Codex Beauty – Bia Skin Superfood

Here at The Amazing Blog we’re always on the search for new and innovative products, particularly ones that will hopefully live up to our high expectations! One of our recent #amazingfinds is the Irish brand Codex Beauty, which has a collection of organic skincare that combines both science and nature.

Created by Irish herbal scientist, Tracey Ryan, who has combined Irish botanicals free from harmful chemicals with her latest cutting edge scientific technology. With Ireland’s small population and low level of pollution, a little known fact is that it has the highest proportion of natural vegetation in Europe, where plants grow rich and robust ready to use in Codex’s ingredients. What impressed us is that Codex are mindful of sustainability as well as what materials they use with their COSMOS-certified formulas.  So it’s good to know that their tubes made from plant-based polyethylene  (PE) materials; paper is sourced from sustainably managed forests for their cartons, which have renewable fibre certified by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Knowing all this, we were excited to try their hero product Bia Skin Superfood. This organic plant-based product that has undergone pharmaceutical grade processing made with their BiaComplex™ and has already been through lots of efficiency trials too. Bia Skin Superfood is recommended for face, hands and body cream targets dry, flakey or any area which has irritation. Key ingredients are calendula and immortelle botanicals which both have incredible anti-inflammatory properties to help firm, soothe and protect the gentle layer of skin. The other ingredients are marshmallow, heart’s ease and comfrey which moisturise, offer protection and help to rejuvenate the dermis.

Unusually fragranced with the herbaceous immortelle (a subtly sweet and honey-like fragrance) what we particularly like is that this cream is gentle enough to be used on skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema psoriasis or sunburn. So, if you’re travelling and only have room for one cream – make it this one,  at 75ml it will fit snuggly into your clear plastic bag for carry-on.  It’s also vegan and cruelty-free cream comes in an elegant green tube at the retail price of £48 here.

Matis - Réponse Jeunesse MatiSCity Anti-Pollution Hydrating Cream

As we have mentioned in previous posts, the skin is the largest organ of the body, therefore living in a polluted city, we feel a particular need to take care of it! That is why at The Amazing Blog were interested to try the new anti-pollution face cream from one of our favourite salon brands Matis. The Matis Réponse Jeunesse MatiSCity is their latest launch addressing both pollution and hydration. It’s a product bringing together both their scientific finds together with the latest technology for a protective almost shield-like face cream.  The French brand Matis may ring a few bells with regular readers, as we have previously reviewed a few products see here.

Matis is a pedigree French brand, that has been successfully sharing its professional French skincare solutions for more than 80 years. Based in Paris, its team develops tailored-skincare products based on the scientific advances in medicine, molecular and cellular biology in order to address skin solutions. Emphasis is always made on its ingredients, combining specialised actives like hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C; together with naturally-derived ones like aloe vera, tea tree and rose stem cells.

In the range, Reponse Jeunesse, has been specifically formulated for all skin types and as anti-ageing for those who are 25+ years old. The Matis Reponse Jeunesse MatiSCity Anti-Pollution Hydrating Cream is for face and neck it offers the skin a protective barrier against exposure to toxic air particles. This is a gel-like cream that blocks and limits the adhesion of polluted particles; it is enriched with ingredients like cranberry extract which is full of vitamin C and polyphenols and takes on the role of an antioxidant; as well as aquaregul which is a mixture of the potassium salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and an aqueous extract of Mexican cactus stems, it has both short and long term moisturiser qualities that stimulates water penetration into the skin cells

We suggest applying MatisCity to your skin on a cleansed skin both mornings and evenings. They also recommend using this in tandem with one of their Reponse Jeunesse Serums for the best results.  Want to give your face more city protection? Then see here to get your 50ml pot of Matis Reponse Jeunesse Matis City anti-pollution hydrating cream for £62.20.

La Sultane de Saba – Hammam Rituals Kit

Here at The Amazing Blog, we try to make time for relaxation - this is one of your top priorities; and recently we've been taking this routine to the next level, thanks to the luxurious spa brand La Sultane de Saba. This natural artisan French spa brand has established itself as spa and wellness experts, bringing unique globally inspired treatments to their 4 Parisian flagship spas and also to over 2,500 international spas. They pride themselves on developing products from the proven beauty traditions of past generations. Their products and treatments work on a holistic level and they understand how important it is for us all to find time for relaxation and downtime in our busy modern schedules. This amazing Moroccan inspired Hammam Rituals Kit is a home spa treatment and it's certainly helped us to let our stresses and strains fade away...

The Hammam Ritual Kit comes in an elegantly designed rich brown zippered pouch, it contains natural Rassoul Lava Clay, Black Soap, Shea Butter, a Kessa Glove and a spatula. The three products provide your hair, body and face with a variety of benefits that we'll go into more detail about below. You can use the included Kessa Glove with any of these three products to give skin a deep scrub that gets rid of dead skin cells. The included spatula allows you to use every last bit of these products.

First, we have the Rassoul Lava Clay which can be used on hair, body and face.  When applied to the hair this formula works to add volume and reduce oil. When used on the skin this spread is highly cleansing and works wonders for those with back acne. The star ingredients in this treatment are lava clay, rose and salicylic acid. The lava clay comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and works to purify. The rose works to calm, sooth and tone. The Salicylic Acid helps to improve cellular growth, create a more even skin texture, and is highly cleansing.

Next, we have the Black Soap which is a face and body cleanser for all skin types. The soap cleanser contains organic black and green olives, eucalyptus and olive fruit oil.  The organic black and green olives work together to hydrate skin, leaving a refreshed feeling. The eucalyptus provides an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and decongesting effect.  And lastly, the olive fruit oil helps to regenerate and replenish skin. This Black Soap has made a great addition to our shower routine.  

Last but certainly not least, we have the Shea Butter. This body butter contains Shea which is nourishing, balancing, and healing. Shea naturally contains vitamins A, E & F providing skin with a variety of health benefits. The added orange blossom provides skin with a calm, soothing effect. In addition to being a body butter (which is our favourite use for the product), this product can be used to prevent/reduce stretch marks, fix chapped lips, as a moisturiser, massage balm or even as a hair mask.  You can purchase the Hammam Rituals Kit here for £52.95. We would also like to mention that The Spa at Dolphin Square in London uses La Sultane de Saba products, so if you are looking for an authentic full-on Hammam experience, we recommend booking in here.

AG Skin Repair: Regenerative Serum & Anti-Ageing Collagen Serum

As our readers will know, we at The Amazing Blog are always on the lookout for new skincare brands. Having recently gone from freezing snow to milder conditions, in a matter of a few days, we need skincare products that offer both protection and healing for our delicate complexions. So when we found AG Skin Repair from California, whose products contain patented Silver chitosan and moisturising formulations, we knew we were in safe hands. AG Skin Repair currently produces five targeted skincare products: After Sun Lotion, Anti-Fatigue Serum, Tattoo Serum, Regenerative Serum and Anti-Ageing Collagen Serum; the latter two we have reviewed for you here today.

The Regenerative Serum is a moisturising formulation to help firm, heal and soothe skin. The product creates a protective barrier on the skin and promotes healing for UV damage. This serum helps to reverse environmental damage to skin and soften the appearance of scars old and new. The product contains EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) Chitosan (Poly-D-Glucosamine) which promotes rehydration of the skin and helps achieve a more youthful appearance. The patented technology incorporated in all the AG Skin Repair products is a technique whereby silver in the atomic form is bonded directly to a chitosan polymer chain. This produces a chitosan polymer film with a layer of silver literally a single atom thick, which helps prevent bacterial skin infections and creates a protective barrier on the skin. It’s safe to say that were obsessed with this product and can’t wait for the results progress!

We were also lucky enough to receive the Anti-Ageing Collagen Serum. The benefits of this product echo the Regenerative Serum, but with added collagen for a beautiful anti-ageing effect. The serum regenerates surface skin cells to create a smoother, firmer and more youthful skin. What we particularly liked about this serum as primer for our foundation, it gave our skin texture as smooth as silk. Our Executive Editor took this product with her on her travels to hot and dusty climes. She was impressed with how it performed not only protecting her skin from the harsh environment but also rapidly rehydrated her skin at the end of the day.

Both serums are designed and formulated to naturally accelerate the skin renewal process. They provide the damaged skin cells with a structure upon which new skin cells can grow onto and form healthy, regenerated skin. Tempted? You can purchase the Regenerative Serum here for £25 and the Anti-Ageing Collagen Serum here for £40.

Dry Matt Clay by Milano Barbers

Perfect hair isn't just for women, am I right guys? The Amazing Blog believes that no matter what gender you are, gorgeous locks are your right. So let us tell you about a product that we can't live without, which is the Dry Matt Clay from Milano Barbers. The brand has used their expertise as professional barbers to create salon quality grooming products to help you create an enviable everyday look while protecting your hair.

The Dry Matt Clay is a styling product that will help you create any look. Whether style you favour, whether it is a classic, audacious or vintage hairstyle, this clay will make your vision come to life. Formulated with an innovative wax that moisturises and stimulates the hair, the product is designed to give exceptional hold to the hair while improving hair condition.  The clay adds texture, definition and movement and lasts all day long. The light consistency helps make it easier to apply but also leaves hair looking instantly thicker and more defined. It is non-greasy and dries to a natural matte finish. Designed for men the Dry Matt Clay is a grooming essential for the modern man. 

You can purchase the Dry Matt Clay here for £16.00.