Rave Review: Pure Anada African Gold

Pure Anada is a Canadian based company that was created by Candace Grenier. She started her career as a hairstylist, and after developing such severe sensitivities to the chemicals she used on a daily basis, decided to green her life. After switching all of her household products, she realized her makeup was the only thing left that wasn't green. Her dissatisfaction with natural makeup encouraged her to start making her own (lovely) creations. The brand quickly blossomed and now carries a variety of products for all to enjoy!

The lovely Candace. Picture courtesy of Pure Anada.

I've come across Pure Anada many times while roaming the aisles of The Big Carrot, but for some reason never tried anything. Then I met Lisa, owner of Serenity on the Humber, who constantly raved and still raves about the brand. She intensified my need (obviously need) to try the brand out for myself. Luckily, Candace contacted me and asked if I was interested in trying out some products. I didn't even think twice and *African Gold was one product I knew I definitely needed to try.

Description: Unrefined, fair-trade, organic Shea Butter, blended with  African Marula Oil, makes this product a must-have in every household! Shea Butter is extracted from the kernel of the Karite tree, and has been used in Africa for hundreds of years!   There are many beneficial effects of the compounds found in raw, unrefined shea butter. Vitamins A & E and F all work to soften and revitalize dry skin.  Some of the properties are anti-bacterial which help in healing wounds.  Raw shea butter is wonderful for people with sensitive skin and has been known to help those with psoriasis and eczema.  Many people claim it also brings instant relief to insect bites! Marula Oil is known as Africa’s miracle oil!  It is rich in antioxidants, oleic acid, vitamins A & C which are essential components for the maintenance of healthy skin.  It is fast absorbing, and helps to nourish and soften skin.

I've never, in my life, used any form of pure shea butter and I'm pretty sure that makes me the last one on earth to give this wonderful butter a go. We all know how good shea butter is for our skin, it's stated in the description portion above, but what makes it even better is that it is non-comedogenic! As a hormonal acne sufferer with dehydrated and reactive skin, this is glorious news. Then you mix it with an anti-aging miracle oil, like marula, and you got yourself a night time superhero night cream. Have I rambled on enough yet? Ugh. Let me start the actual review by saying that it smells semi awful. No clue if it's the shea butter or the marula oil, but know that it's strong and lingers. That being said, it won't stop this gal from getting her nightly dose! It comes in a plastic container, which makes it ideal for travelling, and the product itself is super affordable if you're lazy like me and don't want to DIY. Plus, why mess with perfection? It's texture is a butter (duh), but it's softer than what I expected and easily scoops out of the container, melts between the hands and applies with ease. I started off using this on my body, until I tried it on my face. A-FREAKIN-MAZING! I alternate between this and my tamanu/SBT sea buckthorn fruit oil mix and when I use this, my skin is noticeably softer, smoother and more radiant in the morning. It hasn't irritated my skin or broken it out at all. With Fall/Winter coming, I'm pretty sure this is going to be a staple in my skin care routine. 

Retails for $12 CAN for 4oz. Can be purchased through Pure Anada or some of their other retailers.

Have you ever used shea butter as a facial moisturizer?

*product provided for review consideration. All opinions are my own.