In truly shit life situations, it takes strength, gumption, and guts to survive. After meeting Susie Lee, we’re adding beauty to that list.

In 2010, when the professional makeup artist was six months pregnant, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She’d always dreamed of developing an organic skin care line, but the news brought a sense of urgency to the project. She began mixing all-natural oils in her Logan Square apartment, developing a formula packed with antioxidants as well as a plant-based lip balm.

Once cancer was in her rearview mirror, Lee brought product samples to photo shoots and handed them out to clients — who just happened to be Victoria’s Secret models. The ladies loved them so much they encouraged Lee to launch her own line, Echo Vie (a play on “ecological” and the French word for “life”).

The citrus-scented body formula’s two main oils — jojoba and sesame — provide the base for ten essential oils that work to reduce stress, lift spirits, and refresh skin. Lather it on as a post-shower moisturizer, dab it on the ends of your hair, or apply it to cuticles. (Lee even uses it as a massage oil for her now 3-year-old son.)

Equally refreshing is the lip balm, a peppermint-tinged blend of avocado oil, beeswax, castor seed oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Lee hopes to expand the line in the future, but she’s happy taking things day by day.

Naturally.

To purchase and to find a list of local stockists, go to echovie.com, $15-$35.

Photo: Courtesy of Echo Vie