Easy DIY rose petal milk bath

Milk has long been known for its skincare benefits – Cleopatra famously bathed in ass’s milk to improve the appearance of her skin. A milk bath certainly leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. Plus, milk is a great carrier for the fragrance of essential oils.

The combination of rose and geranium in this homemade milk bath works particularly well. You could also use other flower oils, such as ylang-ylang and geranium. These are often cheaper than pure rose oil. Rose and lavender also work well together, but rose geranium gives a lovely feminine scent. It’s one of the least expensive oils – the rose scent actually comes from the geranium leaf.

Take care when getting out of the bath, as the milky suds can leave the bath surface a little bit slippery. Remove the rose petals by hand and discard separately to save clogging your drain pipes (although, ultimately, rose petals are biodegradable).

How to make your own milk bath

Makes enough for five baths, or to fill a 500ml jar

Ingredients

• 300g milk powder
• 10 tbsp dried rose petals
• 10 drops rose essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil

Method

1. Place the rose petals into a large bowl or measuring jug and sprinkle with the essential oils. Mix with a spoon so they are well covered.
2. Add in the milk powder and stir well until the rose petals are evenly distributed – use your hands if easier.
3. Carefully pour into a clean jar, seal and decorate.
4. To enjoy your milk bath, simply sprinkle a teacupful once the bath water has run and stir in – the smell is amazing! Soak for 5-10 minutes to enjoy the skin-softening benefits.

Loved this? Now read

• Easy homemade rosewater lip scrub
• Liz’s homemade beeswax balm