[Lion's Cub]

burn your Louis Vuitton, and buy a Coach bag!

I'm already boycotting French products and have been for a couple of months. I've ordered my skin care products from a French company since the mid 80's--they are far superior to anything made here--even the really high end stuff. However, I'm making do with the mostly worthless American made stuff. I am hoping that some American company will get serious about making a quality product soon.

In the meantime, dry, wrinkly skin is a mighty small price to pay for our freedom and the added safety of our troops.

[Mamzelle]

Well, let's talk girly stuff. I'd be interested, since I must wean myself from French perfumes, though I use American makeup. What skincare line are you talking about? Some really yummy stuff--Clinique's Body Butter, just tried it. I've been trying things from BeneFit, an American outfit--I'll have to stop buying from Sephora.com, since I found out they are Louis Vuitton. I've decided to peruse the site they pay for, check out the American lines, then buy from Nordstrom.com. Urban Decay, Lorac...

That way I use them, and don't pay them. :') Show them what ingratitude feels like.

Perfume is tougher. I looked at my shelf...#5, Oscar, Fracas and Joy. I do like some British single-flowers like lavenders and violets...

[Barset]

Use Vaseline. Recent independent research showed that it doesn't just soften skin temporarily but builds up new cell layers. I've used it for years because of allergies to ingredients in creams. I also use cider vinegar as skin tonic. Of course, I use cider and white vinegar for everything, window cleaning, wood floor cleaning, upholstery, etc. Vaseline comes in a cream type that is not greasy, but the greasy stuff is better for plumping skin.

This may sound frivolous, to talk about substitutes, but I think it's pertinent. I discovered the many uses of vinegar in a WWII government pamphlet that I found at an estate sale. It lists ways to help the war effort by reducing the consumption of goods needed by the military.

[Redrivergal]

I'm mildly astonished that you don't think there are any American skin care products worthy. Have you ever tried
Mary Kay? I've never found anything better.