By Carol (my mother)

In the ’80s I studied the Alexander Technique, which, in a nutshell, is a way to receive more physical ease and fluidity of movement. My teacher was a legendary character who presided over a salon that attracted actors, musicians, and sundry other seekers. Kitty was an extraordinary teacher and an eccentric par excellence. Over 80 years old when I knew her, she had regal posture, arresting eyes and softly glowing pink skin. She was devoted to old-fashioned products, like real kohl in tiny tins that she’d apply with a brush to line her eyes. To wash her face, nothing would do but pure coconut oil soap.  She absolutely swore by it and certainly, her complexion proved her point.

Naturally, I tried it too, and have been hooked ever since.  Over the years, I’ve sampled a number of different brands, one of my favorites being a Mexican soap called Sirena Coconut Oil Soap distributed by The Tropical Soap Co.  I can no longer find it anywhere, unfortunately. Ditto a Guatemalan brand I could get only in Florida.  These soaps were dirt cheap, by the way, yet fabulous. 

Now I use Kirk’s Original Coco Castile. Made in the U.S.A. since 1839, it’s hypoallergenic, non-animal tested with no animal by-products or synthetic detergents, like laurel sulfate.  The slightly retro-looking wrapper states “Kirk’s makes handfuls of rich creamy lather even in the hardest water.  Yet, it rinses with thrilling ease and no drying residue.  Skin is left beautifully soft and healthy.”  

I’ll attest to that.  The thing is, eye area aside, there is just no need to use make up remover at all.  And, since it’s non-drying, I find I don’t need a night cream before going to bed. 

To enumerate more of its virtues:  It comes in a three-pack for only a few dollars (!) and is available at my local supermarket.

Dandy, definitely, and I know Kitty would agree.