Just when I thought I wouldn’t be excited about a thing this winter, I found two. Actually, a massive African Botanics box arrived a month ago so technically there were a dozen reasons to forget the cold and ignore the election results for a minute or… four years? Seriously though, the last few weeks, the Marula Intense Skin Repair Balm and Firming Botanical Body Oil have been bringing my skin, body and mind much needed joy.
Since my first African Botanics experience just over a year ago, I not only embrace but crave these extraordinary eco-luxe formulas. There has yet to be a trip for which I didn’t pack the bottle of Neroli Infused Marula Oil not because it’s my go-to oil, but because of its goes-everywhere-with-me status. This winter, we traveled to Maine and if you’re thinking “why would you go to to Maine in December?”, watch this video. You go to ‘The Lost Kitchen’ whenever they can take you.
We also spent Christmas and New Years between Upstate New York, Toronto and Montreal. In Montreal, we actually had to look for our car one morning and not because we drank so much on New Year’s Eve. It snowed so much, that thing got buried. IT’S AN SUV!
Needless to say, any weather that causes dry skin is the context for my African Botanics rave below.
Intense Skin Repair Balm
Packaged in a stylish glass pot, the truly dense, wax-like balm has a most mouth watering aroma. This tops the list of three items I might consider tasting. Don’t eat it tho. It’s all natural with no added fragrance, but still not edible. I’d *so* wear it as a fragrance, tho. Scoop up a small dab of this multi-purpose solution, liquify it by warming it in the palm of your hand, and press it into areas on your skin that are dry, irritated, inflamed, flaky, ashy or dull. Suggested to go on damp skin, I also enjoy it over water based serums with much success.
What’s in it?
The trio of plant butters, Matura (that’s Cape Mahogany in ingredient speak), Shea and Mango base is fueled by nourishing and repairing Marula Seed Oil, protective Beeswax and antioxidant-rich Baobab Seed Oil. The list goes on with Kalahari Melon, Green Tea and Immortelle Flower Extracts… So much more than a feel good product, this intensely anti-aging salve is packed with Niacinamide, Resveratrol, CoQ10, Squalane as well as Vitamins A, C and E. The delicious aroma? Courtesy of Jasmine Grandiflorum, Damask Rose and Bergamot. Sends me over the edge.
When and how?
Sunburn, windburn, anytime your complexion can use a boost of radiance. Don’t limit the love to the face. Treat areas of your body that may have stubborn scars or struggle with dry cuticles or ashy elbows similar to yours truly. Since you only need a little bit per application, the jar will last forever. It’s freezing out here right now so I do the entire face, eyes, lips, the whole nine before bed most nights. $160 (50ml)
Firming Botanical Body Oil
Shelfies above the competition, the African Botanics Marula Firming Botanical Body Oil takes this ubiquitous category to new levels of luxury. Silky smooth, lightweight and fast absorbing, this body treatment is as pure as it is decadent. Whether you’re fighting the winter blues or post-summer sun damage, this medley is rich in plant collagen, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. With consistent use, it tones and corrects hyperpigmentation issues. Among the immediate effects: a healthy glow with an exceptionally bright floral aroma.
You Wanna Hot Body?
Extending the fight against premature aging beyond the face and investing in a powerful body treatment is a New Year’s resolution to consider. Cold pressed and wild-harvested Marula and Grape Seed Oils are paired with Green Rooibos Tea and Honeybush Extracts for a well-being promoting sensorial experience. Apply it day and night on damp skin and massage it in using upward strokes. Concentrate on areas that need firming the most. I keep my bottle right beside the shower and reach for it before the towel. I then pat myself dry (or run around naked for a minute or two before getting dressed). Check out my instastories. JK. $90 (100ml)
Focused on our skin and on the environment, African Botanics delivers prestige formulations using only the highest quality ingredients. Embracing the flora of remote regions while working with many small Fair Trade communities, this luxurious range is a feel good, look good splurge. Available at africanbotanics.com, nordstrom.com, net-a-porter.com.
*press samples
