I first caught glimpse of these products at the Christmas Carnival Bazaar in Ayala Alabang a couple of weeks ago. What initially impressed me was it was clearly Filipino; reading its brand name, Amu’in. It’s not everyday do I encounter beauty (Aromatherapy/spa, in this case) products that are locally made. And what great coincidence when I had the great opportunity to meet the person behind it, Cathy Brillantes-Turvill, at one of the events I went to.

AMU’IN — Tagalog term which means “to caress, to tame” — was developed by a team of spa industry professionals and experienced scientists from the field of cosmetics, organic chemistry and biochemistry led by Cathy, a pioneer in the Philippine and Asia Pacific Spa Industry together with her husband, Mike Turvill, PhD. The vision behind the brand was to develop a premium Filipino Aromatherapy retail range — hopefully using locally grown, industry standard ingredients in the long run — which is at par with international brands. Joining them are Victoria Bulan, Renzy Lavador, and Odessa Gonzales.

Amu’in, which soft-launched just last October, aims to bring into modern-day healing the centuries-old knowledge of the use of plant essences for therapy, restoration and disease prevention.

The brand is further categorised into four (4) based on specific functions:

ALAGA
“Care”

Stress Relief Balm
Muscle Warming Oil with Rosemary and Peppermint
Natural Insect Repellent
Anti-bacterial Hand Wash with Tea Tree Extract
Moisturising Hand Lotion with Shea Butter
Natural Hand Sanitizer

This line is designed to take good care of you. The balm is recommended for that quick relief from headaches and insect bites. Plus, from experience, the use of Tea Tree is a good antiseptic so finding it your hand wash is such a fantastic idea.

SIGLA
“Energy”

Shower Gel with Lemongrass and Mango Extract
Body Lotion with Mango Extract
Dry Body Oil with Lemongrass
Essential Oil Blend
Massage Oil with Lemongrass
All-Natural Room Spray
Body Mist with Lemongrass

This line is a picker-upper OR the best way to start your day. It makes use of the energy-boosting abilities of Peppermint, Lemon, and Lemongrass. Thus, making your daily countenance brighter and will help you focus a whole lot better on your daily tasks. Who wouldn’t appreciate a more productive and happier day, yes?

HULAY
“Relax”

Shower Gel with Lavender and Ylang Ylang
Body Lotion with Mangosteen Extract
Dry Body Oil with Lavender and Ylang Ylang
Essential Oil Blend
Massage Oil with Lavender and Ylang Ylang
All-Natural Room Spray with Lavender and Ylang Ylang
Linen Spray with Lavender and Ylang Ylang
Body Mist with Lavender and Ylang Ylang
Hand Lotion with Mangosteen Extract

This line is the line you want to go home to. It’s a calming influence on a stressful, trying day. It’ll serve as a great aid in de-stressing and relaxing your spirit and body. It makes use of the relaxing properties found in Lavender and Ylang Ylang.

GAYUMA
“Romance”

Essential Oil Blend
Massage Oil with Rosewood
All-natural Room Spray with Rosewood

This line will make the guy or girl of your dreams fall for you. I kid! It’s just a great tool to set the right mood for a bit of romance. Who ever said that you can’t fire up that fizzling libido? Let the 2nd, 3rd, nth honeymoon commence!

Amu’in is a great gift idea for the holidays. Not only are you patronising something that’s Proudly Filipino, you’re also contributing in the improvement of local communities and traditions. How? Amu’in uses Mambusay (Negros) Lemongrass essential oil in many of its products and a percentage of its sales will be donated to improve the lives of essential oil-producing communities found in that region.

The village of Mambusay in Negros, together with a non-government foundation Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation (ADFI), have put up a cooperative to plant, produce, and market the Lemongrass essential oil (and hydrosol) in the Philippines and abroad.

And if you noticed the purse or vanity kit seen in the photo, those are The Bangar Abel. Bangar is a town in La Union where the exquisite and century-old tradition of Abel weaving continues to this day. Amu’in is comminted to using Abel fabrics for their kits and holders that are readily available to us. Patronising our own will encourage small businesses like the one in Bangar to keep on weaving, hence, keeping this wonderful Filipino tradition alive.

Amu’in is available in Nurture Spa Village in Tagaytay and at the Spa Essentials office: 2/F Air-rich Building, Km. 19.5 East Service Road, Sucat, Paranaque City, Philippines. You can also contact them at this contact number (632) 838 2167 or via email, info@spaessentials.com. You can also visit their official website at www.amuinwellness.com.

Update: Amu’in is also available at the following locations: Echo Store, Serendra, Santuario Spa - Malate, and Sanctuario Spa - Quezon City.

People behind Amu’in

Cathy Brillantes Turvill, is the founding President of the Spa Association of the Philippines and is driven by a passionate belief in the Philippines and it’s culture. As President of the Spa Association she was responsible for introducing the Philippine healing modality, Hilot, to the global spa industry. Cathy is a qualified (CIBTAC) spa therapist.

Dr. Mike Turvill, a British national, holds a Doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the UK. He studied Aromatherapy in Singapore and was formerly the Asia Pacific Regional Technical Director for Unilever.

Victoria Bulan, President of Siegranz Chemworks Corporation, holds a Masters Degree in Chemistry and has over fifteen years of experience in cosmetics manufacturing.

Renzy Lavador, a licensed Pharmacist, has extensive experience developing body care and cosmetics products for multinational companies.

Odessa Gonzales, a Chemist, brings with her extensive experience in Research and Quality Control.