LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: When we make our own handmade facial masks, we can use clay. Clay is composed of minerals, when mixed with water, it thickens, adopting a paste- like texture. This characteristic makes clay an excellent carrier for essential oils in face and body masks. A popular clay for use in skin care is bentonite, which is made of components from what group of minerals composed of hydrous aluminum silicates in the form of extremely small and very absorbent particles?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWER: Montmorillonite

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the past 20 years, great strides have been made toward increasing awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Unfortunately, these strides did not come soon enough to benefit one of the greatest role models of my youth. She was the first African-American woman to serve in a presidential cabinet post. She also served as the Ambassador to Luxembourg. In 1985, she succumbed to breast cancer. To win this week, provide the name of this distinguished role model who, for me, continues to symbolize the true meaning of beauty.

To learn more about early breast cancer detection, log onto http://www.nbcam.org/.

Be the first to answer this week's question and win a collection of handmade soaps from HBN member Of The Earth Soapworks!

Read contest rules at www.handmadebeauty.com/htns_Newsletter.htm

Kwan Yin: LemonGrass Ginger Soap by Kate's Soap
4.5 oz. ~ $4.50

I always love surfing HBN's Web site for new companies and products to try. Since I love anything lemon, I recently hunted for some lemon scented handmade soap. One of my choices was Kwan Yin. The first whiff of the lemon mixed with ginger sent me racing to the shower! I personally love lather and usually don't really think I'm clean unless I see lots of bubbles. So when I first used Kwan Yin and didn't see lots of them, I was a tad concerned ...but not for very long since I soon discovered that the best thing about Kwan Yin (after the FAntaStic!! scent) is its creaminess!! Kwan Yin's creamy lather makes it great for shaving. I loved the way my skin felt after I got out of the shower, and the light fragrance that lingered with me throughout the day. I actually got compliments from my co-workers on my fragrance that day. When I told them that what they smelled was Kate's Soap, they all took her phone number!! Kate's Soap (and other goodies) can be found at www.katesoap.com.

*Editorial Note: Since first trying handmade beauty products last year, Nicole has been a tireless advocate for handmade goodies, especially soaps. She has turned several friends and her soon-to-be-husband into converts. Thanks Nicole, and congratulations on your recent engagement!! You can read lots more handmade beauty product reviews at http://www.handmadebeauty.com/reviews.htm.

Banana Beauty Balm is a cleanser and moisturizer in one. Banana flesh is wonderfully emollient on its own, but combined with the other ingredients in this product, a wonderful cleansing balm is formed. The chosen essential oil contains azulene, a wonderful anti-inflammatory. For best results, use high quality oil with no synthetics. Banana Beauty Balm soothes all skin types, especially dry.

Ingredients
1/2 fresh banana
1 tablespoon fresh heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon honey
1 drop German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) essential oil
1 tablespoon finely powdered oats (add more if product seems runny, less if it seems too thick)

Blending Procedure
Mash the banana to a creamy pulp using the back of a fork. Add the honey and whipping cream and stir well. Add the oats and essential oil and stir again. To use, massage over dampened skin using gentle, sweeping motions. Don't forget your neck area. Allow Banana Beauty Balm to remain on your skin for a few minutes while you enjoy eating the other half of the banana. Rinse well and follow with a spritz or two of rose hydrosol and a light application of extra virgin olive oil to soothe and prevent moisture loss.