Last week, I was the lucky recipient of a sample pack of products from Bluebasins, a Canadian bath and body products company. Makeda Paul is the owner of Bluebasins, and the company originated with the knowledge that was passed down through her family's matriarchs, from her great-grandmother, who was an herbalist in the Caribbean. All of the products are created from all natural ingredients, from scratch, in small batches for maximum quality control.
And the quality is what it's all about for me. I've written previously about the toxicity dangers of herbal products, and the general, incorrect assumption that something that is 'natural' is unquestionably good for you. So it takes a lot more than a mere label pronouncing that something is natural or herbal to impress me.
Bluebasins, on every count, did impress me. Here's a rundown of what I tried.
Mango Madness Whipped Body Soufflé: My first or second favourite Bluebasins product, I'd definitely buy this. (Indeed, I tried to buy some as a gift for my stepmother, but the Paypal system wouldn't let a UK account holder - that is, me - purchase products to be shipped to the US. I emailed Makeda about this, and she's looking into it for me.) The texture really is properly whipped; it's cool to the touch and you will want to feel it on your fingertips for eternity. Even better, it absorbs into the skin very quickly and smells like a dream. (My boyfriend wasn't crazy about what he called the 'afterscent' of this one, but I have no idea what he's talking about. I wear this during the day, when he can't really smell me from his office miles away, and slather on Palmer's Cocoa Butter or another more emollient moisturiser at night.)
Sensual Radiance Body Polish: This one is tied with the Mango Madness Whipped Body Soufflé for my favourite. I've been trying to work out what makes it smell so damn good - slightly spicy, but fresh and clean - and haven't been able to put my finger on it. The ingredients? Sea salts, mineral salts, dead sea salts, sweet almond oil, soya bean oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera juice, crushed rose petals, red clay, vitamin E and essential oils of ylang ylang, patchouli, orange sweet, sandalwood, and jasmine. This polish is also moisturising, but doesn't leave you feeling slick or oily. Again, the smell is amazing.
Organic Energy Body Shampoo: Another Bluebasins product that has a wonderful scent - and one whose origin I cannot identify. Although there's eucalyptus in here, I wouldn't have guessed that without looking at the ingredients list. (I first received this when I was very sick last week, and was a bit foggy-headed, which meant I tried to use this to shampoo my hair two times before I realised it was a body shampoo. Don't use it on your head; it dried out my scalp, inexplicably so; on the body, it's moisturising.)
Ultra Rich Hand and Body Butter: Does what it says on the label, and is especially great for elbows and knees. Smells like a very inviting kitchen that has seen its share of baked goods, without being overly sweet or cloying.
King of Cocoa Butter Soap: "Somebody has my number," I said to my boyfriend when I opened this. Mint chocolate is one of my favourite flavour combinations, and although this soap is not to be eaten, I appreciated the mint chocolate fragrance in this product. I am not down with using soaps with oils on my face (long story), but I use this to wash my hands every morning and every night. It's a pleasurable product.
Makeda also sent me some Seaweed, Chamomile, Green Tea & Herb Polishing Facial Scrub, but for various boring reasons, I've got to stay away from facial scrubs right now. I've passed this to my boyfriend's mother for her to try.
All in all, I was extremely pleased with all of the Bluebasins products. The best part? They're downright affordable, especially with the exchange rate (a Canadian company, Bluebasins charges in Canadian dollars). Go there now, buy lots of products, and thank me later.
