Dr Ankerstjerne - URBAN PROTECTION & SUPERFOOD

If you tot up the annual cost of your skincare, does it make you draw breath in horror? When we did this at The Amazing Blog it certainly gave us quite a shock!  We are all for economy and multitasking products, so when we heard about a new advanced Nordic skincare Dr Ankerstjerne , that would not only save us time but money – we had to try it. We also think that it’s perfect as a Christmas gift for anyone looking for a simple anti-ageing skincare routine with excellent results.

Dr Ankerstjerne is an advanced skincare brand developed by two Norwegian doctors, who got their inspiration when they couldn’t find skincare that would endure the extremes of the Scandinavian weather. Stine and Andre Ankerstjerne went on to develop an effective cosmeceutical brand based on one particular insight: Why use multiple products when the key actives needed can be condensed into just a few? In 2018, after five years of research, development, and testing, they decided to launch their own skincare brand with advanced skincare that’s easy to use. To answer the need for a simpler skincare regime, all the products are packed with multiple actives that work in synergy to provide long-lasting results without taking so much time or money. These all underwent clinical and laboratory testing with advanced dermatology equipment to measure very precisely the depth and length of wrinkles, skin firmness, skin elasticity and moisture levels. Dr Stine Ankerstjerne said: “Documentation of our skincare range’s effect assures us that our products do what they promise. The anti-age effects have been thoroughly investigated in double-blind, long-term studies, where independent dermatologists have performed advanced 3D scans of the skin of test subjects before and after the test period. The impressive study results showed a reduction of wrinkles, increased moisture content in the skin, as well as improvement of skin elasticity and tightness.” There is a core range of five products, all of which are high in vitamins and antioxidants (see here ) where these target anti-ageing for all skin types. They are also vegan, free from paraben, silicone and microplastics. 

We received two products, both beautifully presented with simple and clean white branding. The first product that we reviewed is the URBAN PROTECTION Anti-pollution/Anti-ageing day cream . As the name suggests,  this cream is to be used in the morning to hydrate and safeguard skin against environmental pollutants and aggressors. This is one of the few creams that we’ve tried that offered SPF 30 UVA and B filtering and quick absorption into the dermis. Best of all,  for us, it doesn’t leave a white residue or clog the pores! It uses CityStem™ an ingredient known to restore the autophagic functions that can be altered by pollution in order to detoxify skin cells (i.e. it reduces the penetration of air pollution into the skin, strengthen the epidermis, and limits DNA damage). To slow ageing signs, this is combined with niacinamide (vitamin B3), well-known for its hydration and skin barrier function, as well as reducing hyperpigmentation. It keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay, whilst improving skin texture and elasticity by boosting the collagen production. After using, their testers found that in eight weeks the wrinkles were decreased by 24% and noticed an increase in skin elasticity and firmness. We think that if, like us, you live in a city then this URBAN PROTECTION day cream will soon become a must-have addition to your daily skincare routine! 

The second product we tried was their  SUPERFOOD multipurpose vitamin facegel. This is what Dr Ankerstjerne calls an “ultra-hydrating antioxidant vitamin bomb”…And we quickly understood why, looking at the list of ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin B5, A, E and sea buckthorn extract for vitamin C. All of these ingredients are known for their powerful hydrating and antioxidant properties. It offers the perfect cocktail to help reduce hyperpigmentation and skin irritation while helping with skin moisture and maintaining the skin’s natural elasticity and firmness. Because it is so deliciously rich in vitamins, this cool-to-the-touch gel can either be used alone or under your day or night cream, and as an eye contour cream.  This truly is an all-in-one anti-ageing product and here, after eight weeks the clinical tests with SUPERFOOD it showed 10/10 results for improvement of wrinkles/elasticity and firmness.  We used this alone at night where it felt cooling, fresh and moisturising. When used under URBAN PROTECTION, it gave us the reassurance that we needed, for our skin to be adequately shielded from pollution and chilling winter weather. It is easy to use, timesaving and we think good value for money as a high-performance cosmeceutical. Rest assured these two products will be a good investment and your two great allies for all-year-round protection. You can purchase the 50ml URBAN PROTECTION day cream here for 850.00nok (approximately £70.50), and the 50ml  SUPERFOOD multipurpose vitamin facegel here for the same price.

CAVARA Premium Anti-Aging Rose Quartz Face Roller

We have a saying at The Amazing Blog of ‘happy skin, happy self’. A clear and healthy complexion is something that we don’t take for granted. Even though we’re very spoilt and get lots of natural lotions and potions to test, we never tired of skincare; and face rollers are an area that we’ve just started to explore. However, today’s face roller, it is not just any face roller, it’s made of rose quartz which is cool to the touch, alleviates puffiness and feels healing to the skin. Meet the Premium Anti-Aging Rose Quartz Face Roller by CAVARA.

CAVARA is a British company that offers high-quality anti-ageing skincare devices.  This Premium Anti-Aging Rose Quartz Face Roller is their first skincare device to launch. It’s a transformational beauty tool that helps to achieve a glowing and youthful complexion and is where the use of holistic crystals meets a modern-day skincare regime. The rose quartz is thought to help shrink pores because of its natural cooling properties. The question we had is why rose quartz and not jade? Rose quartz stays cooler than the commonly used jade face roller which by its adaptive nature, tends to remain warm on contact with the skin. Also, because jade is a soft stone, and might not stand up to general wear and tear whereas a rose quartz face roller is more robust. We like how the brand is passionate about their product and how they say: “We recognise your power to actualise intention and create the skin and life of your dreams. CAVARA is centred on the possibility to manifest your best self in order to live your best life.” And that’s why we couldn’t wait to try it!

Let’s talk about the actual rose quartz itself. This is a powerful crystal open to love, self-care and heart healing. It is made up of quartz and the addition of manganese and titanium which gives a pink colour. It’s one of the most well-known and popular crystals because it works with love and is strongly attached to both the heart and throat chakras. But it’s not a stone that simply rests in romance. It’s for all kinds of love from healing communication with family to developing deeper bonds with lovers and friends. It purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace. Therefore, helping to rid any negative emotional stresses that might have an impact on the skin and accelerate ageing. Calming and reassuring, it helps to comfort in times of sadness. Rose quartz has been used as far back as the ancient Greeks and Egyptians who used it as part of their routine to maintain youth and beauty believing in its potent skin benefits.

This sculptural looking Premium Anti-Aging Rose Quartz Face Roller is made up of two different sized quartz rollers on either end, all held in place with elegant brass fixtures. The small roller is intended to be used on the more sensitive areas such as under the eyes or your throat, whereas the bigger roller is for the rest of the face, neck and decolletage. We found that it was excellent for getting back the colour in our cheeks and for bringing more oxygen to the skin. It also helps to relieve tension, which can often build up in the facial muscles. Best of all, it helped to boost the skin’s elasticity, improve lymphatic drainage and stimulate cell turnover. We found our skin looked more vibrant, toned with reduced inflammation, all benefits from its cooling effect. This facial roller brought a soothing sensation and was brilliant for using first thing in the morning, banishing any puffiness prior to our skincare routine and makeup. This facial roller is often used by skincare professionals and alike, who say when refrigerated, the rollers will provide a small amount of relief from swelling in the same way that an ice cube facial would, although with less mess! We used it by without any serum or creams and started by rolling from the centre of the face in an outward direction, where the positive and uplifting effects were instantaneous. It’s easy to maintain by cleaning with warm water and gentle soap, and on our rose quartz journey, we also learned that to ‘recharge’ the powers of rose quartz, you simply leave it out under moonlight (because this crystal’s yin energy is connected to the moon). Is this spurring you on to purchase? Then see here for £49.99.

Green Chemistry: Phyto Flora,

In our never-ending search to find new and exciting skincare formulas to introduce you to; today at The Amazing Blog, we’ve found a rather special natural serum from Green Chemistry. This brand is a US-based indie skincare that has a range of wild-sourced clinical and holistic skincare, where they only use food-grade botanicals and have an emphasis on Ayurveda.

Brigitte Tolson is the founder of this brand and began her successful journey in aesthetics as a cosmetic surgery consultant and professional makeup artist in her hometown of Los Angeles. Her interest and passion for natural skincare took on a voyage of discovery with Ayurveda and holistic medicine, which has since grown fuelled by her passion for incorporating these into her own skincare and practice. Her clinical area of expertise is with treating cystic acne, nutrition, advanced peels, holistic skincare, sun damage, anti-ageing and other systemic issues of the skin. After years of research and collaboration, Tolson built Green Chemistry with a mission to provide clinically proven ingredients with a focus on the holistic.  Her mission has been to create products that complement the range of treatments that she already offers her clients and to provide unique formulations that have been lacking in the professional skincare sector. Tolson said: “What initially started as two of the most nutrient-rich serums on the market, has evolved into a line that now makes a scientifically proven toxin-free hyperpigmentation treatment, along with a mask that draws city pollutants from the skin, and a rich anti-ageing night cream that even surpasses my expectations.” Currently, with eight products in the range, they are produced in small batches, using the best local botanicals available from farms and orchards. Green Chemistry also has a ‘give back’ policy to help save the bees, where they contribute $3 from each purchase to the Los Angeles County Beekeeping Association. Tolson feels strongly about making this donation as it is these bees that are responsible for pollinating most of the ingredients that Green Chemistry source from locally. 

The product we’re featuring today is the Phyto Flora which is a serum which they say is ideal for dry, sensitive skin with acne or eczema. The key ingredient here is the hemp seed oil which balances the skin and helps to reduce acne scarring, and offers relief from acne, psoriasis, and eczema. The hemp oil also strengthens the skin and enhances its ability to resist viral, fungal, and bacterial infections and has shown to reduce pathogenic bacteria and yet is still intensely hydrating. Next is the Spanish lavender which has been specifically selected over 40 other different species of lavender. This lavender reduces sensitivity, redness and the antibacterial properties here cleanse the pores and work as an anti-inflammatory. The damask rose reduces inflammation by suppressing the growth of certain bacteria and has mild astringent properties. The star jasmine is restorative and known to detoxify the skin. The sea buckthorn oil promotes skin hydration, elasticity, cell regeneration and even helps treat and prevent acne. Sea buckthorn helps to reduce swelling and redness associated with many skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. This blend also contains sesame seed and jojoba oils which are both rich in vitamins and fatty acids which can help protect skin cells from the damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, and toxins. The chia seed oil here maintains moisture and reduces the appearance of fine lines relieving dryness and peeling. The camellia flower oil is an excellent emollient for keeping skin moist and supple and has properties that will prevent skin breakouts. It is rich in coenzyme Q10, which can help your body produce collagen and elastin, and is rich in cranberry which provides vitamin C. These will improve the skin’s appearance making it look softer and brighter; and then with the addition of tomato seed oil, this will even out the skin tone. Finally, this serum will deeply cleanse thanks to the daikon seed extract.  We used this for both night and day and found the serum’s scent-neutral with only the subtlest trace of jasmine where it meets the lavender. All of which means that it will happily sit under other skincare with no scent conflict. Because this serum is oil-based, a little goes a long way and we found that only a few drops were needed. None of us here have acne breakouts, but some of us do have dry and sensitive skin; and found this to be a Godsend, to protect skin against the yo-yo-ing effects of going between central heating and the chilly outdoors. To purchase the 30ml bottle for $70.00 see  here.

West Barn Co (WBCO) - Balancing Cleanser & Brow Elixir

At The Amazing Blog, we love to make new brand discoveries, especially when they have been created for professional makeup artists. Meet West Barn Co who specialise in brow and skin preparation products, where today we review their Cleanser and Brow Elixir.

West Barn Co (WBCO) is based in the heart of Durham and created by a mother and daughter team, Donna McCann-Turner and Kim Cattin. It all began in August 2016, when Kim was working as a professional make-up artist on an editorial photoshoot. She wanted to create something entirely different for the Instagram brow trend that was buzzing at the time; Kim wanted to create a brushed up, fluffy, natural brow. Having found no product that could actually fulfil her wish, Kim used an old Hollywood trick by using soap to freeze the brow in place but was a little hesitant about using hand soap on the faces of her clients. This is when Donna and Kim locked heads and created a little tin of brow soap with a brow brush, and the legendary Soap Brows® was born. This then went on to explode on social media last year with fans such as Beyonce, Perrie Edwards and Sophie Turner. This natural and ethical brand went from being a small artisan product made in Donna's home to becoming a globally successful business, all within a year. The company now focusses on creating high-quality brow and skin preparation products for professional make-up artists. Amazed and inspired by the increasing success of the original Soap Brows® they turned their attention to other skin preparation products. Donna has gone on to formulate more skincare products that have proved just as popular with the pro make-up industry elite. Today, this successful company contains 14 staff members working in fulfilment, manufacturing and marketing. It ships internationally to 60 countries, and their mission has evolved into creating a complete range of exceptional brow and skin prep products that professional make-up artists will choose for their kit. All products are cruelty-free and vegan. 

We were sent two of their products. First, we’ll talk about the Bog Myrtle and Lime Balancing Cleanser. It's a beautifully light and creamy face cleanser that will deeply clean and tone skin in just one simple step. It is made to give an instant brightening effect and is refreshing, uplifting and balancing. This facial cleanser is ideal for including in a daily routine or a part of a self-care session. It has properties from the bog myrtle plant which are known to tightens pores and reduces spots. It is has a balancing effect on the skin and can stop breakouts thanks to its antiseptic properties. The lime oil in the blend is used to reduce pores, tones the skin and add a refreshing zesty scent to this energising lotion. Castor oil here has antioxidant properties that help keep skin detoxified; It also has excellent moisturising properties and will hold moisture. Finally, the agonis fragrans branch/leaf oil adds a citrus/spicy scent and purifies the skin with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. We found that this Cleanser worked best for us when used it primarily as a make-up remover, as the castor oil makes light work of gently lifting away foundation and daily grime. What's more, this Cleanser comes with a sustainably sourced organic bamboo and cotton cloth. To use it, WBCO advises to take the cloth and run under lukewarm water for a few seconds. Place it over your face to allow the warmth to open those pores and soften your skin. Two pumps of this Cleanser should be enough. Gently work the cleanser into the skin using circular motions and working up the face. Once you have thoroughly cleansed your face, use the wet cloth to remove the product, which leaves skin soft, clean and clear. It can also be used as part of a double cleanse too. To purchase this 100ml Cleanser see here for £19.00.

The second product was our favourite, the Brow Elixir which is full of brow enhancing ingredients. This brow elixir claims to boost and stimulate the healthy growth of your eyebrows. So, if your brows feeling a little lacklustre or perhaps like us you had a little too much tweezer time in the 90s, this will help to revive, nourish and promote growth. I’m always cautious when it comes to using brow serums, as I’ve got brows with permanent makeup and regular use of ‘active ingredients’ can fade the pigments. I was delighted to read on the list of ingredients here, that there are no actives! This contains key ingredients such as evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract, which has a balancing and soothing effect on skin. The camelia seed oil (aka tea seed oil) which will enrich skin feeding it with a plethora of vitamins and minerals. The blend also includes hydrolysed vegetable proteins which will give a power boost to strengthen brow hair. The cucumber extract will keep skin refreshed. The vitis vinifera seed oil is extracted from grapes and promotes healthy hair growth and acts as a natural dandruff treatment. The macadamia oil will bind to the hair shaft and infuses it with fatty acids, leaving hair follicles stronger and healthier. Finally, your eyebrows are left silky and soft thanks to the propanediol, which is plant-based glycol, that enhances the absorption of all other ingredients too. To use it, WBCO advises coating the brow hair, from root to tip. Brush through your eyebrows, using a circular motion to stimulate microcirculation and get the follicles stimulated. When this has finished, I’ll be purchasing another, despite no regrowth being evident yet, I’m hoping in another month, I’ll see some… to get your 8ml Brow Elixir, see here for £29.00.

PUCA Pure & Care -EGF Peptide Serum & Face Mist

As we now embark on a post-furlough and (hopefully) a post-COVID 19 time, ‘economy’ is the new watchword. And to this end, we’ve been being asked by our readers where can they find luxury skincare at affordable prices… Today, we’ve listened and here at The Amazing Blog we’d like to introduce you to a luxurious, innovative and affordable skincare that is also recognised as a personalised skincare and go-to brand in salons and spas, meet PUCA Pure & Care.

PUCA Pure & Care is a Danish brand founded in 2014 by Vivian Dynesen, with her goal, of paying particular attention to hydration and care for the face and body with the PUCO range (which is a portmanteau of Pure & Care).  They are members of the CTPA (Cosmetics and Hygiene industry Trade Association) and have developed and designed the brand to conform with strict regulatory and industry standards. Their products have been tested clinically, and are used by both the salon professional and consumer. They set out to provide their customers with effective and solution-based skincare, all at an affordable price. Their core brand values are beauty, freedom, innovation and surprise; and in some of the products, they also have of some more unusual ingredients such as silk extract and snail secretion filtrate. This is where nature meets science, with the natural oils, plant extracts and actives. Each of the skincare formulas are tried and tested to ensure their effectiveness on all skin types, including hypersensitive skin. This means that everyone can benefit from using PUCA – Pure & Care. 

First, we tried the EGF Peptide Serum This is one of twelve PUCA serums offered, where each one is targeted for a specific skincare solution. This peptide-based serum helps restore the natural structure of your skin; it is alcohol-free and doesn’t contain water or silicone. With regular use, we found that the skin's health was optimised, giving a smoother and more even appearance. It includes one of our favourite ingredients hyaluronic acid, which is known to have the ability to boost moisture levels, counter inflammation and retain moisture. This serum blend also includes beta-glucan, which is used here for anti-ageing to firm up and plump fine lines and wrinkles. It is similar to our immune-enhancing capabilities; the beta-glucans use these macrophages to speed up wound healing. The key ingredient of the serum is EGF, this has many benefits including hydration and hyperpigmentation prevention. The process by which EGF works is by encouraging cell growth, stimulating keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which then synthesise fibrous proteins to improve skin elasticity with collagen and elastin. The mixture is also rich in morus alba root extract (aka white mulberry root) which has antioxidant properties, and the potential to rid the skin of hyperpigmentation and unevenness with the flavonoids. This plant extract helps calm stressed skin, which in turn reduces signs of environmental damage and fosters a brighter, more radiant skin tone. The chamomilla recutita flower extract also has numerous benefits; it is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent and provides antioxidant protection to soothe, moisturise and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Finally, the oligopeptide-1 and 2,  can promote cell growth to improve cell activity and repair, making it ideal to use as after-sun skincare or on couperose skin. The oligopeptide 5 stimulates the metabolism of epithelial cells, improves the stratum corneum (outer skin layer), increasing the thickness. This serum is a transparent liquid that is almost fragrance-free, quick to absorb; we found it non-greasy and easy to mix n match under our regular moisturiser, SPF or night cream. Having used this night and day for the past month, I noticed some of my hyperpigmentation has faded and my skin tone is looking more even - which is a big plus! PUCA suggests using this before a Derma Roller treatment which will then help the serum to penetrate deeper. We think that long term use of this serum will boost the skin and keeping it hydrated without breaking your bank balance. You can purchase the 30ml EGF Peptide Serum here for only €10.00. 

The second product we tried was the Face Mist which is a Danish Beauty Award-Winner.  This light facial mist delivers a cooling boost of hydration. Its ingredients include green tea which provides powerful antioxidant protection, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and revitalised. The cucumber extract is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning agent often used in cosmetics and personal care products. The antioxidants found in cucumber extract are ascorbic acid, beta carotene and caffeic acid. These extracts are often used as an anti-ageing ingredient where the antioxidants limit oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It contains a mint extract that delivers freshness and will soothe the skin. The aloe vera in the serum has been clinically proven to heal burns, wounds and scars. When applied, the compound aloin in aloe vera also blocks up to 30% of the UV rays and protects the skin from sun damage. The aloe vera plant contains numerous vitamins, as well as choline and folic acid. These nutrients promote skin health and protect the skin from free radicals and premature ageing. It also includes beta-glucan (see the EGF Serum above). Then there is chamomile and rose flower extracts both of which are very beneficial helping to calm irritated skin, reduce wrinkles and help heal bruising. The sodium hyaluronate is a combination of macromolecular hyaluronic acid and small molecule hyaluronic acid. Small-weight hyaluronan molecules penetrate deeper into the skin's structure, providing maximum below-the-surface hydration and in turn rehydrating skin cells over time. This Face Mist, again, is almost fragrance-free, so it won’t conflict with other skincare or cosmetics and gives makeup a wonderful dewy finish. You can spritz this on a makeup brush or sponge before blending in foundation or concealer. This product is ideal to use on the face, neck or hair as needed. Use for extra hydration before or after applying moisturiser, as a pick-me-up on the go, or after makeup. PUCA advises for an extra refreshing and cooling boost, to store the bottle in the fridge (which we did during the heatwave in August). This marvellous multi-use Facial Mist can be found here for €7.50. Why not explore more from this brand with their face creams, body oils, scalp serums and masks. We can’t wait to try more!