Despite the terminology of the phrase, body oils do not actually make your skin greasy and untouchable. In fact, body oils that are applied once you've towel-dried after bathing are very nourishing, and serve as thirst-quenchers for an expanse of skin that may otherwise be dry and exhausted. Plus, body oils are a great alternative to creams and lotions that can sometimes be too heavy. Here are a few body oils you can easily make in the comfort of your own home. After mixing, siphon the oils into glass jars (preferably dark) and store out of sunlight in room temperature (excessive heat will warp the effectiveness--and the scent.)

Another great use for the body oils mentioned here is for the purposes of massage. Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of healing, and the right combination of ingredients as well as the right scents can be highly effective in soothing sore muscles and joints.

To make these concoctions, simply put all the ingredients listed into a small bottle and shake well.

Recipe by Loredana and Mariano Spiezia, owners of Spiezia Organics.

• 1 3/4 fl. oz. jojoba oil
• 1 fl. oz. almond oil
• 1/2 fl. oz. apricot kernel oil
• 1/5 fl. oz. wheat germ oil
• 18 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
• 10 drops sweet orange oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil

Recipe by Michelle Roques O'Neill, UK aromatherapist.

Great for: getting you in the mood

• 1 3/4 fl. oz. peach kernel oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 8 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
• 4 drops West Indian bay essential oil
• 3 drops patchouli essential oil
• 2 drops myrrh essential oil

Recipe by Michelle Roques O'Neill, UK aromatherapist.

Great for: detoxifying, drainage and improving circulation

• 1 3/4 fl. oz. peach kernel oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 8 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 tablespoons of carrier oil (a carrier oil can be either Safflower, grapeseed, or almond; they have no odor and won't interfere with the other ingredients)

• 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 10 drops of begamont essential oil
• 10 drops of rosemary essential oil

Recipe by Hillside Herbal Products

Great for: giving baby a bedtime massage, but also great for adults!

• 50 ml almond oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops mandarin essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil

Recipe by aromantic.com.

• 15g organic Shea Butter
• 40ml apricot kernel oil
• 25ml jojoba oil
• 13ml thistle oil
• 5ml Vitamin E oil
• 1ml/g Vitamin A palmitate
• 1ml essential oils (Safflower, grapeseed, or almond, which have no odor)

First melt the Shea Butter, then add all the oils except the Vitamin E and the essential oils. Add them last.