This body butter is nourishing to the skin, absorbs quickly and is not greasy at all. Your skin will be soft and hydrated in no time, while the peppermint and citrus essential oils will uplift your spirit.
Empty the contents of both containers of the shea butter and cocoa butter in a small clean saucepan on medium low heat until just melted. These are hard butters and you may need a sharp knife to remove them. Be careful! Remove from heat immediately and pour the mixture into the bowl of your stand mixer.Tip #1 : Instead of placing the oils directly in a saucepan, create a double boiler by placing 1 cup of water in a saucepan big enough to allow the bowl of your stand mixer to rest on top of the pot. As the water boils, the steam will gently warm the bottom of the bowl, melting the oils. Remove from heat and continue with the next steps. This will save you from having to wash your pot.
Stir in the sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil. Place in the refrigerator to cool so the oils can just begin to solidify again. To speed things up place the bowl in the freezer. It will take about 1 hour in the fridge or 30 minutes in the freezer. Tip #2: If you like a harder or lighter body butter, simply adjust the amount of sweet almond and apricot kernel oils used. More with result in a firmer body butter and more will result in a lighter end product.
When the oils are almost solid, but not super hard (no liquid oil left) blend the mixture with the whisk attachment on your stand mixer. Now’s the time to add the essential oils. You can add more essential oils later if you would like to adjust the scent. Whip until the mixture looks creamy like whipped cream (5-7 minutes). If it looks grainy you haven’t whipped it long enough. Tip #3: You really can’t over whip this. The longer the better, and the more luxurious and creamy it will become.
Once the mixture is light, creamy, and whipped place in a glass jar of your choosing. Two 8 ounce jars should do the trick. You can also reuse the jars the Aura Cacia Shea and Cocoa Butters came in, but there will be more cream left over.
5. Enjoy your silky smooth Citrus Mint Body Butter!