Friday Favourites - Natural Products for the Face

Living in a city our faces are constantly exposed to all sorts of challenging environmental stresses, pollution, chemicals, chilling winds, harsh sunlight and so on. Today on The Amazing Blog we want to share with you some of our special natural face products and #amazingfinds for our Friday Favourites from Sea Magik, Face Halo, Inner Senses and Joji.

Let’s begin with Sea Magik, the world’s first line of mineral-infused spa skincare, which has its origins in Hungary. We recently wrote about their Pink Salt Shampoo and 3-Seaweed Scalp Mud here.

Another one of Sea Magik’s star products, is their 21 Mineral Mist, a refreshing water mist infused with 21 minerals from the Dead Sea. This Mist has 7 key minerals: Magnesium and bromide which have a calming and relaxing effect, potassium used to purify, sodium excellent hydrator, calcium which has anti-aging properties, iodine, ideal for detoxifying and sulphur used for soothing.  Quite a list! This is excellent for remineralising the skin and to awake the senses. You can use the mist over makeup for extra glow and hydration or simply spritz over the face and body as needed for soothing. On top of that, Sea Magik 21 Mineral Mist is 100% vegan, allergen and cruelty-free, free from dairy, gluten, GMOs, parabens, PEGS, petrochemicals, silicones, sulphates, and synthetic fragrance. Additionally, the packaging is recyclable, with plastic made from sugar cane and other sustainable materials.

We’ve loved using this mist during this summer and recommend storing it in the fridge for extra coolness! You’ll find it here for £8.95.

Moving on to the latest trend for reusable and recyclable make-up remover pads, we want to talk about Face Halo. We also like to recycle and reuse packaging wherever possible always in an attempt to save the planet, and so it’s great to see that the make-up industry are starting to do so too. One of the pioneering brands of this is Face Halo. Founded by Lizzy Pike in 2017, these reusable make-up remover pads make it quicker, easier and better to clean your face. Face Halo has redefined the way the world removes make-up by ticking all the boxes; effective, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient. We think these are great travel companions for girls on the go.

The pads are fibre-filled (100 times thinner than a human hair) to reach deep into your pores to remove all traces of make-up, Using water only, these pads remove makeup in half the time of any other traditional cleansing methods in just one step. Each Face Halo remover is dual-sided, and are able to be washed up to 200 times. Face Halo is a 2-in-1 problem solver; it saves the planet and quickly removes your makeup without making a mess. Wave goodbye to your environmentally unfriendly cotton wool pads and get a single reusable pad here for £7.00.

Talking of cleansing, let me introduce you to one of my favourite organic and holistic skincare brands Inner Senses. I’ve been curious to try their rather special Greenhouse Tomato and Carrot Seed Renewing Oil Cleanser. As regular readers will know we like our products to be natural with no nasties or artificial fragrances. This Renewing Oil Cleanser is all that with the added deliciousness of an aroma of ripe vine tomato, just heavenly! When I squirted a few drops in my hands, closed my eyes, inhaled and was magically transported back to my parents’ greenhouse.

Inner Senses was founded by the accomplished teacher, aromatherapist and author Lisa Basso. Lisa offers some of the finest organic botanical ingredients in her skincare and truly takes you on a journey of apothecary and tradition. As members of the Aromatherapy Council, you can also be assured of the purity of their ingredients. This Cleanser is not only 100% natural but 93% organic and packed full of lycopene (tomatoes), beta-carotene (carrots) and papaya enzyme, it is a nourishing cleanser. All you need to do is put 4-6 pumps of the oil onto your face, rubbing it in gently. Then take a warm wet face cloth and lightly wipe away your make-up and residue of the day. I’ve been using this morning and night and it has left my skin wonderfully soft, supple and clean.  To get your Tomato and Carrot seed Renewing Oil Cleanser in 100ml for £42 here. A little goes a long way, and I’m happy to report that this bottle has lasted me well over a month.

Lastly, we move on to Joji with their Hydrate Moisturiser. Joji is a small indie brand that was founded by Jo Mortensen with sustainability as her top priority. Their motto is: “We are natural without compromise.” Jo who confessed to being beauty obsessed, wanted to initiate a force for good in this sector. Therefore, all Joji products are organic, fair trade, cruelty-free with raw materials that strive for zero waste. We have featured their Frankincense and Sandalwood Oil Cleanser previously here.

Joji Hydrate Moisturiser contains only organic ingredients with patchouli, bergamot, black pepper, and lavender essential oils. The blend of these oils together with others from almonds, cocoa and thistle plants, provides your skin with a softening and rejuvenating effect. This number one selling moisturiser is ideal for all skin types and it sinks in perfectly in the skin. Do good and feel good by getting your Joji Hydrate Moisturiser here starting from £10.00.

Hopefully, these products have inspired you to not only take care of your face, but also the planet too. We think supporting brands, that support the environment should be a priority. Protect you face and wrap up warm for the weekend!

L’Araboutique® Skincare

Today at the Amazing Blog we’d like to share with you some natural treasures from Arab world. The Middle Eastern cultures have some of the best kept beauty secrets, and we’re going to introduce you to one of them. Meet the natural and organic skincare brand L’Araboutique who have an array of exotic ingredients including: Extra virgin olive oil from Palestine and Syria, mineral-rich Zamzam water from Saudi Arabia, the finest royal green hojari frankincense from Oman, fragrant pink roses from Madina and rich organic sidr honey from Yemen.  And these are just a few of the wonderful pure ingredients found in their products.

L’Araboutique® was created by Dr. Samira Zaidan and Dr. Mona Alyedreessy (a mother and daughter team) and they claim to be the only skincare and haircare brand to make natural products with Zamzam water. These products are handmade in the UK, are organic, chemical-free, cruelty-free, halal, eco-friendly and vegan (apart from those containing camel milk, beeswax and sidr honey) they are also UK and EU tested approved and certified.

They very kindly send us a selection of products to try, and the first products we used were their soaps. The Oat, Sidr Honey & Madina Rose Soap can be used on the skin or hair to soften and hydrate. The combination of oat, sidr honey & Madina roses calm and moisturise the skin. The Arabic Gum & Bay Leaf Soap has a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties while simultaneously stimulating the skin’s collagen production. One of our team even noticed that their skin appeared brighter after using this bar. Next we tried the soap Arabic Coffee, Ginger & Cinnamon. Did you know that coffee is the number one natural product to combat cellulite? No neither did we, but we loved how energising this scrub left us feeling.

Then there is The Madina Rose & Saffron Face Cream which dates all the way back to ancient Egypt when Cleopatra discovered the beauty benefits of rose water. This luxurious face cream has three key ingredients: Iranian saffron flowers blossom, mineral-rich Zamzam water infused with fresh Madina rose water and oil. All of which help to reduce hyperpigmentation. This was our Editor Edwina’s favourite. Staying on a rose theme, we also tried their Madina Rose Deodorant  which is a 24-hour deodorant cream made from organic cold-pressed coconut oil that helps to  fights bacteria. It also has turmeric to lighten dark patches and pigmentation on the underarm area and smells divine.

Finally, we come to The Sutanah Face Lift Mask a recipe apparently only shared between Arabian royalty. Made with pomegranates, Moroccan rhassoul clay and aloe vera juice, this mask instantly tightens and lifts the face – this powder you simply mix with water. Best of all, we like how the brand contribute 50p from every sale to a charity that helps to build wells around the world. The Water Project charity provides essential clean water to families and communities where it’s needed the most. 

L’Araboutique® can be purchased here with skincare prices starting from £15. We think they are a wonderful new discovery, where the ancient and modern worlds meet and we can’t wait to try more for this brand.

Ramer Sponges - Wet Shave Towel

It will come as no surprise to regular readers of The Amazing Blog to hear that whenever we get the chance to report on a product which will help the daily ritual of shaving a tad more successful, then we are up for it with our razors primed … add the promise of some serious ‘salonesque’ pampering into the mix, and we cannot hold ourselves back. So, when we heard the whisper that Ramer Sponges were set to launch a new collection targeted at us boys, called Ramer For Men, we kept our eyes peeled for the first offerings. Zeroing in today on the ingenious idea of the Ramer For Men, Wet Shave Towel  - although don’t let that put you off exploring their extensive range for boys, girls, grown-ups and little ones alike.

Those of us lucky enough to enjoy the true expertise of a trained barber, will not only know the intense relaxation afforded when having our skin prepared by a professional before the slicing of the blade commences, but also the vital task all that preparation does in opening up the pores and softening the beard. By lubricating the follicles effectively of course we lessen the chance of the dreaded razor drag which inevitably leads to razor rash and burn which is never a good start to the day! And chaps, we need to make a note of the growing trend of losing the hipster beard trend - 55% of us are now embracing a smoother look according to an online poll, and making the most of that precious half hour spent in the barber’s chair. Which is where Ramer come in and present their wonderful option of enjoying the salon experience every day at home with their Wet Shave Towel.

The process with this Wet Shave Towel could not be easier - simply immerse the towel in hot water, squeeze and apply to the face to soften the beard; the heat and moisture will open up the pores, preparing the skin effectively for the razor onslaught.Then shave as we would normally, removing excess foam when complete, and rinse the towel, but this time in cold water. Re-apply to the face to close up the pores, and moisturise, thereby giving us the luxury of a wet shave barber experience, but in the comfort of our own bathroom. To store, we simply rinse again and allow to dry - each towel is super-soft, hypoallergenic, machine washable at 40º and ideal for sensitive skin.

This Wet Shave Towel comes in 3 colours (black, lime green and ultra violet) with approximate dimensions of this new found favourite, is 360mm x 210mm and retails at just £6.99 available here or from John Lewis and Superdrug.  We think that it will be simply a matter of time before this magic towel becomes as indispensable as the razor itself.

Skin Euphoria - C20 Booster Serum

Most have us have a regular skincare routine which involves numerous steps and products. At The Amazing Blog we believe that having too many products to apply can sometimes be just too much of a faff! For us it’s all about applying a good revitalising serum, moisturiser, SPF and we’re ready to go! So, we’re always on the hunt for an effective serum that will start our day off right. That’s when we discovered Skin Euphoria’s C20 Booster Serum .

Skin Euphoria London was founded by Emma Osman who is perhaps best known as a leading permanent makeup artist and successful beauty entrepreneur. Emma was obsessed with creating a skincare brand that had clinically proven ingredients. She said: “This new formula provides a powerful counter to the harmful effects of our daily lives by actively promoting the regeneration of healthy skin cells and by targeting the harmful causes of ageing and acting as a first line of defence.” She also believes it is all down to the blend of ingredients which encourage the production of collagen elastin for an even, smooth and bright complexion.  

Skin Euphoria has recently launched a new C20 Booster Serum with vitamin B, C, E and ferulic acid. This is no ordinary serum, it’s equipped with revolutionary ingredients to fight UV damage, promote collagen synthesis and optimise the skin’s natural protection against pollution and sun damage.  The C20 booster serum with the vitamin C, (aka l-ascorbic acid) is the essential ingredient to help brightening, getting rid of hyper-pigmentation, firms the skin reducing fine lines and defends the skin from oxidative stress. Vitamin B3 Niacinamide helps to improves the appearance of large pores, brightens and fights against environmental toxins. Vitamin B5 Panthenol is a water absorbing humectant and conditioner that works to pull in and blind moisture. Hyaluronic acid is also a hydrating agent that replenishes moisture leaving skin feeling softer and plumper. Lastly, Ferulic acid is found in the cell wall of grains and is an antioxidant which effectively neutralizes free radicals which could cause premature ageing. It further stabilizes vitamin C and enhances the properties of vitamin E.

The booster serum easily penetrates the dermis, without leaving your skin feeling oily or greasy. Put 3-4 drops into the palm of your hands and gently apply on your face, neck and décolletage. During the day, we suggest using before a moisturiser and SPF. Also, it’s gentle enough to be applied under the eye. All the products are fully vegan, not tested on animals, have no parabens, sulphates or artificial fragrance. Skin Euphoria C20 Booster Serum is 30ml for £24.99. Buy here and fight off your UV damage skin with this new fabulous super-charged serum.

Lozano Skincare – SkinTea Active Renewal Masque

I think we can all agree that finding your idea skincare can be a bit of a challenge. At The Amazing Blog we’re always looking for newly launched brands and today we’d like to introduce you to Lozano, who have launched their first product SkinTea Active Renewal Masque which is not meant to replace your other products, but to properly prepare your skin to help boost them.

Lozano Skincare launched last year by Matthew Kelly, whose aim is to produce a range of scientifically researched, naturally derived and cruelty-free products that work. Matthew explained, “Most skincare regimens seek to cleanse, tone, and moisturise. It can be difficult to find just the right combination of products to achieve those goals, and awfully easy to overuse one or more of them. We’ve solved that problem with a masque that raises the skin’s overall baseline health, allowing users to get better results from skincare routines they’ve grown comfortable with.”

Their hero product is SkinTea Active Renewal Masque, which is packed with antioxidants from white tea, hydrating agents from hyaluronic acid; collagen stimulants from glycolic acid; and exfoliating and cell turnover properties from the lactic acid. One of the things we liked the most about this product is the multiple benefits of the ingredients. White tea aka Camellia Sinensis, is a plant rich in antioxidants, in fact, it is more effective than vitamin C in preventing ageing due to its properties which encourage collagen growth and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities making it ideal for acne prone skins too. Secondly, 3% hyaluronic acid allows your skin to hold water which means it keeps it hydrated and reduces wrinkles. This component is naturally found in your body, so your skin will identify it and enhance its effects such as skin healing and repair, elasticity, and cell division. Thirdly, the 3% glycolic acid encourages collagen production and cell renewal. It also cleanses and exfoliates your skin by removing dead skin cells, blackheads and dirt that are blocking pores. All this means that the effects of the rest of your products in your skincare routine, will be more effective as they’ll be able to penetrate the skin more efficiently. Lastly, the SkinTea Active Renewal Masque contains 1% lactic acid, this ingredient acts as an exfoliant, solving any uneven skin tone issues while hydrating it, removing pollutants, balancing your pH and giving you a healthy glow.

It’s unusual to find a product that is fits in perfectly with your other skincare products – a bonus find in our view, and one that won’t be gathering dust in our beauty drawer. To use this Masque start by cleansing your face, to make sure it is free from pollutants. Then apply 3-5 pumps of SkinTea Active Renewal Masque onto your damp face, throat and décolletage. Apply it gently and evenly, do not rub it in! Wait up to 15 minutes then splash warm water using a cloth to remove it, then gently pat dry your skin. They recommend you repeat this process up to 3 times a week – we each used it twice. Our skin felt soft and what was interesting that despite all our differing skin types we all got good results. This is a great product to use taking skin from the summer and preparing it for autumn, particularly if like us your skincare routine changes with the seasons. Get your natural radiance boost with Lozano’s SkinTea Active Renewal Masque with their 50ml bottle here for £32.00 and use the code AMAZINGPR15 to get 15% off your first purchase.