Suneeta London: Cleansing Pack (Combination Skin)

We believe that to find some the best skincare, it doesn’t always have to be expensive. Today at The Amazing Blog, we’d like to introduce you to an artisan skincare and zero-waste brand Suneeta London with their Cleansing Pack, which has everything you would ever need to cleanse your skin - without having to spend too much.  

Suneeta London is a family run business launched by Suneeta Dinraz in 2019. They sell hand-made, natural and fresh skincare, deodorants, hair and body care products for all skin types and ages. Their formulas are based on the Ayurvedic principles, which are known for enhancing well-being, combined with an original twist to make skincare products fun and easy to use. Suneeta believes that families should use products that they trust are safe to use. Don’t we all?  To increase this trust, Suneeta is working to raise awareness for natural ingredients and inspire future generations to take care of what they put on their skin. By purchasing their products, you’re helping their campaign against the use of unnecessary chemicals and animal testing. They recently won an award for Best Inclusive Beauty Product in the 2020 London Pure Beauty Awards; and Suneeta holds an incredible passion for keeping high ethical beauty standards: “There is definitely a double standard in what we as consumers in the west deem to be ethical. Frustratingly, we know more about animals being harmed for our cosmetics than we do about black and brown workers supplying ingredients. Luckily more and more businesses are making it easier to make the right choice.”  The brand also focus on creating zero waste skincare and accessories - which we love!  

Suneeta’s three-step Cleansing Pack (Combination Skin)  contains the Mandarin & Calendula Cleansing Balm, a toner specifically chosen for your skin type and a sample size of the Aloe & Jojoba Facial Scrub with Sandalwood. Also included here’s are a small hand tooled wooden spoon, an organic cotton cloth and cotton bag.  We started by opening the Mandarin & Calendula Cleansing Balm   it is a light anti-ageing balm suitable for removing even the most stubborn mascara, make-up or daily impurities from the skin. The unrefined virgin cocoa butter softens the skin and works as an antioxidant to prevent ageing signs and reduce scarring. The calendula stimulates collagen production to promote skin healing, and the mandarin essential oil maintains moisture balance in the skin to boost cell production and immunity. It smelled incredible and was super easy to use. We gently massaged a small amount onto dry skin, and then used their cotton cloth (provided) damped with warm water to gently wipe away the daily grime. Next, we tried the sample size Aloe & Jojoba Clay Facial Scrub with Sandalwood which is a gentle grainy scrub made with natural jojoba beads and Fuller’s earth which mildly exfoliates away dry skin. They recommend using this scrub once or twice a week but it can be used as often as you like. We found that it stimulated the skin and made a good pore-cleansing facial scrub and left skin soft and fragrant from the sandalwood oil here. Finally, there’s the toner. This varies in the Cleansing Pack according to skin type, we were sent Orange Blossom & Aloe Vera Skin Toner which, as they say, is an excellent cooling and hydrating toner for combination skin. It contains cooling aloe vera, healing orange blossom water and a refreshing peppermint essential oil to help reduce oiliness while also soothing and healing the skin. After cleansing, we sprayed the toner onto a cotton pad and gently sweep across the face and neck to ensure removal of any further impurities. We also liked to spritz this during the day to boost skin hydration - from living with too much central heating! The other toners available are Organic Rose Water  designed for normal skin, or the Frankincense & Lavender Toner  which is for dry or sensitive skin and made with natural flower hydrosols. We were impressed with both the performance and affordability of this Cleansing Pack, and to purchase Suneeta’s Cleansing Pack for your skin type at £20.00, see here.  

Sweet Pink CBD: Wild Orange & Bergamot Body Buzz CBD Oil & Lemongrass & Turmeric CBD Balm

For the past year with #lockdown, self-care has been our number one priority. That's why at The Amazing Blog, we search out lots of new CBD products to include in our daily life. Today we’d like to introduce Sweet Pink CBD and their Wild Orange & Bergamot Body Buzz CBD Massage Oil   and Lemongrass & Turmeric CBD Balm as two of our latest #amazingfinds for CBD body care.

Sweet Pink CBD is a vegan CBD wellness company launched by Suffolk resident Tannine Montgomery, in support of her daughter Indie-Rose. At four months old, Indie-Rose was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. For three years, Indie-Rose had seizure treatments, but they proved ineffective, and soon, she lost the ability to walk. She continued to have seizures every single day. In 2018, out of desperation, Tannine decided to turn to a doctor in Holland to prescribe Indie-Rose with a high-strength CBD oil. After starting the prescription, Indie-Rose went four days without a seizure, and was able to play with her brother for the first time! Since then, Tannine has been fighting to grant a license for Cannabidiol – cannabis-based oil prescription in the UK, which is how Sweet Pink was born, as Tannine says, "Sweet Pink would not be here without Indie-Rose." The brand works with small, artisan farms across Europe that grow their hemp organically which is then extracted with CO2 and ethanol. What makes Sweet Pink's products so unusual is their use of organic full-spectrum CBD distillates in both their oils and topicals. Full-spectrum CBD is also known as whole plant CBD. Some people prefer to use full-spectrum CBD, because of the all the cannabinoids found in a whole hemp plant are present, which leads to a more robust potency. The small amount of THC in these products will not affect the user; instead, it will help boost the CBD effects. Sweet Pink's products are thoroughly lab tested by Greenleaf Processing with and have a certification of analysis to ensure maximum health and safety.  As Sweet Pink CBD are still in the start-up phase, they looking into being 100% plastic-free soon. Tannine sources as many reusable materials as possible; for example, the only plastic really used is the inners of the lids. Next year, they will be looking into more refillable products; to cut down on the amount of packaging used.

The first product of the two we tried was the Wild Orange & Bergamot Body Buzz CBD  if like us, you are hunched at your desk all day, this is the product you need. The Body Buzz Massage Oil combines 300mg of whole plant CBD extract with carefully selected ingredients of vegan and organic base oils, and essential oils; these work together to invigorate the senses and help to get the day off, to a good start. It’s infused with citrus essentials oils from both sweet orange and bergamot, packed full of monoterpenes to stimulate your senses, relieve stress and uplift mood.  The base oils here are a combination of sweet almond, wheat germ, hemp and jojoba, all rich in antioxidants working together to boost immunity. To use this massage oil, Sweet PinkCBDUK recommends warming the oil in your hands before massaging it into the skin or adding it to a hot bath to reduce tension. The zesty fragrance was a winner with us, as it makes this Massage Oil incredibly revitalising. The oil itself has enough ‘slip’ for massage but absorbs swiftly into the skin, so that it won’t cover your clothes with a layer of grease!  This was our favourite out of the two products and we think best used after a shower in the morning, to make you feel ready to take on the day! The 100ml Wild Orange & Bergamot Body Buzz CBD Massage Oil is available for £30.00 here.

The brand also sent us their Lemongrass & Turmeric CBD Balm which has been created for muscle and joint fatigue relief in mind. If you're anything like us, you will be reaching out for this Balm to help relieve aches and pains from your home workout. Like the massage oil, this Balm also contains 300mg of CBD where it intensely nourishes and regenerates sensitive and tired skin. Together with the hemp oil, they are both high in omega 3 and 6 with non-comedogenic properties, which means they don’t block pores. The other ingredients include coconut oil which keeps skin hydrated reducing inflammation and has the added bonus of good antimicrobial properties. Candelilla wax is reputed to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and age spots. The lemongrass has antifungal, and again has antimicrobial properties. Whereas turmeric contains curcumin known to reduce the body’s response to cutaneous wounds by decreasing inflammation and oxidation. This balm is smooth to the touch and easily applied anywhere on the body. We found with its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties it relieved aching limbs and worked well targeting the joint areas like hips and knees. Unlike other CBD Balms we’re tried, the lemongrass element here, is not overpowering, making it easy and pleasant to use.  The 30ml Lemongrass & Turmeric CBD Balm is available for purchase for £36.00 to purchase see here. To get the full benefits from these unique CBD wellness products, a quick reminder to remember to store in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight.  BTW any first time orders over £30, we give 10% off with code FIRST10.

Elan Skincare: Wonder Face Cleanser Melon & Cucumber Cleanse & Calm

Cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine. By removing makeup, dirt, and other kinds of pollutants from the skin, a good cleanser keeps pores clear and maintains skin health. Today at The Amazing Blog we’d like to introduce another award-winning organic skincare brand that we’ve been keen to try,  Elan Skincare. They recently launched the Wonder Face Cleanser Melon & Cucumber Cleanse & Calm, a gentle yet effective plant-based cleanser for removing makeup and daily grime which we put to test.

When Elan Skincare was launched in 2017, it had a mission to create an honest, transparent and organic skincare that combined both science and nature. Founded by women and made for women, Elan Skincare’s primary aim is to empower women, and with Joanna Silva at the helm and her ten years of experience in the medical industry, it’s a brand you can trust, as she understands the importance of women’s health and wellbeing. Elan’s commitment is to produce natural, sustainable and organic formulas that are cruelty-free, vegan and recyclable. All products are dermatologically tested and embrace the latest green technologies for producing cold-pressed unrefined butter and oils, the purest CO2 organic plant extracts and actives, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and E, hyaluronic acid and more... All products contain organic botanical ingredients that are Eco-cert and Soil Association certified.

The Wonder Face Cleanser Melon & Cucumber Cleanse & Calm  is a lightweight, silky-textured cleansing oil ideal for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin. Enriched with the key ingredients of hazelnut seed oil, containing tannins which work as powerful antioxidants. The sunflower seed oil is high in omega 6 and vitamin E, whereas the caprylic/capric triglyceride (derived from coconut) works as a preservative to bind ingredients. The isoamyl laurate (derived from sugarcane) is a skin conditioning agent which resurfaces, tones and brightens the skin. The hydrogenated farnesene (plant-derived squalane) works as an emollient, and the sea buckthorn oil is full of vitamin C to nourish and moisturise skin.  The unusual addition here is bakuchiol (often referred to as the plant-based alternative to retinol) known an anti-inflammatory which helps deliver a smoother skin texture and stimulate collagen production. There is also a plethora of fruit extracts making this a potent mix, as it effectively and gently dissolves makeup (yes, even mascara!) We like how it improves skin texture and firmness while at the same time cleanses the skin. Without using artificial fragrances, alcohol or essential oils, it has a refreshing scent of cucumber and melon incorporating these fresh fruits extracts into the formula.  In the evening, we massaged in a 50p amount of the cleansing oil on to a damp skin, then rinsed it away with warm water and a washcloth. It removed daily grime and makeup with ease. Elan Skincare also recommends apply the cleanser as a mask, leaving it on for a 5-10 minutes allowing it to penetrate, feed and strengthen the skin; this felt like an early morning treat, before our shower. We love their use of organic botanical actives and the gentle performance of this cleanser. It even soothed our red and irritated #lockdown eczema! Yes, we consider this yet another of our #amazingfinds. It can be purchased here a 50ml bottle for £28.

Pura Vida Organic: CBD Face Mask CBD and CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum

As we always say, taking care of your skin should be the number one priority, and as we move into a new season with spring this is the time to look into changing your skincare routine. We've already recently introduced Pura Vida with their CBD haircare collection here, so today we’re back with more of Pura Vida's award-winning CBD products. As our regular readers will know we love all things CBD, and this time it’s with the Pura Vida CBD Face Mask and the CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum. 

Pura Vida Organic was founded in 2015 by Jennifer Deegan. The brand was developed specifically for problematic and sensitive skin, using the purest ingredients. The brand focuses on organic CBD products, where sustainability is at the heart of the brand, with recyclable plastic and boxes made of 25% grass pulp, recycled paper and cardboard. Even the labels use vegetable dyes and vegan-friendly glue.  90% of the products are handmade offering both the personal touch, and a decrease in energy consumption from mechanical production. Pura Vida Organic's primary ingredient is CBD (THC-free) 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 have experience in distribution, wholesale and manufacture, but makes sets Pura Vida apart from other CBD brands is their organic ingredients. Pura Vida Organic is proud to have one of the most comprehensive ranges of organic CBD products which range from CBD oil, to baby care, men’s, body care, skincare and haircare. They are Bronze winners for their full body care range at the recent Cosmetique Mag 2021.

This time Pura Vida kindly sent us two skincare products: the CBD Face Mask  and the CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum The luxurious CBD face mask is packed with plant-based nutrients. The base is comprised of kaolin clay, camellia sinensis (AKA as green tea seed oil) and mango seed butter. Together these feed, nourish, calm, and deeply cleanse the skin of impurities; gently sloughing away dull dead skin and absorb impurities from the pores. The 300mg of CBD isolate counteract free-radical damage and visibly diminish issues like wrinkles, skin dullness, and red-coloured skin tone. The magnolia bark extract successfully combats breakouts, and oily skin. It has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine containing magnolol and honokiol compounds, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. There are rosehip and passionfruit seed oils here to boost vitamin C and omega-6 linoleic acid. The rose flower extract is high in vitamin C and also tannins, offering toning and antioxidant benefits to prevent signs of ageing. Finally, the calendula flower extract (AKA marigold) has skin-soothing and antioxidant properties and helps reduce the production of excessive sebum. This face mask is undoubtedly one of the gentlest that we’ve tried. It’s not grainy or abrasive and applies smoothly over the skin. We used it 2 or 3 times a week and found it left our skin soft and hydrated. With all its nutrient-rich skin food, we’d recommend it to those needing a skin boost or as something to calm irritated and sensitive skins. Apply a generous layer of face mask to your clean skin and relax for 20-30 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water, and splash with cold water to close your pores. To purchase the CBD Face Masks in 30ml for €29.00, click here. 

The CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum is a lightweight serum designed to hydrate the delicate eye area and reduce dark circles and puffiness.  With 200mg of CBD and cannabis sativa seed oil (cold pressed from hemp seeds) these help to moisturise and nourish while also helping strengthen the skin barrier. The chlorella vulgaris (green algae) extract stimulates the skin cells and increases the skin's firmness and tone, lightening the effect on dark circles. It has seawater with hydrolyzed algin (this binds the water) to minimise the size and puffiness of any undereye bagging. The polysaccharides here are responsible for the skin's natural ability to hydrate, retain moisture and are critical for skin repair and skin renewal. The raspberry seed oil is for a slightly brightening effect, reducing any redness or swelling. The butterfly lavender (French lavender) extract boosts blood circulation with a tightening and smoothing the skin. And finally, there’s also the magnolia bark extract, rosehip and passionfruit seed oil (see above para). This Eye & Wrinkle Serum we couldn’t get enough of! What a difference this made to the eye area after little or no sleep…. The Serum calms, soothes and magically seemed to lighten and tighten the area.  We used morning and night until… empty! In particular, we noticed how it minimalised fine lines and plumped up the skin so dark circles seemed to disappear! Pura Vida also recommends gently massaging the Serum into  face, neck and décolletage with circular upward motions - although with this tiny 10ml bottle we think it rather a waste!  We loved this Serum and really noticed an increase in firmness and tone in our delicate eye area. This is without doubt, another one of our #amazingfinds. To purchase Pura Vida's CBD Eye & Wrinkle Serum in 30ml for €45.00, click here. 

Provacan: CBD Babysoft Cream & Massage Oil

With all this changeable spring weather, it’s been having a negative effect on our skin, with the sudden appearance of eczema and dry patches on our neck. As fans of all things CBD at The Amazing Blog, we thought we’d give another range of topical CBD skincare a try to soothe our skin. This time it’s with Provacan's  CBD Babysoft Cream and Massage Oil. 

Provacan was established in 2017 by founder and CEO Clifton Flack, who has spent many years researching cannabis-based health in the ever increasingly competitive cannabis industry. Provacan is the flagship company of CiiTECH. This parent R&D company is a registered UK cannabis biotech company and a collaborative partner with Israel's Hebrew University of Jerusalem – the epicentre of cannabis research and development. Provacan's unique products are developed by collaborating with leading researchers and scientists to identify and create novel CBD formulas, using innovative delivery systems and advanced extraction techniques to develop high quality CBD products. According to Flack, “Since our inception in 2017, we have been dedicated to providing the UK market and beyond with innovative CBD products, including an expansive topical range, that have been inspired by CiiTECH’s unrivalled cannabis knowledge and research.” Their products are based upon decades of scientific evidence and data-based research, combined to give the end-user convenience and practicality in mind. Their CBD supplements are grown, manufactured, and produced under strict EU agricultural and food processing guidelines. Their production and distribution is also fully compliant with British Healthcare best practice, the UK Cannabis Trade Association's quality standards, and EU Cosmetics GMP certified . As a leading CBD formulator and with these top-notch credentials, their CBD products range from vapes, e-liquids, edibles to topicals made from CO2 extracted pure, organic EU-grown cannabis (hemp) CBD Isolate. They contain no artificial colours or preservative and are Kosher certified by the Kashrut Division of the London Beth Din (KLBD).

We were kindly sent two products from Provacan the CBD Massage Oil and CBD Babysoft Cream both with an extract of 100mg hemp-based CBD isolate (lab-verified). Let’s start with the CBD Babysoft Cream, this is the face cream that they recommend for sensitive skin. Its designed to relieve and protect the skin with its rich emulsion that is thick and creamy to apply. The 0.1% of cannabidiol isolate helps to soothe inflammation and counteract damage from free-radicals improving skin tone, and dullness. The olive oil acts as an antioxidant, lanolin as an effective emollient, locking in much-needed moisture. The Sacha inchi oil for long-lasting hydration and free radical defence. The D-Panthenyl Ethyl Ether is a source of vitamin B5 and deemed to be a crucial ingredient to help deliver supple skin. Zea mays (corn oil) and sunflower oil contain antioxidants, tocopherols and linoleic acid which relieve irritation, eczema, and psoriasis. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and the rose seed oil is full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, necessary for tissue and cell regeneration. Finally, there is zinc oxide which reduces UV light reaching the skin and therefore helps reduce hyperpigmentation. Our experience using this cream was overall positive; it did hydrate the skin and felt soothing when applied to the dry/eczema patches. However, a couple of things that we weren’t so keen on, the petrolatum content here known for its adverse effects when used long term, and skin lightening leaving a delicate white veil from zinc oxide. To purchase Provacan's CBD Babysoft Cream with 100mg of CBD in 100ml for £29.99, click here.

Provacan's CBD Massage Oil, is the latest topical to launch in their range. Again, it offers the 100mg of relaxing CBD isolate, but this time it’s a completely natural formula combined with plant-based botanicals.  The base of the massage oil is a mix of hemp seed (cannabis sativa) rice bran and apricot kernel oils, all rich in amino acids with vitamin A and E full of natural antioxidants. The three essential oils are sweet orange, to stimulate circulation, promotes cell growth and collagen synthesis. Ginger root, which repairs skin damage boosts elasticity and skin tone. And finally the eucalyptus oil, which helps reduce pain or inflammation. Out of the two products, this was our favourite. The fragrance is subtle and the oil has just enough ‘slip’ to knead it into the body for a deep tissue massage before absorbing completely. Great for relaxing nights in or used post work out, they suggest using this liberally, but I’m afraid in a 50ml bottle it only lasted for three or four sessions. We’d love this in a bigger bottle but with a smaller price! The Provacan CBD Massage Oil is  with 100mg of CBD isolate in a 50ml bottle for £19.99 see here.