All Natural Cosmetics: Why Pay More, When You Can Pay Less? Quality of Makeup Isn't All About the Price Tag JenJoi Cosmetics

The mass retail cosmetics marketplace thrives on making the consumer believe that in order to find high quality products you should reach for the department store cosmetics and high end labels like MAC, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Smashbox, or the multitude of offerings by Sephora. Cosmo or Vogue just published an entire half of their magazine on the must-have eyeshadow colors and lipsticks for the Spring and Summer. Women flock to the mall to have their makeovers done and the sales associates cash in on another gold mine of a sale because she's convinced her customer that she's beautiful. The image is so much more important than what's clogging your pores and accumulating in your organs. The talc, chemicals, preservatives, and array of other harmful ingredients that these department store makeup counters do not even give you an opportunity to read the label. Once, I went and did a little research of my own at Sephora. I started with the foundation counter and looked on the back of every compact foundation. There were no ingredient labels! 

The handmade marketplace has given rise to thousands of independent cosmetics brands which strive for all natural ingredients and transparency. The conscious consumer is heading over to Etsy, Pinterest, Amazon, eBay, and other online shopping venues to purchase handmade bath and beauty products. Where the ingredients are clearly listed, consumer reviews are not randomly selected for customers to read, and the shop owner truly wants the customer to buy organic, vegan, chemical-free, preservative-free, and all-natural products. The best part of the handmade marketplace is the price point (except for the few shops that are outrageously overpriced. In addition, you must be careful and lookout for the shops that buy direct from wholesalers, retailers, and liquidate stock. In general, the handmade marketplace is all about making the world a better place: offering amazing products and supporting thousands of locally owned businesses across the world.

I started my journey into cosmetics while attending college in my late 20's. It was the beginning of the DIY and Pinterest craze. I purchased a book on how to make all-natural cosmetics and started shopping at TKB Trading for my raw ingredients and packaging. I expanded to buying ingredients via Bulk Apothecary, Etsy, and Amazon. Once I mixed my first foundation, I was hooked. I tested the product for weeks on myself. I spent a lifetime suffering from breakouts and irritated skin from drugstore and department store cosmetics. I used to spend $200 in one small shopping trip to the Bobby Brown counter. Now...I was making my own foundation for under $0.90! I never looked back. This journey started in January 2012 and now I have over 30 foundations, hundreds of eyeshadows, and a multitude of other products (bronzer, blush, luminizer, soap, shampoo). 

I love talking about department store products. Let's find one we can pick on...


I searched under Sephora's "Just In" section under makeup and found the Urban Decay Naked Smoky for $54 + free shipping (It better be free shipping! 12 eyeshadows for $54.)

Ingredients:

Armor: 
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Talc, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyurethane-33, Sorbic Acid, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer. 

Notes: Where exactly is the ingredients for the product itself? I mean the actual color. I linked each of the above ingredients to the Environmental Working Groups page giving the details on each ingredient. Do not simply pay attention to the numerical value associated with the ingredient but also look at exactly what it is. For example, PTFE is TEFLON. I'm sorry...I do not need Teflon in my eyeshadow. The remaining ingredients consist mostly of preservative systems. It's really sad that these million dollar companies haven't figured out a way to buy all-natural ingredients in bulk and make products that aren't saturated in chemicals. All you need to make eyeshadow is the color (mica and/or iron oxide), a filler (kaolin clay, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, arrowroot powder, rice powder, ect., a liquid for pressing (jojoba oil, other carrier oil, even witch hazel). If you really have to add a preservative...go with rosemary extract or another all-natural alternative. I'll share my ingredients a bit later. This is absolutely nutty. 

Other Colors in the palette: 

Dirtysweet: 
Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Silica, Stearic Acid. 

High: 
Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Tin Oxide, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer. 

Radar: 
Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Silica, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Tin Oxide, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer. 

Smolder: 
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Talc, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Sorbic Acid, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer. 

Black Market, Dagger: 
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Talc, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer. 

Slanted: 
Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer. 

Combust: 
Talc, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid. 

Password, Thirteen, Whiskey: 
Talc, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PTFE, Zinc Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid. [+/- (All Shades May Contain): Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491/77492/77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77000 (Aluminum Powder), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 77400 (Bronze Powder), CI 77400 (Copper Powder), CI 77510 (Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet)].

JenJoi Eyeshadow Ingredients

kaolin, mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, magnesium stearate, Vitis Vinifera (grapeseed oil), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary antioxidant extract) may contain iron oxide

The first two ingredients make up the color of the eyeshadow and provide adhesion along with some all-natural grapeseed oil. Rosemary antioxidant extract makes a wonderful all-natural preservative. I purchase my extract from Dr. Adorable on Amazon for only $6.49 (1 oz.). I mix the extract with 16 oz. of grapeseed oil. It only takes 1.5 ml of oil to make over 30 eyeshadows. That's why I know there is zero excuse for these mass retail companies to use the other synthetic preservative systems. I realize that many consumers steer clear of titanium dioxide because of nanoparticles. I've done my research and only purchase oil dispersible titanium dioxide because it's not micronized. I do the very same thing with my zinc oxide. I purchase high micron zinc oxide which also provides additional adhesion and some protection against UV rays. The magnesium stearate provides a wonderful slip to cosmetic products and is vegetable derived.

Pay Attention 

I say this with all good intentions. We, the consumer do not owe these high end companies anything. We deserve transparency in everything we purchase. Especially, the products that enter our bloodstream every time we apply them. If you're pregnant and wearing this stuff...STOP! Read up about bioaccumulation. 

Shop Etsy (Support Local & All-Natural Products)

I own and operate JenJoi Cosmetics on Etsy. I opened shop on December 28, 2014 and thus far, I've sold 525 units of makeup and have 5 star reviews. My shop offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee or I refund your purchase including shipping. I also offer to send additional samples for free if the foundation does not match your skin tone. Potential customers send me their photos and I help them find just the right products to match their skin tone and type. JenJoi's motto is "Beauty in Simplicity." We only use essential ingredients and limit our use of preservatives to 100% all natural ingredients. Our entire line of cosmetics is under $9.99 each. Our loose mineral foundation is only $4.99 this month. We've offered amazing prices to boost our sales and customer base. We will increase the price to $7.99 in August. Our liquid foundation is currently $7.99 and will go up to $9.99 in August. 

Several people told me to raise my prices or no one would buy my products. Quality = Higher prices in the consumers eyes. I do not agree with this perception and want to change it. Customers give my products a chance because I offer sample sizes under $4 (most are $1.99). Once they try it, they come back for the full sizes. I hope to change potential customers mindsets by providing information about cosmetic ingredients and how easily manufacturers can purchase raw ingredients in bulk for a reasonable price. For example, my kaolin clay (I use this for most of my loose mineral products) costs $19.80 for 5 lbs. I use less than 1 ounce to make over 10 foundations. Large manufacturers could purchase the same kaolin clay for pennies per once. 

Let's Go Shopping!

I love searching for products on Etsy! Try this...

1. Go to Etsy
2. Type "organic makeup" into the search bar
3. Find "Refine your search" on the left side and choose "Handmade"
4. Narrow down your search by price $1-$9
5. Finally, choose "United States" under Shop Location
6. This yielded 5,782 Results!
7. Go one step further and change shop location (select Choose a Custom Location) to your state (mine is Oregon)
8. Now...I have 330 listings to look at (so much easier)

I found an organic mascara. I personally do not sell mascara and could really use some right now. The shops name is SkinSolutions. 

Some things to look for...

• Skin Solutions has 22 shop reviews. They've been open since July 5, 2011
• Every review is a 5 star review
• Ingredients
• Materials: Organic aloe vera, Organic green tea, Organic kauai bees wax, Organic kokum butter, Black oxide, Emulsifying wax, Vegetable glycerine, Vitamin e, Rosemary extract
• Product cost $8
• Shipping $2.95
• They have a physical location and website
• What else can I buy here?

• Organic Sunscreen with Antioxidant Protection SPF 30

Many online shoppers won't purchase from online shops with limited reviews and/or sales. In addition, poor photography can be an instant "ick" factor for some. Lastly, the products cost and shipping fees are very important. Personally, I know how much work goes into making mascara and I'm willing to pay $8 for an organic and all-natural product. I do believe their sunscreen in considerably overpriced at $24 a bottle. The 22 shop reviews all love Skin Solutions products and they run a successful business in Ashland, OR. 

I'm going to go ahead and purchase a mascara. I can write a review on my next blog. 

Let's do one more search...

1. Go to Etsy
2. Type "all natural body wash" into the search bar
3. Find "Refine your search" on the left side and choose "Handmade"
4. Narrow down your search by price $1-$9
5. Finally, choose "United States" under Shop Location
6. This yielded 823 Results!
7. Go one step further and change shop location (select Choose a Custom Location) to your state (mine is Oregon)
8. Now...I have 77 listings to look at (so much easier)

TheSoapNut

STRAWBERRY PATCH Handmade Soap - HUGE 5 to 6 oz. Soap Bar - Shea Butter Soap - Cocoa Butter Soap - Cold Process Soap - Strawberry Soap

Using my same guidelines above "Some things to look for..."

Ingredients: Saponified Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Oil, Castor Oil, Palm Oil, Essential Oils, Fragrance, Colorants

I absolutely love bar soap. I used to hate it! Then...I found all-natural and super amazing bar soap. I use a loofah to get a rich lather without all the additional chemicals and ingredients needed to create a liquid soap. The ingredients in The Soap Nut's bar soap is minimalistic and exceptional. The only two ingredients I usually stay away from are fragrance and colorants. This is just a preference. I prefer essential oils over fragrance and don't really mind if my soap is the color of strawberries. 

The price point is very reasonable ($5.50) and the shipping is only $2.75. The Soap Nut has 297 reviews (5 star ratings across the board) and opened in October 2013. Their shop offers 123 products and pricing is very reasonable. They also offer unscented soaps. I love activated charcoal soap for my face. This shop offers some for only $5.50. If I choose to purchase 5 handmade soaps, I get the 6th free! I have tremendous respect for soapmakers. I tried and failed miserably in handmade soap. I'm willing to pay for these wonderful all-natural products and support my locally-made Etsy community. 

Amazon and eBay

I shop a lot on Amazon for my raw products. One of my favorite shops is Dr. Adorable. They carry:

• Body butters
• Skin care products
• Body oils
• Facial creams and moisturizers
• Body paint
• Aromatherapy oils
• Herbal supplements
• Vitamin e supplements
• Healthcare products
• Massage oils

One of my all time favorite products include body butters. If you are searching for a moisturizer, skin cream, body lotion, or raw ingredients to make your own products look no further. My favorite body butter is mango butter. 

This mango butter is organic and raw. You can buy 8 oz. for only $13.49. The product has a shelf life of two years without any preservatives. The butter has numerous health and skin benefits. Please follow the link under "mango butter" to read the full list. They include helping treat acne, eczema, skin inflammation, dry skin, and you can use the butter as a shaving cream. 

My other favorite butters include: avocado, African shea, aloe, cocoa, kokum, hemp, almond, and neem seed. Once you try these all-natural options, I hope you'll stop buying body butters filled with so many unnecessary ingredients. These all-natural butters penetrate the skin, leaving it smooth and soft. You can easily melt the butters down and mix them together and add some essential oils or all-natural fragrance. The best place to buy uncut fragrance is Bulk Apothecary. They also have the most competitive prices on essential oils. Also, you can whip the butters for a fluffy consistency. Some butters like cocoa butter should be mixed with shea or mango butter, melted down, mixed, refrigerated for a few hours then whipped together.  

eBay

I have not purchased any makeup on eBay. I normally buy product containers and shipping materials on their website. Let's try searching for some all-natural makeup. I used the following guidelines for my search criteria:

1. Type "all natural makeup" into the search bar (yields 2,055 results)
2. Narrow your price range ($1-$9)
3. Choose "US Only" under Item location
4. Change category to "foundation makeup" (yields 167 results)

This search didn't yield any results except mass retail brands :(

I changed my category to "Face" and yielded a few additional results (338) and found...

Setting Finishing Powder Makeup All Natural Aloe Get Real Naturally

I've never heard of this brand before. I couldn't find a website that matched the name. It seems the eBay seller is the manufacturer. The product only contains two ingredients: mica and aloe vera powder. The price is reasonable ($7.95) and includes free shipping. all7gators, the seller has 439 sales with 99.5% feedback. The shop carries 33 other products including an all natural bronzer for $10.95. 

The ingredients include: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Mica, Zinc Oxide, Rice Flour, Clay, Pearl Powder, Arrowroot Powder, Oatmeal Powder, Calendula Flower, Lavender Flower, Essential oils including Rose.

I'm not too keen on the addition of essential oils to a bronzer. They normally irritate my skin. After reading through the listing, I believe this seller would be willing to take a custom order and remove the essential oils. This is another reason why I love ordering handmade products. You can request custom orders! Overall, this product has amazing ingredients and no unnecessary preservatives. I love arrowroot powder and also use it in my mineral veil. It's one of our top sellers. 

Boycott Mass Retail Cosmetics, Bath, and Beauty Products (Save money, stay away from toxic ingredients, and help support local businesses across the USA)

I'm a big believer in supporting locally-owned and operated businesses. When you shop on Etsy (stay away from overseas companies) you're supporting local businesses throughout the United States. If everyone started doing this, think about the number of people you are helping telecommute and be with their families. In addition, we are sending a message to mass retail companies that we the consumer are no longer going to tolerate crappy ingredients in our bath and body products. If you are a seller on Etsy, Amazon, and/or eBay start buying from the numerous wholesalers (United States Companies) that offer amazing deals on product packaging and raw ingredients. I'll try to dedicate a blog to this at a later date. Some of my favorite are:

Lotioncrafters

Bulk Apothecary

TKB Trading 

Dr. Adorable

Lastly, shop for all-natural cosmetics with JenJoi Cosmetics. Mention you read this article and I'll give you a free eyeshadow sample of your choice with any order over $10. 

Cheers,
Jennifer Cerf

Owner

JenJoi Cosmetics

The Dirt on Lush Handmade Cosmetics and the launch of our 2015 Spring and Summer New Eyeshadow and Blush Colors

I’ve spent the past month or two in research and development mode. My favorite part of all-natural cosmetics is the process of mixing colors. Recently, I decided to really focus on adding additional matte eyeshadows to our lineup and some light earth tone colors. When I first started grinding makeup, I went sort of crazy on the eyeshadow. I have over 90+ recipes for eyeshadow. While many of my customers like to splurge on high shimmer and luster colors, many crave everyday simplicity and routine. I for example have a pretty set list of favorites when I choose to wear makeup. They include light cream and beige colors with a medium luster for my crease color. Truth be told, I’m not someone who wears a lot of makeup. I started my business mainly because I wanted to offer an alternative to big department store brands laden with synthetic ingredients and harsh chemicals. Not to mention many of these products are extremely expensive.

JenJoi Cosmetics strives itself in the beauty of simplicity and transparency. My blog posts usually share a comparison between our products and department store products. Recently, I went on a two day weekend trip to Portland, OR and walked by a storefront with a sign, “Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.” I’d like to take a brief moment to share my first experience entering a Lush Cosmetics store front. I entered the store after walking by several times. I was super excited by the large bath bombs and blocks of bar soap in various colors. Upon entering the store, my curiosity was quickly revoked after a look from a sales associate. I do not know if it was because of my dreadlocks or what but she just gave me the dirtiest look!

I began to slowly make my way around the shop paying close attention to the ingredients and price point. Lush does an amazing job with product presentation and simple packaging. Very deceiving language “fresh handmade cosmetics.” As I made my way around the shop, I started to get more and more shocked by the price point and list of not-so fresh ingredients including:

Methylparaben

Propylparaben

Talc

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Fragrance

I think the part that bothers me the most is their tricky and deceiving ingredients guide.  I’ve never seen a company fight so hard to hide the use of icky and in many cases unsafe and harmful ingredients. They use terminology such as “safe synthetics.” Put aside for just a moment the fact that parabens are proven to cause endocrine disruption and biochemical or cellular level changes. Informed and health conscious consumers do not want these ingredients in their cosmetics! As a manufacturer of all-natural handmade cosmetics, I know several healthier options are available. In the end, it all comes down to cost. Lush uses parabens, talc, sodium laureth sulfate because it’s cheap. Fragrance does not belong in masks or cleansers. Those of us with sensitive skin understand that fragrance breaks us out and causes irritation.

Before I end my rants about Lush, I want to briefly discuss their makeup. What a disappointment! Filled with synthetic ingredients such as:

Triethanolamine

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

PVP

Methylparaben

Propylparaben

There is absolutely no excuse to use these ingredients in mascara, eyeshadow, mineral powder, or liquid foundation. Let’s start with the mascara. Lush’s mascara uses PVP which is a synthetic polymer or binder (petroleum-based). Their cream eyeshadow contains triethanolamine which is a surfactant (pH balancing). Anyone who studies or makes cosmetics knows there are endless alternatives to using synthetic polymers and surfactants. For example, Lush wouldn't need to use triethanolamine in their cream eyeshadow if they removed some of the many unnecessary ingredients from their products. No one needs water in their eyeshadow.

Lush’s Emotional Brilliance Powder (name aside being a joke) uses talc and synthetic fluorphlogopite to fill this product. Talc has a proven record of organ system toxicity and many consumers report skin sensitivity to the ingredient. Kaolin clay is a perfect alternative to talc and not expensive! Lush is so cheap it uses synthetic fluorphlogopite, a synthetic mica to provide a sheen in its powder. The choices Lush makes in terms of ingredients says a lot about their company. They lie, cheat, and cut corners to encourage their customers to buy from them as opposed to the thousands of all-natural handmade cosmetics available on Etsy that would never consider using this crap they call “safe synthetics.”  I’ll end my rant by saying their liquid foundation sucks and they need to hire a new cosmetic chemist. Water is the most unnecessary ingredient in makeup. It’s also the only reason you have to add such harsh preservatives to your products. Methylparaben and propylparaben are so 5-10 years ago!

Let’s move on and talk about some of my new all-natural Spring and Summer eyeshadow and blush colors.

2015 Spring and Summer Colors

We introduced over 10 new eyeshadow colors yesterday on our Etsy. They are not all themed for Spring and Summer. But I will highlight* these colors in this blog:

Eyeshadow ($1.99 sample size and $2.99 full size)

Ingredients: kaolin, mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, magnesium stearate, Vitis Vinifera (grapeseed oil), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary antioxidant extract) may contain iron oxide

*Pearl Green

Milk Chocolate

Burgundy

Mustard

*Mint Green

Party Girl Pink

*Peach

*Baby Blue

*Apple Blossom

*Champagne

Blackest Black

Glimmer Beige

We also introduced several new blushes to our lineup including:

Blush ($2.99 sample size and $4.99 full size)

Ingredients: kaolin clay, magnesium stearate, mica, Vitis Vinifera (grapeseed oil), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary antioxidant extract), may contain iron oxides

Apricot

Bronze

Bubblegum

Morning Rose

Apple Red

Salmon

Apricot and Peach

Pictures are worth 1000 words….

Apple Blossom Eyeshadow

Baby Blue Eyeshadow

Champagne Eyeshadow

Mint Green Eyeshadow

Peach Eyeshadow

Pearl Green Eyeshadow

Apricot Blush

Bronze Blush

Bubblegum Blush

Apple Red Blush

Apricot and Peach Blush

Morning Rose Blush

Rosy Pink Blush

Salmon Blush

Product Comparisons

I want to offer a couple comparisons. Our ingredients are listed above for our eyeshadow and blush.

One of my favorite new eyeshadows is our baby blue. NYX Cosmetics offers Blue Dream for $5.99

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Silica, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea*, Propylparaben.

I don’t know about you….but I’d rather not have urine in my cosmetics. Diazolidinyl Urea is excreted from urine! Disgusting. We’ve got our regular culprits of parabens. Eyeshadow is all about color and adhesion. These two things can be accomplished without synthetic ingredients and especially urine. Ick!

Look At Me Bubble Gum Pink Blush

Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Mineral Oil, Kaolin, Magnesium Stearate, Isoproply, Palmitate, Methlparaben, Propylparaben. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, FD&C Red No. 40, D&C Red No. 7, FD&C Yellow 5 Lake.

So...not only is Bombshell Cosmetics bubblegum-colored blush expensive ($16), it’s filled with crap! Talc, synthetic mineral oil, parabens, and cosmetic dyes. No thanks.

I’m really going to try and write blogs more often. I enjoy informing the public about cosmetics companies lies, deceit, and overall idiocy regarding safe cosmetics. I also love to praise my competitors who stay true to our shared cause. I do not care if it’s “safe synthetics” or if the product ingredients has its own dedicated informational page on Lush’s company website. Consumers no longer care for synthetic ingredients, talc that clogs pores, or cheap fillers like water and mineral oil. We also do not want to pay for this crap.

Please leave your comments, suggestions, and anything else you’d like.

Cheers,

Jennifer

JJC: All-Natural Deodorant by JenJoi Cosmetics

JJC: All-Natural Deodorant by JenJoi Cosmetics: I started my research and development today, beginning with an all-natural clay deodorant. We have an array of new products launching on our...

All-Natural Deodorant by JenJoi Cosmetics

I started my research and development today, beginning with an all-natural clay deodorant. We have an array of new products launching on our Etsy shop over the next month or so. Make sure to sign-up for our first ever beauty box launching March 16th. You can try 5 full-size products for only $20.00. You pick which ones. No restrictions!

I'm a real hippy. My deodorant is a paste I created from kaolin clay, coconut oil, baking soda, and rose essential oil. I realize that many people do not like coconut oil or hippy deodorant paste. I took my hippie deodorant recipe and made some adjustments to create an all-natural stick deodorant full of love and happiness. 

This deodorant is unisex and we offer custom orders for unscented and adding/subtracting essential oils of your choice. Here's our recipe:

• 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 8 tablespoons kaolin clay
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 3 drops clary sage, 3 drops lemongrass, 3 drops grapefruit, 3 drops geranium, and 3 drops tea tree essential oil
• ½ teaspoon candelilla wax
• ½ teaspoon carnauba wax

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except the waxes into a small bowl. I use a small plastic cup or Ziploc container.
2. Mix together using a wooden stick (this works better than a spoon).
3. Warm your wax.
1. I use a mini crock-pot
2. You can also use a double boiler on the stove or a glass microwavable container in your microwave
3. Completely melt the wax
4. Incorporate your mixture into the wax using your wooden stick
5. Make sure everything is mixed in, there are zero clumps of wax
6. Poor your deodorant into a tube or other container. I use a small Ziploc storage container at home. It's just cheaper.
7. Let your deodorant cool for 3-4 hours

I do not use any preservatives. This deodorant has a shelf life of well over one year. I use my deodorant stick in 1-2 months.

Here's what the mixture should look like before you pour it into your deodorant tube:

Here is my final product!

Your final product will feel soft and smooth when it glides on. You shouldn't have any issue with oil stains under your arm pits. I heard this complaint from someone this week about using coconut oil in their deodorant. I've never had that problem using coconut oil in my deodorant. Kaolin clay helps soak up the grapeseed oil while still offering all the moisturizing benefits. Kaolin clay is a wonderful deodorizer along with my chosen essential oils. 

Make sure to visit our shop and stay on the lookout for new products coming soon!

We also posted a new goats milk soap today for only $2.99

Cheers