Shea Butter Surprise

When I think of shea butter, I picture a thick cream oozing into the pores of my dry winter hands and feet. It works wonders for those parched areas but I never imagined shea butter could be suited for the face. The mere thought nearly conjures a breakout. So, I was quite skeptical when I got my tube of Collective Well Being’s Shea Butter/Lavender Night Balm ($25) I considered only using it on a discreet edge of my cheek, but in the interest of journalism and beauty (not necessarily in that order) I took the leap and put it all over my face before bedtime.

Peering into the mirror the next morning, I was pleasantly surprised that Mount Vesuvius hadn’t erupted on my face. In fact, it felt velvety soft and not the slightest bit oily. I tried it again the next several nights and my skin rejoiced. Besides feeling great, this dreamy wonder contains antioxidants and claims to boost collagen levels. Being on the far side of 30, those anti-aging properties particularly draw my attention. Time will tell if those promises deliver but, in the meantime, I’ll enjoy the smooth satisfaction.

--Ellen Willson Hoover