DR. K CBD - Nano Emulsified Lavender Hand Cream

Everyone who has been busily washing their hands and applying alcohol-based gels, will no doubt, like us at The Amazing Blog, be suffering from the after-effects of dry skin and irritation. With this in mind, we’d like to suggest another one of our #amazingfinds for the week, with the CBD topical  Nano Emulsified Lavender Hand Cream  from DR.K CBD which brought us much needed skin relief.

DR.K CBD, is a British brand, recently launched by two long-time friends, Dr Ruchira Karunadasa and Manish Patel. They both became interested in the healing powers of CBD and together have developed a range of ‘self-care’ products that they felt were missing from this market place. They offer a range of CBD oils and topicals; where all their products have one thing in common, they contained broad-spectrum CBD – which is THC free and obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. Despite not having any THC, with their extraction process, it still has 85% active CBD with the phytocannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant. All of the hemp is sourced from the USA and grown organically in bio soil without using any herbicides, pesticides, or nasties.  Dr. K CBD’s mission was to launch a range of transparent and trustworthy products that contained CBD to help aid issues like acne, eczema, pain, anxiety and lack of sleep. The brand's philosophy is to: "Help in managing day to day imbalances alongside a responsibility to advise on long term lifestyle changes to modify the root causes of that imbalance." What sets the brand apart is the nanotechnology in their topicals. They claim that their Nano Emulsions are 5 x times more effective than similar creams due to the particles being much smaller and thus absorbing more easily. This turns active cannabinoids into nano-sized droplets; which causes high bioavailability of the CBD in the balm or cream. This is where the brand are keen to flag up that this technology allows the users to get more out of their products. 

We had the opportunity to try their Nano Emulsified Lavender Hand Cream. As we explained earlier, this is one of their topicals with the unique nanotechnology.  Apart from the 100mg of broad-spectrum CBD, this Hand Cream contains plenty of natural oils, including sweet almond, avocado and coconut, all of which make for an excellent emollient. For further moisturising properties, there’s also shea butter, honey and cocoa butter. But let’s concentrate the cannabinoids here; when absorbed through the skin these interact with cannabinoid receptors present underneath the dermis. This is where this Hand Cream will offer anti-inflammatory, hydrating and antioxidant actions. It’s lightly fragrance with lavender and green tea extract, we found this Hand Cream quick to absorb and, yes, super-hydrating. It’s plastic-free and housed in a recyclable aluminium tube which is where the brand has thought about its eco-credentials. They say this is a ‘luxurious treat for dry, or chapped hands’ and we couldn’t agree more. It certainly came to the rescue, on more than one occasion, where we’ve been overzealously washing and sanitising hands. To sum up, we’d recommend keeping this to hand (sorry, terrible pun!) And we can absolutely vouch for its impressive hydrating qualities, but as for being an anti-inflammatory? I’m not sure. However, if it’s a pain relief for hands that you’re looking for (hello, fellow keyboard addicts), then we’d suggest looking at their Nano Emulsified Joint Relief Balm with 300mg of CBD – which we hope to try next... Back to the Hand Cream, with only a hint of lavender/green tea fragrance, it’s not hempy or intrusive, and with all the natural oils and butters, it offered the added bonus of feeding our nail beds too. You'll find the 75ml Nano Emulsified Lavender Hand Cream for £19.99 here. 

Pura Vida Organic: CBD Face Mask CBD and CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum

As we always say, taking care of your skin should be the number one priority, and as we move into a new season with spring this is the time to look into changing your skincare routine. We've already recently introduced Pura Vida with their CBD haircare collection here, so today we’re back with more of Pura Vida's award-winning CBD products. As our regular readers will know we love all things CBD, and this time it’s with the Pura Vida CBD Face Mask and the CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum. 

Pura Vida Organic was founded in 2015 by Jennifer Deegan. The brand was developed specifically for problematic and sensitive skin, using the purest ingredients. The brand focuses on organic CBD products, where sustainability is at the heart of the brand, with recyclable plastic and boxes made of 25% grass pulp, recycled paper and cardboard. Even the labels use vegetable dyes and vegan-friendly glue.  90% of the products are handmade offering both the personal touch, and a decrease in energy consumption from mechanical production. Pura Vida Organic's primary ingredient is CBD (THC-free) broad-spectrum or isolate. In 2018, Pura Vida Organic passed the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the FDA (CGMP) and the international standard for quality management systems (ISO9001). In 2019, they were the first CBD skincare production facility to obtain the COSMOS Organic and Natural certification, allowing them to have their organic and natural skincare commercialised world-wide. They have experience in distribution, wholesale and manufacture, but makes sets Pura Vida apart from other CBD brands is their organic ingredients. Pura Vida Organic is proud to have one of the most comprehensive ranges of organic CBD products which range from CBD oil, to baby care, men’s, body care, skincare and haircare. They are Bronze winners for their full body care range at the recent Cosmetique Mag 2021.

This time Pura Vida kindly sent us two skincare products: the CBD Face Mask  and the CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum The luxurious CBD face mask is packed with plant-based nutrients. The base is comprised of kaolin clay, camellia sinensis (AKA as green tea seed oil) and mango seed butter. Together these feed, nourish, calm, and deeply cleanse the skin of impurities; gently sloughing away dull dead skin and absorb impurities from the pores. The 300mg of CBD isolate counteract free-radical damage and visibly diminish issues like wrinkles, skin dullness, and red-coloured skin tone. The magnolia bark extract successfully combats breakouts, and oily skin. It has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine containing magnolol and honokiol compounds, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. There are rosehip and passionfruit seed oils here to boost vitamin C and omega-6 linoleic acid. The rose flower extract is high in vitamin C and also tannins, offering toning and antioxidant benefits to prevent signs of ageing. Finally, the calendula flower extract (AKA marigold) has skin-soothing and antioxidant properties and helps reduce the production of excessive sebum. This face mask is undoubtedly one of the gentlest that we’ve tried. It’s not grainy or abrasive and applies smoothly over the skin. We used it 2 or 3 times a week and found it left our skin soft and hydrated. With all its nutrient-rich skin food, we’d recommend it to those needing a skin boost or as something to calm irritated and sensitive skins. Apply a generous layer of face mask to your clean skin and relax for 20-30 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water, and splash with cold water to close your pores. To purchase the CBD Face Masks in 30ml for €29.00, click here. 

The CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum is a lightweight serum designed to hydrate the delicate eye area and reduce dark circles and puffiness.  With 200mg of CBD and cannabis sativa seed oil (cold pressed from hemp seeds) these help to moisturise and nourish while also helping strengthen the skin barrier. The chlorella vulgaris (green algae) extract stimulates the skin cells and increases the skin's firmness and tone, lightening the effect on dark circles. It has seawater with hydrolyzed algin (this binds the water) to minimise the size and puffiness of any undereye bagging. The polysaccharides here are responsible for the skin's natural ability to hydrate, retain moisture and are critical for skin repair and skin renewal. The raspberry seed oil is for a slightly brightening effect, reducing any redness or swelling. The butterfly lavender (French lavender) extract boosts blood circulation with a tightening and smoothing the skin. And finally, there’s also the magnolia bark extract, rosehip and passionfruit seed oil (see above para). This Eye & Wrinkle Serum we couldn’t get enough of! What a difference this made to the eye area after little or no sleep…. The Serum calms, soothes and magically seemed to lighten and tighten the area.  We used morning and night until… empty! In particular, we noticed how it minimalised fine lines and plumped up the skin so dark circles seemed to disappear! Pura Vida also recommends gently massaging the Serum into  face, neck and décolletage with circular upward motions - although with this tiny 10ml bottle we think it rather a waste!  We loved this Serum and really noticed an increase in firmness and tone in our delicate eye area. This is without doubt, another one of our #amazingfinds. To purchase Pura Vida's CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum in 30ml for €45.00, click here. 

Pura Vida Organic: CBD Shampoo and CBD Conditioner & Mask

Last year, at The Amazing Blog we introduced the award-winning organic CBD skincare Pura Vida Organic with their CBD infused grooming products for men here. Today, we want to talk about the Pura Vida Organic's haircare with their CBD Shampoo and Conditioner & Mask, particularly as finding the right type of haircare for our long fine, unruly frizz - has become an on-going mission!

Pura Vida Organic are based in Croatia and were founded in 2015 by Jennifer Deegan. Using only the purest organic ingredients, they focus on CBD skincare with a wide range of anti-ageing serums, moisturisers, balms, elixirs, massage oils, body butter, shaving gels and many more. Deegan recounted her brand story: "All my life I suffered terribly with topical dermatitis (eczema) but when I changed my skincare to hemp and CBD based products – all symptoms disappeared in 3 days. I was amazed and wanted to offer this to everyone who needs it.” Hence, in Pura Vida Organic's the primary ingredient is CBD (THC-free) in broad spectrum or isolate. In 2018, Pura Vida Organic passed the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the FDA (CGMP) and the international standard for quality management systems (ISO9001). In 2019, they were the first CBD skincare production facility to obtain the COSMOS Organic and Natural certification, allowing them to have their organic and natural skincare commercialised world-wide. They recent won Best Face CBD Product and Best Body Butter at 2021 The Organic Clean Awards. They have experience in distribution, wholesale and manufacture, but what really sets Pura Vida Organic apart from other CBD brands is their ingredients and ethos. Sustainability is at the heart of the brand, where all plastics are recyclable, boxes are made of 25% grass pulp, recycled paper and cardboard. Even the labels use vegetable dyes and vegan-friendly glue. All products are 90% handmade which offers both the personal touch, and a decrease in energy consumption from mechanical production. 

They kindly sent these two haircare products to try the CBD Shampoo and the CBD Conditioner & Mask. They are both suitable for all hair types, including coloured or chemically treated. What makes this CBD Shampoo special is its calming effect on itchy, irritable, sensitive scalps; and with its mild bio-degradeable plant-based surfactants, its gentle enough to use even on children. This CBD Shampoo cleanses both the hair and scalp and with its 600mg of CBD, it works as an anti-inflammatory helping to dissipate any scalp issues. The antioxidants here balance the sebum levels in the scalp, promotes growth and smooths hair cuticles. The plant-based surfactants are composed of sugar-beets, corn starch and coconut fatty acids; together with the pea proteins these help condition, strengthen, nourish the hair. As someone with fine curly hair that weaves itself into knots, this was joy to use, as it cleansed hair leaving it manageable rather than a tangled mess. When using this Shampoo massage a good amount into the scalp for at least a minute, then rinse and follow with their CBD Conditioner & Mask. 

The CBD Conditioner & Mask works to soften, detangle, smoothen and restore the hair - using the key ingredients of CBD, vitamin B and plant proteins. This product contains 1000mg of CBD, which strengthens the hair and helps calms scalp irritation. The jojoba and sunflower waxes lightly coat the hair strands, without making hair feel heavy, and protect it from heat and sun damage. Vitamin B enhances hair strength and shine; and the plant-derived proteins act as the building blocks for healthy hair, keeping it smooth and frizz-free. For me this CBD Conditioner & Mask was the perfect finishing touch – it complemented the CBD Shampoo and together they worked to improve wet combing, leaving my hair silky, tangle-free, and smelling super-fresh with its subtle apple fragrance. I used the CBD conditioner, from roots to tip leaving on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinsed and towel dried. As the name suggests, this can also be used as a hair mask, apply a generous amount to wet clean hair and wrap in a warm towel for 20-30 minutes before rinsing and styling. If like us, you suffer from the dreaded frizz, then this haircare will be for you, it took away static and left the hair with a defined curl not a ball of frizz – we’d certainly recommend these as another one of our #amazingfinds. To purchase Pura Vida Organic's CBD Shampoo in 100ml for €15.00 or 200ml for €30.00, see see here. To buy Pura Vida Organic's CBD Conditioner & Mask in 50ml for €22.00 or 100ml for €35.00 see here. We can’t wait to review more from this brand! 

Nay Luxury CBD Skincare: Moonlight Massage Candle & Wanderlust Face Serum

As we’re rounding the corner on this unusual year, here at The Amazing Blog we’ve been collating gift ideas for friends and family. As CBD is one of our favourite things, it’s great to be able to give them a gentle introduction with some of the new products from Nay Luxury CBD Skincare.

After finding out that the soothing properties of CBD, Sophie Taylor and Nicole Levy Wogman teamed up to launch Nay Luxury CBD Skincare. Their journey began when they started to use CBD products to treat both stretch marks and acne after pregnancy. Thrilled with the results, they decided to combine their two passions of skincare and CBD and launch the brand earlier this year. They have sourced the highest quality of CBD isolate, which is typically used in food and skincare due to it having no smell or flavour. The products are formulated by CBD specialist Taylor Mammon, where the CBD has been infused into four botanical-based products for a natural plant-based range of skincare.

We received two products from Nay Skincare the first was the Wanderlust Face Serum which they call a ‘CBD Facial Gel Serum’ it nourishes the skin and has anti-ageing properties. The packaging is sleek, with the white opaque glass bottle and gold twist dropper.  The key ingredients are simple, 300mg of CBD isolate in 30ml, which is infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinol, all of which give excellent results and keep dark circles and wrinkles at bay. It is suitable for all skin types and we found it easy to apply, cooling on the skin and super-quick to absorb. We wonder if Nay Skincare has a further range of skincare in the wings to launch with this…? You can purchase your Wanderlust Face Serum here for £24.99.

Next to we tried the Moonlight Massage Candle which we think makes a fantastic gift. This candle is infused with 300mg of CBD isolate in a 30cl white ceramic pot with pouring lip and lid. We think this takes relaxation to another level as a three-in-one; candle, massage oil and body moisturiser. You can even drizzle the candle’s warm fragrant oil into the bath while it’s filling up, all for a more relaxing soak. The base is soya wax with coconut, Argan, avocado and peach kernel oils, which all help rejuvenate and repair damaged skin. At the same time, the essential oils soothing the mind with three of the calming oils lavender, jasmine and sandalwood. We love that by lighting the wick, you can have a scented candle, and a hydrating oil as the wax melts. What better gift to give a loved one who needs a little bit of TLC, after the year we’ve all had. To purchase the Moonlight Massage Candle see here for £29.99.

HuGG - CBD Skincare Products

No weekend is complete without some pampering and indulgence. Here at The Amazing Blog we’ve been lucky enough to discover a new range of CBD skincare products that will enhance your ‘you time’ as well as make your body and skin as smooth as butter. We’d like to introduce to you HuGG.

The HuGG CBD products are a range of cannabis-based products from the research firm CiiTECH; a registered UK cannabis biotech company and collaborative partner with Israel’s Hebrew University of Jerusalem – the epicentre of cannabis research and development. Using their knowledge and expertise of their CiiTECH researchers, the aim of The HuGG CBD is to discover, develop, and commercialise CBD products. Their collaborative efforts with leading Israeli cannabis research institutions – as well as local hemp suppliers here in the UK and EU – has allowed them to deliver market products based on a high level of quality and expertise. As you can discover from our recent feature on CBD (see here ) when it comes to your health, you need to choose CBD oil you can trust — in terms of quality, safety, and purity.  In a period where the fast-emerging CBD industry has been difficult to comprehend, not to mention overwhelmed with low-quality ‘snake oils’, it’s important to feel comfortable and confident with the CBD products you choose. The product development team at The HuGG collaborates and consults with leading researcher’s scientists to identify unique CBD formulas, plus innovative delivery systems, and advanced extraction techniques designed to create premium and leading products for every part of your mind and body. Plus HuGG recently swept the board with wins in the CBD categories for the 2020 Beauty Shortlist Awards.

We tried and tested a number of products. Let’s begin with the HuGG Coffee Body Scrub. It is antioxidant exfoliating facial scrub with 50mg CBD and when used, results in a youthful glow. Infused with essential oils and enriched with 50mg CBD, this ‘wake me up’ caffeine Inspired Scrub exfoliates, tightens pores as well as moisturises all in one. It smells so delicious, almost good enough to eat!  The CBD in this Scrub will aid your skin making it feel more radiant. Priced at £24.99 here we think that his CBD infused coffee scrub is an essential.

Next, we tried the HuGG CBD Massaging Oil.  We were sent a small 25ml bottle to try which sadly all went in one sitting so can’t confirm about the benefits here. Made with essential oils such as lavender, lemon and frankincense, in a base of sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil and apricot kernel oil as well as 50mg CBD amongst various others, they claim that this body oil will leave you feeling blissful and calm. Not only can it be used as a massage oil but also as a skin indulging moisturiser. This oil smells amazing and absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Priced at an affordable £17.99 here.

Let’s move onto the HuGG CBD Cuticle Oil ideal for feeding the nail beds. Made with lavender, rosemary, and clary sage essential oils and Infused with 20mg CBD, this cuticle oil creates a skin-soothing remedy for nails, hands and feet. This mani-pedi style of nail care is all-natural to give you the best plant-based care all around. Furthermore, it also leaves no greasy residue, priced at £14.99 here .  

Further adding to their Cuticle Oil, we also tried the Hugg CBD Foot Soak Salts with 30mg CBD. Made with hemp extract, coconut oil, dead sea salts, Himalayan salts and other essential oils. These salts help your feet unwind after a long day or simply indulge in a nourishing pedicure foot soak with the essential oils and salts. The Foot Soak is also infused with eucalyptus for antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Priced at £6.99 here.

Last but not least, we have the HuGG CBD Roll Away with mint, lavender and 50mg CBD. This is our favourite and is a handbag essential that is cooling and relaxing giving you everything you need, just when you need it. It helps you take a small break from your busy lives and just breathe. The lavender and mint essential oils create an invigorating yet calming refresher to support tension throughout the day. Apply In circular motions, roll the gel onto your temples, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Repeat 3 times and continue on. The rollerball can also be used on other pressure points. Priced at £17.99 here this product will help to steal away all your stress and tensions in moments...ah Luxury!