Yay Shea!

I rarely get this excited over a product, believe me. But I’ve just discovered Shea Yeleen International’s body butters, body balms and lip balms. My skin is ecstatic, my husband can’t stop smelling me and the best part — I’m helping to promote sustainable economic development and empower women in West Africa.

Let me explain.

Shea butter, the killer ingredient in Shea Yeleen’s products, is one of the few economic commodities women control in West Africa. It takes a great amount of labor to produce this amazingly hydrating formula, and Shea Yeleen is one of the nonprofit organizations working to mobilize the women and ensure they are getting their fair share in exchange for this fabulously creamy ingredient that is exclusive to the Sub-Sahara.

Shea Yeleen Lavender & Honeysuckle Body Butter

I’ll start with my favorite new body moisturizer. Not only does Shea’s Lavender & Honeysuckle Body Butter ($25) smell like incense and spring rain and wildflowers and pure happiness, it also heals your dry skin and leaves it looking luminous. My husband actually lifted my arm to breathe me in — a strange, but fantastic effect.

Shea Yeleen’s lip balms come in a variety of subtle flavors, including peppermint, cherry and my favorite, coconut peach. Using little else but beeswax, almond oil, vitamin E and, of course, shea butter, the balms soothe your chapped lips and are a great primer for lipstick or gloss.

Shea’s body balms ($20) should be applied after a warm shower or bath.

Shea Yeleen Body Balm

In unscented, scented and the adorable baby balm, which is rich with calming chamomile and aloe extracts, the balms work wonders for specific dry spots, including elbows, hands, feet and knees.

Shea Yeleen’s products are currently only available at stores in Ohio. Until that changes, and it will, go to their website and stock up products that will make you feel good inside and out.

Images: sheayeleen.org