The other day I was reading one of my beauty/fashion magazines, unfortunately I don't remember which one (It was either Allure of Bazaar's December issue.), when I came across a FRIGHTENING article. Basically women everywhere are embracing the do it yourself philosophy, and trying to replicate some of the really expensive creams (ie: La Mer, anything by N.V. Perricone) in their homes. They order all the ingredients on line - including chemicals and acids. Some people can even buy a kit with all the ingredients from certain sellers. The only checks and balances those sellers take are the message boards. Figuring that people will read them and post, so its all good.

NO. IT IS NOT ALL GOOD!!

It is one thing to take some sugar from your cabinet and mix it with olive oil to make yourself a sugar scrub. It is a whole other story when you start mixing in chemicals and antioxidants and vitamins. Unless you have an advanced degree in chemistry, how are you supposed to know whether or not you are causing any dangerous chemical reactions? What about shelf life?!

You can seriously injure yourself playing around with chemicals and acids if you don't know what you are doing. And sometimes, things that are anti-oxidants, when mixed with other ingredients actually start to oxidize. Clearly, not the result you want.

And remember, while not all cosmetics need FDA approval, these companies do test their creams. And they also are made by people with Phds in Chemistry.

Of course its tempting to buy a kit and mix up your own Creme De La Mer for less than the price of one ounce. But think of the consequences.

If you cannot afford such a fancy cream (and really, how many of us can?), buy a more affordable product. With proper skin care routines; any cream should work just fine.