Oropito | Shaving soap

This handmade cold process soap is a beautiful blend of oils which have been steeped with kawakawa, manuka, kanuka, and koromiko as well as the non-native plants of lavender, chamomile, calendula and eucalyptus following tikanga Māori.

Created in alignment to the maramataka with takutaku and aroha, it is imbued with the mauri (life force) of the creator. 

Kind to the environment and tinana, each ingredient is from nature and carefully sourced. 

Coconut oil (cocos nucifera)

Cocoa butter (theobroma cacao)

Soy wax (skin safe), 

Wairakau (water with essence of plants,tea) - kawakawa (macropiper excelsum) and manuka (leptospermum scoparium, tea tree),  and eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) wairakau (water)

Sodium hydroxide (lye)

White kaolin clay

Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil

Cedar (cedrus atlantica) essential oil

Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) essential oil

Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) essential oil. 

Kanuka (kunzea ericoides, white tea tree)

Kawakawa (macropiper excelsum)

Koromiko (hebe stricta, purple hebe)

Manuka (leptospermum scoparium, tea tree)

Calendula (calendula officinalis) 

Chamomile (matricaria recutita)

Lavender (lavandula angustifolia)

WHY THESE RONGOĀ?

Kawakawa | macropiper excelsum - a rongoā rākau (native plant) that is said to soothe skin and help reduce inflammation due to its antimicrobial and analgesic properties. From a wairua (spiritual) perspective, Māori believe it gives strength to move forward fearlessly & have faith. 

Kanuka | kunzea ericoides | white tea tree - a rongoā rākau (native plant) known to be antimicrobial and healing, as well as calming and relaxing, to the mind. From a wairua (spiritual) perspective, Māori believe it has the ability for regeneration and restored inner vitality & strength, and help with spontaneity and self-expression. 

Koromiko | hebe stricta | purple hebe - a rongoā rākau (native plant) said to contain astringent properties that make it great for the skin by naturally removing dirt and excess oil, gently toning and shrinking pores to bring general health and soothing from irritation. From a wairua (spiritual) perspective, Māori believe it helps you follow your intuition & gain spiritual equilibrium.

Manuka | leptospermum scoparium| kahikatoa | tea tree - a rongoā rākau (native plant) said to soothe body and soul through its purification, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. From a wairua (spiritual) perspective, Māori believe it supports self-regeneration, metamorphosis, being in touch with your own power, and depth of inner experience. 

Calendula | calendula officinalis - known to soothe & hydrate skin and promote collagen production to help the skin to glow.

Chamomile | matricaria recutita - known to contain powerful anti-oxidants including polyphenols and phytochemicals which are said to help aging skin, protects from free radical damage by accelerating cell and tissue renewal, and give the skin a glow. 

Eucalyptus | eucalyptus globulus - known to be skin healing, whilst also refreshing and clearing the mind, aiding concentration and focus, and helping to cool heated emotions and balance extreme moods.

Lavender | lavandula angustifolia - known to be healing, antiseptic and calming. 

Centre your thoughts. Hā ki roto, hā ki waho (breath deeply, slowly and with intent) - then begin your shaving ritual maintaining this breathing rhythm.

Lather the shaving soap in your hands. Or, rinse your shaving brush in hot water and flick once to rid it of excess water before loading the brush with lather by swirling on the soap bar until it creates a consistency you are happy with. Take note of the cyclic rhythm of turning the bar in hand, or the brush swirling - dissolve and align to this sense of time, this beat of action. 

Depending on your need, this may be for several seconds to a minute and require the addition of more water.

Close the eyes, take a moment, and then with intent, open the eyes and spread the lather across the area of your tinana you intend to shave - timata. begin.

Once done, use a damp, warm cloth to gently wipe excess lather away, or rinse with warm water directly. Your tinana should feel hydrated, but not greasy. Pat dry with a towel and apply oil or moisturiser if needed.

Use a well draining soap dish and let soap dry in between uses.

Store your unused soap in a dark, dry, cool area.

MindKai is for external use only. Desist use if skin irritation occurs. Keep away from eyes.

We also recommend to avoid using during the first trimester of pregnancy due to the essential oils within the blend.