Kahina just released a new body serum called Essaouira, and it is a pure delight to the senses and skin. This is a must-try, sophisticated botanical blend.
In case you didn’t know, Kahina makes one of my all time favorite body serums, Fez. So as you can imagine, I was more than eager to get my paws on Essaouira. Though I will wear Fez year-round, the warm spicy scent is one that really fits well with cooler months, and Essouira was designed to be the perfect spring and summer compliment to the snuggle-inducing Fez.
The base of the Essaouira Body Serum is the same as my beloved Fez, and in my book that’s a good thing as the formula is ultra hydrating but not heavy in the least—truly an all-seasons moisturizer. It absorbs into skin beautifully, even better if skin is damp. I always apply body oils right out of the shower when my skin is still moist. I find that oils spread and sink into damp skin better than dry skin. If I’m not showering and want to use the Body Serum, I simply spritz a bit of rosewater on to dampen my skin a bit. It adds a lovely element to an already luxurious ritual, and my skin loves it.
The key ingredients that make Kahina Body Serums so luxurious and effective include argan oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil and watermelon seed oil. Argan and watermelon seed oil are the standouts for me. Argan is the first ingredient, so most of the formula is this comprised of this precious oil. Argan improves elasticity and helps skin retain a plump, smooth appearance. Its vitamin E content is off the charts. It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory that calms skin and keeps redness at bay. Watermelon seed oil is one of those under the radar ingredients that is truly food for the skin. It contains an impressive array of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, so it deeply nourishes. At the same time, it allows your skin to breath and actually helps dissolve the oil, dirt and grease that builds up in your pores. It detoxifies while moisturizing. Isn’t nature grand?
The supporting oils in this formula have so much to give even if they don’t sound as exotic as argan and watermelon seed. For example, sunflower oil contains high levels of essential fatty acids and beta-carotene, a UV protective antioxidant. All of this adds up to a body serum that feels luscious and balancing, never over the top or greasy. All skin types will benefit from Kahina’s body serum.
Essaouira has a beautiful scent that is uplifting and light. It feels clean, a little floral and a little herbal with just a hint of citrus. The lavender and geranium are notably present, but not in an in your face “these are essential oils” way. It’s more ethereal and very balanced. The rose and sandalwood help give some complexity and heart to the scent while petitgrain lifts the blend with a touch of noble citrus. Essaouira is what I imagine the most serene spa in the world smells like, or perhaps an airy coastal village town in Morocco, which is where the body serum takes its name from. Essaouira smells almost identical to the Kahina Night Cream, a scent I’m obsessed with as noted in this past review. I’m thrilled that I can now apply this gorgeous scent all over my entire body.
