Beauty On A Budget – Shea Butter

I’m happy to welcome back our Beauty on a Budget expert Jessica!  Ms. Jessica has worked in the skin and beauty industry for 10+ years and is an awesome resource for all things beauty related.  She’s also a girl on a budget, and knows what its like to want more bang for your buck and to walk the fine line between cost and quality.  Her monthly contributions will give us all the lowdown on what brands and products can give us the best beauty boost without breaking our bank accounts.  Click “Read More” to read her take on one of her favorite budget beauty tips –

 Shea Buttery Goodness

*** This article is a repost.  I began using this organic shea butter when Jessica originally posted this story and I have to say, I am 150% hooked on this stuff.  It has completely altered the texture and clarity of my skin and vastly improved the dryness from which I once suffered.  One pound is $8.49 and has lasted me approximately 8 months and I still have plenty left to get me through the rest of the year.  Not only does this stuff work, it works well and for a fraction of the cost of high end beauty creams! 

I know what you’re thinking: “First you ask me to put oil on my skin, and now you’re telling me that I should slather some kind of butter on it?!” Yes, that’s exactly what I’m asking you to do! Shea butter is highly effective as a non pore-clogging moisturizer, but it also helps to prevent acne from forming and fade scarring as well as smooth uneven skin texture (including fine lines and pitting). These results are accomplished with shea butter’s potent vitamin A content, which as we learned in the last entry, increases the rate of cell turnover, clearing away pore-clogging debris, dull skin, and damaged cells. This sends a message to the skin to create more collagen, which results in the creation of new, healthy cells. Shea butter has been described as a superior accelerant for healing. In addition, its vitamin E content promotes blood flow to the skin and prevents free radical attack on cells. It is extremely hydrating because it contains non-saponifiable fats, and it is known for its quick penetration into the skin without leaving a greasy film behind. In addition, shea butter is antibacterial, which halts the development of acne, and contains cinnamic acid, which is protective against UV rays. 

I am a big fan of Coastal Scents, a small online company that sells superior makeup at reasonable prices (their pigments are wonderful!) and empowers consumers to create their own makeup and skincare by selling raw ingredients. Their fair trade Unrefined Shea Butter is $8.49 for one pound, and you have the option to buy it in bulk if you really love the stuff. Check out what they say about their product: 

See why I love them?!

I highly encourage the use of unrefined shea butter, which is 100% natural and possesses high amounts of the vitamins listed above. 

Shea butter can be used on the face, all over the body, and as a hair conditioner (leave-in or rinse-out). To use unrefined shea butter, warm up a small amount by moving your hands back and forth. This should make it easier to spread onto the skin. While some are not in love with the scent of unrefined shea butter, it should fade fairly quickly.