There is little else more relaxing at the end of a long day than submerging yourself in a warm tub surrounded by thick, frothy, sweet-smelling bubbles.  Whether you hold a glass of wine, cup of tea or the latest NYTimes Bestseller in your hand, the bubbles are the main event.

A couple years ago I decided I was tired of buying overpriced, underwhelming bubble baths with their thin bubbles and lackluster fragrances, so I set out to start making my own.  Not only is this recipe much more cost effective, but it also gives you the freedom to experiment with various scents without having to purchase 10 different bottles of suds.  The recipe below is a base recipe, tried-and-true, and below that, I’ve added a few of my favorite scent blends.

Ingredients:

*Note:  This recipe creates big, long-lasting bubbles thanks to the Glycerin and sugar.  So do NOT skip these ingredients, they are key to this mixture’s frothy goodness!

I purchase all my essential oils here: Mountain Rose Herbs

Their prices, selection and customer service are top-notch.

All other ingredients can be found at your local grocery or drug store.

1 ½ cups liquid Castile soap (you can substitute shower gel or a natural, mild dish washing soap)

2 tablespoons vegetable Glycerin

½ tablespoon white Sugar

One of the Essential Oil Blends below

5 drops food coloring of your choice (optional)

Directions:

1. Gently stir together all ingredients in a large glass or ceramic bowl until the sugar dissolves.
2. Pour into a large glass or PET plastic bottle.  (Plastic will absorb the fragrance from the essential oils.)
3. Let sit for 24 hours in a cool, dark place to let the homemade bubble bath “cure.”
4. To use, pour about ¼ cup of the bubble bath under hot running water.  Then soak in and enjoy!

Essential Oil Blends:  These are just a few of my favorites, but as you learn more about essential oils and discover your favorite scents, you can begin to experiment with combinations all your own!

*Note:  You need fewer drops of the “absolute” essential oil because their scent is so concentrated.

Lavender Lift:  5 drops lavender essential oil, 4 drops lemon, 1 drop chamomile

Citrus Sunrise:  5 drops bergamot essential oil, 4 drops orange, 1 drop 1 drops rose geranium, ylang ylang OR jasmine.

CAUTION:  Do not use before sunbathing—could increase risk of sunburn.

Fall Fusion:  5 drops lavender essential oil, 4 drops patchouli OR sandalwood, 1 drop clove.

CAUTION:  If you have sensitive skin, do not use clove.

Vehemently Vanilla:  5-10 drops vanilla absolute essential oil

Evening Rose:  3 drops rose absolute essential oil, 2 drops palmarosa, 1 drop rose geranium.