On a recent stop at Kingston Night Market on Hillcrest Avenue, Under the Dryer discovered a few beauty products that are made in Jamaica. They have other things in common: they’re healthy, preservative-free, and they work miracles for the skin. With so many reminders these days to embrace a holistic lifestyle, local beauty entrepreneurs are making the decision that much easier. What better time than the present to 1) shop local and 2) go natural?

Mira Botanicals

Naturalista Helen daCosta, CEO of Mira Botanicals, is ready to transform the local beauty industry with her line of sustainable organic products: oils, body and foot scrubs. There’s even a Citrus Pit Scrub – an underarm detox scrub – which is a best-seller! Mira Botanicals started with daCosta’s brand of lightly scented body oils and grew to include outsourced organic products (like reusable utensil sets) from California, other parts of the US, and Canada.

Ritzy B Cosmetics

“Self-care is self-love,” proclaims Shanara Bennett, founder, chemist and CEO of Ritzy B Cosmetics, which launched last year March. Bennett is an environmentalist who ensures all Ritzy B products provide multiple benefits. The line includes the GEM (Glow Exfoliating Masks), Luxury Body Bars, Tiny Scented Candles, Face + Lips + Body oils, and body scrubs. Some of the natural ingredients used include jojoba, chamomile, lavender, raw honey, aloe vera, and calendula extracts. They are all paraben-free and made without harmful preservatives, giving them a shelf life of roughly four months.

Her future plans include extending her Face + Lips + Body line. Bennett also instals semi-permanent lash extensions, retails unique jewellery, and will be releasing a collection of bejewelled nipple covers for the approaching Carnival season.

Move Back, Bugs!

To combat Chik-V and Zik-V, T3J’s Organics has released a new bug and insect repellent BuzzOff. The repellent is made from a blend of 100% natural palm, coconut, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils. Other ingredients include neem, lemongrass, thyme, pimento and a blend of citrus. And, there’s more…

Activated Charcoal Facial Mask

Throughout the day, dirt and impurities can clog your pores and make them appear larger. Charcoal is oftentimes used to pull out these impurities from inside your pores and help to ensure your complexion is clearer and more radiant.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Raw)

Coconut oil can be used as a make-up remover, to condition the skin, and protect it from free radicals, and eliminate dandruff. The soothing aroma is great for massaging the head to relieve stress and mental fatigue and can be used for oil-pulling and teeth-whitening.

Bee-Lovely Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub

The coconut whey combination penetrates deep into the hair follicle to stimulate hair growth. Fight against insect bites, lice and dandruff, to promote scalp health and replace it with lustre, sheen, and moisture.

Bee-Lovely Face: Moringa Facial Cleanser

Daily exfoliation is your best bet for removing skin impurities. Baking soda combats signs of ageing, coconut oil moisturises, and honey helps to prevent breakouts while moisturising and cleaning pores.

Bee-Lovely Face: Facial Toner Astringent

Rose Water and Witch Hazel reduce inflammation without drying the skin. When used with the T3J’s Organics Vitamin C Serum, it’s likely that the skin’s elasticity will improve.

Bee-Lovely Hair Coconut Whey Deep Conditioner

Pimento stimulates the hair follicles by removing toxins that tend to stunt hair growth. The Flaxseed-, Shea Butter-, and Pimento-infused conditioner works to soothe common scalp conditions such as dandruff and dry scalp.

Bee-Lovely Hair: Flaxseed Pomade Leave-in Treatment

With naturally acidic elements such as coconut oil, honey, aloe vera, ginger, and rosemary, you too can moisturise, and add lustre to the hair from the roots. Rosemary helps slow greying, too!

Bee-Lovely Hair: Natural Plant-Based Shampoo

The leaves of Moringa are a rich source of sulphur. Also, the Ben Oil, which can be extracted from Moringa seeds can be used to soothe and soften sensitive skin.

Hair Serum Treatment

A good wash and go can also be therapeutic. The combined amla, soapberry, carob, and rosemary elements may bring about slumber.

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helps restore collagen and restores and regenerate the skin. Add to that: it reduces acne scars, and tightens the skin! #youllneedit