Homemade lotion:
http://frugallysustainable.com/2011/12/non-greasy-homemade-moisturizing-lotion/

-1 cup aloe vera gel*
-1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
-3/4 ounce beeswax, grated or broken into small pieces (I found beeswax granules in bulk at Brazos Natural Foods, so I only had to buy ~2 ounces total)
-1/2 cup almond or grapeseed oil
-1 tablespoon cocoa butter (I added this for a slightly more luxurious lotion during the winter, but this is optional.)
-10 drops essential oils of choice (optional)

With a makeshift double boiler, over low heat, melt beeswax and oils.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and essential oils.

Pour the melted oils into a blender and allow them to cool to room temperature.  This is a VITAL STEP to prevent separation.  Once cooled, with the blender on low speed, slowly and continuously pour in the aloe vera mixture.  Run a rubber spatula against the sides of the blender to incorporate all ingredients.  Blend until the mixture has the look and feel of lotion.

Pour the lotion into sterilized jars.  The lotion will keep for up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.


*I think the gel is supposed to be more liquidy than the gel I was able to find, so it was difficult to get it to incorporate with the fats in the blender.  I wound up adding about 0.5 C of water, and then everything blended well.