Spruce: Multi-Purpose Starter Kit

The world of cleaning products is at last changing, and thankfully there is now a choice of natural cleaners with plant-based ingredients to make our homes sparkle.  For too long, products with harsh chemicals, leaving toxic residue on our counters, floors and even on our hands, has dominated. Although these natural products aren’t cheap, at The Amazing Blog we think that when it comes to buying safe, eco-friendly and non-toxic household cleaning items, these are a wise investment. Today we take a look at a Multi-Purpose Start Kit from Spruce.

Spruce, is a British cleaning brand recently founded by Mahira Kalim. They have launched with two products made from non-toxic ingredients and without any single-use plastics. After suffering from health issues, possibly due of the toxins in household products, Mahira realised that the market was filled with cleaning products that use single-use plastic bottles with 90% water, toxic chemicals, artificial dyes and fragrances. So, she decided to create a brand that offered safe, natural, and eco-friendly choices for consumers; “without compromising on convenience, effectiveness or aesthetics”. Having launched Spruce in the midst of the pandemic, Mahira has “put people and the planet over profit”. Therefore, she has developed her products to be entirely cruelty-free, vegan, and safe for pregnant women, children, and pets. Their product packaging, including the reusable aluminium bottles and the refill sachets, are all plastic-free, recyclable, FSC-certified, and printed with biodegradable ink.  Sustainability is at the heart of the brand. With the one-time buy of the aluminium bottle, it’s the world's most recycled material with 80% of the aluminium in use today which is recycled.  Their lightweight refill sachets have a concentrated powder and only weighs 4 grams, which is 140 times less than a typical cleaning bottle that weighs 560 grams, plus these are completely biodegradable!  Refills fit through a letterbox and get delivered with a significantly low carbon footprint. They also offer a flexible subscription which can be changed or cancel anytime.

The Multi-Purpose Starter Kit  is one of Spruce’s best-seller. The brand has already gained consumer recognition having been shortlisted by Dezeen Awards for their Sustainable Design and an Eco Lifestyle Winner at 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards. We initially found Spruce at its inception on Instagram and have been itching to try their cleaners ever since. The Kit comes with a lightweight aluminium Spruce bottle and a plastic-free Multi-Purpose cleaner refill sachet. The refill sachet is made of plant-based or food-grade powder ingredients highly rated for their environmental and human safety on Environmental Working Group (EWG) and by the  European Chemical Agency (ECHA). The plant-based ingredients include sodium coco-sulfate (a surfactant derived from coconut) and alkyl polyglycosides (sugars). Whereas the food-grade ingredients include citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and sodium bicarbonate. Plus, there are locally sourced essential oils which contain antimicrobial properties. They are quick to point out that their surfactants work differently from toxic antibacterial agents (pesticides) that kill the bacteria. Also, a point to remember is that antibacterials are effective against bacteria, not viruses. Anyway, we couldn’t find any nasties here! We found it is gentle on the nose, where it left only the slightest residue of a mild spa-like geranium fragrance. Happily it also made swift work of removing lingering food stains and greasy marks from kitchen and bathroom worktops. To turn this Kit into a cleaning solution, you simply add the refill sachet into the bottle and fill it slowly with tap water- easy! This Multi-Purpose Kit has won us over as being not only good for the planet, but also great for our pocket; it lasted over a month, with regular use, which for us makes economic sense when this one product can replace at least three of our current others. You can purchase the multi-purpose starter kit here for £12.00 and refills at £9.99 each.

EasterMia: Crisp Apple Nail Polish & Nail Kit

Nail polish is the quickest (and chicest) way to change up your look from day to night, or from season to season. With spring here, at The Amazing Blog  we’ve selected a beautiful true-red nail polish and a Nail Kit to share with you from the Canadian nail brand EasterMia, for a quality at-home manicure. With over 40+ shades to choose from, these nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic and deliver a great professional looking manicure. 

Mia Phan, the creator and founder of EasterMia, owns a local nail salon in Burlington, Ontario. Inspired by her clients and her mother, Helen, who has more than 30 years of experience in the nail industry, she wanted to create a relaxing and fun experience for all the  hardworking women who are time-poor and deserve a little pampering at home. Phan established EasterMia in 2019, and  understands the importance of self-care and nail health. EasterMia was created in collaboration with a chemist, where the range of nail polishes and nail care are free of all the most common toxic chemicals and fragrances used in other mainstream brands. They are also a Leaping Bunny approved brand. So, whether you are a soon-to-be mother or prone to allergies, this nail brand should be safe for you.

The first product to introduce is the Crisp Apple Nail Polish. With so many reds to choose from (think blue-based, neutral or orange-toned), we decided upon this stunning and versatile true apple-red shade; which adds a classic pop of colour. The shiny and vibrant finish of this trans-seasonal red adds a opulent shade to complement any spring, going into summer wardrobe. We also think that this sophisticated hue looks just as chic for sporting on office hands, as it would on the red carpet. It is a 10-free nail polish, meaning that it does not contain the ten common harsh chemicals found in nail polishes, like formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, triphenyl phosphate and fragrance. We like how the formula allows you to apply it thinly onto the nails, and delivers an opaque coverage with just one coat. They suggest for a longer lasting colour, to top-up with their high gloss Top Coat finish, all of which we’re happy to report, are entirely gloop free. 

We also received the Nail Kit. This essentials kit has everything you need to start an at-home manicure, including a clear Base Coat, Top Coat, Organic Cuticle Oil, a small buffer and file. The Base and Top coat serve as foundation and protection for their nail polish. The Base Coat’s unique ingredients help smooth the nail surface and evens out the nail plate, as well as offering no stain residue on the natural nail. The Top Coat is slightly tinted to make it even more light reflective and keeps the nail polish from yellowing. EasterMia purposefully adds aloe vera and vitamin E to its Organic Cuticle Oil to nourish your cuticles. With the pineapple scent here, it makes the experience even more pleasant and relaxing.  To get your nails polished to perfection in a matter of minutes, see here to purchase EasterMia’s Crisp Apple nail polish for £8, and the Nail Kit is here for £15.

MamaSia: Desert Date Oil

Let’s keep it simple – at The Amazing Blog we want to take about the versatility and purity of oils. They’ve been tried and tested for centuries, and we find more and more people are returning to using only minimally-processed oils as part of their skincare routine. Today, we are trying out a Desert Date Oil from MamaSia . 

MamaSia is an established natural skincare brand, launched in 2012; it has traditional African beauty and wellbeing products, all with a modern twist. They are based in the UK and co-founded by Maame Opoku.  With her dual heritage, Maamie is of Ghanaian descent, and born in England.  She spent time in Laraganga, Ghana, where she learnt about local ingredients and production methods from women in the community. After years of experience in the beauty industry, she realised the uniqueness and value of the traditional African beauty practices she’d gleaned and decided to create her own brand MamaSia, now a business made up of more than forty Ghanian women. All products are formulated by Maame and Sam, the company’s co-founders. Where their collective objective is to help the local communities, especially women, by acting in a socially responsible way to ‘Share, Inspire and Assist’ (this acronym ‘SIA’ is found in the brand name). All of its product ingredients are sourced from its family lands in Senegal and Ghana. As Maame said, “MamaSia is an experience rather than a brand, many people have never heard of some of the natural botanicals found in our products range. So, it is an experience from that standpoint, not forgetting our customers get to experience how our ingredients are grown on our communal lands to how it is re-purposed by us. That is why we say ‘From our Lands to your Hands’, it is direct from soil to hands.”  MamaSia produces a range of hair and skincare products and superfoods such as raw purple sea moss. However, what interests us are the superfood oils in her collection, which are pure, unadulterated and good enough to eat! They are now getting the brand recognition that they deserve and recently won The Afro Hair & Beauty Association AHBA Award for Brand Excellence. 

We couldn’t wait to try the Desert Date Oil , an all-rounder that is beneficial and suitable for all skin and hair types. It can automatically adjust and balance your skin or hair’s pH level, leaving your skin and hair smoothing and glowing without being greasy and won’t clog the pores. It is derived from Desert Date’s seed kernel, a fruit that thrives in dry conditions and is high in natural non-volatile fatty acids (46%), helping rejuvenate skin cells and reduce fine lines. As an ideal food ingredient and a cosmetics component, it contains naturally occurring, highly concentrated vitamin E and omega 3 &6 fatty acids. Vitamin E provides an excellent healing and nourishing effect that strengthens and moisturises the skin. At the same time, omega 3 &6 serves to regulate the skin's oil production and calm inflammatory reactions and skin breakouts. This is the first time we’ve used 100% cold-pressed Dessert Date Oil (balanites aegyptiaca) where we tested it out night and day, and as directed by the brand to ‘dab or pat not glide’ a little goes a long way. We loved how hydrating and protective this felt on the skin (used in chilly February). This is good for the hair tips to seal split ends, and with a drop rubbed into the palm of our hands, then smoothed over the crown, it also keeps frizz at bay. This is simplicity at its best, suitable for all skin types and one oil we’d certainly buy more of. The humble date is probably one of the most sustainable botanicals around, with its fruits and leaves which can be eaten, the kernels used for oil, and the vines and twigs crushed to help build local structures! To purchase this 30ml Desert Date Oil for £10, you can buy it here. 

SKIRR: Anti-chafing Stick Sport Body Balm

In this new world of lunchtime walks, jogging or running for our daily 10k steps - we’ve heard lots of moans and groans of newfound soreness from skin rubbing or blisters. So, when we at The Amazing Blog  heard about Skirr Skin with their Anti-Chafing Stick Sports Body Balm – we had to give it a try – after all, prevention is better than cure!

Skirr Skin is a sustainable sports skincare brand based in Argyll, Scotland, for eco-conscious adventure and endurance athletes looking for body care to address sport-specific problems and protect their skin from chafing and blistering. Chafing and blisters are caused by friction from clothing or two areas of skin rubbing together. It can worsen during very sweaty and wet conditions causing extreme discomfort. We don’t want that! Skirr, an old Scottish word for glide or move faster, and is founded by registered nutritional therapist and entrepreneur Moira Newiss. Having graduated from Formula Botanica, Moira always dreamed of being an entrepreneur with an eco-focused company. When she couldn’t find a brand that sold natural and sustainable products for sports skincare, she was eager to start her own to combine her passion for sport and the environment. Soon, Skirr Skin was launched in February 2020 with her first product, the Anti-Chafing Stick Sport Body Balm. This was formulated and tested out at the Tyndrum24 Ultra race in January 2020 at the Scottish Highlands and proved itself to have effective protection for runners over 70 miles! Moira believes she has created not only an eco-friendly product but a product that protects athletes (and novices) who have struggled with chafing. One of these athletes is Kyle Gordon, who is the brand’s first ambassador, a full-time Scottish elite cyclist who is training for the Commonwealth Games 2022 and spends between 15 – 25 hours a week in the saddle. We couldn’t wait for our tester to try this Body Balm. 

The Anti-chafing Stick Sport Body Balm  contains eco-friendly, natural and organic ingredients that help to prevent blisters, chafing and maintain healthy skin. It also acts as a nourishing moisturiser to keep the skin supple and in good condition. It is suited for multi-sport use, including running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and surfing. We think that you’ll never go wrong with this Sport Body Balm! It even contains 30% more product than its main competitor. It is packaged in fully recyclable cardboard so you can enjoy sport as well as preserve the outdoors. Skirr suggests using the Sport Body Balm by pushing up the tube’s bottom and applying it directly to areas where you may experience chafing, such as the feet, groin, neck, or chest. The ingredients are unique and critical here. Coconut oil contains nourishing fatty acids that help hydrate and protect the skin. Jojoba seed oil is a crucial ingredient proven to combat acne, dry skin, and other skin conditions such as chafing. Beeswax creates a protective layer on the skin. It also removes dead skin and keeps the skin soft and hydrated. Sunflower oil is a highly absorbent non-irritant that helps combat dry chafing skin. Finally, vitamin E will help make the skin look its best, and rosemary will relieve any pain and inflammation. Our tester is new to exercise, with both running and cycling, and complained bitterly about the soreness on the inside of his thighs. He even purchased lycra shorts to wear under his tracksuit bottoms – but alas these didn’t offer a solution. After we handed him the Skirr Sports Balm to try, he eulogised how even after a whole weekend of full-on activities, there was no more soreness. He was also impressed with how this Sport Body Balm both protected and soothed. He has subsequently abandoned his undergarment of lycra shorts! You can purchase the Anti-chafing Stick Sport Body Balm directly on Skirr Skin’s website for £19.99 here. 

Karma Coast: Karma Organic CDB Hemp Tea

Back at our desks after the Easter break, we thought today we’d share about one of our #amazingfinds from The Amazing Blog, particularly if you’re looking for natural products to help steady nerves, reduce stress, and give you some much longed for, uninterrupted sleep. As regular readers will know, we’re big fans of CBD products (see here) because of the numerous benefits it provides, especially the calming effect. Which is why we’d like to introduce Karma Coast  and their Organic CDB Tea.

Karma Coast was founded in 2018 and is based in Tynemouth. Their aim is to produce high-quality, organic and vegan CBD products to help improve overall wellbeing. The co-owners, Dylan Mortimer and Magdalena Dopierala, have a wealth of knowledge in cannabis sector and have over 20 years of combined experience in professional healthcare. They offer complimentary wellness consultations in their Tynemouth dispensary, either over the phone or via video link, with a mission to improve the quality of life for the local community or for further afield. Karma Coast believes that CBD products can help to supplement our endocannabinoid system and are an alternative way to create and maintain wellness. They source their hemp from a Polish organic farm in the Bieszczady Mountains, where the plants are gently harvested, dried and finely sorted by hand and their organic hemp tea is farmed without any herbicides or pesticides. They’ve developed a wide range of high-quality products, including CBD tea, coffee, oils, tinctures, vapes, topicals and hemp clothing and merchandise. Their key focus on quality has made Karma Coast the winner of five independent awards, such as ‘Best Organic CBD Products 2020’ at the UK Enterprise Awards  and ‘Best Organic CBD Products 2020’ at the Northern Prestige Awards.  All of their products are packaged in recyclable, compostable, biodegradable and reusable materials. 

They very kindly sent us their Karma Organic CDB Hemp Tea which is made from 100% organic hemp with full-spectrum CBD, meaning that it has all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavanols, lipids, waxes, and chlorophylls with the regulated amount of 0.2% THC – which as regular readers will know, this amount will not get you high! However, these compounds will give you an ‘entourage effect’, which increases the benefit you get when multiple components of the plant work synergistically. These compounds also help to improve clarity and aid conditions such as anxiety, stress and sleep disorders. The potent terpenes like linalool, are known to help sleep and inflammation and studies have also shown terpenes can produce an antidepressant-like effect. This Hemp Tea is made with 100% organic, natural, allergen-free, and vegan hemp leaves with no herbicides or pesticides. The hand-picked, dried, and finely sorted leaves reserve the maximum amount of nutrients. To prepare this loose tea, use one teaspoon of hemp tea, per cup, infused with boiled water. We found that if you want a mild and deliciously fruity tasting tea, it needs to be left to brew for 3 to 5 minutes max, or if you let it steep for longer, i.e. 10+ minutes, you’ll reap more of the benefits; but it also has a deeper and slightly bitter taste – where we’d recommend adding in some honey. They suggest drinking it at breakfast time to help set you up for the day, but we preferred drinking at night, as we found it gave us a much better quality of wonderful and unbroken sleep! You can buy the Karma Coast’s Organic CDB Hemp Tea here starting from £10.00 for 30g/20 servings to £50.00 for 200g/133 servings.