Category Archives: Featured Products

Dead Sea Mud Masks Aplenty

Posted on by
1

Once again, I am happy to announce that the Dead Sea Mud Facial Masks are back in stock! The benefits of the minerals are extraordinary. After just one or two applications, it is not uncommon for the skin to appear firmer and toner. The mask will also lightly exfoliate and reveal a much smoother, healthier skin glow.

Dead Sea Mud Masks Dead Sea Mud Masks Aplenty

Dead Sea Mud Facial Masks by Great Cakes Soapworks

Just $4.95 for each packet – enough for one to two full facials, or keep it fastened closed with a paper clip after opening and have multiple acne spot treatments. Check out this post about my friend Chrissi and her daughter. They like to do mommy-daughter facials! Available for purchase here.

New Whipped Shea Butter Now Available

Posted on by
2

I got a message from a friend via Facebook last night when she saw what was happening with the shea butter and that I was down to just one Vanilla Hazelnut left: “ARGH!?!??! lol I was just getting ready to order the large plain Shea Butter??” Her daughter has bad excema and allergies and she was all excited to try the unscented shea butter. Something about “stalking me until it was ready.”

So today I got busy and packaged up what was in the pyrex cup. My friend has already bought one of the large jars, but I figured the rest of you might want to know that it’s available for purchase (although I need to take new pictures again) – and the new prices aren’t so bad:

1.5 oz. jar (only one so far) is $7.00
3 oz. jar (just 5 left) is $12.00

Of course, I’ll be making more before the farmer’s market starts up on May 1st, and will probably make more Vanilla Hazelnut as well. Although the reason I used the Vanilla Hazelnut was because it went well with the natural shea scent. And that’s no longer an issue! Hooray! My creative possibilities are opening up again!

Shea Butter Revisited

Posted on by
3

Just when I thought I had the shea butter all figured out, I read this on a trusted supplier’s website:

Please note: Recently we have become aware that other vendors are suggesting you heat shea butter to 170 degrees F for a period of 45 minutes to prevent graininess. This can be very damaging to the shea butter and will drastically reduce the shelf life as well. Worst of all, it will not work! Shea butter will become grainy, or fractionate, with the addition of heat. Body temperature alone will start this reaction.

Yes, that’s exactly what I had heard would work, and exactly what I had tried last time I made Lip Butter, as well as the last batch of Whipped Shea Butter. And it worked! No more grainy Lip Butter! However, it appears that I have “drastically reduced the shelf life.” *sigh* I’m not sure how drastically it’s been reduced. I do add vitamin E to both the Lip Butter and Whipped Shea Butter products. Vitamin E is not a preservative, but it is an antioxidant known to extend the shelf life of oils and butters.

Now you are wondering – if the “heat and hold method” isn’t the answer, what is? Well, let me just tell you! This particular supplier offers a nice, refined “high melt point” shea butter. It costs exactly three times as much as the unrefined shea butter I’ve been using. Did I buy it? You bet I did!

Unfortunately, there will be some price raising on the Whipped Shea Butters since they are made with a little more than 80% shea butter. But I’ve heard my prices are too low anyway, so hopefully it won’t affect sales too much. Especially once my customers get a chance to try it!

The refined shea butter has no odor whatsoever. I can add scent to it without trying to mask the scent of the natural shea (which I think smells rather pleasant, but others may disagree!). And an added bonus is that the texture is even fluffier than before!

It took a couple of tries to get it this way, but it did finally work! The supplier’s website threw me off a bit because they suggested that one method for quick cooling the shea butter was to use the refrigerator. Wrong! After my ingredients were just melted, I put them in the refrigerator. After it had set up, I pulled it out and let it get back to room temperature, but it was grainy. So I re-melted the whole business and then put my KitchenAid bowl in an ice bath like I did last time, using short bursts with my hand-held mixer until it was thick enough to put on the KitchenAid stand and whip it good.

Here’s my pyrex cup full of unscented Whipped Shea Butter. I’ll try to get this packaged and make more soon (since I’m down to ONE last jar of Vanilla Hazelnut made from the unrefined shea!):

refined whipped shea Shea Butter Revisited

Refined Whipped Shea Butter

It’s very white and creamy like vanilla icing, only without the vanilla scent. Same color and texture – exactly.

So is this new information to anyone else, or just me? Anyone else having issues with their shea butter?

Patchouli Beer Bars: What’s the Big Deal?

Posted on by
10

patchouli beer bar 300x300 Patchouli Beer Bars: Whats the Big Deal?

Patchouli Beer Bars by Great Cakes Soapworks

I just estimated that I have sold nearly 400 Patchouli Beer Bars since I first started making them in 2005. People who don’t use handmade soap have probably never thought about using beer soap. Why would you want to? It’s a pretty logical question, actually.

When I heard about other soapmakers using it, I thought it was just a great way to market your soap to the guys, so I added some earthy patchouli essential oil and a dash of clove. Turns out beer is actually a great conditioner for your skin – and gals love patchouli almost as much as the guys!

Patchouli? What’s that? I was as naive as you not so long ago. Patchouli (puh-choo’-lee) oil and incense underwent a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in the US and Europe, mainly due to the hippie movement of those decades. It has also been used as a hair conditioner for dreadlocks.* The benefits to the skin are numerous as well: it is a superb tissue regenerator, stimulating the growth of new skin cells (one of the reasons I also use it in the Dead Sea Mud Facial Masks), promotes healing, and reduces scarring, and has also been used to treat acne.**

The first time I ordered some to make soap, I was none too fond of the scent. But, like lavender, it’s starting to grow on me a bit. I’ve found that most people either love it or hate it. If you love the scent, it can help balance your emotions, and even increase libido!

One of my customers won’t let her stash of Patchouli Beer Bars run out. She buys it for her husband. Last time I saw her, she told me that her husband had just returned from a business trip where he had been using hotel soaps. She told him he didn’t smell like himself, so he took a shower with his Patchouli Beer Bar and all was well with the world again.

It’s a good thing I made more Patchouli Beer Bars this morning. Inventory is just starting to get low, and once the farmer’s market starts up again in May, they will sell pretty quickly.

What about you? Are you a patchouli lover or hater – or have you ever smelled it before?

*Information about patchouli from wikipedia
**Information about patchouli’s benefit to the skin and overall well-being from Esoteric Oils. I have never ordered from this company, so cannot comment on the quality of their products.

We Have a Winner

Posted on by
2

Well, I told you I would put it to a vote to decide the new name of the Bug Off products, but it didn’t work out that way! After making a list of all the suggestions that were made, I removed the ones that wouldn’t work for all three types of products: soap, stick and spray. (Sorry if the photo of just the spray was misleading.) Then I took out the ones that seemed too ambiguous, and after typing what was left of the list into google, I discovered that they had all been taken except for one: Bye Bye Bugs.

So, congratulations to Sade for her entry! We now have Bye-Bye Bug Soap, Bye-Bye Bug Spray, and Bye-Bye Bug Stick. I might have to get it trademarked! If only.

The current stock of Bug Off soap and spray are on sale at Greatcakessoapworks.com until the end of April. They will still be labeled with the “Bug Off” name until they’re gone. So if you need a natural insect repellent, now is the time to get it!

Dead Sea Mud Masks are Back Again!

Posted on by
2
Dead Sea Mud Masks Dead Sea Mud Masks are Back Again!

Dead Sea Mud Facial Masks by Great Cakes Soapworks

I’m very excited to announce that the Dead Sea Mud Facial Masks are finally back in stock! I’ve had several customers asking me when they would be ready. Dead Sea Mud is one of my personal favorite beauty treatments, as you will see later in the post. Not only does it clear up my skin, but it makes it feel super smooth and soft. If you’ve been around for awhile, you might remember my friend Chrissi’s picture doing the mask with her daughter – they started a fun mommy-daughter event!

Here’s a great testimonial from Heather R. in Tavarres, FL:

“How in the world did you get a formula that glided onto skin so smoothly? I’m used to fighting with mud masks to get even coverage! It was so silky going on, so I was excited to see what my skin would look like after I left it on for 45 minutes. My GIANT pores were noticeable smaller. We’re talking Grand Canyon pores! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

I had a hard time finding a good Dead Sea mud after my former supplier quit carrying it. I received a tip from Joanna Schmidt of The Soap Bar about another company, so I decided to give it a try. It is fabulous!!! Just what I was looking for. In fact, I posted a picture of myself testing the mud on my Facebook fan page the other night. I couldn’t smile, but my skin sure felt good afterward!

Dead Sea Mud Mask Test 300x223 Dead Sea Mud Masks are Back Again!

Dead Sea Mud Mask Test

Get your Dead Sea Mud Facial Masks for just $4.95. (Each 1 oz. packet is actually enough for two applications. Have a facial night with a friend or daughter, or just fold over the open end and secure with a paper clip to keep the second application from drying out.)

Jojoba-Shea Lotions are Back in Stock

Posted on by
1

8oz lotion Jojoba Shea Lotions are Back in Stock

8oz. Jojoba-Shea Lotions by Great Cakes Soapworks


After hearing from my readers and customers about which fragrances you want me to carry, the Jojoba-Shea Lotions are finally back in stock! The following fragrances are now available in both the smaller purse size for just $5 each and the larger pump size (more than three times as much lotion as the small ones) for just $10 each:

Almond Milk
Black Raspberry Creme
Caribbean Diva
Lavender Meadows
Pink Grapefruit & Sugar Cane
Stress Relief

And yes, I guarantee you will be able to tell the difference between a handmade Jojoba-Shea Lotion and the cheap petroleum-based lotions you buy at the drug store. Here’s what Sarah C. in Crestview, Florida has to say:

I have tried every lotion under the sun and have NEVER finished a whole bottle. I’m incredibly picky, I guess ;o) I was hooked all the way to the last drop of my Lavender Meadows Jojoba-Shea Lotion! I bought the Stress Relief Jojoba-Shea next and have loved it just as much. My skin has never felt better and people keep coming up to me and telling me that I smell good.

Need some smaller bottles to carry with you? Get the 2.5 oz. malibu tube here.

Want the convenience of a pump you can use at home or at the office? Get the 8 oz. pump here.

2oz lotions Jojoba Shea Lotions are Back in Stock

2.5 oz. Jojoba-Shea Lotions by Great Cakes Soapworks


P.S. I happen to be married to a very talented photographer, don’t you think?

Get Your Pucker Ready!

Posted on by
2

Lip Butters Get Your Pucker Ready!

New Lip Butters by Great Cakes Soapworks


Just in time for Valentines Day! After applying the same principle to the Lip Butter as the Whipped Shea Butter, it appears that the Lip Butters have returned to their fantastic, super silky smooth selves. I am more than relieved. If anyone finds one that isn’t, I want to hear about it right away, ok?

To celebrate these new batches of silky greatness, I decided a make-over was in order. All the labels have been re-designed, I’ve added a few new options, and discontinued a couple of flavors.

What’s New:
Lavender – I know Lavender sounds a little bit different for a lip flavor, but I had a request for it – and I’ve actually heard of other natural skin care companies making it. There are only 11 of these, so if this sounds interesting to you, by all means, grab them up!
Watermelon – Smells just like watermelon gum! These are also a limited edition flavor, with just 11 available.
Nourishing – NO flavor added. For those who just want some great moisture without the flavor. Limited edition – 10 available.

Orange Creamsicle is back, but just a few for now because it was requested by a friend.

These best selling flavors are back in stock and I will do my best to keep them that way:
Coconut Mango
Limeade
Peppermint Ice
Strawberry

Discontinued flavors:
Berrylicious (the last one sold yesterday)
Vanilla Latte – at least for now. There is ONE left, and when it’s gone, it may be awhile until I make it again.

So if you are ready to get your hands on some super silky smooth Lip Butter, head on over to Greatcakessoapworks.com. I’m keeping the price at a very reasonable $3.00 each. Read testimonials here.

P.S. There is ONE lonely Limeade Lava Lip Gloss available for just $2.00. These will not be restocked!

Whipped Shea Butter

Posted on by
12

I tried a new method for making Whipped Shea Butter today – and it turned out so beautiful!! I’ve been making this product for at least four years with varying success. Seems like every time I change suppliers for the shea butter, something changes in the end product. This time I was having some issues with graininess – a fairly noticeable problem with the Lip Butter, and not so noticeable with the Whipped Shea Butter. I happened to be reading through some of my favorite blogs this morning, and came across some directions for whipping shea butter from the folks at From Nature With Love:

…melt and heat the Shea Butter to approximately 175 Degrees Fahrenheit. Holding the melted Shea Butter at this heat for twenty minutes will allow tiny crystals in the butter to fully melt, allowing a smooth, even texture to form when the butter has cooled.

This was my “ah ha” moment! After heating the shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil in a pot, I poured it into my KitchenAid mixing bowl, placed it in an ice bath, and started whipping with my hand mixer to start out.

whipped shea butter2 Whipped Shea Butter

Shea Butter Setting Up

Once it was mostly set, I added some vitamin E and transferred the bowl into the stand to whip it good!

whipped shea butter3 Whipped Shea Butter

Whipping in the KitchenAid

It came out so creamy smooth, I had a brilliant idea to pipe it into the jars for a photo shoot. I got out my great-grandmother’s cake decorating tips. They are enormous for frosting, but perfect for whipped shea butter!

cake decorating tips Whipped Shea Butter

Grandma's Cake Decorating Tips

Final product:

whipped shea butter4 Whipped Shea Butter

Whipped Shea Butter by Great Cakes Soapworks

I like to call Whipped Shea Butter the dry skin remedy. It’s great for feet, knees, elbows, cracked knuckles – you name it! Get your Whipped Shea Butter at Greatcakessoapworks.com! Available in a 1.75 oz. jar for $5.00 or 3.25 oz. jar for $8.00. (Vanilla Hazelnut also available in the larger size.)

Lip Butter Challenge Results

Posted on by
6

all LB 150x150 Lip Butter Challenge ResultsYou might remember a couple weeks ago when I hosted a Lip Butter Challenge for five lucky participants. They agreed to use the Great Cakes Soapworks Lip Butter instead of their regular lip moisturizer for at least seven days, and give their feedback. Well….I’ve received feedback from four of them, and believe the fifth to be incredibly busy, so without further ado, I will share their responses with you:

Tester #1: Molly, normally a vanilla-flavored Chapstick user, chose Coconut Mango, and had a wonderful experience with it! She even blogged about it here. Molly says,

I like the Lip Butter better than what I had been using because it is softer, doesn’t have petroleum in it (the natural ingredients are awesome!), and it smells better. Being an addict, I’m used to applying it every few hours. I have used the Lip Butter 2-4 times each day. I tried it as soon as it came in the mail and it was a tiny bit hard from being in the 40 degree mailbox. Every time since then it has been very soft but not melty. I was worried that it would slide away but it doesn’t.

Tester #2: Meet lighthousegal. She’s never used handmade skin care products, but she’s definitely interested now!

I REALLY like your Lip Butter. It is longer lasting and when it is soaked in, my lips continue to feel moisturized. With my other lip moisturizer [Blistex] I felt like I needed to continually reapply it.

The best testimonial is about her daughter:

Starting about this time of the year, my 8-year-old daughter gets big, hard dry flakes on her lips. It is almost impossible to get these areas softened up before she picks at them and they bleed. She just started to develop a couple of them right when I rec’d the lip butter. I applied it in the morning before she went to school and then when she got home and again before she went to bed. Within a couple of days her lips were back to normal. No bleeding or complaints about sore lips!

I was really impressed with amount of time that you spent on my emails helping me choose the right flavor that would be good to use with my daughter. That level of customer service for a freebie is just unheard of in today’s world. I would like to tell you that in my case you truly lived up to your commitment of being a witness and servant of God in your interactions with me.

Tester #3: Amy D. has actually used my lip butter in the past. She said that she found a tube of the Strawberry Lip Butter in the bottom of an old purse and “it was perfect. Usable and yummy.” And that’s what inspired her to enter the giveaway! Amy had been using Burt’s Bees most recently, however. She chose Peppermint Ice to try out this time. She says,

I definitely like the Lip Butter better than my Burt’s Bees. I didn’t have to remove my Lip Butter before applying lipstick, as I did with Burt’s. Lipstick went on very smooth over top of it. Peppermint Ice was great! Nice smell, not overpowering, feels good and icy on my lips.

Tester #4: Autumn wasn’t one to use any sort of lip product, but she was brave and tried mine. Here’s what she said about the Limeade Lip Butter:

I’m not a lipstick wearer and I avoid chapstick type sticks as they are waxy. I do keep a tub of Burt’s Bees in the car. My husband is a serial Carmex user and has tried to get me to use it for years. Not only have I disliked the feel, but the taste and smell grosses me out.

I’m happy to say I loved the lip butter. It is not the least bit waxy and it smells good enough to eat. I used it the first couple of days and then had to have it every day. Hubs tried it also and said it feels like butter. Good name choice!

I also had to share with my youngest who is also a serial user. She would constantly run off with it and I was having to chase her down to go find where ever she stashed it to get it back.

I had a few mention that their lip butter was a bit grainy. I honestly thought I was finished with this issue!! The graininess is caused by the shea butter. Apparently when I switched suppliers, I started having issues again and didn’t realize it until now. This didn’t seem to bother the testers, however. Lighthousegal said,

Once I used the lip butter a couple of times I realized that the grains actually warm up and release even more moisture. It makes it great because by the time they warm and dissolve, the initial “slick” has soaked in and the moisture feels like it is renewed and it actually ends up lasting longer because of the two-step process. I don’t know if that is what you planned, but that is how it works on me!

Amy said,

My tube stays in my purse, so if it had been sitting in the cold car for a while, it was a little grainy. But it still smoothed on just fine and didn’t look or feel grainy once it was on my lips.

Autumn agreed,

When it was really cold in the car, it felt a little grainy as I applied it, but that went away immediately.

I checked my current supply and had to remove over half of the flavors because they were grainy. I will make sure I have smooth, silky lip butter from now on! Thank you to all who tested the lip butter – I’m so glad you loved it! Keep those lips moisturized!! Now, if per chance, you are inspired to try some non-grainy lip butter, they are available for purchase HERE.