It was the summer of 1979 and I had recently graduated from massage school and yoga teacher training.  My two dear friends, Sandy and Gail were my traveling companions. We loaded up the Volvo station wagon and hit the road for one the most memorable experiences of my life.  Being in our early 20’s, we  were wild and free and full of adventure. We headed north with the music blasting, windows down and our long hair flying all around our smiling young faces. I had discovered Rosemary Gladstar, founder of The California School of Herbal Studies in Guerneville, California. She was offering a full day class teaching us how to make herbal cosmetics. The school grounds were fabulous. Stunning herb gardens and peaceful forests surrounded us during that unforgettable day. The class was full of other exuberant attendees. The weather was scorching, but we didn’t care.  Huddled together in an old school house, we were eager to take in the wisdom of this great teacher. Rosemary taught us how to make lip balm, moisturizing cream, body powder, bath salts, scrubs and facial masks. We were in heaven! I dove right in and continued to make my own products and eventually created an entire line called Lola’s Earthworks. I sold my goods through out the country and taught classes  which also included  in depth aromatherapy and acupressure face lift and facial massage techniques. Fast forward 40 years, I’m making small batches of cream again, mostly for personal use in my self care gua sha and facial massage ritual, as well as a barrier cream for my hands when painting with acrylic paint. So, here’s the basic recipe. Feel free to experiment with small amounts of essential oils and other ingredients that appeal to you.

 

Standard Recipe

Supplies needed:

Double boiler (pot in a pot of water), blender, measuring cup, measuring spoons, wooden spoon, spatula, jars, labels, potholder.

I keep these supplies reserved solely for making cream.

Ingredients:

1 cup distilled water or hydrosol*

1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

50-80 drops of pure essential oils**

1 ounce beeswax, or for vegan, substitute shea butter

¼ cup coconut oil

1 tablespoon cocoa butter

Directions:

In a double boiler, turn on low heat and add beeswax (or shea butter), coconut oil, and cocoa butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are melted.

Put all of the liquid ingredients into a blender and give a quick blend. It’s going to smell amazing!

Pour melted ingredients from the double boiler into a glass measuring cup.

IMPORTANT: In order for this emulsion to occur, slightly tilt the side of the measuring cup until you see an opaque film. Then you must immediately proceed.

Turn blender on to low speed and remove center lid if possible. Slowly add melted ingredients in a steady stream, into the center vortex. Stop the blender if needed and scrape down sides. Continue until everyting is combined. Pour into jars. Cap jars and lable.

Your moisturizing cream should be stored in a cool dark place and will last six months or longer.

* A hydrosol is a by-product of the distillation process of essential oils, i.e., rose water, orange flower water.

** Leading essential oils used in skin care: lavender, neroli, frankincense, chamomile, rose geranium, ylang ylang.

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