African Botanics Marula Mineral Cleansing Mask

You might have noticed that I'm a huge fan of African Botanics, so this spring when they released a mask, I was pretty excited. 

*PR Sample

This clay mask has a nice, creamy texture. I would say it is quite airy and almost whipped in texture. It has a similar scent to the African Botanics Pure Marula Cleansing Oil, which I find to be a bit herbal, minty and warm all at the same time. The scent is described as a mixture of "Damask Rose, Rose Geranium and Clementine essential oils and herbs." 

The description of the mask from Space NK makes it sound quite lovely, so I thought I would share: 
Clay-based treatment mask that deeply cleanses and refreshes fatigued skin while providing hydration, vitamins, and energy to your skin.

Replenishes skin with minerals rich in iron, zinc, magnesium and amino acids to boost circulation and stimulate cell renewal. The antioxidant and omega-rich fusion of Marula, Baobab and Africa’s legendary botanicals purify, clear congested pores, brighten, firm and smooth the skin. Enhanced with the latest plant stem cell technology, this mask deeply rejuvenates while addressing facial blemishes, breakouts, discoloration and oxidative stress. Restores a healthy glow without drying or leaving your skin feeling taut.

I love how this mask does not feel drying in the least, and it leaves my skin feeling (and looking!) clear and even toned. I definitely see a healthy glow, and I would say that this mask is appropriate year round and for all skin types. 

African Botanics retails for $75 and is available at Space NK. (Affiliate Link)

Have you tried this mask or anything from the brand? I'd love to know what you think! 

African Botanics Pure Marula Cleansing Oil ♡

I've been a huge fan of African Botanics ever since I was introduced to the brand at Space NK last summer, so when I heard that they were launching a cleansing oil, I was pretty excited! 

*PR Sample

I've only been using cleansing oils for the last year or so, and while I haven't tried too many yet I do believe this new release from African Botanics is one of the best. 

From Space NK:
An antioxidant and omega-rich cleansing oil for dry, combination and sensitive skin. Gently purifies and removes make-up, pollution, dead skin cells and surface impurities without causing irritation or skin dehydration. Minimizes redness, reduces irritation and stimulates micro-circulation. Transforms into a light emulsion when water is added, rinsing perfectly clean with no oily skin residue. Restores skin’s natural balance and gently exfoliates with an advanced blend of AHA Fruit Acids derived from Bilberry, Pink Grapefruit, Sugar Maple, Sugar Cane and Lemon. Maintains optimal skin oxygenation while overcoming environmental stress.

Doesn't that sound lovely? Like with many other cleansing oils, you apply a few pumps of this to dry skin. Then massage with water and rinse. I have to say that I was immediately impressed with how clean my skin felt - often, cream and oil based cleansers leave residue or require a bit of effort to get that clean feeling. 

For those who are familiar with the African Botanics line, this product has a different sort of scent compared to the more citrusy oils. I find it so impossible to describe the scent, but it is a bit warm, more herbal and while not my favorite, it is by no means unpleasant. I love how this cleansing oil keeps my skin balanced and not at all dry. 

I was surprised to discover that this cleansing oil is 100% vegan and gluten-free too! While I'm not terribly sensitive to that, I still think it is pretty cool. :) Additionally, this cleansing oil is certified organic and formulated without mineral oil, toxic preservatives, colorants, silicone, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, triclosan, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, DEA, TEA, urea or phthalates. 

All in all, this is neck in neck with my Tatcha favorite (review) as the best cleansing oil ever. :) For those of you interested in getting a bottle of your own, click here to take advantage of the Space NK promotion ending tonight, 4/22 at 11:59pm EST. (Affiliate Link)

Have you tried this new cleansing oil or anything else from African Botanics? I'd love to know your thoughts! 

♥ African Botanics Marula Firming Botanical Body Oil ♥

This past fall, Space NK sent me a lovely bundle of goodies and I was thrilled to see a product from African Botanics, a brand that I have seriously been loving. (See my previous posts on the brand here.) 

*PR Sample, Affiliate Link

From Space NK:  Dry oil blend: fast absorbing, omega & nutrient rich formula, antioxidant defense, can be used pre- or - post sun exposure to prevent and reverse dehydration from UV exposure. This unique botanical body oil restores flacid, dry, photo-damaged and lackluster skin to youthful firmness, tone, elasticity and softness. Loaded with skin-saving essential fatty acids, rich in plant collagen, high in antioxidants & linoleic acid that are very beneficial for promoting healthy skin & cell membranes.

While I can't speak to the firming claims, I do think that this oil works brilliantly on my dry skin that is veering towards eczema in this winter weather. Slather some on, and my itchy skin is calmed! Seriously, that is such a miracle for me, as I am seriously just ITCHY right now. Plus, I love how this oil (and other items from the line!) have such a lovely, light fruity scent. 

I haven't yet tested this on Mr. Bunny's eczema flare ups (yes, I'm hoarding this and keeping it to myself haha) but I imagine it would do well for eczema too. I didn't even realize that it is meant to help with UV exposure, so I can't wait to use this in the summertime too.

All in all, I am totally loving this for winter! African Botanics Firming Botanical Body Oil is available at Space NK, and they currently have this lovely set of products including this and my favorite Intensive Skin Repair Body Balm in the sale section for $37.50! 

What do you think of African Botanics Marula Firming Botanical Body Oil? Is this something that you'd like to try? What body oils are you loving? I'd love to know!

African Botanics Pure Marula Oil

You may have noticed that I've begun exploring face oils this year, and I was thrilled when I received African Botanics Pure Marula Oil. While I'm no expert at face oils, this is my top pick of the ones I've tried so far.

Founded in LA in 2012, African Botanics is 100% vegan and focuses on a number of plant derived ingredients. (Read more about the brand here.) You may remember my undying love for their Intensive Skin Repair Body Balm (review here), so I had high expectations for this oil. 

Here's the info from their site: 
Pure Marula Oil is a natural, cold pressed, light textured facial oil that is easily absorbed into skin. Rich in vitamins C + E & natural antioxidants that help cells renew & resist damage. High in essential fatty acids (Omega 9 oleic & Omega 6 linoleic) that deeply hydrate skin & reduce redness while protecting against the elements, especially in cold & dry weather conditions. Marula Oil also softens the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles & helps improve skin elasticity for a more youthful appearance.

Unique Properties
Perfect as a daily moisturizer on all skin types including combination to oily skin. Rejuvenating & nourishing treatment for re-conditioning your skin after snow, wind or sun exposure. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, sun damaged skin, eczema, stretchmarks & scars. Great when traveling because it sweeps away the signs of jetlag. 
Preservative + chemical free.

I can't speak to the effect on fine lines, I do think this has helped keep my skin hydrated even if are temperatures are horrifyingly cold. My skin seems to have less redness, and feels good overall. (Yay!) I think it has even helped with some of the scars from my more recent breakouts, though that may just be in my head. (Haha, perhaps I should take a before & after shot some time and really put it to the test!) I don't have any eczema or very noticeable sun damage to test it on, but I may ask Mr. Bunny to test it out for us!!

EDIT: I experienced some irritation on my face and I had some little itchy red bumps on my face as well as redness on one cheek. I applied this in the morning and literally my skin looked even and normal when i happened to look at my face in the work bathroom in the afternoon. This stuff is MAGIC!

I've been using this on top of my moisturizer most of the time, and it has been working great. While it doesn't absorb into my skin as quickly as Osmia Organics Facial Calibration Serum, it definitely soaks in much faster than some of the others I have from Ole Henriksen and Sponge. One thing that I noticed with face oils too is that my eye makeup tends to get smudgy with some of them - not so with African Botanics!

All in all, I'm really liking this oil and definitely want to explore the brand further. I've sniffed the Neroli Infused Marula Oil which is more citrus scented and seems quite lovely. I'll be sure to try that next! (But it may be a while before I get through this one, haha!) I also have their body oil to review! 

At the moment, Space NK has a great gift set available at the moment for $75 called the Marula Ritual, which includes this oil, the body oil, a mud scrub, and the balm that I LOVE. What do you think about this oil? Is it something you would try?? 

Product generously provided for review. Affiliate link.