African Botanics Skincare ft. Marula Oil

For those who follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed the heavy African Botanics influence on my skincare routine of late. Responsible for elevating the social status of Marula Oil, a signature ingredient in every formula offered by this exquisite brand, these luxe additions to my grooming repertoire have quickly achieved ‘cannot live without’ status. Having fully indulged in a ritual of cleansing, treating, hydrating, and protecting, I am beyond excited to share some of my favorites. If you aren’t yet following me on Instagram, OMG!

Marula Oil

*The* oil to display on your vanity, Marula Oil is the new liquid gold officially making Argan a beauty relic. Mega rich (like Kardashian rich) in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and Vitamins C and E, this lightweight oil is derived from a fruit tree found only in South Africa. Extremely hydrating, this nourishing essence protects against free radical damage, soothes, rejuvenates, and brightens. Fast absorbing, it delivers immediate glow to every skin type, especially blasé.

Available in its pure form, it also comes in a version infused with Neroli, which is the bottle I’ve been hitting. The intoxicating aroma of Bitter Orange Blossom is all sorts of opulent. Face, hair, and body friendly, it’s packaged in a generous 60ml bottle with a mess-free pump dispenser. It wins. $80 and $85 (Neroli Infused)

That serum tho…

Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum. Two words: biggest surprise. With a transparent gel texture, this powerful treatment revitalizes dull, dehydrated skin in an instant. Truly impressive, this botanical medley features Marula, Elderflower, Algae, Resurrection Plant, Swiss Garden Cress, Rooibos Tea, and Ivy Extracts to soften, even out, and retexturize the skin. Powerful Retinol, Resveratrol, and Baobab Oil are blended with soothing Cucumber, Aloe, Witch Hazel, and Cape Chamomile.

Transformative when worn overnight, it can also be used during the day under a broad spectrum sunscreen. Best of all, it is safe to use around your eyes. The natural Neroli scent (Nirvana) has me reaching religiously for this priceless serum though the opaque bottle contributes to a new fear in life—not predicting when I will run out. $160 (30ml)

Give me the mask!

Perfect as an end of the week treat or for recovering from a long weekend, the African Botanics Mineral Cleansing Mask is a quick fix that rivals a professional facial. The anti-inflammatory Kaolin Clay base is infused with Marula Seed, Baobab, Rose, and Avocado Oils alongside Resurrection Plant Extract, Vitamin E, and countless minerals and essential oils.

Never drying to the skin, a thin layer washes off after just 15 minutes and leaves your complexion pure, radiant, and luminous. Insanely aromatic, the soothing herbal bouquet makes this renewing mask the ultimate at-home escape. This potent anti-aging treat is packed with plant based actives so a thin layer per facial is all you need. $75 (50ml)

But start here…

Jumpstarting a proper African Botanics experience is the recently launched Baobab Clay Oxygenating Cleanser. Creamy and low-foaming, this all-natural fusion gently removes makeup, excess oil, dirt, and grime. A treatment cleanser, indeed, this remarkable formula purifies with African Clay, nourishes with Marula, brightens with Baobab, balances with Cederawood and Sandalwood, energizes with Green Tea, and encourages cellular renewal with Jasmine Essential Oil.

Superb all around, I’ve been mixing it with a few drops of water and massaging it into dry skin for a minute before rinsing it off. Just last week, I casually walked into the bathroom and saw my husband using it in the shower, which awakened in me all sorts of territorial. P.S. Shake well before use. $60 (100ml)

Polished

Intended to be a follow up step to your cleanser, this magical facial exfoliant is all about smoothing out, calming, and regenerating the skin. With crushed Buchu leaves, a South African plant with antiseptic and detoxifing properties, this greenish gelish consistency is studded with Baobab fruit particles, flecks of volcanic minerals, and granules of Micro-Algae, all of which team effectively to remove cell buildup and to deliver a fresh and glowing complexion.

Working double duty, the resurfacing benefits of fruit enzymes (Papaya and Pineapple) lend this face scrub a mouth watering aroma. Apply it after cleansing and massage it in to rev up circulation. Leave it on for a couple of minutes to let the enzymes digest any dead skin. Then, rinse. This seemingly basic step is everything but. $75 (100ml)

Founded in 2012 by a husband and wife team, African Botanics is an homage to the country Craig and Julia Noik called home before moving to LA in the late nineties. Modern, luxurious, and on point, this prestige range of skincare channels posh minimalism inside and out. The impressive ingredient decks are pure, natural, and free of anything suspicious. The font is clean and concise. Even the carton packaging folds closed in a uniquely intricate way. When my box of African Botanics arrived at the end of the summer, the accompanying note read, “Enjoy the ritual.”

Not stopping anytime soon.

Available at AfricanBotanics.com, Nordstrom.com, revolve.com.

*press samples, affiliate links