CW Insider: The brilliant beauty brands that are Out of Africa
These independent, African-owned beauty brands are offering an array of wonderful welbeing buys straight from the continent
Clean beauty brand, Africology, has just landed in London. It uses 100% natural and non-toxic ingredients and, in one sniff, will whisk you away to Africa. Usually, they’re found in luxury spas and beauty boutiques, but now the super stylish store in the city showcases the best of African ingredients, employing ancient traditions to soothe frazzled faces, depleted brains and soften the signs of aging. Products like the aromatic Bath Salts (£38) that contain rooibos and Aloe ferox to relieve sore muscles; the Anti-Aging SOS Spray (£38) employs hyaluronic acid for a mist of moisture. While the Aloe Ferox serum (£30) calms a sun or wind-burned epidermis. Their Marula Oil is from a tree blessed by the village elders before it’s harvested and the entire range is based on the ancient art of traditional healing and the secrets that have been passed down by generations.
The range was founded by South Africa-based, Renchia Droganis, who began creating lotions and potions at her kitchen table in the 1990s. She used them as an extension of her healing techniques as an aromatherapist, reiki master, metaphysical counsellor, life coach, and holistic healer. She desired to help repair the wounds from the apartheid in Africa: 'I wanted to capture the healing essences of Africa' she says. 'It was, and still is, my intention that Africology products should deliver a message of wellbeing — not just on a physical level, but on a spiritual one too.'
If you want to immerse yourself in all things African, then head down to the super stylish boutique, offering skincare, treatments and a nice cup of rooibis – no long-haul flight required.
African Botanics Firming Body Oil, £70
Infused with wild-harvested marula and pinotage grape seed oils chosen for their toning properties, with notes of South African green rooibos tea and honeybush.
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African Botanics Infusion Floral Concentrate Micro-Liquid Serum, £200
A one-stop serum to clarify, tone, and boost hydration.
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Malee Moisturing Oil, £38
Perfect for hands, body, and hair as a remedy to dry, dehydrated skin.
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Malee Moisturing Body Cream, £20
A unisex cream that contains naturally occurring plants, fruits and oils found in Africa, including nourishing coconut oil, white beeswax, and avocado.
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