Beautifying Facial Masque 1#

The Ancient Book of Formulas, The most complete book covering the Occult and Mystic Sciences ever published in the English language is a magical formulary text orginally published anonymously in 1940. It is now attributed to "Lewis De Claremont" who according to Catherine Yronwode was "...the same mysterious Mr. Young..." Read Catherine Yronwode's INTRODUCTION: The Origin of the Ancient Book of Formulas for more illumination. This text is one of the hoodoo books. The list of formulas includes "Incences," "Anointing Oils," "Occult Inks," "Sachet Powders," "Perfumes," and "Cosmetic Preparations." The creation, mixing, manufacture of beauty products--especially for African-Americans--has always been a part of the hoodooist's bag of "tricks." (pun intended) With that in mind, I am sharing a recipe from page 56, from my old 1960s reprint by "DORENE PUBLISHING CO., 5429 East Grand Ave. - Dallas, Texas 75223."

FACE MASK
Light Fullers Earth24Ounces
Dark Fullers Earth44"
Tincture Benzoin 30%12 1/2"
Balsam Peru 30%2"
Olive Oil10"
Witch Hazel52"
Glycerin7"

Procedure: Dissolve Glycerin in Witch Hazel and Stir in Fullers Earth, then add Olive Oil and last, the Tinctures. Consistency can be changed as desired by adding more or less Witch Hazel.
For those who are wondering, "fuller's earth" is a naturally occurring superabsorbent form of aluminum silicate, which resembles clay in texture and form. Among its numerous other uses, "fuller's earth" is a common ingredient in homemade beauty products. It is an affective absorbent product. It is particularly recommended for the treatment of acne, excess skin oil, and/or blocked pores. In the USA, two varieties of fuller's earth are mined, mostly in the Southeast states.

As Bentonite green clay (Aluminum phyllosilicate) is an alternative to "fuller’s earth," readers here will find some beauty and healing reciepes using Bentonite on "That hoodoo..." website.

wiseGEEK.com, What Is Fuller's Earth? 2003 - 2011, accessed 9/13/11 .

Catherine Yronwode's INTRODUCTION: The Origin of the Ancient Book of Formulas, accessed 9/13/11

Catherine Yronwode, The Enduring Occult Mystery of LEWIS de CLAREMONT, LOUIS de CLERMONT, GODFREY SPENCER, HENRI GAMACHE, JOE KAY, JOSEPH SPITALNICK, BLACK HERMAN, BENJAMIN RUCKER, and the elusive Mr. YOUNG, 1995-2010, accessed 9/13/11.

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