Welcome to Elementally Yours

 1. Usage Guide

• Bath Salts: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salts to warm running water. Swirl the water to ensure they dissolve completely before entering. For muscle relief, soak for at least 15–20 minutes.
• Bath Scrubs: Use on wet skin in the shower. Apply a small amount in gentle, circular motions—do not apply heavy pressure, as salt can be abrasive.
• Frequency: Limit exfoliation with scrubs to 1–2 times per week to avoid drying out or irritating your skin.
• Target Areas: Focus scrubs on rough patches like elbows, knees, and heels. Avoid the face, as salt crystals are typically too coarse for delicate facial skin.

2. Storage & Longevity

• Keep it Dry: Moisture is the primary "enemy" of salts and scrubs, causing them to clump or harden. Always use dry hands or a clean spatula to scoop product from the jar.
• Airtight Containers: Store in glass or high-quality PET plastic jars with tight-sealing lids. Avoid porous materials like cardboard or unlined wood for long-term storage.
• Cool & Dark Environment: Store your products in a cool, dark place like a bathroom cabinet or pantry, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and degrade essential oils.

3. Shelf Life & Safety

• Pure Salts: Unscented Epsom or sea salts can last indefinitely if kept dry.
• Blended Products: Scrubs containing oils or botanical ingredients typically last 6–12 months. If a scrub contains perishable items (like fresh zest), its shelf life may be shorter (e.g., 1–3 months).
• When to Discard: Check for changes in smell (rancid or sour), major separation that won't remix, or any signs of mold.
• Safety Warning: Salt can sting open cuts or freshly shaved skin; wait at least 24 hours after shaving before using a salt scrub.

 1. Before You Light

• Trim the Wick: Always trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6mm) before every burn. This prevents excessive flickering, soot buildup (black smoke), and "mushrooming" at the tip of the wick.
• Check the Surface: Place your candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, vents, or ceiling fans.
• Clear Debris: Ensure the wax pool is free of wick trimmings, matches, or dust, as these can act as secondary wicks and cause the candle to overheat.

2. During the Burn

• The "Memory Burn" (First Use): On your first light, allow the candle to burn until the wax melts completely to the edges of the container. This usually takes 2–3 hours and prevents "tunneling," where the candle burns a hole down the center and wastes wax.
• Limit Burn Time: Do not burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time. Over burning can cause the jar to overheat, the wick to become unstable, and the fragrance oils to break down.
• Never Leave Unattended: Always keep a burning candle within your sight and out of reach of children and pets.

3. Extinguishing & Storage

• Use a Snuffer or Dipper: Avoid blowing out your candle, as this can cause wax to splatter and create unnecessary smoke. Use a candle snuffer or a wick dipper to gently extinguish the flame.
• Center the Wick: If the wick drifts to one side, gently nudge it back to the center while the wax is still liquid to ensure an even burn next time.
• Cover and Store: Once the candle is cool, replace the lid to keep out dust and preserve the fragrance. Store candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• Know When to Stop: Discontinue use when about 1/2 inch of wax remains at the bottom of the jar. Burning it any further can cause the glass to crack or damage the surface underneath.

 1. Daily Usage & Preservation

• The #1 Rule: Keep your soap dry between uses. Constant exposure to water causes handmade soap to melt quickly.
• Optimal Drainage: Use a slotted soap dish or a "soap saver" made of wood, stainless steel, or breathable plastic to allow air circulation around all sides.
• Strategic Placement: Store the soap in the driest part of your shower, away from the direct stream of the showerhead.
• Maximized Lather: Using a washcloth, loofah, or soap pouch can help generate a rich lather with less soap, making the bar last longer.
• Travel Care: Avoid storing damp soap in airtight travel tins; use breathable pouches or allow it to dry completely before packing. 

2. Storage for Unused Bars

• Environment: Store unused bars in a cool, dry, dark place like a linen closet or dresser drawer.
• Avoid Plastic: Do not store handmade soap in sealed plastic containers or bags, as this traps moisture and can cause the oils to go rancid. Instead, use breathable materials like cardboard boxes or wax paper.
• Light Sensitivity: Keep soaps away from direct sunlight to prevent natural colorants and essential oils from fading. 

3. Shelf Life & Safety

• Usage Window: Most handmade soaps are best used within 6 to 12 months. While soap doesn't "expire" like food, the scents and colors will fade over time.
• Red Flags: Discard any soap that develops a rancid or sour smell, shows visible mold, or has "Dreaded Orange Spots" (DOS), which indicate oil oxidation.
• Soap Slivers: When a bar gets too small, press it onto a new bar or collect slivers in a muslin bag to use as an exfoliating washcloth