Zaza & Cruz - Glacial Mineral Detox Mask

Let’s talk natural face masks, after all, now we have more time on our hands between zoom calls and bedtime, there’s now no excuse for not finding a moment to pamper ourselves! At The Amazing Blog, we’ve covered quite a few face sheets, mud and liquid masks but none so unique as today’s powdered Glacial Mineral Detox Mask from Zaza & Cruz.

After spending time working as a makeup artist and beauty expert, Rebecca Hastings founded Zaza & Cruz in 2013. It all began when she started to question all the chemical ingredients in both her skincare and that of her clients. With her background in makeup and beauty, this already gave her knowledge and an added advantage; thus in 2011, she began research on natural ingredients to create her own skincare line that would not only look and feel good, but have health benefits. Based in Scotland, Hastings has developed this range into a unisex and eco-aware brand to provide products that offers protection against pollution, cellular and environmental damage. Hastings commented: “At Zazu & Cruz, we’re proud to work alongside businesses that provide sustainability, are environmentally friendly and produce a low carbon footprint with their products.”

Recently a silver medal winner at 2020 Pure Beauty, Global Green Beauty Awards, this Glacial Mineral Detox Mask is specifically formulated to give skin a boost and is one of the first companies to utilise pure Canadian Glacial Clay as its key ingredient. Found only in British Columbia, the resident indigenous people here have been using this Clay for centuries.  This Clay comes from underneath a live and active glacier that emerges with Canadian Pacific waters, where it is ethically sourced and hand-harvested. Every jar is made with over 80% pure organic glacial clay, that is enriched with more than 30 natural minerals which are rich in marine phytoplankton and healing micronutrients. It’s designed to be used on the face and body to draw out impurities, hydrate, plump and tighten the skin.  Ground into a powder form, it only needs a small amount of water to activate it into a creamy consistency ready to apply.  It forms a green paste, no distinctive fragrance, only a neutral and pleasant mineral/flinty scent.  We used this at night and found that the Clay dried quickly and left it on for 15 minutes. Then we gently wiped away the residue with a warm wet flannel; it left skin feeling cleansed, firmer and velvety to the touch. To follow, we suggest using a face oil to seal in the goodness (Zaza & Cruz have one here ) A weekly face mask for us is a must and what makes this so special, is that it feels pure and unadulterated, and contains only the simplest three ingredients with sea salt, Canadian glacial marine clay and kaolin. We applaud Zaza & Cruz for creating such a unique beauty find! To purchase the 30g pot of Glacial Mineral Detox Mask for £22 see here.

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.

Nay Luxury CBD Skincare: Moonlight Massage Candle & Wanderlust Face Serum

As we’re rounding the corner on this unusual year, here at The Amazing Blog we’ve been collating gift ideas for friends and family. As CBD is one of our favourite things, it’s great to be able to give them a gentle introduction with some of the new products from Nay Luxury CBD Skincare.

After finding out that the soothing properties of CBD, Sophie Taylor and Nicole Levy Wogman teamed up to launch Nay Luxury CBD Skincare. Their journey began when they started to use CBD products to treat both stretch marks and acne after pregnancy. Thrilled with the results, they decided to combine their two passions of skincare and CBD and launch the brand earlier this year. They have sourced the highest quality of CBD isolate, which is typically used in food and skincare due to it having no smell or flavour. The products are formulated by CBD specialist Taylor Mammon, where the CBD has been infused into four botanical-based products for a natural plant-based range of skincare.

We received two products from Nay Skincare the first was the Wanderlust Face Serum which they call a ‘CBD Facial Gel Serum’ it nourishes the skin and has anti-ageing properties. The packaging is sleek, with the white opaque glass bottle and gold twist dropper.  The key ingredients are simple, 300mg of CBD isolate in 30ml, which is infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinol, all of which give excellent results and keep dark circles and wrinkles at bay. It is suitable for all skin types and we found it easy to apply, cooling on the skin and super-quick to absorb. We wonder if Nay Skincare has a further range of skincare in the wings to launch with this…? You can purchase your Wanderlust Face Serum here for £24.99.

Next to we tried the Moonlight Massage Candle which we think makes a fantastic gift. This candle is infused with 300mg of CBD isolate in a 30cl white ceramic pot with pouring lip and lid. We think this takes relaxation to another level as a three-in-one; candle, massage oil and body moisturiser. You can even drizzle the candle’s warm fragrant oil into the bath while it’s filling up, all for a more relaxing soak. The base is soya wax with coconut, Argan, avocado and peach kernel oils, which all help rejuvenate and repair damaged skin. At the same time, the essential oils soothing the mind with three of the calming oils lavender, jasmine and sandalwood. We love that by lighting the wick, you can have a scented candle, and a hydrating oil as the wax melts. What better gift to give a loved one who needs a little bit of TLC, after the year we’ve all had. To purchase the Moonlight Massage Candle see here for £29.99.

A.T. Antao: Beautifying BB Cushion (Pearl)

With everyone getting into the mood for the Christmas season, we at The Amazing Blog knows how important it is to keep up appearances.  Remember when we were all applying our makeup daily? I know that for many of us, it may seem like a distant memory (except for the odd zoom call!) but it’s time to brush up (excuse the pun) and put our face back on! Today we’re reviewing Beautifying BB Cushion (Pearl) from A.T. Antao which has been a welcome addition to our makeup bag. It’s a foundation type that has proved popular our friends in the Far East for a quite while now, as it offers a light, flawless and super long-lasting coverage.

After living in London and working in the beauty industry for more than a decade, the brand founder Teniya Tao decided to develop skincare and makeup with A.T. Antao in 2014. A.T. Antao is considered a luxury brand with a loyal following throughout Asia and is now here in Europe. With their partnerships with top European labs, they provide the brand with premium quality ingredients. The brand has a range of twenty-five products from skincare to cosmetics, and Tao and A.T. want to empower women by helping them realise their potential. We like the brand motto which translates as: “Be your own queen”.

The Beautifying BB Cushion (Pearl) is in a sleek, elegant gold and black casing. We found it quick and convenient to use and a compact to feel proud of when pulling out of our bag for touch-ups.  The definition of a cushion foundation is a liquid formula in a sponge-like cushion housed in a compact. The cushion is sealed with a lid and on top is the black puff for easy application.  It’s a light formulation that offers an even semi-matte coverage, which is buildable depending on the desired effect wanted. A.T. Antao has two different types, Natural (which launched in 2018 and comes with a free refill) and  Pearl which we found to be slightly more hydrating and longer-lasting than Natural. Plus Pearl also offered more of a flawless finish on the skin. Both are suitable for all skin types; however, they only come in one shade which is good for most skin tones except for darker complexions, where the user may find these too pale. A.T Antao site YSL Fusion Cushion as a benchmark to their BB Cushion products, with its similar formula and compact. Although the YSL’s version comes with an SPF 18, eleven different shades and costs twice the price! We applied the BB Cushion onto moisturised skin pressing the black puff into the moist foundation sponge, then gently patting it directly onto the face and neck. We noticed a good even coverage minimising the pores and giving us a more radiant and brighter glow. This is our favourite product so far from the brand (and we’ve reviewed a few, see here) this BB Cushion couldn’t be more timely with winter now fast approaching, where our complexions are in need of further protection and hydration. To purchase your Beautifying BB Cushion (Pearl) visit the A.T. here for the 12g  for only £22.90.

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.