EarHub: Sleepwell Soft Silicone Earplugs

Did you know that apart from irritability and fatigue, sleep deprivation can also lead to imbalanced and dehydrated skin? And as tomorrow is World Sleep Day (yes, there really is such a day!) we at The Amazing Blog, thought we’d review the perfect partner to aid a peaceful night’s sleep, the simple, reusable and invaluable:  EarHub’s Sleepwell Silicone Earplugs.  

EarHub is a UK based company specialising in developing and delivering a range of superior ear protection. It was launched in 2020 with a purposeful mission to raise awareness, and educate the consumer about ear health and wellbeing, by providing premium foam and soft silicone earplugs. According to EarHub’s Sleep Expert, Sammy Margo, “Many people will be struggling to sleep because of a noisy sleep environment and these Earplugs may significantly help to improve the quality of sleep by reducing noises such as a snoring partner.  These earplugs may reduce usual background noises and snoring (45 decibels - 65 decibels) by as much as 50%. This is a small price to pay for a good quality night's sleep which can not only make you look and feel better.” If you’re having some trouble sleeping, you should know that you’re not alone, since 51% of adults worldwide get less sleep than the average amount needed. As EarHub claims these earplugs can reduce the background noise by 50%, think what a difference that will make if you live with a snoring partner or pet! As we’re based in the heart of a noisy city - we couldn’t wait to put these to the test!

The company kindly sent us a 6-pair-set of  Sleepwell Soft Silicone Earplugs. Did you know that damage occurs at noise levels over 80 decibels?  And you’d be surprised where this noise level occurs, think a busy restaurant or an electric lawnmower. Astonishing, isn’t it? That’s why we now like to keep a set of these to hand. These silicone earplugs come in a convenient travel case, making them easy to transport or store. A huge plus for us is that they’re BPA-free and environmentally friendly. Their reusable and only requires a quick wash with warm water and soap. We love their practicality; made of hypoallergenic silicone they mould comfortably to fit the ear forming an airtight seal over the ear canal. They not only block out noise, but also make the ear watertight, ideal for swimming or water sports. They actually reduce outside noise by 27 decibels which is a higher rate than other earplugs that we’ve tried.  They’re also so comfortable, that you almost forget you’re wearing them! BTW they’ve got a give away for a month’s worth of earplugs to mark World Sleep Day tomorrow, for to 5 lucky winners… so head over to their Instagram page here. To purchase Earhub Sleepwell Soft Silicone Earplugs see here  for £8.99.

MAYSAMA: Green Rooibos Pressed Serum

The more unusual an ingredient, the more it piques our interest! Although we are familiar with green tea in skincare, green rooibos is certainly a first for us to review at The Amazing Blog.  We are featuring the hero product from MAYSAMA with their unique Green Rooibos Pressed Serum  which we couldn’t resist giving a try.

MAYSAMA was founded in 2018 by Beverly Sanderson. The brand is based in South Africa and produces ethical, natural, vegan and high-performance antioxidant green rooibos skincare. For years, Beverly struggled with skincare issues, including rosacea, vitiligo and photosensitivity. Desperate to improve her skin, Beverly went to a dermatologist who guided her to eat organic foods and use natural skincare products. Her interest in healthy skincare grew, which led her to discover and cultivate a passion for green rooibos tea. She began working with the Nelson Mandela Institute in South Africa to look at rooibos' cosmetic potential. The anti-inflammatory properties of rooibos improved Beverly's rosacea, which led her onto launch MAYSAMA with the brand philosophy of 'If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well'. Her launch product is the Green Rooibos Pressed Serum with the starring ingredient of green rooibos which comes from unfermented leaves that have a much higher antioxidant capacity than red rooibos because the flavonoids have not been destroyed by oxidation. Uniquely, rooibos protects and repairs the predominant cells in fat tissue, responsible for maintaining skin fullness, and its rich source of alpha-hydroxy acid and zinc fights off premature ageing. MAYSAMA's pharmaceutical-grade green rooibos has a patented extraction process that significantly enhances the aspalathin content and the main flavonoid responsible for its antioxidant activity, creating a superior cosmetic ingredient. We applaud the brand for its giving back to the rooibos community in South Africa through the Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG) in Cape Town. It is a climate change adaptation work programme that works with rooibos farming communities to develop a sustainable harvesting strategy and gain more insight into the plant's ecology and its response to climate change. MAYSAMA pledges to contribute 1% of its profits to the EMG and help research and support Rooibos' sustainable harvesting.

An award-winning product with a recent Editor’s Choice winner in the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards, and a Silver award winner Pure Beauty Awards 2020; the Green Rooibos Pressed Serum   formulated with green rooibos, has long been an ingredient used to relieve dryness, itchiness, and eczema by minimising oxidative stress and increasing cellular healing. This light gel-serum quickly absorbs into the skin, to help protect, hydrate, and soothe, leaving skin supple and revitalised. Other key ingredients are a blend of argan and baobab oil, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.  There is also our old favourite cannabis sativa (hemp seed oil) which balances the skin and hydrates and regulates the skin's oil production. Gotu kola (Indian pennywort) and marigold extract which have antioxidant properties and promote collagen production. Sea Buckthorn is full of omega 6 and plus vitamin C and E and are anti-inflammatory offering protection against premature signs of ageing. Chlorella vulgaris extract  stimulates collagen production and contains a high level of carotenoids. Liquorice root extract and turmeric both work as an anti-inflammatory and help reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation. These all help to moisturise and strengthen the skin; plus, without fragrance or essential oils and with a pH of 5.0 to 5.3, this serum is ideal to use even on the most sensitive skin. We loved its soft and authentic botanical fragrance and the way this golden semi-transparent serum enhances the complexion with a warm glow. We applied one or two pumps of the serum to the face and neck and found when used alone, it enhanced our skin tone with an almost sun-kissed luminosity. Most importantly it is kind to the skin and skin microbiomes (these are skin flora, made up of trillions of good bacteria which live on the skin). We’re looking forward to when MAYSAMA develops on more products, and would certainly recommend this as another one of our #amazingfinds. You can purchase MAYASAMA's Green Rooibos Pressed Serum in 30ml for £46.00 directly off the MAYSAMA website, here.

GoBo: Deodorising Fluid

Who doesn’t go through that uncomfortable feeling of sticky armpits or the occasional ingrown hair? Today at The Amazing Blog we’d like to share another of our #amazingfinds with this new Deodorising Fluid that keeps them smelling fresh and feeling pampered. This is GoBo the first AHA Deodorant to launch here in the UK.

GoBo are part of a British parent company Lamonts & Co, which manufacture consumer health and wellbeing products. GoBo‘s creator Laura Lamont said, “Underarms are meant to sweat naturally, but that doesn't mean you have to smell by the end of the day.” This is where she saw a gap in the UK market for a new type of deodorant containing powerful ingredients, such as AHA's, to detox and deodorise underarms as well as nourish the skin. The AHA here stands for alpha-hydroxy acid, consisting of mandelic, malic, lactic and glycolic acids derived from nuts, fruits, milk or sugar cane.  AHA’s are well-known for their exfoliating, smoothing and depigmenting and firming properties – which GoBo boosts here. The brand promises a natural product that is cruelty-free, and free from alcohol, essential oils, aluminium and parabens. Apart from the underarm area, this gentle formula can be used in between skin folds or under the breast area to help prevent or neutralise body odours. GoBo promises an astonishing 24 - 48 hour protection with a choice of four Deodorising Fluids Original Unfragranced, Jasmin, Orange Blossom and Rose.  

So how does GoBo work? When you switch to a natural deodorant after using one with chemical ingredients, the glycolic acid will eliminate the accumulated grime, sweat, and dead cells build-up. The other key ingredients here are arrowroot which acts as a moisture absorbent keeping the skin dry. In contrast, the vegetable glycerine takes on the role of moisturising agent, resulting in a well-hydrated skin area. Whereas the Guar Gum here is a natural food-grade thickener working as a prebiotic. What’s unique about this GoBo’s formula, is that it won’t prevent you from sweating; instead, it’ll let your body perspire naturally.  As mentioned earlier, the product reduces pigmentation and prevents ingrown hairs caused by depilation; what more can one ask for? The brand kindly sent us two products from the range with the Original Unfragranced and Orange Blossom. The Deodorising Fluid comes in a small glass bottle with a roll-on for easy application. The serum-like texture dries quickly, leaving no residues, making it quick and practical, especially when you’re dressing in a hurry. The Original Unfragranced is unscented, while the Orange Blossom is fragranced by only using natural floral water and has a mild scent that didn’t conflict with any other fragrances we used. After giving these a try, we can safely say that they keep their promise of providing fresh and smooth underarms. Would we buy more? Absolutely! As we get into spring, why not make the switch to these fresh AHA Deodorising Fluids for your new natural deodorant. You can purchase any of the four 100ml GoBo AHA Deodorants here. for £9.99.

Tropikal Sundai – Golden Mango Body Butta

Has your skin got the winter blues? Then at The Amazing Blog we can’t wait to introduce you to some tropical sunshine. What better way to start the New year off right by treating dry skin to this super-hydrating Golden Mango Body Butta from Tropikal Sundai. With this gloomy January #lockdown, we love that this brings a much needed holiday glow to our skin.

Starting at a young age, Tropikal Sundai’s founder Ashlie-Selina Ryan spent her Sundays learning about Bajan plants and their healing properties from her Mother. While on a bike ride in Cherry Hill, Barbados, her skin started to get irritated and inflamed. This was when she learned from her cousin about the benefits of using plants such as Aloe Vera to soothe her skin. This gave her the inspiration to create her own line of products with Tropikal Sundai utilising traditional Bajan ingredients. Although now based in Hackney, Tropikal Sundai is as the name indicates a tropical fruit-infused artisan brand, whose ingredients are entirely vegan, cruelty-free and natural. One of their strong beliefs is ‘that mother nature has the abilities to heal, restore and nourish.’ They currently have a trio of products in the range with Guava & Aloe Hydrating Mist, Peach Papaya Glow Serum and Golden Mango Body Butta (which we are featuring below).

As mentioned, we think this Golden Mango Body Butta will make a great addition to your body care routine. As this Body Butta keeps skin moisturised and glistening with its all-natural ingredients. All products are handmade and in small batches where they only use raw butters and organic or cold press oils. Here in the Golden Mango Body Butta, the mango and cherry kernel oil are the prominent fruity fragrances in this decadently rich whipped body cream. With its key ingredients of aloe vera/coconut butter, mango, cherry kernel and shea oils, together with rosehip and grapeseed oils, which when combined make this a supreme skin food. The aloe vera/coconut butter hydrate and soothes irritated skin. The rosehip and shea oil help to moisturise and reduce any appearance of scarring. Although, the number one ingredient here is the mango (mangifera indica) butter, which rejuvenates and heals the skin, easing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. This is a truly luxurious body cream, where a little goes a long way, when applied in the morning it lasted until bedtime, keeping skin soft supple throughout the day. It’s suitable for dry patches or for those with eczema;  we highly recommend treating skin with this pure and tropical plant magic, Golden Body Butta 250ml for £25, see here to purchase. 

Byre Bodycare: Skimmed, Semi-Skimmed & Full Cream Body Washes

It’s nearly the end of summer… and now the time for us at The Amazing Blog to look for pampering body products in preparation to help protect and hydrate our skin. We were curious to try a set of natural, milk-based body washes from Byre Bodycare. These are not only gentle on the body but also good for the environment with their recyclable bottles and tops.

The CEO Alicia Chivers and MD Quentin Higham of Byre Bodycare believe in supporting British farming as a vital industry, especially at this time of Covid19 and Brexit. After all, farm produce is at the heart of most of the food that we find on our table, which is why this brand values every single component from dairy farming, in particular, the whey. This is considered to be a waste product in the dairy industry with an annual waste of 870,000 tonnes as a by-product of milk and cheese production. Byre has taken this byproduct of whey to use as a key ingredient in their trio of luxury Byre Body Washes, which also contains 96% of naturally derived ingredients. We were impressed to learn that Byrne Bodycare supports the  Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution by donating a percentage from their annual sales to help supports farming families in adversity, which is why we’re delighted to talk about their natural range of bodycare today. 

There are currently three Body Washes in the range – just like milk they come in Skimmed, Semi-Skimmed and Full Cream. They are natural and all free from parabens, silicones, synthetic colours and mineral oils. They are very sensibly priced at a very reasonable £5 each.  Let’s start with the Byre Body Wash Skimmed, they say this is light, airy and creamy, and we couldn’t agree more. With its fruity fragrance, the sweet whey protein powder here contains collagen and amino acids which help maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness. It is an antioxidant protecting against free radicals and helping to delay the signs of ageing. Whey protein also slows down the degeneration of muscles and also considered as a deep cleanser. It holds antibacterial properties that help in fighting acne and will restore the pH balance. This body wash is enriched with aloe vera known for being an excellent moisturiser and a fast wound healer. Also rich in vitamin A and C and these help to hydrate dry skin. The blend also includes poppy seed oil, a deep moisturiser that also reduces any inflammation. This natural body wash will condition and nurture the skin, leaving it feeling velvety and smooth. The second product in this range is the Byre Body Wash Semi-Skimmed which is smooth and whipped, slightly creamier than the Skimmed, with what we think is a meadowsweet/ floral fragrance. Alongside the whey powder, it contains aloe vera and vitamin E which will protect you from UV sun damage, calm and hydrate the skin. The poppy seed oil is beneficial for people suffering from skin ailments such as inflammation, eczema, prickly skin. Whereas vitamin C will even out skin tone and get rid of dark spots. This Semi-Skimmed Body Wash will stimulate your skin’s healing process keeping it smooth and rid it of rashes thanks to the richness of vitamin B5 and B6.  Just like they say, we are saving the best for last. The third product in this range won a silver medal in the 2020 Global Makeup Awards with their Byre Body Wash Full Cream. This is a rich, thick and creamy body wash and smells divine with its buttery vanilla fragrance. The key ingredients here are the nourishing sweet whey powder, aloe vera and poppy seed oil and oatmeal extract. The latter has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that will help treat dry skin and get rid of dead skin cells. It contains a natural component called saponins which makes the oatmeal a deep cleanser. Some customers have testified to it being a great product to use if you have skin conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis. We were impressed with how hydrating these all are and will certainly be buying more! You can find the trio of Byre Body Washes here for £5 each for 250ml