Vedic Botanicals – Alk-Align Toning Mists

During these colder months, skin hydration is more important than ever. Going between the extremes of the chilly outside world and central heating plays havoc with our skin. This is where for us at The Amazing Blog we’ve been regularly ‘spritzing’ our faces with these Alk-Align Toning Mists from Vedic Botanicals, best of all, we’ve found that they’re stopped our skin from feeling tight and dehydrated. 

The Vedic Botanical’s founder Rachel Warnock has always had a desire to do what’s right by the environment and the people around her. After gaining a master’s in Vedic Science and Ayurvedic Medicine, the global 2008 economic crisis happened… Unsure of what to do, or where to go, she started working mediocre jobs to get by. However, dissatisfied with what she was doing, she decided to follow her passion by making her own products and thus started the brand with the motto of: “From soil to skin, only goodness goes in!”. Vedic Botanicals has created a variety of organic Ayurvedic body and skin care, hair serums and mists. Warnock is committed to using environmentally friendly practices where her products are certified organic and cruelty-free. Their packaging is reusable and is made from compostable plant-based plastic. They use eco-friendly practices wherever possible and compost any products past their sell-by date and have a workshop which is 100% solar powered. One of the more unique aspects of this company is their ‘empty jar guarantee’. If at the end of using one of their products you’re unhappy, you can simply return the empty to them and receive a full refund! We applaud Vedic Botanicals for their ethos and have quoted here from an interview with Warnock and Conversations with Kim: “We believe that profit made at the expense of the Mother Earth is not worth making. It only robs future generations along with the other species sharing this planet with us.  We vet the companies we source our herbs, oils, and packaging materials from choosing companies with eco-friendly practices to maintain sustainability top to bottom.” 

These are now some of our go-to winter products, the Alk-Align Toning Mists which come in two different blends has alkaline water and are one of the first toning mists to have a pH level of 9 (see the recent feature here where we talk about pH levels in the skin) There is the Ourika or the Kamogawa blend, both of these mists are created as multi-taskers they can hydrate, balance, cleanse, or tone the skin. We’ve been using these by spritzing onto our face and letting it absorb on makeup-free skin (at home in lockdown!) or as a cleanser/toner using these either end of the day.  Both mists contain oxygenated water which promotes hydration, detoxification and blood circulation. The Ourika mist, which is named after the Ourika river in Morocco, is created to help with your dry or oily skin with a spring-like floral scent. The key ingredient here is the frankincense which is known to help hydrate dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Whereas the Kamogawa mist, which is named after Duck River in Kyoto, it addresses uneven skin tone and has a more autumnal earthy scent. The white rose hydrosol here is a popular toner often formulated for dry skin. The helichrysum hydrosol is good for calming and correcting redness or dryness helping to balance the skin. We like how both these are pocket-sized at 30ml – making them easy to keep with you to spritz on the skin throughout the day.  Keep your skin nice and hydrated throughout these cold weeks and purchase your Alk-Align Toning Mists for the Vedic Botanicals here for $18.47 each.

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.

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!

By Achilles - Blue Jasmine Facial Serum

Everyone tells us that they have had at some point, either an overly dry or oily complexion. Today at The Amazing Blog we are sharing another of our #Amazingfinds, with a serum made with potent natural and organic ingredients that are specifically designed to relieve and treat all types of skin issues – we think that this Blue Jasmine Facial Serum By Achilles is a bit of a miracle-worker.

The founder of By Achilles is Michelle Zenia Achilles, a certified holistic aesthetician, with expertise in aromatherapy and skincare formulation.  Her interested in beauty started early on, as she formulated her very first skincare elixir while still in school, and this Facial Sunshine Elixir is still sold today. Since then, she has developed a whole skincare collection, with beauty tools, pure oils, and teas. Her recipes are inspired by the treasures that nature has to offer and information about skincare formulations that she has gathered throughout the years. All formulas are handcrafted from her atelier in Copenhagen, with organic, wild-grown, and sustainably sourced ingredients, and lots of positive energy! Because Michelle believes her formulas should only bring good to both the soul and skin, all of her products are created without additives, preservatives, or colourants. A good example is this Blue Jasmine Facial Oil that we’re reviewing today, where the only preservatives used here are willow bark and rosemary oil extract. The beautiful cerulean colour makes the formula unique together with its floral, yet calming, fragrance. If you are wondering where this deep cerulean blue comes from, keep reading on…

If you’re a fan of super-potent formulas that target atopic skin, then you won’t be disappointed with this Blue Jasmine Facial Oil 100% vegan cocktail. Packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and rebalancing ingredients that do an excellent job at locking in moisture and protecting the epidermis while renewing the cell structure by unclogging the pores and stimulating the collagen production at the same time. This oil is a must-have for anyone facing skin disorders whether it be acne, imperfection-prone combination skin, an uber-sensitive skin suffering from eczema, or mature skin in need of a regeneration boost. Today we’re going into a little more detail than usual with this product.

Its all-natural composition is without chemicals and silicones, makes it the perfect formula for any skin that needs rebalancing. The primary carrier oil here is jojoba, which is probably the best natural-based hydration source that exists for oily and acne-prone skins, because of its composition which is close to our skin’s own sebum. The formula also contains multiple other non-comedogenic vegetal oils, like olive squalene – which is the plant version of human skin’s lipid. The other extracted oils from watermelon seeds, shea, kukui, evening primrose, and palmarosa, are all very light, with similar moisturising properties as jojoba. This makes the serum extra-light in texture and super easy for the skin to absorb. Extremely high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, which also resemble human sebum, as they trick the skin into thinking that it has produced enough sebum while giving it just the right amount of nutrients to hydrate the epidermis and protect it. These fatty acids and olive squalene which is also a good source of antioxidants, as the molecules act as protection against free radicals that damage the epidermis and make the skin more prone to age faster, leaving scars, dark spots, and fine lines. The palmitoleic and stearic acid from the apricot kernel, andiroba, shea butter, and evening primrose help detoxify the pores and clear the complexion. Not forgetting the super-antioxidant actives like phenols and phytosterols that are found in red berries like the açai berry and pomegranate, and grapeseed, all known for their cell exfoliation and renewal boost. These ingredients not only protect from skin radicals, but they also target the scar tissues to ensure that the scars are correctly formed for healing.

The Blue Jasmine Face Serum has been formulated with essential oil extracts from extra potent plants renowned and used for thousands of years by ancient civilisations for their medicinal and analgesic properties. These include lavender, jasmine, blue tansy, rosemary, geranium, and calendula, which all contain significant doses of powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties; making them the perfect ingredients to free your skin from acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. These essential oils are also the perfect ally for atopic skins, as they have the anti-inflammatory action needed to carry out by the other ingredients mentioned earlier (jojoba, shea, palmarosa). The watermelon and evening primrose oil with terpenes like limonene, camphor, a-bisabolol, and chamazulene act on our cannabinoid receptors to help soothe inflammation. You might have noticed the name ‘blue tansy’ (pictured above). This tiny rare flower is indeed the one that provides this beautiful and compelling colour to the formula, along with chamomile, which it is related to. This deep blue colour, which is not originally found in the flower, is obtained during the extraction process when the chamazulene and guaiazulene are released. These are actually exceptionally potent compounds used for treating all sorts of skin issues and redness due to their highly anti-inflammatory action. These essential oils are also a signature of the brand, where their knowledge of medicinal plants and aromatherapy come into play.  

Although on paper, it says it’s the perfect care for combination and imperfection-prone skins with the fatty acids, purifying actives and healing compounds that all balance each other. This also creates the ideal balance of hydration, cell regeneration, and antioxidation, restoring for both oily and dry skin to obtain a ‘normal’ epidermis, while treating and preventing inflammations acne and ageing. This all-encompassing serum, we tried alone and under our regular moisturiser, it is easy to use and gave an excellent hydration boost to the skin – we found it calmed, did its work and left our skin blooming! To purchase the 30ml bottle, see here for £49.93.