Thursday, March 17, 2016

African Botanics Intense Skin Repair Balm: Active Botanical Face Balm | Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

At this point, it should be abundantly obvious to you, if you read this blog regularly, that African Botanics has revolutionized healthy ultra-luxe skincare, and their newest products are absolutely peerless. They source rare ingredients of the highest quality from remote locations, and the end result is staggeringly unique skincare products that rival the most potent and effective antioxidant-rich anti-aging in the marketplace today.

African Botanics is always on a quest to perfect even their most perfect products, and this is precisely what they did when they reformulated their Intense Skin Repair Balm. Now an ultra-luxurious face balm, African Botanics Intense Skin Repair Balm proves to be the quintessential active botanical face balm that has earned pride of place as my very favorite facial moisturizer.

According to African Botanics,

Experience the best of ancient African Apothecary ingredients and centuries old tribal traditions that were used by the first African colonial settlers, artfully merged with the latest cutting-edge skincare technology for unparallelled results. This extraordinary multi-correctional treatment balm is designed to replenish fatigued skin, target hydration levels, calm, reduce redness and restore imbalances caused by stress, environmental pollution, inflammation, hormones, sun damage and the skin’s aging process. From the first touch, this indulgent balm instantly transforms into a luxurious, highly concentrated active serum that quickly melts and absorbs into skin dramatically improving texture, delivering nutrition, radiance and cell renewal deep into the dermis while reducing irritation and inflammation. Silky and quick absorbing with a 100% natural floral fragrance dominated by JASMINE GRANDIFLORUM and DAMASK ROSE with hints of BERGAMOT. The skin is left petal soft and luminous with increased firmness, elasticity and clarity.
I assure you that this luxury face balm is unlike any other beauty balms that you have experienced. It is the perfect ultra-hydrating moisturizer that immediately nourishes and hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation and redness, plumps fine lines, evens skin tone, improves elasticity, firms, and improves overall clarity.  

It is extremely concentrated, therefore a pea size amount is all that you need to use for your  entire face, neck and décolleté. Warmed between the hands or fingers, this balm transforms into an exceedingly luxurious serum that melts into the skin effortlessly. The silky texture coupled with the gorgeous aroma, that is a fusion of Jasmine Grandiflorum, Damask Rose and Bergamot, makes using this luxury balm an extraordinary sensory experience.

This nourishing and healing balm is the perfect year-round moisturizer for people with dry and dehydrated skin, but the benefits of its use are so pronounced that I plan to use it all year long on my normal/combination skin. It soaks in the same way that a beauty oil does, and therefore is not unlike using a beauty oil because it liquefies in the same way once  it is warmed up. It soaks in immediately and leaves skin unbelievably soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. If you are left with a greasy residue, then you have neither adequately warmed it up, nor have you used a small enough amount. 

Additionally, this unique formula offers healing benefits that effectively treat skin conditions such as acne (or monthly hormonal breakouts) hyperpigmentation and it softens the appearance of scars. People with sensitive, irritated, and damaged skin will be astonished by the immediate soothing and healing properties that are embodied in this potent healing elixir, and won't ever want to be without this seemingly magical balm. This is also a great post-treatment balm that immediately calms down skin that has been subjected to a peel or vigorous exfoliation. I have used it after doing an at-home peel, and after thorough exfoliation, and my skin immediately feels and looks better. My skin can, at times, be rather sensitive, and this balm has proven to be the perfect soothing and calming remedy for just about every skin irritation that I have experienced. It is a multipurpose balm, that boasts extraordinary efficacy, and just so happens to be the perfect face cream. It delivers moisture and nutrients more effectively than any balm that I have tried, and its texture and aroma are utterly addictive. Once you try it, I suspect that you will become as obsessed with it as I am!

Benefits:

Delivers energy and infuses skin with a mesmerizing floral base of hand picked Jasmine Grandiflorum blossoms and Rose Otto merged with carefully selected cold-pressed, phytonutrient and vitamin-rich botanical oils: Marula, Baobab, Kalahari Melon, Evening Primprose, African Immortelle, Calendula and Rosehip especially chosen for their strong anti-inflammatory, restructuring, regenerating and anti-irritant properties. Skin emerges stronger and more resilient to environmental damage with increased elasticity and firmness thanks to Cape Mahogany, Mango and Shea butters. Advanced, scientifically proven actives such as skin-plumping Niacinamide, Resveratrol, CoQ10, energetic Vitamin C Ester and Retinol synergistically deliver firming, lifting and anti-wrinkle action, help treat various skin issues such as acne, scars, hyperpigmentation as well as provide an antioxidant boost while supporting natural collagen synthesis. Treasured for centuries, soothing African Bush Plants are rich in many natural antihistamines and are renowned for their skin reparative benefits, improving and correcting the appearance of even the most irritable, inflamed and damaged skin.
Directions: AM/PM warm a pea sized amount of balm between your fingertips and massage well onto cleansed damp skin: face, neck and décolleté  Allow to absorb by massaging upward and outwards for a few minutes to boost circulation. Reapply for added moisture and protection. Excellent around the eye area and as an intense lip treatment. Dab it over eye shadows for a glossy look, pat it over the cheekbones to give dewy highlights, brush it through brows to tame and condition.
Ingredients: Trichilia Emetica (Cape Mahogany) Mafura Seed Butter*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil*, Aqua (Water), Squalane, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter*, Beeswax, Jasmine Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Flower Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil*, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Oil, Isoamyl Laurate, Niacinamide, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Citrillus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon) Seed Oil*, Helichrysum Angustifolium (Immortelle/Everlasting) Oil, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Pichia (Resveratrol) Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Bulbinella Nutens (Bulbinella) Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis (Green Rooibos) Tea Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), D-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Ester), Squalane. *Wild-Harvested, Unrefined and Fair Trade ingredients. Never tested on animals.
Overall Assessment: Prepare for a really big paradigm shift– there is nothing like African Botanics Intense Skin Repair Balm in your cabinet, or on the market. I'm in love! A++

($160.00 for 2 oz. from African BotanicsCredo BeautyRevolve and bluemercury): 
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

40 comments:

  1. How very odd! I have a smaller sized Intense Skin Repair Balm that looks nothing like that! It is a solid white mass that I've never been able to figure out how to use.....

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    1. The Skin Repair Balm that you have has been replaced by this one. That one was more of a multipurpose balm that can be used anywhere. You just warm up a little in your hands and use it wherever you need added moisture. They replaced it with this one that is really formulated for the face instead. It's ultra-luxurious and highly effective. I love the old one as well, but this one takes it to a whole new level!

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    2. It's good that they replaced it. I really do not care for it and was surprised by that.

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    3. I still really love and savor the first balm!

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  2. My gorgeous and luxurious friend,
    This sounds amazing. Which one will you recommend for now, this one or the Intensive Recovery Oil you recently reviewed? My skin is incredibly delicate, red, and prone to wounds. I am using retinoids every night and my skin is peeling. I am currently using May Lindstrom oil called Youth Dew and I like it a lot. I am not sure if I am in love, though, because it has a slight orange, golden tinge which I can still see on my face after I massage the oil in. But that is my only issue with it. It smells divine and it moisturizes my skin. In any case, I am always looking for the perfect oil for my temperamental skin.
    Sending you lights my lovely friend
    <3

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    1. Hello my darling friend!
      It really is amazing! If you are currently using the May Lindstrom Youth Dew, then I would probably wait to buy the African Botanics Fleurs d'Afrique Intensive Recovery Oil until you finish up what you are using. I suspect that this balm will be very calming, nourishing and moisturizing for you. I wonder if you should take a break from all of the retinoids to let your skin have a chance to heal and become less inflamed.
      How is teaching, life, writing? xoxox

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  3. It looks like caramel! ...or baby food :) hehehe

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    1. It does, and it feels amazing and smells delicious!

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  4. This balm looks super luxurious and divine. I mean to try African Botanics this year.

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    1. It is ultra-luxe and truly divine! You will love their products, Renu!

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  5. This balm looks super luxurious and divine. I mean to try African Botanics this year.

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    1. Let me know if you need any product recommendations, I am very familiar with all of their products! :-)

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  6. I just had a HydraFacial today, and my skin feels a little sensitive and dry. I wish I had that African Botanics Intense Skin Repair Balm right now!

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    1. This would be the perfect antidote for your post-treatment skin, Allison! This would actually be a great year-round moisturizer for your dry skin!

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  7. This sounds amazing, but woahh that price tag. If only I could buy all the skin care in the world lol

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    1. It is amazing, Julie! The price is because it is a luxury skincare line, but this balm is so unbelievably concentrated that this jar will last a very long time!

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  8. How do you always find the best products? This sounds and looks so incredible!

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    1. That is very nice of you to say, Bailey! I test lots and lots of skincare, as you know, but African Botanics is most definitely one of the VERY best skincare lines that I have ever tried! This balm really is incredible!

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  9. I love the overall concept of this skin repair. I use one from Farmacy Beauty that I like... it's green. The color of this one kind of looks a bit offputting but it sounds like a product my skin would love.

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    1. This is an amazingly effective, and ultra-luxurious, skin repair balm. I haven't tried anything from Pharmacy yet, but it is definitely on my list of skincare lines to try! The color of this one disappears as it melts into the skin!

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  10. hmmm. i am not sure what i think about this! i love, love, LOVE the original formualtion of the intense skin repair balm! and i prefer the lesser price of the original as well.

    the good news is that i purchased a pot of the original more than a year ago. i use it almost everyday and i am still not halfway through it. so i won't have to make a decision any time soon :)

    i also have combination skin that tends towards dryness on my cheeks in particular. the old stuff is truly amazing. and you are the one who told me about that and raved about that formula. so if you are stating that is even better... i suppose i will have to believe you!

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    1. Hi Erin! This is very very different from their original formula. They discontinued that version, and made this one that is really intended for the face. It is definitely quite a bit more expensive, but it is filled with so many more actives, and is definitely a very potent antioxidant rich anti-aging balm.

      I still love the older version, and have quite a lot left as well, but this new version definitely is worth trying at some point because it really is extraordinary! It would definitely nourish your skin and would likely resolve the dryness in your cheeks without causing your combination skin to break out. The key is using a very tiny amount and warming it up between your hands before massaging it into your skin. I'm completely obsessed with it! The texture and the aroma are truly amazing and addictive!

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  11. Oh this sounds lovely and looks so interesting. I am surely intrigued- but the price tag lol! ;-)

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    1. It really is an amazing balm! It's definitely a luxury line, but this is balm is so concentrated that this jar will last a very long time (even with daily use).

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  12. Wow, this sounds even better than the Recovery Oil you reviewed a while back! I want to try this so bad!

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    1. They are both exquisite, and pair well together! All of their products are amazing!

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  13. I say bring the new good stuff to Space NK before the next Beauty Edit so we can try them and get a little bonus!

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    1. I certainly hope that Space NK ends up carrying all of the new products because they are really amazing, and will undoubtedly sell like crazy!

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    2. I got an email today from SpaceNK. This balm is one of the products they state will be 'coming soon'. No mention of the oil.....

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    3. I saw that as well! This is such great news! Hopefully they will add the oil as well!

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    4. I'm in no hurry....before the next Beauty Edit is fine with me!

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    5. That would be the perfect timing, and it the buy in is $250.00, then the oil alone would qualify you for the bag! I hope that they stock the oil!

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  14. Hi Lola,
    I am a new subscriber to your blog )) I was looking for a moisturiser for my super dry dehydrated skin, I enjoyed reading your review on African botanics intense balm , this sounds like a must try, I wish they offer trial sizes to buy before buying a full size. I think I might try this balm since I can't think of any other cream to try for a very dry skin.
    Have a nice day!
    Cedar

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    1. Hi Cedar, Thank you for discovering my blog, and for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment! Welcome to Lola's Secret Beauty Blog! :-) This is a really special facial balm, and is indeed, something that would work very well for super dry and dehydrated skin. It is very concentrated– therefore only a very small amount is needed to achieve wonderful results. You could also use it in conjunction with a facial oil to maximize moisture, if your skin is particularly parched. I don't know whether or not African Botanics is offering samples of this balm with a purchase, but you might send them an email info@africanbotanics.com to see whether or not they do. I suspect that you will be thrilled with this balm, if you purchase it. They make among the very finest products on the market, and everything that they make is such a pleasure to use. :-)

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  15. Hi Lola,
    I am a new subscriber to your blog )) I was looking for a moisturiser for my super dry dehydrated skin, I enjoyed reading your review on African botanics intense balm , this sounds like a must try, I wish they offer trial sizes to buy before buying a full size. I think I might try this balm since I can't think of any other cream to try for a very dry skin.
    Have a nice day!
    Cedar

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    Replies
    1. Thanks again for stopping by! I hope to talk to you again soon!

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  16. Hi Lola
    Thanks for your reply, I have no idea why the same message I wrote was sent twice !! sorry about that. I love the Marula oil and I am using it , I think I will give the balm a try.
    thanks a lot and have a great day.
    Cedar

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    1. Hi Cedar! Of course, it is absolutely my pleasure! No worries! I love their Marula Oil as well, and since you already know and love that– I suspect that you will feel the same love for this extraordinary balm! You have a great day as well! :-)

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