Shea Terra Shower Elixir Giveaway: Here's the Winner

Thanks to all of you who participated in this contest. We had great response and received a lot of positive feedback about the product in emails. The winner is ...

EMI S. of NEW YORK CITY

Congratulations to our winner! Notification by email has already been sent to the winner for mailing address verification. Emi, you can expect your prize to be sent before the end of the week provided our mailing information is correct. :o )

SHEA TERRA ORGANICS: Pink Guava Pomegranate Indigenous Body Butter

This ultimate, healing body butter pampers skin with nourishing shea butter and African herbs. Considered to be the fruit of paradise, fertility, and longevity, it is no wonder ancient women coveted the pomegranate as their secret to beauty. This anti-aging super fruit is known to fight disease and aging with its potent dose of antioxidants and punicic acid. In this sensual combination, pomegranate couples with intoxicating pink guava. Pink guava's tantalizing nectar promenades the soul with a melody of dry sweetness and a kiss of tangy tartness. Wild harvested African herbs of aloe ferox, kigelli and African potato tone and encourage skin renewal. Forty percent organic shea butter deeply moisturizes the skin, penetrating deep beneath the epidermis to deliver valuable nutrients. This potent blend reduces stretch marks, soothes eczema and sends dry skin running.

99% Natural. Paraben Free. No Artificial Fragrances. Contains 40% Shea Butter.

Doing good: Shea Terra Organics knows that sustainability is the key to Africa's success. In addition to supporting sustainable growth through trade, Shea Terra also purchases goods through NGOs teaching natives to support themselves while preserving their environment. Purchases of baobab oil and indigenous herbs from the Miombo forest help to save it from foreign logging and local slash and burn farming. Reforestation projects underway are aimed at planting trees economically beneficial for food, medicine and non-consumable goods. Honey, propolis and beeswax purchased from a cooperative in Uganda supports one of many other NGO projects that Shea Terra works with closely to empower natives with the knowledge and means that they need to have self governing and healthier lives.

Shea Terra Organics' herbal formulations have healed, soothed and revived thousands of bodies across the globe. Shea Terra's concentrated formulas of exotic African oils and herbs have won it a reputation for performing small miracles. But the real Shea Terra Organics legacy lies in Africa's people, wildlife and land. We've embarked on a global mission knowing that what happens in Africa affects the entire world. If we can save one forest we offset the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. If we can stimulate economic growth through sustainable means then we have empowered a people. And if we can nourish a little body and feed a mind then we have empowered one person to be capable of hope and change.

REVIEW: Another winner! This cream, Pink Guava Pomegranate Indigenous Body Butter, is so decadently rich and firm. The scent is truly one of sweet ripe fruit with a hint of tartness. With a whopping 40% organic shea butter in this cream, it goes to work instantly and is readily absorbed into the skin. There is no greasy, oily feel at all. What results is wonderful hydration and toned skin. Instead of using essential oils, Shea Terra has created a blend of all-natural sweet pink guava essence and tart pomegranate extract which give this body butter a vibrant, fresh aroma, and as with the other Shea Terra products, not at all overpowering. So, here's what I like best about the body butter:

• healing to all skin types
• loaded with antioxidants, minerals and skin soothing herbs
• contains the anti-aging superfruit - pomegranate
• the intoxicating, yet very light scent on pink guava
• richly high content of organic shea butter
• luxury in a jar for under $20, an incredible bargain

Shea Terra products are available at Shea Terra Organics, Nordstrom and b-glowing.

SHEA TERRA ORGANICS: Bourbon Vanilla Indigenous Silk & Shea Butter Lotion

Indulgently thick and creamy, this silk and shea butter lotion quenches thirsty, dehydrated skin. On the entrancing island of Madagascar grow the richest, most intoxicating vanilla beans in the world. By daybreak vanilla orchids open and by night fall sigh their last breaths making these hand pollinated beans one of the world's most costly spices. The choicest plump beans impregnated with earthy, warm notes impart their aroma into this hedonistic blend. Wild harvested African herbs of aloe ferox, kigelli and African potato tone and encourage skin renewal. Reparative, organic shea butter deeply moisturizes the skin, penetrating deep beneath the epidermis to deliver valuable nutrients. Creamy goat's milk, once used to nourish the delicate skin of the queen of Sheba, softens and improves skin tone with its high content of lactic acid and vitamins. Cruelty free, wild harvested silk is added to form a gentle cocoon to seal in moisture.

99% Natural. Paraben Free. No Artificial Fragrance. Contains 20% shea butter/oil. An 8 oz bottle is $18.

REVIEW: As with all the Shea Terra products I've tried thus far, I was completely delighted with the experience after just the first use of this body lotion. Let me caution you, though. If you are one who likes a light, liquid lotion, this product is definitely not for you. The Shea Terra Body Lotion is as rich, thick and decadent as what most will experience in an actual body butter. In fact, it's so rich you'd expect it to be packaged in a tub rather than a dispensing bottle. The cleverness of this dispenser does allow the product to feed through, however if you live in a colder climate you may need to warm the bottle in some warm water before dispensing the first couple of times - yes, it's that decadent. The feeling is one of luxury and indulgence on
application. Here's what I liked best about the Bourbon Vanilla Body Lotion:

• the scent is a warm, rich almost caramel-vanilla with its bourbon notes, yet not at all overpowering or off-putting
• the lotion (read: cream) absorbs right into skin on application; there's no greasy feel to this product (which attests to its superior quality)
• the hydration factor on dry skin is fantastic
• the use of a product that is organic in content and 99% natural at a price of $18 for an 8-oz bottle is more than a whopping steal
• with regular use of this product, you actually do realize healthier, toned, renewed skin appearance
• it just feels so darned luxurious ; )

Shea Terra Organics Body Lotions and other products are available through Nordstrom, Shea Terra and b-glowing.

SHEA TERRA ORGANICS: African Lemongrass Indigenous Black Soap Elixir

Skin healer!

Acne, black heads, unsightly skin? Never fear, black soap is here! If you're having trouble imagining lathering up in a soap as black as tar, read on. Many spa owners and beauty magazine editors had the same thought, but now they live by this ancient remedy for amazingly beautiful skin. Shea Terra's Indigenous Black Soap Elixir evens skin tone, dries out and prevents acne, speeds up healing of open wounds, diminishes razor bumps, and dissolves the "glue" that holds on dead skin cells. Yes siree it does.

If you've been following some of my repertoire for any small time, you'll know that this would be something my household would relish. I have combination skin (facial) but my arms tend to be very dry. I'm prone to those little bumps that some of us get on my upper arms especially. On the other hand, my teenage son has been battling acne this year. I introduced the African Lemongrass Indigenous Black Soap Elixir to him, and as you may expect, he cringed. Oh ye of little faith - right?

So, what's happened now is he's tried it when he washes his face at night. And, of course, he loved it! The scent of this particular variety is really a light, fresh lemongrass - pure to its very name; not at all over-powering. I've found that to be true with all the Shea Terra scents actually. I'm convinced that it is his use of the elixir in combination with 3x weekly applications of the Alaska Glacial Mud Masque that has his facial skin looking clear and bright again. Alleluia!

As for my skin, when I can find the elixir (as it's generally somewhere in boy child's room), I really enjoy the experience of using it in the shower. The blackness of it doesn't bother me one bit, in fact I rather like knowing I'm using it. My skin feels great after I've used it. I do believe there is something to the healing nature of these ingredients which produces the wonderful results, and with the added use of Shea Terra Organics' luscious Dead Sea Salt Scrubs, it does seem to work miracles. Ok, now I know I usually don't put the review before the details about the products from their creators, but as I said in my prior Shea Terra post, I'm having a hard time not yelling from the rooftops about how wonderful they are! So, now, off to what else you'll want to know ...

Per Shea Terra:

• Modern "miracle" cosmeceuticals make promising claims that most often turn out disappointing. And often, when they do deliver results, the chemicals they are made from can have devastating long term effects. Not so with centuries old Indigenous Black Soap. Created in Africa from indigenous plants, natives have been successfully treating difficult skin ailments before the onslaught of modern cosmeceuticals.
• Beware of inferior and imitation black soaps. Due to the popularity of black soap some companies have added dye to make their soaps appear original. Some black soaps, due to improper formulations can cause harsh skin reactions. Shea Terra Organics has been offering black soap products from master soap makers of the Yoruba tribe for almost a decade. Our soap is gentle yet highly effective.
• Who are the Yoruba? The Yoruba of West Africa is a tribe of people descended from Egypt. They have been known throughout history for their highly developed form of medicine, similar to Ayurveda of India, much of which they brought with them from Egypt.

Benefits to Skin:

• skin rejuvenation
• skin renewal
• speeds up skin healing
• evens skin tone
• dries up acne
• draws out skin impurities
• dissolves "skin glue" to remove dead skin cells

Shea Terra black soap is actually paw paw fruit, plantain leaves, cocoa pods, coconut and herbs that are burned into an ash where oils of palm, sesame, coconut and Shea butter are added. This is the process that makes the soap naturally black. Their black soap elixirs are also available in Mint Marrakesh and Rose Hip & Red Bush scents. They retail for around $18 an eight-ounce (8 oz) bottle and are 100% natural!

Pssst - don't forget to enter our giveaway of an 8 oz bottle of Shea Terra Organics Lavender of the Khoisan Indigenous Silk & Shea Butter Shower Elixir. Last day to enter is Sat., 7/5.

For more information or to purchase: Shea Terra Organics

GIVEAWAY: Lavender of the Khoisan Indigenous Silk & Shea Butter Shower Elixir

I'm loving my new Shea Terra Organics products so much, I'm devoting a feature and a review of a different product each day this week!


In celebration of Shea Terra Organics (and our LOVE for them), we're giving away an eight-ounce bottle of their Lavender of the Khoisan Indigenous Silk & Shea Butter Shower Elixir to one lucky winner.


Brewed with their proprietary blend of African herbs, and concocted with the best organic oils, goat's milk and cruelty free silk, your skin is in for some special pampering. Shea Terra's moisturizing elixir serves up creamy, velvety bubbles that will cleanse and soothe your tired skin. Contains no sulfates of any kind and is paraben free.

Ingredients: only - Proprietary herbal blend (spring water, aloe ferox, kigilli, african potato, certified organic chamomile, certified organic pot marigold), certifed organic sunflower oil, certified organic shea butter, certifed organic virgin coconut cream oil, potassium hydroxide, citric adic, goat's milk concentrate, cruelty free silk cocoons, lavender essential oil, red grape skin

MAILING ADDRESS WILL NOT SHOW ON BLOG OR WHEN VIEWING ENTRIES (hidden)

NOTE: One (1) winner chosen at random will receive this prize. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Contest open to residents of USA and Canada only. Some restrictions may apply. Entries will be accepted through 11:55 pm on Sat., 07/05/08.

SHEA TERRA ORGANICS: Miombo Mango Shea Butter Dead Sea Salt Scrub

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways ...

I'm so excited about Shea Terra Organics I'm finding it hard to control myself in the words I want to use here. I'm trying to recall how I first heard of the brand. Oh yes, it was when I did the piece on Sourcing the World's Best in Beauty earlier this month. Oddly, Shea Terra isn't one of the companies highlighted by Style (although I think it should have been); but in researching one of the products and companies they did highlight, I was brought to b-glowing, a favorite online store of mine.


Anyhoo ... while at b-glowing I was perusing some of their newer brands and lines and began drooling over the Shea Terra body products. I knew I had to have some. I am soooo glad I let temptation get the better of me on this occasion!


There's much to learn from Shea Terra and to talk about. As such, I'm writing a feature on a different product each day this week. I just can't bring myself to write all I want to say about the lot of them in this one article. Yes, they are that good!


First, a little about Shea Terra Organics:

• Products are 99-100% natural
• No Artificial Fragrances: Artificial fragrances can cause allergies and many contain carcinigens
• Shea Terra Organics uses only pure fruit and plant extracts to enhance the therapeutic value of our products. Don't expect an herbal, medicinal fragrance. Our carefully formulated fragrances rival some of the largest cosmetic companies without compromise to health
• Shea Terra Organics products DO NOT contain sulfates, parabens, silicone, artificial coloring or synthetic fragrance. The products are cruelty free
• Research and test sustainable, indigenous African ingredients for healing and reparative benefits. It's not enough to just moisturize with our products; Shea Terra uses the powers of Africa's oils, herbs and butters to create highly effective skin care treatments
• Use only sustainable raw materials to support preservation of the continent's rich and rare resources

Now, a little about their luxurious body scrub - Miombo Mango Shea Butter Dead Sea Salt Scrub

• Sourced from the depths of the Dead Sea and the expanse of the African savannah, Dead Sea salt and organic shea butter combine to produce this luxuriant, non-oily body scrub
• For this delectable treat Shea Terra begins in the Miombo forest of Central Africa where bush mangos sweetly scent the air
• Their succulent, juicy aroma begins with a note of tartness and finishes with a mouth watering, sun ripened sweetness
• Bush mangos are indigenous to the Miombo forest now endangered by foreign logging
• Ten times saltier than the ocean, Dead Sea salt promotes skin healing and cell renewal
• Combined with wild harvested African herbs of aloe ferox, kigelli, and African potato, reparative, organic shea butter deeply moisturizes the skin, penetrating deep beneath the epidermis to deliver valuable nutrients
• 99% Natural. Paraben Free. No Artificial Fragrance.

REVIEW:
Of all the Shea Terra body products I got, this one may have been the one I was least expecting to be wow'ed over. I was wrong! This scrub is absolutely wonderful. The salt crystals are rather course yet "melt" easily against and into the skin lending a great exfoliating experience. The delicate scent gives the appeal of biting into a sweet, ripe, juicy mango - absolutely delicious. The scrub not only buffs and polishes skin but provides superb moisturization to the skin. The surprising effect is glowing skin, soft and hydrated but not at all oily, even with its 35% butter and oil content. Again, this is a 99% all natural product (practically unheard of), full of healing sea salts, organic shea butter, soothing hydrating herbs and other organic ingredients, with a succulent aroma - 8 oz, $18. Love it! The scrubs are also available in these scents (which I'll speak more of in future posts this week): Bourbon Vanilla, Pink Guava Pomegranate, Lavender of the Khoisan



Shea Terra scrubs are available through these retailers: b-glowing, Nordstrom, Shea Terra Organics