Beauty and Health Showcase
This has been an incredibly interesting journey and I was blown away by the products that we received. Unfortunately some companies replied after the deadline, but I will keep you posted as to when we will do a new set of testing. Please email me at myecowedding@telkomsa.net if you would like to take part in the testing of some of these products.
- Soil Organic Skincare – All of the Soil products are Certified Organic by ECOCERT, France. They also contain no petrochemicals, no parabens and are not tested on animals. These products are available online, in good health shops, some pharmacies and Wellness Warehouse. Soil Organic Skincare receives 5 eco hearts and if I could give a 6th I would because these products are incredible value for money.
a) Organic Beauty Balm R120
“A salon quality product, using organically certified ingredients. 100% natural and formulated to work effectively using essential oils and the science of aromatherapy.”
This product came beautifully packaged and with a free muslin cloth. The instructions for exfoliating and cleansing were clearly set out and a promise of great looking skin with fewer wrinkles and a more nourished skin tone. This is one of the best products that I have used in a long time. It had a gorgeous smell and it truly delivers on its promise. People have commented on the change in my skins appearance. I simply love it – Daniella 27
b) Toning Blended Oil – R80
“A cleansing blend with Fennel, Geranium and Rosemary to help reduce cellulite by detoxifying, toning and stimulating the skin, plus Juniper Berry, which helps get to work on lymphatic congestion. Perfect as a massage oil, body moisturiser or bath oil.”
This product has quite a strong smell but your skin feels heavenly afterwards. – Daniella 27
c) Geranium and Marula Organic Body Butter – R100
“The Marula tree is known to the Zulus as the marriage tree, since it is a symbol of fertility.”
The Geranium and Marula Organic Body Butter smells delicious and I found myself dipping into the gorgeous tub quite often a) for the smell and b) because of the way it left my skin – soft and nourished – Daniella 27
d) Soy Wax Melts
“Pure Soy Wax Melts are healthier for you and the environment and so easy to use too!”
Very easy to use and smell wonderful. A gorgeous idea for your reception to use with your tea light candles.
- Esse Organic Skincare and African Organics.
Esse Organic receives 5 eco hearts, their products are packaged beautifully, they are registered with Ecocert, all the products were received well and delivered on their promises, they are anti-ageing, fair trade and cruelty free. This is a fantastic product range and comes highly recommended, though a little more expensive than most.
“Both ranges are accredited by Beauty Without Cruelty and the Vegan Society. Both ranges are accredited by Phytotrade Africa – this is a Fair Trade organisation that ensures that the rural communities that harvest the plants are fairly remunerated for their work. They also ensure that the plants are sustainably harvested. Esse is certified organic with Ecocert France. Ecocert audit us twice a year to ensure that we adhere to their standards. They also make sure that the factory is up to EU standards and does not generate unnecessary waste or use chemicals that are not allowed by organic certifiers. All ingredients are traceable back to the farmer.
Both ranges are classified as 100% natural by Ecocert standards.
Esse uses a new peptide technology to preserve its products and African Organics uses sugar cane ethanol in much the same way as Dr Hauschka.”
a) Esse Gel Cleanser – All Skin types R99.59
“A foaming, tingling wash that deep cleanses without drying. Peppermint and Spearmint oils refresh and improve micro-circulation to aid in the elimination of toxins. African Aloe extracts exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and regulate immune function.”
The packaging on the Esse range is exquisite and the pump action of the cleanser ensures that just the right amount is dispensed for cleansing. My skin felt clean and refreshed after use. I wont be changing this product. – Sandra 31
b) Esse Cocoa Exfoliator – All skin types – R169.62
“A delectable exfoliation experience for all skin types. Fine cocoa particles gently polish and refine the skins surface. Wild sourced African oils provide slip and nourishment.”
When I opened the bottle, holding the spoon in hand, I felt like I had opened a dessert. It is a dark chocolate colour and smells delicious. I loved using this scrub and am not sure if I can wait a week to reuse it. – Sandra 31
c) Esse Cream Mask – Mature Skin types and Dehydrated skin – R279.00
“A mask to feed and nourish the most dehydrated skins. Contains stable and available sources of Vitamins A, B, E and C which have been shown to improve skin structure, reduce pigmentation and aid cell regeneration.”
The mask has a very luxurious feel and was fabulous after using the exfoliator. I felt like I had been to a salon. My skin felt smooth and silky soft. – Sandra 31
d) Esse Deep Moisturiser – Normal and Combination skin types R260.27
“Esse Deep will moisturise and maintain balance without leaving a greasy residue or dry areas. Ylang ylangs balancing effect stabilises both oily and dry skin patches creating an even skin state. Honeybush in included for its anti-aging, anti-oxidant and healing properties.”
True to its word, this moisturiser really delivers and yet does not feel greasy or heavy on your skin. An essential part of your daily cleansing routine. – Sandra 31
e) Esse Eye and Lip Cream – All skin types, Fine eye lines. R189.73
“A treatment packed with actives. Amongst them Hyaluronic Acid which hydrates and reduces sub clinical inflammation that leads to long term damage.”
The Eye and Lip cream came in an easy to use pump dispenser, ensuring just the right amount of cream. It was light and left my eyes feeling fresh. It also did not burn my eyes or leave them feeling weepy –Sandra 31
- The Victorian Garden
The Victorian Garden is awarded 4 eco hearts. Their products are fabulous and are organic and eco friendly, they deliver on their promises and are very reasonably priced. Unfortunately they lose a heart purely on packaging.
“Because our recipes are so old, we believe our products to be unique. 'The Victorian Garden Collection' is our original range of 19th century products which are made from recipes popular during the Victorian era (1800's). These include the use of dozens of traditional herbal, floral and fruit oils plus extracts from seeds, trees, grasses, the earth's minerals, the ocean and in certain products, the by products of the beehive - beeswax, honey and propolis. Our second range is ‘The African Indigenous Collection' and here the products are made in the same way but combine many unusual indigenous African ingredients. Our third range is ‘The Royal Tudor Collection' which dates back to the 16th century; here we recreate exotic recipes created for the Tudor Queens of England during the 1500's. These unique Tudor products combine ancient botanicals, herbs and floral waters popular during the 1500's.”
a) Lavender and Chamomile Toning Freshner – R43.00 Sensitive skin
Felt cool and fresh on my face – Kerry 34
b) English Lavender Foaming Face Gel and Cleanser – R53.00 All skin types
Smelt nice but I prefer a cream cleanser. – Kerry 34
c) Carrot and Aloe Body Lotion – R63.00 All skin types
Cream lasted the entire day but was not crazy about the smell, especially since I use perfume and the two counteracted. – Kerry 34
d) Apricot and Rose Face Mask – R59.00 Combination skin type
Skin felt nourished and refreshed after use. – Kerry 34
e) Neroli and Lemon Day Moisturiser – R60 Normal skin type
Very nice but I have to get used to using organic products because I felt like I needed to use more than usual. – Kerry 34
f) Rosemary and Lavender cleansing milk for dry skin – R45
Light and refreshing, leaves skin feeling clean and smells good.
g) Rose and Chamomile toning freshener lotion for dry skin – R43
Love it, spray it on a lot. Refreshing and love the smell, cool and skin feels moist.
h) Apricot and Walnut exfoliating facial scrub for all skin types – R53
Nice creamy texture with sufficient scrub action, but didn’t like the smell.
i) Lavender and Honey cream facial mask for dry/mature/dehydrated skin – R59
Found it dried quite quickly yet once rinsed off skin felt soft and supple.
j) Double Rose and Chamomile day moisturiser for dry skin – R60
Lovely moisturiser but didn’t do much for my skin, not enough moisture for my skin.
k) Carrot and Elderflower firming eye gel – R46
Love it, it feels cool and I definitely noticed a difference with the puffiness subsiding under my eyes. – Cathy 38
Usually used eye cream but enjoyed using the gel for a change – Brenda 40
l) Calendula & Lemon lib balm with geranium – R16
Great when first applied, but lips become dry quite quickly.
m) English Lavender exfoliating body scrub for all skin types – no price available
Good scrub, lovely scent and makes skin feel moist and supple.
n) English Lavender hydrating body butter for dry/scaly/eczema skin – R85
Smells nice, consistency a bit thick, otherwise great.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity of trying out this range, it has been a most enjoyable experience. – Cathy 38 f) to n)
o) Jasmine and Chamomile Cleansing Milk – R45
Sweet fragrance and skin felt clean without feeling greasy or dry. – Brenda 40
p) Pink Clay and Geranium Mask – R57
Felt completely rejuvenated. – Brenda 40
q) The Victorian Garden: African Indigenous Range - Cape Aloe & Propolis Day Moisturiser with Vanilla – R60.00
I love this product - it makes your skin feel clean and fresh. The smell reminds me of being on the beach. – Wendy 32
r) The Victorian Garden: African Indigenous Range - Mango & Vanilla Hydrating Body Butter. –R85.00
Wow, it smells fantastic and really feels like it has done the job of hydrating your skin. It leaves what almost feels like a protective layer on the skin, which adds to the hydrating effect. – Wendy 32
s) The Victorian Garden: African Indigenous Range - Mango & Vanilla Exfoliating Body Scrub. – R74.00
Again, the product smells fantastic and leaves your skin feeling soft and clean. Combined with the body butter you feel truly indulgent. – Wendy 32
t) The Victorian Garden: African Indigenous Range - Sweet Thorn & Wild Rosemary Foaming Face Gel Cleanser. – R53.00
This product feels great when you wash your face, leaving you with a stunning smell and clean. It does not dry out the skin and combined with the Cape Aloe & Propolis Day moisturiser leaves your face feeling well looked after and fresh. – Wendy 32
