Magickal Cosmetics

It has been a long-held belief that the show of might and power will serve as a deterrant against those intent on doing harm. Though this may prove effective, it is not always respectable to do so. Wearing armour, carrying weapons, or displaying enchanted trinkets could easily be interpreted as an insult to polite company or give away a subtle, tactical advantage. But in many circles of society - diplomats, nobility, merchants - wearing finery is not only considered respectable, it's customary. And, however unwelcome, some people hide their animosity behind these masks of civility. Would it not be advantageous to turn this finery to one's own ends as an artful defence?

There are certainly existing, readily accepted methods to lay these concerns to rest - the use of potions or enchanted items were the first that came to mind. But there are drawbacks to these methods that might lend reason to why a cosmetic would be a preferred choice?

It is well known that enchanted items can be costly, especially if the item in question is a piece of jewellery or a weapon. They are subject to removal, might raise questions as to why they are necessary, and could draw attention from thieves who see them as valuable prizes. The mind then turns to alchemy. Why not a potion? Is it not a more direct method of consumption? However, potions suffer from their own pitfalls. They are not as easily portable, and are more easily recognisable for what they are. Drinking one is more difficult to conceal, if subtlety is your aim.

By contrast, a cosmetic infused with a magickal property would be more discreet and no more cumbersome than an item one might keep in a purse already. It may also be a more cost-effective way to invest in one's own protection, and can be applied at any time without eliciting suspicion.

The basis of magickal cosmetics lies in the area of transdermal alchemy, which is another way of saying the magickal components are absorbed through the skin instead of being ingested, as with a potion, or applied to a wound, as with a poultice or salve. The skin is resilient but an imperfect barrier. Some salves do not need to be applied to a wound; when this is the case they are also an example of transdermal alchemy. The skin absorbs the magickal components the longer it is in contact with the alchemical mixture, eventually imbuing the wearer with the intended effect.

But, as with any defence - magickal or otherwise - it does have its limitations. It would be disingenuous to imply that transdermal alchemy is superior to potions, if the aim is for an immediate effect. Ingestion of a potion is a more direct and potent route. However, transdermal effects can last for longer periods of time, making them superior in situations where the duration is more important than the immediate strength of the effect.

This is also why the nature of the cosmetic is important - what kind of cosmetic is it and how is it being applied? You must bear in mind:

* What effect are you intending?
* Where will it be applied, and thus how will it be consumed?
* What base are you using?
* How long until the effects are felt, and for how long will they last?

The base used for adhesion of the magickal components to skin is critical. A mixture that doesn't bind to the skin is one that will not be effective in the slightest. Creams and oils are particularly useful, but may not lend themselves to the aesthetic of the cosmetic or the wearer, and will spoil much quicker. Conversely, powders are exceptionally easy to prepare and to preserve but must be bound to the skin through a medium that fixes it in place and allows the magickal components to infuse into the skin.

Besides the base, you will also need to determine where the cosmetic will be applied, and the nature of the skin in this area. Skin on the lips and eyelids is considerably thinner than on the face or hands, and alchemical mixtures applied to these areas are absorbed much more readily. This will need to be taken into account when formulating the strength of the mixture.

Another risk would be in how the base affects more delicate skin. An oil or fat used as a base might not be an irritant on the hands or feet, but it could cause considerable discomfort or even injury if applied to the eyelids. For this reason, caution must be advised with the use of any magickal cosmetic used in a way other than its intended purpose.

Most of these cosemtics should expect an effect to be produced over a matter of hours in healthy individuals, with perhaps a weaker effect felt as it begins to wear off, and time granted for the components to be absorbed through the skin. Repeated re-application is possible to extend the duration, but there is a point where alchemical toxicity may become a not insignificant factor to consider, depending on the precise reagents you have used.

One last consideration that must be made is for the wearer themself - this volume presumes skin that is without abnormality, and has human or merish characteristics. Magickal cosmetics applied to scar tissue may not function as effectively, if at all, and unless modifications are made to the recipe, skin covered in fur, feathers, or scales may not reap the intended benefits.

In whatever form magickal cosmetics take, the possibilities for their use are intriguing and versatile. This alchemist hopes that they offer yet more options for personal protection.