Terres d’Afrique was developed and founded by French botanist Stephan Helary, who has spent most of his life in Madagascar and on the African continent, traveling and exploring aspects of life in Africa, which is his passion. The skincare brand combines traditional African botanical ingredients, that are all ethically harvested, in powerful combinations and concentrations.
‘To wrap up the idea in a few words, Terres d’Afrique is sustainably developed organic skincare that harnesses the potency of Africa’s legendary botanical heritage in a collection of laboratory-crafted formulations,’ explains Stephane.
The range incorporates botanical ingredients that have traditionally been used for centuries for their extraordinary skin care properties. These are combined in highly effective formulations; the culmination of years of exploration, field research and laboratory development.
Empowering women in Africa
Ingredients sourced are harvested mainly by African women, many of whose lives have changed radically for the better, since Terres d’Afrique empoys strict fairtrade principles. Products are certified organic and their packaging {handmade in South Africa} has been designed using materials and processes with a footprint that is as light as possible. Terres d’Afrique is also Phytotrade and Beauty Without Cruelty approved. For all our vegan readers, you’ll be happy to know that all animal ingredients are completely excluded.
Last week I was spoilt with a Terres d’Afrique hydrating facial at Langaro in Camps Bay. This was honestly the most relaxing facial I have ever experienced, I had to fight off the sleep in order to mentally document the experience. Memorable moments include the gentle way in which your face is cleansed and make-up is removed. As part of the anti-ageing technique during the facial, sticks from the Baobab tree family are used gently on the face to massage in the uplifting serum. I also learnt about Manketti, found in the facial glow and a few other products, which is a legendary botanical ingredient that has been used by the !Kung Kalahari bushmen for over 7000 years. The manketti fruit contains a nut rich Vitamin E oil that also contains eleostearic acids that polymerise under UV light to provide natural sun protection.
The range also has a distinct natural, African scent. Terres d’Afrique chose to craft its signature fragrances in collaboration with bespoke local parfumier Tammy Frazer. Included are ingredients harvested in Namibia that have never had any commercial outlet.
‘We used omumbiri, omutati and opoponax resins. The smell is reminiscent of the biome of the Kaokoveld – golden and honeyed, with a nutty, caramel toffee and base notes of earthy resins and warm amber. These are quintessentially African fragrances. Tammy and I are really proud to have come across the combinations and set up commercial arrangements with the Himba tribal women who harvest most of the raw ingredients, and who have mostly never been engaged in the concept of paid work,’ explains Stephane.
The Terres d’Afrique website is also very informative, detailing exactly where in Africa the ingredients are sourced and divulging their fairtrade, natural and organic components by percentage.
The range is naturally high in anti-oxidants and omega rich – a winner for someone like me who has just embarked on their 30’s and now starting to delve into an anti-ageing skincare routine but trying to do so as naturally and environmentally friendly as possible.
The products retail from R370 for a cleanser to R750 for a facial hydrating cream to R900 for a limited edition shea body butter. Capetonians if you are wanting to treat yourself to a Terres d’Afrique facial {highly recommended} you can contact Langaro in Camps Bay, ask for Faseegah.
