African Botanics Giveaway of 1 bottle of Neroli Infused Marula Oil ($85)
Use special promotion code: Beauty15 for 15% off all orders. Valid through 09/24/2015
“In today’s overly-stimulated world we all can use some “me time” to detox our skin, to nourish, heal, recharge and fully rejuvenate our minds and lives. African Botanics skincare collection is a bridge that links Africa’s purest beauty ingredients to the modern world directly from the earth.” – Julia Noik
It is with the utmost pleasure that I bring you my review on the luxurious Eco-chic brand, African Botanics.
I had the immense pleasure in the past few months of immersing myself in the full African Botanics Marula beauty ritual created by Julia & Craig Noik. I had first read about the Neroli infused Marula Oil from Shiva Rose from the Local Rose. Anything that Shiva introduces, of course piques my interest. She has the most exquisite taste in all things beauty. And as it turns out, my favorite product in the line is the: Neroli infused Marula Oil❤ African Botanics wild-harvested pure Marula oil is exquisite.
I learned that African Botanics is committed to sustainable harvesting, and social responsibility. They support responsible harvesting and ethical production of their raw materials and work with Fair Trade projects that regenerate the environment and local communities.
‘Inspired by the Beauty of Southern Africa’
African Botanics is a Los Angles based company that was founded in 2012. Julia & Craig’s South African roots and unwavering love for Africa inspired them to create this sustainable wellness line of extraordinary high performance beauty products. Each creation is carefully crafted in South Africa with award winning Marula oil, infused Marula oil, facial skin care, bath and body and wellness lines. All designed to counter the skin damaging effects of the environment, lifestyle and aging.
When the marula fruit fully ripens and falls to the ground, the women from local rural communities gather them and take them to Fair Trade co-ops for hand processing using centuries old techniques. South African women crack the nut of the marula fruit by hand to extract the precious kernels. The fresh oil rich kernels pass through a cold pressed extraction and purification process before the oil is sealed away from light and oxygen. This efficiency and impeccable storage of the oil ensures the vital active ingredients are kept alive to increase maximum potency and effectiveness.
Here are just some of the reasons I use and admire the ethos behind African Botanics luxury line:
Only pure plant, nut and seed oils are used. Cold pressed, wild grown in South Africa
Exotic and Active ingredients are of the highest quality
Ecologically conscious elements derived from sustainable sources
Fair trade, non-GMO ingredients, harvested in a sustainable matter
Never tested on animals
Recyclable glass packaging to preserve the vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients
All of African Botanics products are free of parabens, mineral oils, BPA, petrochemicals, synthetic emulsifiers, toxic preservatives, phthalates, DEA, TEA and synthetic colors or fragrances.
All products are make and bottled in South Africa with a distinct focus on craftmanship, luxury and quality
The star in the product line up is of course, the Marula oil which is rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants Omega 6 & 9, Palmitic and Stearic fatty acids which are critical for rapid skin absorbency, healing, hydration and penetrates quickly (non-greasy)
‘African Botanics is a luxury beauty brand; the first to offer a curated collection of powerful, indigenous South African botanicals merged with fair-trade, and wild harvested Marula oil.’
In the morning, I splash my face with only filtered water and while my skin is still damp, I follow with one pump of the Neroli Infused Marula Oil. It’s very concentrated and for me with my sensitive skin, one pump is all I need. Some of the benefits from the unique Marula oil are that it regulates sebum production and helps to re-balance a blemished complexion. Which because of some hormone related issues I’ve been having, is a welcome relief. Marula oil also stimulates healthy collagen production and minimized the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.It’s naturally anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory which soothe redness and help to repair skin’s natural barrier.
I’m also a huge fan of aromatherapy benefits added to enhance beauty formulations, and African Botanics products work at the cellular level to keep the skin soft while enhancing the mood and emotions. Their signature fragrances were created to embody sensuous African aromas from the purest botanicals. The scents are complex, very sensuous, sweet and potent. If you have a heightened sense of smell to naturally based fragrances and/or essential oils I would recommend using a small amount of the product and mixing it into your favorite base facial oil or one such as jojoba, rose hip seed, Argan or even mix one pump into your foundation for a glowing illuminated complexion booster! I also put a few drops on my hair brush and brush through my hair throughout the day to freshen. It’s absolutely amazing! Each African Botanics product is very concentrated, so for me they lasted a long time.
Marula Detoxifying Salt & Sugar Body Scrub I use this detoxifying body scrub once a week. In the shower with damp skin, I exfoliate and massage my entire body in upward circular motion. This scrub is superfine and extra moisturizing. I love the formulation. I turn off the water while I’m applying and after rinsing my skin feels renewed and restored. So much so that I don’t need to use a body lotion when I use this body scrub! That’s unusual for me as I have extra dry sensitive skin. This scrub is infused with the aromatic essential oils of neroli and grapfruit which are so invigorating to the senses. The raw cane sugar and the pink Himalayan crystal salt (extra fine!) help the body’s natural detoxification by increasing blood and lymphatic flow. This would be great to use before applying natural tanning products!
Marula Mineral Cleansing Mask I use this mineral mask once per week. The recommended use is 2-3 per week, but with all things, you must only do what is right for your skin constitution. I have super sensitive and reactive, so too much of any good thing will make my complexion “take on a life of it’s own”! This is a unique and amazing cleansing mask. I’ve never experienced one like this before. The formulation is light, creamy and very refreshing. After cleanse my skin in the evening, I use my fingertips to apply a very thin layer. I really love this formulation because it glides on the skin so easily. There is no “pulling and tugging” with this product. As with any mask, avoid the eye area! Leave on for five minutes (you may leave on up to 15), but for me, five minutes is the correct amount of time. I then add a bit of filtered water, gently massage using upwards and circular motions and using a fine washcloth, remove the mask and rinse with warm filtered water. You will love how your face and neck feel after this treatment. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, hydrated and replenished with much needed minerals rich in iron, magnesium, zinc and amino acids to boost circulation and stimulate cell renewal. Also clears congested pores!
The Intense Skin Repair Balm is so versatile and I use it everywhere! It’s deeply hydrating and promotes cell renewal and protection. I apply this on my damp skin to any areas that need special attention. Especially around my nostril area (I have seasonal allergies and find that I get irritation often in this area in the spring and summer) it works to soothe the area completely. Also on my elbows, knees, arms, pretty much where dry irritated skin shows up. I’ve even used it as a mask for my face neck and decollete. I apply a small amount on my cleansed skin and let it sink into my face for about five minutes. I then gently wipe it off with a fine cotton washcloth. There are so many skin healing ingredients in this hydrating formula: Marula oil, Shea butter, alpine rose plant cells and snow crocus bulb that boost epidermal regeneration while at the same time reduces inflammation.
Marula Shimmering Gold Oil can be used on the face, hair and body. For me being the sensitive woman that I am, I use it on my body only. This Marula formulation is created with the most gorgeous gold shimmer that when applied, is hardly noticeable. It simply gives the lightest illumination with the infusion of translucent mother of pearl minerals. It leaves my skin smooth and nourished. I love the deep exotic scent and for me a little goes a long way. I mix this product with organic jojoba oil and find it works better for me personally. It also allows the product to last longer. Each one of African Botanics products are potent and active so that you need a very small amount for efficacy and enjoyment. There is nothing watered down here, only the finest oils like African Marula, Moringa, Baobab and Kalahari Melon seed oils. Of course when I picked up the vanilla bean ingredient, that sealed the deal for me! This is luscious, sensuous and very skin nourishing.
Want to win your own Neroli Infused Marula Oil from African Botanics??! Enter the Giveaway Here!!!!!!
Don’t forget my special promo-code: Beauty15 For 15% off all orders~ valid until 09/24/2015!
One winner will be chosen next Saturday, September 24th, at 12:00 noon EST. Check back here to see if you won! (Open to US only) Thank you, Julia and Craig for creating such a superior line of beauty and wellness products AND for giving my readers a change to experience African Botanics.