Naturalicious: Hello Gorgeous Starter Kit

Are you looking for natural hair products that will finally work on your curls to remove the frizz? Well, look no further, because we at The Amazing Blog think Naturalicious’  Hello Gorgeous Starter Kit is the hair care for you! This Starter Kit is made for both tight and loose curls and includes only three simple cost-effective and multitasking products in place of what could be seven. 

Gwen Jimmere is the talented CEO and founder of Naturalicious. Having patented her 3-step Hello Gorgeous system, Jimmere has established her place in history as the first African American woman to have a patent for a natural hair care product. Naturalicious is a plant-based and award-winning hair care brand the and although the brand is US-based, they ship their products all over the world. Their core values include believing that every woman is the standard of beauty, that heightened confidence is transforming, in taking a stand, in delivering excellence at every touchpoint, and in innovation. Jimmere used to hate her hair but was inspired by the movie Good Hair and more specifically, the scene where Chris Rock dissolves a soda can with hair relaxer, to create something that was natural for herself and her son. Naturalicious says they are “All about… Finally finding… The confidence to go natural.” The brand has given back to the community during Black Lives Matter protests and contributed to the Minneapolis Freedom Fund, which pays bails for those who can’t afford to. 

The first step in the Hello Gorgeous system is the Moroccan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment, and there is a version for both tight and loose curls - it claims a recent win of Harpers Bazaar Best Product for Curly Hair. The Moroccan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment cleans, conditions, detangles and strengthens hair while keeping curls frizz-free. The most important ingredient and the reason why this product can do so much is the Rhassoul Clay from Morocco. Rhassoul Clay gently cleanses and conditions hair at the same time and has detangling and calming properties when combined here with the aloe vera and rich cocoa seed butter, grapeseed and avocado oils. To use this product, apply a generous amount to wet hair and then massage it into both hair and scalp, to cleanse and hydrate. The second step in the Hello Gorgeous system is the Moisture Infusion Styling Creme, which again comes with two versions for tight and loose curls. The Moisture Infusion Styling Creme moisturises, styles, and offers protection to hair from heated damage whilst giving curls a little bit of definition and hold. Some of the key ingredients in this product include sunflower oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, which naturally protect and keep hair healthy. Sunflower oil moisturises hair and can calm dandruff, shea butter hydrates hair and prevents breakage, and vitamin E can help improve both hair and scalp health. To use this product, apply a generous amount to your damp hair after washing with the Moroccan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment. The third step in the Hello Gorgeous system is the Divine Shine Moisture Lock & Frizz Fighter, and there is also a version for tight and loose curls. The Divine Shine Moisture Lock & Frizz Fighter is a light hot oil that makes the hair shine. We like how there are only three ingredients in this product with sweet almond oil, extra virgin olive oil, and safflower oil. The sweet almond oil strengthens your hair, the extra virgin olive oil makes your hair shine, and the safflower oil prevents frizz. This last step they suggest using once a month; get the bottle warm in hot water, apply the oil to your hair and scalp, wait 30 minutes, rinse and finally follow with steps one and two (this removes the excess oil). We were so impressed with this Starter Kit’s performance and used it on long, tangly, fine and frizzy hair - we found, in particular, the Morocan Rhassoul 5-in-1 Clay Treatment left our hair tangle-free and feeling soft. Although it’s primarily an inclusive hair care brand, they offer two types of products for tight and loose curls, (although the ingredients still seem to be the same?) We think that The Starter Kit is also good for anyone, like us, with fine frizzy and tangly hair too; plus, these three products really do rejuvenate and help damaged hair. Naturalicious is one of our #amazingfinds of the week. Note to the brand: Please, please hurry up and sell here in the UK soon… You can buy the Hello Gorgeous Starter Kit, which includes all three steps, here for $19.99. 

Afterglow Candles: We Create

At  The Amazing Blog  we’re huge fans of scented candles. We love the ambience they give, and when lighting a solo candle under the stars, it always adds to mystical evening glow. Now that alfresco dining has finally arrived we wanted to try this wild fig and blackcurrant candle We Create from Afterglow Candles and it didn’t disappoint.

Afterglow Candles are a UK luxury black-owned and eco-friendly home brand founded by Alex Bertie and her partner and co-founder Darrell. Alex is a doctor, and Darrell is a barber. The idea came when they were gifted a simple candle making kit and where they soon got creative. Since then, they have built up the business finally launching Afterglow in September 2020. Their mission is to provide luxury candles that are affordable and safe for the environment. Alex said: "Afterglow has been a labour of love and a steep learning curve, which has completely exceeded our expectations. We've met some great people along the way and can't wait to see what the future holds!" These artisan, hand-poured, and unisex candles are made in East London; the designs are simple, chic and minimalist made to suit every gender, age and social group. Where the stylised monochrome designs express luxury and affordability all at the same time. Afterglow candles are eco-friendly, with waxes that are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic. The metal tin cases, that house the candles, are all made from recycled sources and can also be recycled and reused – we think it would make a great pen holder! Most of the ingredients are sourced from the UK in order to support local businesses and reduce the carbon footprint. Finally, Alex and Darrell wanted to have a charitable element in their business. So, they donate £1 from every sale to charities supporting adults and children living with sickle cell disease, as Darrell suffers from the disease. And in the forthcoming months, Afterglow Candles is also working with a charity called Crescent Kids  who provide support services to children and families impacted by Sickle Cell and Thalassemia.

We chose the 'We Create' a wild fig and blackcurrant candle from the Empowerment Collection. As mentioned above, all the candles come in a metal tin, together with unbleached cotton and linen wicks. Their range of candles are made using a blend of natural coconut and soy wax with high-quality essential oils and fragrances. Both waxes are a great alternative to paraffin as they are more sustainable and don’t have any nasty fumes or black smoke when burnt. Coconut wax is harvested from coconut crops that are sustainable and high in yield. It is also a great diffuser of scents and has a low impact on the environment, whereas the soy wax here is made from soybeans which are renewable and biodegradable, and helps to provide a clean burn. The fragrance combination in We Create has the top notes of cassis (blackcurrant), raspberry and sweet cherry. The heart notes are raspberry leaf and fig, and the base notes are sandalwood and cedarwood. This is uplifting and refreshing; we’d even go as far as to say inspirational, where it brings together all these summer fruits which, when lit, linger beautifully in the evening air… We think it’s one to burn to when you want to make the most of these balmy summer evenings. Also thanks to coconut and soy wax, the candle can burn for approximately 40 hours making it very cost-effective. Afterglow Candles offers nine different scented candles and a few accessories like bags, a wick trimmer and snuffer and even a USB lighter. By the way, for each candle you buy, you'll get a mini tin opener plus £1 will be donated to their appointed charity, You can buy the 250ml 'We Create' candle here for £22.

BattleGreen: Lemon & Rose Natural Deodorant Balm

Do you use a natural deodorant that is 100% recyclable, sustainable and also gives back? No? Well, read on… This is where we couldn't wait to try the Beauty Shortlist Eco Lifestyle award-winning brand Battle Green, who have impressed us at The Amazing Blog, with both their eco-credentials and the quality of their products. Let's be honest, we all need to use a daily deodorant, especially with summer fast approaching (did we hear somewhere that this will be the hottest summer on record?!) And this Lemon & Rose Natural Deodorant Balm smells divine and didn’t let us down…

Battle Green was founded in 2018, near the edge of the picturesque Welsh mountains of Snowdonia by Lucy and her partner. They created this brand in response to the negative environmental impact that we, humans, have on our planet, oceans, biodiversity and the landscape. For these founders, it became critical to provide environmentally friendly products to give people an alternative to single-use packaging. That's why every Battle Green product is plastic-free, compostable, recyclable and often recycled. We also found it interesting to learn on their Instagram page that they use paper tape made with potato-based glue, and water-based ink for their packaging. Indeed, Battle Green are well ahead of the sustainability curve with all their zero-waste products, and that's what we loved about this brand. Their ethos is focused on sourcing local ingredients and products wherever possible and environmental well-being and animal welfare. These artisan products are sustainably made, have minimal packaging, and are certified PETA, vegan and cruelty-free. Battle Green are members of Surfers Against Sewage 250 Club and monthly donates to help the association's initiatives such as organising beach clean-ups. The brand is also a partner of One Tree Planted and commits to planting a tree for every Zero Waste Starter Kit sold. And Battle Green also donates £1 from every Reusable Cotton Gift Wrap to Freshfields, a non-profit charity that cares for abandoned, abused or unwanted animals. They already offer a wide range of products as diverse as reusable menstrual pads, soaps, lip balms and reusable zero-waste household goods. We also read that they'll be getting more involved with developing some upcycled reusable products with a local charity – and we can't wait to hear more.

The Lemon & Rose Natural Deodorant Balm comes in a 50g cardboard tube, making the product plastic-free and biodegradable. The deodorant is also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and does not contain harmful ingredients, such as aluminium, parabens, synthetic colours or fragrances. As it is a deodorant, this natural balm won't prevent sweating but will absorb moisture and will stop any bacteria that cause unpleasant odours. The key ingredients here are sodium bicarbonate, arrowroot and organic shea butter.  The sodium bicarbonate has absorbent, antifungal and anti-odour properties. Whereas arrowroot powder, a starch, absorbs the moisture and oils that get trapped on the skin. The shea butter is here for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Other ingredients include the hydrogenated soybean oil, which acts as a skin-conditioning agent; coconut and lemongrass are here to help to fight against bacteria and detoxify the skin thanks again to their antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial propertiest Then there’s the citronellol, an organic compound extracted from the rose geranium oil, which gives it a fresh and slightly zesty scent that mingles with the lemongrass oil to give this its soft floral/lemony fragrance. Apart from the citronellol, rose geranium also has geraniol with the added bonus of being antifungal. All these transparent and natural ingredients go to make up this gentle Battle Green Lemon & Rose Natural Deodorant, which is a naturally-scented deodorant that helps absorbs moisture. It was duly put through its paces with pilates, workouts and brisk walks. We stayed fragrant, and thankfully there was no evidence of any nasty niffs. This will definitely be one of our 'empties' and another of our #amazingfinds for the week. There are also four other scents to try: Lime & Vanilla, Grapefruit & Mint, Orange & Patchouli and Lavender & Tea Tree. It's easy to use; just push up at the base of the cardboard tube and apply the balm to your underarms. You can purchase the 50g Lemon and Rose Natural Deodorant for £6.45 here. 

MOIA ELIXIRS® : CBDerma-Repair® nano-fiber mask

We always try to bring something new and unique to you, our readers. So, today at The Amazing Blog it's time for another one of our #amazingfinds. This time it's with a face mask but not just ANY face mask.  This is the CBDerma-Repair® Nano-Fibers Mask from MOIA ELIXIRS® - the only CBD nano-fiber dry face mask in the world!

MOIA ELIXIRS® was founded in 2019 by Jakub Mohl. This is Czech CBD brand and manufacturer that has created a unique selection of natural skincare and oils, some of which also combine minerals from local springs at Karlovy Vary. They only use 100% crystalline pure (isolate) cannabidiol extract in their skincare and full-spectrum in their CBD oils and edibles. The brand does its own biomass processing to make the CBD extract with cannabis sativa plants obtained from local farms.  MOIA ELIXIRS® carefully monitors the whole process from beginning to end. This is with growing the plants from seeds to producing the extract in their licensed extraction and purification laboratory, approved by the Czech Ministry of Health. As a clean beauty brand, they believe in nature's wisdom combined with the latest science and technologies. They have created their own patented actives in their ingredients together with the highest concentration of organic botanicals and oils with ECOCERT COSMOS certification.  The brand positions itself mainly as premium skincare with a particular interest in addressing problematic skin issues such as acne or eczema. All products have the certification of the Czech Institute of Accreditations (ČIA), which guarantees the quality of the products and their origin. They currently have six ranges of CBD infused products with Beauty Age, BioActive, Nano Fiber, CBE Wellness, CBD Oils and Animalixir. With sustainability at the core of the brand’s values, they also have excellent eco-credentials with their packaging. These are zero-waste aluminium tubes and brown pharmaceutical glass bottles with minimal use of plastic except for screw and bottle tops. The Nano-Fiber Mask is 100% biodegradable and comes in recyclable plastic pouch. They also have a great giving-back policy where they donate part of their earnings to The Ocean Cleanup. 

As we consider ourselves face mask aficionados (see others that we’ve reviewed here), we couldn’t resist trying this MOIA ELIXIRS® CBDerma-Repair® Nano-Fiber Mask. This mask has taken up to seven years of research before being put into production. The hero ingredient here is the CBD isolate, which is accompanied by vitamin E, C, hyaluronic acid and PHA (gluconolactone);  all of which are infused into the nano-fibers. These only activate when the face mask is placed onto a wet or damp face; where the formula becomes fast and deep penetrating… Mohl commented, “A regular face mask is thought to have a 15 to 20% absorption rate, taking up to half an hour for application, compared to the supposed seven minutes for Moia Elixir’s.” Now, that’s impressive! As we’re all big CBD fans (see here ), this was one product that we were not about to miss out on. The mask is free from parabens, silicone, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, paraffin and petrolatum. So, let’s do a quick run-down on the infused ingredients:  CBD isolate supports cell regeneration with its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects helping slow down skin ageing. Hyaluronic acid is another one of our favourite ingredients, as it hydrates and plumps up fine lines and wrinkles, albeit temporarily. Gluconolactone (PHA) removes the dead cells giving a smoother, brighter complexion whilst also helping to repair the skin barrier. Vitamin C and E are potent antioxidants that neutralise any free radicals.

Onto using the face mask; we followed the instructions to a T – first dampening our cleansed skin with water (or they suggest toner), then removed the green protective paper layer and placed the white Nano-Fiber Mask on the face.  We smoothed it out following the facial contours, wetting it again to stick it down further, and left it in place for up to 15 minutes. It clung to the face and gradually dried as the ingredients absorbed. This was when we peeled it back to reveal a glowing and more hydrated skin. Unlike other face masks, this is fragrance-free, and requires no further massaging in from excess liquid. The Nano-Fiber technology enables 97%  absorption from the active ingredients, which then go directly into the dermis. Our verdict? Skin looked fresher, softer and more plumped up. We couldn’t resist using up the whole 5 in a pack, on 5 consecutive days (although I think they’d be fine as a weekly treat); and as an extra bonus, we found these soothed and helped to calm our #lockdown eczema. However, be warned, once tried, these could become very addictive!  We think MOIA ELIXIRS® are a brand to watch - and we can’t wait to try more from them. To purchase the CBDerma-Repair® Nano-Fiber Mask pack of 5 at €51,90 or individually at €12,90 here.

Chic & Raw: Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Crystal Candle

Who doesn’t love to burn a beautifully fragranced candle in the evening? At The Amazing Blog, we love how with its flickering ambient light it helps make a house feel like a home. This is another of our #amazingfinds, more than just a candle; this  Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Crystal Candle from Chic & Raw  combines the positive energies of crystal healing, natural soy wax and a relaxing spa-like fragrance.

Binanti Cuzner and her husband Darren created Chic & Raw in 2019. The brand started as a creative outlet to help them get away from their busy and stressful work lives. With Binanti’s love of yoga, meditation and chakra healing (focal points in ancient meditative practices), she wanted to share her knowledge and beliefs to help others through her brand. Chic & Raw dedicates itself to providing holistic and luxury products beneficial for the mind, body and soul. These are mainly candles, "I wanted to create a sense of joy and harmony with these candles," said Binanti. She studied chakras and crystal healing, matching them for an optimum release in her candles for healing crystal vibration.  She wants to combine beauty with harmony to make every home beautiful by releasing uplifting scents and integrating this with the unique crystals. Binanti believes that a harmonised home, relates to peace of mind. Chic & Raw is committed to working with a few trusted suppliers, and wherever possible, sources local ingredients from UK businesses. The cotton wicks are organic, the soy wax is natural and the fragrances are a mix of essential oils or luxury fragrances from the French perfume house, Drom. We applaud the brand their giving-back policy where they recently partnered with Ecologi to plant a tree for every product sold on Earth Day. Their current candles are themed as Crystal, Tinned and Colour Therapy. Plus, they have other lifestyle products and a new skincare Honeyzen, which for now, has only one face oil. 

As mentioned, we tried was the Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Crystal Candle, presented in a solid luxury cardboard rose gold foiled box. The candle itself comes in an elegant electroplated rose gold and etched glass container (which we later repurposed for storage). Incorporated in this candle are two rose quartz crystals positioned at opposite edges; these are ethically sourced from Madagascar. Rose quartz is known to enhance the heart chakra, boosting feelings of peace, calm and love. It is often used during meditation to help open the mind and heal the heart. It’s also possible to remove these crystals as the wax melts, placing them in your hands, or on the heart chakra to activate the rose quartz while meditating. The candle is made with natural soy wax, a non-toxic alternative to paraffin. Indeed, soy wax is biodegradable, releases less soot while burning, more sustainable and burns 50% longer than paraffin. The organic cotton wick makes it easier to continuously relight the candle, where it can last up to approximately 40 hours. The soy wax contains white tea essential oil, which is known to promote a general sense of wellbeing and helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and depression. This is a light and clean scent with subtle notes of citrus, basil, peony and amber. This mingles sensuously with the warm and spicy ginger oil, known for its stimulating and warming qualities. We lit this candle during those bleak February #lockdown days, using it to enhance our affirmations and offer thanks for keeping our loved ones safe. It's a candle we'd recommend lighting during meditation to uplift spirits and to help deal with any emotional pain. There are three other Crystal Candles in the range with Ruby, Amethyst and Aventurine, each one offering a different purpose. They also provide a fascinating insight on how to ‘active’ or ‘recharge’ your crystals here. As Binanti says: “Burning Chic & Raw Crystal Chakra Candles releases both the energy of the crystal and the soothing fragrances that relieves stress and helps to balance your mind and body.” Something we could all benefit from at this time. This luxurious Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Candle is available for £36 here.