Tea & Tonic : Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub

Has your year started with a stressful January? Then it’s time to treat your mind and body, as well as you treat your face. At The Amazing Blog, we have a new self-care suggestion: Tea & Tonic’s Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub. An exfoliating salt scrub rich in minerals, omega fatty acids and antioxidants awakens, brightens and revitalises the body and mind like no other. While the unique Halen Môn salt softens and tones, the nourishing plant oils hydrate and smooth skin, saving you time from further moisturising.

Having worked with luxury lifestyle spa brands for nearly 20 years and natural skincare and wellness brands for the past 12 years, spa insider Sarah Strang founder of Tea & Tonic, demonstrated a passion for inner and outer wellness. The stress in Sarah’s busy day-to-day life contributed to her wellness journey, leading her to realise that to achieve health, balance, and brightness in skin and self; we need to strengthen our resilience to everyday stress. It was when she discovered adaptogen super herbs to support her high-paced life that everything came together. In a recent interview, she said, “The approach to stress-relief felt a little bit one dimensional, like those de-stress massages and oils in spas.” She went on to say, “stress is at the heart of how we look and feel. I wanted an approach to a range of products that really focused on inner and outer wellness, through creating products with an adaptogenic complex that brings out the best, with the best of the best.” With the help of medical herbalist/aromatherapist Jane Wallwork and biologist/elite athlete Helen Hall, she created Tea & Tonic; a stunning and effective range of skincare and teas that serve as a true tonic for mind and body. In Female First Helen commented, “As an athlete, I am always looking for natural ways to aid recovery, and was already aware of adaptogens and their benefits,” she also added, “however, most products I came across containing adaptogens were in supplement form where you don’t fully know the ingredients and ultimately on discovering Tea & Tonic, what better way to get your Adaptogen fix than through the enjoyment of your favourite cup of tea?”

Tea & Tonic is part of WIld Brands Ltd, which provides holistic therapies and luxury natural skincare to various world-class spas and wellness spaces. In a nutshell, they are a British super-herb apothecary. All products are hand-blended and 100% natural, with a range of skincare, bath and body collections as well as everyday teas to encourage brighter skin and self. All products are responsibly sourced and sustainably packaged. Best of all, they are based on the millennia-old tradition of medicinal herbs; adaptogens, which are clever botanicals that adapt to our system’s needs and stresses at the time. Adaptogens improve one’s resistance to stress, support the immune system, and promote skin health and overall wellness. Tea & Tonic’s unique adaptogen complex comprises 11 adaptogens that synergistically work together for maximum benefit and resilience against daily stressors. Examples include amla, one of the richest sources of vitamin C and phytonutrients with vitamin B5, B6 and copper; gotu kola, a skin healing plant, and schisandra berry, the fruit of longevity.

The Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub is filled with hand-harvested Halen Môn Salt from Anglesey using pure charcoal-filtered seawater. The key ‘scrub’ ingredient is sea salt. We were interested to learn that the Halen Môn sea salt boasts high concentrations of potassium, magnesium and bromide, and possesses well-reputed therapeutic and skin conditioning properties. And Tea & Tonic is the first-only spa and skincare range where you can experience this exclusive Halen Môn mineral-rich salt. They also carefully trace the actual source and person who hand-harvested and packed the salt, ensuring full transparency. At the forefront of their mind are freshness, sustainability, quality, mileage, and environmental production methods. 95% of these ingredients are grown on UK farms, and refills for this mighty body scrub are also available.

We discovered this body scrub when it was entered into The Beauty Shortlist 2022 Eco Awards and won Best Zero Waste Product (Self Care). It’s a 100% natural and cruelty-free body scrub, with carrier oil ingredients that include lavender, sourced from a third-generation family farm in the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Lavender has remarkable healing and uplifting adaptogenic properties and is a good source to aid sleep and deep relaxation. The crambe abyssinica seed oil is an emollient and omega fatty acid rich for skin softness and anti-ageing. Hemp seed oil restores the skin barrier while retaining moisture; safflower seed and calendula oil are both non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory oils. The beeswax is a humectant and natural exfoliator, and finally, the yarrow extract adds its soothing, therapeutic, antimicrobial and pain-relieving qualities.

Some of the more unusual botanicals in the body scrub are brahmi, a leaf used in Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing the complexion. A trio of ginseng, starting with red ginseng, a warm stimulant which oxygenates skin; white ginseng, that’s cool and restorative and works with red ginseng to bring balance; Siberian ginseng, a skin strengthener rich in eleutherosides and complex polysaccharides. Holy basil is a plant with anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing properties. There are adaptogens which include gotu kola, amla and schisandra berry (mentioned above). Also, essential oils such as juniper berry, rosemary and bergamot all possess anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Red clover helps to preserve a youthful skin texture while reducing redness; sweet violet treats stress, fatigue and insomnia; and cypress restores skin’s hydration and eases dry skin. Vitamin E delivers the finishing touches by creating an antioxidant-packed natural barrier to keep moisture in your skin.

It’s a treat to use, either in the bath or shower. Begin with a generous scoop and massage in circular motions onto wet skin. We found the formula both rich and hydrating with a fragrance that enlightens the senses and calms the mind without being overpowering – thanks to its aromatherapeutic blend. Salt crystals are always our preferred base, as they detoxify the skin as they scrub, and this left skin soft and smooth, particularly our dry upper arms. It’s an unequalled adaptogenic charged scrub and is another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase a 200g jar of Tea & Tonic’s Bright Awakening Halen Môn Body Scrub for £39, click here. Or for a 200g refill at £36, click here.

Moksa: Damask Rose & Vetiver Bath Salts

Calling all bathtime junkies - it's now the season of self-care after all those overindulgent festivities. At The Amazing Blog, we think that simple pleasures are always the best; and for us, there's nothing better than to grab a book and unwind in a steamy bath with some fragrant and relaxing bath salts. That's why we couldn't resist trying these Damask Rose & Vetiver Bath Salts from British indie skincare brand Moksa that made an excellent addition to our bathing ritual.

Moksa a Devon-based natural skincare brand which all began from the inspiration that founder Chloe Osborn's found during her travels. The unusual brand name Mokṣa is a Sanskrit word meaning liberation, bliss and inner peace; Chloe said, "The word Moksa really resonates with me in so many ways. With my travel came a great sense of freedom and a definite sense of inner peace, so it just felt so apt; with that Mokṣa was born." In an interview with The Green Parent, Chloe explained, "I spent some time in an Ashram learning all things yogic, which was a huge inspiration. The idea that I could actually create my own business filled me with anticipation and excitement. The name Moksa came to me the day we returned to the UK, it sounds silly, but it really was one of those magical lightning bolt moments." Established in 2018, Moksa has gone from strength to strength and developed products ranging from skincare to bath products, candles and even teas. Each product embodies the brand's core values as 100% natural, handcrafted, environmentally friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. They also use UK-based suppliers who farm ethically and are sustainable and fair trade, sharing similar values. These artisan products have organic ingredients and contain no parabens, petrochemical (mineral oils), sulphates, alcohol or fillers. Moksa is an award-winning brand that has received awards from the Beauty Shortlist, FreeFrom awards, and The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards; they were also shortlisted for the International Beauty Awards in 2019.

One of the most important aspects of taking a bath is the 'feel-good factor' inspired by relaxation and the heady aromas emanating from the steamy, fragrant vapours. This is where Moksa's Damask Rose & Vetiver Himalayan Bath Salts scores a whooping 10/10, with us for its plethora of relaxing and natural ingredients.

The seven key ingredients in the bath salts are: Himalayan pink salt, Fleur de Sel de Guerande, Epsom salts, rose absolute, vetiver and geranium essential oils, and dried rose petals. The Himalayan pink salt is a detoxifier harvested from the Punjab region in Pakistan, where the rock salt gets its pinkish hue. They are anti-microbial premium grade pure, unrefined and considered the purest in the world as they contain upwards of 84 minerals and trace elements, including calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. The Fleur de Sel de Guerande, is hand-harvested French sea salt; it works to remineralise the body, which in turn helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure. Epsom salts (AKA magnesium sulphate) are a naturally occurring mineral known to ease pain and relieve inflammation. Magnesium plays a number of roles in the body regulating the activity of over 325 enzymes helping muscle and nerve function, together with preventing the arteries from hardening.

These bath salts get their soothing scent from a combination of essential oils. The rose absolute is derived from the damask rose and introduces a light and floral aroma; it's hydrating and ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. The vetiver essential oil promotes skin regeneration, and the geranium adds another uplifting sweet floral note to the fragrance and is also known for its anti-anxiety and depression properties. Finally, the dried rose petals, besides emitting a warm scent, detox the body and help with better sleep.

As Chloe says, "You'll feel transported to the gorgeous flower baths of Bali with this sensuous blend." With its unique scent and texture, what better way to soak away stress at the end of the week? We held a couple of scoops (bamboo scoop provided) under a warm running tap to help them dissolve, et voila, a wonderful at-home spa, which left skin feeling soft, fresh and infused with rose. Best of all, they felt like they removed built-up toxins, and cleansed and relaxed both mind and body. Tempted to try?

Moksa offers this product in three sizes: A jar of bath salts at 250g with a glass jar with a bamboo scoop and lid at for £18. Or if a refill pouch is more your style, there’s a 100g refill priced at £10, or a 400g refill at £21. The Damask Rose & Vetiver Himalayan Bath Salts can be purchased here.  

Skin:Genius : 'Hits the Spot Spot' & 'Best Cleanse Forever'

Here at The Amazing Blog, we know to our cost, that the dreaded acne isn’t just reserved for those teenage years. Adults also struggle with acne, so we wanted to talk about this natural and solution-based skincare brand Skin:Genius. Their ingenious (pun intended!) Hits the Spot purifying gel is a quick zapping, maximum-strength spot-on treatment gel that immediately fights the bacteria, ridding the spot quickly and effectively. Combine this with their multi-award-winning Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Face Wash, an organic and natural botanical-packed face wash, specifically formulated to help target spots, breakouts, oily and acne-prone skin, and here you have the perfect dynamic duo!

A beautician by training, founder Julia Vearnacombe was well aware of the number of adults and teens struggling with oily skin, breakouts, flushed complexions and the anxiety that comes with it all. When researching solutions to the skin issues posed by clients and mums, Julia realised there were very few effective solutions out there that were natural and worked with the skin, not against it. This was when she approached her homoeopath friend and co-founder of Skin:Genius, Hilery Dorrian. Together they conducted extensive research in combining the most effective ingredients to tackle acne and spot-causing bacteria with natural botanicals known to cleanse and calm red and irritated skin, as well as non-comedogenic vegan ingredients that soften and soothe the skin. In a recent interview with Squirrels&Bears, Julia said, "Together we created Skin:Genius in order to offer an accessible, affordable range” she went on to say, “ We have recently rebranded, so we’re not just targeting teenagers: we were finding many parents of teenagers – in the 40s and 50s – who were suffering from hormonal and menopausal skincare breakout problems, were having great results with Skin:Genius too.” The brand doesn’t just specialise in helping spots and acne; they also offer solutions for eczema & psoriasis-prone skin.

Acne is a persistent, inflammatory skin condition caused by an overproduction of oil, resulting in breakouts and pimples. The most common cause of adult acne for women is hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Stress is another common factor for both men and women, especially with challenging times and the continuous cycle of trying to achieve a work-life balance. To learn more about acne, please see here. Skin:Genius believes that everyone deserves to be happy in their skin. However, after learning that some of those with skin conditions have experienced social and mental health problems, they recently launched their support group FaceUp2It . This group brings together trusted experts and people with first-hand experience of bullying and/or living with problem skin.

Let’s take a look at Hits the Spot purifying gel, which is loaded with oregon grape, nettle, roman chamomile, and yarrow, making it rich in antioxidants to reduce, prevent, calm and soothe spots and breakouts. It’s an extremely versatile gel and can also be used to ease stings, bites, rashes and hives. Organic ingredients include witch hazel, an astringent with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties; aloe vera for healing and softening skin; yarrow, a pampering herb with pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties; agrimony, another herb ideal for mild skin redness and swelling and lastly, marshmallow, a root that alleviates inflammation while retaining moisture in the skin. In addition to these power-packed ingredients, there’s roman chamomile, an antimicrobial and antibacterial essential oil, oregon grape that has a compound called berbamine which kills on contact any bacteria that contributes to acne; calendula, a plant with substantial healing properties; lavender, which is calming and reduces inflammation, and lemon tea tree, an essential oil which aids in treating oily and acne prone skin, can be found too. There’s also ribwort, known for its wound healing and antihistamine properties; red clover, ideal for eczema and psoriasis; and finally, nettle an astringent, also suitable for treating oily skin issues.

Besides the above, Irish moss is an emulsifier, there’s lecithin is an emollient, and pectin serves as an anti-ageing structure provider. Coumarin carries antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities, citral provides an antibacterial and antifungal component; and together with eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool and limonene all-natural ingredients that enhance the citrusy scent. Whereas compounds like benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate are preservatives.

We used only the tiniest amount; they say, ”a small dot directly onto the spot and soak it up”. We left it on overnight to work its magic. However, the brand says it’s so gentle that it can be used several times a day or whenever needed. The gel is an opaque pale yellow with a fresh herbal/ citrusy scent. There’s no tingle when applied, (which, ahem, we’ve experienced with some other spot gels!) It was quick absorbing, non-irritating and left no sticky residue. Best of all, our spots were dried out the very next day. It’s one to keep in your SOS skincare draw, and one we’d whole heartily recommend.

The Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Face Wash helps control bacteria, soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness. Key ingredients are red clover, calendula, witch hazel and lemongrass, which work together to reduce and clear spots by deep cleansing pores, making it feel super clean yet not over-drying the skin. Cleverly some ingredients mimic the sebum in your skin to stop the overproduction, for a better skin balance. Similar ingredients in the Hit the Spot purifying gel can also be found here, i.e. witch hazel, aloe vera, yarrow, agrimony, marshmallow, roman chamomile, oregon grape, calendula and lavender. New ingredients include sodium cocoyl glutamate, a mild surfactant with outstanding cleaning and foaming properties; caprylyl, a glucoside and gentle cleanser; glycerin, a humectant with moisturising properties; with lauryl glucoside, and cocamidopropyl betaine, both hydrating and mild cleansing surfactants. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin, while citric acid is a chemical exfoliant and protective antioxidant. Meanwhile, organic lemongrass removes impurities, and detoxifies leaving the skin feeling clean and clear; whereas organic sunflower abundant in vitamin E helps ward off any premature ageing.

This foaming cleanser is in a pump bottle and needs a quick shake, then apply and distribute a small amount of the foam over the face and neck. Massage in and simply rinse off with warm water, or if you’re us, use a face cloth for a bit of extra gentle exfoliation. We recommend applying it morning and evening to keep skin and pores clean to get optimum results - follow the Skin:Genius mantra which is “Cleanse: Treat: Hydrate: Repeat” We found the cleanser foamy and gentle with a mild and uplifting citrus scent; it left our skin feeling clean and hydrated. If you have hormonal breakouts and sensitive skin, then this is for you. It’s another ‘yes we’d buy’ from us, and both these products are another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase a 10 ml bottle of Skin:Genius Hits the Spot purifying gel for £13.50, click here. For a 100ml bottle of Skin:Genius Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Facial Wash for £16.50, click here. For those interested in a special 2-in-1 deal, Skin:Genius has a unique ‘Genius Set Starter Collection’ with both products and a face cloth for £33 (now £27!), click here.

Oodee: Aurora Perfecting Serum

After a small autumn break from The Amazing Blog, we’re back with more of our #amazingfinds for you to enjoy.

Let’s talk about sudden skin flare-ups that sometimes happen to us all; we’ll predict with this colder weather that we’re probably not the only ones experiencing irritated, blotchy and dry skin. So what to do? Step forward Oodee, a newly launched skincare that we discovered earlier this year at The CEW brand showcase. What excited us about Oodee is that it’s the first and only beauty brand to actively remove all known food and fragrance allergens from its products. We’re reviewing Oodee’s Aurora Perfecting Serum which, with its Allergen Neutral™ formula, excludes 14 major food allergens, 26 fragrance allergens and all known skin irritants. It offered the perfect solution to our sometimes moody skin, which is why we want to flag it up today.

Oodee was born out of the frustrations of two women, Karen Harwood and Victoria Tydeman. Karen is no stranger to the world of skincare and beauty, having worked for some of the most inspiring beauty companies, including L'Oréal and The Body Shop. Despite this, she struggled with painful and stressful flare-ups for over a decade, trying everything to soothe her skin but to no avail. Frustrated with skincare, she made a shift to the food industry. The free-form movement was trending during this time, demanding allergen awareness in food. It made Karen wonder if the allergens found in skincare products, but were absent in food, were the cause for her flare-ups. Victoria, the founder of Japanese wonder-cream Steam Cream, took notice. It wasn't long until the pair, and a team of highly skilled skincare experts set off to create the world’s first Allergen Neutral™ skincare solution that eliminated food and fragrance allergens. Oodee was founded in 2018, and Karen’s skin issues were finally laid to rest. "Being the researcher I am, it was clear to me that Oodee's Allergen Neutral™ skin care could help many others beyond myself. I discovered that 58% of people have experienced a skin flare-up, and 90% don't know why. It turns out that there are millions of people like me," commented Karen. A revolutionary skincare brand aiming to make Allergen Neutral™ the new gold standard, Oodee is the first and only brand to actively eliminate all known food and fragrance allergens from its products while proudly incorporating innovative science, plant power, formula first and being sustainably minded too. To quote Karen, “If you wouldn’t eat something you’re intolerant or allergic to, why would you put it on your skin?”

Through fermentation and gemmotherapy (a comprehensive energetic cell therapy), Oodee’s radical green chemistry distils the essence of its ingredients to obtain superior benefits, resulting in exceptional, scientifically proven results. Oodee employs powerful superfoods, like collagen-boosting prickly pear and calming Atlantic kelp, to get the finest natural, innovative and nutrient-rich ingredients nature has to offer. With a strong belief in quality over quantity, Oodee’s products simply contain potent Allergen Neutral™ formulas are boosted with DermaRDE+™, a one-of-a-kind multivitamin blend comprising 22 vital nutrients, superfoods and botanical actives for healthy, happy skin. Among the 22 essential nutrients, you can find niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, pre and postbiotics, enzymes, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, essential fatty acids, omega 6, omega 9, antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, E and H. As if it couldn’t get any better, Oodee’s products are cruelty-free, vegan, and manufactured using green chemistry methods, with recyclable packaging and even upcycled ingredients where possible.

Oodee’s Aurora Perfecting Serum is radiance in a bottle, to say the least. This ultra-light serum is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to help boost the skin’s natural ceramides for a desirably smooth, firm and dewy finish completed with a beautiful afterglow. Much like Oodee’s other products, the brand’s Aurora Perfecting Serum contains its unique Allergen Neutral™ formula, which excludes 14 food and 26 fragrance allergens, along with 22 vital nutrients packed in its one and only DermaRDE+™ multivitamin powershot blend. The beneficial ingredients don't end there; the serum also consists of shiso sprouts, shizandra berries (both pictured above), black cumin, Irish moss and arginine. Sustainably grown shiso sprouts boost radiance through potent antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that slow ageing and reduce oxidative stress. The advantages of shizandra berries and black cumin don't fall far behind. Shizandra berries carry calming properties that reduce redness and imperfections plus improve the skin’s radiance banishing breakouts. At the same time, black cumin's abundance in essential fatty acids and ceramides nourishes and restores the skin’s natural barrier function. Furthermore, Irish moss is a super alga loaded with mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins, visibly improving the skin's appearance, protecting against external aggressors and reducing ageing and inflammation. Last but not least, arginine, a potent amino acid, increases the skin’s visible hydration levels, protects against damaging free radicals and helps support collagen production while balancing PH.

To experience the benefits, massage 2-3 pumps of the serum onto a cleansed face and neck during morning and night. The brand recommends pairing it with Oodee’s 3-Step Phenomenal Skin Edit for optimal results. First, start with Oodee’s Halo Purifying Foaming Cleanser, a silky-soft non-drying cleanser starring rice protein and Prickly Pear to purify and hydrate the skin, followed by the Aurora Perfecting Serum, and end with Oodee’s Nova Illuminating Moisturiser, a potent, supercharged mix of Vitamin C and biodynamic buckwheat sprouts to protect, plump and boost luminosity.

Back to the Aurora Perfecting Serum, the texture is slightly viscous and cloudy, with a very delicate prickly pear scent. What we love about this Aurora Perfecting Serum, is its two-in-one ability to reduce painful skin flare-ups with its anti-inflammatory properties, while simultaneously sustaining the skin through its highly restorative DermaRDE+™ multivitamin complex paired with the Allergen Neutral™ formula. Based on the research conducted by Oodee, stats say that 58% of respondents have experienced skin irritation or flare-up while using a beauty product, and 93% of respondents stated that they felt more beauty products should consider people's allergies. Oodee listens to its consumer’s concerns, catering to this 93% in addressing skin irritation.

We found it very nourishing and yet weightless. It’s also quick to absorb, instantly soothing, and restores the skin’s hydration with its hyaluronic acid and special botanical actives; quickly added, this natural and adaptable serum is suitable for all skin types, not just sensitive ones. We think it’s a winter must-have. See here to purchase a 50ml bottle of Oodee’s Aurora Perfecting Serum at £65.00.

WOTNOT Naturals : Certified Organic Gradual Tan Lotion & Tan Water Mist

With autumn hot on our heels, the big question is, how do we top up our holiday sunkissed-glow? Here at The Amazing Blog, it’s a bit of a conundrum. However, worry not; WOTNOT Naturals' Certified Organic Gradual Tan Lotion and Certified Organic Tan Water Mist will help to enhance your skin’s natural glow while also providing a further streak-free self-tan - all with the utmost nourishment and hydration. Both products are our recent discoveries and winners of The Beauty Shortlist Awards in 2022.

Believe it or not, it WOTNOT Naturals all started with nappies. Irish mum Sinead Roberts received environmentally-friendly nappies as a gift from a friend; it blew her mind. She never knew such things existed. There were little to no environmentally-friendly nappies when Sinead lived in Australia – that's when she knew she needed to create them. In 2004, she and business partner Sioned Guard introduced the world's first environmentally-friendly disposable MOLTEX Nappy to Australia. Fast forward a couple of years, the nappies were a hit with a loyal community around Byron Bay and beyond asking for more products, including complementary all-natural baby, beauty and sun care products. As mothers, Sinead and Sioned wanted to create a caring, conscious brand that tends to their families and the environment through producing eco-friendly beauty, baby and suncare products enjoyed by mothers, babies and the planet. Sometimes, these products don't exist yet, so they work with the community to create unique products that fulfil each customer's wants and needs. "Our mission has always been to help improve the wellbeing of people and our planet," Sinead and Sioned went on to say, "Today, we do this by co-creating innovative (sometimes world first!) natural and organic skincare that matches conventional brands on performance but ditch the toxins! We do this with courage, commitment, collaboration and respect." All products are made with effective, natural, gentle, non-toxic and organic alternatives to conventional ingredients, where performance is never compromised, and conventional alternatives are consistently outperformed. Each product is always designed to be used on the most sensitive of skins; it’s even endorsed by the Eczema Association. Equally important is their passion for giving back to nature through sustainability. All its sun, tanning and baby skincare packaging is sustainably made with recycled materials and is recyclable. They work with Carbon Neutral Australia to measure, reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions while planting trees in deforested areas annually. It's not just the environment that WOTNOT gives back to; they support Women's Community Shelters and Bear Cottage, a children's hospice.

WOTNOT Naturals also creates a highly personal customer experience like no other. First, customers submit product ideas, followed by company research, creation, testing and lastly, production of the once non-existent product of your dreams. Once a trial product is created, customers volunteer to test it, allowing for reformulation to achieve the best product based on your feedback. If you'd like to be one of these customer volunteers, also known as co-creators, or if you have a brimming product idea, click here. WOTNOT is always ready to make your product dreams come alive.

"On Your Marks, Get Set, Glow!" WOTNOT Naturals say about their Certified Organic Gradual Tan Lotion. And rightfully so, it's a velvety soft moisturiser packed with skin-nourishing organic ingredients that hydrate the skin while gradually building and effortlessly extending a tan for the ultimate year-round glow. The lotion contains skin-perfecting actives like the Australian kakadu plum, camellia oil and aloe vera, to name a few. On top of that, it's vegan, cruelty-free, toxin-free – suitable for sensitive skin and pregnancy – and free from streaks, fake tan odours, and transfers. After using the lotion, expect silky smooth skin with a tan that will fade naturally and evenly.

Made with 99.65% natural ingredients, including 21.9% certified organic, that can be found. These include aloe vera, which softens, moisturises and soothes the skin for an even, glowing tan; coconut oil, which moisturises and reduces inflammation; sunflower oil, which offers sun protection with its rich antioxidant content, and olive oil, which is abundant in moisture and antioxidants. You may be wondering what the actual ‘tanning’ ingredient is here; it’s dihydroxyacetone (AKA as DHA), that’s often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, and by the fermentation of glycerin. It works by reacting with the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin where it darkens the skin and gives it a temporarily tanned-looking glow.

Meanwhile, other organic components like shea butter, linseed oil, and green tea extract keep the skin soothed, nourished and hydrated, reducing signs of ageing – especially with shea butter and linseed oil's high fatty acid content and green tea's high antioxidant content. Two essential ingredients besides aloe vera comprise certified organic Australian kakadu plum and camellia oil. Both supply nutrients and antioxidants to slow ageing; kakadu plum extract’s rich vitamin C content is responsible for that natural glow, while camellia oil is high in proteins and fatty acids, like oleic acid, which reduces inflammation and helps the skin hold moisture. If you're wondering what gives the lotion a silky finish, it's cetearyl and sorbitan olivates (vegetable emulsifiers), non-ionic emulsifiers that allow rapid absorption.

This has to be one of the best gradual tan lotions we’ve tried. They recommend using it overnight, but we prefer to use it in the morning. WOTNOT Naturals recommends leaving it for 6-8 hours at night to develop and promises it won't stain sheets or clothing. Having worked hard to acquire our ‘real tan’, this lotion works wonders to help prolong a natural sun-kissed glow, and we used it several times a week to achieve the right shade. Best of all, we found that it didn’t dry out the skin as the formula is super-hydrating, and to top it off, it’s fragrance-free. It’s truly one of our #amazingfinds and one we want to buy more of!

Enough about the Gradual Tan Lotion, WOTNOT's Certified Organic Tan Water Mist is a competitor to match. A gentle, non-toxic mist that also provides a gradual and buildable tan, it's carefully formulated with a 3-in-1 formula that ‘tones, tans and hydrates’ while containing nine organic actives to nourish the skin. Like the Gradual Tan Lotion, the Tan Water Mist contains Australian botanical aromatherapy; it fades evenly and naturally, contains zero to no toxins, and is vegan and cruelty-free. They give the promise of salon-quality results that will outperform conventional tans with the lack of streaks, fake tan odours and non-transfer onto clothing.

Similarly, the Tan Water Mist contains kakadu plum, aloe vera, camellia seed oil, and green tea extract. Plus, the dihydroxyacetone which activates the colour. Some newcomers include marshmallow root extract, an anti-inflammatory oil, rose otto flower oil, an uplifting, rejuvenating and energising oil for toned skin, and orange peel oil, an oil with astringent effects that tightens pores and regulates sebum levels while protecting the skin from environmental damage through the oil's high limonene content. Lime oil can also be found, alleviating excess oil and improving the appearance of dark spots. Furthermore, geranium flower oil's high antioxidants and anti-inflammatories boost skin health for a natural glow.

Most importantly, two key ingredients are ylang-ylang and patchouli. Ylang ylang is best known for balancing oil production to create the right amount of moisture in the skin, which is not dry or oily. At the same time, ylang ylang soothes inflammation and irritation. In contrast, patchouli is revered for its ability to regenerate skin cells through its active ingredients and anti-bacterial properties, reducing wrinkles, scars and signs of ageing.

It has a gentle natural, refreshing fragrance from the ylang-ylang and patchouli. Again we used this Tan Water Mist twice a week, but this time at night, spraying it onto a bamboo pad, dabbing directly and evenly onto the face, neck and décolletage, then waking up to a fresh and flawless glow. Top tip, remember to spray, dab and pat as you go, and wash hands afterwards. We found it gave our skin a buildable and almost instant subtle glow. We love how it’s free of orange tinges, streaks or patchiness – mimicking only a natural tan. It’s so easy to incorporate into a skincare routine, and WOTNOT Naturals say that If used in the morning, it can be followed by regular skincare or makeup without affecting the efficiency of the Tan Water. A win-win!

We highly recommend both these two certified organic self-tanning products, even if you haven’t been lucky enough to catch the summer sun, they’ll certainly give your skin a radiant boost for autumn. To purchase a 130ml tube of WOTNOT Naturals' Gradual Tanning Lotion here at £12.60, and a 100ml bottle of WOTNOT Naturals' Tan Water mist at £17.26 here.