The Avocado Attraction

Want to get the full softening power of upscale skin-care products without the hefty price tags? Then just mix a few drops of avocado oil into your favorite commercial brand(s). Bingo: More beautifying action for a lot less money!

The same vitamins, minerals, and protein that make avocados an A-1 choice for facial treatments work just as well to soften and nourish the skin on the rest of your body. That’s why avocado-“flavored” body butters are selling like hotcakes. But why spend your hard-earned bucks, when it’s a snap to make your own supply?

Avocado Body Butter

9 oz. of cocoa butter

9 oz. of avocado oil

50 drops of your favorite essential oil*

3 tsp. of cornstarch

Ice water

Sterilized wide-mouth jars**

In the top of a double boiler, melt the cocoa butter over medium heat until it’s just warm. Add the avocado oil, essential oil, and cornstarch, and mix thoroughly. Remove from the heat, and set the bowl into a larger one filled with ice water. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture until it reaches the consistency of whipped cream and forms stiff peaks. Spoon the butter into the jars. It’ll keep for about two months at room temperature. After a shower, scoop out a handful, smooth it all over your body, and say “Ahhh…”

*Lemon, orange, lavender, and mint are excellent skin-friendly choices.

**To sterilize jars (and lids), put them in a pot with enough water to cover them by at least 1 inch, and boil for about 10 minutes.