These simple indulgences are easy to make and add a touch of luxury to bathtime. Add different essential oils for different effects; lavender oil will promote relaxation, while a citrus oil will promote energy and wakefulness. Wrap the bath fizzies in clear cellophane bags and tie with matching ribbon for a creative hostess gift.

You need:
• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1-3/4 cups baking soda
• 1 cup citric acid*
• Water
• Food colouring
• Essential oil (such as lavender or sweet orange)
• Small spray bottle(s)
• Soap moulds or small muffin tins
*Available at health food and bulk food stores.

Take a larger look at these finished bath fizzies.

How to make homemade bath fizzies:
1. In bowl, stir together cornstarch, baking soda and citric acid, breaking up lumps.

2. Fill spray bottle with water; add 6 to 10 drops food colouring to tint water.

3. Transfer 1 cup of the baking soda mixture to glass bowl. Spray lightly with water mixture, stirring after each spray, until powder is damp and has reached desired colour. ( Tip: Spraying adds water gradually, ensuring mixture does not fizz.) Stop adding water when mixture is just damp enough to be tightly packed or shaped by hand.

4. Add 5 or 6 drops essential oil to baking soda mixture. Mix well.

5. Firmly pack mixture into soap moulds, about 1/4 cup at a time.

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 (using different tints, essential oils or moulds, if desired) with remaining baking soda mixture.

7. Let dry (about 2 hours); carefully pop out of moulds.

Editor's note: Before packing filling into soap moulds, be sure your moulds are completely dry. Any water droplets will cause your fizzies to activate and bubble out of the moulds.

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This story was originally titled "Fizzy Feelings" in the October 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!