Marrouge Q&A
This month marks a year since restrictions began, making overseas travel seem a distant memory. With much uncertainty as to when we can hop to the next dreamy destination still in force, it’s time to bring those dreamy destinations to you. Our extraordinarily globalised world has blessed us with insight into the traditions and rituals of various cultures, whether that be sushi from Japan or berets from France.
So immerse yourself in foreign culture and live vicariously through your beauty products which originate far from your bathroom cupboard.
We spoke to the founders of Marrouge about the brand’s Moroccan roots and influence:
What was your inspiration for Marrouge?
We felt that it was really difficult to find real potent and natural Moroccan skin care oils and we wanted to share them with the world. There are so many different types of oils out there and many of them are not pure or sourced from the best providers and we sought out to find them.
Syndele, (one of the co-founders of Marrouge) grew up with the traditional beauty secrets of Moroccan women, passed down from her grandmother and mother. “They would always apply the most potent and natural rose and argan oils and they never aged. Their skin would look so youthful and soft and it became a part of my daily regimen.”
What products do women traditionally use in Morocco?
Morocco is a well known country in terms of beauty and wellness. Deeply rooted in tradition, Moroccan beauty rituals are based on using natural ingredients native to Morocco like prickly pear, argan, rhassoul, beldi, rose water etc.
Hammam rituals and bathing are also a traditional part of Moroccan culture. Hammam cleansing deeply exfoliates your skin and removes dead skin using beldi Moroccan soap and a Kessa Glove to specially scrub the body revealing moisturized and glowing skin.
Ghassoul or Rhassoul is a mineral clay found in the Atlas Mountains. Ghassoul is known amongst locals for its deep-cleansing and smoothing effects on skin and hair. Apply it onto your face as a mask or a delicate scrubbing treatment.
Tip: wash your hair as usual, then apply the moist raw clay to your roots and to the rest of your hair, then rinse and shampoo it all off to reveal soft and healthy hair.
Argan Oil: Exclusively grown and produced in Morocco, argania spinosa (argan trees and kernels) only grows in the Sous Valley by the Atlas Mountains. Its agricultural extraction, conducted by women local cooperatives. Traditionally, the oil has been used for dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles, skin inflammation, and hair loss. Today, argan oil has been scientifically proven to be an efficient anti-sebum, in addition to its powerful moisturizing benefits.
Prickly pear oil : The oil has been used by generations of Berber women to fight the effects of dry desert conditions. Only produced in the south of Morocco. This oil became one of the most expensive beauty oil in the market because of its incredible qualities for the skin.
What are the benefits of prickly pear oil ?
1. Helps restore elasticity of the skin
2. Tightens your pores
3. Reduces the appearance of circles under the eyes
4. Prevents premature wrinkles
5. Moisturizes and softens the skin
6. Neutralizes free radicals that cause signs of aging
7. Minimizes spider veins
8. Balances oily and combination skin
Are there particular scents that remind you of your home?
Moroccan rose and Orange blossom is very popular in Morocco. This is why we created our signature radiance collection with oud and soft moroccan rose, really makes me feel like I am back in Morocco every time
I use the body wash and oil.
What do you miss about Morocco?
I miss the smell of fresh oranges in the morning by people selling them on the street. The energy of the red city and the people swarming the markets. The warm sunsets that are breathtaking. The home made tagines and the colors of the spices and trays of fruits and vegetables. I miss the magic of the city, the juxtaposition of old and new.