[productsample] I can count any number of new brands that literally have no identity at all. They’re all cookie-cut, built-for-purpose (and a quick sale) and I think you can tell when a brand has no heart.

Elenge

The story of Elenge, whose name is taken from the language Lingala, used in the Democratic Repulic of Congo and means ‘youthful’, is something of an inspiration. Elenge is created by Congo national, Carine Mbala, using organic, unrefined, fair trade Shea Butter from Ghana. It’s the whippiest, softest shea I’ve ever used.

As if being pregnant with her third child wasn’t perfect storm enough to trigger multiple skin issues ranging from acne to melasma, her son was diagnosed with leukaemia. So, with pregnancy on top of prolonged hospital stays where skin dries out so quickly, Carine experimented with her own skin care as well as making profound changes to her family’s diet and lifestyle.

Quickly, her ‘home-made’ shea butter became in demand amongst family and friends and so Elenge the brand was born. It takes three days to produce each batch, whipping it into an airy ice-cream lightness, purely from organic ingredients and made traditionally, the same way that it’s made in Africa. Elenge is also vegan. I’ve used a lot of shea butters over the years and this is easily the lightest version I’ve tried. Light as in weight, by the way – I put some on yesterday and can still feel it doing its moisturising work this afternoon. A little goes a long way and somewhat unbelievably, it’s only £9.99 a pot HERE. If your skin is dry or in need of a renewed suppleness, this is an easy win. It has a very mild vanilla scent (synthetic free) that’s not overtly sweet – if anything, it’s a little like a creamy floral – and there are other scent options as well as fragrance free. Really, the product is anything but utilitarian and yet it’s a workhorse when it comes to dryness. It’s a big recommend from me especially at the price and a good introduction to shea for anyone who has never tried it.

 

 

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