Oils for the SEASON

Body oils have been, for decades, a universal go-to beauty product. And, guess what your Under the Dryer glam squad recently caught wind of?

That Jamaican Castor Oil manufacturer Sandra G, more popularly known as Lady English, has joined the natural care movement by creating several castor oil-infused oils.

The 100% natural moisturiser is a must-have! Plus, one more reason to add essential oils to our bathroom shelves is Saint International model Wayne Booth’s recent feature in Marie Claire UK ‘s Oil Up beauty story.

Fountain of The Rock

Sandra G, better known as Lady English, is excited to be celebrating the 11th anniversary of her company, Fountain Pimento Oil, which launched in 2008. Lady English found her inspiration right here on The Rock.

The former radio show presenter, who was on vacay in her parents’ birthplace, discovered the healing qualities of pimento at the renowned sulphur mineral spring at Bath, St Thomas, where thousands flock annually for therapeutic sessions. Indeed, within 24 hours, Lady English who was experiencing nerve-damage was pain-free.

Her resolve was swift and immediate: to secure global footprints for this product. Fountain Pimento Oil uses leaves, bark, seeds and natural plant oils to create organic pain relief and hair growth products suitable for all ethnicities. Lady English told UTD that “only a handful of people in Jamaica these days still make pimento oil according to the methods practised centuries ago, and Fountain Pimento Oil is made just that way”.

The essential oils are chemical- and preservative-free, and 100% all-natural. “This vital blend of berries, leaves and oils are fermented naturally over time in the hot Jamaican sunshine to produce this luxurious massage and healing oil that will soothe away all your pains, particularly arthritis and rheumatism symptoms,” said English.

When a shipment of pimento oil from Jamaica did not meet her expectations, Lady English decided to experiment with pimento and other leaves from Jamaica and make it herself.

She tested her formula by giving away free samples, and once people started giving feedback that it worked, she proceeded to manufacture the product full-on. Bolstered by the success of Fountain Pimento Oil, she then tried her hand at hair growth oils, then shampoo and conditioners which are all doing well.

“We make all our products fresh, and in small batches, since we don’t use preservatives or artificial additives. I have learnt over time not to sell three or four dozen products to a store at once as the products are made with fresh leaves from Jamaica and organic products and will [expire] fast,” she explained.

“I know for a fact Fountain’s rise globally wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Caribbean Diaspora and local businesses, particularly Keeling Records, Moodies Records in the Bronx, Sam’s Caribbean Market, in Long Island and Vital Health in Queens” said Lady English, who lists reggae artistes such as Bitty Mclean, Yashemabeth McLeod, Johnny Osbourne and Ken Boothe as repeat customers.

Embellish or GO HOME!

The mercury is rising. No better time, we reckon, to head to the salon and switch up your nail game with embellishments.

Avant-garde nails are in and whether you decide to select full-on chrome nails or to add three-dimensional diamondencrusted stones, your best bet is to either throw caution to the wind for maximum effect or play it safe with minimal embellishments.

Under the Dryer goes to the nail bar. Embellishments can extend beyond the nails, but do ensure the nail design is understated (such as the red half-moon shown here) so it’s not overdone.

Cap-topped blue nails with a coat of silver to add just enough bling for the cause.

Full-on shiny nails (like the chrome polish style) is a great way to add pizzazz. On the flip side, accessories can embellish your nails, too.

This clear mani with strips of white forms the perfect complement to the striped clutch.