White Lotus : Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum

We all know the power of crystals and their many benefits for mental well-being, but did you know that they can enhance your skincare too? As readers of The Amazing Blog will know, we love to try out effective, new and unique skincare, and yet again, we’ve made an exciting discovery via The Beauty Shortlist Awards. This time, it’s a serum with a difference, meet Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum from award-winning Australian holistic skincare company White Lotus.  

Husband and wife duo Anthony and Kamila Kingston, founder of White Lotus, met while studying Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine at university. They spent two years in Asia, studying traditional holistic beauty and treatments passed down through generations. On returning to their native Australia in 2004, they opened their first clinic White Lotus Cosmetic Acupuncture. This was Australia’s first specialist cosmetic skin and microneedling clinic. "Due to the unique nature of the clinic, which offered brand new treatments for the time including microneedling, jade rollers, facial Gua Sha and cosmetic cupping, word of mouth quickly spread." In 2007, White Lotus, with Anthony’s knowledge of herbal pharmacology, officially launched its first range of skincare products and tools, together with online courses for techniques such as acupuncture, microneedling, and traditional face reading. They’ve even co-written and published books, like "Jade Roller, Gua Sha & Cosmetic Cupping for the Face and Body". White Lotus is also committed to avoiding greenwashing and has partnered with Clean Hub, an organisation that checks and verifies the amount of plastic they remove from the ocean each month. The brand is also working to become a carbon-neutral company, the majority of products are organic, PETA approved, vegan and cruelty-free. They are also free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, petroleum, phthalates, ethanolamines, silicone, GMO, or synthetics. They're no strangers to awards, as they have won over 20 awards. Most notably, they've won an Editor's Choice Award at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards and were a finalist at the 2021 Mama & Baby Awards.

The Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum is made using genuine crystals rather than the fashionable but less effective method of crystal infusion. For those not in the know, crystal-infused skincare simply means real crystals are dipped in the mixture and then removed during the manufacturing process - leaving no trace of the crystal or its beneficial effects. This Crystal Face Serum contains genuine ground jade and tourmaline crystals combined with organic and natural botanical oils and herbs.

It is believed that jade was used to withdraw negative energy and balance 'chi', a 'life force or energy in traditional Chinese methods. Using jade can help brighten skin complexion, reduce puffiness, and aid blood circulation. Although tourmaline crystals are excellent for balancing chakras and meridians, this gem also has some skin benefits. This energising crystal can be used to vitalise skin, making it more luminous and youthful. When these genuine finely ground ‘activated’ jade and tourmaline crystals are applied to the skin, it has attracted natural wave energy AKA ‘far-infrared rays’. (By the way, to activate any crystals they have to be placed in the light of the full moon for a minimum of four hours). These crystals help skin cells called fibroblasts to synthesise new collagen and elastin. The brand also tells us one of the main benefits of these far-infrared rays is that they, “Advance wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis, cell proliferation and keratinocyte motility”.

Apart from the jade and tourmaline crystals, other key ingredients are botanicals: Rose flower water, camelia seed, jojoba, frankincense, bergamot and lemon oils; plus panax ginseng root and benzyl alcohol. Rose flower water has antibacterial properties that help reduce skin redness and improve complexion. Camelia seed minimises the appearance of premature ageing and promotes healthy skin. Jojoba has vitamins E and B-complex, and it’s key to damage control and skin repair. Frankincense soothes and nourishes and aids with sunburn, rosacea or breakouts. Bergamot contains limonene, a potent antioxidant and has many anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon oil evens skin tone and lightens dark spots, rejuvenating and detoxifying tired-looking skin. Benzyl alcohol is a natural preservative; this type used is not ethanol. The herbs are either added raw or extracted using an oil-based method rather than ethanol. Finally, ginseng is full of vitamins D and B12 and can help slow the loss of collagen, helping the skin retain elasticity.

What we liked about this serum is that It is light and cooling, making it perfect for the warmer summer months. With its very slight bergamot/citrus scent, it absorbs almost instantly when applied. Using 4 or 5 pumps of the serum we gently massaged it onto the face and neck morning and night. Skin felt soft and hydrated - with no evidence of any powdery crystals, just a silky smooth and opaque liquid. It’s hydrating enough by itself and we felt no need for a moisturiser, only our regular SPF. White Lotus say that with regular use, it will increase the skin's microcirculation, detoxification, and nourishment; as this serum allows for deeper penetration for the hydration of the skin cells. It’s a game-changer for holistic skincare and has become an instant favourite with us; and also has excellent sustainability credentials, as it comes in a 30ml glass bottle and BPA/BPS & phthalate-free and recyclable plastic cap and pump. it’s PETA certified, vegan and cruelty-free and is made with 90% certified organic ingredients.

The Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Serum is also a vital part of the White Lotus Crystal Facial and can be used alone or works wonderfully with their jade roller or rose quartz roller. We have written about their Jade Roller here. They also recommend combining it with their Organic Green Tea Face Oil and jade gua sha to complete the full crystal facial. To purchase the 30ml Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Serum for £29 see here. We hope to see more innovative products from White Lotus in the future and will be keeping an eye out for the next product launch.

JAYA : PM Transforming Cleansing Balm

We all know the importance of having a good skincare routine. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we love finding new products suitable for every skin type, especially those gentle enough for teenagers who are just embarking on their skincare journey. Our feature is on the award-winning PM Transforming Cleansing Balm by UK prebiotic skincare brand JAYA.

Vicky Charlesworth founded JAYA (Just As You Are) Beauty in 2019. She created the brand with a specific target audience in mind - teenage girls. "With two daughters approaching teenage years, I feel more passionate than ever about helping people feel (and look) good because of who they are, not who they feel they ought to be." Vicky felt there wasn't enough choice of natural products to support the younger generations’ skin type, or with the genuine credentials of transparency and sustainability. Which set her on a mission to ensure that young women have a realistic set of tools, products, and skincare knowledge to empower and nourish themselves in a positive and greener way; Vicky got to work collaborating with a team of top British skincare chemists in search of the most effective plant-based ingredients. After much testing and feedback, JAYA finally perfected its vegan prebiotic formulas with natural ingredients suitable for all skin types. This prebiotic skincare range has been scientifically developed to help support the good bacteria (microbiome) on the skin. The brand is certified by The Vegan Society and is Leaping Bunny approved, with a choice of a gentle jelly cleanser, a cleansing balm and the 24/7 Vitamin Moisturiser, soft muslin cloths and cotton headbands, a skincare set that’s ideal for helping establish a first skincare routine. But JAYA didn't stop there. The brand strongly values sustainability and makes a great effort to be eco-friendly. "The beauty industry is renowned for the waste it generates. Being an outsider, I didn't look at how things are 'normally' done - I wanted to do them in the most environmentally efficient way, supporting those who are local and, where possible, under-represented. It is this commitment that made working towards B Corp certification such a perfect fit." The brand packages its products in recyclable plastic and jars that can be repurposed. JAYA also has a charity pledge. In March 2021, they announced they would donate 2% of all sales to a charity of the buyer's choice. "We welcome your feedback regarding which charities are important to you, and to get the ball rolling our founding JAYA team has selected charities covering mental health, women's rights, the environment, refugees, and race. All of which are charities close to our heart.” Recently, JAYA has made a name for itself by winning its very first award. The brand recently won an Editor's Choice at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards for their PM Transforming Cleansing Balm, which we are reviewing today.

Let’s start by asking, what are prebiotics in skincare? They are a food source for the skin's 'good' microflora, aka bacteria. Like a fingerprint, we all have a microflora ecosystem unique to us, made up of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria. Prebiotics are described as non-living ingredients that stabilise the good and bad bacteria throughout the skin and body. They are made up of plant-based carbohydrates, and they improve and preserve the healthy microbiome of the skin, and are a very positive addition to skincare as they balance out and strengthen the skin barrier. In simple terms, this means the skin will better protect itself from everyday environmental aggressors such as allergens and pathogens while locking in hydration.

The PM Transforming Cleansing Balm is prebiotic skincare - is not just for teenagers; we loved using it too! This gentle but deep cleansing and nourishing formula diligently remove makeup, pollution and SPF. It lifts excess grease and dirt from oily skin while moisturising dry skin and balancing the skin's natural microbiome (good bacteria). JAYA highlights the six critical ingredients incorporated in this PM Transforming Cleansing Balm: Sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn oils. Plus the prebiotics with black tea ferment, and plankton extract (fragrance-free).

Let's start with the oils. Sweet almond oil has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to treat minor cuts or wounds and soften the skin. This oil contains vitamins A and E, which help stimulate the production of new skin cells and help prevent cell damage and UV damage. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with premature ageing and sun damage. Lastly, sweet almond oil contains zinc which is crucial to help acne scars heal. Grapeseed oil has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. This oil will aid with acne outbreaks and uneven skin tone and protect skin from UV rays. It can also help with skin softness, moisture, and improved elasticity. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties, and provides hydration to soothe skin damage, reduces signs of ageing, and heals scarring. Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from sea berries found in coastal and mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. This tiny berry is loaded with 190 nutrients and phytonutrients, including higher concentrates of vitamin C, fatty acids, and other vitamins. Together, these reduce inflammation, boost, brighten, and help to achieve healthy, clear, and more radiant skin.

The black tea ferment helps with skin tone and has an anti-glycation effect which helps reduce inflammation and boost skin elasticity. It is a prebiotic ferment that encourages the growth of good microorganisms. Last but not least, we have plankton extract. This extract is also notable for its prebiotics and antioxidant properties. High in fatty acids and it’s crucial in developing healthy cells, and its high zinc content can also reduce blemishes.

We found this award-winning 99.8 % plant + water PM Transforming Cleansing Balm to be a gentle, nourishing, and deep cleaning. It’s an effective everyday cleanser transforming when combined with water from a gel into a milk. To apply, gently massage a small amount into dry skin, then wet hands to activate gel into milk. It swiftly removes daily grime, and any excess can be wiped away with a warm wet cloth. JAYA recommends using it every night for the best results - although we used it both morning and evening. Fragrance-free, It’s one of those rare cleansers that instantly melts away makeup without any eye stinging. This product is packaged in 50% post-consumer recycled plastic tubes. When it's empty, simply cut the tube in half, rinse, and put it in the appropriate recycling bin. It’s another of our #amazingfinds and one we’d highly recommend for any skin type or age. To purchase the 100ml PM Transforming Cleansing Balm for £18 see here. We can’t wait to see what other prebiotic skincare products JAYA will add to their range in the future.

Sanatio Naturalis: Precious Oil Treatment

When it comes to skin nourishment, face oils are always our first choice, with bonus points given if they’re also natural and sustainable. At The Amazing Blog, we couldn’t resist featuring one of our favourites with its abundance of organic oils, the Precious Oil Treatment from the award-winning botanical and sustainable brand Sanatio Naturalis.

Sanatio Naturalis was created in 2015 by founder Valerie Ruonan Shi, and we wrote the brand in 2017 featuring their Lavender essential oil, see here.  The essential oil and aromatherapy range were developed with the help of leading aromatherapist and author Daniele Ryman. Sanatio Naturalis is a British brand that incorporates the healing powers of botanicals, and the Latin name itself means 'the healing power of nature’. As Valerie says, "The holistic beauty secrets of plants have been passed from generation to generation. The ancient Greeks shared them, inspiring our Latin name, Sanatio Naturalis." The brand has raw and organic natural ingredients, all of which are sustainably sourced. "We place great importance on the origins of our raw materials. We travel the world in search of plants and oils." These all have full traceability with ingredients like geranium comes from Egypt, rose is cultivated in Bulgaria (4,000 kg of rose petals are needed to obtain 1 kg of the essence), lavender is from Haute Provence (France); lemons are harvested in southern Italy and frankincense from Somalia. Ingredients are all COSMOS Certified Organic, cruelty-free and vegan; these are ethically grown and harvested raw, therefore, free from preservatives, fillers, and chemicals; made without any parabens, or phthalates, sulphates, mineral oil, petroleum, synthetic colours and fragrances. In 2020, the brand supported COVID-19 pandemic NHS workers by giving away one product for each product purchased to NHS staff members. Since its inception, Sanatio Naturalis has worked tirelessly to perfect its formulas, which has earned them several awards, including Eluxe Magazine's 2018 Best Up and Coming Beauty Brand, and of course the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, Editor’s Choice Winner.

Precious Oil Treatment is a concentrated face oil full of nutrients combining antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. This blend is created to awaken the skin, and help it reach its optimum potential by restoring elasticity and hydration. As they say, "This silky light, nourishing oil absorbs instantly, leaving skin feeling smooth, supple and soft. A nourishing complex of 8 mostly organic luxurious oils to help restore firmness and elasticity, including jojoba, prickly pear, safflower, camellia seed, rosehip, argan, sunflower and cacay oil, it delivers immediate nourishment and radiant glow in just a few drops." This oil is also infused with calendula, edelweiss, and red-flowered silk cotton tree.

First, let's begin with the benefits of the oils. Jojoba is known to nourish your skin with hydration and vitamins; it also leaves skin feeling soft, silky, and smooth. Argan oil is easily absorbed by the skin, to give a glowing complexion. Prickly pear seed oil is an unusual raw ingredient on the list. This oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It also carries different vitamins, omegas, and fatty acids to help reverse signs of ageing and improve firmness. Cacay oil with its high doses of vitamin E and 68% linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), stimulates the renewal of cells to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip oil is full of vitamin C and works to stimulate collagen and heal scars. Camellia oil is used to retain hydration and promote soft and silky skin to reduce signs of ageing. Sunflower oil is used for skin hydration. Last but not least, safflower oil helps hydrate skin and soothe inflammation as it's filled with linoleic acid and vitamins B6 and E.

Then there are the three skin-protecting ingredients: edelweiss extract, calendula, and red-flowered silk cotton. Edelweiss extract is a natural anti-ageing agent and sun protectant. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, more potent than vitamin C, so it helps skin stay plump and smooth. It also helps protect from harmful UVA/UVB rays and helps repair damage caused by harmful free radicals. Calendula oil is made by infusing marigolds steeped in a carrier oil such as olive or jojoba oil. This blend helps with irritation and soothes skin with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Last but not least, we have red-flowered silk cotton. Found in Africa, this tree has parts that hold medicinal properties. Using the thorny part from the stem, this ingredient helps prevent damage from UV rays and toxic pollutants and supports the skin's natural defences.

Natural essential oils are added to give it a fresh aroma. "Naturally fragranced with a precious blend of therapeutic essential oils including Neroli and Jasmine to relax and soothe the senses, and provide an immediate sensation of well-being." The Precious Oil Treatment is easy to incorporate into your skincare; Sanatio Naturalis recommends applying a couple of drops onto cleansed and fresh skin day or night. We even added a drop to our moisturiser to enhance its hydration. It feels deliciously luxurious and can work well with any other skincare used, the fragrance of this oil won’t conflictt with its subtle jasmine/neroli scent. Not only is the product itself perfect for nourishment, but it comes in a sustainable small white 30ml glass bottle with a dropper and recyclable box. It also makes a perfect travel companion fitting into hand luggage for those sunny weekends away. You can purchase the 30ml Precious Oil Treatment here for £60.

Kalmar : Large Scented Joy Candle

Who doesn’t love to burn a beautifully fragranced candle on a warm summer evening? At The Amazing Blog, we love how the flickering ambient light from a solo candle under the stars, always adds to the mystical evening glow. This is another of our #amazingfinds with the Joy Candle from wellbeing and lifestyle brand Kalmar. More than just a candle, it’s full of botanicals and infused with amber gemstone to enhance positivity with crystal healing.

The journey of Kalmar begins with its founder, Karen Ruimy. She was born in Morocco and moved to Paris with her family when she was seven. Karen was thriving in the world of finance as she climbed up the corporate ladder and landed a position as a director at the age of 28. This also happened to be the beginning of her spiritual journey. Since then, her spiritual awakening has led her to focus on her spiritual healing, writing, dance, music and philanthropy. In 2016, she began her brand Kalmar to help others on their journey to wellbeing. She has made this her life's work - realigning the mind, body and soul through energy and intention-setting, assisting individuals to move forward on their own unique journey to wellbeing. The brand is centred around four soul states joy, calm, peace, and love; focusing on the positive holistic impacts on the body. As Karen says, "It's our passion to create indulgent self-care products that help you create sacred rituals to rejuvenate your being, uplift your mood, and boost energy." The bath, body care and candles are suitable for vegans, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. Kalmar's products are sustainably sourced as their packaging is FSC Certified. With every purchase, Kalmar will also plant one tree across the UK. They are also a member of the Forest Carbon’s Carbon 100 Club. Kalmar has made a name for themselves in the wellbeing and lifestyle industry as they won multiple awards for their range. They recently won three awards at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, ‘Best Solid Natural Fragrance’ for their Peace Balm of Serenity and two Editor’s Choice Awards for their I Am Loved Body Cream and Calm Deep Cocoon Shower Cream. The Scented Joy Candle won ‘Best Luxury Candle’ at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards.

The Joy Candle is a luxurious candle, with a scent that lifts spirits and gently fragrances a space, it also enhances energy and positivity. As they say, "The invigorating scent freshens your mind to start a new day or open yourself up to new possibilities." According to Kalmar, this candle is good for bringing warmth and comfort to your space with an essence of a late summer evening. This candle is made from natural vegetable waxes (not specified) and contains a fresh and zesty scent of lemon, ginger and bergamot, jasmine, magnolia and white musk; that is also combined with rhodiola, cocoa, orange extract, and amber gemstone extract.

Let’s take a look at the slightly more unusual ingredients. Rhodiola is a plant that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and is thought to increase the body's resistance to stress. It also helps with fatigue, reduces symptoms of depression, and improves brain function and exercise performance. Cocoa, when used aromatically, actually helps calm your body and mind, and in addition to a delicious citrus scent, the orange extract boosts your mood and reduces stress. The amber gemstone extract, sourced from fossilised tree resin, has many emotional healing properties, including emotional stability through relaxation, and also helps with the reduction of depression and anxiety. It also offers strength, protection, peace, trust, wisdom, and memory.

The candle is great for setting intentions, and Kalmar recommends lighting the candle when you need a vital energy boost.. "After lighting the candle, close your eyes and say the mantra, ‘I'm so inspired at this moment, my soul is thriving." i.e. inhale the zesty scent, and exhale all the stress. Edwina, our executive editor, was one of the judges at The Beauty Shortlist Awards, and she loved lighting this candle - even in the morning - to enhance her energy, getting her prepared to conquer the day! This candle is poured into a striking buttercup yellow recyclable glass container, and packaged in a sustainably sourced card. We think that this is one to gift to a friend or to keep and enjoy for yourself. The Joy Candle makes the perfect addition to any space. To purchase see here for the 200g Joy Candle £45, or here the Smaller 75g Joy Candle £25.

Zalina : Organic Radiant Eye & Lip Balsam

Here at The Amazing Blog, we strive to be ahead of the curve and be one of the first to reveal an exciting new beauty launch. Today, Zalina is that brand. Edwina recently judged their products at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards - it won her (and us) over with their award-winning ‘Best Zone-Targeted Beauty Product’ Organic Radiant Eye & Lip Balsam; it’s a great little multitasker that won’t disappoint. 

As a certified health and lifestyle coach with a background in beauty, Zalina Walchi, founded her company Zalina in 2018 in order to make a positive impact on the world of health and beauty. Although her Swiss organic skincare only launched at the end of 2021. As a beauty, health and wellness brand, Zalina prides itself on having 100% organic, waterless and preservative-free products that focus on three themes: the purest natural ingredients, gentle effectiveness, and uncompromised freshness. All ingredients are sourced from sustainable, organic farms and are free from animal testing. It all began when Zalina couldn’t find affordable skincare that had the standard of quality, purity, and efficacy that she wanted to use on her own skin. Zalina said, "I'm very passionate about skincare and beauty. I am grateful to formulate products inspired by the warmth of the Caribbean, the energy of New York and the pristine purity of my surroundings here in Switzerland." What sets the brand apart is the supercritical plant extracts used to regenerate, repair, and improve skin health. They’re also about the microbiome (AKA microbiota), an ecosystem of bacteria on the skin's surface that protects against pathogens and balances skin and the immune system. The brand has excellent eco-credentials, where they only use biodegradable containers made from molten wood and bottles from renewable sugar cane materials. Zalina has also partnered with New Zealand company CarbonClick which helps fight climate change. When a product purchase is made online, there’s an option to click a green button, which adds a small contribution. This contribution purchases carbon offsets, which reduce the environmental impact of the carbon emissions generated from the purchase. All products are formulated in Switzerland under strict quality control, certification and standards and are European and Swiss certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free and Icada Clean Beauty and (soon) Ecocert. There’s also an online immersive beauty experience called the Zalina Seamless Beauty & Green Beauty Class, with education on her natural ingredients, application techniques for her products, and personal tips for your beauty routine.

The Organic Radiant Eye & Lip Balsam is a multitasking product created for use on both the eyes and lips. Not many solo products have this dual-purpose, offering to nourish, hydrate and energise these areas of skin. It’s made up of eight 100% organic cold-pressed oils; karité, moringa, alpine rose, jojoba, wheat germ, rosehip, kukui, and chia.

Karité, (AKA shea butter), is an oil extracted from the fruit of a karite tree, with vitamins A and E, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Moringa is a non-fragrant plant oil that is full of antioxidants and vitamins. The Swiss alpine rose extract strengthens the skin's barrier function and protects skin proteins from oxidative stress and environmental damage. Jojoba is rich in fatty acids and has many skin-soothing properties. Wheatgerm softens skin and provides increased suppleness and strength. Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants and known for its cell regeneration. Kukui is a Hawaiian plant that has emollient properties like fatty acids like linoleic acid and omega-3, which help calm and reduce skin inflammation. Chia seed oil is non-fragrant, again it’s rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, and shown to relieve dry skin and restore the skin's moisture barrier.

The Eye & Lip Balsam is gentle and is particularly good for the delicate skin around the eye. We should mention that it’s also very hydrating for the lips. It’s one of those great little multitaskers that needs to be close to hand on a desk or in a handbag. With its hydrating qualities, It certainly protected our lips against chapping, and when applied around the eyes, it felt soothing and worked as an excellent primer for makeup. Comprised of only eight organic oils, together these rejuvenate, protect and repair, it’s simple yet effective, which is why it’s another of our #amazingfinds. These hydrating oils give skin an all-around natural glow, lips feel smoother and softer, and around the eyes, fine lines plumped up. This is our little hero product, and the Organic Radiant Eye & Lip Balsam can be purchased for 45 Swiss Francs here.