ARGAN OIL vs COCONUT OIL the great debate......

Oil has been traditionally used in beauty routines for thousands of years, but Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil is the battle of 2015. These oils can promote vibrancy when used in a variety of different ways – both topically and orally. But not all oils are created equal, despite what you may hear. The old adage, "Don't believe all you hear" should whisper in your ear.

Coconut oil has been trending for a couple of years now. Fans tout that it can cure everything from bad breath to excess sweating to dry, damaged hair. Argan oil, a top competitor within the natural beauty world, has also been known to aid brittle tresses and is used by many professional stylists.

With so much conflicting information out there, how are you supposed to know which of these two oils is better for maintaining healthy skin and hair? Well, it really depends on what your expectations are and how you intend to use it. But don’t take my word for it. Compare the facts to find out for yourself.

Argan oil comes from the fruit of the argan tree, while coconut oil comes from coconuts. Both contain essential fatty acids that provide hair with nourishment. They are also both chemical-free, which makes them much better alternatives to traditional haircare and skincare products.

Coconut Oil for Hair Growth

Coconut oil is full of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. When applied to the scalp, it can be great for treating dandruff or rashes. It helps to clear away dead skin, which stimulates follicle growth- leading to thicker, fuller locks.

Argan oil can boast this same claim, just not with as much conviction as coconut oil. Although it is also anti-bacterial, coconut oil is believed to be a more effective treatment for skin irritation.

Argan Oil for Hair Growth

However, argan oil beats coconut oil hands down when it comes to antioxidant properties.

One of the antioxidanst present in argan oil in high levels is Vitamin E. When applied to the scalp, the vitamins in this oil speed up cell regeneration, which can also help hair to grow faster.

ARGAN OIL for Hair Health

Additionally, the antioxidants in argan oil fight free radicals, which prevent hair from being damaged by UV rays and airborne pollutants. This means that hair keeps its healthy luster despite the uncontrollable elements.

Argan oil also seals hair’s cuticles, which minimizes the look of split ends and frizziness. It’s great for making tired, dried out hair look shiny and full of life.

COCONUT OIL for Hair Health

Coconut oil can also be used as a frizz treatment, due to its fatty-acid profile. Just a tiny bit is enough to smooth down your ends. It can also be a nice leave-in deep conditioner, but BE WARNED: COCONUT OIL IS VERY DIFFICULT TO WASH OUT, even after several shampoos.

While argan oil keeps hair looking glossy, coconut oil can just leave it greasy.

To conclude:

Overall, coconut oil is probably best kept as a once-in-a-while treatment for scalp health when you have the time for a more intensive treatment.

Argan oil, on the other hand, should be used much more regularly. Just like coconut oil, don’t forget that a little goes a long way.

Regardless, argan oil will give you the day-to-day protection that’s vital for keeping your hair looking it’s best.

I recommend keeping coconut oil for a monthly scalp treatment, but use argan oil for the tresses themselves.

Have you tried either of these oils for hair health or growth? What were your results?

100% Pure Argan Oil - Direct 

MOROCCAN SUNSET - BOUCHEROUITE & BENI OURAIN RUGS

We offer chic vintage Moroccan rugs that conform to the minimalist style so popular today.

We are manufacturers of leather goods but now we also specialize in the luxurious vintage  Beni Ourain (the style, talent and creative energy of weavers who live in the Beni Ourain mountains ) and Boucherouite hand loomed rugs .

Contemporary, timeless and delightfully abstract, our hand-selected collection of Boucherouite and Beni Ourain epitomize the deluxe minimalist style that made regional rugs highly sought after design embellishments with Le Corbusier and the modernists.

THE BOUCHEROUITE rug is made for domestic use out of recycled scraps of nylon, cotton, and 

AZILAL style

sometimes wool. The weaver's loom can become the ground of a passionate struggle between self-expression and the chaos of the unconscious, between the life-force of kinship ties and ancient traditions and the trials of modern life.

In small villages in the southern regions of Morocco, the women paint their hands and feet with abstract saffron-colored motifs, wear ornate dramatic jewelry, and weave carpets that are expressive of profound emotion - at once unconscious and spiritual, archetypal and primal, tribal and symbolic. In the often economically and culturally isolated, provincial homes where the boucherouite is made, the domestic culture is curiously supportive of the weaver's total freedom of expression through her craft.

✿ ART

The pulsing life of these rugs is found in the meandering lines and colour, in the pointillist movements, and in the almost lyrical play of form and space. Striking, unconventional compositions reflect all the joy and drama and sublime spirituality of small town life. But also, the close proximity to nature.

The most radical, abstract boucherouite styles are reminiscent of a Saharan oasis at dawn, an Atlas mountain sunrise or sunset, a glistening mountain stream in the late afternoon, a walk along a craggy path to the village well, or a spiritual reflection. The colours of earth and sunlight are loosely interwoven with subtle harmonies and splashes of surprisingly bold contrasts.

The weaver’s sub-conscious play with the changing mood and light of her surroundings can been seen in the most exquisite examples of the boucherouite. As in the finest examples of modern art, the boucherouite rug presents a kind of direct relationship between the outer world and emotional sensitivities of the weaver. Releasing her passions at the head of a loom, the Berber woman often employs intensely resonant colours.

The effect is modern art. Bright, synthetic colour becomes a means of personal expression, for describing the tribal weaver's environment, as well as for expressing her emotions. Large blocks of nonsensical colour incur a deliberate sense of mood, which is then interspersed by the playfulness of pointillist dots, cubes, and rectangles. The best boucherouite rug blends shape, form, and light to create a harmonious aesthetic that has a calming, yet surprising, and often disorienting, impact. 

For this reason the boucherouite rises above the simple rag rug “like grandma used to make” to the level of modern art - expressive, decorative, and awesome! The boucherouite has begun to beguile artists and collectors all over the world. 

Click on this video link to watch the Famille Essalhi making a boucherouite - Creating A Hand Loomed Boucherouite

The infinite expression and richness of joyful emotion and the celebration of a simple life,
is the visual poetry inter-woven into each boucherouite.  The weaver creates a light-filled atmosphere through a direct relationship with nature and its rhythms, and by tapping into that creative well within that allows her to express herself in her work. The most striking of boucherouite rugs are labours of love which display the cost to the weaver in creating such a masterpiece.

BENI OURAIN

✿ SHIPPING
Rugs ship safely and securely, with tracking, from Marrakesh, Morocco. All rugs are hand washed before shipping. They are then dried in the Marrakesh sun. So please allow about a week or so for us to prepare your rug after purchase. Transit time is 3 days to 2 ½ weeks, depending on mode of transport and location, so you can expect to receive your order within 30 days from the purchase date.

✿ CUSTOMS
It is important for you to understand that all import duties, taxes, and charges are the buyer's responsibility and are not included in the sale price of the rug. Prior to purchasing, please enquire with the customs office in your country to determine what additional cost may incur. All rugs ship direct from Marrakech, Morocco.

Pinterest: Discover and save creative ideas

Pinterest: Discover and save creative ideas

LEATHER BAGS FOR A LIFETIME

Bags should not be compromised on quality and style. No matter,whether you are male or female, bags are loved by everyone. But if you find it difficult to find high quality bags that last longer and also don’t compromise on style then a Goat Skin Leather Bag is worth buying. Normally, cowhide bags are longer lasting but the harder, thicker leather used develops cracks with time. Goat leather bags not only last a lifetime but they also do not dry out and crack.
You can't judge the age of the bag by looking at it. Goat Skin Leather Bags stay soft and pliable and, ironically, the more scratches and age marks the bag develops the more beautiful it will become.

BENEFITS OF GOAT LEATHER
Goat Leather is highly preferable for bags, clothing, belts etc. rather than cowhide leather.

Some of the benefits of Goat Leather which are not characteristic of other kinds of leather include:

1. Durabile...The leather is soft and pliable and so it lasts longer and remains intact over the years.
2. Pliable...Goatskin leather is thinner and more supple than cowhide leather and it is highly water resistant.
3. Aesthetic.., goatskin leather becomes more beautiful with age. Scratches and other markings from use enhance the character of the leather.

 There are a plethora of things to be considered before buying goatskin leather accessories.

The first thing to consider is whether it has come from an adult goat or kid goat. Baby goats generally have soft skin which it is considered best to make leather gloves (Kid Gloves). Alternatively, leather from adult goats is harder and more durable than kid skin but much softer than cow leather so it is the best for apparel and  bags.

The second thing to consider is the grade of goatskin leather. There are different grades of goatskin leather including bonded goat leather, split grain leather, top grain leather, full grain leather and standard grain leather. The cheapest is bonded goat leather which is less durable compared to other grades. The best goatskin leather is full grain which is highly durable. Of course, the grade of the goatskin leather must be chosen as per your budget and preference. Be careful when you make your choice.

The third consideration is the Craftsmanship of the leather: Goatskin leather can make the best bag or jacket if the craftsmanship is excellent! So try and be careful with the craftsmanship and buy from a reputable seller like Moroccan Sunset. There are many opportunists out there selling B-grade goods. It would be unreasonable to expect "factory perfection" in genuine handcrafted leather goods but Moroccan Sunset  is your guarantee of quality. If the quality isn’t good then you may end up wasting your money.

We’re sure that you will never want to compromise on your style and quality and also stick to your budget. So make the SMART CHOICE http://www.moroccansunset.co.nz or MoroccanSunset on Etsy

In summary, goatskin leather bags are intended to last over the years and can endure all kind of beatings.

Moroccan Sunset

Where Leather Gets Better

HAND-LOOMED MOROCCAN POM POM BLANKETS

MOROCCAN HAND-LOOMED POM POM BLANKETS 

- Moroccan bedspreads, blankets & throws with pom poms made from 100% natural wool or cotton,  hand spun and hand woven.

✥ Colour: Many to choose from and in any combination. Can be custom-made.  Please email for inspirational images and give us your ideas for bespoke orders. We will speak to the Maa’lam and get back to you with a quote.

✥ WE BUY DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS
Our fabulous covers are designed and woven by hand in the workshop of a friend in Marrakech, Morocco. High quality, hand spun wool is sold daily in the souks of Marrakech. It is then taken to the dyers souk where it is hand dyed using traditional methods. Once the wool has dried in the sun it is brought to the weaving workshop where artisans hand weave them on wooden looms, some taking a long day to finish.

✥ DESIGN
They are adorable fun in a child's room with loads of colours to choose from.  Perfect as a bedspread, blanket or throw on your sofa and armchair.  How about using one as a picnic rug or glamping blanket on cold winter nights.

✥ WHAT MAKES OUR BLANKETS SPECIAL
•    Our covers are the softest and most luxurious of all Moroccan blankets on the market.
•    Hand woven on ancient wooden looms, using traditional methods that have been passed down from generation to generation at one of the most reputable weaving workshops in Marrakech.
•    Woven using 100% Natural, hand spun sheep's Wool, or Pure Moroccan Cotton, ensuring that it is of the finest quality available in the local markets.  All our wool and cotton is hand spun by woman from rural areas around Marrakech, providing them with a valuable source of income.
•    We twice wash the wool to ensure they are meticulously clean and,  before dispatch, we have the covers dry cleaned and pressed.
•    No harsh chemicals are used that might damage the integrity of the wool are used.

✥ SIZE & PRICE

Our blankets are woven with oversized pom poms on two ends, in 5 sizes.
POM POM BLANKETS 

RETAIL PRICES:

King/Queen: (240/300 cm) Wool : $350.00 NZD
       Perfect  over a King or Queen size bed or as a large throw
King/Queen: (240/300 cm) Cotton : $279.00 NZD
       Perfect  over a King or Queen size bed or as a large throw

Double: (200/300 cm)  Wool : $292.00 NZD
       Perfect  across a king single or double bed or as a large throw
Double: (200/300 cm)  Cotton : $233.00 NZD
       Perfect  across a king single or double bed or as a large throw

Single: 160/260 cm Wool: $223.00 NZD
       Perfect as a throw or as a picnic rug or folded at the foot of the bed
Single: 160/260 cm Cotton : $179.00 NZD
       Perfect as a throw, as a single blanket or folded at the foot of the bed

Kids blankets 120/150 wool : $108.00 NZD
       Perfect as a throw or as a picnic rug

POM POM CUSHION COVERS 

                 

Wool  60/60 cm : $84.00 NZD
Cotton 60/60 cm : $74.00 NZD
80/40 cm wool: $78,00 NZD
80/40 cm  Cotton : $64,00 NZD

ASK ABOUT OUR WHOLESALE PRICES

✥ SHIPPING
Prices quoted above include air freight within New Zealand and to Australia. We will notify you when your covers are ready to be shipped.

✥ CARE
To keep your cover clean, we recommend any of the following:
1. Dry cleaning
2. Machine wash on a wool cycle, 30º with a delicate detergent and then hang dry.
3. Hand wash with a delicate detergent and then hang dry. Use a liquid detergent specific for wool.

✥ WOOL, LOOM & BARAKA
Wool is 100% natural, renewable, breathable and biodegradable. Man is yet to produce a fibre which matches its unique properties. For centuries Moroccan culture has revered the loom, regarding it to be imbued with a sense of divine presence, charisma and wisdom.  Known as ‘baraka, the weavers believe that this is transmitted from the loom to the weaver, to the cotton or wool  articles he/she weaves, and finally to the end user.

The Pom Pom blankets are made to order and we supply these at the very best prices for the best quality. Bespoke colour combinations can be accommodated. 

Talk to us about wholesale quantities. Email Carol at moroccansunset1@gmail.com
www.moroccansunset.co.nz

MOROCCAN LEATHER POUFS/POUFFES/OTTOMANS

Our leather poufs are so gorgeous and look stunning in any interior style from classic to contemporary to bohemian. 

Rest your weary feet on a Moroccan pouf/ottoman or use it as a seat as you sit around a low slung table. You can even use it as a funky side table. 

Handcrafted by artisans in our family run workshop, and imported from Morocco, the ottoman has been hand dyed with natural dyes and intricately stitched with sabra silk thread.  We employ the most refined and competent craftsmen who are paid well to bring you the best and most cost-effective products. New suppliers and artisans are patiently selected for their integrity, their skills, personal qualities and for their passion.

Details: 

100% genuine leather – metallics are faux leather 

Hand stitched and embroidered with sabra silk thread, plain or embossed, square or round, large or small.

 We dispatch worldwide with a courier company at excellent rates. Shipment to Europe usually takes between 4 to 6 days. Shipment to the US and Australia 3 to 5 days. 

The pouffes are shipped without stuffing. Can be filled with standard beanbag beans, scrunched up newspaper, or for an eco-friendly option use old clothes!

We accept Paypal for payments.

Please email Carol at moroccansunset1@gmail.com for more details. 

Returns & Exchange

Customer satisfaction is paramount to us..
We are happy to refund ONLY on products that are damaged during shipping. In this case damages must be reported to us within 24 hours of receipt of goods in writing via email
Damaged merchandise must be returned within 7 days of receipt.
We are happy to refund or exchange all damaged goods but they must be clearly labeled with the purchase reference number and the original packaging. Arrangements for returns and exchanges and all return shipping costs will be paid for by the customer.
This is because all our products are individually crafted by hand and by nature are not "factory perfect". We do our best to ensure that products received are the best quality.

BERBER CHIC - WHOLESALE HANDIRA (Moroccan Wedding Blankets)

The Moroccan Handira is hand-woven in pure wool by Berber women of the Middle Atlas Mountains.  The  traditional Moroccan handira  is generally white or cream, and then decorated with small coins or silver sequins. They have a history, a life.  In some areas, the fabric is dyed red with plant material and has geometric patterns and wide vertical strips of cotton are integrated.

Handira can take several weeks to make. The bride would wear the handira as a cape, the day of her wedding ceremony, as part of her dowry.Then after the wedding ceremony it is used as a bedspread.

Each one is unique in design and decorated with bushy tufted rows of wool and numerous sequins. A tradition that has now become an art form, these bohemian beauties look wonderful used as blankets, wall hangings or rugs.

If you have fallen in love with these talk to us about your needs.

Here's how we work: 

We pay our supplier a visit and photograph all the Handiras he has available in your size range  and send pictures of what he has on the day to you along with details like price, size, etc. Goods will be placed on hold for 7 days while you decide what to order and you can do so by emailing me:

carol@moroccansunset.co.nz

These are genuine vintage Handira and are not made to order.

We dispatch worldwide at excellent rates direct from Morocco.

We accept Paypal and direct bank transfers