Made In Chi-Town: Five Essential Local Lotions and Potions

12:00 PM, May 19 2011

By Jill Russell

We all know that shopping close to home benefits the community and the local economy, not to mention the planet--and that idea applies to goodies beyond arugula and berries plucked from your corner farmer's market. A number of small companies based in Chicago are producing skincare and makeup products, all crafted with beauty-boosting natural ingredients. Here are five of our favorites.

Mojo Spa, mojospa.com

A rabidly loyal fan base swears by the playfully packaged, foodie-influenced formulas made with real fruits, herbs, essential oils and other edible goods by personal chef-turned-beauty guru Amanda Kezios. More than 200 handmade products, including soap, candles, skincare and makeup--all of which maintain a mixed-in-the-kitchen feel--fill her flagship boutique-spa in Wicker Park.

Product pick: Midas Touch Healing Hand Balm , $15.

This totable tin packs a water-free, hydrating wallop, with shea butter, beeswax and grapeseed oil. Bonus: It stays on hands even after multiple washes.

Veeve Cosmetics, veevecosmetics.com

Highly blendable foundations, rich lipsticks and handy multi-shade cheek, eye and lip palettes are just a few of the many pro-quality scores up for grabs from Veeve, founded by local veteran makeup artist Jennifer Stoller.

Product pick: Lip Gloss Palettes, $40 each.

Each of these brand-new palettes holds four vitamin E-infused glosses. Toss one in your purse and custom-blend for a perfect pout anywhere, anytime.

Chicago Honey Co-op, chicagohoneycoop.bigcartel.com

What's better than supporting local, sustainable agriculture while treating your skin to one of nature's finest salves? After starting an apiary, or bee farm, in Chi's North Lawndale neighborhood in 2004, these urban beekeepers launched a range of personal care products crafted with their own fresh-from-the-hive raw honey.

Product pick: Honey Bath Scrub, $16.

With a refreshing citrus scent and minty undertones, this allover smoother exfoliates and moisturizes with a blend of essential oils, dead-skin sloughing sugar crystals and glow giving

royal jelly and arnica.

Medusa's Make-Up, medusasmakeup.com

Known for bold bright colors and intense mineral pigment powders, Medusa's makes sure that every product in its playful, punky line is cruelty-free and PETA-certified. Once a bricks-and-mortar Lakeview clothing boutique, Medusa's now carries on its legacy through an online shop.

Product pick: Eyeshadows, $8 each.

Super-soft pressed powder shadows in head-turning, vivid shades give peepers the attention they deserve--and many shades are imbued with micro gold or silver sparkles for extra light-catching gleam.

KK Ayurveda, kkayurveda.com

Karen Klutznick, a holistic consultant who leads lectures and workshops at Northwestern University Hospital and throughout Chicago, created her namesake line based on the principles of ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old alternative medicine from India. Every product in the line is handmade using ethically harvested essential oils, minimal preservatives and high-grade botanicals.

Product pick: Antiaging Serum, $45.

Lightweight and appropriate for all skin types, this super-moisturizing glow potion boasts antiaging properties courtesy of meadowfoam seed, argan and rose-hip oils.

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