Fiini Naturally: Balm To Cleanser - Gentle Oat, Oat & Bilberry Powder Face Mask and Oat Sea Buckthorn Oil Serum

How come so many of us have sensitive skins at the moment? At The Amazing Blog, we've noticed that with this type of skin, there's always something that triggers it - whether it's stress, strong sunlight, city pollution or cold weather. We recently discovered Fiini Naturally, a Finnish organic brand immersed in natural and raw ingredients, who are environment-friendly with products for beauty and home - all are aimed specifically at helping sensitive skins. Let’s tell you more about them…

Fiini Naturally was founded by two longstanding friends Heidi and Essi from northern Finland, who share the same interests and are linked by their appreciation of well-being and nature. Unable to find suitable natural everyday products in their local stores, either for themselves or their pets. This spurred Heidi on to start producing natural formulas for her pets; whereas Essi focused on developing skincare formulas for extra sensitive skins. When the first large-scale trial of their first product the Oat and Honey Cream was successful, this inspired them to explore more regional raw materials and formulas. Eventually, they came up with more product aimed at treating the diverse skin ailments for their friends and family. For the brand, honesty is as important as the ethics. This is why all formulas are kept simple, cruelty-free and with organic ingredients which are mostly INCI certified (marked with an INCI star). Being respectful of the environment, this means no chemical preservatives, additives and all formulas come in large sizes with recyclable packaging. This genuine interest in preserving the environment and responsible business practice has made them a member of the Finnish Eko Entrepreneurs Association, which certifies their environmentally-friendly working methods and processing. They kindly send us three of their products to try, all of which contain their special hero ingredient of Finnish oat oil. 

The first product to talk about is the Balm to Milk Cleanser – Gentle Oat. This is a moisturising and balancing balm and the perfect cleanser for all skin types, it cleanses all impurities, pollution and make-up. In this gentle fragrance-free formula, it’s full of antioxidants, vitamin E, fatty acids, amino acids and beta-glucans. All of which are present in the oat oil to help nourish, protect and relieve the skin and boost its elasticity - while the jojoba oil here works its magic to balance the skin. To use, simply massage gently on dry face, then add water and continue massaging where you will see it transform from the balm consistency to a milky one, and then rinse off. We found it excellent for removing everyday makeup (no eye stinging!) and also for perking up skin first thing in the morning. This 156ml jar of Balm to Milk Cleanser – Gentle Oat was our favourite out of the trio we tried. It’s available here for €38.90.

The Oat & Bilberry Powder Face Mask  is the second product sent. This raw powder face mask was recently a bronze winner at the Global Green Beauty Awards 2020. Again, perfectly suitable for sensitive or atopic skins, it’s more of a treatment where it hydrates and gently cleanses, making the skin feel softer with a more even skin tone. Like the Balm to Milk Cleanser – Gentle Oat, this mask powder contains the same bundle of organic ingredients – the Finnish oat oil moisturises and boosts the circulation and collagen production. This Powder Face Mask is also enriched with ground rice which helps the skin renew its pigment, and the vitamin E here nourishes. The pink clay is here to minimise couperose, and the freeze-dried Finnish bilberries soothe and calm the skin thanks to their anti-inflammatory action. To use, we mixed 2 teaspoons of powder mask with a teaspoon organic yoghurt (or you can use water), plus a few drops of serum to give an extra smooth skin. Mix together until it becomes pasty, then we applied this on to a dry face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, rinsing off with warm water. We used only once or twice a week, which refreshed and brightened our skin. Again, this comes in a 156ml glass jar and is available for €22.90 here.

And last but not least, the Oat-Sea Buckthorn Oil Serum the third product. In this oil serum, the oat oil once again features helping to moisturise and revitalise. It also stimulates the skin’s metabolism, increasing elasticity, and the production of collagen. This serum contains jojoba and vitamin E, as well as Finnish sea buckthorn oil to ensure maximum cellar renewal. It’s a potent antioxidant that offers a soothing action and reduces inflammation for those with sensitive skins. We enjoyed experimenting with mixing this serum with the Powder Face Mask and also with our regular day and night cream which boosted their antioxidant and vitamin content. This comes in a 30ml tinted glass bottle and is available for purchase at €34.90 here. Initially developed for skins that face harsh everyday conditions, we think Fiini Naturally  will soon become your go-to for all things eco and sensitive skin-friendly orientated. Plus see all their home care products on the website here - we can’t wait to try these next!

SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask

As CBD fans at The Amazing Blog, today we’re reviewing a new skincare range that offers a combination of the best of CBD and advanced pharmaceutical skincare united in one product.  InnoCan Pharma has created a new range of skincare, with one of their hero’s the super hydrating SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask.

SHIR is a premium beauty brand designed to bring the best of both worlds – combining both nature and science; this is for those looking for an effective anti-ageing skincare routine.This line has been created by the Israeli pharmaceutical tech company InnoCan Pharma whose strong suit is having delivery platforms combining cannabidiol (CBD) with other pharmaceutical ingredients, together with the development and sale of CBD-integrated pharmaceuticals. There are three segments within the company combining cannabidiol and the development and sale of CBD-integrated pharmaceuticals. This is where they specialise in cutting-edge research and development with CBD in wellness, pain relief and topicals and are high-end innovators within the world of CBD formulation. Seeing the potential of CBD’s restorative function in skincare, InnoCan Pharma decided to develop two lines of CBD infused derma-cosmetics products, which are now being sold in Europe: SHIR CBD Must a 100mg CBD infused products line which is aimed at a younger market in need to help with acne breakouts, oily skin and offers anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and hypoallergenic benefits. Whereas the  SHIR CBD+  has 300mg, a triple-dose of CBD isolate, for premium anti-ageing results and hydration. All CBD test reports are available on InnoCan Pharma’s website here which shows all products are GMO-free and dermatologically tested.

The SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask is with 300mg CBD isolate (no THC, or added terpenes only pure CBD), it focuses on the fine lines and restoring the skin’s elasticity. We read on InnoCan’s blog: “CBD topicals are the easiest way to introduce the benefits of CBD into your daily skincare routine. Easy application and great results are two of the major reasons why CBD has become such a force to reckon with in the beauty and skincare industry.” Indeed, packed with natural anti-oxidant properties and its fatty acids boost the skin’s collagen production, CBD alone is one of the most effective ways to preserve the skin from ageing. CBD’s other USP is that it interacts directly with our endocannabinoid receptors to help maintain the moisture levels. This ensures that the sebum production is regulated correctly, to avoid overly dry or oily skin. In this formula, the CBD isolate is mixed with a blend of ingredients which are high in efficiency for fighting off first signs of ageing and have been clinically proven. These are inca inchi, which like CBD, is extra rich in fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9). Another key ingredient named is matrixyl 3000 which is a two-protein anti-ageing peptide. It is almost as effective as retinol but much gentler and is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines through sub-layer collagen and elastin boost. The formula also includes bakuchiol in its key ingredients, which is another alternative to the famous retinol. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and helps to fight acne, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. The last two key ingredients of this super anti-ageing hybrid formula are vitamins A and E which also help keep the skin’s firmness, hydration and elasticity. They also protect it against free radicals and treat hyperpigmentation. This ultra hydrating and plumping night mask they recommend to be use 2-3 times a week and as the last step before bedtime. We followed instructions and massaged in a generous layer of the mask, then cleansed away any residue in the morning. Easy to apply it absorbed swiftly leaving no excess, only a slight floral fragrance. It felt cooling, hydrating and we think this Sleeping Mask makes an excellent addition to a nighttime skincare routine for tired, dull or stressed skin. The 50ml SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask is available here for €98.

Happy Carrot Skincare – Incredible Carrot Hero Balm

Today at The Amazing Blog we’re looking at a simple and effective vegan skincare – well after all it’s still ‘Veganuary’. Today the humble carrot is the key ingredient with the  Incredible Carrot Hero Balm which is full of plant-based goodness, award winning and a great multi-tasking product from Happy Carrot Skincare.

Victoria Carpenter, founder of  Happy Carrot Skincare decided to name the company Happy Carrot because she believes in the benefits and power of the plant-based ingredients -  mainly the carrot! Launched in 2019, the Happy Carrot Skincare is committed to creating plant-based skincare - that works. This Vegan Society registered brand, wants to bring a positive change to our skin and the planet. Carpenter commented: “We focus on ingredients that are amazing for combination skin which are also great for the planet. Our skincare superheroes are extremely nourishing and calming for even troubled skin, and deliberately fragrance-free.” All pots are made from recyclable plastic with compostable labels, and they use cold-pressed oils from Europe with up-cycled fruit seeds and kernels, which are excess and have been discarded from food production. They consider themselves to be a zero-waste and low carbon footprint brand. Happy Carrot Skincare keeps their ingredients to a minimum, where all their ‘superhero’ products contain less than ten in total. The brand has won by numerous awards such as The Beauty Shortlist Awards, Global Green Beauty Awards,  Free From Skincare Awards and VegFest UK Awards. Their four products range from Terrific Tomato Facial Oil, Awesome Apricot Lip Balm, Reusable Cleansing Pads to the (below) featured Incredible Carrot Hero Balm.

The Incredible Carrot Hero Balm comes in two sizes a 15g or 40g pot with recyclable plastic. This Balm helps cleanse, calm, and moisturise your skin. This one of their superhero products which only contains eight plant-based ingredients. The hero here is the carrot extract because of the number of antioxidants it has, and it also gives the skin a golden glow. Carrots contain two types of vitamin A, carotenoids and retinoids (which the liver converts into the magical ‘retinol’). These are key in producing new skin cells, being high in antioxidants reduce skin inflammation and sun damage – reducing age spots and pigmentation. The murumuru butter mixed with vegan waxes such as myrica and candelilla wax, give the Balm a smooth texture making it easy to apply and leaving the skin soft.  The other fruit seeds oils used are watermelon, tomato and raspberry which are light and fast-absorbing; they’re clarifying for those with oily skin but also nourishing for dry.  Combined they protect and moisturise with antioxidants, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. The Balm can be used in numerous ways; we used it as a cleanser, mask, moisturiser and lip balm. However, we see that many others like it as a nail and cuticle balm. We recommend scooping a little into your hands and massaging onto the face or neck, leaving it overnight to give skin an extra vitamin A and retinol boost, then removing any excess with a gentle toner in the morning. With a whole host of vitamins and nutrients, it left our faces feeling moisturised but not greasy. This is a one-pot-wonder; we think a good investment and ideal for using when travelling light. To purchase The Incredible Carrot Hero Balm see here  40g for £25.00.

Zaza & Cruz - Glacial Mineral Detox Mask

Let’s talk natural face masks, after all, now we have more time on our hands between zoom calls and bedtime, there’s now no excuse for not finding a moment to pamper ourselves! At The Amazing Blog, we’ve covered quite a few face sheets, mud and liquid masks but none so unique as today’s powdered Glacial Mineral Detox Mask from Zaza & Cruz.

After spending time working as a makeup artist and beauty expert, Rebecca Hastings founded Zaza & Cruz in 2013. It all began when she started to question all the chemical ingredients in both her skincare and that of her clients. With her background in makeup and beauty, this already gave her knowledge and an added advantage; thus in 2011, she began research on natural ingredients to create her own skincare line that would not only look and feel good, but have health benefits. Based in Scotland, Hastings has developed this range into a unisex and eco-aware brand to provide products that offers protection against pollution, cellular and environmental damage. Hastings commented: “At Zazu & Cruz, we’re proud to work alongside businesses that provide sustainability, are environmentally friendly and produce a low carbon footprint with their products.”

Recently a silver medal winner at 2020 Pure Beauty, Global Green Beauty Awards, this Glacial Mineral Detox Mask is specifically formulated to give skin a boost and is one of the first companies to utilise pure Canadian Glacial Clay as its key ingredient. Found only in British Columbia, the resident indigenous people here have been using this Clay for centuries.  This Clay comes from underneath a live and active glacier that emerges with Canadian Pacific waters, where it is ethically sourced and hand-harvested. Every jar is made with over 80% pure organic glacial clay, that is enriched with more than 30 natural minerals which are rich in marine phytoplankton and healing micronutrients. It’s designed to be used on the face and body to draw out impurities, hydrate, plump and tighten the skin.  Ground into a powder form, it only needs a small amount of water to activate it into a creamy consistency ready to apply.  It forms a green paste, no distinctive fragrance, only a neutral and pleasant mineral/flinty scent.  We used this at night and found that the Clay dried quickly and left it on for 15 minutes. Then we gently wiped away the residue with a warm wet flannel; it left skin feeling cleansed, firmer and velvety to the touch. To follow, we suggest using a face oil to seal in the goodness (Zaza & Cruz have one here ) A weekly face mask for us is a must and what makes this so special, is that it feels pure and unadulterated, and contains only the simplest three ingredients with sea salt, Canadian glacial marine clay and kaolin. We applaud Zaza & Cruz for creating such a unique beauty find! To purchase the 30g pot of Glacial Mineral Detox Mask for £22 see here.

Evese London: Si'Nekra Mud Mask & Hydra'Moist Daily Moisturiser

We all need a little pampering at the moment, and at The Amazing Blog with Christmas fast approaching. we’ve found a luxury skincare brand that offers just that with Evese London.

After growing up around women and hearing their discussions about their appearance, founder Andreas Samiotis wanted to create a luxury skincare brand of his own. He was curious about the multitude of skincare products that he had witnessed growing up and wondered what made each one special. After much research, he decided to try and find a way to take the very best ingredients from each product, and then put them into one. Thus, Evese was launched in 2019, where Andreas has created a brand of natural skincare that performs, is cruelty-free and has a low carbon footprint. The environmental impact of the ingredients has been a paramount factor when creating the brand and bringing it to market. Today Evese London has six spa-grade products in its premium skincare range, and even offer a short questionnaire here to help the customer find the right product for their individual skin type.

The two product that they kindly sent to were their Si’Nekra Mud Mask and The Hydra’Moist Daily Moisturiser. Let’s start with their hero product Si’Nekra Mud Mask which translates from the Greek as the ‘Dead Sea’ Mud Mask. This mask extracts toxins from the skin, giving it a healthy and glowing appearence. It helps reduce fine lines, minimise pore size and replenish the skin with vital minerals and vitamins. This mask we found is best used as part of a weekly routine applied on face, neck and décolletage area only (avoiding the delicate eye area). In this grey mud mask, the three most active ingredients are dead sea mud, volcanic ash, and kaolinite, which all work together to cleanse and refresh the skin. Dead sea mud works to get rid of impurities, the salt and magnesium here help boost skin elasticity. Volcanic ash has cleansing, purification and exfoliating properties. Kaolinite gets rid of dead skin cells and absorbs impurities from pores. Other key ingredients include tea tree oil, titanium dioxide, shea butter. With slightly more unusual chondrus cripus (Irish moss) which apart from being packed full of vitamins and minerals is also a conditioning agent and often used as a to regulate the viscosity of a product. The allantoin here is extracted from the root of the comfrey plant, it is a gentle, soothing and protects the skin. We found that unlike other liquid face masks, that dry almost instantaneous when it is applied, this stays moist (the shea butter perhaps?) We let it sit on the skin for 10-15 minutes then gently removed it in circular motions with warm water. It left our skin feeling fresh and super-hydrated with the hint of a citrus fragrance. Evese suggests following this step with their Hydra’Moist Daily Moisturiser, which we duly did.

All skin needs to be hydrated; whether you have dry skin or an oily complexion, good hydration is vital. The Hydra’Moist Daily Moisturiser is for all-day full-on hydration. This moisturiser helps protect the skin from pollutants with the three actives, opuntia streptacantha (prickly pear extract), ophiopogon japonicus (snake’s beard root extract), and panthenol (provitamin B5) that all work together in the formula to give maximum hydration. Prickly pear provides soothing properties, ideal for acne-prone, dry and sensitive complexions. It’s also age-defying and can improve overall skin tone. Snake’s beard root boosts the skin’s moisture-retaining ability which in turn protects it from dryness with its enhanced skin barrier function. Whereas provitamin B5 has a calming effect on the skin – again it increases skin hydration and creates a protective barrier. We found that when applied, this Hydra’Moist felt silky and soothing, and offered more than adequate protection against the cold winter elements. Best of all, we think that the Hydra’Moist makes a great primer for makeup allowing foundation or powders the perfect canvas for an even application. So, why not treat yourself (or others) with this luxury skincare duo for good skincare protection for the winter. To purchase the 250g Si'Nekra Mud Mask for £40 see here. Or the 50g Hydra’Moist Daily Moisturiser for £41 see here. There is even an option to purchase them as a bundle here for £72.