We always think of fathers as easy to please. Father’s rarely complain about what they are given on father’s day, and are grateful for simply being acknowledged. As a society, we don’t make a big deal about father’s day; it’s rarely mentioned, or is marketed as a day to “leave dad alone to watch sports.” While this approach may be what some fathers are looking for, the majority of fathers want time with their family, and want meaningful, long-lasting gifts.

That’s why for this year’s father’s day, we suggest you put down that tie and make your father some handmade soap. So why would soap be something a father would want? It’s Mom that loves the scent of Lavender; why would Dad care about getting  soap? This year, make this father’s day special by giving your father the gift of a good shave. Start your dad off on an old, but forgotten, tradition of shaving using a real razor.

OUCH!

No, this won’t end up as the episode of the Simpsons where Homer gets shaving cuts all over his face.  Instead, this is shaving that your dad will grow to appreciate, and get enthusiastic about. So what’s the big deal? Why would dad get excited about shaving? Well, it has a lot to do with the loss of old fashioned traditions that were replaced by marketing gimmicks and falsehoods.

As time goes on, we learn that the best way to shave is with greasy, shaving cream that stings, and razors with multiple blades. I too was deceived by this for most of my life. One day I went to go get new razor cartridges for my overpriced multi-blade razor. A new magic vibrating razor with 2 cartridges was a quarter of the price of buying a pack of 5 razor cartridges! Of course I had done this so many times… purchased a razor, purchased the replacement blades, while grunting to myself about how the cartridges cost more than the razor itself; how it was both a waste of money and bad for the environment.

I had switched from the foam to the gel, back to the foam, and then  back to the gel again; never getting the shave promised; just accepting that I was doing something wrong, even though as the years went by I was gaining more and more experience shaving. I tried washing my face before to warm up my skin, but nothing improved. Then of course I would have to wash my face after to get all the gunk off. I never liked the oily, sticky feeling those gels or foams gave; nor are they good for the skin.

One day  it all changed. I did a search about shaving online and read about the differences of the razors of the “old days.” I discovered that the best way to shave was by using soap and an old fashioned safety razor! So, this whole time I was fooled. I would get a closer, smoother shave using these old methods, while saving money too! My first step was to research what kind of razor I needed.

It came down to safety razors, and straight razors. Straight razors are the ones that barbers use; the kind that I would rather not take the time to learn to use safely (and the kind that gets a bad rep in movies). The other kind of razors, called safety razors, are what the multi-blade razors that we use today have replaced. They are made up of steal components that you unscrew to put in a new razor as needed.

The downside of using a safety razor? Well, I would say there is none. I have read that you need to be more careful than using an expensive multi-blade razor, but I found this not to be true for me. Keep in mind I have very sensitive skin. I regularly use to cut my face and have razor bumps after shaving; so much so that I usually shaved about two to three times per week at most to avoid the feeling. Over the years I tried everything;  electric razors, various brands of razors, different shaving techniques, more or less frequent shaving, nothing ever worked for me until I started using safety razors.

So what are the positives of using a safety razor? I rarely get cut; in fact, in the past 2 years, I probably nicked myself like 2-3 times at most. That is how many times I would nick myself every attempt at shaving with a multi-blade! I never get razor bumps, and can shave weekly or daily with the same results; a smoother, closer, softer shave without the irritation. I almost forget what razor bumps feel like!

Keep in mind, I’m rushing when I shave, and going against the grain, both of which are shunned upon in the shaving community. While I don’t recommend doing either of these things, I am merely trying to point out things which I was concerned with before beginning shaving using a safety razor. I find that the more I take my time, the closer my shave is, but regardless of the technique, my worst shaving session is always better than my best shaving session using the overpriced multi-blades. By the way, the blades last, and last, and last. The average blade lasts me about a month.

So you have the razor, the blade, and are ready to begin; now all you need is a shaving brush, a bowl, and soap. Yep, that’s right, soap. No need for gels, foams, or anything else. You won’t need to wash your face after shaving; simply splash some water on your face and you feel clean as can be.  Simply throw the soap in a bowl, put a very small amount of hot water over the soap, and lather with the brush; that is all there is to it! You will be a pro in no time.

When it comes to aftershave, I have always had to use aftershave; at this point, I just need a good lotion. About half the time, when I’m rushing to get out to work, I even forget this step and still, have yet to get razor burn or razor bumps. So, find a good non-greasy lotion for your face and you are good to go!

The cost? A good blade will set you back about $30. There are some priced much higher, and some lower; but that’s about average what you should expect to pay. There are few brands left; and most enthusiasts suggest finding an old used one from a family member of shopping online. I purchased some new ones on Amazon and am happy with my purchase.

You can use any bowl, and can find shaving brushes for under $10 in most stores and online. The blades cost about $15 for 100 blades. Yes, you heard me right. I use to go through blades quickly; with these, I use about 1 blade per month and always get a great shave. I usually switch prior to ever getting a weaker shave. So my 100 pack should last me about 4-5 years!

By the way, I suggest getting a second razor for your significant other. My wife borrowed my razor one day and was shocked at how well it worked, and how much it saved her from cuts and razor burn. I purchased another razor for her and the same 100 pack of razors. She uses natural soaps purchased at a local farmers market and finds them much more effective than using all the sticky gels she once used.

Stay tuned for some shaving soap recipes! If you have any suggestions, would like to share your story, or would like to submit your own soap making recipes, please let us know.

Till next time, keep making great soaps!

We imagine chocolate scented anything is terribly popular around this time of the year (or anytime for that matter!). Below are some amazing Valentine’s Day soap Making ideas. <3 We’re feelin’ the love already!

Handmade soaps featured in this post were made by the following:

Great Cakes Soap Works

Misiuk

DeShawn Marie

- Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, and a Happy New Year from Cibaria Soap Supply!

Now on to today’s Featured Soap Making Showcase!

Featured Soap Maker: Linda White

Company: The Healthy Soap Company / Linda’s Healthy Naturals

Hails from: Missoula, Montana

I am happy to announce the latest opportunity to win big At Cibaria Soap Supply with our

Winning In Winter Contest!

How it works:

For every order that you place on Cibaria Soap Supply.com during the months of November and December, you are automatically entered into our “Winning In Winter” contest for the chance to win…

What You Can Win:

We are giving away not one, but THREE chances to win a $30.00 Cibaria Soap Supply Gift Certificate! You could be one of our THREE lucky winners!

If you’re looking to stock up on Fixed Oils / Carrier Oils this season, now’s the time to do it! We’ll announce our THREE winners at the very beginning of January!

Good Luck!

It’s truly inspiring!

As per usual, I don’t blog empty-handed. I am holding on to an announcement, that is sure to make your Holiday season a bit more special.

So stick around, be sure to follow our Twitter, and our Facebook – You’re not going to want to miss this update!

Want to Know Before Everyone Else Knows?

If you’re already signed up for our Cibaria Soap Supply Email List – then you’ve got the special privilege of knowing this announcement before ANYONE else does! Not signed up? Don’t fear! It’s not too late to sign up for our email newsletter, simply enter your email address on in the newsletter slot on our Soap Supply Website!

To celebrate summer’s triumphant arrival, we’ve compiled a showcase of some of our favorite Summer-Inspired Soaps! As you can see, they range quite a bit in method, scent, shape, and color. We wanted to try to include as many soap making methods as possible, and hopefully we were successful in doing this!

This oh-so-cute creation was crafted by Lily Bay Soap, which doesn’t seem to have a working Etsy page at this time. If anyone knows where this person currently sells, please let us know, and we’ll link their store!

SUPER Cute Watermelon Soap Bars – and they smell like watermelon too! Crafted by Sweet Body Soaps

Words can’t describe how we feel about this soap! It’s just all-around impressive! Besides looking like a deliciously edible treat, this soap features bright colors, and fruit molded shapes on top! We’re not sure how they achieved this look, but it’s great! Crafted by Alegria Mediterraneo Soap

This quenching Raspberry Lemonade Loofa soap looks as refreshing as it does colorful! Gorgeous, vivid colors with a citrus-looking loofa in the middle make this creation a true favorite! Crafted by Eliza Grason

Shea Butter Pomegranate Soap – Made with Olive oil, Coconut oil, Sweet Almond oil, distilled water, sodium hydroxide, Shea butter, fragrance, and mica – This fresh creation hits the spot with perfect moisture and scent combinations! Crafted by Sutter Buttes Soap Company

This Wildberry Zinger Tea soap is bright, cheerful, and creative! We’re loving the white against the neon colors, and the adorable dotted theme. This unique creation was crafted by Burnt Mill Candles & Soap

A CP Soap With Mango Butter and Avocado Oil – This passionate, but simply summer soap looks fresh and lively, as well as moisturizing! Crafted by MacSoapy

This nourishing soap features an awesome variation of the traditional coconut and it’s scent combines coconut milk with lemongrass, vanilla and musk. Crafted by Wicked Soap

Cool Citrus Basil Soap – provides a cool and refreshing kind of clean – perfect for those who spend a bit too much time in the sun happen to get sunburnt – or those who just love the nourishing moisture and clean that this great soap will bring! Crafted by Forget Me Not Soap Shop

Cold Press Boston Tea Party Soap – Features the cool and collected colors of a nice summer breeze! Ingredients include: Coconut oil, palm oil, Shea Butter, Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado oil, vegetable Shortening, Canola Oil, Fragrance, Micas, grapeseed oil, and Cosmetic grade Glitter. Crafted by: Nature’s Essence Soaps

Caribbean Coral Reef Soap – SLS FREE – We love this soap’s bright colors, and all-natural ingredients that include Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Castor Oil! Crafted By Happy Bubbles Soap!

This Sweet Orange Blossom Soap is radiant and skillfully crafted to look nice, neat, and put-together. It’s colors scream summertime sunsets and it’s ingredients include all-natural glycerine with goat’s milk for a smooth and moisturizing lather. Crafted By: It’s Almost Bath Time

What are Some of YOUR Favorite Summertime Soaps? Feel free to leave your 2 cents in our comments!

ORDER LEAD TIMES:

All orders placed before 2PM on a business day will be shipping within 2 business days.

This change has been put in place to ensure that our orders are going out accurately and efficiently. As we enter our busiest season of the year, we very much appreciate your continued business and look forward to growing with you and your Soap Making efforts!

- The Cibaria Soap Supply Team

What is the Difference Between Coconut Oil 76 and Coconut Oil 92?

The numbers in the product titles are representing the point at which the solid coconut oil will start to melt into a liquid. Coconut Oil 76 will begin to melt at 76 degrees F, while Coconut Oil 92 will begin to melt at 92 degrees F.

Will this affect my Soap Making Recipe and Final Soap Outcome?

I’ve done a bit of research into this and have come up with a few facts from Soap Makers around the web.

1. Unless a recipe specifically calls for a 76, 92, or Virgin Coconut Oil, you are safe using any of these three coconut oils varieties.

2. Fractionated Coconut Oil is one that I am told will generally be specifically named in a Soap Making recipe, so this is one that you may not want to use unless it specifically calls for it. Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) is produced by heat rather than cold pressing, and it’s a liquid at room temperature. Many like using FCO because it’s light, and sinks in quickly.

3. There seems to be a preference by Soap Makers to use Coconut Oil 92 during the summer months because of it’s higher melting point.

We’d LOVE to hear your 2 cents regarding the use of Coconut Oil 76 and Coconut Oil 92! Insert your comments, suggestions, findings, and ideas below!

I wanted to post a quick announcement regarding our 7 lb product quantities on Cibaria Soap Supply.

IMPORTANT:

As of today, we are now selling 1 Gal product quantities instead of 7 lb product quantities. This will make it a bit easier to measure out, since now it is in a liquid measurement form. Also, you’ll get a bit extra product tossed in there… which never hurts!

We’re also still taking votes on our Soap Making Oil survey – What Addition Soap Making Oils would you like us to stock? Vote here!

Thank you,

-Cibaria Soap Supply