I saw a call to action for bloggers on the Yummy Skin Bar instagram page (I had stalked them for abit) and promptly put my hand up (aka reached out) and lo and behold I was lovingly gifted 2 products from their range to try out and review, the Lemongrass Sunrise Body Scrub and the Spice Grapefruit Shealoe Butter. I also purchased their Lavender Blossoms Bath Crystals.
I received my goods at the Cape Town Natural Hair Festival and also reveled in personally meeting 2 of the founding members of the brand, Cynthia and Ndapewa. Yummy Skin Bar are a Cape Town based beauty business specializing in handmade bath and skin care products. The brand is founded by 4 women from different racial and home backgrounds. All of the ladies are Medical Virologists (talk about brains) at Stellenbosch University and the ladies are Cynthia from Cameroon, Ndapewa from Namibia, Shahieda and Shalena from South Africa - talk about Africa coming together for Africa and by Africa. In their own words and partly paraphrased, the ladies began their journey with their hair and expanded into skin. They used to try out the various items they created between them as well as share with friends and family, thereafter Yummy Skin Bar was born.
They started out because they noticed that skincare had become such an expensive luxury and not everyone can afford the likes of Lush, where naturally made skin care is available. Yummy Skin Bar officially began in 2016 trading in Cape Town. They have noted that its not easy trading in Cape Town as its difficult to bring people to try what they aren't used to but they are not giving up. For now their main customer base and deliveries take place in Cape Town but that are looking at ways to expanding to Johannesburg and nationwide as the demand grows.
They are in the process of opening a store on Hello Pretty (https://hellopretty.co.za/body) where customers would be able to find all of the Yummy Skin Bar Products. This would also make is easier for customers to place orders. There will also be more products created this year - continue to watch their Instagram page for updates and news.
What they are about:
'Yummy Skin Bar is all about nourishing your body in an all natural way! Our products are formulated and handmade from base ingredients, with the use of natural essential oils and butters.' Most of their products have a disclaimer that the product must be patch tested first and if irritation occurs then one must discontinue use. (even natural ingredients can cause irritation)
All products do have a best before date on them (whoop whoop).
On to the Review.
In terms of packaging - all the product packaging is practical and user friendly and does stand out in its pale pink, grey and white labeling. Ingredient are clearly stated along with expiry dates and the wording is clear and legible. All products are reasonably priced with most items less than R100 each.
Shealoe Butter - Hair and Body Care
Ingredients - Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera Juice, Honey, Grapefruit Rose Oil, Ylang-ylang Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Roman Chamomile Oil, Rosewood Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Vetiver Oil, Paraben-free Preservative.
The body loved - of the 3 items, I would have to say that the body loved the Shealoe Butter the most. It kept my skin, SOFT and nourished all day (which is always close to chronically dry as per me), was non-greasy, and easily melts in your hands the moment you apply some. (in the Joburg heat it still remained solid in its container which was also nice). When it comes to butters, I sometimes interchange with lotions just to get some extra moisture but I didn't have to do this often with the Shealoe Butter. By end of day my skin, especially on my legs and feet, is often dry and sometimes white/ashy but not with this butter. I didn't even leave enough to try out on my hair - maybe next time.
The body could do with more of - a defined or different scent maybe, the only thing I didn't particularly like about the butter is the scent. Its not overpowering and definitely does not stay lingering all day which is a plus, its okay, my nose just did not take a liking to it.
The body disliked - nothing really - the scent wasn't to my particular liking but someone else might like it otherwise it does nourish the skin. Overall a nice product that I would certainly use again or purchase.
Above: The Shealoe Butter, gives a ncie glow to the skin and is easily applied.
Lemongrass Sunrise Body Scrub - Body Care
Ingredients: Sugar, Grapeseed Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Lemongrass Oil, Paraben-free Preservative.
The body loved - the scent. Maybe because lemongrass is one of my favourite scents but it is a really nice scent. The skin is left feeling nice and refreshed and although I personally felt like the granules could have been smaller, the product did gently work without being harsh to the skin.
The body could do with more of - small granules, although I personally felt like the granules were large they are actually standard sized granules.
The body disliked - nothing to mention here. Overall an okay product that I might purchase.
Lavender Blossoms Bath Crystals - Body Care
Ingredients: Himalayan Pink Salts, Dried Lavender Flowers, Lavender Oil, Fragrance, Colorants, Grapeseed Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Paraben-free Preservative
The body loved - the ache free and relaxed feeling one gets soaking in these bath crystals. The skin isn't dry either once you get out of the tub (this may vary from person to person as it will also depend on what else you use such as your bath soap or bath gel etc).
The body could do with more of - I think all the large granules sit at the top leaving the nice small ones at the bottom (there I go again with the granule size lol). Large granules do not dissolve quickly so you end up sitting on some which is not too comfortable When it comes to the scent, its okay, you do pick up hints of lavender, it smells better once sprinkled into the bath water.
The body disliked - the dried lavender flowers - some of them turn goey and stick to the skin and bath. (maybe my water was too hot) Some of the granules together with the dried lavender flowers left marks in the tub that you have to put some elbow work into getting out. Overall an okay product but I don't think I would purchase it again.
Yummy Skin Bar
Instagram - yummyskinbar
Face Book - YummySkinBar
Email: yummyskinbar@gmail.com for inquiries and to place any orders.
Overall I enjoyed using these products. they are good additions to having a good and relaxing bath time whilst at the same time nourishing the skin especially when its your YOU time. Thank you Yummy Skin Bar as I had always wanted to try out your products (being locally made and natural) and I wish you the very best in maintaining our Yummy Skin - please keep on keeping on.
Listen to your body as much as you do your hair xxx
Above: Meeting Cynthia and Tapewa
PhotoCred - Cynthia & Yummy Skin Bar
PhotoCred - Cynthia & Yummy Skin Bar
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