L’abeille : Hyaluron-3 Hydration Essence

Some days, our erratic British weather feels like it’s constantly drying out our skin. So, at The Amazing Blog, we're always on the lookout for a serum that will help with skin hydration and luminosity. And today, this is another of our #amazingfinds with the award-winning Hyaluron-3 Hydration Essence by the South African beauty brand L’abeille, which collected an Editor’s Choice, and we were lucky enough to judge for the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards.

Karen Potgieter officially founded the South African brand L'abeille in 2017. Her first foray into the world of skincare began with her first range Bee Pure in 2013. However, four years later, Karen decided that she wanted to produce a more high-performance natural skincare line to work on a cellular level and with more scientifically proven claims. After lots of research and studying, she created L'abeille. Karen told Formula Botanica, "I am very fortunate to have a well-equipped lab on the farm in South Africa, and am able to work from home. It all started after our first honey harvest. I started researching all the amazing benefits of honey & the use of beeswax in skincare." Being of French descent, Karen decided to combine her love for both Africa and France. The brand uses high-performance actives found in African oils, some botanicals harvested from the coast of Brittany, France. The honey and floral extracts in L'abeille come from her bee colonies on the farm. These colonies are vital to sustaining their flowers. This is also why they chose the name L'abeille which translates to "the bee" in French, and the brand has a clean beauty ethos. "From our raw material sourcing to the production lines, we are committed to providing luxury skincare of unparalleled excellence and revolutionary results. Our ingredients are carefully selected locally and abroad from trusted and honest suppliers." L'abeille uses quality ingredients that are sustainably sourced, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free. The brand also promises full transparency between the company and the customer. It includes bio-based/bio-available and bio/nature-identical ingredients to optimise skincare benefits without compromising on their ethos. With a constant commitment to research and development, all products are scientifically engineered and this is where they aim to stay at the forefront of the clean beauty movement. . Their packaging is in Miron glass, the violet glass is an excellent all-natural, high-vibrational frequency container that can preserve and protect from UV damage and enhance the quality of ingredients. The brand is no stranger to winning awards, see here.

We loved using this Hyaluron-3 Hydration Essence; it’s made with three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA (hence the name). These enhance hydration and make skin appear firm and plump. The key ingredients here are pentylene glycol, polysiphonia elongata microalgae extracts, niacinamide and ectoin. These combined to help to significantly improve the skin's quality, density and dullness for smoother, brighter, and more luminous skin.

Let’s look at those key ingredients; hyaluronic acid, as well all know, has many skin benefits. It's excellent for skin hydration as it locks moisture into your skin. The sodium PCA, in essence, has humectant properties. This attracts moisture from the air and retains moisture in the skin. Sodium PCA also has anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and skin protectant properties. The pentylene glycol is sourced from sugarcane and corn and is a by-product. It’s also known for its hydrating properties and solvent to aid penetration of other ingredients, helps improve the formula’s texture and is a mild preservative. The polysiphonia elongata microalgae extracts claim to help with ageing signs such as fine lines or wrinkles. This red species of microalgae extract improves and brightens the complexion, aiding in hydration whilst revitalising and toning. What interested us is that these algae in vitro studies show an extraordinary collagen increase of up to 35%! It’s full of essential vitamins and antioxidants that protect skin and repair previous damage, protecting the skin against harmful free radicals. The ectoin is an active cell protector (against pollution). It’s hailed as a revolutionary nourishing ingredient with a patented cell protection booster that protects skin from environmental stressors and photo-ageing, which is done by binding molecules and forming hydration shells around skin cells. Niacinamide is (AKA vitamin B3) along with being one of the best ingredients for anti-ageing, niacinamide has lots of other skin benefits. Vitamin B3 is known for helping with fading hyperpigmentation. Because it also produces ceramides and elastin, this ingredient also helps strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier. This allows it to fight against free radicals that cause DNA damage from everyday pollutants. Lastly, niacinamide is safe for all skin types, including those who have a sensitive skin.

Other ingredients present are jojoba seed oil, vanilla planifolia, lavender and jasmine oil. Vanilla planifolia fruit, commonly referred to as vanilla bean, is a source of catechins (also known as polyphenols), which have antioxidant activity and serve as skin-soothing agents. Lavender oil moisturises and is non-comedogenic for pores, and is skin calming. It also has antibacterial properties meaning it kills harmful bacteria that might infiltrate the pores. Jasmine oil has strong moisturising properties and is full of antioxidants and actives that help to stimulate cellular regeneration.

The Hyaluron-3 Hydration Essence has a viscous texture, a cross between a liquid and gel; it’s been created to help make the complexion brighter, smoother, and more luminous. We loved using this as a first skincare step, using it on the face, neck, and décolleté. A huge bonus is that it’s safe and gentle enough to use around the eye area and really helps to plump out fine lines. L'Abeille recommends using the products before applying heavier serums and creams; we used it alone, day and night, and also with our regular moisturiser. It has the subtlest natural fragrance, so it won’t conflict if you use it in conjunction with other skincare products. It’s always of interest to us when a brand has cutting-edge formulas where science meets nature, and L’abeille certainly has this! We loved the performance of this serum, and would heartily recommend this to anyone looking for an excellent newt skin-boosting serum. To purchase the 50ml Hyaluron-3 Hydration Essence, for R1290 (which is approximately £63.68), see here. 

Dr Jackson's : 05 Face & Eye Essence

Following on with more of our Beauty Shortlist Winners, here is a brand that has won no less than six awards this year, with some of the highest accolades given which include ‘Best Blue Beauty Brand” and “Best Vegan Skincare UK”. We are talking about Dr Jackson's a British beauty and well-being brand that prides itself on being clean, organic, gender-neutral and fragrance-free. Today we are featuring one of our favourites, which was awarded “Best Product of Tired Eyes/Signs of Fatigue” their 05 Face & Eye Essence.

Dr Jackson's was founded in 2008 by the PhD pharmacy in pharmacognosy Simon Jackson. However, the history of the company dates back a few decades. Even as a child, Simon was always intrigued by the power of nature and took an interest in native plants used by indigenous tribes in Amazon, Indonesia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Simon relates how a particular fruit drew his fascination and how it was sparked an idea to create his skincare. It was the Kigelia or "sausage-tree", traditionally, this fruit is used topically for its anti-microbial properties, which help reduce symptoms associated with eczema and skin irritation. Dr Jackson related in a past interview that, "95% of the world's population use natural products or plants as a primary healthcare, so for me, it is a real inspiration as to why people use natural products as a medicine." With his extensive botanical knowledge, a range of incredible plant-powered, vegan, sustainable skincare, and organic herbal teas, were born. Dr Simon Jackson is currently the CSO and co-founder of Modern Botany skincare.

Today the company is led by Kristijana Durakic, a scientific officer. She is a biological sciences, pharmacy, and biomedicine professional who oversees a team of scientists and formulation experts. Under her leadership, Dr Jackson's stays true to its roots and offers clinically tested and sustainable products with reduced waste that minimises its carbon footprint where it is “led by science, inspired by nature.” The packaging of the products is always eco, simple plastic-free, and in recyclable 100% compostable cardboard boxes. Additionally, Dr Jackson's is a member of 1% for the Planet, a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to ensure that the earth and future generations thrive. One of the key ingredients that the brand uses is Baobab. They now have an alliance with the Baobab Foundation to support their educational programmes and Baobab Wilding Campaign, planting young Baobab trees and protecting them from external threats. The brand considers itself gender-neutral and inclusive, as its products are designed for everyone regardless of their age, gender, or skin type. 

The 05 Face & Eye Essence is a firm favourite with us as a hydrating and toning gel, particularly for the contour area of the eyes. The four key ingredients are damask rose flower water, bitter orange flower water, chamomile flower oil and baobab seed oil.

The damask rose flower water restores, tones and calms leaving a soft mood-boosting fragrance. The bitter orange flower water is excellent for relieving stress and boosting energy, and is full of vitamin A and phosphorus, known to tighten large pores and even out skin tone - it leaves skin clear and radiant. The chamomile flower oil is ideal for sensitive skin as an antipruritic and anti-inflammatory it neutralises any irritation. The baobab seed oil strengthens and moisturises thanks to its vitamins C, B, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium; and as the brand says, “The fruit has six times as much vitamin C as an orange, is a plentiful source of antioxidants and it combats skin ageing by improving skin firmness and strength by boosting the elastic quality of the skin and encouraging cell regeneration”. 

There’s aloe leaf juice which hydrates and soothes and is enriched in vitamins and antioxidants, to help prevent premature signs of ageing. Finally, the marula seed oil is a nod to the brand's origins and is one of the most popular skincare oils in sub-Saharan Africa, Packed with vitamins C and E, as well as a lesser-known antioxidant phytochemical epicatechin which helps to stave off the free radicals caused by exposure to UV rays or pollution.

This Face & Eye Essence is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skins. It is a multi-purpose product that can be used to reduce puffiness or applied as a primer. It’s a little gem that will be your new best ally for soothing tired eyes after a bad night's sleep or for cooling the skin after sunburn. It comes in a glass jar that can be recycled or reused and has a small spatula for application to avoid any contamination. Apply night and day and gently tap the gel around the eye area. A little goes a long way, as it’s highly concentrated in actives, let the skin absorb the gel for a few minutes, before applying makeup. Our top tip is to store it in the fridge before using it - as cool, it’s absolute heaven on tired eyes! This is another of our #amazingfinds, one we repeated buy, and can’t live without. See here to purchase the 50ml 05 Face & Eye Essence for £60.

Honey Heaven : Green Therapy - Firming Anti-Cellulite Body Butter

Our latest CBD discovery at The Amazing Blog is the British brand Honey Heaven's Green Therapy CBD skincare - we tested this Editor’s Choice award-winning Firming Anti-Cellulite Body Butter which we judged on The 2022 Beauty Shortlist’s Wellbeing Awards.

Honey Heaven was founded in 2015 by siblings Silvia and Robert Mocsari. Inspired by their childhood in Hungary, they were keen to share the benefits of local premium organic and unpasteurised honey from their homeland. This is where they have combined their knowledge of medicinal botanicals to produce a range of honey, honey wines and teas with unique recipes passed down through the generations. They have since expanded their range to include CBD products, sourcing their full-spectrum organic CBD virgin hemp supercritical C02 extract from Switzerland, boosted with pure CBD distillate. Honey Heaven's edible products are ethically sourced, 100% natural and organic and made in the UK and do not contain any artificial colours, preservatives, flavourings, sweeteners. The company's motto is, "Nature's choice for a healthier life!"

The Green Therapy CBD Cosmetics range was developed by Silvia in 2020, “I developed our Green Therapy CBD cosmetic range because for a long time I had been searching for a natural anti-ageing product that contained different botanical oils and hyaluronic acid, that could prevent the signs of ageing but moisturise as well. I couldn’t find one and so decided to make my own.” Silvia quickly pointed out that this natural skincare range doesn’t contain their signature organic honey. However, it’s vegan with the exception of the CBD balm, which has beeswax, to thicken the balm and enhance the CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects. It also ensures a non-greasy consistency. Suitable for all skin types, Green Therapy uses a unique blend of herbal oils and CBD to nourish and hydrate the skin.

The Firming Anti-Cellulite Body Butter is one of Honey Heaven's most popular CBD body care products. As a body butter, it’s designed to protect the skin and restore freshness and elasticity. It also has the added benefit of helping to diminish the appearance of cellulite. We particularly liked how it super-hydrated our skin, leaving it soft and supple, and has ingredients that are designed to work together to keep skin looking smooth.

One of the product's key ingredients is Cannabidiol (CBD oil), which as we all know, has numerous health benefits for the skin as it is rich in antioxidants and has many anti-inflammatory properties. Here there is 750mg full-spectrum distillate. CBD oil is believed to help prevent skin ageing because it contains fatty acids, minerals and is full of rich nutrients that all have strong moisturising abilities to pump up the skin. Plus, there is hemp seed oil (which doesn’t contain any CBD), which is rich in nutrients, fatty acids, and valuable bioactive compounds that keep the skin moisturised.

There is shea butter and caprylic/ capric triglyceride, all high in fatty acid content making them an excellent natural emollient and humectant, to lock in moisture. There’s also sunflower seed, and coconut oil, full of skin-calming antioxidants to soften and soothe skin. Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidant polyphenols which aid blood flow to the skin and slow skin ageing by protecting against damage from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Silvia told us, “With this body butter, I was amazed at the results. I loved not only the texture and feel of the product but also the light natural fragrance and colour thanks to the tamanu, sea buckthorn, moringa and the CBD oil we use. I knew I had created something special.” Apart from the fragrance, the tamanu seed oil, sea buckthorn and moringa all have lots of other benefits. The tamanu seed oil helps with the production of collagen and has wound-healing abilities, that can help reduce any scarring. Tamanu oil is also often used to heal sunburns and minor burns. The sea buckthorn helps revive skin cells and smooth any bumpy appearance on the skin and is known as a high-powered anti-ageing defence ingredient. And the Moringa seed oil has vitamin A and C, these compounds have powerful anti-ageing and inflammatory effects, and work to protect skin cells from environmental stresses, such as UV radiation.

Finally, the other two actives here are aloe vera for cooling and soothing and rosehip oil full of emollient properties. Rosehip, like moringa, is full of vitamins A and C to reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin, and also protects it against sun and pollution-induced oxidative stress.

We found that this body butter had exceptional long-lasting and super-hydrating qualities, it kept our skin moisturised and soft - even during the harsh winter months. However, to see the effects of reduced cellulite, we think this need to be used in conjunction with a regular exercise routine. This is something worth remembering, as no cream will ever work to remove cellulite on its own. Cellulite is a build-up of fat under the dermis combined with the weakening of the connective tissue, which in turn creates an orange peel ripple look on the body. It is a harmless and natural condition that affects about 9 out of 10 women - and believe it or not, even some men. And if you’re like us, you’ll probably need to be more disciplined on the diet and exercise front together with using this body butter in order to see any results. Cellulite aside, It’s a wonderful body butter and one we’d order more of, making it another of our #amazingfinds. To purchase Honey Heaven's 150ml Green Therapy Firming Anti-Cellulite Body Butter for £28, see here.

Founder's Formula : Macadamia Omega-7 Cleansing Oil

We were thrilled to see one of our favourite Australian skincare brands Founder's Formula as a 2022 Beauty Shortlist Editor’s Choice winner, and this time, it’s with their Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil which the brand very kindly sent us a while back to try on The Amazing Blog. That’s why today we thought we’d feature their cleansing oil, and tell you a little bit more about it.

Anthropologist Dr. Annie Holden founded Founder's Formula in March 2021. Annie Holden studied Australian botanicals and discovered how effectively they could be used in skincare. Australia contains over 70% of the world's most unique plants. And many of these plants are high in various nutrients, which have many benefits for the skin. Australian botanicals contain many active, potent ingredients which have proven to be very beneficial in skincare. Founder's Formula is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly brand, as all products are clinically clean, and ingredients are from organic suppliers and wildly harvested when possible. All the formulas are vegan and use minimal natural and organic ingredients, which are mainly locally sourced. To see our other reviews of Founder’s Formula see here.

The Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil is an excellent cleanser, and as an oil-based cleanser, it’s unique from other types of cleansers, such as foam cleansers or bars. Oil-based cleaners are particularly effective at removing dirt or makeup from the skin because they sink deep and can dissolve any excess oils in the skin. Therefore, they are typically thought to be more effective than foam cleansers or bars, as they’re very gentle and don’t strip the skin or cause breakouts as they contain very soothing ingredients, which don’t irritate the eyes or skin.

The product has six nourishing ingredients which protect the skin, boost collagen and elastin synthesis, and improve micro-circulation. The first and star ingredient is organic macadamia seed oil, (also known as Queensland nut tree or maroochy nut) which has ample benefits and is very high in omega 7, which is often referred to as the 'beauty omega.' omega 7 increases the synthesis of elastin and collagen. It restores the skin's omega balance, protecting skin cells and supporting cellular health. Macadamia is also rich in squalene which helps in cell regeneration. It also contains phytosterols that protect the skin, and are filled with fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. There is also organic jojoba seed oil which gives the product its soothing and antioxidant properties. The peg-20 glyceryl isostearate is a mild cleansing agent, but it also contains many soothing properties, it’s considered a very safe ingredient in skincare products and has undergone an extensive toxicology review, see here. The organic avocado oil and hemp seed oil are vital sources of skin-replenishing fatty acids and an excellent source of amino acids, and vitamin E. Talking of vitamin E there’s tocopherol, an antioxidant form of vitamin E, which helps maintain healthy skin. Finally, there’s the organic Australian sandalwood seed oil, which here is used as a fragrance but can also have antibiotic properties. 

This Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil works well for all skin types including sensitive ones. Founder Annie Holden says it’s her favourite product, "I live at the beach and slather myself in sunblock every day, so I wanted to create a rich, organic, nourishing cleansing oil that would remove every skerrick of sunblock clean away but not strip my skin. I love all my products, but that is my favourite." We found that this oil cleanser thoroughly cleansed away city pollution, as well as any stubborn residue of makeup. Plus, as we use 50+ SPF all year round - it ensures it’s fully removed at night as it can lead to clogged pores and increment in the production of sebum, and none of us want more spots! With the few natural and organic ingredients here, there are ample benefits of using an oil-based cleanser, and we think that this Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil is an excellent addition to anyone's skincare routine and another one of our #amazingfinds. To purchase 150 ml for 59 dollars or 250 ml for 85 dollars, AND to get a 10% discount please click here expiring 30 June 2022, Adding code AMAZING at check out, valid one per customer.

Skin Creamery : Basil, Baobab, Cypress,Marjoram Shower Oil

For us, at The Amazing Blog, there’s no better way to start the day than with a powerful and refreshing shower! And this is where we’re always looking for cleansing and post-shower products that are both kind to the skin and super hydrating. Edwina was delighted to test out this South African skincare brand Skin Creamery, with their Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil for the recent 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, which we’re featuring today.

Skin Creamery was founded in 2014 by Hannah Rubin in Cape Town, South Africa. Growing up in the lush green Garden Route, she developed a more natural and conscious way of life. Hannah went on to work as a practitioner in top salons and spas, where she developed a passion for natural fragrances, ingredients and sensory wellbeing. Fueled by this interest, Hannah went on to study and launch her minimalist natural and organic skincare range, Skin Creamery. She told Afrenai in a recent interview, "With all the knowledge and experience I had gathered in my line of work and my passion for all things natural and organic [having grown up on a farm] that urged me to create my own range. One that met all my needs, of being simple and easy to use, that felt good on the skin, smelt amazing and was nicely packaged," The Skin Creamery ethos is to be kind to the earth and skin by using ingredients made from 100% natural origin that are earth-friendly and certified organic. The brand is dedicated to reducing plastic use, unnecessary packaging, and decreasing its carbon footprint. They also make sure their ingredients are from fair trade outlets and try to source all raw ingredients from South Africa or within Africa. Plus, wherever possible, they are waterless, meaning no preservatives are needed. A couple of their products, including the Everyday Cream and Oil-Milk Cleanser, are available as refills, and the Deep Cleansing Powder is gentle and plastic-free. Skin Creamery strives to be sustainable, and ideal for the environment and zero-waste beauty enthusiasts. Skin Creamery products are vegan and cruelty-free. The brand has already won several awards at the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards, including Best Oil to Milk Cleanser for their Oil Milk Cleanser and Best Facial Toner for their Skin Tonic.

The Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil is very different from your average body cleansing product, and as a shower oil, it doesn’t foam or contain any soap. While the primary purpose of a product like a shower gel is to cleanse, the main goal here for the shower oil is to moisturise. Plus, shower gel can only be used in the shower; whereas the shower oil can also be used out of the shower. Skin Creamery's  Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil is super-hydrating as it locks in moisture. The base oils sunflower, jojoba, baobab and Kalahari seed oil, which all help keep the skin supple. It also has natural essential oils that soften the skin leaving a refreshing natural herbal scent with a unique combination of cypress, basil, marjoram, peppermint, lavender and bergamot.

Basil has many skin benefits the natural oils act as a natural cleanser and removes surplus oil and impurities. It also soothes and calms the skin and is packed with powerful antioxidants has antibacterial, anti-inflammation, and antiseptic properties. Made from the twigs, stems, & leaves of the cypress tree, cypress oil also has antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. It fights bacteria that often cause acne, and it helps with oily skin. Peppermint with its cooling effect leaves the skin feeling energised and promotes better circulation. Lavender has a calming effect and detoxifies to purge harmful toxins from the skin while promoting tension-release for sore muscles. Bergamot is a natural cleanser and stimulates skin cell renewal as a natural astringent. Its clarifying and oil-reducing properties make it ideal for anyone suffering from overactive sebum production. Finally, marjoram is known to restore hormonal balance, hydrate, moisturise, and purify the skin. It strengthens lipid production to nourish and repair skin, alleviate dryness, and enhance moisture.

This shower oil is exceptional and impressed us with its super hydrating properties. The fragrance is deliciously green, herbal and garden-fresh - for us, it was stimulating and reviving. Its unique scent and oily texture make it both luxurious and calming. We used this after our morning shower by putting a few drops directly onto damp skin and gently rubbing it in to let it absorb and to let the natural scent linger for longer. The brand also recommends using it directly after dry brushing the skin to get maximum benefits from the natural ingredients. Housed an elegant green-tinted glass bottle, it not only makes a glamorous addition to the bathroom but also reduces plastic waste as the brand emphasises sustainability by using little to no single-use packaging, "Skin Creamery is committed to ethical business practices and is focused on creating innovative packaging solutions that are both luxurious and sustainable. We aim to replace single-use packaging with packaging that is functional, reusable or recyclable."  Apart from being awarded an Editor’s Choice Winner in this year’s 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, it’s also another of our #amazingfinds as an excellent shower oil/ body moisturiser. If you are looking to give your skin a natural hydration boost, then this is for you. The Skin Creamery's Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil is 100 ml at R299.00 (approximately £15) from the brand’s website here.