Epically Epic Soap Co.

New Stuff

2012-01-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Velveteen Forest Natural Roll On Perfume

A wonderfully complex all-natural fragrance inspired by a fantastical pine forest of woodsy spices, floral and citrus. I used a wildly expensive blend of essential oils including base notes of cedar, patchouli, and sandalwood, middle notes of cinnamon leaf, clove, jasmine, neroli, and black pepper, and top notes of coriander, pine, and mimosa. It smells great on men and women.

Goth Girl Many Purpose Solid Lotion

Although I was never fully committed to the goth style, many of my dearest friends were. Our perfume of choice was China Rain, an Asian-inspired fresh floral with rose, sandalwood, vanilla and many other mysterious notes. When I smell it, I feel like I'm a 90's teenager again driving into the city and listening to The Cure.

Vanilla Latte Epic Vegan Lip Tint

I realized was missing a natural nude shade in my line of lip tints, so Vanilla Latte is it! The color is a nice neutral beige with a hint of shimmer (it looks a bit lighter on your lips than in the tube). It tastes like fresh-brewed espresso sweetened with vanilla, my favorite coffee drink since the 90's latte craze.

Lavender Marshmallow Many Purpose Solid Lotion

This fragrance was inspired by some of the fancy gourmet marshmallows I have bought on Etsy. I love how the sweet marshmallow complements the refreshing scent of Bulgarian lavender essential oil.

Lavender Marshmallow Epic Vegan Lip Balm

Shamrock Shake Many Purpose Solid Lotion

A deliciously fresh peppermint and creamy vanilla flavor that will remind you of mint chip ice cream or a minty milkshake.

Pink Frosting Shimmery Lip Tint

Tastes like creamy, sweet, buttery frosting with warm butter, vanilla bean, sweet sugar, nutty nuances, baked vanilla, rum and hints of powdered sugar. The color is a light girly pink with tons of sparkle.

New Lip Balm Flavor!!!

2011-12-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

Mango Lassi ~ The spiced fruity sweetness of the mango lassi drink, a traditional sweet and savory treat commonly found in India and Pakistan. Fresh mango pulp, milk, and cardamom - a deliciously unusual lip balm flavor.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Sale!!!

2011-09-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

Final clearance sale before I go on maternity leave! What you see is what I've got. My shop will be closed for maternity leave for at least a month or two after the baby comes, so get your lip balm fix while you can.

Use the coupon code MOMTIME for 10% off!

My other life...

2011-07-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Back in the day before my soap obsession took over I was full-time artist. Most of my paintings aren't available anymore, but I found a great site that lets you offer framed prints and cards in the easiest way imaginable. It sort of feels nice to let the paintings have another life. If you're interested, you can see more of them here:

http://allison-hill.fineartamerica.com

Vacation mode... again

2011-06-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well, my shop is in vacation mode again until the 15th. I'm going to epic Santa Barbara, CA to visit my best friend while I still can. Everyone is telling me to do my traveling now because it will be nigh impossible once the little baby is here.

Here is a picture of me looking puffy in my maternity clothes...

I feel like a terrible business-person for being in vacation mode so much this past month or so. Once I'm but back from Santa Barbara I don't have anything else planned for the summer, so I'll be able to focus on getting things done for my shop and for my lovely customers. Look this summer for new lip balm flavors (finally!) including Watermelon Punch, Lemon Sorbet, Tropical Paradise, and Rocky Road.

I may even send out a coupon code as a thank you for being so patient with me lately. You can still sign up for my mailing list here (green box on the right ------->) to receive it.

Happy Birthday, GW!

2011-02-22T07:27:00.001-08:00

February 22 is George Washington's birthday!!! Use the coupon code WASHINGTON in my Etsy or Artfire shop for 10% off any order today only!

www.EpicSoap.com

Sugar cubes will be back...

2011-02-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

I'm working on an epic re-vamp of the labels and scents of my Sugar Cube Scrubs. They'll be back in March. Meanwhile, please help me choose some of the new scents in the poll above!

Hittin' the mist

2011-02-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

I'm introducing a new product that I think you'll love ♥

Hydrating Mist for Hair and Body

A sprayable hydrating body mist with a blend of antioxidant rich oils and vitamin E that leaves your skin feeling silky soft and smelling epic. Spray on wet or dry hair to boost shine and fight frizz. It's perfect to use as a light perfume or for layering with my other scented products. Here are some of the uses I've come up with so far~

Hair and Body Perfume
Bath Oil
Hair Detanger
Hair shine & anti-frizz serum
Light skin moisturizer

It's currently available in four scents, or custom scented. Enjoy!

Happy New Year

2010-12-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my customers for a great year!!! Use the coupon code EPICNEWYEAR to get 15% off your order 'til January 1, 2011! Just enter the coupon code at checkout and the discount will be calculated automatically.

www.EpicSoap.com

New products coming in 2011... all-natural dish washing soap, scented hair and body mist, new perfume oils, and lots more lip balm flavors!!!

The joy of (even more) new lip balms!

2010-11-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to stop making new lip balm flavors. The newest are Red Velvet Cake, Lavender-Vanilla-Chamomile, Thai Spice, and Gummy Bears. And coming soon... I Love Lychee and Wassail flavors.

♪ I'm going... to the West... ♫♪

2010-10-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

We are almost ready to leave for our epic journey to Santa Fe, New Mexico! I expect to re-open my shop on October 20. All orders have been shipped :)

♥ I'll always love you, Chicago ♥

Anybody need some hot peppers?

2010-09-15T08:31:00.001-07:00

About the only thing that did well in my garden this summer was the hot peppers. I love them, but I'm discovering there's only so many peppers a person can eat. Aren't they pretty, though?

(Above: banana peppers, a lone tomato, jalapeño, anaheim pepper, red and green cayennes, Thai peppers.)

The Joy of New Lip Balms

2010-08-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

For several months this year my favorite ingredient was unavailable and I couldn't make any new lip balms. It was a tragic time, but now it's back and I'm so happy to be making lip balms again! Have a look at the newest flavors and lip tints, Spiced Pumpkin Lavender, Turkish Coffee, Mint Chocolate Espresso, Coconut Vanilla, Raspberry Pie à la mode, EpicBerry Vanilla, Blueberry Lemonade, and Peach Pie à la mode... all vegan!

New Web Address

2010-08-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

Epically Epic Soap has a new, short, easy to remember web address:

www.EpicSoap.com

Now anytime you need to find my shop, just type in www.epicsoap.com or epicsoap.com in your browser's address bar and you will be automatically forwarded to my shop on Etsy!

Vacation Mode

2010-07-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

Epically Epic Soap will be in vacation mode until August 1. I'll be camping in epically beautiful Buena Vista, CO and hopefully picking up some inspiration for new soaps. See you in August when I'll be introducing more new scents and products :)

Buena Vista Soap

The Soap Box Shop

2010-07-16T16:49:00.001-07:00

Hey Chicagoans, Epically Epic soaps and sugar cube scrubs are now available at The Soap Box Shop in Highland Park!

The Soap Box Shop
1853 Second Street
Highland Park, Illinois

Our film premiere! (A non-soap-related post)

2010-07-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

Join us for the premiere screening of The First and Only Lesson at The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts this September!

Date and time to be announced -- please check back soon or contact me for more details.

So, Where is the ¼ Moisture Lotion?

2010-06-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Southern Soapers, for this eye-opening analysis. Click the chart to read more.

Etsy front page glory!

2010-06-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since one of my items made it to the front page, one of the highest honors in Etsy-land. Thank you, Etsy, and thanks BeadedDetails for making the treasury list :) :) :)

Alaska

2010-05-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished making a set of custom-scented perfumes and lotions for Jewell Gardens in Skagway, Alaska. Some of the scents include Alaskan Wildflowers, Fruits of the Garden, and English Rose Tea. Fun!

I ♥ ALASKA.

Upcoming Craft Shows in the Chicago Area...

2010-04-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

I'll be selling soaps, lip balms, lotions, sugar cube scrubs, perfume, and candles at two craft shows this week. Come and pick out some locally made handcrafted gifts just in time for Mother's Day. Or just stop by and say hi -- I would totally love to see you.

GCCNS Spring Boutique 2010

Wednesday, April 21, 2010
9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Glenview Community Church Nursery School
1000 Elm St., Glenview, IL 60025

20% of proceeds will be donated to the nursery school :)

"Sustainable with Style" A green boutique and garden expo.

April 24 and 25
11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days
At the Morton Arboretum Visitor's Center

4100 Illinois Rte 53
Lisle, Illinois

Attend this eco-friendly marketplace featuring environmentally-friendly home décor, cosmetics, and luxury apparel.

I'm thrilled about this, as I have innumerable warm childhood memories of hiking in the Morton Arboretum. Chicagoans, this is a great excuse to get out and enjoy this strangely warm, early Spring we're having!

My setup at last year's Morton Arboretum Craft Show.

New Lotions and Lip Balms!

2010-01-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

~MARRIED TO THE SEA~
Many-Purpose Solid Lotion / Perfume
I created this scent to smell just like a day at the beach. It has been about 10 degrees and snowing here in Chicago and I couldn't help fantasizing about fresh ocean breezes, notes of sea salt, and the whiff of warm, tropical coconut.

LEMON SORBET
Epic Lip Balm with Vitamin E
This is my new favorite flavor! It tastes just like a sweet, refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet. It also reminds me of the lemony taste of Barnum's Animal Crackers :)

JASMINE TEA
Lip Gloss with a Hint of Sheer Color
The light, delicate flavor will remind you of a cup of sweet jasmine tea at Thai Happiness restaurant. This glossy lip balm has a hint of sheer plum shimmer that looks very natural, and it's full of great things for your lips!

YELLOW CAKE
Many-Purpose Solid Lotion / Perfume
Admittedly I'm not always a huge fan of sweet scents, but there's just something about this yellow cake fragrance. The scent is so authentically cakey, it reminds me of a batch of cupcakes fresh out of the oven.

CHERRY BLOSSOM
Epic Lip Balm with Vitamin E
An unusual lip balm that smells like a walk through a springtime orchard of powdery cherry blossoms and honeysuckle, while it tastes like sweet, fruity cherry and peach.

GIANT 8oz. VAT of Many-Purpose Solid Lotion!
Now available in giant 8oz. tins, 4x bigger than my regular size lotions. They will keep your skin moisturized all day even in the cold, dry winter months. Slather with abandon!

1st new product of the year

2010-01-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Everything Lotion!

One cream for hands, face, lips, and body.

Click the image for more information.

Thank you, Etsy!

2009-12-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

My I Love Lychee solid lotion was featured last weekend in Etsy's blog The Storque. Thanks to everyone who ordered! I'm working day and night to make everything in time for Christmas.

Vacation Mode

2009-10-20T14:33:00.001-07:00

I will be out of town this week for my husband's an art exhibition at Hotel Tides in Asbury Park, NJ. I haven't been there yet, but they say Asbury Park is epically beautiful. If you happen to be in town, stop by the show. I'll have a little table of soap, lotion, and lip balm for sale, too.

My next soap shipping date will be October 29, 2009. All orders placed AFTER October 19 will be shipped on or soon after the 29th. Thanks for your patience!

All atwitter about lip balms

2009-10-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

My first four lip balm flavors are finally here! I spent months experimenting, testing and tasting to find the perfect lip balm formula that feels great on your lips and really lasts. This lip balm has creamy pistachio butter, castor oil for shine, vitamin E, honey, and moisturizing sweet almond and raspberry seed oils, and NO preservatives or other weird mysterious ingredients.

Pumpkin Pie

Shamrock Shake

Lavender Vanilla

I Love Lychee

More flavors COMING SOON: Fuji Apple, Honey Vanilla, Chai Tea, Cherry Blossom, and Coconut Lemongrass. For more info, please visit my website.

The frost is coming...

2009-10-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my garden in its heyday this August. This was my first year of gardening and I got very attached to my "plant children." I planted basil, lemon basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, cilantro, cayenne peppers and ten kinds of tomatoes. I'll probably cry like a little girl when I have to say goodbye to my precious garden. Chicago will go into deep-freeze mode any day now, and we won't see any vegetation for at least 6 months.

One thing that's cheering me up slightly is my friend Karen's great idea for saving herbs over the winter: Pesto ice cubes! Basically you puree your basil leaves, parsley, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil, pour the mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze. Put all your frozen cubes into zip lock bags and save them to use all winter in soups, pasta sauces, and whatev!

I found a good site that describes the process in more detail. I'm going to try making rosemary-cayenne-lemon basil cubes, too.

Other herbs like lavender and sage can be dried. They'll be going into a new line of exfoliating herbal soaps this winter :)

A New Autumny Lotion

2009-10-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

PUMPKIN PIE Many-Purpose Solid Lotion

Cinnamon and clove, with notes of coffee and vanilla. The comforting aroma of fall spices makes a delectable lotion scent. Yes!

100% VEGAN INGREDIENTS Pistachio Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Candelilla Wax, Fragrance, Cinnamon, Vitamin E, Mineral Colorant.

Read a review on GlimmerGlossGlow.com:

2009-09-22T15:02:00.001-07:00

Handmade Soap Obsession: Epically Epic Soap Co.

I'm up on a soapbox about lotion ingredients!

2009-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Take a moment to read the ingredients in drugstore lotions made by large cosmetic companies. We should all think twice before giving them any more of our money!

Most mass-produced lotions contain several chemical preservatives and use mineral oil as their main moisturizing ingredient. Mineral oil comes cheap because is a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Remember, everything you put on your skin is eventually absorbed into your body.

Anything that is a petroleum by-product should be avoided when using on your skin. Mineral oil gives a feeling of temporary softness. However, it draws moisture FROM your skin instead of putting it into your skin. Therefore, you keep having to reapply it to make your skin feel soft. It is a only temporary feeling of softness.

Using lotions made with natural oils is simple, affordable, and healthier for your whole body. They work better to moisturize your skin because they work as a humectant, pulling moisture from the air into your skin.

I found a great explanation here:
Mineral Oil and Why you Should Avoid it

Give my all-natural Many-Purpose Solid Lotions a try. Your skin will look and feel much better, and they're only $6.

épica jabón épica

2009-09-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

I just saw my shop name translated into Spanish!

Pumpkin π

2009-08-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

With autumn around the corner, I couldn't stop obsessing about making a Pumpkin Pie Soap. I'm so happy with how these turned out. The color, scent, and texture are exactly like an epic slice of pumpkin pie.

I made these soaps with real cinnamon, cloves, and coffee to exfoliate lightly, and honey, shea butter and olive oil for a smooth, heavenly lather. Yessss!

INGREDIENTS Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Purified Water, Shea Butter, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifier), Soybean Protein (conditioner), Honey, Fragrance, Cinnamon, Cloves, Organic Coffee, Color.

Soap Noob

2009-08-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Meet my newest soap, Espresso, Clove & Orange

The combination of real espresso, ground cloves, and orange peel really works to scrub away cooking odors like onion and garlic after you've been working in the kitchen. It smells so nice and autumny, I'd recommend it for the shower or bath, too.

This soap started out as a custom order for a kitchen hand soap. I liked how it turned out so much that I decided to make it a "regular."

100% VEGAN INGREDIENTS Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifier), Soybean Protein (conditioner), Espresso, Cloves, Cinnamon, Tangerine Essential Oil, Orange Peel.

Gold Coast Craft Show!!

2009-07-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

8th ANNUAL ARTS ADVENTURE
Beginning at SUPERIOR & STATE 735 N. State St.
Gold Coast Area Chicago, IL

Sunday, July 26 (9:00am-5:00pm) My SOAP table will be on Wabash Avenue between Superior and Chicago.

Sellin' soap & lotion at Havana Gallery

2009-07-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

I'll have a table with soap and lotions for sale this weekend during Havana Gallery's 10th ANNIVERSARY party. I have worked at Havana Gallery since 1999.

Show hours:
Saturday, July 18, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 19, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

The same weekend as the Sheffield Garden Walk Festival.

T.Y.

2009-07-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who contacted me about a free lotion sample. I'm going to send them all out on Monday, July 13 in one epic trip to the post office. When your sample arrives, please send me a note and let me know what you think!

Free Lotion Samples! Friday, July 10 is the last day of the giveaway

2009-06-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

For the next couple of weeks, I will be giving out free samples of my new Many-Purpose Solid Lotions!!

Just send me a message with your name and mailing address, and I'll send you a cute 1/4 oz. recyclable tin of lotion in the scent of your choice. Click the "E-Mail Me!" button on the right to contact me --------->

These lotions have worked wonders on my skin and I want everyone to be able to try them. You can use them for...

♥ Hand cream
♥ Body Lotion
♥ Solid Perfume
♥ Cuticle Butter
♥ Massage Oil
♥ Foot Salve

Each tin will be labeled with its complete list of 100% Vegan Ingredients.

Choose from the following scents, or suggest your favorite scent....

Ginger ~ A fizzy fragrance that both men and women will enjoy.
Midnight ~ Sensually scented with jasmine, lavender, sandalwood, and chamomile.
Lovely Tulip ~ The crisp, delicate fragrance of tulips, a light floral scent that's not overpowering.
Mint ~ A blend of peppermint and spearmint essential oils.
Lavender ~ It's the perfect, classic lavender we all know and love.
Havana ~ A great patchouli, sandalwood, and tobacco leaf fragrance for men and women.
Mr. Stripey ~ A manly herbal combo of Tea Tree, Cedar, Lavender and Tangerine essential oils.
Lilac ~ Smells just like an actual bouquet of lilacs.
Nag Champa ~ As epically exotic and mysterious as the famous incense from India.
Grapefruit Gardenia ~ Feminine gardenia complimented by refreshing grapefruit EO.
Margarita ~ This fresh, lime and citrus blend has been a craft show favorite.
Mimosa ~ A sunny scent of orange, lemon verbena and tangerine.
I Love Lychee ~ The Asian lychee fruit's delicate, dewy fragrance is my favorite fruit scent ever.
Hyacinth ~ Makes a wonderfully distinctive floral perfume -- not something you find every day.
Chocolate ~ So authentic, you will get that same endorphin rush you get from eating chocolate.

This giveaway will keep going through Friday, July 10, '09.

Eek! Look what's in mass-produced soap!

2009-06-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was shocked when I saw this analysis of the ingredients of the Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar, which is marketed as one of the gentlest soaps you can get at your average store. It contains two ingredients derived from ANIMAL FAT and several chemicals and preservatives.

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients used in the aforementioned Dove soap. Source: "A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients" by Ruth Winter.

Sodium Lauryl Isethionate, synonymous with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. According to DCI it is used as a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifier. It may dry the skin out because of it's degreasing properties. Depending on where you look, this detergent is either listed as a mild or potent skin irritant. I never use SLS in my soap.
Stearic Acid Used as a hardener in soap. Stearic acid is prepared by treating animal fat with water at a high pressure and temperature, leading to the hydrolysis of triglycerides.
Sodium Tallowate Used for cleansing, Sodium tallowate is a substance extracted from the fatty deposits of animals, especially from suet (the fat of cattle and sheep). In my soaps I use vegetarian alternatives to tallow (such as olive oil) that work as well or better.
Sodium Palmitate Used for cleansing and creating lather. Sodium Palmitate is a salt of Palmitic Acid made my mixing Palmitic Acid with Lye. This ingredient cleanses your skin, but may dry it out.
Lauric Acid Occurs naturally in some vegetable oils like palm oil. It can be irritating to super-sensitive individuals at high concentrations. This ingredient cleanses your skin.
Sodium Isethionate Saponification agent (this is what turns the oils into soap). Synonyms include Sodium Hydroxide or Lye. Occurs naturally in wood ash. ALL soap requires an oxidizer such as Sodium Isethionate.
Water Typically used in soap as a solvent for dissolving the oxidizer.
Sodium Stearate The Stearate salts are generally used for their lubricating properties. They also help to keep emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components. Made by reacting sodium with stearic acid to create the salt, sodium stearate. This ingredient does not appear to have any beneficial properties for your skin.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a synthetic surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine.
Sodium Coco ate This is a gentle surfactant. Sodium cocoate is produced by hydrolysis of the ester linkages in coconut oil with sodium hydroxide (same as Sodium Isethionate).
Sodium Palm Kernelate This is a gentle surfactant. How It's Made: Sodium Palm Kernelate is formed by combining Palm Kernel oil with an oxidizer (such as Sodium Hydroxide).
Sodium Chloride Used as a thickening agent. Sodium Chloride is the same as ordinary table salt.
Tetrasodium EDTA Used as a preservative and chelating agent. About This Ingredient: No known toxicity to the skin. Synthesized in a lab.
Tetrasodium Etidronate Used as a preservative and chelating agent. A synonym for Tetrasodium EDTA.
Maltol Used as a flavor enhancing agent. It might be used as a fragrance, although Dove claims this bar to be unscented.
Titanium Dioxide Used as a whitening agent, titanium dioxide is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium. About Titanium Dioxide is thought to have no negative side effects when used externally.

The ingredients in handmade soap are better for your skin, and better for the environment! Por ejemplo, here's the list of ingredients in an Epically Epic Mimosa Soap:

100% VEGAN INGREDIENTS Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Purified Water, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer derived from berries), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifier), Soybean Protein (conditioner), Essential Oils, Fragrance, Lemon Peel, Orange Peel, Oatmeal, Color.

I was out of town

2009-06-11T20:54:00.001-07:00

I was on a road trip through the Southwest. It was... epic!

I'm Making Lotion Bars Now

2009-05-23T12:32:00.001-07:00

After months of fun experimentation, I have finally come up with solid lotions to compliment my favorite soap scents. These lovely lotions are a little bit softer than a balm and a little more solid than a body butter. I'm calling them Many-Purpose Solid Lotions.

I’ve found so many uses for them. Here are a few suggestions:

♥ Hand Cream – Keeps your hands feeling supple even if you’re a frequent hand-washer (like me).
♥ Body Lotion – Slather it on! Works especially well right after a shower to hold in moisture all day.
♥ Solid Perfume – Solid lotion melts at skin temperature to blend its fragrance with your natural scent. It is more subtle than alcohol-based perfumes, and actually smells a little different on each individual.
♥ Cuticle Butter – Vitamin E is known to strengthen nails!
♥ Massage Oil – Use a dab of solid lotion as a massage oil. It absorbs quickly (but not too quickly) so you won’t be left feeling oily.
♥ Foot Salve – Solid lotion’s strong moisturizing ingredients are great for those rough patches like heels and elbows.

Say goodbye forever to those drugstore lotions and their mysterious chemacular ingredients! I love solid lotions because, since there is no water added, they don’t require any chemical preservatives. They also come in cute portable tins that are 100% reusable and recyclable. No plastic bottles!

Epically Epic's solid lotions are made with natural plant oils which are easily absorbed and are nourishing to your skin:

PISTACHIO BUTTER I love Pistachio butter for its low comedogenicity (meaning it won’t clog pores). I have noticed an improvement in my skin since using this butter – no more itchy dryness at the end of the day. I call it my “miracle butter."
SUNFLOWER OIL Sunflower oil has large amounts of essential fatty acids and a high amount of Vitamin E.
CANDELLILA WAX This vegan alternative to Beeswax is obtained from the coating of the wax slipper plant (Euphorhia Cerifera).
VITAMIN E Vitamin E helps slow the oxidizing process in solid lotions and is a wonderful anti-oxidant.

So far, I have I Love Lychee, Nag Champa, Lavender-Jasmine, Margarita, Hyacinth, and Grapefruit-Gardenia scents. And coming as soon as humanly possible: Lovely Tulip, Unscented, Patchouli-Tangerine...........

Craft Show Best Sellers

2009-04-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

I did three craft shows this week, and these five soaps stood out as the best-sellers. Not what I was expecting!

1. LOVELY TULIP

Nearly everyone who stopped to browse my soap table liked this one. It was the clear favorite of the week!

This soap was inspired by my mom's beautiful red and yellow tulips that would sprout every spring after a long Chicago winter. Scented with the crisp, delicate fragrance of tulips, a light floral scent that's not overpowering.

2. SANGRIA

Many commented that this was the prettiest one :)

Celebrate the glorious arrival of summer with our new Sangria soap! It's effervescent scent of apple, tangerine, lemon, lime and Merlot is inspired by the delicious Spanish cocktail we all know well. This olive oil soap really lathers beautifully.

3. I LOVE LYCHEE

"What's a lychee???"

It is difficult to describe the scent of the South Asian lychee fruit, but once you try it you will never forget it's delicately sweet, slightly perfumed fragrance. It's my favorite fruit scent ever! This soap bar exfoliates with natural cranberry seeds and moisturizes your skin with olive oil and shea butter.

4. HYACINTH WITH ALOE

Hyacinth with Aloe's scent and color combo are perfect for spring.

This soap smells just like a fresh April hyacinth. It makes me so happy to see the blue, pink, and white hyacinths pop up every spring around my neighborhood -- and they smell soooooo beautiful! I made this soap with moisturizing shea butter and soothing aloe vera.

5. MARGARITA

The Margs kept selling out by the end of the day!

I love how this one turned out! This olive oil soap is scented with a blend of natural lime and citrus essential oils and dusted with exfoliating sea salt. You'll feel like you're in Akumal sipping margaritas by the sea.

Arboretum Craft Show - Reprise!

2009-04-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Here's my setup at the Morton Arboretum Craft Show.

We had a rainy day for our craft show last week, so the Morton Arboretum has been kind enough to schedule a second craft show this Sunday at the Visitors' Center.

Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Daffodil Glade is in bloom! (...that sounds like a good name for a soap...)

My Upcoming Craft Shows

2009-03-31T12:19:00.001-07:00

Sunday, April 19

"The Green Boutique" At the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Visitor Center. 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle

Attend this eco-friendly marketplace featuring environmentally-friendly home décor, cosmetics, and luxury apparel. The Ginkgo Restaurant will offer an enhanced menu featuring organic and vegetarian dishes.

I'm thrilled about this, as I have innumerable warm childhood memories of hiking in the Morton Arboretum. Chicagoans, this is a great excuse to get out and enjoy Spring!

I'll be selling my soaps at the Visitor's Center from 10 am -5 pm. Soap bars are $4 each or 3 for $10. Click here for more info.

GCCNS Spring Boutique 2009

Wednesday, April 22, 2009
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Glenview Community Church Nursery School
1000 Elm St., Glenview, IL 60025

20% of proceeds will be donated to the nursery school :)

Custom Soaps!

2009-03-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Choose between Shea Butter or Olive Oil soap, pick your favorite scent, and ask for any color you can imagine, or no color at all.

New - personalized labels! Just let me know your name or the name of the person or event your custom soap is for.

<-- Click the image to see my insanely long list of available scents.

ArtFire?

2009-03-23T12:55:00.001-07:00

ArtFire is a relatively new online selling venue for handmade items and fine art. Artists can setup a small studio (10 items) for free or pay a small monthly fee for an unlimited studio. There are no fees to list or sell, so artists can charge less and save money.

I love their new Rapid Cart feature (see below) that lets you buy without complexly creating a sign-in name.

I'm hoping that ArtFire takes off in a big way. Read an interview with one of the site's founders here.

Epically Epic Best Sellers

2009-03-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Zebra Soap

You will love the classy look of Mrs. Zebra, our black and white soap. Guys and girls will both enjoy it's exotic woodsy scent of Sandalwood, Virginian Cedar, and Lime pure essential oils. Delightfully stripey!

INGREDIENTS Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Purified Water, Shea Butter, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifier), Soybean Protein (conditioner), Essential Oils, Fragrance, Color.

Citrus Slice

My Citrus Slice Soap bursts with the refreshing citrus-floral fragrance of sweet orange, grapefruit, lime and lemongrass essential oils. I add some fresh orange peel
zest and oatmeal to really scrub. I like to cut them in half and use the slices for a fun hand soap in the kitchen or bath.

INGREDIENTS Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Purified Water, Shea Butter, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifier), Soybean Protein (conditioner), Titanium Dioxide, Essential Oils, Fragrance, Orange Peel, Oatmeal.

Havana Soap

This ocean blue soap was inspired by a Havana perfumery. A great patchouli scent for men and women. I stir in sea salt, Patchouli and Sandalwood essential oils and a touch of Tobacco Leaf fragrance. It's like a little slice of the Caribbean Sea.

INGREDIENTS Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Sorbitan Oleate (emulsifier), Soybean Protein (conditioner), Essential Oils, Jojoba, Sea Salt, Color.

3 Handmade Soaps for $10

2009-03-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

Get 3 Epic soap bars for one great price! Enter my shop here: EpicallyEpicSoap.etsy.com
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Epically Epic Soap Co.

New Stuff

New Lip Balm Flavor!!!

Happy Holidays

Sale!!!

My other life...

Vacation mode... again

Happy Birthday, GW!

Sugar cubes will be back...

Hittin' the mist

Happy New Year

The joy of (even more) new lip balms!

♪ I'm going... to the West... ♫♪

Anybody need some hot peppers?

The Joy of New Lip Balms

New Web Address

Vacation Mode

The Soap Box Shop

Our film premiere! (A non-soap-related post)

So, Where is the ¼ Moisture Lotion?

Etsy front page glory!

Alaska

Upcoming Craft Shows in the Chicago Area...

New Lotions and Lip Balms!

1st new product of the year

Thank you, Etsy!

Vacation Mode

All atwitter about lip balms

The frost is coming...

A New Autumny Lotion

Read a review on GlimmerGlossGlow.com:

I'm up on a soapbox about lotion ingredients!

épica jabón épica

Pumpkin π

Soap Noob

Gold Coast Craft Show!!

Sellin' soap & lotion at Havana Gallery

T.Y.

Free Lotion Samples! **Friday, July 10 is the last day of the giveaway**

Eek! Look what's in mass-produced soap!

I was out of town

I'm Making Lotion Bars Now

Craft Show Best Sellers

Arboretum Craft Show - Reprise!

My Upcoming Craft Shows

Custom Soaps!

ArtFire?

Epically Epic Best Sellers

3 Handmade Soaps for $10

Free Lotion Samples! Friday, July 10 is the last day of the giveaway