8.27.2015

DIY Shower & Bath Jellies (LUSH Inspired)

I've got a DIY perfect for back to school and in fact, it is a tradition that I do. But let me back up a bit--after seeing this at LUSH a few years ago, I knew, in typical Elle Sees fashion, that I could make these myself. And after some trial and error, I've got a few variations.


Shower jellies are simply solidified versions of shower gel. You can rub them on your body, pinch off a piece and use in a loofah, sponge, or cloth. You can use them in a bath or shower. You can use them as hand soap and they lather well. If you use gel shampoo instead you can wash your hair with them.

Back to the story--when the 5 year old started pre-k at 3, she was very nervous. To ease her nerves, I gave her a mini-spa day, complete with the jellies (I used them in her mani-pedi and gave her some to keep for baths). She loved it so much, that it's become a tradition we do--we just had our third one!



Shower Jellies Method 1:
  • 1c boiling water
  • Agar Powder (follow directions on container)
  • 1/2c clear body wash
  • soap colorant or food coloring
  • spoon, fork, pot holders, microwave, fridge
  • container(s) to serve as mold for jellies
  • optional: body-safe essential oils if your body wash isn't scented


Shower Jellies Method 2:
  • Same as above but leave out the colorant and use a body wash that has color.  
  • You can use 1 packet of gelatin as a substitute for Agar Agar, but not that LUSH is cruelty-free and gelatin is not. I know not all countries can access agar easily, which is why I included the substitute.
To Do:
  • Add gelatin powder and body wash to 1c of boiling water. Add as much colorant as desired if your body wash isn't tinted. 
  • Mix well and pour into container of choice. I've used plastic cups, to closer resemble the Lush version, molds of different shapes, bowls, and ice trays, as pictured.
  • Allow to cool and form into jellies completely. This may take a few hours. Remove from mold and use or store in a cool, dry place. Do not store them in the shower. They'll melt.
FYI:
  • These are not edible, so if you're making them for kids, make sure they are old enough to be aware of this.
  • Do not use regular Jello as it has sugar and no one wants to be sticky.
  • While I have had zero issues with dish soap over the dozens upon dozens of times I have made this, (I am aware it is harsher on skin that body wash), use at your own risk. Stick to the body wash.
  • Agar Powder (I use this a lot in my petri dishes I use for testing beauty products) is a great vegetarian/cruelty-free alternative. You might have to play around with adding more agar and follow the directions on the packet. Some require salt.
  • These jellies will melt if left in hot areas, so I store mine in the fridge. If I'm in making these in a very hot climate, I'll add 2 packets of gelatin just in case.
  • I also freeze them for an extra cool treat.
  • Currently LUSH has a version that has sparkles--look for mica online to add.



FYI:
  • I like using the ice trays (I picked some up at Goodwill that I use for crafting) to keep the shower jellies smaller. 
  • Just wanted to note that both methods turn out well, but the colored body wash is never as vibrant as the bottle and doesn't photograph as well.
  • I have tried creamy body washes and shampoos but the gel ones turned out much better. I've also tried adding exfoliants but it is not recommended.




Extra Elle:
  • I shared a sneak peek of these on Snapchat--I'm ellesees on there if you'd like to follow.
  • Yesterday was jury duty for me, coincidentally the 95th anniversary of the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote!
  • More LUSH-inspired products? Check out my DIY LUSH RECIPES!

60 comments:

  1. How cute are these jellies:) And I love the idea of that mini-spa day. You're a great nanny, Elle:)

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  2. These are SO cool! You are a DIY genius! I had no idea they were so easy to make! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Ohmigosh these are the cutest - I love how colorful they are!

    xx

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  4. These are so cute! I definitely need to try this out just because they look so fun!
    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  5. What a fun tradition, a back-to-school spa day! If I ever have daughters, I think I might have to use your idea! Or I might just do a back-to-work spa treatment everyday before work haha

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  6. such a fun DIY. I beat the girls love them.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/

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  7. This is the cutest DIY! I'm going to do this one with my daughter and her friends!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  8. Wow, who knew! This is such a fun DIY! You're right on the kids need to be old enough, mine would eat them (haha), but would love to give these to friends!!

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  9. These shower jellies are so fun -- love that hot pink color! I've always wondered how you make these, I'm going to have to give them a try now. Such a great DIY, Elle!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  10. Oh gosh - the thought of jello gives me the chills - it grosses me out... so I'm not sure I can wrap my mind around rubbing a jello like substance on my body. My weird phobias are coming to light on this post :) haha

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  11. I use Lush shower jelly exclusively bc it actually gets me excited to shower in the mornings, hahaha! I am SOOOOO trying this!!!!!!!

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  12. Those are cute! I'm sure they worked perfectly to calm the back-to-school jitters!

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  13. What a fun DIY! And what a great idea to calm a lil on down about a new adventure, what a fabulous tradition.

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  14. Hello to my new favorite DIY and awesome idea for Christmas presents! I wonder if a few drops of essential oils for scent would work? Plus how would you package these for gifting?

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  15. These are so adorable! They look like so much fun, I'll definitely have to check them out. Thanks for the great idea!
    xo Kiki
    http://colormekiki.com/

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  16. a mini-spa day!? aw this is so cute! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  17. These are so cute, Elle! I love that you have alternatives to Lush items. Lush has cute stuff, but it's expensive. And, the products aren't as natural as they market them to be.

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  18. These are super cute and I love the little story about having the tradition for these every year!! These seem easy to make and I will definitely try!

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  19. Those little shower jellies look so cute!!! I have never tried any of those before, so I will have to make some. I am just getting in to snapchat and still trying to figure out how to use it haha. I will add you :)

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  20. These are amazing! Love LUSH! Definitely pinning <3

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  21. I don't think these can get any cuter!! So fun! I need to make some!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  22. I'm so going to try this! I've been wanting to try Lush products for a while but have always been to cheap haha!

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  23. How sweet that you guys have a mini spa day every year before school! These sound like the perfect for some pampering at home.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  24. Okay this is too cool- and seems pretty easy! Love it!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  25. What a fabulous and cute idea! Love it! xoxo Sissi http://www.beauty4free2u.com

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  26. OMG this is so amazing... ur very talented.. wud love to try this :D Thnx fr sharing

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  27. Love this! I have to try it out. How long do they last you when you make a batch? Kind of a good way to keep your body wash for longer.

    liz jo @ sundays with sophie

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  28. Seriously great idea! Fun to make and such a smart useful idea

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  29. I've seen these on your Snapchat and I had NO clue what in the world these were for. Great idea though!

    Louboutins & Lipstick

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  30. These would be perfect for travel! Great idea (again!) ;)

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  31. Oh these look great! What a fun DIY idea. I'd imagine they'd be good for travelling too! :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  32. These are awesome! I cannot wait to try them. They look like a ton of fun for even us big kids. :)

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  33. These are so fabulous! I really want to try to make some - I love how you did multiple colors.

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  34. Love this DIY! I could never come up with something like this. Thanks for sharing. :)

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  35. These are so fun! I really need to try to make some. You post the best DIYs!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  36. This looks like such a fun DIY and it does sound like a fun one to do with kids! (Although mine would probably try to eat it.)

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  37. Omg, this is the cutest DIY project ever! I love this! Thanks for sharing it!

    Christie
    The Closet by Christie

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  38. That is such a fun DIY! Love this idea!

    xo,
    Angela

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  39. What a great idea! Looks so fun and relaxing! Now I just need a glass of wine! :)

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  40. thats such a cute idea....thanks for sharing

    www.crazyaboutcolors.com

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  41. I think this is one of my favourite recipes of yours, Elle! I've never heard of these, never even thought of them, but loving the idea so so so much! Fantastic! x

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  42. Dear Elle, THANK YOU so much for that! I read the post 3 times, I guess, so to make sure I do it well! I am eager to try this, I will, so thank you again - hopefully I can do it as well as you did! I thought of adding some flower petals, you know, making it kind of Lush... could also be made as Christmas presents! Loved that!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  43. I love this! I love the diy options!! Pinning now! Happy Friday Elle!

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  44. Very cute and create Elle. And so easy. I might even try them myself. Hehe.

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  45. Jellies are so much fun to make! Love this -- I actually used ice trays for a dessert, will share soon. Great post.
    Seasonal Change

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  46. Oh my GOODNESS, this would be so fun to do and they look so pretty! Could be a gift as well!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  47. This is awesome!!! I have a LUSH shower jelly, but I had no idea how easy it was to make my own! Thanks for this!
    ~Sara
    Sincerely, Sara

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  48. Those bath jellies are too cute! Must try!

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  49. I haven't tried the LUSH shower jelly, so I definitely will try this DIY to see if I like it.
    http://emilymaiko.blogspot.com/

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  50. About how long do I have to let them sit before they set up? I mixed the ingredients about 2 hours ago and they aren't very stiff or set up. I know I have to give them a few hours but I guess I expected to see them a little more firm at this point. They look so cute and my kitchen smell amazing! I just hope that I didn't mess it up!

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    Replies
    1. I hope they turned out well for you. As mentioned in the post, try adding another packet of gelatin. Try the fridge as well to help firm them. "These jellies will melt if left in hot areas, so I store mine in the fridge. If I'm in making these in a very hot climate, I'll add 2 packets of gelatin just in case." Good luck!

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  51. doesn't the food coloring stain your skin? I would love to make these for christmas gifts but that worries me

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    Replies
    1. As mentioned in the post, use soap colorant or a body wash that is colored since this worries you. I've never had an issue.

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  52. Hi, may sbd tell me what mean 1c? Is that just 1 litre?

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