Bali. The island of the Gods. A feast of colors, culture, beauty and devout faith.
With such beauty all around such as the Jatiluwih rice terraces, it’s no wonder Bali boasts such a rich tradition of beauty and spa rituals whose names alone evoke the most exotic and luscious of pampering experiences: boreh, lurlur, temu-temu, avocado cream bath, spice bath – I could just picture myself in one of Ubud’s secret gardens being scrubbed and massaged with rare oils and exotic spices while watching traditional Bali dance.
Alas, my spa experience in Ubud was nothing of the like: the massage therapist had spindly fingers that were more akin to knitting needles and seemed to have the greatest of interest in poking my ribs, and my avocado cream bath was executed with products that stank of cheap and chemical; leaving me smelling like a freshly-permed grandma. And thanks to the ridiculous, hair-abusing, backcombing blow-dry aftermaths, l actually looked more like a poodle.
Fortunately, I came across a brand of products that brought me back to the grassroots and let all my sensuous Balinese spa fantasies go wild in the comfort of my own guesthouse’s secret garden. Enter Utama Spice.
I stumbled upon the brand by accident while buying a bottle of hair oil called Well Kiss, an earthy and sweet blend of aniseed, lemon and patchouli that smelled so heavenly good that I soon made it my own. The best part was to read the 100% natural ingredient list: coconut oil and pure essential oils. No chemical additives, no preservatives, no parabens, no binders, no colorants, no synthetics. I was in love.
Ubud born and bred skincare company Utama Spice uses ancient traditional Balinese herbal and medicinal spa recipes, creating natural products with spices, herbs, plants, tree barks and essential oils to heal and treat the skin. Every effort is made at Utama Spice to source the ingredients locally in a slave-free, fair-trade and sustainable manner.
On paper, Utama Spice is everything I want from a cosmetic company: an environmentally friendly, eco-minded bunch of people whose products are so natural you could in fact eat them – but most importantly, in practice, the products are simply supreme and deliver all what you would hope for in top-quality luxury spa products, at very reasonable prices, leaving my skin smelling delicious and looking gorgeous. I wanted to share with you my faves.
Liquid Antiseptic Soap
This soap smells medicinal and herbaceous; I find it extremely invigorating, yet super gentle to my sensitive skin. The antiseptic properties of the oils also make it ideal to wash my face and help get rid of imperfections. An uplifting and healing multitasker that is bound to become a faithful travel companion.
Cocoa Love Butter
The ingredients of this rich face and body butter are cocoa butter, coconut oil, vanilla and cinnamon bark. Just imagine how heavenly this smells – oh, but you’re not even close. I may or may not have tasted it. This is another multitasker that I like to slather on my dry, sun-abused face and body. The consistency is solid at room temperature in colder climates, but it melts on skin contact, so run a wee chunk between your palms before rubbing it in. It is quite greasy at first, but absorbs into the skin quickly. I apply this all over before bed and wake up feeling smooth and hydrated. No need for dessert.
Balinese Boreh Body Scrub
Utama Spice’s scrubs are unlike any I have used before: a powdered mix of rice, spices, herbs and tree barks to which you add a little water until a goop forms that you then apply to your body and leave to dry for 5 or 10 minutes before scrubbing it off and rinsing with water. The first thing that makes this so different from any other scrub is the tingly, warming feeling it gave to my skin thanks to the spices it contains. It felt more like a body mask, also coming from the fact that it’s not excessively scrubby. I guess in French I would call this a ‘gommage’. I like that this scrub calls for slowing down and taking time for yourself – and did I mention it smells like heaven? Something reminiscent of an Indian bakery. Sweet and spicy. Mmmm… To jazz things up and add extra moisture, you could mix it with a little coconut oil. Absolute exotic amazing freaking bliss.
Lavender hair oil
The hair oil is what made me fall in love with the company in the first place, so naturally I had to get more. Putting coconut oil in your hair is just about the best thing you can do for it. It moisturizes, heals and protects. My hair is quite dry and brittle, so I apply this to my split ends after washing, but you could also use it as a mask prior to washing. I also put it all over my hair before a day at the beach to protect it from the sun and the salt, and I’ve made my own “surf spray” with it, mixing it with equal part sea water that I spray on my clean hair when I’m missing that slightly disheveled, wavy beach look. Best beard softener as well.
Rose Allure face and body lotion
All of Utama Spice’s body lotions are light yet hydrating and glide on like a dream, leaving your skin feeling super soft and smelling gorgeous. The Rose Allure one reminds me of my usual day cream so much (Rose Nectar by Melvita) but at a fraction of the cost. I’m a convert.
Yoga Mat Spray
My yoga mat comes along everywhere I go and sometimes ends up smelling a little funky after being dragged in the sand, grass and in buses’ undercarriage. This spray kills bacteria and smells of cinnamon, making child pose a hell of a lot more pleasant. I also spray it on my backpack, running shoes and, ahem, day old t-shirts! It is apparently also good to keep puppies from chewing on things! If you are looking for a yoga experience in Bali, there are many yoga retreats to check out in Bali.
Can you feel the exotic yet?
Well, you’re just about to feel it a lot more, because Utama Spice is giving away gift sets to three of Mostly Amélie’s lucky readers! To enter, simply visit Utama Spice’s website and write in the comments below which product(s) you would like to try. To gain extra entries, follow Utama Spice and Mostly Amélie on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the Gleam widget below! The contest is open internationally and closes on 13th October 2014 at 11:59:59 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada). The winners will be announced on my blog, so stay tuned. Good luck!
Mostly Amelie & Utama Spice Giveaway!
Disclaimer: Some of these Utama Spice products were provided to me in exchange for reviewing the products on my blog. All opinions are my own and no other compensation has been received.
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Wellkiss hair oil with fennel and lemon!
Cocoa Love Butter! Merci!
This all look so amazing! Would love to try the body scrub 🙂
Lavender hair oil, Cocoa Love Butter 🙂
Wow, everything seems so perfect!!!
Mmmm! Everything!!!! But first, i would say Cocoa butter, antseptic soap and lavender oïl for hair!
Ouh, I can smell the Rose Allure body lotion from here! Would love to try that!
I would LOVE to try the Jojoba Oil. Thanks!
Patchouli Essential Oil 1… this sounds great!
[…] Enter this Giveaway at Mostly Amelie […]
http://opencart.utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=17_65&product_id=157
I would like to try put the Wellkiss Hair Oil, since my hair has gone through lot of my crazy dyings this would be a nice help :).
I would like to try the jojoba oil
100% Pure Virgin Coconut oil moisturizer.
I want to try the Cocoa Love butter.
I would like to try the tangerine body lotion
[…] CLICK TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY! –> […]
I would like to try the Rose Allure Body Butter or the tangerine body lotion.
I’d like to try their Green Leaf Face Mask and Scrub!
Thanks
I like to try out Lemongrass essential oil!
I would really like to try the cocoa love body butter
Ha – you mean, which one *don’t* I want to try…… I would say Clay face and body mask would be awesome to try
I’d love to try the Cocoa Love Butter ^_^
coconut soap set
I love these: http://opencart.utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=79&product_id=174
Jojoba Oil 95 ml because it is an antibacterial, non-toxic and rich in antioxidants, and as an RN I can relate to all of these features.
cocoa love body butter looks really good!
green leaf face mask and scrub
I want Rose Allure face and body lotion.
It’s making my skin smoothly
I want to try their essential oil ^^
oooo the Tropical Garden Tea Gift set sounds wonderful!
I would love to try Jojoba Oil 95 ml, Yoga mat spray, the mask set, all the tea flavors.. please somebody stop me! Amazing products thanks for this giveaway!!
I’d just love to try Temu-Temu Face Mask and Scrub! 🙂
I would like to try the Spicy Bath Salts.
I would love to try the Jojoba Oil 🙂
all of them look really great! 🙂
rose allure body butter
I’d like to try the Patchouli Essential Oil
The balinesse boreh body scrub sounds unique and awesome!
Balinese Boreh Body Scrub
Lavender hair oil to detangle all my naughty hair
A moi, a moi!
Tous les produits!? 😛
Antiseptic Liquid Soap.
Stunning pictures!! Makes me want to take a trip!
Thanks Jennifer! Bali is simply stunning 🙂
the green leaf body scrub sounds very very intriguing xx
I would love to try the Rose Allure Body Butter.
I’d love to try Antiseptic Liquid Soap!
I would like to try the Sweet Spice Bar Soap and Temu-Temu Body Scrub.
I’d try the Temu-temu, face mask and scrub!
http://opencart.utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=77
I would like to try the Wellkiss Hair Oil
would love to try the jojoba oil
Jojoba oil!!!
Wow, jojoba oil is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity
relaxing bar soap , thanks
I think the Spicy Body Scrub sounds delish!
body scrub or the love butter! they seem amazing!
I would like to try the Lavender Hair Oil.
i’d like to try rose allure body butter..
The jojoba oil !
i would like to try this http://opencart.utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=77 (the jojoba oil)
oil relaxing
I would love to try the Wellkiss Hair Oil…
Thanks! 🙂 love: http://opencart.utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=18_46&product_id=169
I’d like very much to try Clearing Bar Soap 🙂
tangerine body oil, thanks @tisonlyme143
Absolutely love the way you’ve presented this giveaway. Simply going over the atmosphere creating pictures accompanying the products description was a highly pleasurable experience. Would feel lucky to try any of the products listed.
I had a look at the Utama Spice website. Unfortunatly, they don’t ship to my location so I really have only such giveaways and my luck to rely on, if I am to try any of their products 🙂
Rose Allure Body Butter, the Aphrodisia Body Oil, the Jojoba Oil – the ones that got me really wanting to have.
Hi Elena, where are you located? I did a mock order and I was under the impression that they delivered worldwide. Let me know, if you want to place an order, I can see with them if they could accommodate you.
Amélie
Thank you for your nice comment Elena! I wish you best of luck for the contest! <3
Amélie
This http://opencart.utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=77
I noticed this brand at the openings of their store at Riau Junction Bandung, but I didn’t know that they provide such products. I’ve been on my searching for natural products these days and after reading your blog I fell in love immediately! I would really love to try their jojoba oil
I would like to try the Lavender Hair Oil.
[…] Link to the contest […]
me encantan todos y más Clearing Bar Soap
I would love to try the cocoa lip balm. I love the smell of chocolate !
Wellkiss Hair oil
The rose allure body butter
[…] Enter to WIN three Utama Spice giftsets. […]
I’d love to have the face mask gift set so I can try them all!
[…] Enter Here: https://mostlyamelie.com/utama-spice-giveaway/ […]
I would most love to try their Cocoa Lip Balm 5gr Product Code: LB/CL-0005/TX because I love chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon and this stuff sounds AMAZING!!
I would love to try the Rose Allure Body Butter.
I would to try the Lavender Hair Oil for damaged hair. It looks like something I could use.
I want to try the Jojoba Oil.
I would like to try the lemongrass oil. I have heard great things about essential oils lately.
I would love to try the Jojoba oil
I’d love to try this! http://opencart.utamaspicebali.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=20&product_id=67
There were so many wonderful products! The one that really caught my eye was the lavender hair oil, it sounds so lovely!
I would love to try theTangerine Body Butter. The scent would be delicious!
would love to trai lavander hair oil
I would love the fresh soul body balm !
I would love to try the bath oils. I have extremely dry skin.
I want to try the Rose Allure Body Butter.
I would love to try the Senja Body Mist. Sounds refreshing!
I would like to try the Clay face and body mask as well as the Balinese Boreh Body Scrub
[…] Site Name: Mostly Amelie Prize Description: Balinese natural cosmetic brand Utama Spice is giving away three giftsets to three of Mostly Amélie’s lucky readers! Open to: worldwide Entry Deadline: 10/13/2014 Enter This Giveaway Here: https://mostlyamelie.com/utama-spice-giveaway/ […]
The green leaf face mask sounds lovely!!
i would like to try the temu temu body scrub
I would like to try the Clay Face & Body Mask
I would love to try the Fresh Soul Body Mist!! These products look amazing. I LOVED Bali!!
The Wellkiss oil sounds wonderful,thanks
Spicy Body Scrub sounds wonderful
I like the antiseptic body wash. Thank you
Would like to try the wellbeing bath salt.
I’d love to try the Green Leaf Face Mask
I’d like to try their essential oils – especially their Orange Essential Oil.
I think it’s wonderful that you have traveled all over and experienced so many different cultures. Someday I hope to do the same. The pictures are amazing! Your tattoos are beautiful.. my fiance is a tattoo artist so I can really recognize and appreciate good artwork. I would love to try the Clearing essential oil or the Aphrodisia body butter.
Hey Angela, thanks so much for your nice comment! Best of luck for the contest 🙂
I would love to try the Rose Allure Body Butter
I would like to try the Green Leaf Face Mask and Scrub.
I’d like to try the Lavender Hair Oil
I would be grateful for any of the products. Thank you
Lip Balm Gift Set
I would like to try the Senja Hair Oil
I would like to try the Tangerine Body Butter.
I’d like to try the Lemongrass Liquid Soap.
[…] ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE […]