Outback Body Products

29/09/2026

September Soap Challenge — Pointy Layers ~ I have named this one Point Taken
Well, this one definitely took a few attempts.

This month we were learning the Pointy Layers technique, made popular by the very talented Teri Endsley of Tree Marie Soapworks. The technique actually began as a happy accident when Teri was trying to pour flat layers, became impatient waiting for her soap to set up, and ended up creating pointy layers instead. She went on to refine the technique and share it with the soapmaking community, including teaching it for Soap Challenge Club back in 2019. Thank you Teri, for sharing your technique with us!

For my first try I chose sage green, deep berry and turquoise. The pour didn’t go quite to plan, When I cut the loaf, I could see that I had definitely created points, particularly between the turquoise and berry layers, but there were also a few much deeper drops where my pour clearly got a little too enthusiastic, and the colors felt much moodier than I was expecting.
So, My final attempt and a complete change of direction.
I went much brighter this time and used my Lychee & Peony fragrance. I was much happier with how this one came together, and although every bar has its own slightly different pattern, I finally got those pointy layers I was trying for.
As always, I learnt plenty along the way — including that sometimes the picture you have in your head and what comes out of the mold are two very different things 😂
So here is my final submission for the September Pointy Layers Challenge.

26/09/2026

September Soap Challenge — Pointy Layers
Well, this one definitely took a few attempts.

This month we were learning the Pointy Layers technique, made popular by the very talented Teri Endsley of Tree Marie Soapworks. The technique actually began as a happy accident when Teri was trying to pour flat layers, became impatient waiting for her soap to set up, and ended up creating pointy layers instead. She went on to refine the technique and share it with the soapmaking community, including teaching it for Soap Challenge Club back in 2019. Thank you Teri, for sharing your technique with us!

For my first try I chose sage green, deep berry and turquoise. The pour didn’t go quite to plan, When I cut the loaf, I could see that I had definitely created points, particularly between the turquoise and berry layers, but there were also a few much deeper drops where my pour clearly got a little too enthusiastic, and the colors felt much moodier than I was expecting.
So, My final attempt and a complete change of direction.
I went much brighter this time and used my Lychee & Peony fragrance. I was much happier with how this one came together, and although every bar has its own slightly different pattern, I finally got those pointy layers I was trying for.
As always, I learnt plenty along the way — including that sometimes the picture you have in your head and what comes out of the mold are two very different things 😂
So here is my final submission for the September Pointy Layers Challenge. I have named this one Point Taken.

07/09/2026

I’ve officially finished my Formula Botanica course — and I received 94% on my final assignment.

I decided to do the course because I wanted to build on the experience I already had making products for Outback Body Products and deepen my understanding of formulation.

It has been a very full-on few weeks, especially while still running the business, but I’ve learnt a huge amount and I’m really proud that I pushed myself to do it.

A big thank you to Formula Botanica for creating such a comprehensive course that can be completed from home and in your own time, while still having the support and guidance you would expect from a physical school. That flexibility is a huge part of what made it possible for me to do.

And a very big thank you to my husband, who has supported me through all of it — the late nights, the study, the practical work, the deliveries turning up, the constant talking about ingredients, and me disappearing into the workshop because I had “just one more thing” to finish.

I’m very proud to now officially be a Formula Botanica Graduate.

And I’m definitely pretty happy with that 94% too.

05/09/2026

I’ve just submitted my Final Assignment for the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, so I thought I’d share the finished product.

This is Citrus Breeze, a lightweight body cream with Pink Grapefruit and Blood Orange.

It took me three trials to get it where I wanted it. I was aiming for something moisturising but still light enough for our hot, humid weather. Along the way I had to remove Benzoin Oleoresin because it kept leaving specks, and I reduced the glycerine because the earlier version felt a bit too sticky.

I also used Glyceryl Stearate Citrate for the first time and was really happy with how it turned out. The final cream is very light, spreads easily, absorbs quickly and leaves an almost powdery feel on the skin.

One of the biggest things I’ve taken from this course is how much you can learn by making small changes, testing properly and actually watching what the formula does over time.

Now it’s submitted, so I’m at the slightly nerve-racking part — waiting for the grading to come back and hoping I’ve done enough to pass.

18/08/2026

Glass Roses 🌹

This month’s Soap Challenge Club challenge was transparent soap, and I’ll admit this one wasn’t my favorite 😅

I’ve made my own transparent soap for a few years, but I normally use it for embeds and embellishments in my cold process soaps. This was the first time I’d used it for the majority of the bar and apparently that makes a difference 😂

My first batch was made with 100% coconut oil using alcohol, glycerin, propylene glycol and a sugar solution as the solvents. It turned out more yellow and cloudy than I wanted and also seemed a little soft once it had set.

For batch number two I removed the propylene glycol and was much happier with the result — this one came out beautifully clear.

Then I just had to work out what I was actually going to do with it.

My first design used transparent soap embeds, but I couldn't stop them from partially melting when I poured the soap around them. The result was a cloudy top and I couldn't see through the soap the way I had pictured in my head.

So I changed direction and Glass Roses was the result. 🌹

I switched to piped cold process roses, tinted the first layer with transparent soap dye, placed the roses and then poured a clear layer over the top. This finally gave me the suspended floral look I had been trying to achieve.

I’m really pleased with how these turned out, although this challenge did confirm something I probably already knew — I miss making cold process soap! 😂

I still love transparent soap and will absolutely keep making it for embeds and embellishments, but making it the majority of the bar? I think I’ll happily go back to my cold process soap for a while. 😅

12/08/2026

Hi everyone. As part of my Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, I need to learn why people choose and use different skincare products. I’d really appreciate your help with five quick questions about the products you already use.

1. What skincare or body-care products do you use regularly, and why do you use them?
2. What skin problems or needs are you hoping those products will help with?
3. What do you enjoy most about using your favourite products?
4. What frustrates or disappoints you about skincare products?
5. What matters most when you choose a product—price, ingredients, performance, scent, packaging, locally made, or something else?

There are no right or wrong answers. Your honest feedback will help me complete my course activity. Thank you!

10/08/2026

🎉 Our July Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Kimmy Oliver, who has collected her Outback Body Products prize! 🎁

Want a chance to be our next winner?

Each month, one of my email subscribers has the chance to win an Outback Body Products prize.

Joining the email list also means you'll be the first to hear about new products, special offers and what’s happening at Outback Body Products.

👉 Sign up to our monthly email for your chance to win.
https://www.outbackbodyproducts.com/pages/monthly-giveaway

Beautiful products for everyday life.

27/07/2026

A week ago I started my Diploma in Organic Skincare with Formula Botanica. It was a huge step for me because schoolwork, studying, and computers in general have never really been my favourite things. I also have a habit of getting distracted 😜 and before I know it, I’ve completely lost track of time!

Knowing that about myself, I was determined to stay focused and keep myself on track. I set a very ambitious goal of graduating in just six weeks so I wouldn’t lose momentum or motivation.

So far, it’s working! 🎉 Today I started Module 3, and I was thrilled to receive a distinction on my exam.

I’m excited to keep learning and can’t wait to bring everything I learn back into Outback Body Products.

25/07/2026

25/07/2026

✨ Northern Sky
🌌 Soap Challenge Club – Galaxy Challenge

This challenge was a bit of a journey!

The inspiration for my color palette came from the Northern Lights back home in Alaska. I wanted to capture those vibrant blues, greens and purples against the black of space, with each planet having its own unique look.

It took me three attempts to get there.

On my first soap, I added confetti to the black layers to try and create the appearance of stars. It seemed like a great idea at the time, but when I cut the soap I wasn't happy with it. The nebula ended up too dark and just didn't stand out the way I'd pictured it in my head.

For the second soap, I was much happier with the galaxy, but something still wasn't quite right. The bottom black layer wasn't large enough, which pushed the planets down towards the bottom of the bars instead of having them flow through the middle.

By the third attempt, I finally felt like everything came together. A few adjustments to the layer proportions made all the difference, and the design was much closer to what I'd imagined from the beginning.

Sometimes it's tempting to settle for "good enough," but I knew I'd always wonder "what if?" if I didn't give it one more try. I'm really glad I trusted my instincts and kept refining the design.

A big thank you to Amanda, Robyn and Lane Bass for another challenge that really got me thinking. I can't wait to see everyone's galaxy creations! 💜✨