Lady H Apothecary: Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil

Maintaining healthy hair can be a struggle, whether trying to encourage hair to grow or perhaps dealing with an irritated scalp. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we were thrilled to test out this Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil from organic skincare Lady H Apothecary. The benefits are numerous when using hair oil, whether it’s for feeding the scalp or just nourishing dry ends. We were privileged to be invited to judge this product for The 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it won ‘Best Scalp Oil’, and let us tell you why.

Lady H Apothecary is based in Northumberland and founded by Lyndsey Lees; who, with her background in salon and holistic beauty, blends various therapeutic oils for both skin and hair. After eighteen years in beauty and holistic therapy, she followed her passion and sold her beauty business to return to college to complete a degree in the aesthetic practice of advanced skin treatments and the physiology of skin ageing. Lyndsay said, "In truth, I first fell in love with aromatherapy as a young beauty therapist. I was told that essential oils were similar to people in that they had many characteristics or properties, and those characteristics could change in accordance with the different oils that they were blended with, much in the same way that human characteristics can change depending on who they're spending time with.” The base of all Lady H products is organic carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, evening primrose, prickly pear, pomegranate oil and Argan oil and in butters like cocoa and shea, which all have an abundance of essential fatty acids which promote the absorption of vitamins into the skin. All her products are all derived from organic plants to harness the actives and feed the skin with plant-powered nutrition. She has since opened a clinic in Morpeth, where her hand-crafted products continue to grow, and she has expanded her treatment menu to include the latest in beauty and self-care. Recognised for her skill and expertise, she won the 2022 North East Skin Specialist of the Year at the British Hair & Beauty Awards. With Lyndsey’s love of aromatherapy and organic ingredients, she went on to say, “It is amazing to carry out treatments and achieve results using the products I’ve made by hand, and even more amazing to hear how my clients are enjoying them at home.” The brand is conscious of its environmental footprint and has a refill scheme in which customers can participate. After use, the bottles can be cleaned and returned to Lady H Apothecary, where they will be sterilised and reused, and customers will be offered a discount for their refills.

We found that The Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil was excellent for hydrating and conditioning both the hair and scalp. We used it as a pre or post-shampoo treatment or reviving overnight hair mask. It contains a powerhouse blend of handpicked organic carrier oils, which include organic jojoba oil, calendula, evening primrose oil, Argan oil, tocopherol and apricot kernel oil, together with essential oils of rosemary leaf extract, lemon, palmarosa, and Roman chamomile too.

Every ingredient is here for a reason. The organic jojoba oil is high omega 9 content that protects the hair to keep moisture locked in and grow thicker, lustrous hair. Organic calendula can help soothe any irritation on the scalp or clear dandruff as it has oleic acid. The essential oil of Argan oil is very beneficial in strengthening hair and softening lifeless hair with omega 9 and omega 6, which can help reduce hair breakage. Organic evening primrose and organic apricot kernel oil are also effective with omega 9 and 6 to restore dry, dull hair and work as a detangler and decrease hair loss. For stimulating hair growth and reducing greasiness, the rosemary leaf extract increases scalp circulation along with the beneficial ingredient of lemon essential oil that improves the scalps' oxygen flow and functions of the hair follicle.  Whereas palmarosa essential oil is wonderful in restoring hair, and Roman chamomile oil calms scalp irritation.

This hair oil blend certainly has been a great multitasker for us, and we’ve used it for scalp nourishment and hydrating dry ends. The texture is light, and the fragrance is floral and uplifting. It can be used as an overnight as an intensive treatment; the oil can be left overnight and washed out in the morning.  Or as a pre-shampoo, which is one of our favourite ways to apply, using it from the root to the tip, then massaging it into the scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Plus, it works well taming flyaway hairs by simply rubbing a few drops of oil into the palms and then gently smoothing down those stray strands. We highly recommend this hair oil, and it’s another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase the award-winning 100ml Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil for £36, see here.

Yatlina : Aroma Inhalation Patches

During busy times of the year, it’s not uncommon for us all to struggle with feelings of anxiety and stress. Here at The Amazing Blog we know how sometimes it’s difficult to unwind and rebalance. That’s why we would like to introduce Yatlina’s Aroma Inhalation Patches; these are a simple and easy way to inhale beneficial aromatherapy blends of essential oils. As fans of all things aromatherapy, we found these helpful to aid relaxation, boost mood and reduce stress.

We’ve previously featured aromatherapy blends from Yatlina here with their rather ingenious Mask Drops, which we used recently during the pandemic. The brand was founded by Yasmine EIGhamrawy, who studied aromatherapy for three years after switching careers from working a stressful job to becoming an aromatherapist. She struggled with sleeplessness, aches, and brain fog and became more interested in working with aromatherapy after recognising this was her body's way of sending warning signs. Now, she wants to help others take control of their wellness and understand how to be more in tune with their bodies. She firmly believes that understanding how to use aromatherapy blends is empowering for both physical and mental well-being, as it directly affects the limbic side of the brain that controls emotions and memories, as well as physical effects on the body. In an interview with the Amazon accelerator program, she said, “I threw myself into it, and from the day I decided to do it until the launch on 7 September 2020, it was only ten weeks. During that time, I tested out formulas for the product, and I had to quickly learn about packaging and branding (which my husband helped with as he was previously a graphic designer). I created Yatlina to bring safe and effective products that you can use to support you holistically.” Her upbringing in Egypt has had a lot to do with her love for herbs and natural remedies; she learned from experienced herbalists and street vendors in Cairo all about the power of botanicals and how they affected her mood. She went on to say in Authority Magazine, "Now that I know a lot more about the science behind why certain oils work and how they affect the body, it makes a lot of sense why I was so drawn to them.” When creating her products, she goes deep into the science and traditions of aromatherapy and goes by three fundamental principles: chemistry, tradition, and scent. With chemistry, she spends significant time researching each formulation to ensure maximum effectiveness. Every essential oil is unique depending on how it's grown and harvested since each has a chemistry of volatile compounds, usually non-polar and fat-soluble, which are produced in plant species. The tradition is from her upbringing in Egypt, and finally, the scent is essential in creating these blends, as memories and emotions all of which are linked with certain fragrances.

Also a registered business with the Aromatherapy Trade Council, Yatlina is now officially the UK and MENA region distributor for the Aroma Inhalation Patches, with six new patches to launch in addition to the ones we are featuring today. Coming soon are single oils with Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint Mandarin, and three new blends targeting breathing issues, immune support and anti-nausea. The NHS trusts are now using these patches for clinical use. In healthcare, they address physical discomfort and offer a modicum of normalcy and empowerment during trying moments. From mitigating restlessness, improving sleep quality, and enhancing concentration and mood to ameliorating nausea and respiratory challenges. They have also emerged as a beacon of relief for women navigating the intricate landscape of stress and anxiety due to premenopausal changes.

Yatlina’s Aroma Inhalation Patches are ‘hands-free wellness on the go.’ they cleverly combine chemistry, tradition, and scent, making them ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. The five patches have been created for specific uses, and the fragrances are fresh floral with added sweet citrus or earthy notes. All five of them contain chemical compositions of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

The first patch is the CALM scent that helps with relaxation, uplifting your mood, calming agitation, and reducing anxiety or emotional exhaustion with lavender, neroli, bergamot mint, and petitgrain blend ingredients. The lavender oil is for balancing, healing, soothing, and nurturing properties for calm and tranquillity feelings, along with the element of neroli for relieving emotional or physical stress and exhaustion. The added bergamot mint is excellent for its calming and relaxing ability to feel uplifted and centred again. Petitgrain Blend is used for stress-related issues or fatigue and is suitable for creative thinking.

Our favourite patch was the POWER-UP, used on a day when we were flagging. It clears the head and re-energises with Spanish rosemary, Egyptian peppermint, French clary sage, and Russian coriander seeds. The Spanish rosemary is excellent in supporting memory and cognitive abilities, while the Egyptian peppermint gives alertness and feelings of refreshment. French clary sage is a perfect oil for supporting hormonal issues with elements that produce a more relaxed mood. The Russian coriander seeds add a sweet, earthy scent to clear mental blocks and boost mental stimulation.

The REST patch we found good for unwinding and quieting the mind, with ingredients of lavender from high-altitude farms in France, Egyptian sweet marjoram sourced from Egyptian farms, British Roman chamomile, and Brazilian sweet orange. The lavender and sweet marjoram settle the nervous system and support deeper respiratory breathing. The chamomile brings a soft, earthy tone that’s great for relaxation and clearing mental strain. The sweet orange brings a sweeter aroma and has chemical properties to lower heart palpitations, nervousness or agitation.

The REBALANCE patch scent helped make us feel less anxious and get back on track with rose oil from Bulgaria, neroli, bergamot, pink grapefruit, petitgrain bigrade, and geranium. The rose oil helps to release pain or anger, while the neroli and bergamot lift moods and bring emotions back into balance. The pink grapefruit is a refreshing scent to lift you up whenever you feel burnout. Petitgrain bigrade brings in a soothing fragrance for stress-related issues, and with geranium's fresh floral aroma for balancing any feelings of weariness or lethargy.

The REFOCUS patch is best for those feeling overwhelmed when concentrating on important tasks. Here, it has the beneficial ingredients of Spanish rosemary and Italian bergamot for memory support and balancing emotions. These ingredients we also discussed above.

The last patch is a custom UNSCENTED one to which you can add your own aroma by just putting two drops of whichever scent you choose onto the patch.

Another of our #amazingfinds, these Aroma Inhalation Patches, are designed to be a gentle passive diffusion of aromatherapy that is very safe to use with fast inhalation and no accumulation risk. It is single-use, applied to clean skin, and the hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive is strong enough to last up to 8 hours of wear. It is metal-free, making it MRI-safe for clinical procedures. Yatlina suggests the best place is on the chest (see here) so that the fragrance wafts upwards, helping to inspire your mood. To purchase these Aroma Inhalation Patches, see here for a pack of 10, starting price at £15. Use code "AMAZINGPR15" at checkout to get your discount on any Aroma Patch Product until the beginning of November 2023.

AK Pure Skin - Face Tan Water

With the questionable hours of sunshine with our inclement British weather, we all seem to crave that elusive healthy golden glow, and this is where a good self-tan comes in very handy. However, when it comes to the face, we found that not all tanning products are created equal. And after much trial and error, we at The Amazing Blog, prefer to use natural facial tanning water. Meet another of our #amazingfinds from the Icelandic brand AK Pure Skin with their award-winning Face Tan Water. Whether you wish to enhance your natural complexion or deepen an existing tan, this product is for you.

AK Pure Skin is a unisex beauty brand that offers natural and organic Icelandic skincare. The founders of AK Pure Skin are husband and wife Aron Einar & Kristbjörg Jónasdóttir. Aron is probably best known for being a professional footballer at Qatar Stars League club Al-Arabi and is also the Icelandic national football team captain. Together, they created AK Pure Skin in 2019 after three-plus years of perfecting the formulas and packaging. Kristbjörg explained their inspiration as a mother and athlete, “We wanted to make effective formulas with the best ingredients that slot effortlessly into life and give skin the health and nutrition it needs. Formulas that do for my skin what I try to do for my body.” She went on to say, “Our key focus is developing effective, natural and unisex skincare products made from Icelandic pure water, using only carefully selected ingredients that benefit and enhance the skin’s health to provide the best results possible.”

The brand offers a range of products made with all-natural and organic ingredients, which are cruelty-free and vegan. They have collaborated with Pharmarctica, an Icelandic contract manufacturer and formulator, accredited as GMP certified, and who fulfil the standards required for producing organic and eco-certified cosmetics. With this partnership, AK Pure Skin has achieved a range of natural skincare products that are 100% produced in Iceland and, most importantly, made with pure Icelandic water. 90% of their products have ingredients derived from natural origin; they are free from parabens, PEG, SLS/SLES, silicones, alcohol, petroleum, and nanoparticles. In an interview with Trendnet.is, Kristbjörg said, "The products are made from pure Icelandic water, which may sound like a cliché, but is a very important part of the production because our water is so clean. It allows us to use fewer materials in the products than if they were produced where the water quality is worse." She went on to say, in Akureyri.net, “After three years and incredible fluctuations due to the COVID pandemic, online sales have been growing, and we felt that there was a demand for advice and personal service in-store. We, therefore, took this step of opening a store in Iceland and are extremely happy with the result." The brand also ships globally and considers itself a pure, natural and down-to-earth skincare that prides itself on being ‘Real, Raw and Unique’.

We discovered the Face Tan Water when we were privileged enough to be invited to be one of the judges at The 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it won ‘The Best Self-Tanner - Face’. One of the first things that impressed us was how it’s made up of 98% natural origin-derived ingredients. It’s easy to apply, gives excellent results and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones. We found it nourished our skin and was also versatile enough to be combined with a serum or moisturiser to make it more of a gradual tan. A great deal of time and care has gone into creating this facial tanning water, and Kristbjörg said, "The Face Tan Water was the first product we developed, so for us, this is our baby and very close to our hearts. In making it, we knew exactly what we wanted: to develop a product that would give you a beautiful, refreshing sun-kissed glow and help even your skin tone."

The key ingredients are pure Icelandic Water, dihydroxyacetone, vegetable glycerin, erythrulose, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate. There’s also aloe leaf, beta-glucan, calendula flower extract, lemon oil, citric acid and plankton extract.

For facial tanning water, the first ingredient is the most unique; pure Icelandic water provides hydration and nourishment to the skin and is also known for its ancient healing properties.

Dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose; are both natural and organic tanning ingredients. Dihydroxyacetone is derived from sugar cane that reacts with amino acids in the skin to produce a natural-looking tan. Erythrulose works with dihydroxyacetone to provide a long-lasting, even tan. Next is vegetable glycerin, a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin to leave it hydrated and nourished. This ingredient works well with sodium hyaluronate, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Panthenol, aloe leaf and beta-glucan are here to soothe and hydrate. Aloe leaf reduces inflammation and irritation; panthenol contains pro-vitamin B5 to retain moisture levels and shield skin from irritation; and beta-glucan is a natural polysaccharide that improves the skin's texture and appearance, reducing signs of ageing.

Working with the ingredients above are calendula officinalis flower extract, a natural extract with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lemon fruit oil and citric acid exfoliate and brighten the complexion to reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. And, the plankton extract reduces oxidative stress, protects the cells and fights the signs of premature skin ageing. Since all these ingredients are natural, this Face Tan Water needs natural preservatives to keep the integrity of the product. It uses phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate; both are natural and prevent the growth of bacteria as well as keep it fresh.

The great thing about facial tanning waters is that their colour can last up to three or four days. This, of course, depends on your skin type and how often you cleanse your face. When considering using facial tanning waters, there are a few things to remember: Tanning drops and moisturisers are typically more subtle and buildable. In contrast, facial tanning waters can provide a more intense colour with just one application. Gradual tans can take longer to build up but can be more forgiving if you make a mistake during application. Avoid using products with exfoliating properties, such as alpha-hydroxy acids or retinoids, for a few days after application; this will prevent premature fading.

When using this Face Tan Water, it took 4-6 hours to develop, and we found that it was best applied at night. It's recommended to prep your skin beforehand by cleansing and gently exfoliating to ensure an even colour. Also, another tip, when we first used the product, we used a water-based serum as a base to make sure we didn’t overdo it! We also applied a moisturiser to dry areas, such as your eyebrows or hairline, to prevent the product from clinging to those areas. It creates a good, even and healthy glow that typically lasts about four days, which we then let gently fade before applying more. AK Pure Skin Tanning Water does not contain any SPF, so please use a separate sunscreen if you spend time in the sun. We love this Face Tan Water, it saves us time and money, as there is no longer a need to use a BB cream or foundation to even out our skin tone, and this gives us the ideal sun-kissed glow. Get ready to say goodbye to pale skin and hello to a beautiful, healthy looking all-year-round tan. Click here to purchase 50ml of Face Tan Water from AK Pure Skin for £31.

Chapter Organics - 'The Quiet' Rollerball Pulse Point Oil

Although we think summer is for chilling, the reality is often very different, as it can come with a set of stresses and distractions. You know how it is, trying to fit everything into one day and then, to top it all, lack of sleep from the humidity or noisy air con! That’s why at The Amazing Blog, we’re big fans of aromatherapy rollerballs because they offer us a little time out on the go.  The one we want to discuss today is from Chapter Organics, with their ‘The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil. As the name suggests, ‘The Quiet’ helps us all to be more mindful, pause, breath and take stock. It contains a unique aromatherapy blend designed to restore inner peace in moments of need. Genius.

Charlotte Nutland founded Chapter Organics in 2017 to create natural aromatherapy blends that fit into everyday life. She first started blending aromatherapy oils when she was pregnant with her first child, as she wanted to prioritise her own self-care and general wellness. In an interview with Highcliffe Cornwall, Charlotte said, “I shared these blends with my friends and family, and they, too, noticed the difference in their sleep, anxiety, mood and energy. I was driving one day wondering if I could turn my love of Aromatherapy and plant oils into something more?” Soon after, she established Chapter Organics, creating and sharing unique blends to fit into a daily routine. She went on to say, ”I started to use essential oils to cope with symptoms and promote general wellness. I made up my own little blends and began to see benefits immediately,” she explains, “Friends and family loved my blends and kept asking to try them. It was then I started to wonder if other people could benefit from them too.”

What sets Chapter Organics apart is its collection of aromatherapy blends, all of which relate to ‘a chapter of your day’. Each of their five blends The Remedy, The Tonic, The Peace, The Quiet and The Self, are available as candles, atmosphere and linen mists, hand and body cleansers, moisturisers, pure essential oils, and room diffusers. Alongside Charlotte making self-care more accessible, Chapter Organics maintains a firm commitment to sustainability. The brand donates £1.00 from every sale to Marine Conversation Society via Work for Good to support a cleaner and better-protected ocean. To help reduce waste, all the glass used in their packaging is recyclable and reusable, and they even offer refill candle wax inserts. All products are handmade, vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% natural. For those new to aromatherapy, they offer a Mood Quiz on the website, and based on the response, this produces a unique selection of products best suited to promote an individual’s well-being; Chapter Organics is an award-winning brand and recently swept the board as an Aromatherapy brand in The Beauty Shortlist 2023 Mama & Baby Awards, and the Eco Lifestyle Awards which is where we made our discovery.

As mentioned earlier, "The Quiet" Rollerball Pulse Point Oil has been coming to our rescue. ‘The Quiet’ range is designed to ground those with a ‘runaway mind’ and creates a calm and stillness in daily life. The blend has five essential oils with rose geranium, rosemary, frankincense, bergamot and clove. The carrier oils are a combination of sunflower and jojoba; both are aroma-free and full of omega-6 to help keep skin well-hydrated.

Rose geranium has a soothing, sedative effect on the mind and encourages relaxation and optimism. Rosemary enhances concentration by improving alertness and improving memory and lowers cortisol levels to reduce anxiety. Frankincense enhances mood by diminishing negative feelings. Bergamot has been shown to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain producing feelings of happiness and ease. Lastly, the stimulating scent of the spice clove is reputed to help minimise anxiety and strengthen your focus. We found ‘The Quiet’ therapeutic for both mind and body, giving us clarity and tranquillity and allowing us to be more present.

We’re fans of aromatherapy pulse point oils, as they’re always effective. Did you know your body has nine pulse points? A pulse point is where the blood pumps closer to the skin; therefore, applying essential oils to pulse points such as the temples, below the ears, jawline, or wrists allows faster absorption into the bloodstream. Rub in three slow circular motions onto the inner wrist or side of your neck and inhale the aroma deeply to restore your inner calm. This is another of our #amazingfinds for whenever we feel unfocused and in need of recentring ourselves to find our zen. To purchase the 10ml ’The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil for £20 see here.

BodyBees : Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm

As we're now in the midst of the summer festival season, we thought it an appropriate time to talk about warding off those far too frequent uninvited, flying insects! At The Amazing Blog, we're not fans of those chemical insect repellents with all their harsh toxins; we prefer to use natural and essential oil-based products. This was when we discovered BodyBees, and their effective hydrating Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which is 100% safe for skin, and has the added bonus (not something they advertise) of keeping mosquitoes at bay.

BodyBees is a Swedish family-owned natural skincare brand based in Danderyd, Sweden. Founded in 2019 by Lars Jacobi and his daughter Therese Fal'en, it all began because Lars struggled to find a cure for his eczema. However, this all changed when he visited South Africa, where he discovered some of their healing ingredients, i.e. honey and propolis, which literally "changed his life." From this moment on, he began experimenting and creating his own skincare as a way of also helping others. The brand now collaborates with local producers in South Africa for their natural and organic ingredients, with the hero base for their balms: beeswax and olive oil. They firmly believe in nature's way of healing, restoring, and protecting the skin. Therese told us, "I think it is fascinating how powerful these ingredients are in all their simplicity. When I used them myself and on my children, I actually realised that they help keep me and my family’s skin to stay protected and hydrated, as well as bringing a sense of wellness to everyone." For BodyBees, sustainability is at the brand's core, together with monitoring each batch of products to ensure all ingredients used are natural, organic and safe. They currently have a range of four balms, including one that's fragrance-free and suitable for babies.

We tried Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which has recently scooped up an award (think the Swedish Beauty Oscars, see here) with 'Best Protection'. To quote these awards, "Bee Gone is nature's own recipe and works well when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. As well as caring and effective at the same time." Although the brand is careful not to promote Bee Gone as an insect-repelling balm, as they don't have the official product registration to make this claim; they are, however, quick to point out that it is an all-natural outdoor balm with many different uses.

What we like is that it's only made with four simple ingredients. These include the essential oils of citronella, lemongrass, beeswax and olive oil, all of which make it super-nourishing for the skin. Citronella, of course, is one of those ingredients which helps to repel insects. Combine this with lemongrass, another natural insect repellent, and you have ingredients which are both anti-inflammatory and antifungal, as well as gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin.

The base combines water-resistant beeswax and olive oil, rich in vitamins; they form a protective barrier and shield the skin from toxins while also supporting natural hydration. The blend creates a powerful antioxidant with an antibacterial effect for healing, moisturising, and all-important skin replenishment. When asked, Therese told us about her inspiration behind this product, "The Bee Gone Outdoor balm is one we created for our own use as a family. It's the perfect product to fill a much-needed gap in the skincare market. In Sweden, we all love being outside in nature, so we wanted to create a hydrating skin balm that contained citronella and lemongrass, to ward off insects, and to leave the skin with a fresh scent." 

As someone who is usually feasted upon by pesky mosquitoes, I was a little apprehensive to try this as a repellent. When applied, it smells fresh and zesty, giving the skin a smooth and hydrated feel. Lo and behold, for the first time, I can confirm that the mosquitoes left me alone; they weren't even buzzing around my head. Result! However, the brand does recommend reapplying Bee Gone every four hours as a top-up to keep skin safe.

Another of our #amazingfinds, we'd highly recommend this pocket-sized tube of outdoor protection for the whole family to keep skin protected, moisturised and nourished. To purchase the 40ml push-up tube of BodyBees Bee Gone Outdoor Balm for £14, see here.