Organic Boss Babes & their Top 6 Beauty Products

A few months ago I had a novel idea. It dawned on me when I needed to suggest my favourite beauty products from the ranges I sell to a client. This was truly incredibly hard, as I love them all. But two brands stuck out as I was using and enjoying them. I also had personal relationships with both of the founders, so a spark of brilliance ignited and I realised it was collaboration time! I called up Mika du Toit of Ecologic Skincare and Nadia Matthews of Bene-Vita Skin Care and I hit them with my strange proposal! Technically they could be viewed as competitors, but they absolutely loved the idea of collaboration. This is where our blog of beauty and passion began.

My idea was to bring two amazing organic skin care Boss Babes together, and create a Crushing On Blog of each of their Top 3 Products.

Nadia and I have been friends a long time, she was always a great supporter on my health journey and we had worked together as administrators on a South African Natural Health Group on Facebook. So supporting her now on her great adventure, seemed incredibly exciting. Mika, I had met through her mother Annette who was the original founder of Ecologic Skincare. Annette had also been a stalwart in the health industry, advising me whenever I needed her help and pointing me in so many great health directions. So for me this was a wonderful way to show appreciation to her.

So this blog embodies BEAUTY inside and out!

Let’s introduce you now to both of the Boss Babes, their brands and their Top 3 Products… in their own words…

Nadia Matthews of Bene-Vita Skin Care

Getting the diagnosis that my mother had breast and ovarian cancer has changed my life in ways I had never imagined it would. I needed to know why she got ill. I needed to help her. I wasn’t ready to lose her. I needed to change my lifestyle to help her.

Out of this crisis, my journey in natural and organic living was born.

Having studied towards a Masters in Somatology, I do have some foundational knowledge of health and skin care. However after the diagnosis led me down a path of intense research into natural health and skincare, I became aware of the numerous inconsistencies which I not only practiced in my own skin care routine, but also recommended to my clients. My motto in life is ‘When you know better, you do better’. This has been pivotal in transforming my self-care routine, as well as sharing what I learned with others.

About 2 years ago, I became an administrator on a large (8500+ members) Facebook group called South African Natural Immunity Health Community (SANIHC). SANIHC is a page dedicated to the promotion of a natural lifestyle. Seeing a desperate need for clean and organic Skin Care products, I decided to start my product range. Together with my business partner Qira Mathews we started Bene-Vita Skincare. Qira the face of our soon to be launched YOUTH range. She is a 17-year-old high school teen entrepreneur, proving that you don’t need a driver’s license to create a successful business. With a passion for all things health and skin related, she has assisted in producing and launching this range of wellness organic products. Qira is also an avid health-conscious foodie, bakes amazing cakes to order and loves dance and exercise to keep in shape. This savvy teenager is proving that you just need the vision and perseverance to jump start a budding career, and faith that success will follow.

Bene-Vita means Good Life.

As much as skin care is our primary focus, we are very aware that good skin comes from within and this is how our brand name developed. Good skin comes from a ‘Good or Well Life’. Qira who is also my niece, having dealt with my mother’s cancer diagnosis, also realises the importance of being healthy and well, and shares my passion of creating superior natural skin care products.

Bene-Vita Skincare is well known for using Sea Buckthorn oil in our products. I was first introduced to Sea Buckthorn oil by my homeopath, Dr Leslie Emdin. After using it for myself and my family and seeing the amazing health benefits, I just knew this was going to be part of something I wanted to create and share with others.

Sea Buckthorn is superior in Omega 7. It contains over 190 nutrients and phytonutrients. This berry also has as much Vitamin E as wheat germ, three times more Vitamin A than carrots and four times more super oxide dismutase, an important enzyme that helps prevent free radical damage. If that isn’t enough, Sea Buckthorn is also the only plant source that contains Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, making this berry a complete Omega family. Sea Buckthorn oil is great for radiation, sun damage and is a powerful anti-inflammatory, full of nutrients which promote faster cellular regeneration.

We have a few ranges and Timeless is our main product range, it uses the unique and powerful Sea Buckthorn oil. Our formulations focus on anti-aging as well as problematic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and pigmentation. We are also famous for our Black Seed Oil which is a firm favourite and is known as ‘The Blessed Seed’ as there is no ailment or illness that this oil cannot assist with. The power and versatility of the oil stands above any other botanical.

But if I had to be pressed and choose my Top 3 currently crushing on products… here goes.

Timeless Whipped Sea Buckthorn Butter – Our very first product and still a huge favourite.

Product featured: Timeless Whipped Sea Buckthorn Butter

We wanted to create a product that would have an uplifting fragrance while penetrating deep into the skin, giving a luxurious feel. This product is excellent for calming the skin and assisting with eczema, dry skin and pigmentation. The oil combination provides a warming and cooling effect, which relieves aches and pains. It is also an effective insect repellent. We have had many happy returning clients!

Timeless Sea Buckthorn Treatment Serum – Our first serum.

Product featured: Timeless Sea Buckthorn Treatment Serum

My mother asked Qira and I to create a serum especially for her. Anyone who has dealt with cancer will know that it takes its toll on the skin. My mother very wisely moved away from the chemical filled skincare products and needed a natural replacement. We played around with a few formulations until we perfected this Serum. This incredible oil will gradually strengthen your skin and restore elasticity, preventing premature signs of aging. It’s also an excellent Serum to assist with Rosacea and Acne. This Serum is our best seller by far!

Pure Caffeine Eye Serum – One of our latest products.

Product featured: Pure Caffeine Eye Serum

This Serum contains Pure Black Seed Oil and Organic Coffee Bean oil. Our eyes are one of the most neglected parts of our body, this is why we have created a Serum which improves circulation, plumping up the skin as well as diminishing the appearance of dark circles. Caffeine applied topically helps constrict blood vessels to reduce swelling. We did not use any essential oils in this product as many are sensitive to essential oils around the eyes.

We also have a Wellness Salon in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, focusing on the use of organic oils and products in all treatments.

As far as this journey to the ‘Good Life’ goes, my mother is incredibly well now, with no evidence of cancer! I have rediscovered my passion for skin care and have played a part in empowering the next generation of women to be aware of what goes onto their skin!

Mika du Toit of Ecologic Skincare

Ecologic began as a small, home business founded by holistic health practitioner (and my mum!) Annette, way back in 1997. Back then natural vegan products were hard to come by and those that you could get your hands on were very pricey. So Annette started Ecologic out of her own need for a simple versatile, yet highly effective range of skincare products that were kind to the earth and its inhabitants.

For as long as I can remember I grew up learning how to make natural magic potions for the skin and soul, with my Mom as my teacher. After school, I decided to study Dentistry and did two years towards my degree before life decided it had other plans for me. After leaving university to study Metaphysics part-time and travel, I found myself back at my mom’s side helping her fulfill an order for Ecologic. This was five years ago and naturally I haven’t left since. I found skincare mixology to be my passion as it combines both creative flare with natural science. Today, I am completing my studies in Cosmetic Science and am mentored by my Mother. Skincare formulation is my creative outlet and I use my formulations to tell a story.

I am now the one woman ‘team’ behind Ecologic, while the core philosophy for Ecologic will always stay the same. Creating Ecologic products is as much a meditative ritual for me as it is a manufacturing process. To this day, every product gets made in little batches, labelled and packed by hand.

Each product goes through a special blessing process and is programmed with crystals before going to its new home.

Speaking of crystals, Ecologic also has a range of crystal beauty tools to elevate your beauty routine. Our crystal rollers can be used in four unique rituals and can be thought of as a yoga workout for your face! Or try our crystal Gua sha boards and discover why Gua sha has earned the reputation of the Eastern Facelift.

My mum and myself are both being vegan and of course Ecologic is a vegan-friendly range and is accredited by both Beauty Without Cruelty and the Vegan Society of South Africa.

Ecologic is formulated without the use of any synthetic fragrances or artificial dyes. You won’t find any animal derived ingredients, harsh chemicals or paraben preservatives in any of our products. You will find them loaded full of skin-loving botanical extracts, nourishing vitamins, sensory essential oils, natural cosmoceutical actives and supplements. These powerhouses of super natural ingredients get packaged and served extra fresh in reusable and recyclable glass packaging.

Our business cards reflect our proudly South African heritage and our commitment to always innovate new ways to be more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint. Ecologic’s business cards are printed on flowering paper which can be planted to grow into African Daisies and Bokbaai Vygies- how beautiful is that?

It was so hard to choose, but here are my Top 3 products I’m currently crushing on:

Skin Perfect Moisturiser

Product featured: Skin Perfect Moisturiser

Skin Perfect Moisturiser is the first ever product created by Ecologic way back in 1997. The original formula for Skin Perfect has remained the same ever since. Skin Perfect’s star ingredient is Co-enzyme Q10. This cosmoceutical active is also the ‘life-force’ inside every living cell in your body. When applied topically, CoQ10 stimulates collagen and elastin production, protects from and repairs environmental damage and supports cellular respiration for an enlivened, glowing skin. Skin Perfect also contains cold-pressed Wheatgerm and organic Avocado oils to nourish the skin with their buffet of vitamins and Essential Fatty Acid’s. Like all Ecologic’s products, Skin Perfect is free from artificial dyes and synthetic smells. The gentle feminine fragrance of Skin Perfect comes from a combination of Neroli, Rose Geranium and Frankincense essential oils. These oils are added to inspire a feeling of radiance and for their topical value. Neroli is a known cytophylactic, which helps to regenerate healthy skin cell turn-over. Rose Geranium is a balancing oil which works to restore equilibrium to the skin’s natural oil secretions. Frankincense is an emollient oil which is fit for a king. This essential oil is added for it’s skin-softening properties.

Toning Eye & Skin Gel

Product featured: Toning Eye & Skin Gel

If firmer, smoother and more vibrant skin is what you’re after, then Ecologic’s Toning Eye & Skin Gel will be your skin’s new BFF. This mega-moisturising jelly-like gel is made with a healthy dollop of Aloe, MSM, repairing Rutin and zesty, organic Mediterranean Cypress. Aloe is a natural humectant which means it draws moisture to the skin. MSM is an organic sulfur compound which strengthens the intercellular matrix of the skin. MSM also makes cell membranes more permeable so that other active ingredients can be absorbed deeper into the dermis where it is needed most. This makes The Toning Eye & Skin gel a perfect primer to prepare your canvas for the rest of your  beauty ritual. MSM is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties which makes it ideal to depuff and brighten tired eyes. The addition of bioflavonoid Rutin, stimulates microcirculation, supports the fine capillaries of the skin and supports optimum collagen production. The Toning Eye & Skin Gel is topped off with a splash of Cypress. Cypress oil gives a reviving, uplifting scent to the gel while also providing astringent properties for a toned, firmer and more lifted appearance. During the hot Summer months, you can keep Ecologic’s Toning Eye & Skin Gel in the fridge for an extra refreshing experience.

Colloidal Silver Wash

Product featured: Colloidal Silver Wash

The skin is the largest organ of the body and therefore deserves to be treated with love and care. It’s easy to neglect our bodies and focus on facial care but a holistic, effective beauty routine should include healthy body care too. Ecologic’s Colloidal Silver Wash is a fragrance-free wash made with the power of Silver. This wash can be used on the face and body and even as a shampoo. Not only is a multi-purpose product super convenient, but it’s also kinder on the planet to reduce our overall consumption by incorporating versatile beauty products into our rituals wherever possible. Ecologic’s Colloidal Silver Wash contains tiny pieces of real Silver! Silver is renowned throughout history for its antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory ability. This means that Colloidal Silver is highly effective at getting rid of a broad-spectrum of anti-detrimental organisms. This makes Ecologic’s hygienic Colloidal Silver Wash ideal for super soft, clean and more touch-able skin from top to toe.

This collaboration with Mika du Toit of Ecologic Skincare and Nadia Matthews of Bene-Vita Skin Care has definitely been eye opening, soul uplifting and passionately beautiful!

Be You (tiful)!

Beauty isn’t about having a pretty face, it’s about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart and most importantly a beautiful soul!

Love yourself, embrace your flaws… and having a little secret defense in your beauty regime is definitely a bonus!

So we hope you try and enjoy all of the products above and look forward to seeing you glow in and glow out.

Yours in health & love (and BEAUTY),

Lucy Kues (VitaSoul Founder)

Photography & Styling by Project Flash Photography