African Herbs for Beauty and Well-being

In Africa, herbs have been used for thousands of years to heal, as food, commerce and for health  and well-being. Generally, people all over use herbs to cook and to look after themselves. I will heighlight some herbs that grow in Africa  and can be found in other countries. Africa is blessed with thousands of plants, botanicals and herbs; but for this issue of Ingredient Feature, I will focus on these four ingredients, Neem tree, Shea butter, Palm oil and Black Soap.  On the benefits they have brought and how they have been used for thousands of years for different purposes.


1. Neem tree- (Dogonyaro)

Neem tree is indigenous to India, Burma, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. And is referred by various  names as; Dogon Yaro (Nigeria), Neeb, Margosa (Arabic), Azad Dirakht (Persian). This evergreen shady tree grows luxuriously in the tropical and semi-tropical

In Africa, the Neem tree can be found in the norther part of Nigeria  and know as the Dogonyaro tree. It is very medicinal and highl y regarded for it's antibacterial properties. Traditionally, It is boiled and drank as a cure for malaria. Neem oil is also used to treat all sorts of skin and hair problems from, hair lice and dandruff to infections. However, Neem oil, very smelly and unpleasant, with a very strong strength that over powers any other oil that it is used with and so should be used in moderation.  The Gunky smell can be ovelooked due to the benefits it provides.

2. Palm Kernel oil-Elaeis guineensis

Palm oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit kernels (seeds) of the oil palm. Palm oil is naturally reddish in color because it contains a high amount of beta-carotene.

Palm oil is edible and used for cooking, the body , frying and in soaps and cosmetics. The benefits of palm oil.

The demand for palm oil is growing and can be found in almost everything you eat from magarine, to butter,cakes, preserves and more. However, you can't talk about palm oil without highlighting the problems.There has been alot of conroversies sourrounding palm oil because of the deforestation, devastation and tragedy that it is causing the Orangotangs and some communities.You can read an article here from the independent about problem palm oil is causing in the western region.

3. Black Soap-oshea Dudu

Black soap also comes from West Africa. It is made from plantain leaves, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods or other leaves. The leaves are burned and then water and oil is added. The oils can be coconut oil, shea butter, palm oil or cocoa butter. The process can take up to 2 weeks and recipes are passed down through generations. This means that different regions and tribes have their own ways of making black soap. Black soap is known as Ose Dudu in Nigeria – ( ‘soap black’).Black soap helps with acne, rashes and hyper-pigmentation. It is not as drying as most soaps and can be used all over the body.

Black soap is medicinal and can be found in Ghana, Nigeria and other aprts of West Africa.

4. Shea Butter-

.

Shea butter known as Karite butter, is a cream coloured fatty substance extracted from the fruit, they grow only in the wild and can take up to 50 years to mature. Alsos known as Mangifolia tree found in the west and central Africa. Western countries are just begining to recognise the benefits of shea butter, something that African have known for thousands of years.

For centuries, Africans have used Shea butter to: 
• Moisturize and regenerate skin and hair
• Reduce inflammation, stretch marks and wrinkles 
• Treat eczema and arthritis

Shea butter has proven healing properties, dubbed the women’s gold of Africa, it has great healing properties. Heals burns and wounds, promotes cell regeneration, used to treat Eczema, rashes, severe dry chapped skin, provides natural protection against sun damage and ultra violet rays. Good for stretch marks; long application helps delay appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We use Unrefined shea butter in our Creams and lotions.

What are your experiences with using any of the herbs and plant above? Have you come across them or used them. We use all of these ingredients I have written about and more,  in making our products because of the benefits they provide. Our ingredients are sourced from sustainable resources and suppliers who maintain fairtrade principles. Nature heals, So why change it.

Pic Credit: Google images

This Summer Let Your Skin Breath...

With the weather getting sunnier and hotter, the skin will sweat  more and get clogged up quickly.

Did you know that, pilling on makeup will also get the skin clogged up. And the more you cover up the more the skin is straved of fresh air and then a vicious circle of dependency on covering up occurs- a kind of no you can't be seen without make up on kind of regime.

To keep your skin clean and refreshed, always cleanse and moisturise daily no matter how late it is. Make sure you use a deep cleansing facial scrub once a week and don't go to bed with your make-up on or you will clog up your skin. Lastly and most importantly, wear sun protection if you are out in the sun. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water when you are out and about. Enjoy the lovely sunshine!


Selected products from our WuChi  by Maks range to help keep your skin Squiky clean...

WuChi by Maks Almond face scrub is a gentle,creamy  scrub that will help refine the skin texture and suitable for all skin types. It contains a blend of essential oils of french Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Rosewood in moisturising, nourishing, yet gentle exfoliating Almond seed meal to remove dull, dead skin cells for a healthy radiant skin.
view this product on our website.

Words from our happy customers...
" This product (Almond Face Scrub)  has a wonderful smooth texture to it... not heavy grains.my young tennage daughter has started to use it it's that mild. Thanks" Kirstene Dixon

WuChi by Maks Organic Muslin Face Cloth helps to gently exfoliate and deep cleanse your skin while boosting circulation at the same time. It can be used daily for effective and regular deep cleansing to boost circulation and slough away dead skin cells. View this product on our website

Your Skin is a Reflection of You, it tells a story.

The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. As you age some of your skin cells are not able to replace themselves.


Skin diseases will often be an outer reflection of internal problems and must be treated as such. This is because the skin is responsible for the elimination and excreation of a quarter of the body's waste products so any dysfunction of the skin will stress the other 3 the kidney, lungs and bowels.

The fibres that make the skin stretch become less elastic and you begin to lose some connective tissues called collagen. This makes the skin thinner and less able to repair damage. This is usually when you start to notice the lines and wrinkles and looking for miracle creams to work instant miracles.

Sorry to disappoint you, but, our genes affect how the skin ages, and external factors like ultra violet rays from the sun can result in pigment changes, wrinkles and brown spots. Which is why you should protect the skin from environmental pollution and free radicals. By moisturising daily and following a regular skincare regime that includes, cleansing, toning, moisturising, regular treatment and making sure you use sun protection.

The skin is a reflection of all our life's experiences. A healthy lifestyle is usually reflected in a healthy looking skin. If you understand the skin structure then you will by now know that the skin absorbs absolutely almost 70% of what you put on it and should be looked after properly.

New Year, New You or Old You, With Changes

Welcome to 2011.We've all been there, another new year and very exciting prospects in mind. You promise to be good and suddenly notice all the rates for gym membership and thinking which new exercise gear to buy, running shoes or gym membership with a personal trainer. Dieting, Dvding or wandering around the gym with programme cards. They are simply known as the January Joiners and  as we all know it all wears out  by the spring. Well, how about doing something different this year. So, I thought I should highlight a few simple changes that you can make that will be of benefit to you in the long term if you keep at it diligently.

Think of long term strategies for your health and well being


1. Ditch the Diets
Be true to your self. Ditch the detox diets because your body eliminates it self anyway, ditch the diet books and re- programme you mind in a positive way. Use 2011 to strengthen your will power so that you can get through any mental barriers that make you give up your new year resolution before the year ends.

Have you ever thought why people pledge to lose weight or start a new life in the new year. Surely, the weight gain is not a compilation of food they have eaten in the two weeks of the Christmas holiday. The weight gain is simply as a result of changes you did not make in the whole year and then pledge to loose it all in the new year. Although, I am aware that we all over indulge during the festive season with extra helpings of irresistible food. Even research says, women especially gain up to half a stone during the festive season.

Remember, Rome was not built in a day and the only way you can achieve your aim is by laying one brick at a time with examples like, making small changes daily, cutting out your potion size and keeping active. Think of long lasting management tips for health and well being.

2. Get Active
If you walk for 30-45 mins at least 3 time a week,  you will notice a difference long term. Keep your body hydrated by drinking more water and your skin will look plummer. I don't believe drastic decisions help achieve aims I simply  believe a good mindset and will of mind with carefully  planned achievable and doable goals can be achieved for longer.  Remember if you don't put in the hard work, you will not see any difference. Nobody lost weight by sitting in front of the telly eating pop corn. So go out there and do something. slow and steady one step at a time.

3. Have a Smoothie

Having a smoothie for breakfast or lunch will help you get your five a day. You cant comprehend the benefits of the nutritional benefits  and vitamins you get from the fruits. this is one of the best weight management tips you can incorporate into  to your new year resolution. Making smoothies is easily done all you have to do is buy an affordable smoothie maker and  some fruits  and experiment with healthy drinks.

4. Great Skincare Regime
If you are still deciding what your new years resolution is, make sure great skincare regime is one of them. The skin absorbs up to 70 % of what you put on so make sure to choose a natural organic alternative beauty product. Natural is always best as the ingredient will work as skin food to repair and look after your skin naturally without any harsh chemicals.
 
Products: WuChi by Maks Mini Face Kit


What's your New Year resolution  ?
 I stopped making new year resolutions but only continue from where I have stopped with a positive mindset in everything that we do here at WuChi HQ. Although, I would like to add that I intend to write more and connect with my customers as much as possible because behind every brand there is someone and people (team working hard ) to make sure everyone is happy. Here is to a very successful healthy and very happy New Year to you .

Let's talk about Hair ..

I was thinking about a beauty topic to write about today , and I happened to glance myself walking past a mirror and thought wow!  how great my hair looks...  and thought why not talk about hair. Which is a womans great past time.

But it wasn't always like this.. I had my days of short, long, weave, natural, braids, dropping , pulling complaining and now very pleased, calm and happiest.
And I thought! yeah, lets talk about hair.

Hair, loss or hair problem can sometime be as a result of hormonal, environmental or changes going on in your body. And sometime hair loss can even be as a result of stress.

Although, when you consult scientific gizmo's it tells you that your hair grows slowly and at least a strand of hair dropping off your hair sometimes is good. So don't panic when you see a few strands fall off in the morning this is absolutely normal. Here are few tips to help keep your hair healthy.

Tips to keep your hair happy and healthy...

Shampoo and condition your hair at least twice a week. Choose conditioners with ingredients that will nourish the hair and scalp. It is advisable to give the hair a break sometimes from braids and cornrows to allow for some fresh air.

Using ingredients like Rosemary as a hair rinse and Olive oil for scalp massage will help keep your hair healthy and strong.

Olive oil is  not only for sprinkles in salads. It is one of natures gift to man for the hair.  Although some seem to think that olive oil belongs only in the kitchen and churh , little did they know that Olive oil existed before Christ, and for all its benefits is still present till today.
Just in-case you don't already know by now, Olive oil is the ultimate hair food. In-fact most hair products contain oliver oil because of the powerful benefits it provides over all for the skin and hair.

• Boil some Rosemary and use the water as a hair rinse this will help if the hair is breaking or with scalp dandruff..
• Use Olive oil to massage weekly on to your scalp to help nourish the hair and help it stay healthy and strong.

  
 
A few things you should know ..

1. Dont panic if your hair starts dropping do something! simply trimming the tips will help  stop breakage, keep it bouncy and healthy.

2. Give your hair a weekly hair rub, on to the scalp. and your scalp and hair will love you.
click here to preview our range of hair care products at WuChi by Maks with ingredients specifically chosen to address you hair care needs. Don't forget to share compliments you get with how healthy your hair looks.

Beauty Smoothie...

If you want to know how healthy glowing skin and smoothies relate, hope it helps to know that,  looking after your skin should be a lifestyle thing.  Doing this will not only help you feel and look great but will help the skin absorb the vital nutrients your body needs to staying beautiful. So, here is something to help you along the way. I tried a lovely home made smoothie and would like to share this with you.

 Beauty Smoothie Recipe:

1/3 spinach
1/3 Watercress
1 banana
5-6 strawberries
2 apples- peeled and cut into small chunks.
2 carrots- cut into small chunks
1/3 lime - squeezed
1/2 cup Semi skimmed milk
If you are allergic to dairy use an alternative  like soya , goats or rice  milk.
Blend everything together until smooth, then pour and enjoy!
Do you know that, beauty, healthy glowing skin and a healthy lifestyle should be practised inside out, because, if you put the right nutrients in to the body, your skin will glow and look healthy on the outside.

I believe what you put into your body is also as important as what you eat. Which means, garbage in, garbage out, good stuff in, lovely healthy skin on the outside.

Try this, add a smoothie to your lifestyle lets say, three days a week and you will definitely see the difference.
Another way of making sure you always have a beauty smoothie top up is to, make the smoothie the night before and keep in the fridge over night. This way you don't run out and don't get too tried or in a rush to make one in the morning.

The smoothie will keep for a maximum of up to 3 days in the fridge. However, aim to drink the beauty smoothie 3 times a week or more.  As well as improving your general well being, smoothies made from fruits and vegetables can have health benefits for the body and skin. Happy blending!

Spring Clean your Tootsies (feet)

If like me, once it is spring and the first thing you see or think about is the marks and dust on the windows and the excitement of spring cleaning, then it is time to spurts up and pay attention to your feet too.

Although we know the first thing people see when they look at  you is your face. However, in spring and summer the first thing they will see when you are showing off your flip flops is your feet. We work the feet very hard all day, but unlike our hands and the rest of the body they are often neglected.
Why not give your feet a well deserved treat by getting a pedicure and you don't have to go to a salon to get it done professionally. So here's how to make sure you don't get caught out with roughages and shiny flip flops.


5 DIY Steps to Lovely Tootsies!!!

1.Soak your feet for 10 minutes in a bowl of warm water with bubble bath or foot soak and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Lavender to relax, Eucalyptus to refresh, rose to feel special, or tea tree for smelly feet and antibacterial properties. all essential oils have unique beneficial properties.

2. Clip your toe nails and tidy them up. It is much easier and less stressful to do so at this stage because the toe nails are softened and easier to work with especially if you have hard nails.

3.  Give a good scrub. Use a natural exfoliating foot scrub or pumice stone to give the feet a good rub down. This is to remove any dead and rough skin. Or you can make your self a quick scrub by using sugar and olive oil from your kitchen.

4.Wash the scrub off thoroughly and pat dry. And apply a moisturiser or a foot cream.

5. If you have extremely dry feet, here's a tip . Apply a generous amount of moisturiser to the feet and wrap with cling film for a few hours Or wear cotton socks over night. Then apply your choice of nail polish and nail protector. And you are ready to go

At WuChi by Maks we make foot products that are made with natural ingredients to exfoliate, moisturise, nourish, protect and pamper your feet. With the added benefits of essential oils to uplift and invigorate tired feet. Did you know that a gentle foot scrub is also a therapeutic way to improve circulation in the feet and lower legs. So, look after your tootsies you got only one pair.

Face Facts with Face Oils...

Fancy looking like you have just been away and back from a holiday?

I recommend choosing face oils  that contain extracts of Rose and  Rose hip seed oil. These ingredients contains high levels of Omega-3 and Omega -6 oils which are proven to nourish the skin. The combination of these oils will act as anti-inflammatory oils which will help sooth any problems on the face.

Rose is excellent for all skin types, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin and extremely useful for rejuvenating and healing the skin.

Nourishing rich face oils helps repair the skin, however  you will achieve even greater results if on your face, you exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells. This will not only make the skin on your face look fresher and radiant but will help the face oil and night treatments penetrate deeper into the epidermis.

The face is the first thing people see when they come in contact with you, so don't neglect that area. Not only is the facial skin soft and delicate it is very important that it is treated with tender love and care with natural ingredients that will not cause any break outs or sensitivity.

WuChi Rose Face Oil   is a favourite with Hollywood celebrities and the press. Our Rose face was voted 9/10 for facial radiance and youthful glow. And loved by our customers and featured in numerous beauty articles.


Small changes big difference...

New Year..New You...WuChi Style

This is that time of year again, when everyone makes resolutions, And pledges to be good, stops eating chocolates, says no to drinking wine, promises to stop smoking again, And adds the ultimate I will exercise more and be healthier this year.

However, we all know half of the time that the resolutions are broken by the 14th of February which is Valentine's day when you receive flowers and  a box of gorgeous irresistible chocolates you smile and gobble it all up.. I don't make resolutions; instead I set my self  achievable goals.

My advice is to set your self achievable goals in all aspect of your life, write them down and review them regularly. Then you need to decide on what you really want to achieve, how you intend to do so and put in the hard work. Simple.


5 things to help you along the way:

1. Give your skin a boost- Monthly facials will do wonders for your face.  Facials can be done DIY style or at a spa by an  experienced  facialist depends on what works for you. Exfoliate on a regular basis at least once a week if you start now you will see the results by spring, if not immediately.Remove make up before you go to bed and always use a night cream. Try our Award Winning Nourishing Night Cream

2. Drink plenty of water- Did you know that drinking non cafinatted drinks like tea actually counts toward your water intake.

3. Exercise- This aspect of our lives can never be over emphasised enough exercise, exercise, exercise. So how do you fit in exercise into your life without breaking the bank or abandoning the resolution come February. Did you know that by just fitting in a 30-45minues walk everyday will do wonders for you health. Try to get 5 portions of fruit and vegetable per day.

4. Scrub up- Body exfoliation and body brushing are one of the best things if added to your 2010 resolution will do wonders for your skin.  Daily body brushing and exfoliation will help slough off dead skin cells, it also helps boost circulation and encourages the regeneration of smoother looking skin.

5 . Stay focused- Don't give up, start small,  and incorporate these ideas gradually into your regime. These are all proven methods that work. Put on a happy face; remember nothing is more attractive than someone with a happy smile.


Think about this carefully... Are you up to the challenge...?

The Healing Power of Honey

For centuries honey has been used for its therapeutic purpose to heal all sort of ailments including cough and sore throat and of course as a natural sweetener for food.

According to research, the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey is as effective as modern medicine.

A senior lecturer in biochemistry at the University of New Zealand Dr Molan, found that Manuka honey from the flower of the famous New Zealand Tree Bush has medicinal properties not found in other honey. Mauka honey is known to strengthen the immune system, it helps heal wound and fights all kinds of infection internally or externally. As a drink, natural honey and lemon juice also make a great drink to start the day, as the honey will boost your energy level with a gentle detoxifying effect.

Honey is versatile and the effectiveness is noted across the food and beverage industry, health, beauty and in complimentary medicine.


Mauka honey contains nutrients vitamins, amino acids and minerals the benefits are extraordinary it is moisturising, rejuvenating, nourishing, protecting and healing.Honey works as a humectant by drawing moisture into the skin.

Here at WuChi by Maks we love our honey, we use honey in our products and are very careful where we source our honey from and the honey we use in our products is from sustainable resources.

While at the natural and organic product exhibition I  became an fan of a company called Tropical Forest honey.. very delicious honey sourced from wild bees that thrive in forest across Africa. They were so kind to also give us some sample of their Organic Beeswax to try in our products.

For a home spa  beauty experience try using honey at home for a facial.  Apply honey on your face leave for 5-10min and rinse off.

The healing power of honey to stimulate wound healing and rejuvenate healthy skin is well documented.

WuChi Connecting on Social Media

With businesses and everyone going social media mania, like twitter, flickr, blogger, and Facebook we do not want to be left out so we decided to create a WuChi by Maks fan page on Facebook where we can connect, talk more and share more behind the scene information with our subscribers and customers about our products and what we are doing. Hopefully to build a closer interactive relationship.

Although it takes a while to get used to and eventually learn /understand how to manage all the social media sites we still took the plunge. Recently we just discovered tweet deck which some how seems to make it a bit simpler by having three of the most used social media sites in one.. twitter, Facebook and my-space; on it you can post and see everything all in one. Please don't ask me for more information because we are still getting used to the new gizmo's and getting used to the newly acquired freedom of speech.

However, this will all take a while and some getting used to.

Feel free to add us as your friend on facebook or to join our fan page.
so what do you say.. Lets connect via social media the next big thing.. since slice bread
Facebook fan page,
Twitter,
Flickr,
Blog, or simply click on the images above to link directly to the page.

Hope to see you there.

Body Oils: Why it is Good for you

One of the best things you can do for your body is to use a body oil. Body oils contain a multitude of moisturising properties found in oils like Olive, Almond and JoJoba oil, a good source of essential fatty acids and vitamins that are good for you and your skin..

It is understandable that a lot of people believe body oils will make their skin greasy or oilier infact that is not the case, it is the other way round.

Body oils are light and absorb quicker by mimicking the natural oil composition of the body and works in harmony with the skin oils to balance and penetrate deeper leaving the skin soft and moisturised for longer.

To keep the skin supple and stop it from getting dry, it is important to moisturise regularly everyday after bath or shower. Body oils nourish the skin

Experience WuChi Body Oils:

Our body oils contain rich cold pressed plant based oils and vital ingredients to feed your skin. We place high importance to where we source our ingredients. We use pure exotic essential oils with aromatic essence, no compromise because we want to offer the highest benefit and the best body oils in the world with all the added benefits.

Sensual Body Oil: for an exotic experience, contains a combination of some of my favourite essential oils, Rose Otto, Ylang Ylang, Rosewood, Rose Geranium.

Relaxing Body Oil: A combination of Lavender, Geranium and Chamomile oils
relaxes your muscles after a hard day.. soothes and calms if you are having problems sleeping

Toning Body Oil: stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic system,
helps increases the elimination of toxins and improves muscle and skin tone.
Combination of Lemon, Grapefruit, (works wonders after pregnancy, during or after exercise)

Body Oil Collection: three of our beautifully packaged award winning body oils.

My favourite is the Sensual body oil... I cant do with out it, I love it and it is absolutely gorgeous...

Which one is your favourite?

Email me maks@wuchi.co.uk if you still have any further question on our body oils..

Face Care: Dry Dehydrated Skin

If you are concerned about dry dehydrated and possibly sensitive or mature skin, this ones for you. Help is finally here.

Dry skin can be as a result of not having enough moisture on the skin caused by insufficient production of sebum. While Dehydrated skin lacks water(moisture) in the skin lipids.

Dry and dehydrated skin often accompany each other, bear in mind that they are caused by different conditions.

The skin will need added moisture as a form of a moisturiser to protect and plenty of water to keep it hydrated from within.

I recommend you use the WuChi Rose Rejuvenating Day Cream, a major part of my daily routine from the WuChi luxury skincare range.

the ingredients were carefully and thoroughly researched and then selected to offer one thing in mind for all skin types; healthy radiant skin. Using certified organic ingredients. We have developed a truly natural face products that will offer radiant healthy looking skin naturally without the chemical overload.

We have used (Contains)

*Rosehip seed oil for its-ability to repair damaged skin, contains Omega 3 & 6, tissue regenerate

*Avocado Oil for - nourishment, vitamins, & powerful source of EFA's, Vit E, Magnesium & linoleic acid

*Rose Water for its- toning and regenerative properties

*Borage oils for its- rich source of GLA, for skin regeneration and scare treatment

*Aloe Vera for its- soothing, healing and moisturising properties

*Bulgarian Rose Otto- tonic ability to treat dry, sensitive, mature and inflamed skin conditions

*Vit E (natural source)-to protect against free radicals.

To get more hydration, i suggest you apply moisturiser to damp skin and massage in well to help lock in moisture; works a treat for me.

Results, Results, Results,

Just after 2 weeks of using the WuChi Rose Rejuvenating Day Cream

your skin will instantly look and feel plummier, softer, hydrated and radiant. You will experience an amazing healthy radiant skin, brighter and healthy looking.

The results are impressive, the texture and quality is amazing, it sinks right into your skin not leaving any greasy feel. it really does work.

I am saying this because across various skin types, it really does work and nature heals; combining the powerful benefits of pure plant based rosehip seed oil, Borge oil, Rose Otto, Rose Water, Aloe Vera, ingredients rich in Vit C, Vit E, Essential fatty Acids (EFA's) GLA, Omega 3& 6, what you get is a truly impressive face product (Rose Rejuvenating Day Cream) Hand made with you in mind.

Caring for your lips

Did you know that your lips are very delicate?... and does not have the protective barrier that the rest of the face has.

Your lips lack protection from sun damage, they are not protected from environmental factors like heat, air conditions, wind and harsh weather.

This is why your lips loose moisture and is prone to dryness, chapping and dehydration.


To keep your lips plum, i recommend you care for it as we do other parts of our body by regular exfoliation and moisturising, to prevent dryness, chapping and sometimes cracking. Your lips need balms to seal in moisture which also act as barriers against environmental damage and the weather.

Most commercial addictive lip balms are made from petrochemical ingredients such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil;which clog pores & obstruct the skins ability to breath. It is advisable to go for lip balms that contain natural ingredients that will protect your lips and not cause dryness.

WuChi lip balms are created to do just one thing, to protect your lips, keep them moisturised, seal in moisture and keep them plum; they are made from only natural and organic ingredients like Beeswax, plant based cold pressed oils, Mango & Shea butter and scented with 100% essential oils for added benefits.

Adopt the following steps to keeping your lips protected...

Exfoliate your lips: just as you exfoliate your body, exfoliating your lips helps get rid of dry dead flaky skin; it helps prepare the lips for the absorption of your lip balms or gloss or lip stick. it will help keep your lips in good shape; remember to exfoliate gently and regularly..

How to exfoliate your lips:

1. Using a soft brush or damp muslin cloth exfoliate gently for 2 mins or
2. Apply honey to your lips and use as a base for exfoliating for 2 min and rinse + apply barrier cream or
3. Use 1 tbs brown sugar and 1/2 spoon lemon juice mix and use as a lip scrub, gently exfoliate for 2 min; rinse and apply lip balm to seal in moisture or
4. Apply honey to lips; use a muslin cloth as a lip exfoliator gently for 2 min; rinse and apply lip balm to seal in moisture.

Enjoy soft luscious lips this summer.... visit our website http://www.wuchi.co.uk/ to stock up on our yummilicious lipbalms ( Coco & Mango lip balms)

Clay Face Mask: My Favourite Recipe

Before I share my favourite home- made face mask recipe with you, I will share a bit of why we all need a face mask and why we should all have one.... at least once a week.. depending on your skin type and why you really don't need to be in a spa environment to get one.
For thousands of years mask has been used to clarify the skin and get rid off any unwanted pores or problems . The benefits of clay was discovered by Egyptian slaves who noticed the benefits of how their skin felt each time they washed their clothes at the edge of the Nile River.

The benefit they noticed was softer feet.. and so decided to apply it to their face and hands and the rest they say is history. We have evolved to add different ingredients to suit our skin types as it applies to us with the discovery of new potent plant ingredients, essential oils , extract and botanicals.

Just to clarify when I say Mask I refer to the following,

Green clay( used for the treatment of various problems & suitable for normal or sensitive skin)
White clay( used for sensitive skin)
Pink clay (used for dry or sensitive skin)
Yellow clay (mostly for normal and or oily skin)

Personally I use green clay and and will refer to this as it applies to almost everyone and mostly used in the skincare and cosmetics industry.


Finally-My Recipe

Ingredients:
2-Tbs- Clay
2- Tbs-Rosewater

Directions:
*Combine the Clay and Rose water
*Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until you get a smooth paste.
*Apply to your face and leave for 10-15min
*Rinse off with warm water or (use muslin cloth) and follow with a moisturiser.

Benefits: this mask is deep cleansing, it will help to tone and heal congested skin + make your skin supple, glowing and healthy the honey has antibacterial benefits.

What you need to know:
*Mask are best applied to a well- cleansed face
*for better results , steam your face for 5min before application or soak a muslin cloth in warm water wring and cover your face to steam for 5 min.
*The steam opens your pores to allow the mask sink in deeper.
*Frame your face with a hair band to create a canvas!


So there you go... What do you think? Let me know how your skin feels after words..
image from web.

Speak soon!

Top 10 tips for leading a healthy, balanced life

Information Worth sharing!

1. Laughter!
It's true that laughter is the best medicine. It's free, readily available and the benefits are instantaneous. Laughter is so beneficial that you can actually join laughter workshops to trigger those 'happy hormones' (endorphins) and induce that warm glow of well-being.

2. Exercise
There are no shortcuts to a healthy lifestyle without exercise It strengthens the body and can help to clear the mind. Above all, it's enjoyable and entirely portable, so there's no reason not to get involved!

3. Eat fresh
Try replacing your daily caffeine fix with a freshly-squeezed juice occasionally; why not also try different combinations of fruit and/ or vegetable in your juices

4. Indulge yourself occasionally
Life should be joyful, not a guilt trip and the occasional indulgence is ok. Take the phone off the hook and soak in a deep bath, treat yourself to a massage or your favourite chocolate bikkies without getting the ‘guilts'. Organise a babysitter for the kids and enjoy a date with your spouse or partner without needing an occasion to celebrate.

5. Exercise calm
Life can't always slow its pace but you can. If your mind is constantly skipping ahead to anticipate or fret about that next phone call/deadline/relationship issue then try simple mental exercises to bring your awareness back into the present. Feel the weight of your body on the ground and turn your hearing out to listen to the sounds that are actually there (not the busy narrative in your head). This entire process can take three seconds or three minutes but it just may help you to feel refreshed and calmer afterwards.

6. Take time out
Stepping off the treadmill is essential to maintaining a healthy mind. It doesn't have to cost anything; it may simply be allowing yourself time to do whatever it is that recharges your batteries. Potter in the garden, read a book, listen to music or simply sit and think. Take a drive and immerse yourself in nature to pare back some of the slickness of city life and fall back into the slower rhythms of the natural world.

7. Check your priorities
Have you ever lifted your head up from the daily grind and wondered when living became surviving? Keep issues in context by examining them in relation to what you truly value, whether it's family, your social network or your own sense of integrity. Ask yourself where your priorities lie and whether your actions are in line with them.

8. Keep learning
Keep your mind sharp by engaging your interest; try learning a new language or take up a new hobby.

9. Give something back
Giving back could be a simple as listening to a friend who needs a sounding board or as involved as volunteering for a cause. Either way it's a valuable contribution and it also helps to shed some perspective on your own life.

10. Positive attitude
Attitude is everything. Thoughts are energy and your motivation propels them. If you maintain a positive attitude, chances are you'll attract positive, upbeat people, face challenges in good humour and keep your goals in sight.

Infomation provided from map my fitness
http://mapmyfitness.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=334784

Facial Muslin Cloth

Quite a few people come up to me and ask what really is a muslin Cloth?
they want to know why the hype about Muslin cloths are about... what is does and where they can buy them...


So here it goes...
Before you read on .. just to let you know that you can buy Organic Facial Muslin Cloths from WuChi.. .it took a while to source from France.. to make sure we got the best! just for you.

Muslin Cloths..

What is it?
A gentle way to exfoliate your skin naturally for that salon at home experience using our 100% organic pure cotton muslin cleansing cloth. We call this the WuChi Miracle cloth. The 5 minutes facial for serious benefits

Contains: a pack of 3 organic cleansing cloths to gently exfoliate and deep cleanse your skin while boosting circulation at the same time. Use daily for effective and regular deep cleansing to boost circulation and slough away dead skin cells.
Sumptuously wrapped in tissue and Packed in our silk signature black box

Benefits
Kind to skin
Suitable for all skin types
Enhances daily cleansing
Sloughs away dead skin cells
Stimulates circulation
A must for your daily routine
Purifies & gently exfoliates
Machine washable

How to use:
Apply WuChi creamy cleanser or Almond face Scrub on face and neck and gently massage into the skin using your finger tips. Dip Cloth in warm water, wring and press into the face and hold for 5 seconds then gently massage the face through the cloth with your finger tips in a circular motion until all the traces of the product has been removed.

After use splash your face with cold water or toner to tighten pores. Follow with moisturiser from the WuChi skincare range suitable for your skin type.

We recommended:
Almond face Scrub, -creamy exfoliating scrub cleanser
Orange blossom cleanser
Rose water toner

Price:
Set of 3- £ 12.00
Offer: This item free postage and Packaging with Almond Face scrub

Where to buy
Online http://www.wuchi.co.uk/
Call 08704132685 to place your order
mail: info@wuchi.co.uk
Click here to buy now