CBD Leafline : The 5000g Pure CBD Citrus Twist Spray

At The Amazing Blog, we've written about countless CBD products and regular readers will know how much we love CBD with its endless benefits. This time it’s with the 5000g Pure CBD Citrus Twist Spray by a familiar award-winning CBD brand CBD Leafline. You may remember the brand from previous blog posts here.

CBD Leafline was founded in 2018 by husband and wife team and CBD enthusiasts Paul and Sonia Shrive. By doing their research and not rushing through the entire process, the company was able to go through proper research and development on CBD with the purpose to follow UK product compliance while also providing consumers with the highest quality. Another brand focus is to educate customers on CBD by making packaging easy to read and understand. "Our other main focus has been to educate our customers about CBD through reader-friendly packaging that is easy to understand – we know there is nothing worse than being left frustrated by industry terminology – we hope we have achieved that." This family-owned business aims to be transparent about its entire process. All products are batch tested by a government-accredited UK independent laboratory. CBD Leafline is CannaPro certified meaning; their products, trading standards, marketing, and conduct have been reviewed. Their products are natural, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, paraben and sulphate free, and all made within their own facilities in the UK. CBD Leafline is an award-winning company. In fact, they have won a few awards at the 2021 and 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards. They recently won Best CBD Oil (isolate) at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards for their Pure CBD Citrus Twist Spray which we are reviewing today.

The Pure CBD Citrus Twist Spray is THC-free and has 5000mg CBD which is isolate, which means that all other compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, and amino acids, have been extracted, leaving behind only pure CBD. It’s also made up of fractionated coconut oil (MCT oil) and Citrus flavour it has 5000mg of CBD Isolate. 

They use fractionated coconut oil (MCT) as a carrier oil (the CBD is crystalline or powder in its raw state therefore mixed with the MCT for this reason); it's naturally high in fat and has had all of the non-essential fats removed to allow the most efficient absorption of CBD. As it’s made with CBD isolate there is no taste or trace of hemp, which makes these Twist Sprays (strawberry and citrus) very popular and easy to take. CBD Isolate is an excellent option for those interested in CBD but not the compounds found in cannabis plants, particularly if you are a sportsperson with routine drug testing. The extraction is done by a unique and challenging CO2 extraction process. Extra precautions must be taken to avoid unwanted substances during purification.

Now, what are the benefits of CBD? Scientists have reviewed a variety of benefits when researching CBD. CBD is thought to improve one's anxiety and depression. When CBD is consumed, it positively interacts with serotonin receptors in the cerebrum. It may also relieve inflammation and pain and be immune-modulating. CBD sprays are more unusual than other CBD edible products in the market. This makes them a little harder to find. However, what we like is that this spray has higher bioavailability than some other edibles, and these sprays, like the oils, are applied directly under the tongue. Tongues mucus membranes have small capillaries, which allows the product to be absorbed faster into the bloodstream. The spray allows a more direct route than other forms of ingestion. To use, shake the contents first and spray the recommended dosage directly under your tongue every morning and night. For maximum effect, allow the oil to sit under the tongue for about 2 minutes, CBD Leafline recommends. For new consumers, it's best to start with the lowest dosage to see how the body handles it. This 5000ml is the most potent dose in the range, so for the CBD novice, it’s recommended to start with 1500ml, as you can always slowly increase the dosage if necessary. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, and you can even refer to one of the dosage guides here. The Pure CBD Citrus Twist Spray comes in a 30 ml bottle with an applicator at the top. We like it because it tastes great and is an easy and discreet way to carry CBD.

The Pure CBD Citrus Twist Spray contains 5000mg of pure CBD and is THC-free. It’s a great way to start off your day and end your night. The Twist Spray ranges come in 3 strengths: 1500mg, 2500mg and 5000mg. See here to purchase the PURE CBD Citrus Twist Spray for £49.99.

Connock London: Kukui Oil Room & Linen Mist

Looking to bring a fresh, exotic floral fragrance into the home? Then let us at The Amazing Blog introduce you to another of our #amazingfinds with Connock London’s Kukui Oil Room & Linen Mist. It’s from a sustainable and award-winning brand, best known for its unique scents, and is a recent winner of an Editor's Choice at the 2022 Wellbeing Beauty Shortlist Awards.

Amanda Connock founded Connock London in 2013, inspired by her passion for fragrance and her love for exotic and unique natural ingredients. Amanda spent her childhood sampling perfumes, making scented bath salts and creating floral waters in buckets from rose petals and cherry blossoms with her siblings. After achieving her degree, Amanda joined her family's business, A&E Connock, where she acquired her knowledge and experience working with global producers and sourcing speciality cosmetic ingredients. In an interview with Great British Life, she explained how she branched off from the running the family business with her brother to create her own business, ​​"We were very young and although we succeeded with the business, which is still running today, I realised I wanted to go off on my own and do my own thing. I'm very much like my Dad in that respect." Thus Connock London was born. "It's very important for me to be able to tell my customers the source of the ingredients – where they come from and why we use them." As a business, Connock London focuses on sustainability and is committed to making changes contributing toward a better future. They now have new easy-to-use pump bottles made from 30% post-consumer recycled plastic, plus all of Connock London's products are cruelty-free. Connock London is proud to work alongside the Woodland Trust, and the Carbon Capture initiative helping to replenish the UK's native woodland from its outer packaging alone; this government scheme strives to reduce CO2 emissions by donating 100% of its charge back to the charity.

The Kukui Oil Room & Linen Mist is presented in a stylish frosted glass bottle and is part of Connock London's Home Fragrance collection. It is a floral fragrance with the exotic aroma of Hawaiian flowers, made with a high-quality blend of pure essential oils containing floral notes of gardenia and jasmine blended into a warm, woody base of sandalwood and vanilla. This Room & Linen Mist is 100ml alcohol-based and, as the name suggests, is designed for spritzing around the home, and to freshen up bed linen.

The kukui oil is sourced from a family in Hawaii that both Amanda and Connock have worked with for over 20 years. Hawaiians use their native kukui oil to keep the skin soft and smooth; it contains essential fatty acids - ideal for boosting the immune system and treating dry skin. Gardenia flower is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help fight colds, and respiratory or sinus infections; and is said to be full of antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral compounds. The plant also symbolises trust, hope, peace, renewal, and protection. In some cultures, jasmine is used as a natural sedative, much like lavender. Its sweet scent is known to help stress and anxiety and helps the body unwind. Not forgetting its aphrodisiac properties, which is why it’s a popular ingredient in massage oils. The sandalwood is sourced from the fragrant bark of India’s santalum trees, offering unique benefits to mental and physical health; it’s also used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to promote calmness, lower stress and improve sleep quality. Vanilla, after saffron, is the second most expensive spice in the world. It’s known to be a mood-booster and has a calming effect on any sharper fragrance notes.

How would we describe the scent? Exotic with a nuance of warmth and complexity. It is a ‘floriental’, which means the woody base notes of sandalwood and slightly powdery and creamy vanilla, pair well with the floral heart notes of buttery gardenia and sweet-smelling jasmine. The mist is guaranteed to create a delicious and moreish scent throughout the house.

Connock London also has a Ceramic Disc which can be sprayed with the Kukui Oil Room & Linen Mist, then tied to hangers and door hooks to keep clothing smelling fresh - we even put it in the car! It makes an elegant statement while adding a light, fresh scent to wardrobes, drawers or luggage - in fact anywhere where it can be hung. A lovely way to maintain your clothing’s freshness, and imbue this delightful scent into your clothing, mischievously clinging to the top of your favourite summer shirt.

A fragrance that’s perfect for the summer, or for summoning up the feeling of a sultry summer’s eve in the middle of our cold wet winter months! As far as high-end fragrances go, we think that the luxury features and finishes of the packaging and its exotic aroma set this Kukui Oil Room & Linen Mist apart. To purchase the 100ml Kukui Oil Room & Linen Mist for £22, see here, or to buy the Kukui Scented Ceramic and 10ml Mist for £15, see here.

White Lotus : Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum

We all know the power of crystals and their many benefits for mental well-being, but did you know that they can enhance your skincare too? As readers of The Amazing Blog will know, we love to try out effective, new and unique skincare, and yet again, we’ve made an exciting discovery via The Beauty Shortlist Awards. This time, it’s a serum with a difference, meet Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum from award-winning Australian holistic skincare company White Lotus.  

Husband and wife duo Anthony and Kamila Kingston, founder of White Lotus, met while studying Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine at university. They spent two years in Asia, studying traditional holistic beauty and treatments passed down through generations. On returning to their native Australia in 2004, they opened their first clinic White Lotus Cosmetic Acupuncture. This was Australia’s first specialist cosmetic skin and microneedling clinic. "Due to the unique nature of the clinic, which offered brand new treatments for the time including microneedling, jade rollers, facial Gua Sha and cosmetic cupping, word of mouth quickly spread." In 2007, White Lotus, with Anthony’s knowledge of herbal pharmacology, officially launched its first range of skincare products and tools, together with online courses for techniques such as acupuncture, microneedling, and traditional face reading. They’ve even co-written and published books, like "Jade Roller, Gua Sha & Cosmetic Cupping for the Face and Body". White Lotus is also committed to avoiding greenwashing and has partnered with Clean Hub, an organisation that checks and verifies the amount of plastic they remove from the ocean each month. The brand is also working to become a carbon-neutral company, the majority of products are organic, PETA approved, vegan and cruelty-free. They are also free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, petroleum, phthalates, ethanolamines, silicone, GMO, or synthetics. They're no strangers to awards, as they have won over 20 awards. Most notably, they've won an Editor's Choice Award at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards and were a finalist at the 2021 Mama & Baby Awards.

The Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum is made using genuine crystals rather than the fashionable but less effective method of crystal infusion. For those not in the know, crystal-infused skincare simply means real crystals are dipped in the mixture and then removed during the manufacturing process - leaving no trace of the crystal or its beneficial effects. This Crystal Face Serum contains genuine ground jade and tourmaline crystals combined with organic and natural botanical oils and herbs.

It is believed that jade was used to withdraw negative energy and balance 'chi', a 'life force or energy in traditional Chinese methods. Using jade can help brighten skin complexion, reduce puffiness, and aid blood circulation. Although tourmaline crystals are excellent for balancing chakras and meridians, this gem also has some skin benefits. This energising crystal can be used to vitalise skin, making it more luminous and youthful. When these genuine finely ground ‘activated’ jade and tourmaline crystals are applied to the skin, it has attracted natural wave energy AKA ‘far-infrared rays’. (By the way, to activate any crystals they have to be placed in the light of the full moon for a minimum of four hours). These crystals help skin cells called fibroblasts to synthesise new collagen and elastin. The brand also tells us one of the main benefits of these far-infrared rays is that they, “Advance wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis, cell proliferation and keratinocyte motility”.

Apart from the jade and tourmaline crystals, other key ingredients are botanicals: Rose flower water, camelia seed, jojoba, frankincense, bergamot and lemon oils; plus panax ginseng root and benzyl alcohol. Rose flower water has antibacterial properties that help reduce skin redness and improve complexion. Camelia seed minimises the appearance of premature ageing and promotes healthy skin. Jojoba has vitamins E and B-complex, and it’s key to damage control and skin repair. Frankincense soothes and nourishes and aids with sunburn, rosacea or breakouts. Bergamot contains limonene, a potent antioxidant and has many anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon oil evens skin tone and lightens dark spots, rejuvenating and detoxifying tired-looking skin. Benzyl alcohol is a natural preservative; this type used is not ethanol. The herbs are either added raw or extracted using an oil-based method rather than ethanol. Finally, ginseng is full of vitamins D and B12 and can help slow the loss of collagen, helping the skin retain elasticity.

What we liked about this serum is that It is light and cooling, making it perfect for the warmer summer months. With its very slight bergamot/citrus scent, it absorbs almost instantly when applied. Using 4 or 5 pumps of the serum we gently massaged it onto the face and neck morning and night. Skin felt soft and hydrated - with no evidence of any powdery crystals, just a silky smooth and opaque liquid. It’s hydrating enough by itself and we felt no need for a moisturiser, only our regular SPF. White Lotus say that with regular use, it will increase the skin's microcirculation, detoxification, and nourishment; as this serum allows for deeper penetration for the hydration of the skin cells. It’s a game-changer for holistic skincare and has become an instant favourite with us; and also has excellent sustainability credentials, as it comes in a 30ml glass bottle and BPA/BPS & phthalate-free and recyclable plastic cap and pump. it’s PETA certified, vegan and cruelty-free and is made with 90% certified organic ingredients.

The Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Serum is also a vital part of the White Lotus Crystal Facial and can be used alone or works wonderfully with their jade roller or rose quartz roller. We have written about their Jade Roller here. They also recommend combining it with their Organic Green Tea Face Oil and jade gua sha to complete the full crystal facial. To purchase the 30ml Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Serum for £29 see here. We hope to see more innovative products from White Lotus in the future and will be keeping an eye out for the next product launch.

JAYA : PM Transforming Cleansing Balm

We all know the importance of having a good skincare routine. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we love finding new products suitable for every skin type, especially those gentle enough for teenagers who are just embarking on their skincare journey. Our feature is on the award-winning PM Transforming Cleansing Balm by UK prebiotic skincare brand JAYA.

Vicky Charlesworth founded JAYA (Just As You Are) Beauty in 2019. She created the brand with a specific target audience in mind - teenage girls. "With two daughters approaching teenage years, I feel more passionate than ever about helping people feel (and look) good because of who they are, not who they feel they ought to be." Vicky felt there wasn't enough choice of natural products to support the younger generations’ skin type, or with the genuine credentials of transparency and sustainability. Which set her on a mission to ensure that young women have a realistic set of tools, products, and skincare knowledge to empower and nourish themselves in a positive and greener way; Vicky got to work collaborating with a team of top British skincare chemists in search of the most effective plant-based ingredients. After much testing and feedback, JAYA finally perfected its vegan prebiotic formulas with natural ingredients suitable for all skin types. This prebiotic skincare range has been scientifically developed to help support the good bacteria (microbiome) on the skin. The brand is certified by The Vegan Society and is Leaping Bunny approved, with a choice of a gentle jelly cleanser, a cleansing balm and the 24/7 Vitamin Moisturiser, soft muslin cloths and cotton headbands, a skincare set that’s ideal for helping establish a first skincare routine. But JAYA didn't stop there. The brand strongly values sustainability and makes a great effort to be eco-friendly. "The beauty industry is renowned for the waste it generates. Being an outsider, I didn't look at how things are 'normally' done - I wanted to do them in the most environmentally efficient way, supporting those who are local and, where possible, under-represented. It is this commitment that made working towards B Corp certification such a perfect fit." The brand packages its products in recyclable plastic and jars that can be repurposed. JAYA also has a charity pledge. In March 2021, they announced they would donate 2% of all sales to a charity of the buyer's choice. "We welcome your feedback regarding which charities are important to you, and to get the ball rolling our founding JAYA team has selected charities covering mental health, women's rights, the environment, refugees, and race. All of which are charities close to our heart.” Recently, JAYA has made a name for itself by winning its very first award. The brand recently won an Editor's Choice at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards for their PM Transforming Cleansing Balm, which we are reviewing today.

Let’s start by asking, what are prebiotics in skincare? They are a food source for the skin's 'good' microflora, aka bacteria. Like a fingerprint, we all have a microflora ecosystem unique to us, made up of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria. Prebiotics are described as non-living ingredients that stabilise the good and bad bacteria throughout the skin and body. They are made up of plant-based carbohydrates, and they improve and preserve the healthy microbiome of the skin, and are a very positive addition to skincare as they balance out and strengthen the skin barrier. In simple terms, this means the skin will better protect itself from everyday environmental aggressors such as allergens and pathogens while locking in hydration.

The PM Transforming Cleansing Balm is prebiotic skincare - is not just for teenagers; we loved using it too! This gentle but deep cleansing and nourishing formula diligently remove makeup, pollution and SPF. It lifts excess grease and dirt from oily skin while moisturising dry skin and balancing the skin's natural microbiome (good bacteria). JAYA highlights the six critical ingredients incorporated in this PM Transforming Cleansing Balm: Sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn oils. Plus the prebiotics with black tea ferment, and plankton extract (fragrance-free).

Let's start with the oils. Sweet almond oil has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to treat minor cuts or wounds and soften the skin. This oil contains vitamins A and E, which help stimulate the production of new skin cells and help prevent cell damage and UV damage. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with premature ageing and sun damage. Lastly, sweet almond oil contains zinc which is crucial to help acne scars heal. Grapeseed oil has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. This oil will aid with acne outbreaks and uneven skin tone and protect skin from UV rays. It can also help with skin softness, moisture, and improved elasticity. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties, and provides hydration to soothe skin damage, reduces signs of ageing, and heals scarring. Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from sea berries found in coastal and mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. This tiny berry is loaded with 190 nutrients and phytonutrients, including higher concentrates of vitamin C, fatty acids, and other vitamins. Together, these reduce inflammation, boost, brighten, and help to achieve healthy, clear, and more radiant skin.

The black tea ferment helps with skin tone and has an anti-glycation effect which helps reduce inflammation and boost skin elasticity. It is a prebiotic ferment that encourages the growth of good microorganisms. Last but not least, we have plankton extract. This extract is also notable for its prebiotics and antioxidant properties. High in fatty acids and it’s crucial in developing healthy cells, and its high zinc content can also reduce blemishes.

We found this award-winning 99.8 % plant + water PM Transforming Cleansing Balm to be a gentle, nourishing, and deep cleaning. It’s an effective everyday cleanser transforming when combined with water from a gel into a milk. To apply, gently massage a small amount into dry skin, then wet hands to activate gel into milk. It swiftly removes daily grime, and any excess can be wiped away with a warm wet cloth. JAYA recommends using it every night for the best results - although we used it both morning and evening. Fragrance-free, It’s one of those rare cleansers that instantly melts away makeup without any eye stinging. This product is packaged in 50% post-consumer recycled plastic tubes. When it's empty, simply cut the tube in half, rinse, and put it in the appropriate recycling bin. It’s another of our #amazingfinds and one we’d highly recommend for any skin type or age. To purchase the 100ml PM Transforming Cleansing Balm for £18 see here. We can’t wait to see what other prebiotic skincare products JAYA will add to their range in the future.

Sanatio Naturalis: Precious Oil Treatment

When it comes to skin nourishment, face oils are always our first choice, with bonus points given if they’re also natural and sustainable. At The Amazing Blog, we couldn’t resist featuring one of our favourites with its abundance of organic oils, the Precious Oil Treatment from the award-winning botanical and sustainable brand Sanatio Naturalis.

Sanatio Naturalis was created in 2015 by founder Valerie Ruonan Shi, and we wrote the brand in 2017 featuring their Lavender essential oil, see here.  The essential oil and aromatherapy range were developed with the help of leading aromatherapist and author Daniele Ryman. Sanatio Naturalis is a British brand that incorporates the healing powers of botanicals, and the Latin name itself means 'the healing power of nature’. As Valerie says, "The holistic beauty secrets of plants have been passed from generation to generation. The ancient Greeks shared them, inspiring our Latin name, Sanatio Naturalis." The brand has raw and organic natural ingredients, all of which are sustainably sourced. "We place great importance on the origins of our raw materials. We travel the world in search of plants and oils." These all have full traceability with ingredients like geranium comes from Egypt, rose is cultivated in Bulgaria (4,000 kg of rose petals are needed to obtain 1 kg of the essence), lavender is from Haute Provence (France); lemons are harvested in southern Italy and frankincense from Somalia. Ingredients are all COSMOS Certified Organic, cruelty-free and vegan; these are ethically grown and harvested raw, therefore, free from preservatives, fillers, and chemicals; made without any parabens, or phthalates, sulphates, mineral oil, petroleum, synthetic colours and fragrances. In 2020, the brand supported COVID-19 pandemic NHS workers by giving away one product for each product purchased to NHS staff members. Since its inception, Sanatio Naturalis has worked tirelessly to perfect its formulas, which has earned them several awards, including Eluxe Magazine's 2018 Best Up and Coming Beauty Brand, and of course the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, Editor’s Choice Winner.

Precious Oil Treatment is a concentrated face oil full of nutrients combining antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. This blend is created to awaken the skin, and help it reach its optimum potential by restoring elasticity and hydration. As they say, "This silky light, nourishing oil absorbs instantly, leaving skin feeling smooth, supple and soft. A nourishing complex of 8 mostly organic luxurious oils to help restore firmness and elasticity, including jojoba, prickly pear, safflower, camellia seed, rosehip, argan, sunflower and cacay oil, it delivers immediate nourishment and radiant glow in just a few drops." This oil is also infused with calendula, edelweiss, and red-flowered silk cotton tree.

First, let's begin with the benefits of the oils. Jojoba is known to nourish your skin with hydration and vitamins; it also leaves skin feeling soft, silky, and smooth. Argan oil is easily absorbed by the skin, to give a glowing complexion. Prickly pear seed oil is an unusual raw ingredient on the list. This oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It also carries different vitamins, omegas, and fatty acids to help reverse signs of ageing and improve firmness. Cacay oil with its high doses of vitamin E and 68% linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), stimulates the renewal of cells to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip oil is full of vitamin C and works to stimulate collagen and heal scars. Camellia oil is used to retain hydration and promote soft and silky skin to reduce signs of ageing. Sunflower oil is used for skin hydration. Last but not least, safflower oil helps hydrate skin and soothe inflammation as it's filled with linoleic acid and vitamins B6 and E.

Then there are the three skin-protecting ingredients: edelweiss extract, calendula, and red-flowered silk cotton. Edelweiss extract is a natural anti-ageing agent and sun protectant. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, more potent than vitamin C, so it helps skin stay plump and smooth. It also helps protect from harmful UVA/UVB rays and helps repair damage caused by harmful free radicals. Calendula oil is made by infusing marigolds steeped in a carrier oil such as olive or jojoba oil. This blend helps with irritation and soothes skin with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Last but not least, we have red-flowered silk cotton. Found in Africa, this tree has parts that hold medicinal properties. Using the thorny part from the stem, this ingredient helps prevent damage from UV rays and toxic pollutants and supports the skin's natural defences.

Natural essential oils are added to give it a fresh aroma. "Naturally fragranced with a precious blend of therapeutic essential oils including Neroli and Jasmine to relax and soothe the senses, and provide an immediate sensation of well-being." The Precious Oil Treatment is easy to incorporate into your skincare; Sanatio Naturalis recommends applying a couple of drops onto cleansed and fresh skin day or night. We even added a drop to our moisturiser to enhance its hydration. It feels deliciously luxurious and can work well with any other skincare used, the fragrance of this oil won’t conflictt with its subtle jasmine/neroli scent. Not only is the product itself perfect for nourishment, but it comes in a sustainable small white 30ml glass bottle with a dropper and recyclable box. It also makes a perfect travel companion fitting into hand luggage for those sunny weekends away. You can purchase the 30ml Precious Oil Treatment here for £60.