Frequently Asked Questions

Are your products all-natural?

Here at My Lady's Vanity, we endeavor to find the most natural ingredients available.  Extensive research goes into discovering just what each component of the recipes we use really is, where it comes from, and how it works.  But not everything is strictly black and white.  Fragrances and preservatives fall into the ever-present gray area.

First, many of the scents we love just can't be found in essential oils, the most natural fragrances available.  Mother Nature gives us a limited supply of pleasant, safe-to-use essential oils.  And let's face it, memorable scents like Wheat Bread and Bay Rum don't come about by essential oils at all!  These (and others) are man-made, and because there are laws protecting perfume products, we'll never know what makes scents like Pixie Dust or Mayan Gold so tantalizing.

Second, distasteful little nasties like mold and bacteria just love the moist environment provided by lotions and balms.  Given that most bath and body products are kept in nice, warm bathrooms, a preservative to ensure product safety is a MUST.  Research in the paraben vs. non-paraben debate is on-going.  Presently, we use an environmentally friendly non-paraben preservative regimen.

What is the shelf life of your products?

Salts and soaks will last even after the scent has all escaped.  Good old fashioned soap, when properly cured, can last for years before use.  Our other products, with their skin-nourishing oils...not so long.  Scrubs and massage products, given their direct contact with bacteria from the hands, can keep approximately one month.  Balms and lotions will keep several months.  Refrigerating any MLV product can lengthen the shelf life.  And what feels better on hot summer skin than a nice, cool lotion?  Our products will last longer if kept tightly closed, and away from direct sunlight, sources of heat, and excessive moisture when not in use.

How often should I use my product?

The average usage for scrubs or salts is once or twice a week.  Items like balms, lotions, and massage products may be applied as often as desired.

What are your recycling practices?

We recycle whenever possible because care for the environment, and our impact on it, is one of our working principles.  We reuse many of the packaging materials we receive.  This includes a variety of cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, pillow packs, bubble wrap, and foam film.  If we don't use these things to ship your items, we use them right here for storage.

What are your shipping details?

Once your order is received, either by printing and completing the order form (see the Ordering page) and mailing it to us or by placing your order over the phone, we start working on it immediately.  Most orders are filled within a week of your payment clearing our bank, and we ship anywhere in the United States in 1 to 5 business days.  We pride ourselves on our quality standards, thus no soap is considered "done" until it has cured 6 weeks.  That's why we try to keep soap in our best-selling scents on hand.  However, if we don't have your favorite, it can take up to 8 weeks for soap to cure and ship.  We can currently only accept check or money order and do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.