it! It is their "Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly," and feels and jiggles just like Jello. It is made from seaweed and contains no gelatin. It is used a s a soap and is very fun and refreshing! This one smells quite sweet and grapey. You can see some better pictures at http://www.lush.com/

This is the "MMM Melting Marshmallow Moments Bath Melt." As you can see it looks loke a cupcake and is about the same size. This, you also crumble under the running water but it just foams instead of bubbles. It melts and releases lots of moisturizers into the water. When I use this I don't need to use anything else on my skin to shave. It is very sweet smelling. (Almost a little too sweet for me.)

They're having a special right now, if you spend $50 you get a free gift. Check them out!