Problems with Makeup; Want to Make My Own
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Beverly
Posted on: November 6, 2001

I would like to make my own makeup. It seems that the older I get the more problems I’m having with my makeup. It’s like I’m becoming allergic to it.

Developing sensitivities to cosmetics and the chemicals used in them is a problem for many people. Compared to medicines, it is amazing how little commercial cosmetics are regulated when one considers that the skin is the largest organ. What we put on our skin and in our hair is absorbed into the body, and who knows what damage this is doing. Commercial cosmetic manufacturers are not required to reveal what is in their products, so the consumer who is developing sensitivities is at the mercy of the manufacturers.

Fortunately, it is not hard to make one’s own cosmetics, and there are books that can help you. A perennial bestseller on our book list is Margaret Dinsdale’s "Skin Deep". It covers making your own herbal hair and skin care products, including shampoo, cleansers, etc. using common ingedients available from the kitchen, garden or pharmacy. The book is available from Richters online.

Another useful book is "The Soap Book" (also available from Richters). Soap can be irritating and allergenic, and we use it many times every day on ourselves. With this book, you can make your own herbal soaps with pure and simple ingredients, including herbs.

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