Gold Haircare: Metamorphyc Dream Shampoo & Come True Conditioner and Ten-in-One

In our never-ending search to find green and sustainable products (that also care for the planet) at The Amazing Blog we happily stumbled across this multi-award-winning professional haircare Gold Haircare that offers all of the above.  Although they are a salon-based professional haircare they supply the consumer too.

Gold Haircare is a Danish company created by hair specialists and founded in 2009 by Victor Moreno and Marco Merie. Both these two haircare professionals have challenged the professional hair industry by redefining the standards of haircare with their green credentials. This is a new generation of haircare designed for a luxury performance that also takes into consideration sustainability and caring for the planet. This is where Gold Haircare meets with the stringent environmental regulations in Denmark, a country known to be one of the most advanced in terms of green credentials and sustainability. All of the products are formulated to be cruelty-free, natural, with renewable and sustainable ingredients. There are certainly no parabens, ammonia, and Resorcinol (a toxin that is often found in hair dyes) or sulphates to be found here Gold Haircare is vegan and ISO 16128 certified which guarantees that all shampoos are formulated with at least 60% natural ingredients and their conditioners and masks are with a reassuring 90% too. Furthermore, the company is a member of PETA, and strongly supports two other environmental organisations: The Nature Conservancy and Oceana. In just ten years of trading, this brand has gained global recognition as one of the most innovative Danish haircare brands, and in the last couple of years, it has carved out space in the beauty and fashion sectors. This year, Gold Haircare competed in the Global Green Beauty Awards 2020 and were a Gold winner in the Best Hair Masque with their Luxury Hair Masque. Every year Gold Haircare organises their exclusive Gold Show, where the Gold international artistic teams from all around the world, meet to compete showcasing some of their artistic and cutting-edge hair designs. 

 The two of the three products we’re talking about are the GOLD Dream Shampoo and the GOLD Come True Conditioner, are from the Metamorphyc range. We note that these were also awarded at the Global Green Beauty Awards were these two products with Silver and Bronze in their respective categories. This range is designed to bring hair an innovative two-stage regenerating programme working together with their other products ‘healing bond’ and ‘vitamin miracle’. The key ingredients in this range are marula seed oil, porcelain flower, and purple orchid; which when combined help to boost strength and protect the natural structure of the hair. This collection is specifically designed to enhance inner hair strength with a coating of oils that help to lock in and ensure long-lasting colour. The gentle shampoo and conditioner here both have a pH of 5 and 4 where they intensely moisturise hair, scalp as well as protecting colour with its incorporated UV filter. The GOLD Come True Conditioner also gives control to curls together with moisturising and nourishing. To apply start with the shampoo, using a small amount on damp hair, massage then rinse away. Follow this directly with the Come True Conditioner which needs to be left in the hair for 3-4 minutes, then again rinsed away. We found that our hair felt incredibly soft and revitalised with a glamorous and healthy-looking sheen. It also left the hair smelling fresh with a subtle vanilla/floral scent. You can purchase the GOLD Dream Shampoo 250ml for £27.95 here and the GOLD Come True Conditioner 250ml for £30.95 here.

The third product that was kindly sent to us was the GOLD Ten In One. This spray is an all-in-one mist that can be used either on wet or dry hair, to untangle, control frizz or simply as a prep for a blow-dry. It has oils like sunflower and argan as well as hydrolysed wheat protein all of which offer a high concentration of omega-6 acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants to moisturise and protect the hair. We sprayed this on dry hair and found it to be a lightweight and perfect for achieving a velvety lustre that controlled static, all without weighing the hair down. To use on wet hair, spray from a 20cm, untangle the hair with a comb, style the hair, then blow-dry, straighten or let the hair dry naturally. Or on dry hair, apply on the palm, then gently apply from mid-length to the ends. We mustn’t forget to mention that this Ten In One was also awarded the Best Argan Product and is available for £24.95 here. We think that Gold Haircare products are perfect for anyone looking for high-performance luxury haircare with an environmental conscience.

Karmameju - HERO Age-Defence pH Solution 02

With the current cold weather, our skin at The Amazing Blog feels like it is continuously bombarded by external aggressors, plus with our regular use of disinfecting products and hand sanitisers doesn’t help! Bearing this in mind, we’ve been delving into highly active skincare to help protect our skin. This week, we had the opportunity to test out and learn about a rather unconventional product called HERO pH Solution 02 from Karmameju.

The Danish brand Karmameju is all about natural beauty, health and a positive attitude all of which means a great deal to its founder, Mette Skjærbæk. It is a brand based on results, quality, transparency - which we really appreciate - and respect for the human body, with a call for self-care. Her ten years spent in the fashion and beauty industries as a model, and ‘Bachelor of Science in natural health’ completed in New York, all inspired her to create her own skincare line in 1999. This is a brand based on natural ingredients but also provides tangible results, which she couldn’t find with other brands that she tried. A little over 20 years later, Karmameju carries a whole line of face, body, sun care, hair, fragrances and home spa accessories. For Mette, it’s key that her skincare products must act as ‘skin food’, nourishing skin with organic and highly active ingredients that can also be easily absorbed by the dermis. We’ve noticed that the brand is very candid about their ingredients and actives used, as well as their research process, which is quite refreshing! Karmameju uses natural plant extracts which act as efficient bio-actives combined with clinically proven high-performance dermatology approved ingredients. Thanks to smaller batches produced, the presence of preservatives, emulsifiers, and surfactants – which are still needed to stabilise a formula and help it perform – are greatly minimised. To ensure that the clients will have significatively visible effects using her products, they’re all tested in-vitro in their laboratories in Italy to measure effects like the moisture levels or collagen boosts are reached.

The HERO pH Solution 02  is a clear, serum-like liquid and a unique skincare product which they describe as, “an essential protective barrier and ‘a knight in shining armour’ for the skin’s immune system.” We’d define it as something of an ‘innovation in a bottle’! Acting as a ‘pH stabiliser’, it is an all-round product that can be used on the face, the body, or even the scalp. Most commonly it’s used as a serum, replacing the first step of a skincare routine after cleansing or showering; or for skin-boosts throughout the day. So how does it work? As its name suggests, the very few but powerful natural and dermatology actives work together to help your skin to achieve the perfect pH so that it not too alkaline (i.e. tending towards the maximal pH of 14), which leads to overly dry skin. Or acid (leaning towards the minimal pH of 0), which can activate uncontrolled sebum production and acne. Balanced skin thrives with a pH value of approximately 5, meaning that the skin pH is slightly acidic. Having the correct balance here not only keeps external bacteria, fungal infections, and free radicals (like pollution) at bay, but it also retains the necessary moisture, natural oils, bacterial flora, and enzymes. This ensures a healthy cell renewal process and overall wellbeing for the skin. Ingredients in HERO are: Aqua/water/eau, glycerin (vegetable), pentylene glycol (natural source), pectin, hydroxyacetophenone (found in Norwegian spruce trees) and citric acid. The glycerin will improve smoothness and suppleness and will swiftly increase hydration. Pentylene glycol is moisture-binding and antimicrobial. Pectin fights against changes to the skin structure associated with ageing.  The hydroxyacetophenone is a skin conditioning ingredient with a specific phenolic antioxidant capable of neutralising several different types of free radicals. Finally, the citric acid works by exfoliating the upper layer of dead skin cells to help clean pores, even skin tone.

Although we may not realise it, every day we inflict micro-aggressions to our hands, face, scalps, and body because simple things like washing up or taking a long hot shower can disrupt the acid balance. And that’s without mentioning the chlorine in the swimming pools, shampoos, face cleansers, or detergents! HERO used daily will ensure a rebalancing and stabilising action, where the pH instantly restores its natural protection. Suitable for all skin types, it is recommended for dry and sensitive skins prone to disorders like eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea to help treat redness and irritation. This clear and unscented formula is easy to use. Simply pump a few drops on a towel-dried scalp after washing, or a dry face, hands and body after cleansing, a long shower or washing up; gently massage into the area and leave it to absorb. We particularly liked using it for hands (drying from hand sanitiser) and on the face prior to applying our moisturiser or makeup. To purchase the HERO pH SOLUTION 02, see here bottle retails at €27.      

L'Atelier Green Paris - SOS Damaged Nails

We don’t know about you, but at The Amazing Blog we find that this cold weather isn’t very kind to our hands, not only with cracked skin but split nails too. Helping to keep our nails healthy we found this SOS Damaged Nails nourishing base coat and treatment from L’Atelier Green which works as a wonderful nail hardener, helping to make brittle nails healthy and strong again.

Sisters Hamida and Yasmine Smatti founded L’Atelier Green when they identified a gap in the market where they were unable to find any natural or nourishing nail products that also had a range of coloured nail lacquers. Their first beauty business venture was in 2017, with Rouge Fast Beauty Bar; it was the first London mobile beauty service to offer natural hair and makeup products for clients. During this period, they soon learned how many of their clients’ natural nails had sustained damage from acrylics or gels; soon they found that they were helping with more and more repairs to fragile and damaged nails. Three years on, they launched L’Atelier Green formulated in France, with a range of all-natural coloured nail varnishes and treatments. These products are low in chemical formulas, breathable, water permeable, vegan (and cruelty-free), with bio-sourced organic oils, superfood enriched and certified halal. They are also all free-from the 13 common and harmful ingredients found in commercial nail lacquers such as: DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, xylene, camphor, nickel, ethyl tosylamide, triphenyl phosphate, parabens, benzophenone 1&2, styrene and animal derivatives.

The SOS Damaged Nails is a clear base coat that offers protection for the natural nail and works with natural ingredients and oils as a nail treatment. These include organic actives such as avocado and sweet almond oils, acerola, ginseng, zinc and silicium extracts. Plus, this formula is infused with cocoa butter, bamboo, biotin (vitamin B), which work together to moisturise, give nutrition and strengthen any frangible nails. The silicium, in particular, improves collagen production which in turn promotes nail growth. The SOS Damaged Nails is ideal to use as a base coat, and being air and water permeable (wudu-friendly), it ensures that nails are kept in tiptop condition while repairing. As recommended, we used this alone as an intense treatment with two coats twice a week, with good results. However, we also applied one coat under our regular nail lacquer, and are delighted to report back that when we did our weekly home mani-pedi, our nails were a good healthy pink underneath, without any colour stain. We think this is a keeper! And is yet again another one of our #amazingfinds. If your nails need a rest from having gels or acrylics or are just in need of some good old fashioned TLC, this is the product use. To purchase The SOS Damaged Nails at £19.99 see here.

Broadies Supplements: CBD Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser & Sports Recovery CBD Roll On

We’re all being careful during this lockdown period and are all following the recommended hygiene practices to protect ourselves and others. Therefore, here at The Amazing Blog, we’re always interested in trying new types of hand sanitiser. So, this one with CBD from Broadies Supplements it certainly piqued our interest, together with their handy little Sports Recovery CBD Roll On.

As a small family business, based in Somerset Broadies Supplements was founded by Robert Broad and Esther Dodd when Esther found that CBD was effective in relieving the various pains and issues that she had been enduring for a while. Being quite surprised and smitten with the benefits of this hemp plant, she and Robert decided that they would share their knowledge and appreciation for CBD-infused products with others by creating their own range. With a focus on high-end customer service, their physical and online stores carry a wide range of CBD products for those who need to treat or soothe aches and pains or just calm the mind. These products include topical treatments, oils and tinctures, and edibles offering their customers a wide choice of products which have all been third-party lab tested. You can rest assured that they produce quality CBD products, as Broadies Supplements are members of the Cannabis Trade Association.

With these current pandemic times, we all know how essential it is to keep our hands clean to protect ourselves and loved ones. In these past few months, we’ve learned to place greater importance on wisely choosing the correct hand sanitiser. In the past, when we have selected a basic alcohol-formulated sanitiser, it became only a matter of days before our hands suffered. This is because of the alcohol in the sanitiser removes the protective lipid film on the skin causing dryness. And with winter fast approaching, it is bound to become even worse as we alternate in between the cold and central heating.  We’ve found that a quality hand sanitiser is the answer to help keep our hands clean and hydrated. We found that this 30ml CBD Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser, holds the right amount of alcohol to eliminate any germs with its antibacterial action but has added hydration with other natural compounds. These include aloe vera extract, vitamin E, nerolidol (a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol found plants) and glycerin which work in synergy with the active 63% alcohol. This formula keeps hands soft and protected with the added bonus of the broad-spectrum CBD and its terpenes which ease any uncomfortable dryness or itches to help heal the hands. In each bottle, you will benefit from 30mg of natural CBD extract in this fragrance-free formula. To use, simply spray a small amount on dry hands and massage in until completely dry. This 30ml bottle of CBD Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser is available here for £5.99.

The second product is the Sports Recovery CBD Roll On (Full Spectrum) in a little 10ml glass bottle, which is as convenient as it is effective. it’s ideal for relieving muscle soreness that can be caused either by anxiety or over-exercise. Infused with 500mg of pure CBD from organic hemp plants, it’s available either in broad or full-spectrum (although, we’re a bit confused as Broadies say both are made up of CBD isolate and THC free?!) Either formula can be used to gain benefit for a pain-relieving action. This CBD Sports Recovery Roll-On allows you to target specific pain points, where the CBD starts by interacting with the bodies endocannabinoids to help ease and relax the muscles. In a carrier oil of grapeseed; the essential oils here are ylang-ylang, frankincense, lavender, and chamomile. These all provide a further relaxing and rebalancing action for both mind and body, giving an overall feeling of wellbeing. There is a  subtle fragrance of ylang-ylang and lavender, making it seem like an at-home calming spa moment. This Sports Recovery CBD Roll On has 500mg of CBD isolate and is available in 10ml for £15.99 here. 

We enjoyed using both these products and would highly recommend them if you are looking for a different way to incorporate CBD into your daily lifestyle. Also, in their Somerset shop, they offer a variety of CBD professional massage options, to help cope with chronic pain or just everyday tension. Which after the lockdown you can go online and book in here.

B Loved - Hormonal Bath & Body Oil

With the winter season in full swing, soaking in a hot bath is just what we long for at The Amazing Blog. So let us introduce you to one of our favourite aromatherapy brands B Loved, where we’ve previously reviewed one their Naturally Scented Candles, The Balancer here. Today we want to talk about their Hormonal Bath & Body Oil which we think is the perfect way to soothe away the day. 

After going through professional and personal challenges in 2016, Elizabeth Burchill started to make her products as a source of therapy. She loved essential oils and their aroma, which prompted her to pursue a diploma in aromatherapy and essential oil science while also taking product making courses to perfect it. She is now a clinical aromatherapist accredited by the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists. Fast forward three years and she now has a wellbeing brand that creates aromatherapy candles and bath and body products, all of which are natural, sustainable, cruelty-free and vegan friendly. B Loved also sources their ingredients from UK suppliers who are members of the ATC. Products in the range include pulse point oils, body lotions, body scrubs and their hormonal bath & body oil.

This Hormonal Bath & Body Oil comes in a reusable glass bottle and pipette. In times of emotional stress or hormonal tension, this product help to alleviate these symptoms. You can use this product in two different ways, either by adding a few drops into your bath to fully relax and ease tension or directly massaging into the skin. It is packed full of numerous oils, the key being rosehip which is full of anti-inflammatory fatty acids to firm and moisturise the skin. The argan oil here contains oleic and linoleic acids which absorb quickly and hydrate. Apricot kernel oil also has moisturising properties, but can also gently exfoliate the skin and relieve inflammatory conditions. There are also key essential oils here: The grapefruit has soothing effects by balancing the cortisol levels to help ease stress. Whereas Clary sage is known to reduce premenstrual tension, periods pains, and anxiety. Finally, the patchouli oil treats skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, dry and cracked skin; it can also aid relaxation, easing anxiety. As some of us who don’t have a bath to soak in, we particularly like that this formula is also gentle enough to use as a body oil. So, for those of you who do, before hopping in to destress after a long day, week and even year, we highly recommend purchasing your Hormonal Bath & Body Oil here for £35 - it also smells divine!