Cannabina: Raw Hemp + CBD Soap Bar

If you’ve been reading The Amazing Blog  for a while, you’ll know that we like to try lots of different products that contain CBD. Today we are looking at massage soap bar infused with Raw Hemp CBD from Cannabina, who we have recently featured here with their CBD Bath Bomb Trio.

Cannabina is founded by Gemma McKay, and a brand specialises in all kinds of healing products infused with hemp-based broad-spectrum and THC-free CBD ingredients. These products have been created for everyone to enjoy the healing and soothing benefits of CBD. Cannabina offers a variety of CBD infused items from bath bombs and skincare to tinctures and edibles. McKay’s passion and interest in cannabis are the motivating factors behind the brand’s mission to improve the quality of life for their consumer, through this incredible plant's relieving and healing properties. Cannabina is an all-natural CBD brand where the products are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, solvent residues, chlorophyll, fats and lipids. There are no preservatives, sulphates, mineral oils, parabens, artificial colouring, flavours or perfumes. The brand’s products are also cruelty-free and are tested and certified by both US and UK laboratories. The brand’s products are also cruelty-free and are tested and certified by both US and UK laboratories. Cannabina also has a strong sustainability ethos with its recycling and asks customers to return their product empties, for which they’re rewarded with a 5% discount on further purchases.

The Raw Hemp & CBD Soap Bar has 100mg of CBD and is made with super-clean formulas, intended for use with those with sensitive or irritated skins. This is a gender-free soap bar, where This is a gender-free soap bar where Mc Kay tells us that she initially created this as a massager for the breast area and lymph nodes. However, it is also proving popular for using on the face, and with those who have back acne. Alas, we don’t have to full ingredients to tell you about, as this is such a new product for Cannabina (nothing listed on packaging or website). They tell us that it is 95.8% organic. We will hazard a guess that this semi-translucent CBD Soap Bar has flecks of hemp and is made with glycerine and 75% hard oils like coconut; the 13 nodules moulded into the bar making it particularly good as a massager. We’d also add that it’s ‘fragrance-free’ with no hemp or essential oil scent evident. The raw hemp and CBD interact with theendocannabinoid receptors to help moisturise, balance oil levels and heal the skin as well as reduce any inflammation. This Raw Hemp & CBD Soap Bar is also efficient in treating skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis. If you are looking for an antioxidant, pore cleansing and anti-acne actions, then this is designed for you. We used it in the shower, gently massaging our body and breast lymph area - we found it uplifting. It seemed to work wonders on our mood (and body) after yet another long and tedious #lockdown day. This 100mg Raw Hemp & CBD Soap Bar is available here £6.00.

SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask

As CBD fans at The Amazing Blog, today we’re reviewing a new skincare range that offers a combination of the best of CBD and advanced pharmaceutical skincare united in one product.  InnoCan Pharma has created a new range of skincare, with one of their hero’s the super hydrating SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask.

SHIR is a premium beauty brand designed to bring the best of both worlds – combining both nature and science; this is for those looking for an effective anti-ageing skincare routine.This line has been created by the Israeli pharmaceutical tech company InnoCan Pharma whose strong suit is having delivery platforms combining cannabidiol (CBD) with other pharmaceutical ingredients, together with the development and sale of CBD-integrated pharmaceuticals. There are three segments within the company combining cannabidiol and the development and sale of CBD-integrated pharmaceuticals. This is where they specialise in cutting-edge research and development with CBD in wellness, pain relief and topicals and are high-end innovators within the world of CBD formulation. Seeing the potential of CBD’s restorative function in skincare, InnoCan Pharma decided to develop two lines of CBD infused derma-cosmetics products, which are now being sold in Europe: SHIR CBD Must a 100mg CBD infused products line which is aimed at a younger market in need to help with acne breakouts, oily skin and offers anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and hypoallergenic benefits. Whereas the  SHIR CBD+  has 300mg, a triple-dose of CBD isolate, for premium anti-ageing results and hydration. All CBD test reports are available on InnoCan Pharma’s website here which shows all products are GMO-free and dermatologically tested.

The SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask is with 300mg CBD isolate (no THC, or added terpenes only pure CBD), it focuses on the fine lines and restoring the skin’s elasticity. We read on InnoCan’s blog: “CBD topicals are the easiest way to introduce the benefits of CBD into your daily skincare routine. Easy application and great results are two of the major reasons why CBD has become such a force to reckon with in the beauty and skincare industry.” Indeed, packed with natural anti-oxidant properties and its fatty acids boost the skin’s collagen production, CBD alone is one of the most effective ways to preserve the skin from ageing. CBD’s other USP is that it interacts directly with our endocannabinoid receptors to help maintain the moisture levels. This ensures that the sebum production is regulated correctly, to avoid overly dry or oily skin. In this formula, the CBD isolate is mixed with a blend of ingredients which are high in efficiency for fighting off first signs of ageing and have been clinically proven. These are inca inchi, which like CBD, is extra rich in fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9). Another key ingredient named is matrixyl 3000 which is a two-protein anti-ageing peptide. It is almost as effective as retinol but much gentler and is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines through sub-layer collagen and elastin boost. The formula also includes bakuchiol in its key ingredients, which is another alternative to the famous retinol. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and helps to fight acne, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. The last two key ingredients of this super anti-ageing hybrid formula are vitamins A and E which also help keep the skin’s firmness, hydration and elasticity. They also protect it against free radicals and treat hyperpigmentation. This ultra hydrating and plumping night mask they recommend to be use 2-3 times a week and as the last step before bedtime. We followed instructions and massaged in a generous layer of the mask, then cleansed away any residue in the morning. Easy to apply it absorbed swiftly leaving no excess, only a slight floral fragrance. It felt cooling, hydrating and we think this Sleeping Mask makes an excellent addition to a nighttime skincare routine for tired, dull or stressed skin. The 50ml SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask is available here for €98.

Rejuvenated: H30 Hydration® Sachets

Now we’re all held captive ‘inside’ during lockdown, it’s given us time to reflect on the state of our nutrition and its effect on our skin. Today at The Amazing Blog we’re talking about supplements and featuring one of our favourite nutraceutical brands Rejuvenated, with another of their hero products H30 Hydration® powders which are rich in natural ingredients like polyphenolic antioxidant from resveratrol - a potent weapon against ageing. 

Rejuvenated is a British nutraceutical brand founded in 2003 by Kathryn Danzey, a health and wellness expert. With a team of scientists and nutritionists, she developed a range of natural supplements focusing beauty from the inside with harmony and balance. Danzey recently said: “By embracing an overall progressive approach, we can make drastic improvements in not only our face but our whole well-being.” The brand’s core values are keeping their products 100% natural, traceable and ethically sourced. There’s no artificial sweeteners or flavourings and all their products are GMO, gluten and lactose-free. Although all products are cruelty-free they also recently launched some vegan alternatives to some of their marine collagen supplements. We applaud Rejuvenate for committing to provide 90% plastic-free packaging by the end of 2021.

Having won the prestigious global Beauty Shortlist Award three times, we consider this a must-have supplement to try. The H30 Hydration®  is a skin hydration supplement it offers a radiant boost to both the skin and energy levels. Rejuvenated has carefully combined a list of key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid giving a long-lasting surge of skin hydration.There’s resveratrol, a plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties, that tackles underlying skin stress plus protects the heart and circulatory system, and lowers cholesterol levels. With other specific nutrients included like vitamin C to protect the body from oxidative stress and inulin a fermented fruit sugar and prebiotic, it’ll further enhance your daily supplement regime. The ionic minerals here also play a crucial role and allow this drink to absorb through the gut wall more effectively. Once again, Rejuvenated has delivered an exceptional supplement where this H30 Hydration® drink, when taken regularly, will do its work by plumping up skin cells keeping them firm; where the ionic electrolytes will adjust and control the even distribution of fluids throughout the body. All of these ingredients will regulate the lipid barrier function, cellular turnover and anti-oxidant production ensuring that a supple, glowing and beautiful skin is enhanced and maintained. Drink it anytime (we drank it at night), it’s easy to use and all you have to do is add one sachet to 400ml of water, stir well and drink. This  H30 Hydration® is available in 24 individual Sachets here at £24.95.

Zaza & Cruz - Glacial Mineral Detox Mask

Let’s talk natural face masks, after all, now we have more time on our hands between zoom calls and bedtime, there’s now no excuse for not finding a moment to pamper ourselves! At The Amazing Blog, we’ve covered quite a few face sheets, mud and liquid masks but none so unique as today’s powdered Glacial Mineral Detox Mask from Zaza & Cruz.

After spending time working as a makeup artist and beauty expert, Rebecca Hastings founded Zaza & Cruz in 2013. It all began when she started to question all the chemical ingredients in both her skincare and that of her clients. With her background in makeup and beauty, this already gave her knowledge and an added advantage; thus in 2011, she began research on natural ingredients to create her own skincare line that would not only look and feel good, but have health benefits. Based in Scotland, Hastings has developed this range into a unisex and eco-aware brand to provide products that offers protection against pollution, cellular and environmental damage. Hastings commented: “At Zazu & Cruz, we’re proud to work alongside businesses that provide sustainability, are environmentally friendly and produce a low carbon footprint with their products.”

Recently a silver medal winner at 2020 Pure Beauty, Global Green Beauty Awards, this Glacial Mineral Detox Mask is specifically formulated to give skin a boost and is one of the first companies to utilise pure Canadian Glacial Clay as its key ingredient. Found only in British Columbia, the resident indigenous people here have been using this Clay for centuries.  This Clay comes from underneath a live and active glacier that emerges with Canadian Pacific waters, where it is ethically sourced and hand-harvested. Every jar is made with over 80% pure organic glacial clay, that is enriched with more than 30 natural minerals which are rich in marine phytoplankton and healing micronutrients. It’s designed to be used on the face and body to draw out impurities, hydrate, plump and tighten the skin.  Ground into a powder form, it only needs a small amount of water to activate it into a creamy consistency ready to apply.  It forms a green paste, no distinctive fragrance, only a neutral and pleasant mineral/flinty scent.  We used this at night and found that the Clay dried quickly and left it on for 15 minutes. Then we gently wiped away the residue with a warm wet flannel; it left skin feeling cleansed, firmer and velvety to the touch. To follow, we suggest using a face oil to seal in the goodness (Zaza & Cruz have one here ) A weekly face mask for us is a must and what makes this so special, is that it feels pure and unadulterated, and contains only the simplest three ingredients with sea salt, Canadian glacial marine clay and kaolin. We applaud Zaza & Cruz for creating such a unique beauty find! To purchase the 30g pot of Glacial Mineral Detox Mask for £22 see here.

Relaxayvoo - Protect & Renew Face Oils

We think simplicity is best, and if you are looking for pure and organic ingredients that work, then look no further than this artisan skincare brand Relaxayvoo with their two facial oils. At The Amazing Blog we like to focus on skincare products that provide the best ingredients for the best results and with both of these face oils, you can’t go wrong.

Relaxayvoo was founded a couple of years ago, by two young entrepreneurial Parisian mothers based in London, Constance Laperche and Rebecca Libchaber; both of whom had successful careers in France in advertising and marketing. Finding themselves in London, bringing up young families, they decide to collaborate creating something they both loved – organic skincare. What started as sharing beauty and skincare tips progressed into a business and a passion, where they developed their ideas and ingredients with a team of beauty experts. In an article in London.French Morning.com Libchaber said: "We shared our grandmother's tips for taking care of oneself without relying on beauty/nail salons, or commercial cosmetics. Also, I want to raise my children without the obsession with brands. For example, teaching them to pay attention to the product and design, its merits and benefits rather than just the label.”  At the moment, they have only have two products in the range; these are suitable for all skin types, and are made in small batches with fresh organic ingredients; as the brand is conscious of maintaining its eco and sustainability credentials.

They kindly sent us both their face oils to try, theses come in 20ml dark glass bottles with pipette tops. The Protect Day Oil is specifically formulated to hydrate and protect the skin. The camellia and evening primrose oil are excellent sources of antioxidants and vitamins such as A, B, D, E. These help with skin elasticity, nourishing the skin, and preventing fine lines. The argania spinosa kernel oil which is more commonly referred to as argan oil is anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and moisturising. Helianthus anuus seed oil, aka sunflower oil, helps strengthen and soothe the skin. Plukenetia volubilis seed oil is rich in fatty acids that help nourish and moisturise the skin. Calendula officinalis flower extract is anti-inflammatory, moisturising, and skin firming. The tocopherol is rich in vitamin E and can help prevent sun damage. Pelargonium graveolens flower oil or rose geranium flower oil, can reduce wrinkles, and soothes irritated skin. Sandalwood and rose otto rejuvenate and energise the skin. Anthemis nobilis flower oil, aka roman chamomile, (pictured here) contains azulene that helps calm and refreshing skin. Rosa damascene flower oil hydrates skin and reduces signs of ageing. They recommended applying 3-5 drops onto your palm and massage onto clean skin in the morning. We found this was all we needed. It couldn’t be more perfect for this time in #lockdown, when our skin is make up-free and the goodness from the organic oils can absorb deep into the dermis throughout the day. This Protect Day Oil smells divine – as the fragrance from the sandalwood, rose otto and rose geranium mingle, it’s quite intoxicating and mood-boosting!

The Renew Night Face Oil is formulated to help skin repair and renew through the night. It helps fight signs of ageing with rosa rubiginosa seed oil, more commonly referred to as rosehip oil, together with evening primrose oil they help to speed up cellar renewal and plump out wrinkles. Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil, prickly pear oil is a rare and precious oil, rich in vitamin E smoothing texture and overall toning the skin. Argan oil is not only anti-ageing but also moisturises the skin. Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed oil, sweet almond oil, contains vitamin E and B, which soothes and softens the skin. Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, aka jojoba oil, is intensely moisturising and the anthemis nobilis flower oil, roman chamomile is calming (as mentioned above) and ideal for those with sensitive skin. Rosewood helps balance dry, oily, and combination skin by rejuvenating skin cells. Again, they recommend applying 3-5 drops onto your palm and massage onto clean skin during your night-time skincare routine. As we said at the start, simplicity is best, and this has a gentle, comforting fragrance of rosewood and sweet almond oil. We found it easy to apply and it left our skin soft and dewy in the morning. To purchase Relaxayvoo skincare, see here for The Protect Day Oil at £55 and the Renew Night Face Oil here for £60.