Natural Beauty Inside Out
I came across the Mukti range of certified organic skincare range briefly back in 2009 at the now defunct Phyto Organics but didn’t have the chance to learn more about them nor try them back then. Interestingly, the Australian brand has made a comeback into Singapore and this time, the range is being distributed by Bud Cosmetics. I had the opportunity to learn more about the brand when the founder was in Singapore last week to introduce her products to the media.
If the cleanser does not contain sulfates, then how does it cleanse? I get this question asked many a times regarding foaming cleansers and today, I’ll attempt to answer by breaking down the ingredient list of cleansers that are sold as sulfate-free. “No sulfates” here refers to no surfactants like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), or even Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), which are used in many cosmetic products for their cleansing and emulsifying properties. They behave similarly to soap but are considered as skin irritants and hence, are always avoided in natural or organic cleansers.
Have you seen these fabric ruffle necklaces around? I’ve seen them retailing at Etsy for above US$20. But I’ve got three here and they cost me nothing for they were made from scraps of fabrics. I can make more but I don’t have enough chains to make them with.
They are very easy to make and all that is needed are a pair of scissors, thread and needle. All right, you’ll need chains or cords but you can also use ribbons or lace; anything that can double up as a necklace.
I’ve been wondering if I should put this post under DIY Beauty as I did not have to mix any of the ingredients. But as you see, I did because well, I’ve had to boil this stuff and that definitely qualifies as do-it-yourself! Heh. Anyway, I thought this is very interesting to feature because I used this during my confinement period years ago; not the same brand, but similar herbal bath for postnatal recovery. I was told that while it is traditionally used by women during confinement, this herbal bath can also be used to promote blood circulation, relieve pain, ease gassy and bloated abdomen, and strengthening the abdominal muscle.
If you’re a Chinese, chances are, you’ve eaten these one time or another because wolfberries, also known as ‘gou qi zi’ in Chinese or goji berries, are used widely in Chinese cooking. While wolfberry is a fruit, but it is often used like a herb in tonic soups, stew and tea. Some people even eat them like raisins. They may be small but wolfberries are packed with tremendous health benefits, including strengthening the eyes, liver and kidney and nourishing the blood. Additionally, they contain powerful antioxidants and hence, protect against premature aging, and is a great beauty food when consumed regularly.
I'm Sesame and Viva Woman is a Singapore beauty blog with an interest in natural, organic skincare and cosmetics that is updated daily with a weekend edition of fashion commentaries. Established in 2006, this blog has also been listed as one of the top 25 beauty blogs globally according to Babble.com.
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