Setunea – Dead Sea Mud Body Wash & Honey Infusion Soap

Finding natural, clean and simple artisan soaps has been our recent mission at The Amazing Blog trying to declutter the bathroom and find good multitaskers. Today we’d like to introduce you to Setunea who use ingredients and methods dating back to the biblical times with their olive oil-based soaps and body washes. 

Founder of Setunea, Waleed Kamhieh was curious about how the market would receive sustainable, all-natural, and organic soaps. “Setunea was born out of an idea of introducing a centuries-old olive oil soap recipe to the modern consumer and try to meet the growing global demand for chemical-free organic products.” He decided to launch the brand at a Natural Products Global Exhibition in London during 2018. Seeing that their 100% chemical-free products were a hit, especially with people looking for sensitive skin-friendly products, they decided to carry on sharing the wonders of olive oil from Nablus, a city located between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal near the Dead Sea. This is where olive farming and manufacturing has been part of the local heritage for almost a millennium. All of Setunea’s products are sustainably farmed and manufactured, as the olive oil is directly sourced from family-run farms where products are handcrafted by a family business that has continuously produced olive oil soap since 1611. The pure extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil constitutes 80% of the soaps. This olive oil is packed with nutrients and super-antioxidants and the skin will never feel tight or dry after using a Setunea soap no matter how sensitive it is. And if it does, Setunea promises to refund you under 30 days. Best of all their products are vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without any other chemicals, and their packaging is made from recyclable paper-based materials.

Let’s start with the initial product that caught our eye their Dead Sea Mud Body Wash. A rare blend of Dead Sea mud and olive oil, this unique two-in-one cleanses and heals the skin. Dead Sea mud has been used for healing the skin since biblical times; it has an extraordinary calming result on highly sensitive and problem skin with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or keratitis. This minimalist formula has only four ingredients: Olive oil, food-grade lye (soda), water, and Dead Sea mud. The salt minerals work together here with the purest olive oil to gently cleanse the body restoring the skin’s PH balance and effectively hydrating and fortifying the dermis. If you have trouble coping with one of the skin conditions (mentioned above), we recommend this as your next go-to gentle body wash. This formula comes in a recyclable plastic 250ml bottle. It has slightly vanilla/nutty fragrance and is a translucent pale brown-olive greenish and lathers up well. To use, put a small amount on damp skin and massage in, then rinse off. We found that our skin felt cleansed and incredibly soft after use - its another one of our #amazingfinds. This gentle 2-in-1 is available for purchase at 250ml with a price of £9.00 here.

The next product that we tried is from their traditionally hand-crafted collection of Natural Olive Oil Soap. The Honey Infusion Soap bar is also clean in composition with simple ingredients of olive oil, honey, coconut oil, glycerin, food-grade lye (soda), and water.  The making these soaps are by a century’s old method, where the saponification process takes place in a large heated vat where the olive oil, lye and water are carefully combined for several hours before the mixture is laid out on a horizontal surface in a flat layer. Once the soap is hard enough, individual squares are marked out, hand-cut by an artisan who then expertly carves out each bar of soap. Finally, the soap bars are stacked in drying towers. Because this manufacturing process includes drying the soaps for five months, the bars do not reduce or turn to mush like industrial soap bars – so well worth the extra price point! This lightly honey-scented soap lathers nicely on the skin, leaving it smooth and thoroughly hydrated, even several hours after drying. Like the Dead Sea Mud Body wash, this Honey Infusion soap bar is excellent for dry, damaged, and sensitive skins. Note that being a soap with a clean formula, it can be used for the whole body: hair, hands, and body wash, just like the full range of Setunea’s Natural Olive Oil Soap bars. It is 100g wrapped in recyclable packaging, where you can purchase this highly nourishing soap for £5.00 here or a choice of their two full collections of six bars for £25 here.

Karmameju - HERO Age-Defence pH Solution 02

With the current cold weather, our skin at The Amazing Blog feels like it is continuously bombarded by external aggressors, plus with our regular use of disinfecting products and hand sanitisers doesn’t help! Bearing this in mind, we’ve been delving into highly active skincare to help protect our skin. This week, we had the opportunity to test out and learn about a rather unconventional product called HERO pH Solution 02 from Karmameju.

The Danish brand Karmameju is all about natural beauty, health and a positive attitude all of which means a great deal to its founder, Mette Skjærbæk. It is a brand based on results, quality, transparency - which we really appreciate - and respect for the human body, with a call for self-care. Her ten years spent in the fashion and beauty industries as a model, and ‘Bachelor of Science in natural health’ completed in New York, all inspired her to create her own skincare line in 1999. This is a brand based on natural ingredients but also provides tangible results, which she couldn’t find with other brands that she tried. A little over 20 years later, Karmameju carries a whole line of face, body, sun care, hair, fragrances and home spa accessories. For Mette, it’s key that her skincare products must act as ‘skin food’, nourishing skin with organic and highly active ingredients that can also be easily absorbed by the dermis. We’ve noticed that the brand is very candid about their ingredients and actives used, as well as their research process, which is quite refreshing! Karmameju uses natural plant extracts which act as efficient bio-actives combined with clinically proven high-performance dermatology approved ingredients. Thanks to smaller batches produced, the presence of preservatives, emulsifiers, and surfactants – which are still needed to stabilise a formula and help it perform – are greatly minimised. To ensure that the clients will have significatively visible effects using her products, they’re all tested in-vitro in their laboratories in Italy to measure effects like the moisture levels or collagen boosts are reached.

The HERO pH Solution 02  is a clear, serum-like liquid and a unique skincare product which they describe as, “an essential protective barrier and ‘a knight in shining armour’ for the skin’s immune system.” We’d define it as something of an ‘innovation in a bottle’! Acting as a ‘pH stabiliser’, it is an all-round product that can be used on the face, the body, or even the scalp. Most commonly it’s used as a serum, replacing the first step of a skincare routine after cleansing or showering; or for skin-boosts throughout the day. So how does it work? As its name suggests, the very few but powerful natural and dermatology actives work together to help your skin to achieve the perfect pH so that it not too alkaline (i.e. tending towards the maximal pH of 14), which leads to overly dry skin. Or acid (leaning towards the minimal pH of 0), which can activate uncontrolled sebum production and acne. Balanced skin thrives with a pH value of approximately 5, meaning that the skin pH is slightly acidic. Having the correct balance here not only keeps external bacteria, fungal infections, and free radicals (like pollution) at bay, but it also retains the necessary moisture, natural oils, bacterial flora, and enzymes. This ensures a healthy cell renewal process and overall wellbeing for the skin. Ingredients in HERO are: Aqua/water/eau, glycerin (vegetable), pentylene glycol (natural source), pectin, hydroxyacetophenone (found in Norwegian spruce trees) and citric acid. The glycerin will improve smoothness and suppleness and will swiftly increase hydration. Pentylene glycol is moisture-binding and antimicrobial. Pectin fights against changes to the skin structure associated with ageing.  The hydroxyacetophenone is a skin conditioning ingredient with a specific phenolic antioxidant capable of neutralising several different types of free radicals. Finally, the citric acid works by exfoliating the upper layer of dead skin cells to help clean pores, even skin tone.

Although we may not realise it, every day we inflict micro-aggressions to our hands, face, scalps, and body because simple things like washing up or taking a long hot shower can disrupt the acid balance. And that’s without mentioning the chlorine in the swimming pools, shampoos, face cleansers, or detergents! HERO used daily will ensure a rebalancing and stabilising action, where the pH instantly restores its natural protection. Suitable for all skin types, it is recommended for dry and sensitive skins prone to disorders like eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea to help treat redness and irritation. This clear and unscented formula is easy to use. Simply pump a few drops on a towel-dried scalp after washing, or a dry face, hands and body after cleansing, a long shower or washing up; gently massage into the area and leave it to absorb. We particularly liked using it for hands (drying from hand sanitiser) and on the face prior to applying our moisturiser or makeup. To purchase the HERO pH SOLUTION 02, see here bottle retails at €27.      

AnneMarie Skincare: Palo Santo Body Butter

We at The Amazing Blog know that taking care of the skin on the body is just as important as taking care of your face. Particularly in these cold winter months and for those with a propensity to dry or cracked skin. We found that looking for a rich, hydrating and natural body butter that performs can be a bit of mission. We’ve heard a lot of good things about the brand AnnMarie Skincare and their hero product Palo Santo Body Butter and could wait to put it to the test.

The story begins with AnnMarie and Kevin Gianni, who at the time in 2008 were both healthy living bloggers, set out on a trip through North and South America. They spent their journey looking for natural care products and sharing them with their viewers on their YouTube channel, The Renegade Health Show.  After multiple viewers asked Annmarie what products she used, like many people, she realised they weren’t as clean and green as she wanted. While trying to find cleaner and greener products, she found nothing that was to her standards. AnnMarie randomly found a company after visiting a small spa in Patagonia, Arizona, United States. She contacted the brand founder Bunnie a herbalist and chemist, on working together on a collaboration for a natural skincare line and sell it on a bigger scale rather than just at the spa. In 2009, AnnMarie Skincare launched in collaboration with Bunnie and the brands has gone on from strength to strength winning awards and gaining global recognition. Their artisan products are non-GMO, cruelty-free, wildcrafted and contain organic ingredients wherever possible; these all come about through their 3-step process. In their first step, they choose their organic and wildcrafted ingredients and audit them to ensure purity. Their step two is infusing herbs into aloe vera and skin-nourishing oils for up to 30 days to create a base. The third and final step is to carefully craft products using numerous other natural ingredients such as oils, plant extracts.

In these uncertain times with lockdown, we think giving skin a little self-love and care is much needed. The Palo Santo Body Butter is a truly luxurious body treatment. It is formulated specifically to get the skin hydrated and healthy. This Body Butter includes key ingredients of shea butter and fair-trade cocoa butter which are both known to give the skin great hydration. The shea butter not only hydrates but helps the fight against ageing and soothes sensitive skin. The cocoa butter includes fatty acids which help tighten the skin’s appearance, with antioxidants that protect the skin's surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors and give this butter its subtle chocolatey aroma. There is jojoba packed with vitamins such as E and B, and ideal for sensitive skin.  Kukui nut is for soothing and softening without leaving a greasy film and is beneficial for eczema and psoriasis. Whereas the macadamia reduces the appearance of ageing and has manganese, an essential mineral required for collagen production. The four essential oils here are cardamon, palo santo, vetiver and nutmeg. The cardamon is full of vitamin C improving the tone and texture of the skin and is a great antioxidant. The palo santo, which the product is named after, is an essential oil that has calming effects for the body and soul, it is a rare oil extracted from trees in Ecuador. It has a unique fragrance and is often used in ‘smudging’ rituals to clear and calm a room. The vetiver and nutmeg warm the skin and adds to the scent. The fragrance is unusual we could pick out the cocoa butter and vetiver and nutmeg in particular, what we loved was the performance. It is rich and luxurious as it says, but also long-lasting. When applied in the morning we found it kept skin soft throughout day and night, shielding and protecting and was still evident on the skin when showering the following morning. It is expensive but as we often say, a little goes a long way and this 200ml tub will last a good month or so. The Palo Santo Body Butter was sent to us by UK online retailer Live in the Light. They believe that products you put on your body have an impact on your health. All the products that they stock are natural, organic and chemical-free, you can purchase the Palo Santo Body Butter here for £69.50.

Marc Inbane - Perle de Soleil

It’s November, the leaves are turning glorious hues of bronze, red and orange. However, our skin at The Amazing Blog has that grey ‘city pallor’ and is much in need of some help to get back its healthy summer glow. We were thrilled to receive some ‘sun beads’ from one of our favourite award-winning tanning brands Marc Inbane, where these ‘Perle de Soleil’ are easy to incorporate into our everyday skincare regime adding a golden shimmer to the complexion.

Marc Inbane was founded in 2012 in the Netherlands by a trio whose names  INgo, BArt and NEle form a portmanteau to cleverly become the brand name ‘INBANE’.  Marc Inbane is a tanning brand that we first introduced with their traveling set here and is a brand that we have kept a steady eye on as they grow. They have created a safe premium tanning brand that has innovative formulas that allows the consumer to achieve a healthy and natural-looking glow all-year-round. Their products are suitable for all skin types and tones; they’re vegan, cruelty-free and don’t contain any parabens, silicones or sulphates. And most importantly, dermatologically tested and EU compliant. Their products are award-winning and now retailed in over 40 countries, they’re also used by leading make-up artists and recommended by dermatologists.

Perle de Soleil was launched in 2018 and has been developed based on a four-fold tanning technology that uses an airless drop dosage system.  This particular award-winning unisex product is probably the easiest self-tanning product that we have tried in ages, as it integrates seamlessly into daily skincare. All you need to do to achieve that lost summer glow is mix a few drops of Perle de Soleil with your day cream. The convenient ‘one drop’ applicator allows you to create that custom sun-kissed look with the intensity that you want. The brand suggests using 2 to 3 drops to subtly enhance skin colour, or 4-5 drops to create a medium tan and 5+ drops if you are going for a full-on sun-drenched look. You can also progressively increase the number of drops if you want to give the illusion this winter of returning from the sunny ski slopes. The product is quick and takes about 3 hours to work its magic, lasting up to 3 or 4 days, giving the skin a natural look. After this, you can shower, sleep, go out in the sun, (with an SPF of course, perhaps mixed with these drops?)  Two quick reminders: (1) Don’t forget to exfoliate your skin before using a self-tanning product to prepare the skin and rid it of those pesky dead skin cells to leave the skin a silky smooth blank canvas. (2) Wash your hands after applying or you’ll end up with orange palms! The product comes in a sealed airless sleek 15ml black tube which allows for a long shelf life without preservatives. We recommend including this in your next beauty shopping list, where you can purchase it here for € 34.95. it’s another one of our #amazingfinds as it’s cost-effective and lasts up to an astonishing four months, which in our view is excellent value.

KAYO - Detox Mask to Scrub

Everybody needs a little self-love after the past year of Covid disruption. So here at The Amazing Blog we’re looking again at more home-spa products as we enter, yet again, another lockdown here in the UK.  Today we are featuring The Kayo Detox Mask to Scrub, which helps the body to detox and start afresh.

Founder Christine Bullock believes in the idea that taking care of your skin should not stop at your chin. She knows first-hand about taking care of the skin as a renowned fitness expert; Bullock saw the skin on her body ageing faster than the skin on her face! She scoured the internet to find consumer beauty products specifically created for ‘rejuvenating the body’ but drew a blank. This propelled her on her journey to design a skincare regime specifically formulated for the body as a solution-based range and two years later, she launched KAYO Body Care. Bullock commented: “The skin on your body is just as important as the skin on your face. Yet, the industry does not treat it as such. The goal with KAYO Body Care is to change this complacent way of thinking about skin and body care. Our skin is our largest organ. Keeping it healthy not just from the inside out but the outside in is vital for overall health." These products are face grade ingredients but for the body and are made in small batches at a family-owned and run lab. All products are cruelty-free using only clean and effective ingredients that revitalise the skin and help to fight against damaging elements such as pollution and UV rays.

The KAYO Detox Mask to Scrub they describe as an ‘all-in-one’ product. However, we think it is more of a ‘two-in-one’ product; It provides not only a mask but also an exfoliant scrub for the whole body which is suitable for all skin types. The mask gives hydration, by locking in the skin’s natural moisture. In contrast, the scrub washes away dirt, pollutants and toxins that contribute to many skin issues.  They also call it a ‘Face Grade Body Care®’ and it’s certainly a first for us to try. By using this Detox Mask to Scrub, it will help to give a healthy, smoother and more glowy skin and comes in a sleek bathroom-friendly 70g white plastic tub with a gold accent screw-on lid. It has a slightly fruity fragrance with key ingredients such as bamboo charcoal, which clears pores helping remove impurities such as chemicals and dirt. This works together with the kaolin clay which also gently cleanses and balances the body oils; absorbing impurities by purifying and detoxifying, plus soothing sensitive and irritable skin. The volcanic pumice here acts as the exfoliant by buffing away the dead skin. Whereas the aloe vera juice, coconut and avocado oils, and shea butter all come together to hydrate the skin. We found it easy to apply, massaging it into damp skin, then leaving it on for up to five minutes, followed by either soaking off in the bath or rinsing away in the shower.  It gets thet thumbs up from us as it left our body feel clean and energised - ready to take on the day! To purchase your KAYO Detox Mask to Scrub at $54 see here.