18 June 2010

Simple skin care

It will surprise few of you to know that I don't spend much money on moisturisers and skin care.  I don't see the need when I have more than I need in my kitchen cupboards.  My two mainstays are my home made soap and pure organic olive oil.

I use the soap for washing my hair, I don't need a conditioner because the soap conditions as it cleans. Commercial soap is robbed of its glycerine, which is the part of the soap that moistures and conditions skins and hair.  This glycerine is then sold separately for more that the soap and the leftover depleted soap is sold cheaply, after being hyped up with perfume and lathering chemicals.  Yuck.  My tutorial for soap making is here.  Despite what others may say you do not need a separate set of bowls, mixers and spoons to make soap.  A thorough washing after your soap making session will restore everything as clean as a whistle. I use my regular kitchen appliances and utensils and have never had a problem.  Soap making is a wonderful skill to have and it will supply you with excellent everyday soap and help you make beautiful gifts as well.

Below is a tiny glass bottle, formerly used for French vanilla extract, that now holds my cosmetic organic olive oil.  I use a few drops of that oil to remove eye makeup and a few more drops to moisturise my face.  It works perfectly.  I am happy that it's organic so I know there are no nasty chemicals hidden within.  Your skin is the largest organ you have, you must be careful what you put on it.


You do not need to spend a lot of money to keep your skin in good condition.  If organic olive oil can keep my wrinkled 62 year old skin in good condition, then it will do the same for much younger skin too. When you go into a store selling beauty products, have a look on the containers to see what they contain.  It's scary.  Simply your beauty routines as well as your life, you'll be healthier for that one little change.  If you need a skin boost half way through winter or summer, use your own homemade yoghurt as a face mask.  Just apply a layer of yoghurt to clean skin - washed thoroughly with your homemade soap, place two slices of cucumber from the garden over your eyes, and rest for 15 minutes.  You'll be surprised at the difference this makes.

And for those of you who are using those disgusting nail shops to have your nails done or for false nails, stop going.  Anything that smells so bad, any job that requires its operators to wear masks all day, just isn't right.  I first saw one of these stores at our local mall a few years ago and now they're in almost every shopping centre I go to.  Limited experience I know, but I wouldn't enter such a vile smelling place and I don't want you to either.  Develop a taste for simplicity in all things, including nails nicely manicured by yourself.  I'll get off my soap box now.  :- )

Have a lovely day and enjoy the weekend ahead.  I thank you all for your visits this week and for the wonderful comments you continue to leave.  They are beautiful, just like you.

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77 comments

  1. I have been using olive oil to wash my face for a few years now. I love it! Here's another easy idea: pour some sugar in the palm of your hand and add some of that olive oil. Mix together and rub all over your face and body to exfoliate and moisturize all in one! Do be careful in the shower and skip the bottoms of your feet--too slippery.

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  2. I don't make soap myself, but instead buy handmade soap from our local farmers market. The soaps are very gentle on the skin and are made using goats milk.

    As a moisturizer, I use organic, extra virgin, cold pressed cocount oil. Also cook with it!

    Mary Ellen

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  3. I still use lotion on my legs and such, but for my face: I wash with honey, apply tea tree oil for acne control, and use jojoba or vitamin E oil to moisturize. My skin is happy!

    I haven't quite gotten up to making soap yet, but hope to do so soon. Thanks!

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  4. Love this...thank you. I'll have to check out the soap recipe. The more things I learn to make at home...pretty soon, I won't have to go to the store anymore :) :);)

    I use a certified organic unrefined virgin coconut oil on my face. It smells good, too!!!! I leave it on for a bit, then rinse off with water!!! My skin feels really good afterwards.

    What type of olive oil do you use?

    Greetings from Oregon, Heather :)

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  5. Being a soap maker myself, I am hooked on fine hand made soaps and creams. I enjoy your blog very much. Gerry

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  6. Hi Rhonda. LOL @ your vehement conmments re the nail salons. I too cannot stand them, mind you, my nails are not something I would ever spend so much time "nurturing" in that sense, as I spend too much time in the garden to ever want "princess nails." :-)
    It has certainly been dermatoligically proven time and time again that expensive skin care products are indeed overrated (and this is not even with regard to the chemicals contained therein.) When it comes to skin care, it has often been acknowledged by those in the know (NOT sales people ;-)) that simple is indeed better.
    Your soap batch looks lovely, by the way.
    Tracy (Brisbane)

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    1. Another aspect of those nail shops is how much they cost. A friend of mine has hers done there and while they do "look cool" they cost her about $30 per month... and she's always going on about having no money. I wonder why not!! I am lucky that (despite gardening) I do have shapely nails, but even so it costs a lot less to manicure them yourself at home using an emery board while watching TV, listening to music, or similar pursuits.

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  7. You do NOT look your age! I recently started using organic jojoba oil to cleanse and moisturize, I suppose it works about the same as the olive oil, and much better than the store bought chemicals:)I am a soap maker too, will have to try your recipe;)

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  8. Love your blog, you inspire me to live simply. The last time I had my nails done the stuff the lady used burned my skin right next to my nail. It took about a year to clear up the irritated skin. Never again!!!

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  9. Hi Rhonda,I can't wait for our soap to be ready as we only made it last Saturday we have a little wait yet but did not realise you can wash your hair with it!...what adventures lie ahead for us lol anyway thank you again Rhonda and blessings and peacefullness to Bernadette. Carole

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  10. A few years ago I was looking for a moisturizer that would penetrate my skin and really do the job of adding moisture to my dry skin. I read about olive oil and went into my kitchen and tried it immediately. I've been hooked every since! I also use it for make-up removal...and a hair treatment when it's in need of some TLC. I had a severe case of razor burn on my leg that simply wasn't healing properly for almost a year when I discovered olive oil for a moisturizer. I started using it on my legs, too, and it healed the skin within a matter of weeks. I sing it's praised to everyone who will listen. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us every day!

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  11. Oh how interesting. I made my first batch of soap this year and really want to try it for my hair now! My hair is kinda finicky and waist length so if it works well it'll save me a lot :)

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  12. I swear by olive oil, too. I don`t make my own soap, but I buy natural soap from my local health food shop, and have done so for years. A few drops of lavender essential oils mixed with a few drops of olive oil, then added to your bath water will leave your skin beautifully smooth and soft, too. Thank you for your inspirational blog. I keep reading all the previous postings as well. You are such an incredible lady with tremendous wisdom and knowledge to share. Thousends of people are possibly reading your blog now, and we all will benefit from your helpful hints and tips. Thank you for being YOU!

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  13. You say you have wrinkly skin so perhaps the olive oil isn't moisturising your face as well as a commercial moisturiser would. Well known brands have many years of research behind them in order to prevent you from getting wrinkles.
    Beth

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  14. Such good advice - I'll be making soap as soon as I can!

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  15. Ah Rhonda, I am so with you on this one. I started to simplify my routine a few years back. It started with a move to Lush stuff and then I realised that they still had ingredients I wasn't comfortable with. Thanks to your soap tutorial I now make my own soap which I use on my hair and skin. I use pure coconut oil as an extra boost on both when I need it and I use a natural oil and butter blend I bought from the Eden project as a moisturizer. When that runs out I will be turning to olive and coconut oil for that too. If you can't pronounce the ingredients they can't be good for you! I find the smell of most commercial beauty products quite vile now much to the amusement of my friends.

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  16. =) And you would know re: soap boxes! =) Inspiring post. Thanks VERY much. Great point: if it smells evil and is clearly toxic (hence masks), why exactly are you paying to have it put on you?

    REALLY thinking about that soap thing, now...

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  17. I would love to use my homemade soap on my hair but we have really hard water and it makes scum which makes my hair feel sticky and dull. I have tried rinsing with dilute organic cider vinegar but the results still are not great.
    Do you have any tips for dealing with hard water?
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks, Julie.

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  18. great post! sometimes i simply use baking soda to wash my face and hair. i add lavender to make it smell nice.

    coconut oil also makes a nice moisturizer, and it's got a nice summer fragrance!

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  19. I worked for the biggest natural food grocer in the US for eleven years so am fanatical about what I put on my face and on my hair (and in my stomach!) I use the sugar/oil solution a lot as well as egg white for a quick face mask. Going to try using soap instead of shampoo, we have well water so should be good. I like the idea of yoghurt for the face too. I don't wear make up (I'm a year older than you!) because I don't like the feel of it. 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed - that's a lot!

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  20. Yes the simple sugar and olive oil scrub works wonders on my hand working garden hands too. Simple and it works!! Before my hands felt like hard working man hands then after they were soft and womenly again!! :)Sarah

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  21. I'm not meaning to start a slanging match but having a good LOL at an earlier comment about commercial products. IMO if at 62 you don't have wrinkles then there is certainly something wrong! Wear your wrinkles with pride ( as I know you do Rhonda ) there is nothing wrong with aging gracefully.
    Please feel free to not publish this comment if you feel it may cause disruption.

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  22. Rhonda, I think those nail salons are disgusting too...it's amazing that the employees can stand to be in such a horrible smelling environment all day.

    I have found that simpler is better when it comes to skin care. I use only 100% natural shampoo with no fragrance, plain natural soap, and for moisturizing coconut oil, or an all-natural cream based on coconut oil.

    A while ago someone gave me a very expensive jar of Clinique brand facial moisturizer. I tried it out for a few days and found that my facial skin started feeling very dry, papery even. I bet they design the moisturizers so that you need to use more and more of it!

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  23. To Beth, who suggested wrinkles are a result of not using a commercial moisturiser.....wrinkles result from the aging process, and loss of elastin in the skin. No amount of chemicals plonked on your skin is going to reverse that, it's a natural part of our life cycle. Natural moisturisers like olive oil keep our skin looking and feeling nice, and eating well, with lots of antioxidant rich foods, will slow the process, but who wants to stop it, the wrinkles are the road map of our life's journey. I'd be worried to see Rhonda's 62 yr old face up there on her blog with no wrinkles, it wouldn't be natural.

    Those companies haven't done years of research for our benefit, it's to line their very deep products!

    Now I'll get off my soap-box :)

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  24. Great post...I love those soaps:)

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  25. Thank you Rhonda for sharing simple is beaty with our skin care. I was one of those woman who ALWAYS had her nails done at one of those evil smelling places, until I saw a news article on it, I actually wrote a post on it a year or so ago with the news clip, if any are interested, to learn about the toxicity of the chemicals, here is the link.
    http://butterfliesandbreezes.blogspot.com/2008/10/totally-toxic.html

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  26. I have made my own soap for decades and I love it! I use pure canola oil on my skin all over, face included. Its a great moisturizer for me. Just homemade soap and pure oil, that's all I need. I don't rinse the oil off as my dry skin just soaks it up.

    lol. The manicure thing is not a problem. My nails are usually dirty from the garden and extremely short from breaking off.
    ;-)

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  27. i very rarely mosturise as i dont like the thought of whats in mosturisers so i think ill give olive oil a try. or maybe coconut oil as a reader suggested. your always so full of great ideas:)

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  28. To those interested, I use lemon juice and salt scrub on my hands after a gardening session. Cleans them beautifully and leaves them nice and soft!

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  29. Hi Rhonda thanks for the post. can you tell me the name of the writers co-op you used to contribute to. There used to be a link on your blog but it's no longer there.
    Also, just as a comment, If'm finding, its not so easy to find things on your blog now with this current layout the content is still great tho :-)

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  30. Thanks for the beauty tips! Did you know that the average American woman spends over $1,000.00 a year on beauty products alone? Wow.
    I never thought of using olive oil- noting that.
    Still don't make soap yet, but I'm getting there. I really want to because so many blogs come up with beautiful concoctions such as orange zest and other dazzling recipes. I have bookmarked your tutorial though- future use!
    Haha, those nail shops actually scare me. I've been taken to one for a friend's birthday party- and you are so right...it's not worth it. They stick your hands in a bowl filled with *something* and then proceed to remove anything on/around your nails that seems out of place. Clip, snip, tug, pull...ow. So yes, we can do without them. People are perfect the way they were born, thank you. Besides, picture perfect nails wouldn't last a couple minutes on me what with gardening, baking, etc. Healthy diet=healthy nails. That's really all you need.
    You are a beautiful, beautiful person Miss Rhonda, inside and out! Keep the soap box close by. *wink*
    The Girl in the Pink Dress
    PS Just curious- what do you think of makeup? Commercial and the natural versions? I'm sort of lost when it comes to that. Is the natural stuff really natural?

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  31. Rhonda I make your soap all the time now. my sister swears that it is the only thing that keeps her face cleared from old lady zits. i love it on my hair, I will no longer use shampoo, it dries out my hair. I have posted about making your soap and have referred back to your blog for your tutorial. Thanks for mentioning that you can use your own kitchen equipment.

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  32. Hi Rhonda,

    I heard your interview on the ABC and am hooked! Just want to add to the nail salons discussion, there is a small piece of paper on the doors/windows asking people to not bring small children in because of the fumes! Enough said.
    Many thanks for my daily hit of positivity Rhonda.
    Vicki

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  33. Hi Rhonda. Not colouring my hair anymore is one of the best decisions I have ever made, it's in the best condition it's been in for years. Your skin looks fabulous, you are a good ad for olive oil.

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  34. I am pleased to read this post. I still have to try my hand at soap making but feel I am getting closer to giving it a go.

    I apply olive oil to my face and hands before hopping into bed. The skin on my face is so soft now. I also add a smidgen to my hair as well because it is so curly and dry.

    Thank you for each and every one of your great posts Rhonda...

    Tania

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  35. Thanks everyone!

    Girl in the Pink Dress, I wear organic makeup when I go to work but not at any other time. Find a good natural products store and try a few of their products. Not all organics will suit your skin but you should find something that does.

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  36. Sometimes my nails get dry so instead of using a chemical-laden commercial moisturiser I get a drop of olive oil and massage it in to each nail. Leaves them nourished and shiny.

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  37. As a massage therapist you can use olive oil or my favorite is grapeseed oil It is a superb all over body moisturizer and no scent. Those natural oils really are a wonder and it is amazing how many people spend so much on face creams and stuff, when your cupboard has a vast array of things to use.

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  38. Thank you for being so generous and sharing your recipe's and tips as always. I read your blog each and every day though I rarely comment. I look forward to reading and learning more every morning. Your blog helps keep me grounded in this world of disposables and keeps me trying new things! I send you a very heartfelt thanks and my sincere appreciation. I have a question about the olive oil...Is this special organic Olive Oil you use made for cosmetic application or a very high grade of olive oil for cooking that is used for soaps and cosmetic application? And from the picture of the Olive oil...This is off topic but if I'm not mistaken in the background for the organic olive oil you have a beautiful rose print sheet? If not it is the same pattern of a very old sheet set that is here in the U.S. My husband and I were passed our set from his grandmothers bed linen cabinet and now I purchase them anywhere I see them for sale. Being an old pattern, I can only find them second hand and I am delighted whenever I see them. I have only found them twice in 17 yrs. They are the most wonderful sheet set I have ever slept on!

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  39. My favourite indulgence is a day at home with a mixture of homegrown aloe vera, avocado, macadamia oil and olive leaves slathered over my face. I use my mortar and pestle to make it. I read an ad somewhere for some beauty product with extract of olive leaves and thought, I can do that! I look gloriously dreadful while it is on - all green flecked and gloopy, but it feels so good afterwards. But I think the main beauty benefit is the excuse for solitude and just pottering around while it is on!

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  40. praieieharmony, it is olive oil I use in the kitchen. I'll take a photo of it and include it in the post so you can see for yourself. The rose pattern is fabric, I'm not sure of it's history but this fabric is fairly new. Maybe that pattern has been reissued.

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  41. A couple of years ago someone gave me a moisturising cream. It was actually called "Placenta Cream" and yes, that's what it had in it. I could never bring myself to try it.
    Eeeeeeewwwww!

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  42. I second the question about hard water areas, I suppose one could put in a water softener unit. Anyhow I have the same problem with soapscum and dry tacky hair. For now I use egg yolk as a shampoo which is reasonably effective.

    Charlotte

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  43. I hate those nail salons too- when one opened in our shopping centre I saw a mother with a brand new baby sitting in there watching her friend get her nails done- I wanted to scream at her!!
    Bi- carb soda to wash hair and apple cider vinegar to rinse is fabulous!
    I like sweet almond oil for my face, or coconut.
    I think I need to make some soap- not that we use a lot of soap plain water cleans quite well too!

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  44. Hi Rhonda,
    Would really love to try your soap making tutorial but am wondering where to buy the caustic soda? I live in Mowbray/Launceston Tasmania. I totally agree with your comments with regard to the range of "chemicals" in commercially produced skin care etc.....a good place to source organic makeup is through the Cleanlife Directory, they also have a newsletter that will truly open your eyes to the chemicals that are contained in everyday products.

    Di
    P.S Thankyou for the advice about the chickens :-)

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  45. I don't use anything oily on my face, but I do have fairy dry skin and it's extremely sensitive. I use olive oil as a moisturizer and it works wonders. I keep it in a small spray bottle in my shower. It's the best thing I've ever used and it's natural, so no additives or perfumes. I highly recommend it.

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  46. Thank you for another informative post Rhonda. I am wanting to switch to a natural routine as well and wondered if anyone had any opionions on Argan oil.
    Victoria

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  47. Wonderful post, as always! I used ground oatmeal and olive oil as a facial scrub, then I rinse it off with a wash cloth soaked in warm water and lavender oil.

    Your post has inspired me and my daughter to make soap together when she comes home from college at the weekend. She is home for a few days of peace and quiet, and we are both keen to follow your tutorial!

    Thank you Rhonda for your wonderful blog. xxx

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  48. Thanks for this post Rhonda, it is wonderful. I have made your soap and for all those out there thinking about it, just do it! It is so wonderful to use, I love it! It gives such a good clean, you actually feel fresh without being dried out.

    Definitely going to start on with the oil trick. I have been using just water to wash my face lately but even then sometimes it is a bit dry. Sounds like the oil will leave it nice :)

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  49. If you want to use homemade soap as a shampoo be sure to rinse your hair with some diluted lemon juice or vinegar. Using lemon juice (or vinegar or a conditioner, for that matter) will restore the natural PH of your hair. When you wash your hair with soap it feels a little too clean, the rinse makes it all silky and nice. I make soap for our farmer's market and I will never go back to store soap. Let me also put in another plug for olive oil. That stuff is amazing! I like to put it on my body right out of the shower, it does a fabulous job of holding the moisture in.

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  50. What a great post....I haven't tried doing any of this stuff yet.....but I am on the path.....I'm trying one thing at a time.....and I think this might be one of the first things I do.....I lost my job back in October and have decided to become a professional homebody.....and I'm trying to simplify my life and save money.....and become a better person.....consumerism has taken over my life.....and I'm trying to take my life back. Thanks for such a great blog!

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  51. Thanks for the "soap" box moment! It is flabbergasting to look at the multi-million cosmetic industry and realize how much women have been brainwashed into thinking they have to have this or that product, oh, at how much an ounce? just to be acceptable to the world! BAH!

    While getting my hair cut in a beauty shop, there was a finernail station closeby that shared it's reeking, toxic chemicals with everyone in the shop. I complained, sent my toddler son to the shop door for fresh air and will never set foot in a place like that again. But again, how can we possibly be so stupid as to allow this stuff on our bodies, in our environments? All for the sake of beauty? It just doesn't jive. Thank you for speaking out on this.

    Best regards.
    Bette in the USA

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  52. Terrific post! And for me it was so relevant since yesterday was my 41st birthday. My baby (5 years old) told everyone we encountered that it was my bday and how old I was. I could have been embarrassed in another life, but instead I chose to embrace the opportunity to show my daughter that being one's age is nothing to be ashamed of; it's a blessing. So I too wear my wrinkles with pride :-)

    I have been using a honey/glycerin/liquid castille facial cleanser for the last year or so. The recipe is very similar to Julie's over at Toward's Sustainability. Love it!

    Just curious Rhonda...have you ever ventured into making any of your own cosmetics? Any of your readers perhaps?

    Thank you for your inspiration!

    Marnie

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  53. I have been using olive oil on my face for about a year now...and love it..

    home made soap is next on my list of things to make...Thank you.

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  54. I am loving all these comments.
    I too love olive oil and use it instead of moisturizer.Ladies you want beautiful nails.............drink milk! It does help. Too many women do not take in enough calcium and they will have wished they had when they get older. All this from a dairy farmer ;).

    Great post........as always!
    Marlyn

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  55. Ooh, I will absolutely be trying olive oil for my face- why didn't I think of that?

    I wanted to add, too, that I live in a very, very dry climate and my hands are often painfully chapped and splitting. I tried lots of expensive lotions, but I found that plain old vegetable shortening - a la Crisco - is the best moisturizer for them. Olive oil left them feeling a bit greasy (although it's fabulous in that sugar scrub!), but the shortening absorbs right in, as long as you don't get too much. It's great on chapped feet, too.

    Deodorant is another one of my chemical pet peeves. I've found that plain baking soda works better than the many brands I've tried. I just make a bit of a paste with water and smear it on. So cheap!

    Thanks Rhonda. I love your blog!

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  56. Rhonda..what do you think of wearing sun block? I do wear a broad brimmed hat when gardening as much as possible {sometimes it gets in the way}. I was wondering if you use any sunscreen or your thoughts on it. I mentioned I use olive oil on my skin to a doctor and he looked at me as if he thought I was joking! Maybe I should have mentioned it to his wife and not him! :) Sarah

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  57. Its so much cheaper to go with natural products rather than buying all the store bought ones, added 'stuff' aside (as that is just another reason not to buy them).

    There are so many great suggestions on beauty
    products here in the responses, and just wanted to add one more- honey. Works beautiful as an exfoliant.

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  58. I've been wanting to make my own soap for years, I've even had the lye on hand for two years. Now that I know I can use my regular mix-master and pots I am going to give it a go. Thank you for posting your soap making link.

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  59. interestingly, i have been researching natural skin products and getting nowhere....lately i have been getting dry skin on my face and i'm pretty sure that my skin care products are not helping. i will start using the soap/olive oil combo. thanks for that. i'm almost feeling brave enough to make soap too!
    l
    x

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  60. Rhonda,
    I just want to thank you for keeping it all so simple!

    Hey from Alabama,USA, Bonnie ;>

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  61. Who cuts Hanno's and your hair? Do you pay for it? How about that black hair colour you have? Just curious.

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  62. You mentioned "organic" olive oil,
    do you think it being "organic" makes a difference on your face

    Hey from Alabama,USA, Bonnie ;>

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  63. I don't make my own soap yet, but have had great success with Pears Glycerine soap. I used to use all kinds of expensive acne soaps, but the results were just so-so. The glycerine soap is wonderful and cleans far better than any other I have tried. I agree with the olive oil as a moisturizer, but anyone with skin issues should steer clear of jojoba oil. It clogs the pores. Ask me how I know.

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  64. I love your blog, I found it recently through a google search for something and I'm so glad I checked it out! This a great post, I really want to make my own soap, but I live in small town USA, so I may have some trouble finding the rice bran oil. Good thing my mom lives closer to a city than me and we visit fairly often :)
    Thank you for what you do.

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  65. I too use pure olive oil on my face for a moisturizer. This stuff does wonders. I also use it on the backs of my hands (putting it all over them I tend to touch everything and get it everywhere. I put a squirt on the back of one hand and rub the two backs together never touching my palms, works great!

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  66. I use a natural shampoo bar to wash my hair and I like it, but I really thank you for your soap tutorial. Anything I can make myself rather than purchase is the way I like to live.

    I was joking with my husband last night as we passed a nail salon. I said they would take one look at my nails and say they couldn't help me. I have been gardening a lot lately.

    I agree with you that we need to be careful what we put on our skin since it is our largest organ. I wear very little make-up, but the little I wear I want to be as natural as possible. I switched to 100% pure make-up 6 months ago and am so happy with this product, I know just what goes on my face and the ingredient list is so natural you could just about eat the product.

    -Brenda

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  67. Thank you for your link to your soap recipe but I see you use caustic soda. After Googling it I don't want to use it as this is used in paint stripper!
    Helen

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  68. What I noticed about commercial skin moisturizers is that they do produce an effect on your skin while you use them, but when you stop using them your skin goes all dry - as though it "forgets" how to moisturize itself. And yes, it even happened to my skin at 21!

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  69. Thanks Miss Rhonda! I don't wear much make up- some mascara and foundation powder, but still I would like to be as natural as possible. I'll check out the health food stores.
    The Girl in the Pink Dress

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  70. There is a Japanese company that uses olive oil for cleaning your face, and when I first tried their sample (I was hesitant at first as I have oily skin) I was so amazed about the olive oil not leaving my skin greasy. Of course I'm still using my German brand of skincare which I think they are a little bit better as what they throw into their products! I definitely want to try making my own soap soon, and yours looks so pretty. I would like to experiment with different smells as there is an Italian soap that I absolutely love, and purchase from places like TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I like the pretty smelling soap!
    Thanks for all the info!
    Ulrikew

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  71. Thankyou so much for your post on this topic. I was pleased to read a few suggestions for exfoliators (sugar and ground oatmeal) as I find I have a definate need for these (esp my nose!).
    Make up is something very rare for me to use, maybe a couple of times a year for a wedding or formal dinner.
    I am so pleased not to be in a minority here with my choices, makes me feel more normal! Thanks to everyone. Love reading the comments.

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  72. Rhonda,

    We love your soap. We have made three batches so far. Can you tell me how you store it? Also, I was wondering do you wash your hair with your soap and a baking soda water mix?

    Thanks so much :)
    Karen

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  73. Do you have Acne, Herpes, Skin Cancer, aging skin or a skin rash? Read this Guide to learn how to care for these conditions and more. This website is written by international doctors specializing in Dermatology. There is also information about basic skin care, cosmetic procedures and much more.

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  74. I have recently tried to switch from using commercial shampoo to a homemade (by a friend) castile type soap. I've been doing it for a few days now and my hair looks great to everyone else but feels terrible to me. It feels like there is a residue on my hair that is just sitting on top of the strands. I remembered reading quite some time ago that you used your homemade soap to wash your hair and looked up the posting so I could ask you if this feeling is normal and if it goes away or am I using the wrong soap?

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    1. I have never felt anything other than clean hair when I wash with my soap. Could it be a build up of the wax that commercial shampoos contain? If you think it is, try "washing" your hair with baking soda/bicarb a few times to get rid of the build up. Wet your hair, make up a paste of bicarb and water in your hand and rub that through your hair. Rinse out thoroughly. You could use that all the time, but if it is the waxy build-up, try the soap again. I think soap nourishes my hair more than bicarb does. Good luck.

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    2. Thanks Rhonda.
      It's not completely gone but I can tell the baking soda really helped. I'll use that for a few more days and then try the soap again and see if it turns out better this time.

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