Avani Skin: Hydrating & Illuminating New Skin Serum

If you are an avid reader of  The Amazing Blog, then you'll know that on super-hot days, like today, we keep our skincare to a minimum. It's always with a light hyaluronic-based serum and an SPF. This is why we are excited to introduce you to a new brand Avani Skin with their all-natural Hydrating & Illuminating New Skin Serum.

Avani Skin  is a natural British skincare brand founded in 2020 by Hannah Wilson. She began this journey by living a more natural plant-based lifestyle. Hannah realised that many of the products she used daily contained unnecessary animal-derived ingredients or harmful chemicals. It was then that Hannah decided to begin researching natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients to create products for herself, family and friends. After some trial and error and deciding whether to turn the hobby into a business, Avani Skin was born. The name Avani comes from the Indian origin meaning Earth, and represents what the brand revolves around - naturally sourced ingredients. They are an artisan brand committed to making vegan and cruelty-free products that are gentle yet effective on the skin. They take pride in their high-quality ingredients without the use of mineral oils, parabens or sulphates. Although they only have two products in the range, they wish to highlight their status as a sustainable and all-natural brand. As a part of their sustainability effort, Avani Skin offers a reduced price of thirty per cent off for refills using returned skincare bottles. Another aspect of their mission is to create custom-made products that suit all your needs in one bottle. They offer a personalised skincare service to add specific ingredients for an individual skin type and all of the main active ingredients found in their natural skin serum.

The Hydrating & Illuminating New Skin Serum is a gel serum that works to replenish the skin's natural glow by fading scars, boosting collagen levels, and locking in moisture. This serum is specifically designed to help rejuvenate dry, dull skin and promote skin elasticity, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive, dry, or ageing skin. One of the main active ingredients in the serum is hyaluronic acid, or as Avani calls it, "The Fountain of Youth." Hyaluronic acid is one of our 'must-haves' in a serum as it seemingly slows down the ageing process by plumping and rejuvenating the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. This ingredient also helps lock in moisture and lock out pollutants or other harmful substances that the skin can absorb. As always, what we find most astonishing about this natural ingredient is its ability to hold 1000x its own weight in water, meaning just a drop of hyaluronic acid contains an incredible amount of moisture - goodbye dry skin! Another natural ingredient that fights against wrinkles and fine lines are the lupine proteins. These proteins stimulate collagen and elastin production, which help to keep the skin smooth and youthful-looking. The serum also focuses on brightening the appearance of tired skin through its use of Chinese Wu Zhu fruit (see photo above) extract and vitamin B3. Wu Zhu extract is an all-natural ingredient derived from the evodia rutaecarpa fruit, which helps with circulation, increases elasticity, and improves skin texture. Vitamin B3 (niacin) acts as a toner by helping to reduce pigmentation and creating an illuminating glow that can only be the sign of healthy skin. All of these active ingredients together make for a quick-acting and multi-purpose skin serum. We used it during the day, first thing in the morning, on damp skin after the shower, as it helps activate the hyaluronic acid and kept skin looking dewy and refreshed. Best of all, it absorbs fast (even in the heat), which made it quick and easy to layer up and apply our SPF. It is a clear and viscous liquid (the HA) with a pleasant and subtle floral fragrance. For the best results, Avani advises applying a pea-sized amount twice daily on damp skin. They also recommend following up with a hydrating cream and nourishing oil blend to lock in the moisture of the gel-serum ). If you are experiencing dull, dry skin or looking to attain a youthful glow, this serum will make a good addition to your skincare routine. To purchase this 50ml Hydrating & Illuminating New Skin Serum for £18.99 see here.

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. 

CBD Leafline: Gummy Rings

Do you have that one secret sweet treat that you can’t resist? Well, ,how about a sweet treat that helps you relax? The team here at The Amazing Blog have been nibbling away at all sorts of CBD edibles, and one of our recent #amazingfinds are these delicious CBD Gummy Rings from CBD Leafline - we even had to do a toss-up to see who got the last one! 

Paul and Sonia Shrive started CBD Leafline in 2018, and manufacture a selection of CBD infused products here in the UK. At the age of 15, Paul travelled to Nairobi, Africa, with his father, where he experienced how African natives used hemp/cannabis in their everyday lives. They used the plant to its fullest potential, benefiting from its therapeutic and healing properties, making rope, clothes and soap, or building homes. Seeing how natural hemp was appreciated in Africa made Paul valued the plant even more. Cannabidiol sailed through the UK in 2016 but only as food supplements for consumption and use, sparking interest in Paul. He said, “Recalling my love and passion of the plant, I began to research and set about working out how I could bring our own range of CBD products to market.” After a few years of research and planning, the Shrives decided to start their company. Their combined experience in manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, marketing, and the health and beauty industry served as a foundation for their business. They want to share and educate their customers about CBD and its benefits. With the UK’s restrictions on CBD, this brand makes sure all products comply with the legal requirements. Unlike other CBD brands, CBD Leafline manufactures all products in their own facilities in the Northwest of England and are a family-owned business. The couple and friends and family use CBD products daily and believe it has changed their wellbeing, “No miracle cures, to put it simply, we feel re-balanced.” All products in the CBD Leafline range are natural and combine high-quality whole-plant hemp oil containing broad-spectrum CBD (THC-free) with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, omega 3/6 amino acids which interact with other vegan ingredients. In addition, all products are independently tested (see here) and, the brand is a CannaPro certified business. CBD Leafline was recently awarded Editor’s Choice and Finalist in The Beauty Shortlist 2021 Awards here.    

As our regular readers will know, CBD products can come in all shapes and forms like CBD oils, topical creams, chocolates, skincare, or vapes. So, why choose CBD gummies? Well, first of all, they’re delicious and easier to take rather than a capsule or oil. If one is feeling stressed, you can nibble at one wherever you are. Lastly, gummies are easy to control since each gummy has a definite CBD mg amount. Overall, it’s a convenient way to keep your CBD levels topped up. These CBD Gummy Rings have 10mg of CBD per gummy - which is the average amount of CBD in most gummies on the market. They are vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and all-natural. The tasty flavours come from apple, lemon, orange, raspberry and sour cherry and the bright colours come from black carrot concentrate, turmeric, paprika extract and spirulina concentrate. They use broad-spectrum hemp distillate, which is a whole hemp plant oil that doesn’t contain THC but still allows other cannabinoids to remain present. We enjoy CBD gummies with their added benefits of helping us with relaxation, and for relieving stress and anxiety, And of course, there is a plus, that they taste delicious! CBD Leafline recommends no more thanf 7 gummies per day, and the perfect dose will vary from person to person. We recommend that you experiment by starting with a small amount then slowly increasing it according to your mood. NB these are not suitable for pregnant or lactating women. And definitely should not be given to children or pets! We reviewed the Small CBD Gummy Rings, with 20 x gummies containing a total of 200mg of CBD, which you can purchase here for £19.99.