Netsai Rose & Avacado Cleansing Balm

Who doesn’t love a balm? At The Amazing Blog, we actively look for new natural balms, any balms that are for cleansing or moisturising the face, lips and body. Out of all of these, the cleansing balm is the winner for those of us living in London. The hard water here is full of calcium and magnesium compounds that not only causes limescale but strips our skin of all its natural oils, which can then lead to large pores, dry skin rashes, itching or worse rosacea! That’s why we want to talk about a natural cleansing balm from British indie brand Netsai.

Netsai was founded by Esnath Moyo in 2019, when she realised that most beauty brands on the market never represented the people that she identified with. Wanting to be an example to her loved ones and making sure that they would all be accepted for their beautiful selves, she set herself a challenge to create her own beauty brand Netsai. This is where she followed her dream, to produce this skincare, promising products that would hold innovation, support sustainability, diversity and inclusion. This cruelty-free and organic brand promote community helping change lives by ‘inspiring confidence in the marginalised’ that’s then reflected into every day. We applaud you Esnath!

Back to balms. With our love of balms, we chose to review the Rose and Avocado Cleansing Balm. This is suitable for all skin types; it’s a luxurious balm and contains a plethora of great ingredients. Let’s start with the key ingredients of shea butter, which is highly concentrated in fatty acids and vitamins, and also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Then the lactic acid which is an anti-wrinkle and pigmentation-fighting ingredient. It’s an alternative to glycolic acid which means that it’s less irritating, yet just as effective and an excellent ingredient for sensitive skin. The carnauba wax is actually an edible ingredient, as an emollient, it has a high melting point and can be used for thickening skincare as well as being a deeply hydrating moisturiser. Avocado oil, will deeply penetrate the skin to nourish, soften and boost your skin’s immunity against environmental stresses. What makes this balm even more of an exceptional hydrator is its richness with the coconut oil.  Lavender in this is for a deep cleanse and to calm any redness and irritation. Rose oil is the antioxidant powerhouse, which will strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissues. If you have dry skin, then this will help hydrate it, and finally, the addition of orange flower water which is a good toner that balances oils brightening the complexion.

We applied 10p size dollop of the cleansing balm, with a spatula from the jar, into our hands. We then warmed it up in our palms and spread it liberally over a dry face and neck. Massaged in for 60 seconds and splashed with warm water to emulsify, rubbed in a little more and then wiped it away with a damp cloth. It integrated easily into our skincare routine and this natural high performing formula even melted away make-up and SPF, all in one go. What set this apart for us, is its ability to be used as a make-up remover or as a second cleanse, where it worked like magic with the hard water and left our complexions clean and soft. If you live in a city with hard water, you need this cleansing balm! See here for your 60ml jar for £18.00.

Paso’s CBD Milk Chocolate

Do you love chocolate? Because here at The Amazing Blog we certainly do! With the past year of world turmoil, we’ve been on the search to find comforming products to help relax during this time of uncertainty and take a step back. We’ve heard lots about our #amazingfinds of today with their chocolate, their very special CBD chocolate, no less. meet Paso CBD 75mg Milk Chocolate which gives you just that.

Paso CBD stared when best friends (and cousins), Alex and Sophie left their jobs in consulting and law to venture into the cannabis industry. They created this company with the idea of creating enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life. Their friends were hesitant about CBD products, which only motivated them more to create products that normalise CBD. They pride themselves on their high standard products that are 100% organic, premium CBD and ‘non-psychoactive’ which they source from hemp extract from farms in Colorado and Oregon. Even though their products are entirely hand made in the UK. They support Cool Earth which is an organisation that is committed to ending tropical deforestation and conservation of the rainforests. Paso has cleverly been able to master producing edible CBD products, that actually taste good. Some of the products in their line include vape pens, cartridges, e-liquids, CBD gummies and oils. Their chocolate comes in White, Dark and Milk; Milk is the one we’re going to talk about today.

We’re impressed with their branding and the sleek royal blue cardboard packaging which reveals the silver foiled chocolate. This all feels very premium. Milk chocolate is THC-free and broad-spectrum. Each square of chocolate contains 3mg of CBD, where you break off a couple of pieces to help you relax and unwind (the maximum daily dose they recommend is 70mg per day). The chocolate is rich and creamy with caramel notes, and is made with hemp extract (including CBD), 42% cocoa mass, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, natural vanilla flavouring, sugar, and whole milk powder. All these ingredients have a health benefit. The hemp extract has antioxidants and healthy omega fatty acids, which makes it great for hair and skin or just stress relief. The cocoa mass not only gives it its flavour but in moderation, it can help keep the heart-healthy. Like the hemp extract, cocoa butter is high in fatty acids which can help hydrate and nourish the skin. Soya lecithin can raise good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). Natural vanilla flavouring brings a flavour, but it’s also rich in antioxidants. Sugar gives sweetness to the chocolate and also according to some scientists is can be beneficial for brain health. The whole milk powder found here is a good source of minerals such magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium as well vitamins A, D, E and K. We have to be honest and say that we noticed a slight after-taste, which we didn’t mind too much and nibbled at it throughout the day, but it’s rich and we didn’t need much to get our chocolate fix and feel fully satiated. We’ve heard that it’s good to eat before bed to help with sleep, hah! Who needs that excuse? To enjoy this simple pleasure, you can purchase your Paso CBD Milk Chocolate 75mg for £8.00 here. We would like to thank CBD-Produce who kindly sent us this and several other CBD food products from the extensive range. Whether this is your first time trying CBD, or you are an experienced user, we think you’ll find something to tempt you at this great one-stop-shop for all things CBD. 

AMAZINC! Skincare - Mineral Sunscreen, Lip Balm and Mineral Shield

As regular readers will know we’re always preaching about sun awareness.  Particularly with the erosion of the ozone layer and the planet heating up… Today we’d like to talk about a mineral-based sunscreen and block. AMAZINC! Skincare is a sun care range that provides high protection and is made for those who have an active lifestyle and who want to indulge in a bit of surfing or other water-based fun.

This Czech brand AMAZINC! Skincare, launched in 2015 by Jan Kostelnik and Stepan Martinek, whose vision was to create a natural sunscreen and block that was not only functional but also kind to the environment.  What sets this apart from other suncare brands is that it has been created by a team of nature lovers who regularly hike in the mountains and surf the oceans – so they knew that there was a gap in the market and what was needed. We like that they have no nasties in their formulas, as we’ve found that many of the high street sun protection products have chemical formulations that are dangerous for marine life and corals (check out your regular sunscreen's ingredients here). These chemicals pollute playgrounds, mountains and oceans with compounds that destroy the environment. A quick run-through on the main chemical to look, oxybenzone is the one that harms marine life and is known as one of the most toxic ingredients in the cosmetic industry. This has proved to be deadly when in contact with marine life and wildlife in general, where It creates reef bleaching that causes the death of the coral. Something we didn’t know, is that non coated nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium oxide aren’t any better either! AMAZINC! ensures that these chemical compounds are not found in any of its products and helps to raise awareness around this. Their products are mainly vegan and also have plastic and chemical-free packaging (reusable aluminium bottles, tins and cardboard tubes). Also, as an environmentally aware company, they’re on a mission to help educate their customers too.

We tried the Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, which offers a high level of protection with only mineral filters and natural ingredients, making it a nature-friendly form of sun protection. The key ingredients include almond oil that protects the skin from the UV as well as reversing any damage. It also has jojoba oil a popular ingredient in natural sunscreen products with vitamin E which when combined with other antioxidants such as those found in olive oil, protects the skin from sun damage; these will stop skin dehydration or flaking. This product is also rich in zinc oxide, a topical skin product that is used as a protective coating also used for mild skin irritations or abrasions as it speeds up healing. Finally, the triticum vulgare germ oil here is to relieve dryness.  This natural mineral sunscreen has a subtle sweet almond fragrance. We used this as a one-off application, out sailing all day with hot sun and the reflections from the sea, and when we returned to land there wasn’t even the slightest bit of redness in sight! I would advise that this Is not suitable for those who are wishing to pose on the beach topping up their tan, as this Mineral Sunscreen does leave a white residue (from the zinc/titanium oxide). However, it’s perfect for the action-packed adventurer who just wants one application and to go.  This Mineral Sunscreen you can find in 150ml here for €24.95.

Next is their natural Lip Balm this is rich in natural emulsifiers which help to retain moisture, making it ideal dry or chapped lips. We found it very smooth to apply and unusually long-lasting. There’s jojoba oil, rich in vitamin B and E and essential minerals like zinc that will make your lips soft. The almond oil here will does wonders for the lips keeping them hydrated and rejuvenate. The antioxidant properties in the olive oil condition and protect lips from drying out. The texture is balm-like and waxy and the vanilla planifolia fruit extract not only adds to the fragrance and taste but has antioxidant benefits and skin-soothing agents. This Lip Balm does not contain sun protection – so please bear this in mind. It’s perfect for carrying in your pocket all year round to provide a lip pick-me-up. You can find it here in a generous 30g for €12.25.

Last but not least, is the Mineral Shield which has 17.5g of essential zinc cream that comes in four colours. This sunblock offers full UV protection and is easy to apply/remove and yet is highly water-resistant. They have perfected this formula with their Mineral Shield compound with a mix of zinc oxide, magnesium oxide and kaolin. The combination of these natural ingredients will provide nature-friendly and sustainable sun protection. They say it’s for applying to on the face and lips, we think it’s also ideal for covering up and protecting any suspicious moles or skin damage. We like that this Mineral Shield does not get washed away, it stays put until you wipe it off. The blend contains bee wax which works as a natural binder, stabiliser and skin-conditioner, and is often used as a topical, non-allergenic sunscreen ingredient to condition and repair. It also contains olive oil and lanolin (wool fat) so this product is not vegan! It’s a great little full sunblock, ideal to keep on hand in case you need some serious cover-up. You can find it here for €11.95. 

We’re impressed with this sun care range and certainly put it to full use. What would we order more of? Both the AMAZINC! Mineral Shield to dab on moles and the Lip Balm as we loved the taste and texture.

Puritx - Superior Hand Sanitisers

In this new strange world of COVID-19, none of us at TheAmazingBlog leave home without some sort of hand sanitiser tucked away in a pocket. However, knowing how we all like to use natural products, finding a hand sanitiser that has 99% natural ingredients has proved tricky to find – until now. Meet Puritx and their deliciously fragranced superior hand sanitiser.

Puritx is a brand born mid-quarantine, as their parent Canova a home fragrance company, went temporarily on hold in order to speed up the production hand sanitiser to meet the nation’s demand. Puritx’s mission is to create the most superior hand sanitiser with the finest ingredients available. Based in Herefordshire, they have produced six fragrant products that have 99% natural (29% organic) ingredients in a skin-soothing aloe vera base. All the ingredients are sourced responsibly and ethically and contain 70% ethanol alcohol from British grain. Apart from this brand being a shining light in these dark times, we love the fact that they support the local key workers by donating 20% of their production of hand sanitisers to help keep them safe.

We received two x 60ml samples to try. First the Manuka, Cedar & Grapefruit. This has a great combination of healing ingredients with the manuka honey here as the miracle worker, with its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, studies show how it has wound-healing capabilities and tissue regeneration. Thus, it’s an effective skin barrier and helps to prevent any infection. Besides being an excellent mood lifter in aromatherapy, grapefruit essential oil also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties too. Finally, the cedarwood in this blend is an all-natural antiseptic and known to be used topically to help combat bacterial and fungal infection. The fragrance is mellow and warm with keynotes of citrus and wood. 

Then we tried the Geranium, Lime & Peppermint. This is a refreshing blend of geranium oil which works as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent and is used in natural medicine for infection and pain management. The lime oil provides both uplifting and invigorating properties together with its limonene which contributes to its cleansing ability. Then, the peppermint oil will cool, clear and refresh the surface of your skin and with its antiseptic powers help to purify your skin. The geranium is the dominant fragrance note here making it floral and revitalising. All Puritx Superior Hand Sanitisers contain aloe vera known for being a natural moisturiser helping to rehydrate dry and rough skin, as well as being a cleansing agent that will shield the skin from bacteria. Squeeze a generous amount onto dry hands, spread from fingertips over palms and back of hands. Allow it to dry for 30 seconds giving time for the aloe vera and essential oils to absorb fully.  Why not invest in these fantastically fragranced, 100% vegan and natural hand sanitisers here starting from £4.50 for 60ml.

SELF - Boost of Protection Sunscreen SPF 30

The sun is now getting lower in the autumn sky, but this doesn’t mean that the UV rays are getting any weaker! We thought we’d review a few natural SPF products in the next few weeks, as some of you may be jetting away for a quick boost of Mediterranean sunshine. As regular readers will know, we’re big on our sun protection and always try to find some of the best and most natural products to suggest. We’ve been itching to try the natural skincare SELF who has its renowned SPF 30 Boost of Protection Sunscreen.

This natural skincare brand SELF hails from Belgium and launched in 2016 by Isabelle Ulenaers. Previously a psychologist, she now juggles her life between being a mother, wife and entrepreneur. The brand story started with her daughter, who has eczema and problematic skin. None of the prescriptive creams or so-called natural skincare worked. So, Ulenaers decided to take matters in her own hands, and SELF was born. The products are suitable for all skin types and are made from a list of natural and hypoallergenic ingredients. She personally oversees every formulation from the origin of the plant to the final product, and pushes her ideas to the limit, only using certified recyclable and sustainable packaging. We think that SELF is a safe, natural, ethical and transparent skincare. A multi-award winner; with Beauty Shortlist Awards in 2016, 2017 and 2019 and Natural Health International Beauty Awards in 2019. It is a vegan, cruelty-free and every product is gentle enough for even pregnant women and babies. All SELF products are free from parabens, artificial colours and odours and other synthetic components. They chose to work with recycled materials for and currently use plastic components such as polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The Boost of Protection Sunscreen SPF30 a powerful and moisturising sunscreen, made with 100% vegan ingredients. We like that it offers optimal protection from the sun while also maintaining the moisture in the skin. Developed primarily for sensitive skin, this water-resistant sun lotion protects against UVA and UVB rays. It is very reef and environmentally friendly and contains euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax which helps reduce the appearance the stretch marks and signs of ageing. The avocado oil has a high percentage of vitamin E, as well as potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients boosting in collagen levels. Which in turn, accelerates the healing process of issues like sunburn. The sesame seed oil blocks up to 75% of UV radiation and will shield and protect. The freshness of cucumber extract soothes and alleviates any pain from sunburn. It is rich in minerals, potassium and sulphur, and these ingredients cool the skin and keeping it refreshed. Finally, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter will absorb damaging UVA / UVB rays offering natural sun protection. The other ingredients such are coconut,  macadamia (palmitoleic acid), Argan oils are all full of antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids all of which are incredibly hydrating. The shea butter, has vitamins A, D and E and allantoin, an excellent moisturiser and protector against dehydration. These ingredients work as skin firming agents and is a UV protector. Then there’s aloe vera known for soothing burns, healing and boosting and protecting. Finally, there are essential oils with mandarin and geranium. Mandarin helps with both dry and oily skin, the geranium has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and cleansing properties and is remarkably effective against fungal skin infections. We love that this Boost of Protection Sunscreen is water-resistant, pH neutral and leaves no white residue. And that they claim that it is 100% safe for all sensitive skins, even for those having chemotherapy. I’ve been using this throughout the summer and it’s light, absorbs quickly, and has a very subtle natural fragrance. It’s easy to use, plus if I feel the need for applying foundation, it works brilliantly as a primer under makeup. Would I buy more? Absolutely! See here to purchase your 100ml bottle for €38.00.