Organic

Quarnero: Fleur de Sel Relax Bath Salts

With winter still upon us here, at The Amazing Blog we love taking a hot bath at the end of the day, to warm up before bed and soak away the day. We've recently featured a few different bath products, but today we have an exceptional and award-winning brand Quarnero, with their delicate and unique Fleur de Sel Relax bath salts. 

Quarnero was founded by mother and son Zorica and Rešid Seferović, and is based in the Kvarner region in Croatia. They produce natural and organic face & body oils and bath salts, which have up until recently, been primarily created for the spa and salon sector. Their ingredients are mainly derived from the local region where the wild plants flourish in the clean air, and the unpolluted Dalmatian shoreline gives life to their fleur de sel. Otherwise, other key organic ingredients such as organic cold-pressed sesame oil and a few of the essentials oils are carefully sourced from selected organic locations. They use organic biodynamic plant actives combined with their time-honoured knowledge of ancient medicinal remedies to bring these select products to life – for Quarnero their brand ethos is to get’ back to basics’ and ‘less is more’. All products have the prized certification from NATRUE, International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association https://www.natrue.org, who are committed to promoting and protecting global natural and organic cosmetics. All Quarnero products are handmade, vegan and delivered in solid, simple apothecary-style jars with Miron violet glass. Interestingly, this violet glass is scientifically proven to maintain fresh ingredients longer than clear glass. It also acts as a barrier preventing the loss of bioenergy, enzymes, smell or colour from the product stored within, making preservatives less necessary. The brand is now available in 39 countries, with six products in total, which are within the two ranges of Face & Body Oils and Bath Salts.

These Fleur de Sel Relax bath salts were a recent Wellbeing Winner, named as the Best Bath Soak at the global 2020 Beauty Shortlist Awards. As the name suggests, these contain the beautiful fleur de sel crystals, together with Quarnero organic botanical oils. When poured into the bath, this heady mix is slow to dissolve, fragrancing the water which in turn, absorbs into the pores relaxing the body. Any undissolved fleur de sea crystals can also be used to gently exfoliate and stimulate the lymph,as well as improving the skin's texture by making it soft and smooth. Fleur de sel is a salt enriched with natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iodine from the Adriatic Sea. It forms in oceanic conditions in seawater; it’s flaky, fragile and forms either as flat mass or as hollow pyramids, which look like angular delicate flowers (hence the name ‘flower of salt’). These bloom and float on the surface and are carefully harvested by hand. Fleur de sel is known as the purest form of salt on earth, as it contains no impurities or bitterness from the sea. Its been a tried and tested formula for therapeutic bathing since the Roman Empire and some even say that these salts have the aroma of violets.  Apart from the salts, other ingredients include oils from lavender, bergamot orange peel and geranium leafLavender, as we know, relieves stress and aids sleep. Bergamot has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the skin. The geranium leaf has been used as far back as the Egyptians in tea to alleviate anxiety and fatigue. When I opened the jar of Relax Bath Salt, it immediately filled the room with its notes of lavender, bergamot, geranium leaf; and the potent fleur de sel. Another one of our #amazingfinds, it was deliciously intoxicating and from just opening the lid, I could slightly ‘taste’ the saltiness in the air. I can honestly say, that I could not get enough of these Relax bath salts. They made me feel uplifted, and yet tranquil, relaxed and at peace. With all the lockdown, stress and anxiety – what better way to soak away the worries of the day and get a good night’s sleep? To purchase the Relax Bath Salt in 450g at €94,49 please email info@quarnero.hr for enquiries due to the online shop currently being unavailable.

Organic Island : Shell Lips Balms

How at The Amazing Blog, we wish it was summer - oh to be walking barefoot along the beach, without a care in the world…  Well, what if we told you that there’s a product that could bring back some of those distant memories?  See the above pretty Shell Lip Balms, housed inside recycled shells which have been washed up on the Australian shores. These contain yet another of Organic Island’s organic raw plant-based balms. Recently, you may remember we featured their PAWPAW Multi Balm here.

Organic Island is an organic Australian skincare launched in 2006 by Mark Powers. The company ethos is to produce honest organic cosmetics and skincare all with advanced technology. With their patented formulas of Si02 Matrix, OliveM 1000 and Lexfeel Natural, Organic Island is an established and multi-award winning brand. They also have the much acclaimed ACO (Australian Certified Organic) and BDIH Germany certification, which are two of the most highly-regarded global commissions. Receiving these accreditation, means that their products only contain organic, raw plant and mineral-based formulas, and ensures a purity of ingredients. Organic Island also states that the only preservative they use in their Shell Lip Balms is vitamin E.

These Shell Lip Balms are made using only 100% recycled beach shells; they collect the washed-up shells, cleaning with sandblasting and water pressure - Organic Island does it all. Every shell is unique, and there are six different types of shells to choose from. Our favourites are the select four, that have a handy mirror tucked inside. We received the full set of six shells to try, which consist of the White Pearl and Turquoise which are a small and compact size. The medium ones are Mocha and Oriental Fan; and largest are Tiger Crown and White Frangipani. Inside all six shells is the organic, silky and moisturising balm which contains only eight organic ingredients. The rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acid vitamins and antioxidants, which help improve skin hydration and repair dry, damaged skin. Coconut oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties help prevent irritation, making it an excellent skin emollient; and the macadamia oil protects the lips from environmental damage. There is also jojoba oil, lanolin wax, beeswax, vitamin E, and mango seed butter; these all work together to deliver a nourishing and soothing salve. The formula is made up of only natural emollients and has no artificial ingredients i.e. parabens, sulphates, artificial colours, fragrances or petrochemicals. Although, for now, we can’t have our sunshine getaway, we can at least reminisce using one of these seaside inspired beauties. Why not choose your favourite shell for £12.99 here. Each one comes with it’s own a protective cotton pouch, and if you buy two, you get another one free!

Pura Vida Organic: CBD Shampoo and CBD Conditioner & Mask

Last year, at The Amazing Blog we introduced the award-winning organic CBD skincare Pura Vida Organic with their CBD infused grooming products for men here. Today, we want to talk about the Pura Vida Organic's haircare with their CBD Shampoo and Conditioner & Mask, particularly as finding the right type of haircare for our long fine, unruly frizz - has become an on-going mission!

Pura Vida Organic are based in Croatia and were founded in 2015 by Jennifer Deegan. Using only the purest organic ingredients, they focus on CBD skincare with a wide range of anti-ageing serums, moisturisers, balms, elixirs, massage oils, body butter, shaving gels and many more. Deegan recounted her brand story: "All my life I suffered terribly with topical dermatitis (eczema) but when I changed my skincare to hemp and CBD based products – all symptoms disappeared in 3 days. I was amazed and wanted to offer this to everyone who needs it.” Hence, in Pura Vida Organic's the primary ingredient is CBD (THC-free) in broad spectrum or isolate. In 2018, Pura Vida Organic passed the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the FDA (CGMP) and the international standard for quality management systems (ISO9001). In 2019, they were the first CBD skincare production facility to obtain the COSMOS Organic and Natural certification, allowing them to have their organic and natural skincare commercialised world-wide. They recent won Best Face CBD Product and Best Body Butter at 2021 The Organic Clean Awards. They have experience in distribution, wholesale and manufacture, but what really sets Pura Vida Organic apart from other CBD brands is their ingredients and ethos. Sustainability is at the heart of the brand, where all plastics are recyclable, boxes are made of 25% grass pulp, recycled paper and cardboard. Even the labels use vegetable dyes and vegan-friendly glue. All products are 90% handmade which offers both the personal touch, and a decrease in energy consumption from mechanical production. 

They kindly sent these two haircare products to try the CBD Shampoo and the CBD Conditioner & Mask. They are both suitable for all hair types, including coloured or chemically treated. What makes this CBD Shampoo special is its calming effect on itchy, irritable, sensitive scalps; and with its mild bio-degradeable plant-based surfactants, its gentle enough to use even on children. This CBD Shampoo cleanses both the hair and scalp and with its 600mg of CBD, it works as an anti-inflammatory helping to dissipate any scalp issues. The antioxidants here balance the sebum levels in the scalp, promotes growth and smooths hair cuticles. The plant-based surfactants are composed of sugar-beets, corn starch and coconut fatty acids; together with the pea proteins these help condition, strengthen, nourish the hair. As someone with fine curly hair that weaves itself into knots, this was joy to use, as it cleansed hair leaving it manageable rather than a tangled mess. When using this Shampoo massage a good amount into the scalp for at least a minute, then rinse and follow with their CBD Conditioner & Mask. 

The CBD Conditioner & Mask works to soften, detangle, smoothen and restore the hair - using the key ingredients of CBD, vitamin B and plant proteins. This product contains 1000mg of CBD, which strengthens the hair and helps calms scalp irritation. The jojoba and sunflower waxes lightly coat the hair strands, without making hair feel heavy, and protect it from heat and sun damage. Vitamin B enhances hair strength and shine; and the plant-derived proteins act as the building blocks for healthy hair, keeping it smooth and frizz-free. For me this CBD Conditioner & Mask was the perfect finishing touch – it complemented the CBD Shampoo and together they worked to improve wet combing, leaving my hair silky, tangle-free, and smelling super-fresh with its subtle apple fragrance. I used the CBD conditioner, from roots to tip leaving on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinsed and towel dried. As the name suggests, this can also be used as a hair mask, apply a generous amount to wet clean hair and wrap in a warm towel for 20-30 minutes before rinsing and styling. If like us, you suffer from the dreaded frizz, then this haircare will be for you, it took away static and left the hair with a defined curl not a ball of frizz – we’d certainly recommend these as another one of our #amazingfindsTo purchase Pura Vida Organic's CBD Shampoo in 100ml for €15.00 or 200ml for €30.00, see see here. To buy Pura Vida Organic's CBD Conditioner & Mask in 50ml for €22.00 or 100ml for €35.00 see here. We can’t wait to review more from this brand! 

Bōbé Beauty: Natural Perfume Oils

The power of fragrance to influence our mood or recall a memory…is something we all tend to underestimate. These could be key moments in our lives: people, places and situations…like the smell of a cake slowly baking in the family kitchen, or the scent that our grandmother wore. Today at The Amazing Blog  we’re featuring  Bōbé Beauty, a Canadian aromatherapy brand that has created a unique trio of 100% natural perfume oils. 

Marlese Assman is the founder of Bōbé Beauty and a practitioner in aromatherapy, reflexology and Chinese medicine based in Saskatchewan CanadaHer curiosity for flora and fauna fuelled her passion for creating her own line of botanical perfume oils. Assman trained with fragrance experts based in Barcelona, New York and France; making her dream of producing a natural fragrance line become a reality, where she has transferred her aromatherapy expertise into the world of perfumery. Assman said: “I’ve been scouring the French countryside for ancient roses, the hidden apothecaries of Greenwich Village for the perfect patchouli, and slipping into Saskatchewan’s own fragrant forests to encapsulate fresh cut wood and campfire.” Her trio of Bōbé Beauty perfume oils offer an intimate, sensual botanical journey where her goal is to provide a feeling of “youthful experience through assured independence” and ancient luxury for the modern muse. These perfume oils are all free from parabens, petroleum, alcohol, phthalate, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. With their all-natural ingredients tested on humans, not animals are made with love and care in small batches (photo here by special request is credited to Flint + Feather Photography).

The first out of the three perfume oils that we tried is Darya with the silver top which embodies ‘the modern mermaid’. In this subtle yet complex fragrance, the purple passion fruit and citrus balance the jasmine and coconut. While the seaweed brings this earthy, seaside smell that transports you to a tropical island with its fruity notes; you can almost visualise the beach with lapping waves. Other ingredients here are blackcurrant bud, myrrh, liquidambar, amber resin, rock roseDarya is available here. Moving on to the second perfume oil Metsa with the gold top. This one captures ‘The woman of the forest’ (see our photo above) With its earthy scents, this perfume oil reflects the strength of nature. The musk and the wood intertwine to create a mixture of warm, spicy and sweet yet powerfully green fragrance that is perfect for inspiring sensuality. Ingredients include perus balsam, labdanum, patchouli, clary sage, rose de mai, davana, pink  peppercorns and juniper berry. Metsa is available here. The third perfume oil that we tried is Sepeideh with the rose gold top, which translates as ‘before the dawn’ in Persian. This youthful but sensual perfume oil was named after Marlese’s daughter. In this fragrance, the green leaves gently mix with the smell of sunbathed flowers, while the citrus adds a twist and the softwoods carrying you to the beginning of the forest, in the quiet early morning when you feel safe and in harmony with nature slowly awakening. This was our favourite with its more unusual ingredients of nerolina, rhododendron, vanilla and ambette seed.You can purchase Sepeideh here

These empowering and uplifting natural oil perfumes are in a base of organic jojoba oil, and the unique combination of essential oils and fragrances have all been strategically sourced from around the globe. We used these alone and even combine one or two of the trio to create an individual scent that resonated with our given mood. They lift the spirits and are comforting to wear - we think ideal for our current #lockdown situation! They are available for purchase on Bōbé Beauty’s website here each of 10ml rollerball bottles are $50.00 CAD (approx. £28.92).

Fiini Naturally: Balm To Cleanser - Gentle Oat, Oat & Bilberry Powder Face Mask  and Oat Sea Buckthorn Oil Serum

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How come so many of us have sensitive skins at the moment? At The Amazing Blog, we've noticed that with this type of skin, there's always something that triggers it - whether it's stress, strong sunlight, city pollution or cold weather. We recently discovered Fiini Naturally, a Finnish organic brand immersed in natural and raw ingredients, who are environment-friendly with products for beauty and home - all are aimed specifically at helping sensitive skins. Let’s tell you more about them…

Fiini Naturally was founded by two longstanding friends Heidi and Essi from northern Finland, who share the same interests and are linked by their appreciation of well-being and nature. Unable to find suitable natural everyday products in their local stores, either for themselves or their pets. This spurred Heidi on to start producing natural formulas for her pets; whereas Essi focused on developing skincare formulas for extra sensitive skins. When the first large-scale trial of their first product the Oat and Honey Cream was successful, this inspired them to explore more regional raw materials and formulas. Eventually, they came up with more product aimed at treating the diverse skin ailments for their friends and family. For the brand, honesty is as important as the ethics. This is why all formulas are kept simple, cruelty-free and with organic ingredients which are mostly INCI certified (marked with an INCI star). Being respectful of the environment, this means no chemical preservatives, additives and all formulas come in large sizes with recyclable packaging. This genuine interest in preserving the environment and responsible business practice has made them a member of the Finnish Eko Entrepreneurs Association, which certifies their environmentally-friendly working methods and processing. They kindly send us three of their products to try, all of which contain their special hero ingredient of Finnish oat oil. 

The first product to talk about is the Balm to Milk Cleanser – Gentle OatThis is a moisturising and balancing balm and the perfect cleanser for all skin types, it cleanses all impurities, pollution and make-up. In this gentle fragrance-free formula, it’s full of antioxidants, vitamin E, fatty acids, amino acids and beta-glucans. All of which are present in the oat oil to help nourish, protect and relieve the skin and boost its elasticity - while the jojoba oil here works its magic to balance the skin. To use, simply massage gently on dry face, then add water and continue massaging where you will see it transform from the balm consistency to a milky one, and then rinse off. We found it excellent for removing everyday makeup (no eye stinging!) and also for perking up skin first thing in the morning. This 156ml jar of Balm to Milk Cleanser – Gentle Oat was our favourite out of the trio we tried. It’s available here for €38.90.

The Oat & Bilberry Powder Face Mask  is the second product sent. This raw powder face mask was recently a bronze winner at the Global Green Beauty Awards 2020. Again, perfectly suitable for sensitive or atopic skins, it’s more of a treatment where it hydrates and gently cleanses, making the skin feel softer with a more even skin tone. Like the Balm to Milk Cleanser – Gentle Oat, this mask powder contains the same bundle of organic ingredients – the Finnish oat oil moisturises and boosts the circulation and collagen production. This Powder Face Mask is also enriched with ground rice which helps the skin renew its pigment, and the vitamin E here nourishes. The pink clay is here to minimise couperose, and the freeze-dried Finnish bilberries soothe and calm the skin thanks to their anti-inflammatory action. To use, we mixed 2 teaspoons of powder mask with a teaspoon organic yoghurt (or you can use water), plus a few drops of serum to give an extra smooth skin. Mix together until it becomes pasty, then we applied this on to a dry face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, rinsing off with warm water. We used only once or twice a week, which refreshed and brightened our skin. Again, this comes in a 156ml glass jar and is available for €22.90 here.

And last but not least, the Oat-Sea Buckthorn Oil Serum the third product. In this oil serum, the oat oil once again features helping to moisturise and revitalise. It also stimulates the skin’s metabolism, increasing elasticity, and the production of collagen. This serum contains jojoba and vitamin E, as well as Finnish sea buckthorn oil to ensure maximum cellar renewal. It’s a potent antioxidant that offers a soothing action and reduces inflammation for those with sensitive skins. We enjoyed experimenting with mixing this serum with the Powder Face Mask and also with our regular day and night cream which boosted their antioxidant and vitamin content. This comes in a 30ml tinted glass bottle and is available for purchase at €34.90 here. Initially developed for skins that face harsh everyday conditions, we think Fiini Naturally  will soon become your go-to for all things eco and sensitive skin-friendly orientated. Plus see all their home care products on the website here - we can’t wait to try these next!