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.

EARTH from Earth: Damask Rose Skin Balm

It is no secret that here at The Amazing Blog, we value natural skincare products above all else. After all beauty trends come and go, but our skin is here for life, and so it’s imperative to take care of it. As always, we’re on the hunt for new and exciting products, and today’s latest discovery is from EARTH from Earth, with their Damask Rose Skin Balm.

EARTH from Earth is a wellness brand that focuses on natural and organic skincare, haircare and grooming products. Founded by Kehinde Ogunba, a graduate of Formula Botanics, who saw that there was a “gap in approachable and effective self-care products that are made with the right combination of herbs and unconventional superior plant oils and butter.” Ogunba works closely with Minomi Adejumo, who is the formulator and brand alchemist for EARTH from Earth. Adejumo is a qualified pharmacist and medical herbalist with expansive knowledge of both African and Western healing traditions. Adejumo has “a strong appreciation and experience in harnessing the therapeutic properties of numerous herbs and plant oils.” EARTH is a acronym for Essences Aromas Relaxation Therapy Healing. These ideas are what the brand aims to offer for the modern woman, man and family; since their products are formulated to “nourish, uplift, calm and balance mind, body and soul.” EARTH from Earth describes their range of products as “indulgent, potent, aromatic and nutrient-dense” with all-natural, organic plant oils and herbs that are chosen specifically for their “therapeutic abilities and extraordinary efficacy.” Every product is made in the UK and handcrafted to nourish, condition, moisturise, rejuvenate, restore, uplift and balance. The fragrances only come from the raw aroma of the natural ingredients combined with the “delicate blend of aromatherapy oils to evoke a deep sense of sensory awakening.” Most of their products are plastic-free in brown amber glass containers and housed in a biodegradable paper tubes, with earthy jute sacs to keep them safe. They made with 100% ethically-sourced herbs, plant oils and butters which are vegan and cruelty free.

EARTH from Earth’s Damask Rose Skin Balm contains a unique blend of antioxidants and vitamin-rich superior butters, plant oils and herbs. We love that the natural and organic ingredients create their own natural and raw aroma. This skin balm feels and smells luxurious. It is specifically formulated to provide deep nourishment, hydration and replenishment. This balm is laced with one of our favourite ingredients the rosa damescena, “carefully hand-picked early in the morning before they can open and release their precious scent, soothing and sensual as it infuses the skin with enriching nutrients.” The herbal extracts are produced in-house to ensure the essence of every herb is fully released into the oils. To use this soothing skin balm, scoop a small portion into your hands to warm it up and take a moment to inhale the natural aromas, then proceed to apply the balm all over your skin.  The key herbal ingredients here are wild geranium, broadleaf plantain, gotu kola, nettle, calendula, licorice root, field horsetail, marshmallow, chickweed. Together they are blended with oils from coconut, grapeseed, castor, avocado, jojoba, olive and African oil palm. There is candelilla wax, murumuru and cacao butters to give the Balm its consistency. The fragrance is subtle combination of the essential oils, with rosa damescena, patchouli and geranium. In short, this is a beautiful and delicately scented Balm which is free from water, alcohol, chemical preservatives, stabilisers and additives. We used it on face and body, concentrating on elbows, knees and lips. We love how this is a wonderful multitasker, and if there’s only room for one skincare product to pack in you travel bag this summer - make sure this is it! To purchase this 120ml jar of Damask Rose Skin Balm see here.

CannaErbs: CBD Infused Organic Herbs & Spice Seasonings

Spice up your life and your food with CannaErbs’ CBD infused herbs and spice seasonings! CannaErbs has created nine different blends of CBD cannabis seasonings, including Salt n Pepper, Seafood, Creole, Jerk, Mixed Herbs, BBQ, Chilli, Piri Piri, and All Purpose. We love CBD at The Amazing Blog and we were super-excited to be able to get creative in the kitchen, and try out some of these seasonings.

CannaErbs  was launched in September 2020 by Patrick, who wanted to create natural CBD products that could be used daily and in combination with other ingredients. CannaErbs only uses all natural and certified organic or raw ingredients — including whole seeds, corns, chips, flakes, and granules. These give CannaErbs’ seasonings a fresh and vibrant taste, free of chemical additives and preservatives. All of their seasonings are infused with 50mg of CBD in dried decarboxylated form using CBD with approximately 27% strength. The decarboxylation process includes a heating method that converts cannabis into useable properties for the body. CannaErbs receives their CBD from a direct CBD supplier, British Cannabis®, who is “the largest producer, manufacturer and distributor of legal cannabis derived products in the UK.” The broad spectrum CBD here is THC-free, and CannaErbs has the relevant lab testing data of each batch on their website here. Many people use CBD to help anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions, and eating CBD is one of the most popular ways to reap these benefits. In addition to the advantages that CBD offers, CannaErbs’ herbs and spices contain nutrition, antioxidants, and other minerals. CannaErbs’ spices are hand-blended and mixed in small quantities, so they are fresh and flavourful when you receive them. The incorporation of CBD in condiments is on the rise, but not every brand that sells CBD infused condiments uses organic ingredients or are as transparent about their CBD as CannaErbs are. Patrick, the founder of CannaErbs, said, “the products we created are the same products we use and believe in.” He is hoping to launch CannaFlours, an organic white and brown flour and CannaGreens, a super green CBD powder for smoothies in the forthcoming months — so we’ll be on the lookout for these

As mentioned, all CannaErbs’ seasonings are infused with 100% decarboxylated cannabis sativa L leaf containing CBD and should be stored at room temperature, in a dry environment, and protected from direct sunlight. CannaErbs’ kindly sent us a selection of four of their blends, all are suitable for vegens and contain no artificial colours, flavourings, or preservatives. And absolutely NONE of these CBD Infused Organic Herbs & Spice Seasonings, tasted remotely ‘hempy’.

The first one we tried was CannaErbs’ Organic Chilli CBD Seasoning, which includes the ingredients of natural Himalayan salt, organic chilli pepper, organic cumin, organic paprika, organic black peppercorns, organic onion, organic garlic root, organic cassia, and organic yellow mustard (what a list!). We found this seasoning packed a punch! So use sparingly, it’s very versatile and we liked it best on homemade pizzas or scrabbled eggs. The second one was Cannaerbs’ Organic Mixed Herbs CBD Seasoning, with ingredients of organic thyme, organic rubbed sage, organic oregano, organic marjoram herb, organic mint (peppermint), and organic parsley herb. These Mixed Herbs pairs with many different foods, and for us, we loved using them in our a Ninja Foodi on the pressure cooker function. Why? Because it intensified the flavours with the pressure, the food cooks faster and very little moisture escapes; therefore the flavours are richer. The third one was  Cannaerbs’ Organic Salt n Pepper CBD Seasoning, which includes the ingredients of natural Himalayan salt, organic black peppercorns, and organic white peppercorns. Salt and Pepper can make almost any food tastier from meats to vegetables, to even strawberries - yes really, try it! The fourth one we tried was Cannaerbs’ Organic Seafood CBD Seasoning, which includes the ingredients of organic paprika, natural Himalayan salt, organic yellow mustard, organic cardamom, organic white peppercorns, organic bay leaf, organic ginger root, organic clove, organic mace, organic dill, and organic cumin. This was probably our most favourite, it worked so well with prawns, salmon and even transformed a very bland white fish! We like CannaErbs sustainability credentials too, where they offer refill packs to put into each of their grinder mills. These are this weeks #amazingfinds!  If you fancy adding a little’ je ne sais quoi’ to your culinary efforts, then a set of these seasonings are a must-have for your condiment rack. You can buy these spices here for 25% off of £3.99 each, if you use the code AMAZING.

Vitybox: Lotus Tropical Flavoured Collagen Drink

Collagen is the latest rave in the beauty world, whether in skin care, tablets, or liquid supplements. We at The Amazing Blog have tried many different collagen products (see here) and like how this skincare product starts working from the inside out. So, we’re here again to give you, our readers, the latest ready-to-drink collagen supplement with VITYBOX Lotus Collagen Drink. 

 VITYBOX is a new and upcoming beauty brand that focuses on its liquid supplement containing collagen, keratin, and hyaluronic acid. Ali Azmandian and Ali Kais, founders of VITYBOX and healthcare professions, started this brand with a mission to create a supplement that has natural and clinically backed ingredients. To gain the trust and loyalty of their consumers, Azmandian and Kais invested in several years’ worth of scientific studies and qualitative research with a team of healthcare professions. Their team uses cutting edge science and is involved in every step of the way, from production to aftercare with clients. This Lotus Collagen Drink boost 95% absorption compared to ~8% absorption with tablets and capsules and contains premium patented marine peptide sustainably sourced from Thailand. It’s also free from lactose, GMOs, eggs, nuts, wheat, dairy and gluten. In 2019, a little after their launch, VITYBOX were finalists for the International Breakthrough Brand Award at the Pure Beauty Global Award. All our manufacturing takes places in the UK, and every single batch that gets produced is vigorously tested

Like all liquid collagen drinks, Lotus works from the inside out to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix, boost natural hydration levels, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The 20ml shot has a natural tropical flavour, it’s sugar-free, and unlike some other collagen drinks, there’s no lingering fishy after taste. Here the Lotus has three main ingredients: keratin, hyaluronic acid and collagen. Keratin is a protective protein found in hair, skin, and nails and is a protein that is hard to manufacture. Thus making this Vitybox’s supplement, one of the few collagen brands to have actual keratin peptides. This ingredient improves hair growth and promotes hair shine. Hyaluronic acid is another naturally occurring molecule found in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. And as we all know, it helps the body retain water keeping skin hydrated, eyes lubricated and joints supple. Having this ingredient in Lotus creates elasticity in the skin and reduces wrinkles. Lastly, collagen; what is it? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up parts of connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. It provides skin with elasticity and strengthens joints. As one gets older, it’s harder for the body to produce collagen naturally. By regularly taking a collagen supplement, it can help hydrate the skin by promoting the production of elastin and fibrillin (a glycoprotein), reducing dryness and wrinkles. Something we take collagen supplements for is to stimulate tissue repair and renewed connective tissue in joints and bones to relieve pain, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis. There are three types of collagens that are used to produce supplements: bovine, plant and marine. This is marine collagen and has a high collagen content that supports naturally occurring collagen already found in humans. As we mentioned earlier, Lotus uses premium, patented marine collagen sustainably derived from Thailand. It is then hydrolysed and purified, creating a greater concentration of smaller peptides that absorbs better into the gut and bloodstream. They tell us that the 5g of collagen in Lotus, is equal to over 10g of collagen found in some other brands. This liquid collagen drink claims to have a higher absorption rate than powders or capsules, as when the fluid enters the body, it’s immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. The principle is that it makes the body believe that it has already broken down too much collagen, tricking it into producing more collagen in return. Interestingly, VITYBOX reports having consumers who have seen outcomes starting as early as two weeks, particularly with stronger nails and faster hair growth. In 1 month, hair was healthier and shinier. In 2 months, the skin was firmer and hydrated, and in 3 months, wrinkles and fine lines were reduced. As we only received six sachets, so it’s difficult to report any such similar results. With this 20ml ready-to-drink Lotus sachet, it’s easy to take, especially if you’re like us and constantly on the go. We also like how Lotus can be seamlessly incorporated into one’s daily routine. You can have a one-time purchase of a 14-day supply at £34.95. Or Vitybox has several other subscription options here, with a 14-day supply at £29.71 or a 1-month supply at £56.44.