As we learn more and more about the deadly ingredients in commercial cosmetics, the demand for alternative solutions becomes more pressing. Here are a few effective 'cosmetic' items, geared as much towards healing as physical beauty needs (lets face it, the barbie syndrom can be fought for all you're worth, it's still there, deep down)

Chaparral Splash
Chaparral is one of the most powerful skin healing herbs, and it worked wonders for my face. A potent tincture of fresh chaparral, mixed with pure whole leaf organic aloe vera juice to offset the alcohol and sooth irritated skin. Its astringent properties take care of outbreaks and pimples, and the strong coloring doubles for makeup. It does give a nice, brownish tinge to the face, making normal makeup obsolete.

1 oz - $9.00

2 oz - $15.00

4 oz - $28.00

Skin Shrink
back onto bones, belly butter & stretchmark killer
Sounds too good to be true? The catch is the scent. VERY potent, very strong, overpowering patchouli, fennel, anis. Not everyone's cup of tea, but then, SOME of us (with hippie tendencies) wear it as body scent ;) Some users noted that not only will it prevent stretchmarks during pregnancy, but it also minimized the one's from PREVIOUS pregnancies. Does it get much better? *I* formulated and used it to tighten up flabby skin from weightloss and age. It takes several weeks to really see effects, so once a day and persistance is a must. If you find it too strong, you can cut it with aloe gel and still get results, but I prefer full blast. Still, do NOT use on your face, the essential oils are too concentrated for sensitive facial skin.

If you don't want to go the cosmetic surgery route, this is for you. I hesitate to say this is the gym in a bottle, but for me, it truly is.

4 oz - $38.00

8 oz - $74.00

Tanning Butter
(Deep tanning, mimimal to no SPF) Beach Strength
Lucious rich butter with all the best skin moisturizing and protective ingredients you could wish for. Leaves your skin smooth and protected. From one sun worshipper to others - I'm seriously solar powered, and need MUCH more sun time than normally recommended as 'safe'. Well, I'm mid 40's, tanned to the hilt, and easily look 15 years younger. Eat your heart out pale faces :)

1 oz - $11.00

2 oz - $20.00

4 oz - $38.00

8 oz - $74.00

Bug Repellant ("Operation Desert Balm")
Another formula inspired out of desperate need. A particular hot summer with horseflys biting like crazy (and not just the horse, YOUTCH), and hubby 'playing' in Iraq for a year brought on the question of DEET-free, yet powerful protection from more than just a few pesky mosquitos. Believe me, if it held off those planet sized Iraqui sand fleas/flies/chiggers and various flying fortresses, it'll repell ANYthing. It might only last for a few hours (after all, essential oils evaporate quickly), especially if you're sweaty, but Momma, what a peaceful few hours those are. Nice skin smoothie too. Pleasent citrus scent.

Btw, if you have a soldier in harms way with similar troubles, I'll be happy to send it straight to his APO, anywhere, anytime. Make sure he's as determined and trusting man as mine was, hehe. His buddies teased him mercilessly (oooo, you smell so puuurdy). Then, when he was the only one not bitten to shreds they came, head in hand, and begged off portions to use. Keeping the sand from sticking was a bit of a challenge, but they reported they'd take the sand (which, really, is sticking anyway, sweat and all) over the bites ANY day. While you're at it, include some Honey Healer salve for the cracked lips, and all the little scrapes and dings they tend to collect.

1 oz - $11.00

2 oz - $20.00

4 oz - $38.00

8 oz - $74.00