ESK is an Australian made range of powerhouse natural skincare products designed to repair and protect skin from our harsh environment and the anti-ageing process.  Using evidence based knowledge, they have created an extremely high quality line based on integrity and evidence.    

The main ingredient is Vitamin A in the form of retinal,  which is superior to retinol and retinoic acid.

​This form of retinal still has the amazing collagen boosting and skin repairing ingredients as retinoids, but without any of the harsh side effects.    

If this sounds bit confusing this is basically how it works - 

Retinal Palmitate > Retinol > Retinal (Retinaldehyde) > Retinoic Acid
 
Sometimes known as retinaldehyde, retinal is the third stage in the retinoic acid conversion process and performs closest to prescription retinoic acid at combating the physical signs of ageing. 

We all want our collagen to stay at optimum levels, as this means fewer lines and wrinkles without having to turn to cosmetic surgery as we age. (Because who likes injections)!

Retinal has been clinically proven to be the superior cosmeceutical retinoid when compared to retinol and retinyl esters; and was even concluded in one study to be equally as effective as prescription retinoic acid at reversing the effects of photoageing.   

I remember years ago using the prescription retinoid, which worked to clear my acne scars, but left my skin bright red and flaky.     I have also tried retinols which can be found in over the counter skin care and they just can't compare to the benefits I've found in using retinal based moisturisers from ESK.

For the past month I have been using Ultimate A and Ultimate A + which both contain Vitamin A (Retinal) and B3 (Niacinamide) .    Both are night creams, but I also used them every morning.  B3 is another extremely important ingredient to have in your skincare as it contains keratin, which helps to improve your skins texture and retain moisture.   When skin lacks keratin it becomes dull and sagging, this is where B3 can come in to save the day and your skin.    

These products came at a great time for me as I had a very bad case of sunburn on my neck and decollatage  
​( just from a few hours in the pool)!   I used these products day and night and they quickly helped my skin to recover from redness and dryness, as well as helping to repair any sun damage. This shows how gentle it is on damaged skin, at the same time giving it the collagen boost it needed and rapidly repairing my skin within one week.   

​The texture is smooth, with a great light-medium consistency, leaving a great base for make-up.   

I love the idea of using these vitamins to work their magic on my skin.  I take many vitamins daily, but using vitamins A and B topically is a double bonus for anti-ageing skincare.    

This is an amazing range which is suitable for all skin types, those affected by acne and rosacea should give this a go instead of turning to harsher alternatives.   This is definitely a product I will keep in my skincare regime.    

​Available at ESK.

​

Find a foundation that works for you.​

A major mistake commonly made when choosing foundation, is that you choose something that is not targeted to your skin type. One of the most important things is that you are using a foundation that is complementary to what your skin needs.

Whether that’s using a liquid foundation with an oily base for dry skin, or an oil-free foundation if you need to control your midday shiny t-zone. It is important that we make these considerations when choosing our base to make sure that our final look is natural and without imperfections.

Ignoring your skin type could leave your skin feeling dry and cracking or a sweating oily mess, meaning that you can definitely kiss that bronzed goddess goodbye.
​

Highlighter.

Lastly, highlighter plays an important role on completing your final makeup look. Using this product can create your soft summer glow, and allows you to put emphasis on ideal areas that naturally catch the light.

Applying highlighter to your cheekbones, the tip of your nose or even your across your chest! Will allow you to accentuate key areas and leave you feeling like a glowing and glittery goddess. And remember, you can never have too much highlighter!

​

​Beauty is a booming industry and this is probably because of people’s desire to enhance their looks. Every person has different goals when it comes to beauty whether it be improving their skin, being able to grow longer hair, or getting rid of unwanted marks. For this reason, starting a business in the beauty industry will always potentially be a lucrative idea. If you feel you have the right knowledge about beauty products and can meet the growing demand, then why not go into selling specific products?
Here’s how to successfully sell beauty products online. 

Know Your Audience

​Although it can be a good idea to sell beauty products, knowing who you’re selling them to is crucial. Bear in mind that everyone has different needs when it comes to beauty, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Choose specific problems you want to solve whether it be bags under the eyes, dull skin, or helping complete an everyday makeup look. Doing so could help your marketing feel more authentic and not just like you’re selling a dream.

​Tip: Start small by targeting one area of the market. Once you have created a name for yourself, there is an opportunity to move into another area. Take Glossier, for instance. They have limited beauty products, but they are slowly expanding. Glossier also have a popular fanbase. 

Choose the Right Products
​
Carrying on from the topic of knowing your audience, once you do, it will help you choose the right products. Do more than enough research so that you know what kind of products your audience is looking for as well as the best ones to sell.

​Also, the products you sell may have certain procedures you have to follow before you sell, so find that out too. For instance, if you want to sell cosmetics and soaps, you might need to check the inventory to make sure the chemical ingredients are listed in the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances before selling.  

Build a Clean Website
​
You need a platform to sell your beauty products on, especially when you’re doing so online. On that note, focus on ecommerce platforms that enable you to sell both online and via social media. The right platform should be easy to set up and save you the stress of hiring a web designer.

Also, note that you want to sell your products in as many places as possible if you want to make enough profit.

Include Good Product Descriptions
​
Your product descriptions will have a significant impact on how your products sell. Make sure you talk about them in enough detail but also in a way that’s appealing. Use the right tone and language to both appeal to your audience, prompt action and adequately describe the product. 

Devise a Killer Marketing Plan
​
Your marketing plan is what will determine whether or not your business selling beauty products online goes as far as it could. Sit down and write your objectives as well as how you intend on achieving them. To create a marketing plan that will work, make sure your objectives are SMART. You can also do a situation analysis and decide what strategies or approaches you will use to meet your objectives. A SWOT analysis can help put everything into perspective so you know the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved.

​Selling products online doesn’t have to be a difficult venture to start. You may need to develop a few core skills to help you get things moving a lot quicker. However, if you have the right products and good marketing skills, you should be fine.

Guest post by Manju Grg Mangolift.

​Despite how common skincare products are nowadays, taking care of your skin through these products can both time consuming and costly. But no need to worry, because there are other ways to obtain the glowing skin of your dreams, these include making use of natural ingredients, following a specific diet, having a healthy sleeping schedule and more. So, if you’re wondering about the idea of getting a glowing skin at home without the need for products, then look no further than this article!

The Importance of Sleep

​To obtain the glowing, young-looking, soft feet and hands, simply apply some moisturizing cream then cover them in some thin gloves and socks when you’re about to go to sleep.

​Another trick is making sure that your humidifier is running every night in winter time, it’ll help moisturize the air in the bedroom, thus dealing with any dry and itchy skin that you have, and enabling you to breathe more freely while asleep.

​If you want to eliminate disturbances or insomnia caused by ambient light, hang some room-darkening shades around your bedroom for maximum sleep. Sleep alone is very crucial to your skin’s health because most of the skin cells repair and regeneration happen when you’re asleep, in other words, if you don’t get enough rest, your skin will not heal properly.

​Showering Correctly

If you’re someone who’s into long and steamy showers, then try to replace them with shorter, cooler ones. Why? You may ask, well, because long hot showers dry your skin and eliminate most protective oils which are never a good thing. That’s why most dermatologists, all around the globe, recommend under 10 minutes long showers with somewhat cool water.

​Moreover, make sure to use a loofah on a daily basis to keep dry, scaly skin and ingrown hairs at bay. When showering, put a few drops of an alpha-hydroxy product on the loofah and scrub flaky skin spots in a circular motion to get rid of any dead cells and obtain a moisturized and smooth skin.

​Also, switch from a deodorant soap to an added-fat soap as soon as possible, some of your options include Oilatum, Neutrogena, and Dove. This is due to the fact that soaps with added fat leave a highly beneficial, oily, film on your skin after using them, unlike deodorant ones.

​Finally, the following are some bath add-ins that you can use to deal with itchy and dry skin:

• Add two cups of Epsom salt to your bath, or simply rub some of it on the areas containing rough skin to exfoliate it (while your skin is still wet).


• Throw in a few bags of tea, it not only acts as an antioxidant, but it results in a somewhat delicious smell as well.


• A cup of uncooked oatmeal tied into a muslin bag. According to many dermatologists, Oats not only beneficiary when consumed but also when applied to your skin.


• Add a mixture of wheat germ, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. The apple cider vinegar is highly antibacterial, and it helps balance the amount of acid in your skin, while the other two (wheat germ and sesame oil) help moisturize the skin.


• Soak yourself in a hot bath contained half a pound of sea salt and one pound of baking soda until the water cools, this helps to soothe the itching spots and detoxifies your skin rather quickly.


• Add one cup of powdered milk mixed with one tablespoon of grapeseed oil. This combination, with the exfoliating properties of the milk's lactic acid and the potent dose of antioxidants coming from the grapeseed oil, will make your skin healthy and glowing.

Choose Your Drinks Wisely
​
For starters, you can drink your tea instead of throwing it as an add-on in your bath (duh.). As mentioned above, tea provides you with vast amounts of antioxidants (molecules that fight the damage caused by smoking and sun exposure).

​A study done in the state of Arizona found that people who drank more tea than others (especially tea with lemon) have way lower chances of developing cell skin cancer.

​If drinking is your thing, however, then make sure to consume no more than a glass of wine or a single alcoholic drink naturally because overdrinking will enlarge the blood vessels near the surface of your facial skin causing problems to appear.

Be Ready Before Going Outside
​
​If you’re about to go out in a sunny day, then try to avoid using perfumes and scented lotions for the sole reason that once scented products meet the sun, they can lead to blotchy skin spots.

Although this may sound wrong for many, make sure to sweat by cycling, jogging, working out in general. Because sweat is nature's answer to all the different toxic chemicals that build up in your skin. Additionally, exercising maintains a consistent blood flow throughout your body, your skin included.

​Anyway, if you're exercising outside on a hot day, make sure to wear some sunscreen to protect you from all the UAV rays that come off the sun. In case you want the extra protection, apply a cream that contains high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta-carotene, due to their multiple properties that help prevent skin dehydration & wrinkles (vitamin E) and provide a sunblock (vitamin C).

​Keep It Moist

First, keep in mind that your skin needs more moisture in winter time more than any other season, so if you happen to have started wearing your sweaters, make sure to buy a heavier moisturizer alongside them. And if it's summer, and you're using shorts instead of sweaters, then switch to a lighter moisturizer.

Second, carefully select your moisturizers, make sure to buy ones that contain skin repairing humectants, these include: glycerin, urea, propylene glycol, etc. Also seek skin products that contain AHAs, short for alpha-hydroxy acids, these acids are usually found in grapes, apples, sour milk, and more. They help reduce wrinkles and help with acne, age spots and such.

​A quick note for men: Skin-preserving products, although commonly used by women, can be used by men too, that’s why I recommend using your wife or sister’s skin care product to eliminate wrinkles and the chance of getting skin cancer and such.

​Being a lover of all things Japanese, especially their beauty products, I was very excited to be able to test out this gold infused cleansing bar by Japanese brand Sassou.   This luxurious and unique anti-ageing beauty bar is actually imbued with Japanese sourced 24K gold.  ​   Ancient civilizations considered gold to have medicinal properties and used it often to treat skin conditions.  Combined with antioxidant rich flower and algae extracts and honey, it balances sebum production, refines pores and enhances skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production. ​

There is something which is just so quaint and unique about Japanese beauty products, even the packaging, it arrives encased in this little sphere and the soap is wrapped in brown silk ribbon.   All of these little details adds that special touch to using this delightful gold bar.    
 
Even the way the cleansing bar is applied is so very quaint.   It comes with a little white silk bag, you place the soap in the bag and rub it vigorously against the palm of your hand, you then use the delicate lather with water on your face.
 
The gold imbued into the bar helps to whiten and detox skin and increase collagen production, which is so important as we age, we want to maintain collagen in our skin.   The Amica Montana flower extract reduces inflammation and it is particularly helpful for acne and skin disorders.  Lamium album flower extract soothes skin.   Honey repairs skin damage, rejuvenates and hydrates.  It also contains white nettle, which I also drink as a tea, because of the many skin repairing benefits.

After using this soap my skin feels extra smooth, soft, clean.   It seems to take the ruddiness out of my skin and helps to keep it looking quite radiant.

​If you want to pamper yourself in the bath and shower every day, I can recommended using this little item of luxury, why not make yourself feel like a princess or prince every day!    It smells and feels delicate, it lathers up amazingly frothy and it only contains natural ingredients.     

Japanese women have beautiful skin and I can see why, this may be one of their beauty secrets we are only now discovering for ourselves.

​Available at Sassou.

​Herbs & heart are an Australian artisan organic skincare company.  They create stunning natural eco luxe products.  They are one of my top natural brands, if not at the top! Check out my review for their mud mask, which is my favourite mud mask by the way! 
​
As soon as you hold the bottles of lotions and elixirs in your hand and apply them to your skin you’ll see why I rate their products so highly.  The packaging is eco-friendly, made with glass and are recycable.  I also love their presentation with their stylish black and rose gold labels.  All ingredients are ethically Australian sourced and vegan. 

There’s just a special touch of magic when using these products, it’s easy to tell that they have been created with the very best intentions for our health and beauty.  I love the healthy ingredients and the uniqueness of some of the more exotic ingredients.   

​I would describe their products as ethically elegant with a touch of hippy. 

Herbs & Heart realise the importance of green ingredients for our skin and have created a two-step skincare routine using naturally sourced green foods to nourish and protect our face.
​  ​

Elixir - Anti-oxidant rich serum + make-up primer 
​
This exotic elixir is absolutely stunning, the jasmine extract makes this magical elixir smell so divine and luxurious. Jasmine actually helps to even out skin tone and heal skin, it has so many amazing beauty properties, on top of smelling so heavenly.  Another key ingredient is green coffee bean, a powerful antioxidant which helps to soothe puffy eyes and under eye dark circles, which is exactly what I have been looking for in a product.  This particular type of  coffee bean contains the wrinkle stopping amino acid GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid).

This elixir definintely does what it states, it manages to reduce puffiness  and and I can use it close to my eyes without feeling any irritation.   I have very sensitive eyes, so this is how I know a natural product is truly 100 percent pure, when my eyes don't sting!
 
It can be worn under make-up as a primer and I’ve noticed this really helps my foundation glide on more smoothly and look more natural, particularly my under eye concealer.
 
Also contains the rich natural fatty acids from avocados which give skin a naturally plumping and toned feeling and an overall feeling of regeneration.  It even contains tiny gold mica to make skin look even more radiant, just dab it on all over your face, it sinks in nicely and you only need a tiny bit.  
 
This elixir not only makes my skin feel so soft, but it makes me feel like I’m in an exotic beauty salon in the tropics, I feel like it is healing my skin every time I apply it and the beautiful soft incense scent lifts me away to another place.
 

Aloe whip - skin repairing moisturising cream 

This ultimate moisturiser is the perfect creamy conisistancy I want in a moisturiser without the heaviness.  It feel like a lightly whipped cream of silky lusciousness.

​It contains camellia (tea seed oil), which has been a beauty secret of the Japanese, used for centuries in Japan by geishas, it is high in oleic acid and squalene, which help to keep skin feeling supple and young, softening fine lines and wrinkles.  This is what I love about these products, the ingredients are so unique and different to other every day lotions.
 
Also contains oats which help to form a barrier on skin to seal in moisture allowing the other ingredients to do their magic!  it's a very soothing and calming ingredient for skin and helps to undo UV damage.  
 
The aloe is another powerhouse ingredient packed with vitamins and mineral to help your skin breathe and hydrate at the same time.  Aloe vera contains Giberellin which stimulates the growth of new cells.  Aloe is just one of of my favourite ingredients of all time, it's so soothing and healing.

The scent is light and natural with a hint of vanilla.    It glides on effortlessly and doesn't leave any residue. Using this with the elixir is a perfect combination to helping keep my skin look naturally smooth and moisturised.

As you can tell, I am a huge fan of Herbs & Heart.   Their products are ethical, cruelty free, completely natural and just make my skin feel amazing :)    

Available at Herbs & Heart.

Resibo smoothing face serum, the natural alternative to botulinum! this really is like botox without the pain and needles!    
 
Resibo are an award winning polish brand who deliver amazing natural and organic European skincare solutions and have developed a cult following internationally.
 
I love this serum!  It is a concentrated bottle of all natural ingredients, one of the main ingredients being Crystal Tears, which is derived from the Pistacia Lentiscus tree from the Greek island of Chios.  

​This is my favourite skin serum, it’s not often I say I have a favourite, as I love all of my organic skincare, but with this serum I can feel the difference to my skin almost instantly, it is very different and unique to other serums I have tried.    

Just like the name of the main ingredient, Crystal Tears, it has an ethereal scent from nature and is very effective, this is the first time I’ve come across these ingredients, the other intriguing ingredient being Stoechiol.  After doing a bit of research on them I feel so lucky to have found Resibo!

​I am someone who does not like needles, who does really…… but there is no way I will ever get botox, not only because of the needles, but I also question the safety of botox, so this is a miracle oil in my books!   And a whole lot more affordable than botox would be!  
 
This magical golden elixir stimulates beta-endorphins to relieve facial muscle tension and also delivers potent ingredients to plump and smooth your skin. 
 
The initial effects can be felt 24 hours after applying, but I did feel like I could feel my skin feeling plumper almost instantly.    
 
This serum contains some very powerful anti ageing ingredients –
 
Stoechiol – A butterfly lavender extract ( a form of French lavender).   This amazing ingredient acts as a natural alternative to botox, it relieves muscle tension and also stimulates the skin to release endorphins and relax pre-existing facial lines and wrinkles!!    

As if that wasn’t already amazing enough, the next ingredient is an oil known as ‘crystal tears’, this natural plant oil reactivates youth proteins and the synthesis of skin fibres, helping skin to regain it density and appear fuller and firmer.
 
Marula oil is a potent oil which helps acne prone skin and scarring.   It helps to regenerate and heal skin.   It also protects the skin from collagen breakdown.  
 
Vegetable squalene helps to replenish lost moisture and creates a barrier to environmental toxins.  
 
Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, it brightens skin, protects and heals.  
 
The serum is to be used after cleansing and moisturisng, just 3 or 4 drops is all that is needed, very good for eye wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth and also for smoothing out the decollatage!    Serums are particularly suited to this task because they are constructed of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver very high concentrations of active ingredients.
 
It feel so luxurious, silky and smooth. It feels like premium European skin care which is affordable and definitely worth adding into your skincare routine for smooth, beautiful, younger looking skin which glows.   

Available at - Resibo.


    
 
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​Wrinkles are signs of aging that we cannot avoid except if we undergo procedures like laser treatments and chemical peels. However, these are all but temporary solutions to the problem. With all our might, we seek the best wrinkle remover to get rid of our fine lines and wrinkles.
 
You might have found a solution to your problem, but you have to keep in mind that most anti-wrinkle products nowadays come with chemicals that are toxic both to the environment and your skin.
 
Finding the best wrinkle remover can be tricky if you want to go green. You’ll want to consider buying all-natural products that come in recyclable glass bottles, or you would have to find options where you can just make masks from what you have in your refrigerator.
 
Here are some options that you can browse to fight wrinkles from both inside and outside

​​ Masks and Oils

​
Oils - Oils are natural moisturizers. They contain emollients that can help remove wrinkles. Some oils, like coconut oil and olive oil, are rich in antioxidants, which helps fight free radicals.

How to do it: All you need to do is take a small amount of oil and massage into the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
             
Banana Mask - Bananas aren’t just good for snacks: they can also be used as creamy facial masks. The fruit contains Vitamin A that helps fade dark spots, and Vitamin B that prevents aging. Vitamin E helps fight free radicals while potassium moisturizes and hydrates the skin. 

​How to do it: Mash one banana with one teaspoon of orange juice and a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Apply it on the face and leave it on for twenty minutes.

Egg White Mask - Egg whites are packed with protein that promotes tissue repair, riboflavin that eliminates free radicals, and magnesium that slows down aging. The egg white mask also helps tighten and tone pores by removing excess oil.

How to do it: To create the mask, mix one egg white with one teaspoon of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of honey.

This egg white mask is a perfect fit for people with oily skin.

Lemon Juice Honey Dab - A quick remedy to fine lines just before you get ready for the day is the lemon juice honey dab. Honey preserves moisture, and lemon boosts collagen production.

How to do it: Mix honey with lemon juice and leave it on the face for ten minutes, then rinse off.

Cucumber Yogurt Blend - Cucumber contains folic acid, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron,  zinc and potassium. These nutrients helps fight inflammation and free radicals that lead to premature aging.  The cucumber yogurt blend also protects the skin from dryness and cracking.

​How to do it: Puree one half of a cucumber, and add half a cup of Greek yogurt. Place it in the fridge for a cool face mask. 

Eating Superfoods - Almonds and blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that can help fight UV damage and improve blood circulation. The antioxidants also fight free radicals that cause early signs of skin aging.

Juice Cleanses - To fight the early signs of aging, you should feed your skin with vitamins and minerals. There are juice cleanse programs that contain skin-nourishing vitamins.

​These four ideas do not require multiple non-biodegradable packagings and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Aside from this, you can use the fruit peelings as do-it-yourself fertilizers. Plus, the ingredients can be easily found in your fridge, so you won’t have to spend a lot on anti-wrinkle creams.
 
To fight wrinkles in an eco-friendly way is not impossible to do. You just need to find the best wrinkle remover that suits you best and make them by your own hands. Switch to organic options now!

​Botani, a 100 percent botanically based organic skincare range using olive derived plant extracts including their signature ingredient olive squalene.  Formulated in Melbourne by the founder of Botani by herbalist and naturopath Barbara Filokostas.  

I’ve been using Botani products for quite a while and the reason I stick with them is because they feel so fresh, clean and  pure, but they still work.   I would recommend Botani products to anyone who has very sensitive skin, everyone in the family can use Botani without fear of any skin reactions.     

Botani also use modern science to test the performance and safety of their products,  combined with using all natural skincare, this is a perfect combination for modern natural skincare.  
  
They use a blend of potent superfoods, herbal extracts and Australian native plants and are of course vegan and cruelty free. 

For our followers there is a unique discount code where you can get 10% off your purchase!   
Use the following code Beauty2018 at check-out at Botani.

​PhytoBody Wash 

​This is truly a beautiful body wash, it is so gentle that even those with serious skin conditions can use it, such as those with psoriasis, and those who are undergoing chemotherapy.

The formula is gel based and it lathers up nicely, enough to be able to shave your legs and underarms with confidence, no nicks or grazes.   It contains moringa protein, which is loaded with amazing antioxidants, it's high in vitamin A (retinol) which is one of the best anti-ageing ingredients, along with olive squalene.  

It also contains anti-bacterial Lemon Myrtle and Orange Peel Oil and Chamomile and Calendula to soothe skin. This also gives it an amazingly fresh, soft and clean scent.  

It is multipurpose,   it's great economically and for the environment as it can also be used as shaving gel , shampoo or bubble bath.

​​Purify facial cleanser

This is a really nice, simple and gentle gel based cleanser.  It balances skin without using any harsh ingredients, just pure ingredients from nature.   This wins hands down over any chemical facial cleanser around today and many other natural cleansers, especially for balancing skin.    It improves skin tone and keeps acne at bay.   It feels so refreshing and beautiful, it removes make-up easily (which I wear every day).

It contains the nourishing calendula and French lavender and Australian lemon scented tea tree oil.   
 
Suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily, I have combination skin and felt as though it left my skin feeling really soft and smooth.    
 

Olive skin serum

I have been using this delicate olive skin serum daily, it contains the skin saving ingredient olive squalene, which resembles the built in moisturiser in our skin.   Squalene decresases as we age, this is why this amazing little ingredient is so important in our  skin care routine.      

​This serum is non-greasy and really seems to just melt into my skin very quickly, so can also be used in the morning before applying make-up.

It seals moisture into skin for 24 hours, so even if you just apply once in the morning you’re obtaining some amazing anti aging benefits without too much effort!   

The organic Mediterranean olives used in this serum are from their heartland in Greece.  The extract from the olive pip is a skin-biocompatible ingredient which is almost identical to the squalene in human skin.  It treats skin conditions, such as Eczema, Psoriasis & Rosacea.

What is great about this serum is that although  it is an oil,  it doesn’t feel oily, so it’s fantastic for every skin type, even oily skin.  It has a subtle light lemony scent.   

I also love the amber bottle. 

Botani is a beautiful organic and natural skin care range,  when I use it I feel like I'm really taking care of my skin the right way.    I get a very forest fresh feeling when I use it.    Because all of the ingredients are so safe, I would recommend this range to people of all ages,  especially those with extra sensitive skin who have trouble finding effective, but gentle skin care.

​Available at Botani. Remember to use this unique discount code Beauty2018 at check-out to receive 10% off! ​

Guest post by: Jordan Klee 

​Shea butter is a natural product with various benefits. Its versatility allows you to use it for health and beauty purposes and DIY cosmetics. When searching for the ideal shea butter, I look for products that satisfy my personal needs. I prefer a shea butter that contains only one ingredient, is 100% unrefined, not too thick in texture, is grade A, organic, and blends well when mixing with other natural products. I personally use shea butter to make a whipped body butter. Therefore, it is necessary that the product contains these components. Out of the raw butters that I have tried, the unrefined ivory shea butter by Better Shea Butter is my favorite.
 
Ingredients

​With so many versions of raw shea butter, I read the labels to ensure that I am purchasing a quality product. Better Shea Butter is my favorite because it is 100% pure shea butter and happens to be vegan-friendly. There are no added chemicals or additives. This benefit is a plus for those who use shea butter for skin care issues such as acne and eczema.
 
How to use

​This product has a nice feel when applied to the skin directly. Some butters are too thick and heavy to mix with other ingredients. I have not had that issue with the Better Shea Butter brand. It also comes with an eBook that provides recipes for skin care. I love how soft and light it is and how it melts easily in my hands. If preparing homemade cosmetics such as lotions, creams, butters, lip balms, or a hair treatment, the consistency of Better Shea Butter makes blending a simple task. Unlike many other shea butter brands, this one comes in a block rather than a jar. I personally prefer this because reaching into a jar to use the product can be messy. When it is time to use the product, I simply slice a chunk off and apply it as needed.
 
Quality

The brand promises quality, handmade shea butter from Ghana that is easy to use. Some of the other products on the market contain additional ingredients that take the purity away from the shea butter. I’ve personally noticed that this product feels more pleasant when applying it straight to the skin. Some other brands are too thick and sit on top of the skin’s surface.
 
Product Features

​Since this shea butter is a natural, organic product, its color can vary from gray, beige and off-white. It does have a slight scent, but it is neither potent or repulsive. Its consistency has a rich texture but is still light enough that it doesn’t leave a residue.
 
Additional Benefits

Some of the other key attributes are that the product has anti-inflammatory properties, contains vitamins A, E and F, relieves severe skin damage, targets common skin problems, protects against environmental exposure, and is safe for everyone, including children.
 
Customer Reviews

​Some of the most common reviews on the product include the light smell, the benefits it provides for natural hair, the fact that it is not greasy, and how a little bit of the product can go a long way. The majority of the Amazon reviews are 4 and 5-star ratings and is a popular search item on the site within its category. Granted, Amazon reviews can be a bit of a seesaw. So it’s best to take them with a grain of salt.
 
How to Store

The product lasts approximately two years after the purchase date. I consider the temperature and humidity levels when storing the product. It should be kept in a cool setting and in its original packaging or a sealable glass container.
 
Purchasing

​I order this product from Amazon. It costs roughly $15 and I receive a 16-oz. bag of the ivory shea butter. In my opinion, many of the other shea butters on the market don’t compare to the quality and benefits the Better Shea Butter offers.
 

​Jordan is the beauty and brains behind Beautifully Alive! She loves eating healthy and trying new recipes.The self-proclaimed Zumba Queen has a passion for beauty products and loves reading new books. She's always down for a DIY project