Oh My Garden - Balancing Facial Oil

Although we think that ageing gracefully is a beautiful thing, we always use a daily skincare to enhance and protect our complexions at The Amazing Blog. As this is our favourite time of year to use face oils, today we are featuring a new brand Oh My Garden with their natural Balancing Facial Oil.

Oh My Garden is a Canadian natural beauty brand. The story began when after spending almost, a year following a 10-step skincare routine, the founder Togzhan Jumagulova was astonished to learn how much plastic was used in these products. As a researcher with a PhD, her curiosity led her on to research further the effect not only on the beauty industry but on the environment. She was horrified to learn about the microplastics and silicone build-up, plus the toxicity levels of some synthetic compounds, and the unsustainable practices within the beauty industry. She wanted to make a difference, which is when in 2019 Jumagulova created this skincare line of Oh My Garden. The brand’s goal is to provide environmentally conscious and scientific-based ingredients for the consumer that are natural, vegan and cruelty-free. As Jumagulova says, “Beauty is more than maintaining good looks. It’s about self-care, it’s a ritual of self-love. It’s about staying healthy and saying “thank you” to our bodies. Textures, subtle natural aromas, colours, and packaging - everything we create we design to add vibrancy and excitement to your everyday life.”  Oh My Garden believes that skincare should be an expression of self-love and the Balancing Facial Oil here is one of four products in their collection.

This Balancing Facial Oil can be used by all skin types; however, it is formulated for combination and oily skin. The golden oil used just by itself gives the skin a glorious glow. The main use of this oil is to balance sebum production in the skin. The skin’s response to dry skin is to produce more oil for the moisture lost, which then results in oiler skin, leading on to more problems. Jumagulova explained the benefits of using this Facial Oil: “This might sound counterintuitive, but the great solution for this issue is rightly chosen facial oil. The plant oils form a breathable occlusive layer that stops water from evaporating and also gradually restore the skin barrier and calm irritations. As a result, the skin stops losing the moisture and the sebum production naturally regulates back to normal.” Let’s look at the key ingredients starting with the Abyssinian oil which is rich in an array of vitamins such as B1, B2, A, B6, E and C. It is considered one of the best moisturisers because it locks in hydration and eliminates dead skin giving a youthful look. The argan oil contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E, which help brighten the skin and protect the skin from sun damage (although you still need to use sunscreen). Meadowfoam seed oil’s most significant benefit is to bring balance to the skin (our photo above is with the Meadowfoam flower). Squalane can help with hydration, boosts collagen giving the skin a firmer feel, and contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling. The raspberry seed oil helps control oil production, fights against wrinkles and acne. Sea buckthorn oil helps skin elasticity and regenerating cells. The prickly pear seed oil contains high amounts of antioxidants which can help prevent skin damage, ageing and breakouts. Tocopherol (AKA vitamin E) has properties that defend the skin from pollution and environmental stressors. Ylang-ylang here is considered an essential oil and in skincare, it regulates oil production while soothing irritation and inflammation. Similarly, tea tree oil soothes redness and is also an antimicrobial. This Balancing Facial Oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, the fragrance is neutral, if anything we detected a slight delicious nuttiness. We applied a few drops directly to the face, which we then massaged gently in. It didn’t feel ‘oily’ at all, in fact, now the sun strength has gone and we’re moving towards winter, we’d be happy to use this alone (or under SPF), it also makes an excellent primer for makeup. To purchase a 30ml bottle Oh My Garden Balancing Facial Oil for $45 see here.

Naturopathica CBD+ Turmeric Capsules

We’re back again on the CBD trail, this time at The Amazing Blog it’s with a range of capsules that have just launched. However, these are not just any capsules they are CBD+ Turmeric combined from Naturopathica.

In a partnership between CBD brand Elixinol and supplement brand Pharmacare, they created  Naturopathica with a range of CBD+ capsules. These are a selection of six different CBD + products, each one has a different health benefit and also addresses a specific issue, i.e. they’re appropriately named Digestion, Mind, Night, Wellbeing, Turmeric and Unwind. With 5mg of CBD per capsule, they say that these are ‘super-concentrated’ with full-spectrum CBD that’s sourced here in the UK. It’s worth remembering that the optimal dose of CBD to take will always depend on a range of factors: Bodyweight, the condition being treated and the individual’s body chemistry.

We chose the Naturopathica CBD+ Turmeric which focuses on healthy joint and cartilage function. Both turmeric and CBD come from plants with a long list of impressive qualities.  Taking this supplement is a must for anyone who has an active lifestyle or suffers from arthritis. Other than the CBD, the two main ingredients are curcumin and vitamin C. Curcumin is found in turmeric which contains over 100 different chemical compounds. However, one that stands out is the curcumin, it’s proven to alleviate both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and has both antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamin C here is one of the most important vitamins for helping maintain a healthy body function. It has numerous benefits including boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, collagen formation and reducing fatigue. Naturopathic even have a lab report that you can read on these ingredients here. Probably the best-known beneficial effect of the combination of this 5mg CBD and 265mg of turmeric is their mutual ability to quell inflammation. We have only taken this supplement for 30 days and can’t honestly say that we’ve noticed any difference, we think that it needs at least 60-90 days to be able to monitor properly any changes in the body. The capsules are easy to take, and as a regular curcumin capsule-popper, I might be persuaded to swap my daily 500mg with this; however, I might have to double the dose!  If you’d like to try these, then see here to buy the CBD+ Turmeric Capsules at £39.99 for 30 capsules.

Dilmaherbals: Ojas Anti-blemish Cream

As always here at The Amazing Blog we’re on the hunt to find new and unusual skincare. Today we’ve hit the jackpot with an exciting new skincare that unlocks the power of Indian herbs,  let us introduce Dilmaherbals with their Ojas Anti-Blemish Night Cream.

After backpacking around South America and India and leaving his full-time job as a pharmacist in between the two trips, founder Gaurav Gupta’s curiosity led him onto learning more about native Indian herbs and natural remedies. This, in turn, was the inspiration for creating his own range of skincare Dilmaherbals. Bringing together experts from the skincare, pharmaceutical and Indian herbal professions, he and his formidable team, created Dilmaherbal skincare with its effective and natural formulas, with Indian herbs and natural oils. The name ‘Dilma’ comes from the Hindi words for heart and mother, which are ‘dil’ and ‘ma’ respectively. The ‘herbals’ part of the name comes from all the India herbs sourced from the Himalayan mountains to the deserts of Rajasthan, where these extracts are used in the production of the range. We particularly admire Dilmaherbals for their ‘giving back’ policy where they have formed a partnership with the Indian charity Railway Children, who help children that live alone and who are at risk on the streets, and Dilmaherbal commits to donating 5% of their profits.

The Ojas Anti-Blemish Cream is their popular hero night cream, it’s rich, velvety and perfectly suitable for the day too (i.e. now in a British autumn/winter). The translation of Ojas is ‘beautiful energy’ and it is designed to help even out skin tone, balance oils, and with its brightening effect reduce the signs of ageing. With its long-lasting hydration and creamy texture, this means a little goes a long way, leaving the skin feeling super-soft. Created from a mix of 17 herbal extract and natural oils, it is 94.52% from naturally derived ingredients. Let’s talk about some of the key Indian herbal ingredients found here: The amla extract (aka as the Indian gooseberry) grown in tropical areas such as Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. It’s high in vitamin C and these antioxidants restore and brightening the complexion as well as helping to reduce any pigmentation. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen production, which in turn, keeps the skin smooth. The Neelotpala extract is considered a sacred flower that is found throughout India; it balances natural oils and prevents breakouts and provides instant hydration. Tulsi extract (aka Holy Basil) a sacred plant widely regarded in the Hindu culture as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulsi. This plant is found in the Sasangir National Park, and is full of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes; the benefits of which are anti-ageing with lightening of dark spots, improving skin texture and healing scars. The manjistha root extract here is found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayan mountains. With its antibacterial properties, it provides healthier-looking skin by improving colour and texture, giving a cleaner and clearer complexion. Finally, we have the ushira root extract (aka vetiveria zizannoides) which is grown specifically in Punjab, Kerala and Assam. The properties here help reduce inflammation and can help heal cuts. It also boosts skin cell regeneration and growth of new cells, giving a radiant-looking skin. 

Our verdict is that this is a keeper… it smells fresh and floral (the white lily and geranium oil?) it absorbs well, and with the addition of Argan, avocado and shea butter in the base, it will protect the skin against harsh winds and the cold weather ahead. If you’d like to add some of nature’s purest ingredients into your skincare regime, then visit Dilmaherbals here to purchase your 60ml of  Ojas Anti-Blemish Night Cream for £32.00.

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.

Bubu Skincare - Ultimate Sheet Mask Pack

Who doesn’t love ‘mask time’?  We love pampering ourselves and giving our skin some TLC! So, when the newest ‘it’ sheet masks arrived at The Amazing Blog, we were very eager to give them a whirl. Not only because in a world where we are constantly pressured to look our best, the philosophy of the brand is breath of fresh air, but also because their products are as effective as they are convenient and simple to use.

The founder of Bubu Skincare is Marianne Morrison, serial beauty entrepreneur, and qualified beauty therapist, so she knows what she is talking about. Right about now, you’re probably wondering why she chose this particular name for her newest brand. Bubu is short for the brand’s philosophy “Be U, Be Unique” which is the core of the brand’s DNA. For Marianne, nothing is more important than to be able to love your body and feel at home in your own skin, (especially) without make-up. The brand specialises in potent sheet skin masks, for every skin type and need. The five sheet masks #Soakmewet, #stripitoff, #feelingdirty, #t-spot, and #youpucker (don’t they sound cheeky?) and all come in five different coloured packs (with more fun descriptions). We think that these will probably become a new favourite, especially for those who want their weekly pampering routine to be simple and easy without a fuss while still being ultra-effective. Although the focus of the brand is not put on being eco-friendly or organic, the fact that they are eco-conscious with their recycled packaging and being completely vegan is a big plus for us.

Without further ado, let’s dive right in with the first sheet mask in the pack of five, called #soakmewet. This one – you guessed it – is meant to give a pure shot of deep hydration and glow to dry or dehydrated skin. It comes in a red metallic packaging that you have to open (carefully) to reveal the two-part sparkly gel mask that makes applying it easy. By the way, you don’t have to worry about the glitter’s bad impact on the environment as it is entirely bio-degradable! This sparkliness is Bubu’s innovative and patented thermogel that stays solid to keep the potent ingredients inside, right up to the moment it touches your skin and then dissolves to infuse its actives. Unlike most masks that are actually soaking wet, dripping, and frankly a mess to put on, this one is quite simple thanks to the two-part conception and solid gel. For this first mask, the hydrogel is packed with a mix of antioxidants and vitamins, as well as the renowned plumping and moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, and liquorice roots that soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Once on the skin, the mask stays in place, allowing you to either keep going with your day or indulge and relax while the moisture kicks in. Keep it on for about 15 minutes, then take it off and massage the leftover product to maximise the benefits. The product is quickly absorbed, leaving skin perfectly primed and radiant, ready for make-up. You can find #soakmewet individually here for the price of £7.00.

The second mask, called #stripitoff, is sensibly different, as it is the only exfoliating mask of the pack. This one comes in an orange metallic packaging and is in one piece, so you do have to be careful when pulling out and unfolding the sheet mask. What is more, the texture is different on this one. The thermo-sensitive gel is not present in this mask. Instead, the texture is a super exfoliating blend of charcoal and kaolin clay to unclog the pores and draw the toxins, and AHAs to get rid of the dead skin cells. This mask literally feels like an at-home spa treatment. Once on the face, the mask sticks well. You can also let this one sit for 15 minutes and work its way to your skin – exfoliating your face does not get easier than that. Then rinse off with warm water. The skin feels completely clean and the pores look smaller. After using, do not forget to apply an SPF if you plan on going out in the sunlight as newly-revealed skin is always more sensitive to sunlight. You can find #stripitoff here for £7.00.

The third mask of the pack is #feelingdirty. This one is another two-part mask that uses the patented hydrogel. It is to be used preferably in the morning, after cleaning your face, as it aims to protect the skin against environmental toxins and pollution, as well as dirt and free radicals, thanks to its advanced biotech complex and sage leaf infused formula. It also stays in place and primes the skin perfectly, leaving a clean and ‘tacky’ surface for make-up, absolutely perfect for the morning rush. #feelingdirty is available individually here for the price of £7.00.

If, like us, with COVID 19 your skin has reached a new level of stress and has adopted ‘maskne’, the perfect sheet mask to tackle this is #t-spot which is the fourth and final full face mask of the pack. This one is also a two-piece mask with a hydrogel that contains niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and allantoin, both effective to treat inflammation and soothe the skin from acne and eczema. The gel also contains pro-vitamin B5 and a secret serum which help restore the skin barrier. In this mask, the oil-control and total anti-blemish action is a however a progressive result: it will not target your acne spots like an anti-blemish balm or rebalance your skin right away, this is not its purpose – but it will make your skin better, reducing the oil production and breakouts in time, but only if used regularly! After use, we found that the skin looked clean and healthy and is also primed ready for make-up. You can purchase the #t-spot sheet mask individually here for £7.00.

Last but not least #puckerup, is not really a face mask, but a lip-mask. Perfect after a day in the sun or for a ski trip this winter, this sheet mask is a lip-shaped gel that delivers deep hydration thanks to the hyaluronic acid that locks the moisture in, and actives that plump-up the lips. Suitable for all skin types, and is even safe to use during pregnancy. This one is a little bit trickier to apply as it is slippery, so we advise you to just sit and relax while the Thermogel works its magic – which, let’s face it, is just another excuse to take some time out. You can buy #puckerup individually here for £5.00. Depending on the season, where you live, your age or even anxiety, fatigue and stress levels, your skin will continue to change. For instance, it may become dryer this time of year, due to alternating between central heating and the cold.  This is why we think it’s worth investing in the full complement of these five masks, with Bubu’s Ultimate Sheet Mask Pack, which is available here for £25.