Corpo Sancto: Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser

Are you a diehard candle person? Or do you love the look of reed diffusers? After all, who doesn’t love to have a beautifully scented room? At The Amazing Blog, we have a weakness for reed diffusers, as we can enjoy the benefits of their fragrance and essential oils even while we sleep! And today, the Corpo Sancto’s Salt and Thyme Reed Diffuser, takes us on a trip down memory lane, with its scent that reminds us of weekends-away, with the rush of briny fresh sea air blown in from the shore.

Corpo Sancto is a Brighton-based candle and fragrance company. It is run by a husband and wife duo who make artisan, eco-friendly candles and other products, like reed diffusers and perfumes. Annelie Bystrom-Turner and her husband, Chris, understand that finding the perfect scent can be a challenge, which is why they have created this diverse selection of fragrance combinations. In addition to being co-owners of Corpo Sancto, Chris is the drummer in Orange Goblin, and Annelie is a well-known makeup artist. They offer a wide variety of scent offerings for their candles, perfumes and home fragrance options. Corpo Sancto prides itself on creating hand-poured candles in small batches. The rapeseed wax used in their candles is a plant-based alternative to other waxes typically used in candles. Corpo Sancto has gone through numerous testing phases with rapeseed wax, which is wax that comes from the oil from pressed rapeseed plants. These are widely and sustainably grown across Europe, with the excess oil from the plant being used for animal feed and fertiliser. The suppliers for their wax and other products are UK or EU based since Corpo Sancto does not believe in shipping things halfway across the planet for something that can be found in their locale. They utilise packaging made from recycled materials whenever possible, and Corpo Sancto’s mission is to be as eco-friendly as possible, carbon-neutral, with biodegradable products that are paraben-free and all without compromising on style or quality.

We were drawn to the Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser as they describe it as “the fresh smell of seaweed, sea breeze and minerals with notes of thyme and grapefruit”. This scent also includes hints of bergamot, sage and base notes of musk, amber and cedarwood, creating a light and summery scent - and yes, it really does smell ‘sea fresh’. All their reed diffusers are alcohol-free and made up of 20-25% botanicals mixed in a long-lasting plant oil base. With regular turning, these reed diffusers will last over three months, depending on room temperature, season, and oil blend. The slick black reeds are very in-keeping with the brand’s image and are made of natural fibres, which offer optimal scent distribution. We also like Corpo Sancto’s sustainability and zero waste credentials – this is something they’ve thought long and hard about. When this Reed Diffuser is finished, we’ll be using the reeds to scent a drawer, and the metal cone top tin with screw cap will be repurposed as a new pen holder! Are you missing the seaside? Then we recommend purchasing this 200ml Salt & Thyme Reed Diffuser for £35 here to reminisce about roaring waves, breezy sea winds and building sandcastles!

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.

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.

AYPA Terra Inka : Raw Face Mask with Maca, and Raw Face Oil with Buriti & Maracuja

Raw and organic face masks and oils have the power to transform how your face both looks and feels, and Aypa Terra Inka’s products are no exception. At The Amazing Blog, we first discovered this brand at the 2021 The Beauty Shortlist Awards. What intrigued us was it’s extraordinary Andean raw ingredients, returning us back to heady days of our student backpacking travels in South America! 

 Aypa  is a beauty brand that is rooted in the nature of Peru. The company has skincare, special treatments, and at-home spa products, all in addition to having a Spa in Spain. Mirella Crovetto, the founder of Aypa, was inspired to develop a skincare and spa brand that included an Andean essence in its products, which she was couldn’t find in anywhere else. So, she travelled to the Andes in her native Peru and studied from the indigenous communities their centuries-old alchemy to bring into her skincare, and thus her company was born. Aypa means ‘earth’ in the Inca Quechua language, and stands for the respect the native Andeans have for nature. The brand fuses native tradition with innovation — combining the respect for nature and knowledge of plants inherited from the Incas, with today’s insight and research. Crovetto said, “It’s an invitation to travel inside my dreamed Peru, connect with the soul of its earth and get in harmony with nature.”

We were excite to receive four of their products, but today we’re going to review the first two. This is the Raw Face Mask with Maca and the Raw Face Oil with Buriti & Maracuja, which are two from the four in the Aypa’s Raw Collection. Both products are 100% natural, raw, organic and contain fair trade ingredients, which are cruelty free, and vegan. Aypa’s Raw Face Mask with Maca is a powder-to-paste mask that contains Andean superfood powers. Some of the main ingredients in this face mask include maca, algarrobo, lucuma, maras salt, muña, and green clay. Maca is a root found in the high Andean lands of Peru that is known as “the Inca fountain of youth.” Containing minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, it promotes cell renewal, increases skin luminosity, and slows down the ageing process. Algarrobo is a fruit found in the Pacific Coast of Peru that contains minerals, vitamin B, tannins, and lysine. This ingredient heals, balances, and has antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Lucuma is a fruit found in the mid-coast of Peru that contains vitamin B3, betacarotenes, and minerals. This ingredient energizes, nourishes, and has firming and anti-ageing properties. Maras salt is found in the high Andean lands of Peru, and its 84 minerals have anti-inflammatory and detox properties. Muña is known as “the mint of the Andes” and has antiseptic and soothing properties. Green clay contains many minerals and removes impurities, tightens pores, tones skin, exfoliates, absorbs, and reduces acne inflammation. To use Aypa’s Raw Face Mask with Maca as an exfoliant, mix a few drops of water into a teaspoon of powder on your palm until it is a paste, massage onto your skin, and then rinse. To use this face mask as a treating mask, mix a few drops of water or Aypa’s Raw Face Oil with one teaspoon of powder in a bowl until it is a mud-like texture. Then apply to your face and neck, leave for 10–15 minutes, and rinse, we could almost ‘feel’ the raw goodness healing our skin!

Aypa’s Raw Face Oil with Buriti & Maracuja contains four Peruvian oils that are cold-pressed from whole fruits. These oils include buriti, maracuja, palo rosa, and palo santo. Buriti, which is found in the Amazon rainforest in Peru, contains beta-carotene, vitamin C and E, and fatty acids. Beta-carotene protects skin from photo-damage, vitamin C and E regenerate skin, and the fatty acids moisturise and rehydrate skin. Maracuja is found in the sub-tropical north coast of Peru. Containing omega 6, vitamin C, and antioxidants, it hydrates and boosts collagen production. Palo rosa, which is rose wood, is found in the Amazon rainforest in Peru and helps regenerates tissues, improve circulation, and has antiseptic properties. Palo santo, which is holly wood, is found in forests in the north coast of Peru. This oil reduces oxidative stress and inhibits the elastase enzyme, thus creating a more youthful appearance. To use this blend of oils, apply one drop to your face and neck or mix with your moisturiser or liquid foundation. Whether you have dry or oily skin this adapts and balances to suit each skin type. There is a deliciously sweet and earthy fragrance (probably the rose wood?) where you can tell that there’s absolutely nothing artificial about this Face Oil. It’s almost a dry oil, as it hydrated and left our skin glowy without a hint of greasiness.

If you too want to reap the benefits of these raw ingredients, you can purchase the 30ml Raw Face Oil with Buriti & Maracuja here for 69.00€, and the 50ml Raw Face Mask with Maca here for 45.00€.