Käsämä Cosmetics: Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask

Self-care is important, especially during these stressful times, and we think the best way to start a relaxing self-care routine is with a face mask. As always, we’ve been on a quest to find a new face mask that work with the skin’s natural balance. Today we’re introducing a waterless face mask from Käsämä Cosmetics with their Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask made of 100% natural ingredients.

Käsämä Cosmetics, is a natural skincare brand from Finland, and founded by Pauli Wigelius. Wigelius has a background in commerce but was inspired by Finnish wilderness and nature to get into the business of cosmetics — Käsämä is named after an area in North Karelia, Finland, where the clay is sourced and first used by the indigenous people for making pottery nearly 6500 years ago. The brand currently sells three different clay masks, each for different types of skin — the classic mask is for all skin types, the cranberry mask is for sensitive and normal skin, and the sea buckthorn is for oily and combination skin. All face masks are sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free and waterless, and the latter allows for the products to be stored safely for several years, even without preservatives. The brand said, “Käsämä clay deeply cleanses and purifies our skin and helps us see and appreciate our pure, innate beauty, our truest self and brings a touch of the purest natural healing power within reach of modern-day city dwellers in the world’s busy metropolises.” Although the company is based in Finland, they have distributors in multiple countries and deliver worldwide. 

The face mask that we tried was nominated in the Nordic Beauty Awards 2020, the Käsämä’s Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask is formulated primarily for oily and combination skin; this mask exfoliates and purifies skin by absorbing impurities, removing dead skin cells, and cleansing clogged pores — pretty much everything we look for in a mask. The only ingredients this mask contains are clay, sea buckthorn extract, and zea mays (corn) starch. 75% of the powder in the mask is clay, which is the key ingredient here to absorb impurities and excess oils. Sea Buckthorn is one of nature’s wonder-berries, full of antioxidants it has a healing and rejuvenating effect on the skin and is also a natural cleanser and exfoliator. It also contains vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, and C that hydrate and regenerate skin. Whereas the zea mays starch reduces oil and has anti-inflammatory properties. To apply, measure 1-2 teaspoons of the powder and add lukewarm water by drop until a smooth paste is created. Then, massage onto your face, neck, and shoulders and wait 5-10 minutes before rinsing away with lukewarm water. They recommend using it 1-3 times per week and avoiding contact with the eyes. Each package contains 35g, which is enough for about 10 full facial applications. The strength of the mask can be adjusted by adding different measures of water, making this a versatile mask for every skin type. We love the brand’s eco-credentials as it’s contained in a simple recyclable paper packet, and of course, being in powder form it cuts the weight of the product in half. What is fantastic about this powder mask is its purity, how refreshing it is to have no additives or chemicals - you really feel like you are at one with nature. If you want to feel the healing benefits of this mask, you can find it here for €17.90. 

Intelligent: Enzyme Toothpaste & Mouthwash

As brushing teeth is a ritual that we all do at least twice a day, for us, finding a good quality toothpaste and mouthwash is paramount. At The Amazing Blog, we’ve already reviewed many different oral products here. However, today we are featuring Intelligent’s cutting-edge range of natural enzyme based toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Intelligent is an oral care brand based in Taiwan since 2004, and what sets them apart from other oral care companies is that they use natural enzymes in their products. These all contain four natural enzymes and lactoferrin, which can effectively restore the oral saliva antimicrobial power and ecological balance for better oral health. The Intelligent products “adhere to the use of natural extracts of food-grade raw materials, safe and non-toxic ingredients and the use of healthy saliva to improve oral problems.” The toothpastes and mouthwashes contain saliva enzymes, which strengthen the saliva function — including amylase, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and pearl powder. The amylase reduces tartar formation, the glucose oxidase decomposes sugar, the lactoperoxidase removes dental plaque, the lysozyme fights bad breath, the lactoferrin is antibacterial, and the pearl powder supplies nutrition. The brand‘s range includes toothpastes for adults, kids, pets and pregnant women, as well as toothbrushes and mouthwashes. Intelligent’s Natural Enzymes Toothpaste won the Pure Beauty Awards London 2020 Silver and a Reddot Award in 2016. In addition, Intelligent founded the Yixue Education Foundation for Ideal Competence, which contributes to children’s oral education. 

Intelligent sent us a selection of their Natural Enzymes Toothpastes. The three featured are the Fresh Mint, Fresh Cool Mint, and For Pregnant Women. Did you know that 90% of oral problems are caused by dental plaque? This is where saliva enzymes have the power to actively dispose of dental plaque, where the biological cleaning mechanism of saliva is known to be more effective than traditional toothpastes. These Natural Enzymes Toothpastes clean and protect the enamel, whiten teeth, and treat bad breath, periodontal disease, and mouth ulcers (see the test report for these here). The toothpaste For Pregnant Women contains pearl collagen, vitamin B6, and vitamin B9, all of which have benefits for expecting mothers and even has a test report here on the ingredients. The pearl collagen prevents calcium deficiency and cramps, vitamin B6 soothes vomiting symptoms, and vitamin B9 is an important nutrient for the baby’s development. Intelligent recommends dry brushing with their toothpastes, as wetting the toothpaste will dilute the ingredients and make the toothpaste less effective. The Fresh Mint and Cool Mint also claim to breakdown bacteria, reduce gingivitis and plaque. In addition to the toothpastes, Intelligent also sent us two of their Natural Enzymes Mouthwashes in Mint and Tea. Intelligent’s mouthwashes again have various natural enzymes which help to relieve gum discomfort and improve mouth ulcers as it has a “biogenesis enzymatic clean formula.” They recommend using the mouthwash every day together with one of their Natural Enzymes Toothpastes. Although this is not your go-to cheap toothpaste brand, Intelligent has been in the business of oral hygiene for over 15 years and has proven research and high quality ingredients in their oral care products. What we like about all these products is that they are natural, taste delicious and deliver results. And yes, we think they are worth the investment. To purchase the Natural Enzymes Toothpastes see here from Amazon at £23. The Natural Enzymes Mouthwashes here from their website for $20.

Corpo Sancto: Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser

Are you a diehard candle person? Or do you love the look of reed diffusers? After all, who doesn’t love to have a beautifully scented room? At The Amazing Blog, we have a weakness for reed diffusers, as we can enjoy the benefits of their fragrance and essential oils even while we sleep! And today, the Corpo Sancto’s Salt and Thyme Reed Diffuser, takes us on a trip down memory lane, with its scent that reminds us of weekends-away, with the rush of briny fresh sea air blown in from the shore.

Corpo Sancto is a Brighton-based candle and fragrance company. It is run by a husband and wife duo who make artisan, eco-friendly candles and other products, like reed diffusers and perfumes. Annelie Bystrom-Turner and her husband, Chris, understand that finding the perfect scent can be a challenge, which is why they have created this diverse selection of fragrance combinations. In addition to being co-owners of Corpo Sancto, Chris is the drummer in Orange Goblin, and Annelie is a well-known makeup artist. They offer a wide variety of scent offerings for their candles, perfumes and home fragrance options. Corpo Sancto prides itself on creating hand-poured candles in small batches. The rapeseed wax used in their candles is a plant-based alternative to other waxes typically used in candles. Corpo Sancto has gone through numerous testing phases with rapeseed wax, which is wax that comes from the oil from pressed rapeseed plants. These are widely and sustainably grown across Europe, with the excess oil from the plant being used for animal feed and fertiliser. The suppliers for their wax and other products are UK or EU based since Corpo Sancto does not believe in shipping things halfway across the planet for something that can be found in their locale. They utilise packaging made from recycled materials whenever possible, and Corpo Sancto’s mission is to be as eco-friendly as possible, carbon-neutral, with biodegradable products that are paraben-free and all without compromising on style or quality.

We were drawn to the Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser as they describe it as “the fresh smell of seaweed, sea breeze and minerals with notes of thyme and grapefruit”. This scent also includes hints of bergamot, sage and base notes of musk, amber and cedarwood, creating a light and summery scent - and yes, it really does smell ‘sea fresh’. All their reed diffusers are alcohol-free and made up of 20-25% botanicals mixed in a long-lasting plant oil base. With regular turning, these reed diffusers will last over three months, depending on room temperature, season, and oil blend. The slick black reeds are very in-keeping with the brand’s image and are made of natural fibres, which offer optimal scent distribution. We also like Corpo Sancto’s sustainability and zero waste credentials – this is something they’ve thought long and hard about. When this Reed Diffuser is finished, we’ll be using the reeds to scent a drawer, and the metal cone top tin with screw cap will be repurposed as a new pen holder! Are you missing the seaside? Then we recommend purchasing this 200ml Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser for £35 here to reminisce about roaring waves, breezy sea winds and building sandcastles!

Elan Skincare: Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub - Chocolate & Orange Renew + Revive

One of our most favourite self-care products at The Amazing Blog  is a body scrub. For us, by regularly exfoliating the body it’s a significant step for cleansing and invigorating the skin. Today we’re featuring again one of our favourite natural skincare brands Elan Skincare, but this time with their Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub.

Elan Skincare was founded in 2017 by Joanna Silva, who wanted to create a brand with honesty and transparency, "with strong foundations in science, nature, and art." Silva believes that it is an art to combine science and natural ingredients to create a beautiful but effective products. One of Elan's main principles is to use natural and organic ingredients. Elan Skincare products combine botanicals, like aromatic plant extracts, nourishing oils and potent active ingredients to create their products. Their products use a combination of cold-pressed, unrefined oils and butter. These are eco-certified or Soil Association certified organic botanicals, with CO2 organic plant extracts, and natural, active ingredients like vitamins C & E and hyaluronic acid. Elan Skincare is a British brand and goes above and beyond to look at safety data to decide which ingredients to use and build their products' formulations. As a brand, they believe that their ingredients go beyond skincare and that "it is about creating a ritual of looking after yourself and taking care of your skin." 

Today we want to talk about their Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub which is a sugar-based, natural and gentle body exfoliator. This exfoliator is rich in natural glycolic acid and vitamins A, B, E, and F. The sugar cane here is natural glycolic acid which works by removing all dead skin cells, smoothening and addressing other skin concerns such as sun damage or rough and flaky skin. The sugar's raw gritty texture will help remove the layer of dead skin cells and other impurities without damaging the surface layer of the skin. In fact, this Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub will ‘buff away scaly skin’ and ‘banish dry skin’ while deeply moisturising, leaving a silky, smooth feeling. We also like that this is dermatologically tested and has pH is 5.5, which is slightly acidic. When the skin is balanced on 5.5, then it’s working to its optimum, as it requires a balance between alkaline and acidity for the acid mantle – the barrier that keeps moisture in and germs and toxins out. There’s also coconut, sesame, sunflower and oat oils, together with candelilla wax, tocopherol (vitamin E) and squalene. The delicious zesty chocolate orange fragrance comes from a bespoke aromatic blend and the rich orange colour is from the natural beta carotene.

With all the pure and natural ingredients, this Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub didn’t disappoint. We used the scrub in circular motions to help the sugar cane crystals and oils work their magic. It banished dry patches leaving a revived, healthy and energised skin with a moreish fragrance that truly uplifted the senses. It’s vegan and cruelty-free; and another one of our #amazingfinds. By regularly using this Hand & Body Scrub, it will keeps skin looking fresh and smooth. To purchase this 280ml tub of Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub - Chocolate & Orange Renew + Revive for £28 see here.

EARTH from Earth: Damask Rose Skin Balm

It is no secret that here at The Amazing Blog, we value natural skincare products above all else. After all beauty trends come and go, but our skin is here for life, and so it’s imperative to take care of it. As always, we’re on the hunt for new and exciting products, and today’s latest discovery is from EARTH from Earth, with their Damask Rose Skin Balm.

EARTH from Earth is a wellness brand that focuses on natural and organic skincare, haircare and grooming products. Founded by Kehinde Ogunba, a graduate of Formula Botanics, who saw that there was a “gap in approachable and effective self-care products that are made with the right combination of herbs and unconventional superior plant oils and butter.” Ogunba works closely with Minomi Adejumo, who is the formulator and brand alchemist for EARTH from Earth. Adejumo is a qualified pharmacist and medical herbalist with expansive knowledge of both African and Western healing traditions. Adejumo has “a strong appreciation and experience in harnessing the therapeutic properties of numerous herbs and plant oils.” EARTH is a acronym for Essences Aromas Relaxation Therapy Healing. These ideas are what the brand aims to offer for the modern woman, man and family; since their products are formulated to “nourish, uplift, calm and balance mind, body and soul.” EARTH from Earth describes their range of products as “indulgent, potent, aromatic and nutrient-dense” with all-natural, organic plant oils and herbs that are chosen specifically for their “therapeutic abilities and extraordinary efficacy.” Every product is made in the UK and handcrafted to nourish, condition, moisturise, rejuvenate, restore, uplift and balance. The fragrances only come from the raw aroma of the natural ingredients combined with the “delicate blend of aromatherapy oils to evoke a deep sense of sensory awakening.” Most of their products are plastic-free in brown amber glass containers and housed in a biodegradable paper tubes, with earthy jute sacs to keep them safe. They made with 100% ethically-sourced herbs, plant oils and butters which are vegan and cruelty free.

EARTH from Earth’s Damask Rose Skin Balm contains a unique blend of antioxidants and vitamin-rich superior butters, plant oils and herbs. We love that the natural and organic ingredients create their own natural and raw aroma. This skin balm feels and smells luxurious. It is specifically formulated to provide deep nourishment, hydration and replenishment. This balm is laced with one of our favourite ingredients the rosa damescena, “carefully hand-picked early in the morning before they can open and release their precious scent, soothing and sensual as it infuses the skin with enriching nutrients.” The herbal extracts are produced in-house to ensure the essence of every herb is fully released into the oils. To use this soothing skin balm, scoop a small portion into your hands to warm it up and take a moment to inhale the natural aromas, then proceed to apply the balm all over your skin.  The key herbal ingredients here are wild geranium, broadleaf plantain, gotu kola, nettle, calendula, licorice root, field horsetail, marshmallow, chickweed. Together they are blended with oils from coconut, grapeseed, castor, avocado, jojoba, olive and African oil palm. There is candelilla wax, murumuru and cacao butters to give the Balm its consistency. The fragrance is subtle combination of the essential oils, with rosa damescena, patchouli and geranium. In short, this is a beautiful and delicately scented Balm which is free from water, alcohol, chemical preservatives, stabilisers and additives. We used it on face and body, concentrating on elbows, knees and lips. We love how this is a wonderful multitasker, and if there’s only room for one skincare product to pack in you travel bag this summer - make sure this is it! To purchase this 120ml jar of Damask Rose Skin Balm see here.