Beautiful Freak Cosmetics

Today is a big update day for Summer in the City. All bath products are now in stock, including mini bath bombs in the original bath bomb design. If you're writing love letters to NYC this summer (we do seem to be having a moment.) you can take it one step further.

Perhaps more importantly for me, Ive slightly changed the bath bomb formula/process such that they do take me (significantly) longer to make but they *SHOULD* hold up much better in transit and under (reasonable) heat conditions. It's an experiment. If you're wondering if the ingredients list changed, it did not. Just a slight proportional change and a big manufacturing process change that makes them a bit harder and a little more heat friendly.

But for the first time, all the bath products are in stock at the same time, so get while the getting is good. The scent is night blooming jasmine, musk, coconut milk, bergamot, black pepper, cinnamon leaf, tonka bean, cypress, cedarwood, patchouli and citron. Sounds like a lot, but NYC is a lot, and it all somehow works together beautifully.

I know, I know, Water to the Dead is popular this year (it is.) But that's not why Im posting this. I was reminded that I should mention this to everyone:

See this bottle of body wash? Looks like an ordinary bottle of WTTD body wash, right? But it's hiding a secret. It's got 50% less fragrance than the usual kind, because the person it belongs to is scent sensitive and asked me to make it at 50% strength.

Because everything at BF is mixed by hand, I can do that for you too, if that's your jam. I can half-scent any scent, if you happen to be sensitive in that way. When you order there's a little space for notes. Just leave a note in the box and I'll mix yours up special.

If this is your first time seeing this scent (though it really does feel extra popular this year) it's eucalyptus, mint and hyssop. (the last time I posted this, like 3 weeks ago? I went into a whole thing about hyssop. Just scroll back.)

I am currently working on a bunch of orders that all need stuff made. Also, for the love of goth, folks - I cannot change the laws of thermodynamics. If you keep finding ways to order body products Im just going to have to tell you I cant do it until October. I promise, you *do not* want me to send that stuff now - it will be soup by the time it reaches you. I can make them just fine, but unless you're picking them up you really don't actually want to order them right now. I keep turning more listings off but it's a pain in the ass and takes time to get them all.

So coming up is a WHOLE LOT of soap. A lot. What's first? No idea I guess we'll find out!

We interrupt the endless stream of shower steamers and bath bombs to bring you this breaking story about bath salts.

Mostly that A Forest is back in stock (again. It's been a thing this year.) Do you want fun scents in your bath without the oil and heavy pigmentation of a bath bomb? Do you want the benefits of various sea salts (including dead sea salt) and epsom salt (if you didnt know this, epsom salts, also known as magnesium sulfate, are excellent for sore muscles) in one easy and convenient package?

Ok Im done writing copy now, I have no idea how people do that every day. Look, A Forest is a blend of Dragon's Blood, Vanilla, Oak, and Smoked Cedar and the 8 oz jar lets you control how much you use in your tub. It's an inexpensive luxury in a time when luxuries are few and far between and best of all, it won't melt in transit.

Get it (or any other scent you want) and get soaking.

Did you think we were done with shower steamers? Au contraire, we're still doing shower steamers.

These are The Night Watch, which has been super popular this year (this is my third restock since January). Aside from the lovely purple color, they glow purple in the dark. If you've missed the scent on these, they're frankincense, myrrh, oak moss, sandalwood, cedar and night-blooming jasmine. If you want to make your shower smell like all of that, go grab them before theyre gone!

If you've ever ordered full size soap bars online from us, you know that it comes in some fancy packaging. This came up in memories last week and I figured I'd share - this was the first iteration of the box design. Ultimately I went through a few design ideas before landing on the one we've been using all this time but this is how the original one looked. I scrapped it because the spider web location couldn't ship well- it was going to absolutely get crushed in transit. Back then I cut all the boxes with an xacto, which is why the sides aren't precisely even. But you can clearly see how I went from this design to the one I ultimately settled on.

Just a piece of BF history, I guess (I need to decide on something to do for Halloween- it's our 10th anniversary.)

Not for nothing but I dont think this scent gets nearly enough love. I said what I said.

These are Sublime Ravings shower steamers. Sublime Ravings was one of the original 5 scents that BF started with. (the others, in case you're now wondering, are Bitter for Sweet, Blue Monday, Coffee, S*x & Ci******es and Pink Orange Red.) It's a bold mix of ginger and lime, perfect for summer. For some reason these never quite caught on, and it's a shame because it's actually one of my favorites. It's great in a body wash, too. The sharp, fruity scent and spicy ginger are amazing together and if you're looking to scent your bathroom as you shower, this is a great bet in hot weather.

Anyway, they're back in stock. You should go get you some.

Gothmorning, muffins!
As mentioned, I am working o a ton of shower steamers and bath bombs. When I made the Water to the Dead body washes, I realized I was out of shower steamers. Well, this problem has been solved as theyre now back in stock.

The same eucalyptus, mint, and hyssop oil of the others, of course, which turns your shower into a fresh scented spa environment.

I have a few more scents of these, and then it's the (dundundun...)attempt at a remake of the mini bath bomb mold.

Stay hydrated, kids!

Gothmorning, muffins.

Im on a run of shower steamers and bath bombs right now (I haven't had to make any in a bit.) so let the fun begin!

Nature's Dark Passion steamers are back in stock (for the next 3 seconds - they sell out pretty fast so jump on that if you want some right away) . Scented with dark rich chocolate and orange, they have a big fan club with all those sweet treat folks.

If youve never tried one of these, you should definitely consider giving them a shot- they'll surprise you. They scent your bathroom lusciously while you shower, and give you a luxurious experience without needing an actual bathtub.

There's a bunch more scents being made this week, which I will be happy to show you as well. More later!

Gothmonday, muffins.

I spent the weekend under the weather with a low grade fever and migraines(still not feeling great as of typing this.) but I am trying (and failing a lot) to get back on a regular posting schedule. In that spirit, this is the last thing I made before I got sick - Water to the Dead body wash (which is back in stock, by the way.) This is the favorite scent of Sam from , who apparently is in a relationship with this scent that I can't begin to explain.

Anyway, it's eucalyptus, mint, and hyssop oil. It's a purification ritual in a body wash. (no I mean that that's really what it is.)

And now for the geeky, educational stuff.

"What the hell is hyssop?", I hear you ask. Well, let me do you a learn. Hyssop is a member of the mint family. It's ancient. Biblically ancient - most famously for this quote:
Psalm 51:7: "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow"

Hyssop is mentioned a bunch of times, but that right there is the famous quote. Like I said, it's ancient.

It's an edible herb with pretty purple flowers and is used in the making of both Absinthe and Chartreuse (neither of which, ironically, I can stand the smell of, but that's because of all the anise.)

You can cook with it, and use it to make tea. A bit of a warning though, it doesnt play nicely in concentrated doses (which my recipe is not, to be clear) with folks with seizure problems and you shouldnt use it whilst pregnant . It has a traditional medicinal use as a way to clear stuffed noses and aid in respiratory difficulties (like other mints as well.)

But if you're a fan of clean, fresh scents, this is your jam. Also I have some, so go get it.