Mercredi: The Art of Beauty

It's been a little while since I've offered a beautiful recipe rather than a study in beauty for these Wednesday posts. Too much fashion history research of late, I guess. But my current situation had me poking around for a rich and soothing moisturizer recently. Radiation may kill cancer cells and all, but it does nothing good for our bodies' largest organ.

While I have not had time to put this body butter, modified from an old Reader's Digest recipe, together yet I hope to in the near future. I'm relying a Costco size tub of Cetaphil moisturizing cream right now and it is definitely helping. So much so that I would recommend it to anyone. For healing though, there is a lot to be said for something made with both intention and your own two hands (or those of someone who loves you).

So, besides healing intent, here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup grated shea butter
1 tbsp grated beeswax
1/2 cup avocado oil
2 tbsps almond oil
3 tbsps vegetable glycerine
15 drops chamomile essential oil
15 drops sandalwood essential oil

Using a double boiler, combine the first four ingredients over simmering water until the first two ingredients are completely liquid. This can take a few minutes so be patient. Move the ingredients around frequently with a whisk or wooden spoon to speed up the process a little. Don't rush it, though; you'll want a nice, smooth consistency particularly for irritated skin.

Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for about three to five minutes. Do not let it harden again or you'll need to start over.

Using a whisk, stir in the glycerine. Then add the essential oils, about five to seven drops at a time whisking after each addition. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are combined. Pour into a glass jar with a mouth wide enough to allow you to dip two or three fingers in. Seal and store in a cool place away from light.

This moisturizer is perfect for wind or sun damaged skin. It is also great for mature skin or for when the dry dead of winter has you feeling more crusty than silky. Shea, avocado and almond all absorb quickly and both chamomile and sandalwood essential oils provide soothing rejuvenation. The sandalwood oil in particular is renowned for its aroma-therapeutic effects, imparting a sense of relaxation and well-being to the subconscious. I don't recommend this moisturizer for young children, however, as a reaction to the essential oils is occasionally possible.

Make it for yourself, make it as a gift, but make it with love and - for those few moments after a shower or bath at least - all will be right with the world. A votre sante ~

Header: Portrait of a Young Woman by Lloyd Branson via American Gallery