Each year the market is flooded with new, heavily advertised and overpriced cosmetics, many of which contain animal products and preservatives. Thanks to a collection of recipes spanning many years, and information drawn from her long association with international make-up and toiletry companies, Elizabeth Francke is uniquely qualified to promote a healthy and inexpensive alternative. With recipes adapted to local conditions and resources, accompanied by fascinating historical, literary and personal anecdotes, she reintroduces us to the pleasure of lotions, creams, soaps, shampoos and fragrances made from completely natural and even commonplace ingredients. Surprisingly simple to prepare, they look, smell, and often taste good, are used as soon as they are made and, with most ingredients ready to hand in kitchen, garden or bush, cost little or nothing to make.