VIOLET EYE CREAM

Tired of spending a fortune on eye creams? This recipe is great for tired, puffy, or irritated eyes - or just for day-to-day makeup removal. The blue chamomile essential oil is expensive (approximately $50 for 1/2 ounce). It's high in azulene - an anti-inflammatory agent extracted from chamomile flowers - and it's very soothing to the delicate area around the eye. It's not crucial for the recipe, but a great addition when you can afford the indulgence. If you are allergic to chamomile tea, leave it out.

1/2 cup fresh violet flowers
1/2 cup fresh violet leaves
1 1/4 cups of almond oil
1/2 cup fresh horsetail
2 tablespoons beeswax
10 drops vitamin E oil
10 drops blue chamomile eo-optional

To make:

1. Gather the violet leaves and flowers and place them on a towel to wilt overnight.

2. In a double boiler, steep the leaves, petals, and horsetail in oil over low heat for 5 hours.

3. Grate the beeswax or cut into small pieces.

4. Strain the plant material from the oil completely.

5. Pour the oil back into the double boiler, adding the grated beeswax.

6. Melt the beeswax into the oil completely, then remove from heat.

7. Quickly add the vitamin E and blue chamomile oils.

8. Pour into dainty 1/4-ounce (7-g) containers or jars.