She completely filled a drawer with these recipes. So Deb thought it was time to make a book out of her collection. And I’m so glad she did! "Nature’s Beauty Kit" includes tons of clever recipes, like homemade hair rinses, facial masks and shampoos. Deb thinks hair rinses will be a winner with teens, since it gives hair natural highlights!

As with using any new product....

• Be sure to test a little of the homemade creation on the inside of your elbow.
• Wait 24 hours.
• If no irritation appears, use it!

Joanne:
Deb reveals what’s her beauty philosophy- and what’s really on her cosmetic table. I’d like to welcome Deb Carpenter to the Meet-the-Author interview. Thank you for joining me, Deb.

In your book, you mention how you collected natural recipe clippings from your grandmother. Why was she interested in natural beauty products, and how did she, in anyway, inspire you to pursue your cosmetic fascination?

Deb:
My grandmother went through the Great Depression, so she was interested in anything that gave her the knowledge she needed to "make do." I didn't realize she had a specific interest in natural cosmetics until after her death, when I helped sort through the things she left behind, so I didn't have the opportunity to ask her about this interest we had in common.

Joanne:
Where should women find or buy the natural ingredients needed to follow your recipes? What should they do if they can't actually go looking for these ingredients?

Deb:
The most satisfying (and most time-consuming) method is to grow your own herbs or wildcraft them. If you do this, be sure you have identified the plants correctly! Until you have the time to research the herbs, grow them, or harvest them from nature, most herb stores carry the common herbs you'll need for most recipes. Appendix D in my book gives a listing of mail order sources for the ingredients if you cannot find the ingredients at your local herb store. I've never tried searching the Internet for sources, but I bet there are hundreds!

Joanne:
How and why do you think natural things are better to use on your skin than store-bought products?

Deb:
I'm not sure they are "better"-- it depends on your definition of "better", I guess. I do use some store-bought cosmetics, because of the convenience, but I like using natural things on my skin because it makes me feel more "at one" with the earth. I have developed an appreciation for many things, such as the growth cycle of plants, the sun and the rain which makes it possible for plants to grow, plant lore, cultural beliefs about plants, etc. The experience of preparing your own cosmetics can offer a richness and a depth that cannot be duplicated.

Joanne:
What do you hope women will do differently in their beauty routine after reading "Nature's Beauty Kit"?

Deb:
Today's women are so busy, and under so much stress. I hope they will take time to pamper themselves, enjoy life's journey, be proud of the "character lines" that develop over time, and concentrate on their inner beauty.

Joanne:
"Nature's Beauty Kit" notes that your skin can fair even better when its nourished from the inside out. What good foods can women incorporate into their own diets as a part of their daily skin care regimen?

Deb:
Water is the most important diet element. Drink lots of water to flush the toxins from your body, and your skin will benefit! Also, eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Joanne:
What's your beauty philosophy?

Deb:
Find a healthy way to deal with stress, watch what you eat and drink, work at something you love, hold your loved ones dear, and accept the passing years with grace.

Joanne:
What's on your cosmetic table? : )

Deb:
Vitamin E oil, an herbal skin tonic, Oil of Olay moisturizer with SPF 15 sunscreen, chamomile lip gloss, and as little make-up as possible. I have my share of inexpensive lotions, shampoos, soaps, etc., and a well-stocked herb cabinet.

Deb's Bonus Beauty Tips!

1. What's a natural remedy to zap zits?
   As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
   Watch your diet, practice good skin care, don't touch your face with unwashed hands, etc. When you do have problems with blemishes, though, it is important to draw the impurities to the surface and dry them up as quickly as possible. Honey is great for drawing out the impurities. Rubbing a tomato on your skin is good for drawing blackheads. Any of the "meal" masks are great, too. The trick is to dry up just the blemish, and not your entire face!
2. How can you banish the (hair) frizzes?
   Once again, "an ounce of prevention..." Trim your hair regularly, don't go overboard washing, blow-drying, etc. If the ends get dry, a hot oil treatment helps.
3. It's been a long day, especially for your feet.
   How do you pamper your tired totsels?
   Soak your feet in warm water. If you are ready to turn in for the night, add an herbal blend that will soothe and not stimulate. (Thyme helps soothe your nerves, so it's a good choice for relaxation). A foot massage also feels great! Use lotion on your feet to keep them from drying and cracking.
4. After a fitful night's sleep,
   how to you get rid of those baggy eyes?
   Cucumber slices feel great and tend to tighten up the skin. A cool washcloth works well, too, especially if it's been soaked with an ice-milk mixture. Cooled tea bags (chamomile) also work!

Fresh Air Skincare
The Dirt on Clear Skin
Plus: 4 fun and free homemade facial mask recipes
by Joanne Spataro
Learn more about your skin in this skin care story that gives you the "dirt" on clear skin in a funny story with some practical recipes to improve your skin. Find out more.

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Nature's Beauty Kit by Deb Carpenter
ABC of Natural Beauty Recipes
FREE beauty tips from
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Natural Body Basics:
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A complete and comprehensive guide to making your own cosmetics with herbs, nutritional oils, clays and other natural products. Written by registered nurse and master gardener, Dorie Byers, this book takes you step by step from what you'll need to how to make your own natural cosmetics.