June 4th, 2009 
My Health 
I get my supplies from all different sources. I am fortunate enough to have a beeswax supplier here in my town that does beekeeping simply as a hobby and sells the wax at cost – $2.50/lb!!! (For anyone wanting beeswax, have them keep their eyes and ears open for that kind of connection.)
Many of the recipes call for fresh herbs, which I get at my local natural food co-op (store) for a very reasonable price. I am growing my own herbs this year, which saves even more money. I also buy Aura Cacia essential oils from the local co-op (high quality oils for a better price, occassionally they have coupons for their products on their website also).
I am fortunate to get most of my supplies from my own town or get them from a friend in a neighboring town, therefore I cannot really give out any information that would help a broad range of people. However, a lot of what I need for my recipes can be found at Lavender Lane or Mountain Rose Herbs for very close to the prices I pay here in town (plus a bit of S/H). I personally prefer Lavender Lane myself, but I really love Mountain Rose too. 
As to tips and hints, citric acid might be found in the canning section at the local grocery store, as it is used by some people to pickle food (not me!! lol).
Zinc Oxide can be found in with soap making supplies online (again, I am lucky, I have no direct source). So do some research for reputable online soap supply stores. It is used to calm and soothe skin, often being used as a topical ointment by physicians as a cream.
Half the amount of beeswax can be used as a substitute for stearic acid, which I have come across in several recipes. (2 tbsp. of beeswax = 4 Tbsp. stearic acid)
Keeping in mind that you will buy items in bulk and use them for a long time, the costs are typically very good, compared to buying something premade (and chemically to boot – yuck) in a little bottle, jar of tube. Conserving resources (less packaging), saving money and living a healthy life outside, as well as in, motivates me to make my own cosmetic supplies.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me and I will help however I can. I really enjoy researching, so ask any kind of natural cosmetic question and even if I don’t know, I will try to help you find out.
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