Essench CBD Cosmetics - Intense Hair Serum

Summer means humidity, which is not always compatible with our hair! We start the day with beautifully straight hair, which when we step outside, miraculously transforms into an uncontrollable bundle of frizz! Oh yes, we at The Amazing Blog know this situation only too well and in our search to find new ways of dealing with our hair, we decided to try this Intense Hair Serum from Essench CBD Cosmetics. We prefer hair serums that are oil-based as they stop the frizz and also hydrate the scalp. We’re not fans of silicone-based hair serums as they only coat the hair to enhance shine; whereas oil can actually penetrate the hair fibres and feed the scalp follicles to restore and repair the hair on a long-term basis.

Essench CBD Cosmetics started in 2019 and is a small family-run CBD business. They are an artisan brand that provides top quality natural products that are handcrafted with their own unique formulas including CBD. The company was created by Christina and her fiancé Jenny, who wanted to produce products that make a difference in peoples’ everyday lives.  After having struggled with endometriosis, Christina turned to CBD which has helped to turn her life around. Ever since she made a promise to raise awareness around both CBD and the medical condition of endometriosis. The company sources its CBD in the purest form from Holland and Germany. It is THC-free and extracted by C02 method. They use ‘CBD distillate’ in their oral oils, which is a highly refined cannabis extract often derived from hemp flower and hemp biomass. CBD distillate typically contains around 80% CBD with the balance including minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant oils and extracts. Otherwise, in their skincare, they use ‘CBD isolates’ which contain only CBD in its purest form with no other terrapenes or cannabinoids. Currently, they have 100% biodegradable packaging on their bath bombs and aim to have all their other containers and packages completely green by the end of 2022. They are also actively involved campaigning with Seed The Future that is a pressure group that aims to get the government to tell the truth and abandon the unsubstantiated and unfounded laws and regulations surrounding cannabis. 

We've already featured many different CBD products here, and as regular readers will know, we’re big fans of this natural ingredient. Let’s do a quick recap for those of you new to CBD. Many people think CBD will get you high like cannabis, however, that’s far from the truth. The natural ingredient cannabidiol (CBD) used in products here in the UK, is only allowed to contain a limited amount of up to 0.02% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is one of many compounds found in the resin secreted by glands of the marijuana plant. Other compounds unique to marijuana, are called cannabinoids, one of these is CBD which is nonpsychoactive and according to studies actually blocks the high associated with THC. CBD works with your endocannabinoid system which is exceptionally effective in dealing with anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, improving sleep. Not only that but we also like CBD in skincare for its effectiveness in fighting acne and treating eczema and psoriasis.

The product we want to talk to you about today has earned its spot among the finalists in the World CBD 2019 Awards in Barcelona for Innovation  – as Innovative Award Finalist, the Intense Hair Serum- 250mg CBD. The 250mg of CBD  here is isolate (see above paragraph). As discussed, CBD oil has many known benefits like pain and inflammation reduction, and it also encourages a sense of well-being and calmness. But did you know that CBD oil is also beneficial for your scalp and hair? CBD oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that will nourish the scalp and consequently strengthens the hair and encourage growth. Therefore, CBD is ideal for people suffering from hair loss. Inside the cannabidiol, the fatty acids are omega-3, 6, and 9 which will moisturise and feed the scalp. CBD oil contains abundant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E – which is a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it ideal for common scalp conditions like psoriasis or folliculitis. It also balances your scalp's natural production of sebum, whether it was too much or too little.  CBD works as an adaptogen and is excellent for all hair types as it regulates sebum production. CBD will increase the elasticity, volume and shine of your hair because of the lipids. This Intense Hair Serum also contains jojoba oil which is an excellent remedy for dandruff.  Jojoba is rich in vitamins and minerals that will support the hair, with vitamin C, B and E, copper, and zinc all of which fortify and thickens it. This serum blend also contains castor oil, a remedy long used in traditional medicine which is said to stimulate the scalp, ease dandruff, and leave your hair smooth and shiny. Rich in olive oil it will help to alleviate itchiness or scalp irritation. The Intense Hair Serum smells of rosemary, which is different from other CBD based hair products which usually smell of hemp. The rosemary oil in the blend makes it very appealing as a scent and will also fight hair loss together with the added horsetail oil. They do this by improving the blood circulation in the scalp which in turn improves the condition of the scalp and the individual hair follicles stimulating hair regrowth. Finally, the nettle leaf oil here is loaded with protein, fibre, fats, vitamins A, B, C and K and minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium and iron. All these work together to shield and protect the hair from free radicals and strengthen the blood vessels, which means that the follicles will receive more nutrients and oxygen, resulting in better hair growth.  I have used the whole 30ml bottle, which lasted for two or three hair massages (I have long wavy hair) and found that it left my hair with no frizz (unusual!) and super-smooth and shiny. For me, it worked as a wonderful hair treatment with the added bonus of rehydrating and calming my slightly itchy scalp.  Essench CBD advises massaging the Serum gently into the scalp and leaving for about 10 minutes then combing through so all hair is coated evenly. Leave it in for a minimum of 1 -2 hours then wash thoroughly. Repeat 2 times per week or as desired. We’d highly recommend this for your fight against frizz, it’s one of our top summer #amazingfinds, to purchase your Intensive Hair Serum 30ml for £20, see here.

Flaunt Body: Ingrown Hair Mask | Five Treatment Set

Summer finally looks like it has arrived and we’re getting ready for a seaside visit and our staycation here in the UK. This, of course, means that we need to think about getting bikini-ready and the dreaded hair removal. However, due to the issues with lockdown and no beauty salons open, for us at The Amazing Blog it’s been a case of waxing or epilation at home. Something that we all agree on (and a common issue here) is what to do when we get a razor rash or ingrown hairs? There is nothing worse than when the skin gets irritated with angry red bumps or peppered with unsightly little black dots as the hairs try to push through. So imagine our joy, when we were recommended to try today’s Ingrown Hair Mask | Five Treatment Set by Flaunt Body which won the Indie Beauty Expo Best in Show 2019.

Flaunt Body is a US brand founded in 2018 by Cameron Alexis Moore, who has a very interesting story behind her success. As Moore explained in a recent article, she was about to go on a romantic date, but whilst getting ready, she used an old razor where her skin experienced immediate irritation. The first thing that came to mind was to grab a face sheet mask and apply it to the irritated area, which helped.  It was then that she realised that there must be many other men and women who equally experience the same razor bumps, irritation or ingrown hairs. That is when she started her research and came up with this brilliant Ingrown Hair Mask | Five Treatment Set.  We also applaud Flaunt Body for their giving back policy of donating 5% of their profits to organisations like Love146.org who help to prevent human trafficking.  

The Ingrown Hair Mask is a gender-neutral, vegan and cruelty-free body mask which helps to soothe the skin, reduce irritation, hyperpigmentation and ingrown hairs. It is a unisex product and can be used for all skin types, in any area such as underarms, inner thighs, bikini line, chest or around the neck. Created to address ingrown hairs on any of the sensitive areas of the body, it is made of plant-based bio-cellulose which feels light and flexible almost like a second skin. The Ingrown Hair Mask contains a soothing serum rich in key ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile, and glycolic acid.  There’s also polygonum cuspidatum root extract which is a good source of resveratrol which protect skin's surface with significant skin-calming properties that may help minimise the look of redness. scutellaria baicalensis root extract used in China and known as Huang-Qin, it's used for skin allergies, skin infections and inflammation. Horse chestnut seed extract is used for reducing swelling and skin sores where the preparations made from the tree's bark. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) root extract is for an anti-inflammatory, which means less redness and irritation for inflamed or irritated skin and finally, the rosemary leaf extract helps to reduce swelling and puffiness, heal burns and soothe the skin. The combination of which is quite a potent mix for helping to calm and heal the skin!

Thanks to all the plant-based ingredients (above), it not only smells divine but also deeply moisturises 5 x times more than a typical serum, where in particular, it repairs the skin’s appearance ridding it of unsightly red bumps. They recommend using this Mask immediately after shaving or 1-2 days after waxing. All you do is remove the protective top and bottom mesh layers to the mask, then apply it to the area where it’s most needed. Leave in place for up to 15 minutes to infuse with the skin, then remove the Mask and gently massage the remaining serum until fully absorbed – no rinsing needed.  You can purchase your Ingrown Hair Mask | Five Treatment Set here for $ 35.00.

Nursem – Caring Hand Cream & Caring Hand Fix

Something during these pandemic times it has become second nature to us is to keep washing our hands. Of course, after constant washing, most of us at The Amazing Blog have noticed irritation, dryness and cracked skin. However, let us just take a moment to consider what everyday life must be like for nurses who are on the frontline. Did you know that the average ICU nurse washes their hands 150 times a day? Which results in 85% suffering from painful and sore hands. Not anymore, step forward the new British brand Nursem who has created a specific range of solution-based hand care. 

Nursem is a skincare brand, created by Jonny Philp who teamed up with his wife, Antonia (an ICU nurse), to create a range of special hand care products. As Jonny commented: “Our aim is to make every working day better for all hardworking hands, so we’ve developed a range of products that are formulated to care for, hydrate and replenish your skin’s natural defences.”  What testifies to this brand’s success is that its products are loved by nurses, mums and many more. We met Nursem at the CEW Showcases and were so thrilled to be given both their Caring Hand Fix, and Caring Hand Cream to try out. 

Let’s start with the Caring Hand Fix which is a cruelty-free, vegan and dermatologist approved. This works like a healing balm (although it’s a cream) it’s intensive care for hands where it soothes and calms. It’s fragrance-free with the main ingredient of calming colloidal oatmeal, this works together for layers of protection with avocado oil, shea butter and glycerin to help minimise moisture loss from the skin. Avocado oil is known for its healing benefits on skin, rich in vitamin E and other nutrients it nourishes the skin to accelerate the healing process. While shea butter is an ingredient known for softening the skin and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. The Caring Hand Fix soothes redness and irritation, as well as regenerates the skin using a blend of pro-vitamin B5, naturally derived hyaluronic acid and allantoin. We think that using the product overnight probably brings the best results.  To purchase click here The product comes at a size of 50 ml for £14.99.

Next, the Caring Hand Cream that has been created by using natural ingredients. The Caring Hand Cream’s key ingredient here is medical-grade manuka honey, which is known to help aid the healing of sore hands and improve the skin’s appearance. The manuka honey can balance the skin’s pH levels and remove the dead cells, leaving the skin soft and clean. The Caring Hand Cream has a subtle scent similar to orange water which comes from the combination of citrus and bergamot. It also has an extract of white willow and oils such as grape seed, coconut, passionflower and pomegranate seed all of which help soften the hands. To purchase the 75 ml size for £9.99 click here. To purchase the 300 ml size for £19.99 click here. This is a long-lasting and effective formula for sore and dry hands.

Both of the products contain no parabens, mineral oil or silicone and we think are a must-have for everyone who has over washed hands that are suffering. What is also important to mention, is that Nursem has a ‘giving back’ philosophy and for every product sold, they offer a month’s worth of free Nursem to a nurse or a midwife. Please help us to keep this mission going by purchasing their hand care products here.

Absolute Health - De-Stress Drops

Alas as humans, we’re not immune to negative feelings triggered by stress, tiredness or anxiety. Here at The Amazing Blog, we know those feelings only too well… Luckily, we were given by Absolute Health their De-Stress Drops which offer a little help here, with a formulation of blended of flower essences and 27% grape-based brandy. Flower essences are liquid extracts used to address a variety of issues ranging from well-being, soul development and mind-body health. They are part of an emerging field of energy medicine, which also includes homoeopathy.

Absolute Health was founded in Russia by Galina Boggis-Rolfe, a specialist in psychosomatic illness and stress-related issues. The De-Stress Drops feature a blend of red chestnut, oak, olive, hornbeam and lotus flower essences, and are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. They are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Red chestnut essence is for those who have selflessness, over concern for others, especially for close friends and family. Oak essence helps those workaholic type people who find it difficult to take necessary breaks. Hornbeam essence helps combat that Monday morning type feeling and helps sharpen inner liveliness. And the final essence, lotus flower offers divine inspiration and light as well as soothing emotional imbalances.

Absolute Health suggests their De-Stress Drops are most beneficial in situations such as prolonged stress, working overtime in crisis mode, caring for ill relatives, preparing for exams, or buying or selling a house. To consume, place four drops directly onto the tongue with a clean mouth (no caffeine or strongly flavoured food residue) or they can be dropped into a glass of water. These special drops come in a 10 ml bottle for £10 and can be purchased here. We just can’t wait to put these drops to the test the next time a stressful situation arises!

Matis - Réponse Jeunesse MatiSCity Anti-Pollution Hydrating Cream

As we have mentioned in previous posts, the skin is the largest organ of the body, therefore living in a polluted city, we feel a particular need to take care of it! That is why at The Amazing Blog were interested to try the new anti-pollution face cream from one of our favourite salon brands Matis. The Matis Réponse Jeunesse MatiSCity is their latest launch addressing both pollution and hydration. It’s a product bringing together both their scientific finds together with the latest technology for a protective almost shield-like face cream.  The French brand Matis may ring a few bells with regular readers, as we have previously reviewed a few products see here.

Matis is a pedigree French brand, that has been successfully sharing its professional French skincare solutions for more than 80 years. Based in Paris, its team develops tailored-skincare products based on the scientific advances in medicine, molecular and cellular biology in order to address skin solutions. Emphasis is always made on its ingredients, combining specialised actives like hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C; together with naturally-derived ones like aloe vera, tea tree and rose stem cells.

In the range, Reponse Jeunesse, has been specifically formulated for all skin types and as anti-ageing for those who are 25+ years old. The Matis Reponse Jeunesse MatiSCity Anti-Pollution Hydrating Cream is for face and neck it offers the skin a protective barrier against exposure to toxic air particles. This is a gel-like cream that blocks and limits the adhesion of polluted particles; it is enriched with ingredients like cranberry extract which is full of vitamin C and polyphenols and takes on the role of an antioxidant; as well as aquaregul which is a mixture of the potassium salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and an aqueous extract of Mexican cactus stems, it has both short and long term moisturiser qualities that stimulates water penetration into the skin cells

We suggest applying MatisCity to your skin on a cleansed skin both mornings and evenings. They also recommend using this in tandem with one of their Reponse Jeunesse Serums for the best results.  Want to give your face more city protection? Then see here to get your 50ml pot of Matis Reponse Jeunesse Matis City anti-pollution hydrating cream for £62.20.