I am very particular about the products I put on my face and in hair. Firstly, I have sensitive mature skin. Secondly, if hyperpigmentation occurs because a reaction to a product, it takes weeks to clear up. Rich oils, hyaluronic acid, collagen and ceramides are my go-to ingredients. So, when I was approached by Eko Botanicals to try two of their products I was excited to try their oils. Eko Botanicals is a Black owned; woman owned brand. They keep their formulas simple with good quality ingredients. Around early spring, I began using their Radiance Ageless Botanical Oil MAKEDA and Hair Growth Oil Elixir AMANIRENAS. Every use is like a mindful selfcare experience. As the weather heated up, I stopped using the oils. Now that autumn is here, I’m returning to their rich oils. Eko Botanicals helps me to keep my skin and scalp healthy and balanced.
About Eko Botanicals
Eko Botanicals was created and developed by former City Eexecutive, Apinke Effiong. It was the answer to her own maturing skin care concerns. Upon completing a Diploma in Organic and Natural Skincare Formulation, Apinke began creating her own formulations.
In her formulas Apinke, ‘’…uses nutrient-dense, premium quality plant oils and botanical extracts, rich in skin loving vitamins and omega fatty acids, such as papaya, tamanu, moringa and Kalahari melon, that cleanse nourish and revitalise skin, delivering optimal radiance and condition. The formulas are created using a wide spectrum of wild harvested oils and plant-actives, in optimal quantities and ratios, with natural preservatives for maximised purity and efficacy.’’
Radiance Ageless Botanical Oil MAKEDA
MAKEDA is an indulgent skin-reparative oil with a multitasking potent formula. It was inspired by the ancient Queen of Sheba. Fast absorbing and works to balance the skin’s PH and promote cell renewal, leaving skin glowing and radiant. The key ingredients include; neroli, borage, red seaweed and camellia. It’s 30ML RRP£75 and the product promises to:
- Restores Radiance
- Improves Skin Firmness
- Protects Skin Barrier
- Targets Breakouts
- Relieves Dryness
- Targets Hyperpigmentation
Hair Growth Oil Elixir AMANIRENAS
AMANIRENAS is a luxurious hair oil that has a subtle aroma of lemongrass which is soothes the sense. It 50ML RRP£35. The product’s key ingredients are safflower, hibiscus, marula and rosemary. AMANIRENAS is suitable for all hair types: fine, coarse, or curly. It promises to:
- Improves Thickness
- Reduces Breakage
- Improves Shine
- Improves Softness
- Soothes Scalp
How I Used My Eko Botanicals Products
As mentioned earlier I used the MAKEDA and AMANIRENAS oils at the start of spring. Both oils have a rich consistency and pretty jewel like green and gold colours, respectively. My skin and scalp were in need of TLC after the long winter months with indoor heating. Try as I might to drink enough water, I’m prone to colds and hay fever which take a toll on my skin. Additionally, I’m in menopause which also affects my skin’s moisture retention. Therefore, my skin needs products that help it to maintain hydration.
After cleansing my face at night, I applied my usual serum followed by Radiance Ageless Botanical Oil MAKEDA then a moisturiser. The citrusy notes makes it equally revitalising and soothing. In the mornings, I tend to clean my face with just water, so I didn’t’ use MAKEDA every day. I reserved the rich oil for night time or on pool days.
I have fine 3b/ 3/c curly hair which I wear in a short afro. So I used the AMANIRENAS Hair Growth Oil Elixir to maintain scalp health. On hair wash days, once my hair was air dried, I applied AMANIRENAS to my scalp. Once per week was enough for me, unless it was a pool day and I washed my hair midweek.
RESULTS: I was thoroughly happy with Eko Botanicals. Both oils were rich with soothing ‘botanical’ smells. So, comforting. AMANIRENAS made my scalp feel alive. Perhaps it’s the rosemary that’s good for circulation. I felt perky, so I used it in the day time. While MAKEDA soothed dry areas of my face and evened out my skin. By summer, I was tip top. I had beautiful glowing skin and I ready for my beach holiday.
I didn’t use the products over the summer because I didn’t need it. However, as autumn is here before the winter cold snaps sets in, I’m treating my skin to Eko Botanicals now to keep my skin and scalp balanced. I’m at the pool on at least once per week. Since it’s a small sports pool, the chlorine is high. Chlorine plus cold weather means and I need a strong defence for my skin and Eko Botanicals can helps.
Why To Buy
Eko Botanicals only store sells their hair oil and face oil. They also sell cleansers, body care and travel minis. You can get social and follow them on Instagram.
For my beauty reviews CLICK HERE.
How has your hair and skin changed during perimenpouse or menopause. Comment below. I would love to hear from you.
