At Whole Foods recently, my eye landed on EveryDay Shea Body Lotion. Weighing in at a mighty 32 fluid ounces, it’s hard to miss. I assumed its diminutive price tag (just $14.95) would mean lower-quality ingredients. But I pleasantly discovered a very pure product made with unrefined shea butter—the best!—from West Africa.
Pretty Factor: You haven't used shea butter until you've used unrefined shea butter—the only kind that contains the oil's full healing and moisturizing properties. (Most have been bleached, refined and, worst, deodorized!) Raw shea butter's rich, nutty fragrance combined with real vanilla extract make this lotion sensually aromatic. Antioxidants in lemongrass, shea leaf and red palm oil further protect the skin.
Eco Factor: No parabens, synthetic fragrances or animal testing. EveryDay Shea is an extension of Alaffia Skincare, a fair trade company that gives 10% of its sales to community projects in West Africa aimed at reducing poverty and empowering women in poor communities. I have never been happier with a purchase and would have gladly spent twice as much to help this great cause.
To buy: $14.95 at Whole Foods and everydayshea.com. Considering my usual body moisturizer costs twice as much for only five ounces, this is a bargain. It may last all year!
—Jen from Skin Rhythm
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