Grevinnans Rum: Ansiktsmask/Peel, and Saltvattentvalen No:1

When it comes to skincare, sometimes simplicity is key, and at The Amazing Blog  we love it when natural products offer multiple benefits and uses. Today, we’re introducing two more versatile and handy products from one of our favourite Nordic natural skincare discoveries Grevinnans Rum, who we recently wrote about here. See below with their Ansiktsmask/Peel  and the Saltvattentvalen No:1.

As regular readers will remember, Grevinnans Rum is a family-owned organic skincare brand founded in Gränna, Sweden, by Karen Egertz. With a background in the skincare business and a degree in marketing, she decided to open a skincare shop where she would sell unique, organic skincare. However, she quickly realised that the products she hoped to stock did not exist, and with the help of her family, she closed her physical shop to focus on producing her own organic and vegan skincare products. With the motto “Only the best is enough,” Grevinnans Rum pride themselves on the quality of their products, carefully selecting their ingredients. Karin and her team manufacture everything by hand in their small skincare factory, from organic raw materials and natural raw materials such as water and salt.  Their attention to detail results in skincare that is natural, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and suitable for all skin types. It’s no wonder that Grevinnans Rum won two Nordic Natural Beauty Awards in 2020 from and were nominees at STHLM Beauty Week Awards 2021.

As a two-in-one, this Ansiktsmask/Peel face mask and peel is a brilliant multitasker that works as both a deep cleanser and moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types, It contains many natural active ingredients. The first of these are two types of clay: Moroccan lava clay and white kaolin, these work together to cleanse the skin, dissolve blackheads, and control sebum production. It also contains oat silk, a protein-rich oat flour extract that improves skin texture and leaves skin feeling smooth. In addition, the Ansiktsmask/Peel includes moisturising ingredients such as jojoba oil and frankincense, the oldest essential oil still in use that was said to have healing properties by Queen Cleopatra herself. When applying the Ansiktsmask/Peel onto your face and neck, leave it on for about three to ten minutes, depending on how much time you have. We followed Grevinnans Rum’s recommendation and used this mask twice a week and found that it helped cleanse the skin by drawing out the impurities, and when rinsed off, it left our complexions feeling hydrated and soft. Another big plus, is that they say with regular use it helps reduce any pigmentation spots or sun damage. The 100ml jar of Ansiktsmask/Peel can be purchased here for 499 KR (£41.53).

Next, we tried Saltvattentvalen No:1 (AKA the Saltwater Soap No:1), this is a handmade and organic saltwater soap that can be used as a hand and body soap, and is also gentle enough to be used on the face. It contains saponified coconut oil, natural glycerin, Dead Sea salt, peppermint and citrus (litsea cubeba). Using a saltwater soap was a first for us; it means that it contains potassium salts rather than sodium salts, making it gentle, not abrasive. Interestingly, the brand suggests using it also when bathing in the sea or freshwater lakes to get most out of the soap, and to feel more at one with nature. Saltwater soaps provide many benefits to your skin: They moisturise without leaving a greasy feel, exfoliate dead skin cells, draw out skin impurities and fight acne, and absorb excess oil. The use of saltwater in soap also increases circulation; the principle of using saltwater has been around since the Ancient Greeks and Romans who used saltwater-based baths and products to help them reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Packaged in a branded paper surround and carried by a loop of handmade rope strung through the middle, the packaging for the Saltvattentvalen No:1 is very eco-friendly and recyclable. As mentioned above, you can use the soap in all types of water, and if you find yourself using the soap in cold water, they suggest that it be heated in the hands, rather than in the water, to help produce extra foam. We found it to be an excellent multitasker – cleansing, exfoliating and very gentle. We only used it in the shower and bath and are still super-curious to try it in the sea! We loved how easy it was to use, and how it made our skin feel clean and soft, leaving a subtle zesty scent which was a welcome bonus! Out of the two products this was our favourite and one we’d rate as another our #amazingfinds. We’ve fallen in love this brand, and can’t wait for Grevinnans Rum to be stocked in the UK. To purchase this 250g Saltvattentvalen No:1, see here, for 159  KR (£13.23).

AYPA Terra Inka: Raw Face Balm with Copoazu, & Hydrosol with Andean Hierba Luisa

There’s something very comforting about knowing that we are nourishing our skin with products that are also kind to the earth. Today, we’re revisiting a brand whose top priority is their connection to the earth: Aypa Terra Inka. In June, we covered two products here from their Aypa Raw Collection, and today at The Amazing Blog we’re excited to feature two more with the Raw Face Balm with Copoazu and the Hydrosol with Andean Hierba Luisa .

Aypa’s journey began in 2009 when founder Mirella Crovetto travelled to the Andes in her native Peru, where she sought to develop a skincare and spa brand rooted in Andean traditional healing and botanicals. There she lived alongside indigenous communities as she learned about their philosophy of life, relationship to nature, and knowledge of plant-based healing techniques. Incorporating those teachings with her background in working with international cosmetics companies, Crovetto settled in Spain and officially launched Aypa in 2011. Aypa means ‘earth’ in the indigenous Quechuan language, symbolising the values that the Andean Inca culture holds for nature. At the intersection of tradition and innovation, Aypa’s philosophy and practices are best summarised by a quote from the founder herself: “I have recovered ancient Andean wellness recipes and, with a more personal view and experience of health and beauty, I have integrated them into our contemporary world, while staying true to the Andean values.” Aypa expresses these values through their organic, toxin-free, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly skincare and through the various skin and body treatments they offer at their exclusive Aypa Spa . We also love their products are in stylish glass container with integrated bamboo lids and in minimal packaging.

The first of today’s products is their award-winning Raw Face Balm with Copoazu, a handy balm that doubles both as a cleanser and a moisturiser. This balm has a 70% concentration of copoazu butter, an ingredient extracted from the copoazu fruit native to the Peruvian Amazon rainforests. The butter is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, phytosterols, and fatty acids, all of which work together to combat free radicals, reduce inflammation, and moisturises and hydrate the skin. This allows the copoazu butter to attract 240% more water than other types of butter, preventing trans-epidermal moisture loss and maintaining the skin’s elasticity. The Raw Face Balm with Copoazu also carries babasRsu oil, another ingredient native to the Amazon extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm. It includes phytosterols and antioxidants such as vitamin E, protecting the skin while soothing and regenerating it. To use it as a cleanser, apply the balm to dry skin and massage in circular motions, add warm water to the skin and let it emulsify and removes impurities, then rinse away thoroughly. You can use the balm on its own, they recommend pairing it with Aypa’s Quinoa Face Cleanser as part of a double-cleansing routine. To use as a moisturiser (our favourite), simply apply the balm to clean skin and leave it on overnight, cleansing with warm water in the morning, with a quick spritz of their Hydrosol to freshen up. As all Aypa products go through strict screening process to ensure that they are organic and toxin-free, the Raw Face Balm with copoazu is suitable for all skin types. In addition, Aypa sources all the ingredients ethically and sustainably, and packaging is minimalist and eco-friendly. We’re thrilled to find that the Raw Face Balm with copoazu is just as kind to our faces as it is to the environment.

The second product is the Hydrosol with Andean Hierba Luisa, a toner and mist that is suitable for all skin types and is neither comedogenic nor photo-sensitising. The key ingredient in this product is hierba luisa, also known as lemon beebrush, a plant native to the Peruvian Andes used for its medicinal and therapeutic properties since ancient times. Distilling the essential oil of hierba luisa results in the aromatic hydrosol that captures the cellular water of the living plant. This nutrient, mineral, and antioxidant-rich hydrosol provides plenty of benefits: it fights oxidative stress and prevents ageing, calms skin irritation, reduces pore size, evens skin tone, regulates sebum production, and refreshes skin to produce an instant glow. You can use the Hydrosol as a cleanser, facial toner, or hydrating mist. To apply close your eyes and spray the pump about three times over your face, allowing time for your skin to absorb it afterwards. The Hydrosol is refreshing and hydrating with a soft zesty scent. With the hierba luisa it’s organic, pure, toxin-free, and contains no other fragrances or essential oils, so it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones. It’s also comforting to know that Aypa holds this Hydrosol to the same eco-friendly and ethical standards as their other products. Luckily, you don’t have to travel to Peru to experience the benefits of these very special traditional Andean raw botanicals! You can purchase the 50ml Raw Face Balm with Copoazu for 59.00€ here and the 100ml Hydrosol with Andean Hierba Luisa for 38.00€ here . The full range from the Aypa Raw Collection rates very highly with us, and we highly recommend these as another of our skincare #amazingfinds.

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.