Add the tallow and beeswax to a clean, dry heatproof jar. Place the jar on a folded cloth in a saucepan half filled with water and heat gently over low heat until melted, stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat and stir in the almond oil (or jojoba oil). Let the mixture cool for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the vitamin E oil and essential oils, if using.
Pour into silicone molds and let the lotion bars harden completely at room temperature (about 1–2 hours). Once firm, remove from the molds and store in tins or a cardboard box at room temperature.
Notes
For lotion bars, choose skin-friendly essential oils that are generally well tolerated. Some of my favorite blends are:
Woodland: 20 drops cedarwood, and 15 drops lavender