It always great to talk about a new product, or even an improved product. So we are happy to announce that we have finalized our new moisturizing votive candle packaging, which we think is a far better option than the previous organza bags packaging. The new packaging has a small window on the front, exposing the votive candle inside. As a mini version of the larger tumbler, the new packaging is a great compliment. Quite a few of our retailers have expressed that the organza bags somehow seemed ‘messy’ on the shelves and did not stand out enough. I do see their point, and while the organza bags are great as individual gifts, they are not the best for merchandising purposes. However, I feel that they make even better gifts in the new packaging too. A votive candle is small and easy to transport so they also make great travel companions to create special atmosphere for yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.  We would love to hear your opinion though.

NEW PRODUCT! In addition to the new moisturizing votive packaging, we have also just launched a massage candle in the votive size. We had so many people asking for this option and we are happy with how this compliments the massage tumbler candle. As a massage product, the votive will give about 2-3 full body massages and is also a fantastic aromatherapy burner (22hour burn time). If you are confused about the difference between a moisturizing and a massage candle, then please go here our website for a brief explanation.

We often get asked what a votive candle is. While the obvious answer is an explanation of the size, burn time, content etc, the question often refers to why it is called a votive candle. Generally speaking, a votive candle is a particular size, fairly small, which makes it practical and affordable to use. The roots of the word ‘votive’ itself has evaded me so far, but the history of a votive candle is rooted in sacred ritual, and they have been associated with religion where votives were lit to assist in the offering up of prayers or blessings in churches or shrines. It’s no accident that votive candles were used for prayer and worship, as for centuries candles have been associated with peace and other-worldliness and many believe the candle flame somehow links us to the spiritual life and beyond (for eg: here is a link to an interesting article contextualising the use of a votive in the Catholic Church). There is certainly something magical and mystical about a flame. I find a burning candle relaxing and soothing, especially after a stressful day. In our modern, busy and stressful world, relaxing can be the most sublime and pleasant experience, almost a spirituality in itself. And if a candle is going to help me rid myself of sticky stress and create an ambiance in my home, then what a pleasure.

New Product!

Soy Body Bars have been in the SoyLites innovation pipeline for some time now and we are both excited that they are now finally available, and curious to get more feedback from anyone who has so far tested the product. For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure of handling a Soy Body Bar, perhaps a quick description might be useful.

So what exactly is a Soy Body Bar? Well, its not a bar of soap, neither is it a new chain of drinking establishments (just in case you were wondering…). It’s a smallish (60ml), rounded bar in a solid shape made from uniquely blended pure and nourishing natural oils. Formulated to respond to the temperature of your skin, the Soy Body Bar is a versatile hand & body moisturising product that will begin to melt upon contact with your skin. The result is a non-greasy, moisturising film of oil that begins to nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and silky without the messiness of regular moisturising creams and gels. A Soy Body Bar can be used as an after bath or shower product by gliding the bar over your warm and dry body, or it can be used as a general hand lotion around the home, at work, or as a travel companion. Safe to use on your face too, a Soy Body Bar can be used as an after shave lotion bar for men, and after shave body lotion for woman, an aid to dry lips, dry cheeks, cracked heels, elbows, feet and knees (remember that advert? – hands knees, heels and elbows tra la la la la la la?). Additionally, a Soy Body Bar will relieve sunburn, insect bites and stings, and aid the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and other skin ailments. The list of possible applications are almost as long as a list of skincare needs can be. The Soy Body Bar is affordable and great value for money (retails between R80 and R90).

The key to the success of the Soy Body Bar as a body product, I believe, will lie partly in the superior quality of the pure soy wax we use. If you are already familiar with SoyLites Moisturising Candles you might know that our soy wax melts at only 2 degrees above body temperature – 39 degrees celcius – and softens when it comes into contact with skin and/or friction. Good quality soy wax is full of vitamin E and lecithin and is consequently beneficial for your skin. However, not all soy wax is of the same quality, nor does all soy wax feel the same when it softens. Many soy waxes leave a waxy and greasy residue and are simply not appropriate for use on the skin. We at SoyLites have always trumpeted the quality of our soy wax. Being an excellent fixative, our soy blends beautifully with other botanical oils and is easily absorbed by your skin, leaving it feeling smooth, soft and nourished.

I have tried the Soy Body bar in all the application suggestions above and i’m happy with the formulations, which I believe are almost perfect ie: neither too hard nor too soft. However, I use the word ‘almost’ because the final refinement can only be suggested by you, the customer. So we are waiting with open and grateful ears and eyes for any valuable feedback on this new product. We hope you love them!

Burn bright.

As an online launch special we are offering a FREE SoyBalm with every Soy Body Bar purchased until August 31st 2011.

Visit our online shop at www.soylites.co.za or in the header of this blogpage. Also available from selected retailers – contact us on 011 5342073 for stockists.

More Info on the Soy Body Bar:

We have launched two variants: the Beauty Body Bar and the African Winter Body Bar which are both formulated with different oils. What’s in a Soy Body Bar?

• The Beauty Body Bar is made with organic rosehip oil (excellent tissue regeneration properties and helps to reduce scars, as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles), organic jojoba oil (is rich in vitamin E and has anti-infammatory and anti-oxident properties), shea butter (improves a number of skins conditions, including blemishes wrinkles, eczema, and dermatitis) and pure soy wax (rich in vitamin E and lecithin which soothes dry or cracked skin). With an aromatic touch of damascus rose oil, the Beauty Body Bar hints at the age old expression of love and beauty.

• The African Winter Body Bar takes advantage of the abundance of amazing oils available to us in Africa. It contains organic baobab oil Baobab oil (is highly moisturizing, emollient and soothing and contains vitamins A, D, E and F. Also helps to improve skin elasticity, encourages regeneration of skin cells and does not clog the pores), organic coconut oil (anti oxidising properties and highly effective treatment for dry skin), avocado oil (very penetrating and a superb emollient. Nourishing for dry and dehydrated skin, eczema, solar keratosis and improves elasticity) and pure soy wax ((rich in vitamin E and lecithin which soothes dry or cracked skin). Additionally, the African Winter Body Bar contains a low dilution of tea tree and lemon essential oils, both which have  powerful anti-septic qualities.The African Winter Body Bar is the perfect companion during the cold, dry winter months, and a great idea for hot sunny, insect ridden climates.