4.17Debby+how to make easy bath bombs?

Bath bomb recipe

Makes 4 half-balls
Prep 30 mins, plus 2-4 hrs setting

• 100g bicarbonate of soda
• 50g citric acid
• 25g cornflour
• 25g Epsom salt (optional)
• 2 tbsp oil – such as sunflower, coconut or olive oil
• ¼ tsp essential oil, such as orange, lavender or chamomile
• a few drops of liquid food colouring
• orange peel, lavender or rose petals, to decorate (optional)

You will also need

• mixing bowl
• whisk
• plastic moulds (see below for ideas)

Method

1. Put the bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, cornflour and Epsom salt in a bowl, then whisk until fully combined.

2. Pour the base oil, essential oil and food colouring in a small bowl. Mix together well, combining the oil with the colouring as much as possible.

3. Very slowly add the oil mixture into the dry ingredients a little at a time, whisking between each addition. When all the oil is added, add a few tiny drops of water and whisk again (it will fizz when you add the water, so mix it in quickly). You're looking for the mixture to slightly clump together when pressed in your hand and keep its shape – it shouldn't be too wet.

4. If you're adding peel or flower petals to decorate, drop them into the bottom of your chosen mould. Pack your mixture tightly on top, pressing down and smoothing out the top with a teaspoon.

5. Leave your bath bomb in the mould to dry for 2-4 hrs, then carefully remove it. It's now ready to drop into the bath – watch it fizz away!