VENIA Cosmetic: Unique for Women

As regular readers will know, at The Amazing Blog we're always on the hunt for new natural skincare products to reviews, especially when they have more unusual ingredients. Today we're featuring a brand called VENIA Cosmetic who have a range of natural skincare products infused with 24-carat gold. They kindly sent us their Unique for Women cream, which has natural plants and oils and their signature 24-carat gold flakes.

VENIA Cosmetic is a small UK family run skincare business, started by the founder Jessie Matharu, in 2016. The inspiration came from his own journey, having suffered from dehydrated skin from many years of long-haul travel, having worked in the airline industry. It took six-year in development, including two years of testing and working closely with a team of professional cosmetologists. Venia Cosmetic then launched as a premium 100% certified, natural skincare range. Matharu was recently quoted as having said, "We have meticulously sourced and tested each natural ingredient over the last six years to treat a hormonal skin problem, ageing and sensitive skin. It's lightweight, luxurious formula is packed with antioxidants and the finest plant extracts leaving the skin nourished with a sumptuous floral scent." In Latin, VENIA means "indulgence," and this is where the brand wants to offer everyone the opportunity to purchase a little piece of affordable luxury. All formulations contain 24-carat gold, herbal extracts, essential oils, plants and marine-based ingredients. All products are manufactured locally, and it’s Soil Association and halal-certified, suitable for vegans and paraben-free; plus part of the Cruelty-Free International. The brand has a wonderful giving-back policy with their charity partner the Alzheimer's Society donating 5% of all their online sales each year on World Alzheimers Day (which will be on 21st September 2021). This particular charity apart from being a great cause, has a special meaning to Jessie's family. It helps people affected by dementia and Alzheimer's by funding research to find a cure, campaign for change, and create a supportive community.  We see that the brand recently won a Gold Freefrom Award 2021 for their Signature-Men's natural 24-carat gold daily face hydration cream. As they say, their concept is simple, "Create pure, natural products made using only the finest ingredients."

Unique for Women is a natural 24-carat gold moisturiser for women. This daily moisturiser is versatile and light, making it ideal for all skin types - including sensitive skin. The idea is that it creates a radiant glow, balances skin imperfection and leaves skin rejuvenated. Let's talk about their key ingredient 24-carat gold flakes. Some of you may think this sounds like a bit of a gimmick; however, our research has shown otherwise. Gold as an ingredient has many benefits from helping to increase moisture to reducing dryness, and due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties it protects the skin against free radicals that accelerate ageing. And this soft precious metal's purity and composition allows the skin to absorb it readily. Thus, making it ideal for those experiencing sensitive, hyperpigmented, or acne-scarred skin. With regular use, many claim that a more youthful appearance can be seen from the use of gold flakes, as they help stimulate skin cells renewal and blood flow, making the skin clearer of toxins and appear dewy and firmer. But what we liked was the subtle luminous effect Unique for Women gave as the 24-carat gold flakes combined and melted with the other ingredients. And lastly, to say on 24-carat gold, it boosts natural occurring collagen in the skin, creating a plump and younger-looking skin, and who doesn't want that? 

The other main ingredients in Unique for Women are derived from natural plants and oils like shea butter, vitamin E, omega 3 & 6, and argan oil. Having high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter is the ideal ingredient for conditioning and toning skin. What really seals the deal for shea butter is its emollient properties. This rich tree nut oil creates a smooth barrier that locks in moisture. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from being damaged and increases blood circulation, causing the skin to become firmer. Argan oil, derived from Morocco, is a firm favourite of ours; it improves water retention and keeps skin more hydrated. With multiple healing properties, Argan oil can reduce rosacea, hyperpigmentation and acne, creating a calmer complexion. Omega 3 & 6 are types of fats found in flaxseed, nuts, and leafy vegetables, these naturally occurring fats increases the fatty acid levels, repair the skin barrier to improve moisture and elasticity and reduce UV-induced photo damage and signs of ageing.  We used Unique for Women, night and day for a week and liked its texture and performance. It seemed to be fragrance-free with a hint of natural Argan, which meant that it didn’t conflict with any of our other SPF ‘s or cosmetics used. It felt soothing, hydrating and gave our complexion a much-needed boost, and our skin felt healthy and supple. Unique for Women is packaged in a glamorous gold orb, making it an item to proudly display, and unscrews to reveal the tiny gold flakes in the rich cream. This moisturiser feels like a treat, so why not treat yourself and purchase this 50ml Unique for Women, see here for £65. 

Hempura: 250mg Revitalise CBD Cream with Terepenes

As regular readers will know, we love to introduce new CBD products on The Amazing Blog (see here), and If you're looking for a natural alternative to help muscle or joint fatigue, CBD might just be the answer. Today we’re featuring the brand Hempura who we recently reviewed here. However, this time it’s with their newly repackaged 250 mg Revitalise CBD cream clinically proven to repair, restore and soothe the skin.

Founder Lewis Hadaway created Hempura in 2017 with the idea of educating consumers on CBD and providing high-quality authentic hemp extract. His passion for CBD made this brand what it is today - one of the more established premium CBD brands in the UK. They aim to provide the most natural and healthiest CBD products and extracts the UK has to offer. Hadaway commented recently in Cannabis Health News, "We empower our customers to make informed decisions. This reduces concerns and fears, especially for seniors." One thing that consumers love about Hempura is that they are all-natural, never adding ingredients that are unnecessary or artificial, compared to some other CBD brands. In order to ensure confidence in consumers, Hempura tests all products to the highest standards of safety with lab certificates. Never using synthetically derived CBD, pesticides or additives makes their products the best for all-natural lovers. The best full-bodied CBD products come from using a clean extraction process that preserves the natural hemp each plant has to offer. Hempura guarantees this by using all raw cannabidiol plants locally sourced at an Eastern European organic farm that ensures the quality of naturally occurring minerals. Hempura sells products like vape liquids, edibles, capsules, creams, or oils - all products are GMO-free and vegan. Making this brand a member of the Vegan Society and Cannabis Trade Association. This brand's love for nature shows with their sustainability efforts. All productions of hemp and products are protective of the environment, whether that's by using eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials, using renewable energy that maintains a commitment to carbon neutrality or creating as little waste as possible. Hempura is one brand that believes in true principles and proves it with its efforts of providing exceptional CBD products. 

Hempura's 250mg Revitalise CBD Cream has 250mg of broad-spectrum refined extract CBD per bottle and 1.1mg of CBD per pump. Recently repackaged in an eco-friendly glass jar with a sustainable bamboo lid, this topical cream contains refined hemp extract and natural high antioxidant properties that repairs and restores the skin. The cream is luxurious and rich, perfect for soothing the skin, plus it’s in a base of hydrating cocoa butter and olive oil. We find that CBD cream and balms are good to help ease hand and elbow pain (over typing!) or even rubbing on temples to stop a headache. Some of their customers even say this cream eliminated lasting redness on the skin and have seen results within weeks. It is lab-tested, giving clinically proven results, and made with organically grown industrial hemp. CBD creams applied to the body work by CBD molecules bypassing cutaneous receptors activating neurotransmitters that block signals for pain. Other key ingredient in this cream is terpenes and flavonoids, commonly found in herbs, fruits, and plants, and is used to help the cream penetrate the skin more effectively. High in antioxidant properties and phytonutrients, they also have other medical benefits like antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and helps prevent inflammatory diseases. We are great believers in CBD as an excellent option for people looking for alternative medicine for pain relief, and it’s something we use on a regular basis. We recommend a topical cream as a good first step to start exploring the power of CBD. This 250 mg CBD cream is perfect for all adult age groups especially those looking for an all-natural topical cream to soothe over exercised limbs. This product can be used any time of the day, but we particularly recommend using it after a long hard work out to achieve optimum muscle relaxation i.e. resulting in little or no soreness the following day. To purchase this 50ml Revitalise CBD Cream in 250mg for £23.99 see here, or if you would like to go for a stronger version of 50ml Revitalise CBD Cream in 500mg see here for £39.99.

Käsämä Cosmetics: Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask

Self-care is important, especially during these stressful times, and we think the best way to start a relaxing self-care routine is with a face mask. As always, we’ve been on a quest to find a new face mask that work with the skin’s natural balance. Today we’re introducing a waterless face mask from Käsämä Cosmetics with their Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask made of 100% natural ingredients.

Käsämä Cosmetics, is a natural skincare brand from Finland, and founded by Pauli Wigelius. Wigelius has a background in commerce but was inspired by Finnish wilderness and nature to get into the business of cosmetics — Käsämä is named after an area in North Karelia, Finland, where the clay is sourced and first used by the indigenous people for making pottery nearly 6500 years ago. The brand currently sells three different clay masks, each for different types of skin — the classic mask is for all skin types, the cranberry mask is for sensitive and normal skin, and the sea buckthorn is for oily and combination skin. All face masks are sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free and waterless, and the latter allows for the products to be stored safely for several years, even without preservatives. The brand said, “Käsämä clay deeply cleanses and purifies our skin and helps us see and appreciate our pure, innate beauty, our truest self and brings a touch of the purest natural healing power within reach of modern-day city dwellers in the world’s busy metropolises.” Although the company is based in Finland, they have distributors in multiple countries and deliver worldwide. 

The face mask that we tried was nominated in the Nordic Beauty Awards 2020, the Käsämä’s Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask is formulated primarily for oily and combination skin; this mask exfoliates and purifies skin by absorbing impurities, removing dead skin cells, and cleansing clogged pores — pretty much everything we look for in a mask. The only ingredients this mask contains are clay, sea buckthorn extract, and zea mays (corn) starch. 75% of the powder in the mask is clay, which is the key ingredient here to absorb impurities and excess oils. Sea Buckthorn is one of nature’s wonder-berries, full of antioxidants it has a healing and rejuvenating effect on the skin and is also a natural cleanser and exfoliator. It also contains vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, and C that hydrate and regenerate skin. Whereas the zea mays starch reduces oil and has anti-inflammatory properties. To apply, measure 1-2 teaspoons of the powder and add lukewarm water by drop until a smooth paste is created. Then, massage onto your face, neck, and shoulders and wait 5-10 minutes before rinsing away with lukewarm water. They recommend using it 1-3 times per week and avoiding contact with the eyes. Each package contains 35g, which is enough for about 10 full facial applications. The strength of the mask can be adjusted by adding different measures of water, making this a versatile mask for every skin type. We love the brand’s eco-credentials as it’s contained in a simple recyclable paper packet, and of course, being in powder form it cuts the weight of the product in half. What is fantastic about this powder mask is its purity, how refreshing it is to have no additives or chemicals - you really feel like you are at one with nature. If you want to feel the healing benefits of this mask, you can find it here for €17.90. 

Elan Skincare: Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub - Chocolate & Orange Renew + Revive

One of our most favourite self-care products at The Amazing Blog  is a body scrub. For us, by regularly exfoliating the body it’s a significant step for cleansing and invigorating the skin. Today we’re featuring again one of our favourite natural skincare brands Elan Skincare, but this time with their Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub.

Elan Skincare was founded in 2017 by Joanna Silva, who wanted to create a brand with honesty and transparency, "with strong foundations in science, nature, and art." Silva believes that it is an art to combine science and natural ingredients to create a beautiful but effective products. One of Elan's main principles is to use natural and organic ingredients. Elan Skincare products combine botanicals, like aromatic plant extracts, nourishing oils and potent active ingredients to create their products. Their products use a combination of cold-pressed, unrefined oils and butter. These are eco-certified or Soil Association certified organic botanicals, with CO2 organic plant extracts, and natural, active ingredients like vitamins C & E and hyaluronic acid. Elan Skincare is a British brand and goes above and beyond to look at safety data to decide which ingredients to use and build their products' formulations. As a brand, they believe that their ingredients go beyond skincare and that "it is about creating a ritual of looking after yourself and taking care of your skin." 

Today we want to talk about their Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub which is a sugar-based, natural and gentle body exfoliator. This exfoliator is rich in natural glycolic acid and vitamins A, B, E, and F. The sugar cane here is natural glycolic acid which works by removing all dead skin cells, smoothening and addressing other skin concerns such as sun damage or rough and flaky skin. The sugar's raw gritty texture will help remove the layer of dead skin cells and other impurities without damaging the surface layer of the skin. In fact, this Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub will ‘buff away scaly skin’ and ‘banish dry skin’ while deeply moisturising, leaving a silky, smooth feeling. We also like that this is dermatologically tested and has pH is 5.5, which is slightly acidic. When the skin is balanced on 5.5, then it’s working to its optimum, as it requires a balance between alkaline and acidity for the acid mantle – the barrier that keeps moisture in and germs and toxins out. There’s also coconut, sesame, sunflower and oat oils, together with candelilla wax, tocopherol (vitamin E) and squalene. The delicious zesty chocolate orange fragrance comes from a bespoke aromatic blend and the rich orange colour is from the natural beta carotene.

With all the pure and natural ingredients, this Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub didn’t disappoint. We used the scrub in circular motions to help the sugar cane crystals and oils work their magic. It banished dry patches leaving a revived, healthy and energised skin with a moreish fragrance that truly uplifted the senses. It’s vegan and cruelty-free; and another one of our #amazingfinds. By regularly using this Hand & Body Scrub, it will keeps skin looking fresh and smooth. To purchase this 280ml tub of Imagine Pure Delight Hand & Body Scrub - Chocolate & Orange Renew + Revive for £28 see here.

Ambre Luxe: Bronzing Foam and Tan Remover Foam

It’s summertime (AKA self-tanner time), and at The Amazing Blog we love how a good self-tanning product boosts our confidence, prevents us from spending hours roasting in the sun, allows us to get a tan from the comfort of our home, and more importantly, gives us a glow that is skin cancer risk-free! We’re always on the look out for a good, new and comment-worthy self-tanner and this new duo from Ambre Luxe with their Bronzing Foam and Tan Remover Foam didn’t disappoint!

Ambre Luxe, is an Australian brand that sells self-tanning products, was started in 2018 by Amanda Bankier and her daughter — they are a mother and daughter team that love anything to do with beauty. Since their inception they have grown into a team of four, and are continuously building on their brand. Currently, Ambre Luxe sells Bronzing Foam, Tan Remover Foam, a Polishing Glove, and Tanning Mitt and they have a couple of new products in development, including a Gradual Tanning Moisturiser. Bankier said, “We are passionate about creating multi-tasking bronzing formulas that deliver on every level, this is our Ambre Luxe brand mission.” Ambre Luxe is cruelty-free and vegan, and although they are an Australian brand, they deliver worldwide. They recently announced that they will be the official tanning partner of Miss Universe Australia 2021. Bankier went on to say, “As confessed self-tan and skin care addicts, we were constantly struggling to find a self-tan that offered potent skincare benefits without compromising on the effectiveness of the tanning actives. So we fixed that, and created our very own. At Ambre Luxe we are passionate about both bronzing perfection and skincare.” All products are paraben-free, include some organic ingredients, and come in containers made with plastic that can be recycled.

Let’s start with the Ambre Luxe’s Bronzing Foam, what we like is that this is that it allowed us to tailor our colour— leave it on for two hours for a subtle glow or eight hours for the darker finish (we preferred the latter). The formula contains 15% DHA, for the newbie self-tanners here, this DHA is in most self tanning products and can be from 5% to 15% in strength. As a general rule, you want to pick a product with a smaller percentage if you have fair skin and a product with a larger percentage if your natural skin tone is medium or dark. However, we have pale skin and flout this rule by nearly always using 15% DHA! Most people with sensitive skin have no issues with any DHA-based products, but to stay on the safe side we’d suggest always to do a patch test. There are also rejuvenating and moisturising ingredients in this Bronzing Foam with marula oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and carrot seed oil. The marula oil is antioxidant and fatty acid rich as well as deeply nourishing, hyaluronic acid is hydrating as it helps the skin attract external moisture, vitamin E repairs damaged cells as well as protects against further damage, and carrot seed oil adds additional antioxidants and nourishment. Ambre Luxe says the tan will last 5–7 days or longer with proper preparation and regular moisturising - NB: don’t use body oil it shortens the lifespan of the tan! We used this by first moisturising dry areas (hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, and knees); you can use your hands to apply or if you’re like us, we preferred to use a Mitt (Ambre Luxe has one here) It’s easy to use and when applied has guide colour, so you’ll know if you miss anywhere. The fragrance is very pleasant being slightly sweet and berry-like but not overpowering. Then after tanning, we waited 5 minutes to let it dry before dressing. They very sensibly suggest avoiding contact with water while the tan is still developing or you may end up with water splatters - not a good look! The company says you can use the foam on your face but recommends against it if you have sensitive skin. One of the great things about this product is that it dries quickly and leaves skin feeling smooth and nourished — unlike some other tanners that we’ve tried, which have left us feeling sticky for hours. We also liked how natural the results were and how it didn’t dry out our skin - we’d recommend this.

Next we used Ambre Luxe’s Tan Remover Foam this works by speeding up the natural skin shedding process that fades tans, which can be done with physical or chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants require manually rubbing the tan and skin away, which can leave skin irritated and red. While chemical exfoliants in this Tan Remover Foam, gently removes old tan residue by dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together, so no harsh scrubbing is required. While the word ‘chemical’ may sound scary, in this case, it isn’t — the chemical they uses is citric acid, which is derived from citrus fruit. And fruit acids actually have many benefits, including smoothing and hydrating skin. The Tan Remover Foam also includes aloe vera, which is a soothing and calming anti-inflammatory. Ambre Luxe recommends exfoliating 24 hours before tanning. To apply, you can use your hands or use their Polishing  Glove that they’ve designed particularly for this exfoliating step. We were very impressed by its performance and how very gentle this Tan Remover was on the skin. Again the fragrance here was pleasant with a hint of fruitiness. It took next to no time to work - 5 minutes to be precise, then we had a warm shower to remove all residue. For all you tanning addicts, we feel sure that this will fast become your bathroom essential, leaving you now with no excuse for those orange patchy knees and ankles! Again, it’s easy to use and certainly beats soaking in the bath followed by a loofah. This is definitely one of our #amazingfind for tan removal, and has already been used on numerous occasions during this summer.

If you want to step up your self-tan game with these products, you can find The Bronzing Foam here for $29.95, the Tan Remover Foam here for $24.95, and the Duo Pack here for $45.00.