the frustrations of a crafter with big aspirations.

*sigh*

i don't ever set out to defame or denounce someone else's products. but i used something from a certain cosmetic chain -- it was gifted to me by a dear, dear friend -- & i just knew i'd be cool with it. i just knew i wouldn't itch or break out. wrong. the bath thing i used has laureth-4 (a surfactant/ dispersant) in it, as well as the ever-ambiguous (and ubiquitous) 'perfume.' i found this page & i was amazed at the information i read. i don't ever want to use products that are widely-known comedogens or irritants. foaming agents are not necessary to me, and the last thing i want is to find that i've created a product that defeats the purpose of my entire creative process.

but it's hard. i know people are sometimes dazzled by packaging and foaming action, but i'm not willing to do it if i know i'll be causing nasty allergic reactions. that being said, i'm always open to trying new stuff. i've experimented with natural cosmetic-grade ingredients to produce coloration and i'm currently looking into ways to add shimmer without using some crazy hard to pronounce chemical name that doubles as car wax or some mess. it's hard to avoid feeling like i have to compete with the big names in this (carol's daughter, lush, the body shop, & even the cookie cutter stores like bath & body works) in order to get noticed. at the same time, i know the difference lies in showing folks that there's yet still an alternative. it's difficult. i just wanna make my stuff, sell it to folks, & have enough time/ money left over to buy new supplies.

i'm making it. step by step . . .