Katherine Phillips L’Heureux was traveling in Morocco in the fall of 2007 when she hit on the idea for a skincare line. Her epiphany came when she tried oil from the argan tree, which has been used for centuries by the Berbers, an indigenous people of North Africa, on her skin.

Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, argan oil neutralizes free radicals, reduces inflammation and the appearance of fine lines and protects skin from environmental damage (something women who live in the North African desert know all about). After just one application, Phillips L’Heureux saw an immediate improvement in her complexion. Curious, she decided to find out more. She discovered that by ancient custom, only Berber women are allowed to make argan oil.

Katherine Phillips L’Heureux was traveling in Morocco in the fall of 2007 when she hit on the idea for a skincare line. Her epiphany came when she tried oil from the argan tree, which has been used for centuries by the Berbers, an indigenous people of North Africa, on her skin.

Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, argan oil neutralizes free radicals, reduces inflammation and the appearance of fine lines and protects skin from environmental damage (something women who live in the North African desert know all about). After just one application, Phillips L’Heureux saw an immediate improvement in her complexion. Curious, she decided to find out more. She discovered that by ancient custom, only Berber women are allowed to make argan oil.

“I was intrigued by the story of these women who extract the oil working in cooperatives using centuries-old techniques. It struck me that I could create a skin care line that women in the U.S. would want to use, and help the Berber women of Morocco at the same time,” Phillips L’Heuruex explains of her creation, which can be used as an anti-aging treatment on the face and body, as a soothing bath oil, or on hair to add shine and tame frizz.

Back home in New York, she launched Kahina Giving Beauty, which she named for a Berber warrior queen of the seventh century. In keeping with her philosophy of women helping women through shared beauty rituals, twenty five percent of the profits from the line go to the Berber women.

For this special gift set, Phillips L’Heureux partnered with Nest—an organization that gives micro-loans to women in developing countries so that they can achieve economic independence—to provide the hand-printed, hand sewn cosmetics bags made by formerly trafficked women in India.

So by buying this set, you’ll do good three times over: for the women of Morocco, the women of India, and for your own gorgeous complexion. Beautiful!