Book Review of Donna Maria

Review written by Stacey Miller

Donna Maria has a passion for making homemade aromatic potions that’s clearly reflected in this gem of a book. In it she shares dozens of formulas for toiletries you can make in your own kitchen that are meant to “rival those found at the most exclusive department stores and salons”. (Be forewarned that sourcing a few of the aromatic goodies called for in these lotions and potions can rival department store prices as well!)

The first part of the book provides background on the whys and whats of aromatherapy and essential oils, while the last half contains some of the most pampering skincare blends I’ve ever come across.

The first chapter on “Aromatic Self-Care” explains the advantages of natural ingredients, how to use them, and how to choose oils based on their effects on specific skin types. She also offers an explanation of top, middle, and base notes that’s useful when trying to find a pleasantly balanced scent that complements the healing and nourishing properties of the oils.

While she does cover basic safety precautions for the oils, I am not comfortable handing this book over to a complete newbie without suggestions for further reading. (Donna Maria suggests “Aromatherapy- A Complete Guide to the Healing Art” by Keville and Green; I suggest Martin Watt’s “Plant Aromatics”.) Not everyone is familiar with the fact that adverse skin reactions to the oils become more likely with extended and/or frequent use of the same oils or blends. I believe a brief section on skin sensitization would have been useful since many of these products are meant for every day use. (I hope the Keville and Green book that’s listed above covers this; I know Watt’s book does!)

The base formulas in this chapter are geared toward specific skin types and conditions, including the fabulous “CO2 Crew” blend that she adds to almost everything she makes. These basic formulas alone were worth the cost of the book. (Though no Latin names are given to denote the exact essential oils and extracts used in the blends.)

I loved the chapter on “The Aromatic Pantry” in which she explains basic methods of production for essential oils, CO2’s, absolutes and florasols/phytols. She mentions that much less florasol is needed for scenting creams, which inspired me to try to source a few to compare them with their CO2 and EO counterparts.

The section on selecting essential oils contains valuable information for the beginner on how to distinguish and find “superior-quality” oils. She includes a list of excellent questions to ask your oil suppliers, guidelines for proper storage, and how to handle the oils.

She offers 24 brief descriptions (including Latin names) of the essential oils and CO2 extracts she uses most for skincare, along with a chart of 14 “exquisite aromatics” to indulge in mainly for scent. I see these as useful stepping-off points for the reader to do more in-depth research on the oils that interest them most in skincare. Unfortunately, she doesn’t include a bibliography in the book.

Continue Index