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?
I'm like you. "Handmade" often times means jewelry and crafts — both of which I love to dabble in — but, these are some terrific finds. Further proof that I may be the last person to jump on the Etsy bandwagon. Must give in, immediately. Thanks for the tips!
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I'm so excited to see what you'll be sharing with us.
.-= MammaLoves's latest post: I'm Grateful for My Kids…Really…I am. Wha?! =-.
I also deal wtih eczema and most of the 'store bought stuff' breaks me out even worse~
I'm excited to try some of these products!
Susannah
.-= Susannah 's latest post: Pincushion Ring =-.
Thanks for the comments. I'm really pleased to share with people who see the handmade soaps and cosmetics as preventative (skin care) as well as environmentally friendly. And, of course, I get to indulge in more lovely soaps and eye shadows…
.-= Christine Eclavea Mercer's latest post: Comment on Handmade Soap and Mineral Makeup Oh My by Susannah =-.