For soap I grate a bar of Ivory and a bar of un-scented Dove (or something with a moisturizer in it) and add a tablespoon or two each of olive oil, castor oil & coconut oil (coconut oil makes it lather very nicely). Add enough water to make the soap stick together when stirred then melt it down on the stove and stir until mixed very well and all water is evaporated (soapmakers call this re-batching). Towards the end I add a few drops each of Lavender Oil (healing properties), Clove Oil (takes the sting away from shaving just like it does for a toothache) and Orange Oil (cause I like the smell
). The closer to the end you add the essential oils, the stronger the smell. While still in liquid form I pour it into a pringles can (or something similar) and let it solidify and cool off til the next day. cut open the pringles can the next day and slice into 3/4" thick discs. Viola! Shaving soap.
