The MBotanicals skincare and candle range is the brainchild of 43 year-old Rebecca Wright.
Rebecca’s lifelong love affair with skincare began as a teen, she loved using Body Shop products and felt inspired by founder Anita Roderick. Later she adored Aveda’s range in particular their scents, but since they were too pricey she decided to indulge in a little self care and DIY beauty.
An amateur aromatherapist until her early 30’s, Rebecca’s love of scents flourished. Whilst on maternity leave with her first child Rebecca got serious about formulating and over the next few years she gained Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Therapeutic Massage and Aromatherapy Massage.
Rebecca says, “I started learning how to formulate natural cosmetics from that point – nearly 12 years ago. I guess it was natural to start a natural skincare business out of this interest as I had always seen taking care of my skin.”
Rebecca kindly sent me two products from the MBotanicals range to review:
The Rejuvenating Facial Elixir is a light weight but potent oil. A clever combination of ingredients work to moisturise and revive dull skin.
Prickly Pear Oil is high in antioxidant Vitamin E which fights against pollution and the stresses of city life, it’s also high in essential fatty acids which means it penetrates the skin and moisturises without leaving it oily.
Not only does Rosehip oil hydrate, it’s packed with Vitamin A which can even out skin tone whilst the essential fatty acids in Evening Primrose soften and moisturise the skin.
After cleansing and toning, I use two or more drops at night mixed with a moisturiser and gently massaged into my skin. The scent is both uplifting and calming, a combination of earthy Frankincense, peppery notes with fruity Blackcurrant undertones. I wake up to beautifully smooth, plump and hydrated skin.
Just a dab of this ultra-creamy Hydrating Beauty Balm banishes dry patches. I use it sparingly when my skin is feeling a little parched, usually after too much sun worshipping or a day spent tinkering in the garden.
On freshly cleansed skin, I dab a small amount onto dry areas around the nose and mouth, just a little goes a long way. The floral and earthy balm gloriously melts into the skin, creamy cocoa butter and olive wax work to lock in moisture whilst Rosehip oil repairs and hydrates the skin.
Q&A with Rebecca
– How do you source your ingredients?
My ingredients come from all over the planet. I love ‘exotic’ ingredients. I am very interested in the healing properties of plants and oils and how they are used traditionally and that is essentially why I chose oils in my products.
In the facial elixir; I chose oils that were very light in skin feel and rich in omega oils as those are most beneficial to the skin. Blackseed oil is amazing, it has a very peppery natural scent which compliments the essential oils. But apart from that it is a powerful healing oil, thought to be a ‘cure all’.
– According to the Soil Association’s Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Market Report, in 2017 the organic and natural beauty market was worth £75.9 million, up 24 percent on the previous year.
Why do you think people are choosing to buy organic or naturally derived beauty products?
Honestly, I can only guess; my thoughts are that we are living in a time where everything is fast-paced and we are under a lot of stress. We are using technology constantly, both in work and out – everything about our lives are slowly becoming more and more artificial. People are yearning to get back to nature and to have simple lives. In our big cities it is not always possible so we take nature where we can get it. For the individual; they will use beauty products when they have that quiet time to look after themselves. This is an intimate experience and if the right products are used, can help people be closer to nature.
I have a very diverse background, my mother is Yemeni, with Indian and Somalian roots, my father was English. As a result I have used henna, raw honey and ground Sidr leaves for beautification. Using wholesome and natural ingredients was just simply part of day to day life for women in Yemen, in the same way as eating freshly caught fish and using herbs and spices in food – we were not removed from our food or our personal care. In the West, everything is synthetic, and removed from us.
– What is your current skincare routine? Do you have any tips or tricks that you’d like to share?
Believe it or not, when I was a teenager I would regularly wash my face with Cold Tar Soap and slap some cream on afterwards. When I got to my late 20’s to early 30’s I realised my time was up and had to take better care. Now I keep things simple, mainly because I am busy.
I use my Gentle Enzyme Cleansing Clay daily and sometimes I will use it as a mask before washing off. I follow it with the Daily Rejuvenator, it’s light to use but highly moisturising. In the winter or when I have hormonal breakouts I use the Rejuvenating Facial Elixir underneath the cream – regular use of the Elixir will combat any hormonal breakouts – it is for me, a wonder oil.
Find out more here https://mbotanicals.co.uk
Follow M Botanicals on Instagram
Priya Gill 