Read these reviews about some of my favorite items ... 

Kate Rossetto


Handmade Toiletries Weekly Newsletter
August 5, 2002

A Publication of The Handmade Toiletries Network
Volume 3, Issue 30

HANDMADE BEAUTY PRODUCT REVIEW by Donna Maria

Joy Take Me There Mist ~  4 oz. ~ $26.00

Back in 2000, one of our guest product reviewers gave Scents of Balance's Balancing Facial Toner high marks. If you missed that review, you can read it in this newsletter.

Now, here we are two years later with the review of another fabulous Scents of Balance product!! Yummy! Very yummy! I really enjoy the aroma of chamomile mixed with nearly anything, and this product is no exception. Kate Rossetto of Scents of Balance is a master at blending together essential oils into a smooth, well-rounded concoction. The "Joy" Mist from Kate's "Take Me There" line of facial misters awakens my senses while also toning my skin. Containing some of my favorite essential oils that are also fabulous for the skin - neroli, chamomile and rose, along with a touch of champaca - this product is a perfect mister. Subtle and non-intrusive, yet effective.

I use the "Joy" Mist in several ways. One is as a quick spritz in the middle of an overwhelming day, the gentle aroma helps me inhale deeply so that I can relax for a moment and continue "on task." But my favorite way to use it is as a facial toner after cleansing. I just pat the excess moisture from my face after washing and then spritz with the "Joy" Mist. I follow that with a light moisturizer (frequently Cowgirl Cream).

Scents of Balance's line of Take Me There Mists is available in a variety of combinations, including "Freedom," "Forgiveness" and "I Am." The one I can't wait to try next is called "Power & Grace," with essential oils of Allspice, Oakmoss, Black Pepper, Niaouli, Ginger, Nutmeg and Fennel. Now that sounds powerful and delicious!

See the "Take Me There" Line

Handmade Toiletries Weekly Newsletter
September 17, 2000

A Publication of The Handmade Toiletries Network
Issue 35

HANDMADE BEAUTY PRODUCT REVIEW by Jennifer

Balancing Facial Toner ~ 4 oz ~ $12

Upon receiving Balancing Facial Toner from Scents of Balance, my first reaction was that it had a very strong aroma. Because I work in a fragrance-free environment, this was initially a concern, but I used it before work the next day and polled my co-workers to see how they liked it.

All responses were totally positive!  One said it smelled clean and fresh, like summertime.  I quickly became accustomed to the aroma and look forward to using the product. The herbal smell (calendula, chamomile, fennel, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender) soothes my skin as well as my mood. I suffer from clinical depression and chronic pain but I always feel better after using this toner!    

I also have OILY skin that never seems to feel clean. Normally, when I try a new  product, my skin responds initially, but later returns quickly to its original oily state.  After using this for almost 2 months, my skin feels free of excess oil longer without feeling stripped.

It really does Balance just like it promises! I love this stuff!   I like the blue plastic bottle because I don't have to worry about dropping it, or packing it carefully when I travel.  There's also just something special about cobalt blue bottles.

See More Body & Skin Care Products


Handmade Toiletries Weekly Newsletter
July 2, 2000

A Publication of The Handmade Toiletries Network
Issue 24

HANDMADE BEAUTY PRODUCT REVIEW by Paula

Seaweed Salt Scrub ~ 6 oz. ~ $10.00

I have never been to a spa for any type of treatment or experience a seaweed salt scrub so I was really looking forward to using Scents of Balance Seaweed Salt Scrub with essential oils of grapefruit, cypress, fennel, juniper and soothing cold pressed vegetable oils. The packaging was attractive and the labels contained adequate directions with the useful safety information.

My initial thought was "this is going to be really messy", but I was pleasantly surprised. You can use this product before you bathe or shower. True to the label, my skin did feel tingly during and after use. But I would also add that my skin felt both stimulated and energized as well! Even better, it felt smooth and silky ... I would say it glowed and I felt great the whole day. I would definitely continue to use this product, and will recommend it to family and friends. By the way, be careful not to use this product if you are in a hurry. I feel that to really enjoy its full benefits, you have to take your time and really experience it.

Paula is this week's Guest Handmade Beauty Product Review Panelist. Paula is a 45-year old hospital nurse who sells essential oils in her part-time Michigan-based business. Her combination skin is fair/white (due to her German/Irish) background and she tends to burn easily, then later tans. People tell Paula that she has a smooth, beautiful complexion, but her skin is sensitive and easily irritated. In wintertime, Paula's hands are especially dry because she washes them so frequently at the hospital. To date, Paula has not had much experience using handmade beauty products but we intend to change that!! She's excited because she likes being able to choose among more natural products which she believes are good for her. We're listening, Paula!!

See More Body & Skin Care Products


Handmade Toiletries Weekly Newsletter
July 23, 2000

A Publication of The Handmade Toiletries Network
Issue 27

HANDMADE BEAUTY PRODUCT REVIEW by Donna Maria

Lavender Peppermint Body Vinegar ~  8 oz. ~ $10.00

If you're looking for a refreshing summertime treat, you might want to stop by Scents of Balance and pick up one of their Lavender Peppermint Body Vinegars. With glycerin, organic rosemary and elderflowers, this product is a really great body splash. The lavender and peppermint oils are nicely blended with just a touch of rosemary (and I suspect some other secrets)!

Summertime has the perfect weather for the product because it's not heavy, yet leaves my skin feeling lightly moisturized. Because my skin is so dry, I'd need more than this for winter, but it's very refreshing just the way a summertime splash should be. It also contains apple cider vinegar so it makes a great facial toner, balancing the pH of my skin naturally. 

I've used this product quite a bit over the past several weeks and its versatility as a splash, toner and moisturizer can't be beat. Scents of Balance products can be purchased at www.scentsofbalance.com.

Donna Maria is author of "Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions: 101 Natural Formulas to Revitalize & Nourish Your Skin"

See More Body & Skin Care Products