Friday Favourites - Natural Products for the Face

Living in a city our faces are constantly exposed to all sorts of challenging environmental stresses, pollution, chemicals, chilling winds, harsh sunlight and so on. Today on The Amazing Blog we want to share with you some of our special natural face products and #amazingfinds for our Friday Favourites from Sea Magik, Face Halo, Inner Senses and Joji.

Let’s begin with Sea Magik, the world’s first line of mineral-infused spa skincare, which has its origins in Hungary. We recently wrote about their Pink Salt Shampoo and 3-Seaweed Scalp Mud here.

Another one of Sea Magik’s star products, is their 21 Mineral Mist, a refreshing water mist infused with 21 minerals from the Dead Sea. This Mist has 7 key minerals: Magnesium and bromide which have a calming and relaxing effect, potassium used to purify, sodium excellent hydrator, calcium which has anti-aging properties, iodine, ideal for detoxifying and sulphur used for soothing.  Quite a list! This is excellent for remineralising the skin and to awake the senses. You can use the mist over makeup for extra glow and hydration or simply spritz over the face and body as needed for soothing. On top of that, Sea Magik 21 Mineral Mist is 100% vegan, allergen and cruelty-free, free from dairy, gluten, GMOs, parabens, PEGS, petrochemicals, silicones, sulphates, and synthetic fragrance. Additionally, the packaging is recyclable, with plastic made from sugar cane and other sustainable materials.

We’ve loved using this mist during this summer and recommend storing it in the fridge for extra coolness! You’ll find it here for £8.95.

Moving on to the latest trend for reusable and recyclable make-up remover pads, we want to talk about Face Halo. We also like to recycle and reuse packaging wherever possible always in an attempt to save the planet, and so it’s great to see that the make-up industry are starting to do so too. One of the pioneering brands of this is Face Halo. Founded by Lizzy Pike in 2017, these reusable make-up remover pads make it quicker, easier and better to clean your face. Face Halo has redefined the way the world removes make-up by ticking all the boxes; effective, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient. We think these are great travel companions for girls on the go.

The pads are fibre-filled (100 times thinner than a human hair) to reach deep into your pores to remove all traces of make-up, Using water only, these pads remove makeup in half the time of any other traditional cleansing methods in just one step. Each Face Halo remover is dual-sided, and are able to be washed up to 200 times. Face Halo is a 2-in-1 problem solver; it saves the planet and quickly removes your makeup without making a mess. Wave goodbye to your environmentally unfriendly cotton wool pads and get a single reusable pad here for £7.00.

Talking of cleansing, let me introduce you to one of my favourite organic and holistic skincare brands Inner Senses. I’ve been curious to try their rather special Greenhouse Tomato and Carrot Seed Renewing Oil Cleanser. As regular readers will know we like our products to be natural with no nasties or artificial fragrances. This Renewing Oil Cleanser is all that with the added deliciousness of an aroma of ripe vine tomato, just heavenly! When I squirted a few drops in my hands, closed my eyes, inhaled and was magically transported back to my parents’ greenhouse.

Inner Senses was founded by the accomplished teacher, aromatherapist and author Lisa Basso. Lisa offers some of the finest organic botanical ingredients in her skincare and truly takes you on a journey of apothecary and tradition. As members of the Aromatherapy Council, you can also be assured of the purity of their ingredients. This Cleanser is not only 100% natural but 93% organic and packed full of lycopene (tomatoes), beta-carotene (carrots) and papaya enzyme, it is a nourishing cleanser. All you need to do is put 4-6 pumps of the oil onto your face, rubbing it in gently. Then take a warm wet face cloth and lightly wipe away your make-up and residue of the day. I’ve been using this morning and night and it has left my skin wonderfully soft, supple and clean.  To get your Tomato and Carrot seed Renewing Oil Cleanser in 100ml for £42 here. A little goes a long way, and I’m happy to report that this bottle has lasted me well over a month.

Lastly, we move on to Joji with their Hydrate Moisturiser. Joji is a small indie brand that was founded by Jo Mortensen with sustainability as her top priority. Their motto is: “We are natural without compromise.” Jo who confessed to being beauty obsessed, wanted to initiate a force for good in this sector. Therefore, all Joji products are organic, fair trade, cruelty-free with raw materials that strive for zero waste. We have featured their Frankincense and Sandalwood Oil Cleanser previously here.

Joji Hydrate Moisturiser contains only organic ingredients with patchouli, bergamot, black pepper, and lavender essential oils. The blend of these oils together with others from almonds, cocoa and thistle plants, provides your skin with a softening and rejuvenating effect. This number one selling moisturiser is ideal for all skin types and it sinks in perfectly in the skin. Do good and feel good by getting your Joji Hydrate Moisturiser here starting from £10.00.

Hopefully, these products have inspired you to not only take care of your face, but also the planet too. We think supporting brands, that support the environment should be a priority. Protect you face and wrap up warm for the weekend!

L’Erbolario - Albero di Giada, Jade Plant Perfume Mignon

Fragrance is definitely our thing at The Amazing Blog. We always try to find new scents that excite! We were thrilled to try a perfume from a new discovery brand for us L’Erbolario, which is intriguingly made from the jade plant blossom.

L’Erbolario was started in 1978 in Lodi in Italy and  was founded by Franco Bergamaschi and his wife Daniela Vila. Over the years, L’Erbolario has not lost its unique and original philosophy of respect, and nod towards nature combined with the latest technology and knowledge. L’Erbolario has also implemented its zero impact project with energy savings, short production chains and vegan recipes.

They have recently launched a new face and body collection: Albero di Giada, which is made from jade plant flowers and this Jade Plant Perfume Mignon is among them. The Jade Plant Perfume comes in an elegantly designed, slender jade green packaging. The perfume is a feminine fragrance with a floral and citrus scent.  It is made up of jade plant flowers with notes of bergamot, yellow rose, white tea, exotic verbena and amber.

It is a super fresh fragrance and smells like a mix of wild flowers, and different green plants with a hint of zest and sweetness combined with well-brewed green-tea. Neither of the scents overpower each other giving a really refreshing green fragrance.  We recommend spritzing and then waiting for a few minutes, for that subtle and unique floral scent to sweep over you. This is an all-year-round fragrance with its intoxicating botanical mix.

L’Erbolario Jade plant perfume has no animal ingredients or animal testing. It has been tested for seven metals, (nickel, lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, antimony and chromium) ensuring that it suitable for use even on the most sensitive skin. It is GMO free with recyclable paper packaging. We also like the 15ml bottle because of its versatility and can fit in any bag. The Jade Plant perfume 15ml is £18.50 or 30ml for £33.50. Purchase your Jade Plant Perfume Mignon here.

Mr Vanguard - Eau de Parfum

As expectations go, the grooming market for us boys was always going to be big, however exploding into the multi-billion dollar industry has thoroughly proved the doubters wrong. My colleagues at The Amazing Blog inform me that within that market, the growth of  male fragrances has been extraordinary - a glance along the shelves in any perfumier exemplifies the range available. The array of bottles and concoctions designed in a myriad of shapes, colours and textures which would not be out of place in an art gallery, scream out for our attention - and of course our hard earned cash.

So, it is something of a breath of freshly scented air that Mr Vanguard arrived in 2017 offering up a discreet, and yet highly individual fragrance to challenge the huge marketing budgets of the larger brands.  Founded by Emmanuel Omoyele he commented that he wanted to “Develop a new generation of fragrance, merging quality, innovation and style.” He was determined to create a debut scent that was distinctive and a brand that fed the psyche of the contemporary man. Thus, proving that success stems from the core certainty of a winning product, rather than the hype of a huge advertising campaign. And the groaning shelf of awards Mr Vanguard has been decorated with is proof positive that these guys have a true winner on their hands, being awarded Best New British Brand, in Pure Beauty Awards 2018.

The fragrance has top notes of bergamot, grapefruit and coconut, along with jasmine, lily of the valley and rose; we’re transported to the tropical climates of The Far East and The Caribbean, finishing with the base notes of amber, vanilla, cedar wood and patchouli. A complex mix, with several layers, but ultimately a fresh and clean scent that will not overpower. The bottle itself is a triumph of self-restraint - clean and clear glass, angular in shape, simple no nonsense masculinity. Currently only available online here and competitively priced at £64.99 for 50ml, this self-assured fragrance is fast garnering a wide and loyal following, with exciting plans to expand distribution and availability.

Essence of Harris – Huisinis and Losgaintir Glass Candles

One of our favourite things about the summertime at The Amazing Blog is being able to chill out under an umbrella at the coast. We love hearing the waves crash against the shore and feeling the sand between our toes. It can all feel so cosy and vibrant at the same time. Unfortunately, jetting off to our dessert island paradise for now will have to remain a bit of a dream; but, we can make our homes smell like one as Essence of Harris ’s candles offers us the perfect evocative aroma.

Essence of Harris was co-founded in 2015 by Deenie MacLeod, who was born and raised on the Isle of Harris located in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. The rugged landscape, golden beaches, and clear blue waters inspired MacLeod to partner with Jamie McGowan, a Glasgow native, to design candles and home fragrances. Their mission with Essence of Harris is so ‘everyone who visits the island can take away a small piece to cherish’.

We tried two of the five candles from the company’s Classic Collection inspired by the Isle’s beaches. The first was the Huisinis Glass Candle, which has a very evident sweet and citrusy scent. It’s bubbly, taking after notes of champagne, and has grapefruit, Brazilian orange, and pink pomelo. It also has hints of rhubarb adding to its tartness and watermelon packing freshness. We found this candle was perfect to light during the late morning and afternoon for an uplifting smell. The second one we tested was the Losgaintir Glass Candle. It has an exotic mix of fresh bergamot (green citrus fruit), orange, and amber, which give the candle tangy top notes that jump out at you. However, the scent has warmth due to its coconut, vanilla, and almond base notes. We recommend using this one in the late afternoon or during sunset to create a snug atmosphere before eating dinner.

The candles are hand poured on the island and made of 100 per cent ethically sourced soy wax and natural ingredients. While MacLeod’s hometown has enormously helped and influenced her, Essence of Harris is committed to supporting a sustainable community on the Isle. The brand is ‘consciously considering the environment, investing in the local community, and creating a prosperous local economy’. Each candle comes in a simple and sturdy yet elegant glass jar and should burn for approximately 30 hours.

When we typically think of island getaways, Scottish beaches are not at the top of our lists, but after smelling these candles, we’re ready to book a ticket on the next flight. You can bring the aroma to your own home by purchasing the Huisinis and Losgaintir Glass Candles (20cl) here, each for £12.95.

Heathcote & Ivory – Kaffe Fasset Body Wash and Lotion

For one day only, here at The Amazing Blog, our office has become an enchanted garden. Thanks to Heathcote & Ivory, the Kaffe Collection has filled the room with the heavenly scent of summer, perfect for a grey dreary day like today.

We adore everything about it. It's only October and the sky might be a bit dull but the fruity and flowery scent of this body wash let our minds travel to a colourful and happy place. It’s not usual to see a packaging like the Kaffe Fasset one; the floral pattern is literally a feast for your eyes. Bright and vivid colours cover the box and the bottle gives an idea of what's inside. The Body Wash contains a bouquet of Orange Blossom, Bergamot and Oleander mixed with Black Pepper and Cornflower, and will leave your skin soft as a rose without using parabens or sulfates.

The Kaffe Fasset Body Lotion is what you really need to keep smelling good until night and double the treatment. We couldn’t help but spreading it on hands and arms all day as the effects on the skin are astonishing. Heathcote & Ivory’s lotion - we like to call it a potion - doesn’t grease,  and is very light despite its deep hydrating action and absorbs quickly.
After a while, we also noticed the scent on our skin changes; crispy and almost salty as the sea at the beginning, it gets fruitier and more sweet after a while.

Dreaming of a private, secret garden? Buy Kaffe body wash and lotion for £12 here, where you can also find, from the same collection, hand cream and cute scented drawer liners for £10.