Handmade Soap and Mineral Makeup Oh My

Please welcome our newest contributor: Christine Eclavea Mercer, also known as Christine Sews! She’ll be sharing finds and treasures from the world of Handmade Beauty. Please leave her a comment and welcome her to Try Handmade — and if there are any beauty products you’re hoping to exchange for handmade versions, just let her know what you need.

:: Erika

[hChristine]

Last year I had the good fortune to participate in a CSA, community supported agriculture co-op. While there I discovered something other than food: handmade soaps, hand creams and lip balm. I don’t know about other people, but when I thought of handmade, what came to my mind were pillowcase dresses and beaded jewelry. I certainly enjoy those things. But I do not require them for daily cleanliness.

It had never before occurred to me that I could purchase spa and cosmetic products anywhere other than a grocery store or other commercial establishment. But there next to the honey, were all natural soaps and lip balms made by Bill Dunn, the local beekeeper. And a light came on that things comparable to olive oil cream from Italy or savon du provence (French milled soap) were available to me locally. And so began my love affair with soaps and creams and lip balms made by artisans closer to home.

I started dipping the lip balm in a commercial brand of mineral makeup blushes and eye shadows, instead of using lipstick. I later discovered handmade mineral makeup available from artisans at Etsy. I am an especially big fan of Funkey Monkey mineral mascara, which doesn’t irritate my eyes or skin.

Being a sufferer of eczema, I’m all about things that work. And I long ago tossed my prescription for 40 dollar lotion full of preservatives in favor of olive oil and shea butter creams that actually work, and smell better. Who knew I could buy them directly from artisans? Dress Green, makes lovely smooth creams. And they shipped my order promptly and sent me a nice little note telling me it was on the way.

Other handmade beauty and spa products worth exploring include: body creams and oils, mineral foundation, fragrance, hair balms and shampoos, shaving creams, salves, scrubs, and skin care (facial) items. Ready to go shopping with me?