Amayori: Japanese Bathing Rituals

A new brand and concept surfaced on my radar recently, Amayori Rituals. For many in Japan, bathing is a meditative practice – a time to renew, revive, relax and cleanse the soul. Beyond cleansing the body, the bath is viewed as a time and place to wash away the cares of the day.

Bathing is done in two phases. First, there is cleansing which is usually done in a small shower or with a Hinoki wood bucket before proceeding into the bathtub to soak. Soaking and relaxing in the bath is just that – pure enjoyment.

This is the same experience that Amayori Rituals bring to us with their bathing rituals. Drawing on Eastern wisdom and capturing the beauty and mystique of Japanese bathing rituals, Amayori is not just a line of luxury bath, body care and aromatherapy products, but an experience for your mind, body, and spirit.

Whether it be a bath or shower, bathing is an opportunity to nurture yourself, reflect and have a beautiful moment. Rarely are we alone without external influences. This is the perfect time to take advantage of your solitude. With an intention to relax, experience the beauty of Japanese bathing rituals at home.

 Stop, Relax, Breathe and Connect with Yourself.

I was sent a generous gift by the brand where I received Shower Mochi, Multi use Oil and Perfume Oil. Each product had a different scent profile and products are dreamy, magical and virtually take you to Japan to experience the ritual.

In Japanese culture, presentation is everything. Keeping that in mind, the attention to detail with packaging is wonderful, gorgeous Japanese papers delicately wrapping each box. Whilst each product is housed in black opaque UV protection glass bottle making overall presentation of these products wonderful gifts for just about any occasion. The ingredients, scent and overall experience elevates it to a luxurious self indulging treat.

Shower Mochi which is basically ‘shower bombs’ that gradually impart its mesmerizing scent profile as hot water and steam come in contact.

The whole bathroom smells amazing and standing under hot shower as steam wafts of Italian Bergamot Oil, Jasmine Absolute, Yellow Mandarin Peel Oil, and their Natural Essential Oil Blend enthralls me. From a usability and cost perspective, three mochi’s valued at $21 price point, which is $7 per shower sensorial experience. Depending on how long you shower, where you place mochi and how quickly it dissolves in water you can stretch use up to 2-3 times to get most value from each mochi. I reserve this as complete treat to my over worked mind, which sometimes refuses to slow down.

Inci List: Mochiko (sweet rice flour) and Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Organic Citrus bergamia (Italian Bergamot) Oil, Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Absolute, Citrus reticulata  (Yellow Mandarin Peel) Oil, Natural Essential Oil Blend

As for the inci list, its as clean, simple and effective as it gets. Nothing negative or cautionary to say.

Speaking of mind refusing to slow down, I have difficulty unwinding and going to sleep. My thoughts, to do lists, idea for upcoming projects, grocery list etc just does not stop. Before you say it, No I cannot meditate. Doing elaborate skincare routines and relaxing rituals helps me unwind. Which brings me to next product which is Dreams of Gion Perfume Oil. Every night I take ten deep breaths of this peaceful and tranquil blend of Wild Lavender, Mandarin, Ylang Ylang, Rosemary. Whilst its no miracle to convert me to instant sleeping beauty, it sure diverts my mind to gorgeous sensorial experience than thinking of to do’s and other lists.

Inci List: Organic Camellia Oil, Citrus Junos  (Yuzu) Oil, Citrus Reticulata  (Green Mandarin) Oil, Lavandula angustifolia  (Wild Lavender) Oil, Cananga Odorata Genuina  (Ylang Ylang Extra) Oil,  Natural Essential Oil Blend, Rosemary CO2 Extract

All their Aromatherapy Perfume Oils have a base of Camellia oil and wonderfully curated blends of essentials oils. I was also provided with samples of other oils, and whilst I still haven’t steered away from Dream of Gion the scent profile and inci list for others is as follows:

Ambrosial Ofuro: Organic Camellia Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Endl. (Hinoki) Essential Oil, Monarda fistulosa L. var. menthaefolial (Mondara) Essential Oil, Hedychium spicatum  (Ginger Lily) CO2, Michelia Champaca (Champaca) CO2, Natural Essential Oil Fragrance, Rosemary CO2 Extract

Hinoki Onsen: Organic Camellia Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Endl. (Hinoki) Oil,  Jasmine Sambac (Jasmine) Absolute, Aniba rosaeodora (Rosewood) Essential Oil, Citrus reticulata (Red Mandarin) Essential Oil, Natural Essential Oil Blend, Rosemary CO2 Extract

Geisha Ritual: Organic Camellia Oil, Organic Citrus bergamia (Italian Bergamot) Oil, Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Absolute, Citrus reticulata  (Yellow Mandarin Peel) Oil, Natural Essential Oil Blend, Rosemary CO2 Extract

Zen Morning: Organic Camellia Oil, Organic Citrus aurantium (Sicilian Blood Orange) Oil, Citrus aurantium v Amara (Egyptian Bitter Orange) Oil, Mentha arvensis (Japanese Mint) Oil,  Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) Essential Oil, Natural Essential Oil Blend, Rosemary CO2 Extract

The addiction to this oil is truly what has me devoted to this brand. The versatility, magnetic scent profile, clean inci list and pump packaging has me going gaga. The site claims it can be used as body oil before or after shower, bath oil (few drops in bath), and hair oil. I’ve used it all ways except bath, because the temperatures are too warm to soak in bath. However trust me to experiment more, used as face oil and mixed with my MV Organic Jojoba oil as well. Smelled amazing and instantly absorbs in skin. Moisturized skin well and no noted congestion. The scent doesn’t linger for long.

The inci list is simple and straight forward which encourages its versatility. Surely the price point would ache a bit at $110 however you get full 100ml. So the range of purposes and the price would work but still on luxe spectrum.

Hinoki Onsen: Coconut Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Organic Camellia Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Endl. (Hinoki) Oil,  Jasmine Sambac (Jasmine) Absolute, Aniba rosaeodora (Rosewood) Essential Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Red Mandarin) Essential Oil, Natural Essential Oil Blend, Rosemary CO2 Extract

All in all, I definitely recommend giving this brand a go. It certainly is a luxe treat to unwind and detach from all cares and stresses in the world. Have you tried this brand? Tell me about your experiences.

HHW.com

xx

 

 

 

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Insight – Mahogany Naturals

Many of you may have noticed on my Instagram account my new found love for Mahogany Naturals products. Mahogany Naturals is created by hair stylist Tope Beesley in 2012 to specifically address the needs of curly, textured and afro hair. Tope is also a certified Aromatherapist & Beauty Therapist so she understands how ingredients and essential oils affect different skins, hair and scalp conditions.

Tope believes everything has a purpose but most importantly, the products are meant to de-stress and relieve anxiety. As with any artisanal skincare, Mahogany Naturals is also hand made in small batches to retain its freshness in the historical town of Bletchley Milton Keynes, UK. They are PETA CERTIFIED as a cruelty free company and all  ingredients are 100% natural, organic, not tested on animals and are vegetarian friendly.

SNEAK PEEK: Keep an eye out on my Instagram, a giveaway of products will be announced to win some of the products mentioned below.

Meet Tope, below is my lil chat with this gorgeous talented woman

1. Why Mahogany Naturals (why the name and why create this brand)?

The name Mahogany has always been a part of me. I remember using it since I was a teenager. It means strength, luxury and the best from mother nature.

2. The new trend of ‘Green Beauty’ is falsely misleading some customers as they’re not all completely natural or green….your thoughts? How is Mahogany Naturals truly natural? 

Everything we use is completely natural. I started out mixing formulations in my kitchen from my fridge to my food cabinet.  Even our preservative is naturally derived. I do roll my eyes when I see well known brands slap “natural” on the front label but then you look at the ingredients list and silicons and harsh chemicals are in the first 5 ingredients. I urge everyone to go straight to the ingredients list and familiarize themselves with it.

(You see why I love Tope so much, she insists on same thing, check the ingredient listing, get the past the claims of the product)

3. What motivates you to create new products? How are you inspired with different ingredients?

First of all my family is number one, my children and husband inspire me to start formulation my own recipes. I am also a qualified Hairstylist and Aromatherapist so I have the knowledge of the effects of essential oils and how to blend them. I also see a problem when a client comes to me and if I don’t have a product that solves their issue I work on formulating something.

4. Skincare market is saturated and everyday new brands are coming up. How does Mahogany Naturals distinguish itself from other brands in market?

I stay true to the essentials. I keep it simple with my ingredients and use only the best and highest quality ingredients. I don’t make any wild claims. I let the products speak for themselves and work their magic.

5. What skincare advise did you receive as a little girl and what advise do you give your children?

I don’t think I specifically got any skincare advice as a kid. I just grew a passion for it as I got older. My kids use everything I use from head to toe. My girls are always very moisturised. I explain to them that if you look after yourself from a young age you grow old gracefully and stay looking youthful for longer.

You can follow Tope and the brand on Instagram (click here)

EXPRESS REVIEWS

This is where my love affair with Mahogany Naturals began. Hair Mask with Rhassoul Cocoa, Honey Deep Hair Treatment. Its rich, delicious, intoxicating, intriguing texture had me all over it. Admittedly slightly heavy for my hair type (fine, thin and flat), but I can see this would be deeply adored with very dry and brittle hair. I carefully glanced at ingredient listing and decided to use as face mask! Fabulous deeply moisturizing for skin. Have a closer look at this decadent pot of lushness.

Rhassoul, Raw honey, (Theobroma Cacao) Organic cocoa powder, Theobroma cacao Unrefined cocoa butter, (Aloe Barbadensis) Organic aloe vera, (Olea Europa) Extra virgin olive oil, (ulmus rub) Slippery elm, Guar, emulsifier, essential oils.

Next hair treatment I tried was the Coconut Water Restorative Hair Mask, this suited my hair perfectly. I’ve used it as pre shampoo and post shampoo and my hair loves this mask. Also it smells beautiful (as with all Mahogany Naturals product). Scent wise I’ve yet to come across any product from this brand that I don’t like. This hair mask is not as dense as Rhassoul Clay and glides effortlessly through the hair strands.

Packaging wise all products come in plastic containers (not flimsy at all) with all information on labels. They are environmentally friendly and recognize the fact that we throw boxes!!!

(Aloe Barbadensis) Aloe vera, Coconut water, Organic castor oil, (Ricinus communis) Shea butter, Organic coconut oil (Cocos nucifera). Organic honey (Prunus Dulcis), Sweet almond oil, (Tocopherol) vitamin E, Vegatable glycerine, (Olea Europaea) Extra Virgin olive oil, silk amino acids, cetearyl alcohol, optiphen

My personal favorite skincare range from this brand is truly de-stressing component of my skincare regime. It really uplifts my mood from the shittiest day in the history of my existence. If asked to choose one product from this line up, I would walk away from all three because I cannot choose. Its all or nothing.

Cleansing Oil – perfect as morning or second cleanse, I dont prefer using this lush oil for makeup removal because I want direct contact to feed and nourish my skin and not deal with my war paint issues. Doesn’t emulsify with water but comes off effortlessly with hot cloth. I don’t need to specifically talk about the scent, just glance at inci list below.

(vitis vinifera) Grape Seed Oil, (olea europaea) olive oil, (citus sinensis) sweet Orange Oil, (melaleuca alternifolia) tea tree oil , Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Oil, lavender, camomile,  Eucalyptus radiata oil.

Next up, Face Hydrating Repair Oil. Yes we all know I have a major weakness for oils. But oils like this, where the Man of house calls it his own, means we have a clear winner. We need a moment here, to appreciate my Man uses face oil, this in the past has always been a forced measure. Now he is willingly doing it himself. Reasons behind this you may ask: well the uplifting scent, with instantly absorbing formulation, leaving the skin with a hydrated plump feel. What more could I ask for?!

(Oenothera fiennis) Evening primrose, (Sclerocarya birrea) macula, (Adansonia Digitata) baobab, (tocopherol) vitamin e, camellia, (Rosa canina) rosehip, (Persea americana) avocado, teatree, (Anthemis Nobilis) camomile, (Rosmarinus officinalis) rosemary.

Now the one that took me by surprise, Manuka Face Cream. I’ll be honest I don’t like or appreciate creams as much as face oils (in case you didn’t already know that!). However if you ask why that is the case, please click here as I have detailed post on this.

The first point of difference with this cream, the first ingredient is Aloe Vera. Second the addition of Manuka Honey 20+ factor as third ingredient. Tope is not mucking about with rubbish ingredients, she knows the true value of good quality ingredients. Much to my surprise the addition of Shea Butter did not congest or break me out. The preservative and emulsifier is also from natural source. Another reason why this won my heart, it’s in a bottle with a pump, no filthy fingering business.

Instantly absorbs, in same scent profile as other skincare products, immediate softness and plumpness in skin. Fabulous as makeup base or for basic Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize routine.

Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf extract, Light Coconut Oil, Manuka Honey 20+, Avocado oil, Butyrosperum Parkii (Organic Shea Butter), Rosemary oil, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Glycerin, Collagen (Marine), Cetyl Alcohol, Hippohae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn seed oil), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)

Lastly the body care category, my favourite from this range is the body oil. The best combination is soak in bath salts and then slap on the body oil. I smell and feel bloody amazing.

Body Oil: (Vitis vinifera) Grapeseed oil, (Olea europaea) Virgin Olive Oil, Eucalyptus radiate, Lavandula officinalis oil, (Citrus Grandis) Grapefruit oil.

Bath Salts: Sodium Chloride Rock Crystal, Geranium Oil, Vegetable Glycerine, rose oil, eucalyptus oil, Allura Red

The deodorant is used more as body mist for me, I’m a woman who needs clinical protection deodorant for my kinda activities.

Have you tried anything from this brand? Alsooooo keep your eyes peeled for the giveaway on my Instagram.

HHW.com

xx