Small-batch cosmetics: Liha introduces wild-crafted oils
Small-batch, wild-crafted cosmetics are sprouting up globally, creating quite a stir in the beauty industry. Our latest find comes from Cheltenham & Hackney-based brand Liha, which draws its inspiration from the grooming traditions of the Yoruba, a people based in southwestern Nigeria and southern Benin.
The label was born bubbling on the kitchen stoves of its founders, Liha Okunniwa and Abi Oyepitan. The friends who met at university 15 years ago, embarked on divergent careers; Abi as a professional athlete and Liha setting up an art publishing business. Now they have joined forces to make a series of products based around cold-pressed coconut oil and shea butter.
The shea is ethically sourced from Ghana and Nigeria, and the choice of other ingredients stays true to the local tradition of using the best nature offers for beauty preparations, from nuts to tree bark and flowers. The Idan Oil (which translates as 'magic' oil) is an addictive fix-all preparation coconut oil infused with tuberose by a process called enfleurage. It melts into skin and hair shafts, leaving an exotically scented trail. We're hooked.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Perfumer H has bottled the scent of dandelions blowing in the wind
Perfumer H has debuted a new fragrance for spring, called Dandelion. Lyn Harris tells Wallpaper* about the process of its creation
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
The best fashion moments at Milan Design Week 2024
Scarlett Conlon discovers the moments fashion met design at Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week 2024, as Loewe, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Prada and more staged intriguing presentations and launches across the city
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
LEVC’s L380 is a truly magnificent minivan
The London Electric Vehicle Company’s L380, is a magnificent minivan designed for upscale long-distance travel, as the maker of the London Taxi branches out into all-purpose EVs
By Jonathan Bell Published