The Natural Beauty Workshop

What You Can Do to Help Oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008

As many of you know, Donna Maria, of The Indie Beauty Network, has been making a huge effort on the behalf of hundreds of indie business owners in opposition of The FDA Globalization Act of 2008.  In it's current draft form, this legislation could negatively affect small businesses across the nation, and even cause countless businesses to close their doors forever.  While this prospect is indeed frightening, Donna Maria has continued to encourage indie business owners, and choice conscious consumers to band together against this unfair legislation.  Working together, our voices can become loud and clear. 

What can you do to help oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008?

• Help Donna Maria reach her goal of collecting 100,000 signatures by signing her online petition.
• Speak out by writing a letter to Congress. Donna Maria has thoughtfully put together some sample letters on her blog to help inspire us.
• Spread the word by contacting your local media including newspapers, television stations, and radio stations.  Check out Donna Maria's sample letter to the media to help you get started.
• Pass it on by getting your family, friends, and customers involved in the movement.  Remember, this legislation has the potential to affect more than business owners.  Many consumers prefer buying handmade skin and hair care products to buying from big box companies.  You may be surprised to find that many consumers are more than willing to fight on behalf of their favorite product.  After all, to many people skin care takes an important role in their lifestyle.  Use your blog, newsletters, and word of mouth to spread the word. 
• Keep in touch by following Donna Maria's progress on The Indie Business Blog.

Ayurvedic Hair Rinse

This aromatic herbal hair rinse is infused with a blend of hair loving Ayurvedic Herbs.  Haritaki Powder has astringent properties that help to balance the hair's moisture.  Hibiscus Petal Powder is great for the scalp.  It helps to nourish, condition, and stimulate the hair at its roots,  improving scalp condition which can lead to the growth of happier, healthier hair.  This rinse also includes two staple hair rinse ingredients, Apple Cider Vinegar and Rosemary Hydrosol.  Apple Cider helps to cleanse the hair, removing residue and buildup left over from everyday shampoos, conditioners, and hair products.  It also helps to balance the ph of the scalp and hair.  Rosemary Hydrosol adds shine, balance, and stimulation.

This rinse has a very potent, herbaceous aroma.  If the scent is too intense for you, try adding a few drops of Jasmine Absolute, Rose Essential Oil, or Lavender Essential Oil to an equal amount of Polysorbate 20, and mixing it into the rinse.

For a limited time, FromNatureWithLove.com is offering a 30% discount off of their online selection of Ayurvedic Herbs and Oils. Check out the Sales & Specials page for details!

Ayurvedic Hair Rinse
Makes about 16 ounces

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Distilled Water
2 tablespoons Haritaki Powder
2 tablespoons Hibiscus Petal Powder
1/2 cup Rosemary Hydrosol
1/2 cup Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Also Need
A Cheesecloth or a Large Tea Bag

Directions
Bring 1/2 cups of Distilled Water to a boil, add powdered herbs and stir well.  Reduce heat to low simmer, cover, and allow to gently boil for 30 minutes.  Remove the mixture from heat and allow to cool completely.  After the infusion has cooled completely, strain it through a cheesecloth and into a mixing bowl or pitcher.  The mixture may have to be strained more than once to remove all of the plant material. 

Alternatively, you can add the powdered herbs to a Large Tea Bag to avoid the messy process of straining the herbs.  Using an iron, seal the Hibiscus Petal Powder and Haritaki Powder into a Large Tea Bag prior to beginning this recipe.  Boil the water, add the tea bag, reduce to simmer, and allow the water to gently boil (covered) for thirty minutes.  Allow the mixture to cool completely before removing the tea bag and moving on the next step.

Add the Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Rosemary Hydrosol to the mixing bowl or pitcher and stir well.  If you are adding any optional scent to the rinse, do so now.  Pour the mixture into snap or disc cap bottles.

Usage and Packaging
PET or HDPE Plastic Bottles with Snap or Disc Caps make great applicators for herbal hair rinses.  After shampooing, simply douse your hair with the rinse, allowing all of your hair to be saturated.  You may rinse your hair again with water, or leave the mixture in your hair.  While the scent of the vinegar and rosemary will wear off after your hair has dried, the Ayurvedic herbs may leave a slight aroma in your hair if you choose not to rinse.

Silk Powders

Silk Powders impart a soft, smooth texture into mineral makeup, creams, powders, and a wide range of other cosmetic products.  Silk Powders are available in two varieties through FromNatureWithLove.com.  Our Superfine Silk Powder is insoluble in water and generally used to create mineral makeup.  The fine particles of silk can help to balance skin's moisture while improving the texture and appearance of the skin.  Superfine Silk Powder also makes an excellent additive in body powders and oil based body butters.   Our other variety of Silk Powder, Silk Peptide Powder has an ultra fine consistency and is water soluble.  The solubility of this powder makes it ideal for use in creams, lotions, and bath products.

Silk Powders are often included in facial primers, products that are designed to prep the face for liquid or powder foundations.  Silk helps to even out the skin's texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and add a smooth, silky surface for the makeup to be applied to.  Silk is also used in many popular hair care products.  Silk Powders can be incorporated into shampoos, hair creams, pomades, or conditioners.  Try incorporating Silk Peptide Powder into a products water phase at between 2 and 5% to begin experimenting with this unique ingredient.  When making oil based products, mineral makeups, or body powders, try using a similar percentage of Superfine Silk Powder.

Keep in mind when formulating with Silk Powders that they are not considered vegan.  Silk Powders originate from the same source as silk fiber and material and are considered animal products.  If you, or your customers are vegan, you may want to try Arrowroot Powder as an alternative to using Silk Powders.

Lemongrass Salt Scrub

Being the last month of summer, August's Scrub of the Month is made with the sunny aroma of Lemongrass and cheerfully colored Yellow Illite Clay. This slushy summer time scrub is packed with moisturizing oils and butters including Babassu Oil, Mango Butter, and Poppy Seed Oil. 

Lemongrass Salt Scrub
Makes about 8 ounces of scrub

Ingredients
1 cup Fine or Medium Grain Dead Sea Salt
1/2 ounce Mango Butter
1/2 ounce Babassu Oil
1 ounce Poppy Seed Oil
2 teaspoons Yellow Illite Clay
10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
25 drops Vanilla Absolute (Optional - This helps to soften the strong aroma of Lemongrass Essential Oil. You can also use a more economic synthetic Vanilla Fragrance Oil.)

Directions
Gently warm the Mango Butter and Babassu Oils until they are completely melted.  In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and oil with the Poppy Seed Oil and the Dead Sea Salt.  Stir well, and then add the Yellow Illite Clay and Essential Oils.  Stir the mixture well, making sure to fully disperse the Essential Oils and Clay.  Add a preservative if you'd like before spooning the mixture into jars.

Packaging and Usage
I prefer to package this scrub in PET Plastic Jars. These crystal clear jars show off the product well and are very durable.  In a sealed container, this scrub should last several months, but after it is opened it can easily become contaminated during use. Keeping the jar away from water, and using clean utensils to scoop out the scrub will help to keep it from becoming contaminated.  You can also package the scrub in single serving containers so that they will be used up completely after they opened.

Self Image and Natural Beauty

I spent this weekend attending a family wedding.  Being a traditional affair, the bride was accompanied by bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearers, and a long flowing train of tulle.  Jennifer, the bride, wore a carefully detailed gown, handpicked jewelry, but most importantly, a glow of joy.  While her hair was meticulously styled, her makeup expertly applied, and her gown perfectly fitted, it was her beaming happiness that made her one of the most beautiful brides I've ever seen.

We discuss beauty a lot on this blog.  We invent recipes and techniques that are meant to primp and pamper us, but I think it's important to mention once in a while that true beauty has a lot to do with attitude, health, and emotional well-being.  There is no serum, potion, or magic recipe that can compare with the natural glow of happiness and self confidence.  This is why the smile and effortless charm of a self assured woman can light up a room, no matter her age.  So next time you pamper yourself with your favorite home spa recipe make sure that you do so with a self loving attitude.  Take care of your body because you love it, not because you are desperate to change it.  When you apply your makeup, try enhancing the features you love instead of trying to hide the features that you are dissatisfied with.  Most importantly, try to remember what you love about yourself, inside and out, every time you look in the mirror. 

Keeping your skin, hair, and body healthy and beautiful is a lifetime endeavor.  As is the nature of life, this journey will have high points and low points, but no matter where you are, it will always be important to love and appreciate the body you have right now.  While scrubs, facials, and creams will always have their place in my skin and body care routine, I have found that self-affirmation may be the most powerful home spa treatment of all.

Click here to see the incredible wedding photos taken by Carla Ten Eyck.

Mineral Makeup

Creating your own custom made mineral makeup at home is easier than you may think.  FromNatureWithLove.com recently published an informative Guide to Creating Your Own Mineral Based Cosmetics which can help get you started.

Learn about commonly used ingredients, necessary equipment, packaging, shelf life, and more!  The Guide to Creating Your Own Mineral Based Cosmetics also provides some basic recipes that are great for the beginning mineral makeup diva.

When you are ready to start creating your own mineral makeup, be sure to check out the Mineral Makeup Ingredient Section at FromNatureWithLove.com.  Find all of the ingredients you'll need to get started in one convenient place accompanied by a wealth of detailed product information.

Soap Wings Tutorial

Creative packaging can add a sense of individuality and fun to handmade skin care products.  A simple bar of soap, for example, makes a great canvas to display some creative flair.  Soap Wings are a fun twist on the classic cigar band technique of packaging.  Fun shapes are hand cut into thick paper such as construction paper or card stock, giving each bar of soap a unique, handmade appearance.  You can use the shapes from our templates in the tutorial below, or invent your own wing patterns.  This technique can also be used with other symmetrical shapes such as Christmas trees, hearts, stars, or even cupcakes!  These adorable packages are great for party favors, stocking stuffers, or other special gifts.

For detailed instructions and a handy template download our printable Soap Wings Tutorial:

Download Soap_Wings_Tutorial.pdf

Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Fruit and Berry Seed Oils. With their wealth of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory capabilities, I sometimes wonder how I ever got along without them.  Of all the wonderful Fruit and Berry Seed Oils available, Red Raspberry Seed Oil takes the lead due to its pleasant texture, wide range of benefits, and pronounced anti-inflammatory effects.  Red Raspberry Seed Oil can even help to protect skin against sun damage.  This collection of benefits makes Red Raspberry Seed Oil an essential part of my facial skin care routine.  In fact, I often use Red Raspberry Oil directly on my skin as a moisturizing serum.

Because I am already a dedicated user of Red Raspberry Seed Oil, I was really excited when I found out that we would now be carrying an Organic Red Raspberry Seed Oil. This cold pressed oil is not only chock full of Red Raspberry goodness, it is certified USDA Organic!  That means that on top of being a high quality cold pressed oil, it is free from any pesticide residue, chemical additives, or chemical fertilizer residue.  Organic certification is especially important when it comes to raspberry products because raspberries are often listed in "the dirty dozen", a top twelve list of the most chemically contaminated foods.  Residue from industrial farming contaminants can be transferred into natural oils procured from these plants, making the use of organic berry, citrus, and grape products essential to those with chemical sensitivities.

Mango Butter

A wonderful alternative to Shea Butter, Mango Butter has a firm texture, little to no characteristic aroma, and a creamy white color.  Mango Butter is emollient, nourishing, and can help soothe dry, chafed skin.  This butter can sometimes have a slight fatty acid smell, but it does not generally carry a strong aroma, making it a great ingredient for use in solid perfumes or hair care formulations.  Mango Butter makes a great main ingredient in balms and butters due to its ability to soften and moisturize the skin without being overly greasy.  Though it is hard at room temperature, Mango Butter melts upon contact with the skin, making it a great choice for massage and lotion bars.  Mango Butter can also be used as an alternative to Shea Butter in the creation of whipped body butters.  This easy going butter does not tend to crystallize the way that Shea Butter can, and can be less frustrating to work with.  Mango Butter can also be added to soaps, lip balms, fresh creams, and lotions.  If you haven't tried working with Mango Butter before, try adding it in place of Shea or Cocoa Butter in your next simple formulation.  This should give you a good idea of the differences in Mango Butter's texture and appearance.

Blissful Body Mousse

This deliciously fragrant variation of Whipped Shea Butter is a must-have in my personal skin care stash.  Peach Kernel Oil and High Linoleic Safflower Oil make this whipped body butter extremely nourishing and moisturizing, but what really makes this recipe irresistible is its heavenly aroma!  Vanilla, Bergamot, and Ylang Ylang are known for their aroma therapeutic properties.  With each whiff you'll add a little bliss to your day. (Or daydream.)

Blissful Body Mousse

Ingredients
5 Ounces Shea Butter, Crushed and Refined
3 Ounces Peach Kernel Oil
3 Ounces Safflower Oil, High Linoleic
1 Ounce Jojoba Esters, 70 (MP70)
1 Teaspoon Cornstarch

Essential Oil Blend
15 drops Bourbon Vanilla Absolute
25 drops Bergamot, Ivory Coast
5 Drops Ylang Ylang Extra, Madagascar

Directions
In a double boiler, melt and heat the Shea Butter to approximately 175 Degrees Fahrenheit.  Hold the melted Shea Butter at this temperature for at least twenty minutes before adding the Jojoba Esters.  Holding the melted Shea Butter at this heat for twenty minutes will allow tiny crystals in the butter to fully melt, allowing a smooth, even texture to form when the butter has cooled.  As soon as the Jojoba Esters have melted remove the mixture from heat.  Depending on your double boiler you may have to transfer the mixture to a bowl.  Next, add the Peach Kernel and Safflower Oils, and the Cornstarch.  Stir the mixture well then begin to whip it.  I recommend using a hand or stand mixer for this step, as the whipping process can take a fairly long time.  Whip the mixture for 5 - 10 minutes then add the Essential Oil Blend.  Continue to whip the mixture for another 5 - 10 minutes.  As the mixture cools it will thicken, and firm up.  The finished mixture can be spooned or piped into containers.  Within a few hours, the Mousse should set and become stiff.

Packaging and Usage
The Blissful Body Mousse looks fabulous packed in Flat PET Jars.  It can also be stored in Flat or Dome Cream Jars.  This recipe will fill about 20 ounces of volume.  It should fill about five 4 Ounce Jars or ten 2 Ounce Jars.