You will have to find the right amount of essential oil for yourself. The peppermint has a cooling effect, but there is a difference in the oils that are for sale, some are stronger then others and everybody has a skin that reacts differently. The one I have made for myself has 40 drops. I bought a cheap body lotion in a drugstore for this. Instead of vodka you can use rubbing alcohol which is available from chemists. Tea Tree or Eucalyptus oil also have refreshing effects. I made it for a friend and used lemon oil, does not have the tingly effect like the peppermint but smelled very nice, make your own combination. The cream is also nice when you not just massage it into your feet but on your legs as well. The cornstarch works like talcum powder and might leave a slight white powder haze on the areas you have rubbed it into and on your hands.