Natural Beauty

You've been asking us to review more organic goodies, so here it is – 100% natural products!

Article: Leigh van den Berg

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Dermafix Organic Bath Salts, R250
Reviewer: Leigh van den Berg, Beauty Editor, Women24

A blend of mineral-rich sea salt, skin-smoothing enzymes and spices, this promises to gently soften and 'polish' your skin while soothing tired muscles. It's also supposed to help stimulate blood circulation and improve lymph drainage. Kele, our Online Producer, was the first to sniff it and promptly declared its scent 'disgusting', but I really like it. I find it spicy, warm and comforting and have always appreciated things like a good 'mustard bath'. Having used these salts regularly now, I can tell you it definitely softened up bath water as well as my skin. In fact, if I soaked in them long enough, its micro-exfoliation effect would work to the extent that my self-tan would come off and end up being left in a ring around the tub! While very relaxing, I didn't feel like it did much for aching muscles. Still, I was impressed when it helped zap some hideous puffiness in my legs after a seriously long haul flight. (It's chocoblock full of caffeine, which helps make it a good diuretic). I also liked that despite how it makes for a nice, fragrant bath (well, to me anyway), the moment you get out of it, the scent is completely gone. This way, you can use it before going out without having to worry that you smell like a cup of chai tea!

To find out more about Dermafix products and shop the range online visit www.dermafix.co.za

Meadowsweet Sensual Ylang-ylang bath salts, R54,95 for 250ml
Reviewer: Kele Scheppers, Online Producer, Women24

Infused with ylang-ylang pure essential oil, this bath salt is deliciously sensual. At first sniff, the scent is incredibly sweet, but thankfully it softens and becomes more delicate when you sprinkle it in your bath. Ylang-Ylang oil has been used for a plethora of medical issues, including high blood pressure and anxiety. And when Leigh, our beauty editor, said it's also known as an aphrodisiac oil… well… I had to give it a shot, right? I usually take showers and save baths for a special occasion (or a very stressful day), so I waited for a particularly stressful week to test this product. Candles? Tick. Chilled music? Tick. White wine? Tick. The cherry on top? This! I would recommend it for a late evening "me time" bath, not for daily use, especially because it includes a few rose petals in the mix. While I adore bathing in petals, it's a little annoying having to pick them out of my bath after draining the water.

Want to get hold of Meadowsweet products? They're available at Wellness Warehouse as well as online at www.meadowsweet.co.za

Ecoproducts Baobab Oil, R88 for 30ml
Reviewer: Lili Radloff, Deputy Editor, Women24

The latest competitor to Bio-oil, this organically and sustainably farmed, ethically harvested, omega 3, 6 and 9 pure, cold-pressed oil is full of yummy goodness for the skin. I get rough spots and eczema in winter, but I just hate moisturising. Honestly, it's tedious. With Baobab oil, I just splash a few drops on my damp skin after a bath and shazam: I have smooth and silky skin. To me, it smells very natural – no perfumes and such – and it absorbs beautifully. I've started adding a few drops to my night cream to enrich it and my skin looks fab, nourished and smooth without a single breakout.

Want more info on Baobab oil and a full list of stockists? Visit www.ecoproducts.co.za

SOiL Remedy Roller in Revive, R30 for 11ml
Reviewer: Zayaan Schroeder, Content Producer, Women24

What I love about this is that it's so small and compact that I can just pop it into my handbag – it's as big as a lipgloss. It really is aromatherapy on the go. The Revive blend is made up of 'balancing' and 'refreshing' oils, namely geranium, grapefruit, basil and rosemary oils in a base of organic soya and sesame oil. I just dab it on my pulse pints when that afternoon slump hits and reckon it helps to pick me right up. I like that it doesn't have a strong, nauseating smell – I used it when I had a headache and it didn't aggravate it as most smells would. I found it to be quite calming too.

Heaven by Deborah Mitchell Deep Cleansing and Firming Mask, R149,25 for 15ml
Reviewer: Catherine Shone, Editor, Food24

Having used this mask a few times, I can't say that I noticed any major difference to the firmness of my skin, but it felt great on and it smells fantastic – I actually felt like I was getting the full treatment facial at a salon! It contains river silt which is full of amino acids and bentonite which help draw out dirt and toxins from your pores, leaving it feeling really clean. I would recommend that you relax with this on after a long day of travelling. As far as its anti-ageing qualities go, I'd like to use it more often over a long period of time to see if it really does work.

Heaven by Deborah Mitchell is a luxurious range of British organic skin care products favoured by celebs like Victoria Beckham and Kylie Minogue. To find out more about the brand and purchase the goods online visit www.heavensa.co.za

Badger Lip Tint & Shimmer, R75
Reviewer: Jules Fergus, Fashion Editor, Women24

By adding pigmented minerals to their Cocoa Butter lip balm formula, Badger has created chemical and paraben-free coloured lip balms that are 100-percent organic. They've been packaged in a double-ended wand that contains a tinted lip balm on one end and a pearlescent 'opal shimmer top coat' on the other. Having used it, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I crave a decidley visible tint and lots of shine and this looks like it might deliver, but once applied, it only leaves the slightest hint of colour on your lips while the opalescent side doesn't create enough sparkle to get away with being called a 'shimmer'. Also, it really did taste 'organic', which is something I didn't like. So, if you want an ultra natural lip balm that leaves only the sheerest tint on your lips, this might work for you. I, however, expected a bit more and didn't like how it reminded me of the 'lipstick' my mom would give me when playing dress up as a kid.

PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals foundation SPF 25, R640,48
Reviewer: Lulama Mbotwe, Finance department
This mineral powder foundation contains coffee berry extract, one of nature's most powerful antioxidants. It also has anti-aging and skin lightening properties. I liked that this felt incredibly lightweight – as though I wasn't wearing anything at all, yet the coverage was buildable. I wore it out to dinner and my friends immediately noticed that my skin looked more even toned and just "nicer" in general. (Leigh here – this contains special 'light-diffusing minerals' to help reduce the look of fine lines). I also liked that it didn't look muddy at the end of the day or dry out my skin. I have another powder I use on occasion and find that it dries my skin out quite a bit, but this looks freshly applied from dusk 'til dawn. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a mineral foundation that does a little bit more than just offer coverage.
PRIORI skin care and cosmetics are available at selected spas nationwide. To find your nearest stockist, call (011) 486 4904. For more information on the brand visit www.prioriskincare.com