MOIA ELIXIRS® : CBDerma-Repair® nano-fiber mask

We always try to bring something new and unique to you, our readers. So, today at The Amazing Blog it's time for another one of our #amazingfinds. This time it's with a face mask but not just ANY face mask.  This is the CBDerma-Repair® Nano-Fibers Mask from MOIA ELIXIRS® - the only CBD nano-fiber dry face mask in the world!

MOIA ELIXIRS® was founded in 2019 by Jakub Mohl. This is Czech CBD brand and manufacturer that has created a unique selection of natural skincare and oils, some of which also combine minerals from local springs at Karlovy Vary. They only use 100% crystalline pure (isolate) cannabidiol extract in their skincare and full-spectrum in their CBD oils and edibles. The brand does its own biomass processing to make the CBD extract with cannabis sativa plants obtained from local farms.  MOIA ELIXIRS® carefully monitors the whole process from beginning to end. This is with growing the plants from seeds to producing the extract in their licensed extraction and purification laboratory, approved by the Czech Ministry of Health. As a clean beauty brand, they believe in nature's wisdom combined with the latest science and technologies. They have created their own patented actives in their ingredients together with the highest concentration of organic botanicals and oils with ECOCERT COSMOS certification.  The brand positions itself mainly as premium skincare with a particular interest in addressing problematic skin issues such as acne or eczema. All products have the certification of the Czech Institute of Accreditations (ČIA), which guarantees the quality of the products and their origin. They currently have six ranges of CBD infused products with Beauty Age, BioActive, Nano Fiber, CBE Wellness, CBD Oils and Animalixir. With sustainability at the core of the brand’s values, they also have excellent eco-credentials with their packaging. These are zero-waste aluminium tubes and brown pharmaceutical glass bottles with minimal use of plastic except for screw and bottle tops. The Nano-Fiber Mask is 100% biodegradable and comes in recyclable plastic pouch. They also have a great giving-back policy where they donate part of their earnings to The Ocean Cleanup. 

As we consider ourselves face mask aficionados (see others that we’ve reviewed here), we couldn’t resist trying this MOIA ELIXIRS® CBDerma-Repair® Nano-Fiber Mask. This mask has taken up to seven years of research before being put into production. The hero ingredient here is the CBD isolate, which is accompanied by vitamin E, C, hyaluronic acid and PHA (gluconolactone);  all of which are infused into the nano-fibers. These only activate when the face mask is placed onto a wet or damp face; where the formula becomes fast and deep penetrating… Mohl commented, “A regular face mask is thought to have a 15 to 20% absorption rate, taking up to half an hour for application, compared to the supposed seven minutes for Moia Elixir’s.” Now, that’s impressive! As we’re all big CBD fans (see here ), this was one product that we were not about to miss out on. The mask is free from parabens, silicone, dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, paraffin and petrolatum. So, let’s do a quick run-down on the infused ingredients:  CBD isolate supports cell regeneration with its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects helping slow down skin ageing. Hyaluronic acid is another one of our favourite ingredients, as it hydrates and plumps up fine lines and wrinkles, albeit temporarily. Gluconolactone (PHA) removes the dead cells giving a smoother, brighter complexion whilst also helping to repair the skin barrier. Vitamin C and E are potent antioxidants that neutralise any free radicals.

Onto using the face mask; we followed the instructions to a T – first dampening our cleansed skin with water (or they suggest toner), then removed the green protective paper layer and placed the white Nano-Fiber Mask on the face.  We smoothed it out following the facial contours, wetting it again to stick it down further, and left it in place for up to 15 minutes. It clung to the face and gradually dried as the ingredients absorbed. This was when we peeled it back to reveal a glowing and more hydrated skin. Unlike other face masks, this is fragrance-free, and requires no further massaging in from excess liquid. The Nano-Fiber technology enables 97%  absorption from the active ingredients, which then go directly into the dermis. Our verdict? Skin looked fresher, softer and more plumped up. We couldn’t resist using up the whole 5 in a pack, on 5 consecutive days (although I think they’d be fine as a weekly treat); and as an extra bonus, we found these soothed and helped to calm our #lockdown eczema. However, be warned, once tried, these could become very addictive!  We think MOIA ELIXIRS® are a brand to watch - and we can’t wait to try more from them. To purchase the CBDerma-Repair® Nano-Fiber Mask pack of 5 at €51,90 or individually at €12,90 here.

AiiA Care: Body Care Serum

With summer not far away (we all live in hope!), there’s a great need to prepare, hydrate and protect our soon to be exposed arms and legs. Which is why we’re featuring this very skin-caring and environmentally friendly brand AiiA Care and their regenerating Body Care Serum, today on The Amazing Blog.

AiiA Care was conceived on the Danish isle of Funen, thanks to Trine Øveraas, a journalist back then, and her two associates: A medical pharmacist and a chemical engineer. Both men were developing a new concept in natural skincare based on skin science, with the creation of two initial water-based serums. Trine Øveraas was ask to promote these two innovative and high-end serums on their behalf. However, she went on one step further, loving the serums’ benefits, she went on to partner with them and create the AiiA Care brand. If you wondering what the word ‘AiiA’ means, there is no meaning, it is simply the arrangement of the letters - as symbols of balance, plus the brand wanted to pay a small homage to Mother Earth ‘Gaia’. Trine explained about the brand, “Our vision with AiiA's products is to support the skin's own natural process, by contributing moisture and certified, natural ingredients for the care and protection of the outer layer of skin.” Today, AiiA Care has six serums, all natural, water-based and allergy-friendly. The brand is committed to reducing the use of packaging, where Trine went on to say, “That's why we do not have double wrappers such as cardboard boxes or cellophane. In addition, we work with what are called air pumps. This means that all serum is pumped out of the bottle, so you as a consumer get all the product as it completely empty’s and leaves the bottle ready to be recycled.” They use PP-plastic (polypropylene), which can be recycled up to 35 times and avoid the use of preservatives thanks to its air-pump system. AiiA Care has already obtained three certifications: The Nordic Swan Label, the official Nordic Ecolabel , to ensure the sustainability of the skincare, the Ecocert COSMOS to prove the natural provenance of the ingredients, and is AllergyCertified which assures that the products are hypoallergenic. Finally, we have to congratulate AiiA for their four award wins at the Scandinavian Global Makeup Awards in 2020 which includes the Body Care Serum which we are reviewing below. The AiiA Care’s ethos is to keep it simple, clean and natural to help the skin healing itself, as they believe that healthy skin is beautiful skin.

This Body Care Serum is full of active ingredients which strengthen the skin’s protective barrier against external pollutants. One of the key ingredients is crambe abyssinica seed oil, a natural oil extracted from the mustard plant and unlike other plant oils, it has a high percentage of C22 fatty acids, which provides antioxidants. The serum also contains theobroma cacao seed butter, extracted from cocoa beans, it’s a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols with emollient properties. You can also find sunflower seed oil which conditions and moisturises thanks to the linoleic acid and vitamin E.; and arginine an amino acid used to protect and hydrate the skin. The combination of all these ingredients balances and reinforce the skin’s immune system. The serum is suitable for all skin type, including sensitive ones. As an all-in-one serum/lotion it can be used night and day. This water-based serum is a butter-coloured lotion with a soft and unintrusive natural fragrance. We found it had a lightweight and non-greasy texture, and absorbed quickly, leaving the skin feeling nourished, silky and conditioned – and most importantly, summer ready!  You can purchase the 200ml AiiA Care Body Care Serum here, for 395,00kr, approximately £46.18. 

Chic & Raw: Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Crystal Candle

Who doesn’t love to burn a beautifully fragranced candle in the evening? At The Amazing Blog, we love how with its flickering ambient light it helps make a house feel like a home. This is another of our #amazingfinds, more than just a candle; this  Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Crystal Candle from Chic & Raw  combines the positive energies of crystal healing, natural soy wax and a relaxing spa-like fragrance.

Binanti Cuzner and her husband Darren created Chic & Raw in 2019. The brand started as a creative outlet to help them get away from their busy and stressful work lives. With Binanti’s love of yoga, meditation and chakra healing (focal points in ancient meditative practices), she wanted to share her knowledge and beliefs to help others through her brand. Chic & Raw dedicates itself to providing holistic and luxury products beneficial for the mind, body and soul. These are mainly candles, "I wanted to create a sense of joy and harmony with these candles," said Binanti. She studied chakras and crystal healing, matching them for an optimum release in her candles for healing crystal vibration.  She wants to combine beauty with harmony to make every home beautiful by releasing uplifting scents and integrating this with the unique crystals. Binanti believes that a harmonised home, relates to peace of mind. Chic & Raw is committed to working with a few trusted suppliers, and wherever possible, sources local ingredients from UK businesses. The cotton wicks are organic, the soy wax is natural and the fragrances are a mix of essential oils or luxury fragrances from the French perfume house, Drom. We applaud the brand their giving-back policy where they recently partnered with Ecologi to plant a tree for every product sold on Earth Day. Their current candles are themed as Crystal, Tinned and Colour Therapy. Plus, they have other lifestyle products and a new skincare Honeyzen, which for now, has only one face oil. 

As mentioned, we tried was the Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Crystal Candle, presented in a solid luxury cardboard rose gold foiled box. The candle itself comes in an elegant electroplated rose gold and etched glass container (which we later repurposed for storage). Incorporated in this candle are two rose quartz crystals positioned at opposite edges; these are ethically sourced from Madagascar. Rose quartz is known to enhance the heart chakra, boosting feelings of peace, calm and love. It is often used during meditation to help open the mind and heal the heart. It’s also possible to remove these crystals as the wax melts, placing them in your hands, or on the heart chakra to activate the rose quartz while meditating. The candle is made with natural soy wax, a non-toxic alternative to paraffin. Indeed, soy wax is biodegradable, releases less soot while burning, more sustainable and burns 50% longer than paraffin. The organic cotton wick makes it easier to continuously relight the candle, where it can last up to approximately 40 hours. The soy wax contains white tea essential oil, which is known to promote a general sense of wellbeing and helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and depression. This is a light and clean scent with subtle notes of citrus, basil, peony and amber. This mingles sensuously with the warm and spicy ginger oil, known for its stimulating and warming qualities. We lit this candle during those bleak February #lockdown days, using it to enhance our affirmations and offer thanks for keeping our loved ones safe. It's a candle we'd recommend lighting during meditation to uplift spirits and to help deal with any emotional pain. There are three other Crystal Candles in the range with Ruby, Amethyst and Aventurine, each one offering a different purpose. They also provide a fascinating insight on how to ‘active’ or ‘recharge’ your crystals here. As Binanti says: “Burning Chic & Raw Crystal Chakra Candles releases both the energy of the crystal and the soothing fragrances that relieves stress and helps to balance your mind and body.” Something we could all benefit from at this time. This luxurious Rose Quartz Heart Chakra Candle is available for £36 here.

Verolive: Firming Cellulite Cream

Here we are in mid-May with more grey days and rain… Of course, it’s great for the plants but not for our spirits!  At The Amazing Blog,  we’re still living in hope for the appearance of a gloriously hot June. Which is why this week, we’re reviewing a couple of new and natural body care products to help you get body-ready for the sunshine. Today it’s with Verolive’s award-winning Firming Cellulite Cream, and readers may remember that we recently reviewed their outstanding Revitalizing Shampoo here.

The Tzortzakakis family founded Verolive in 1975, where they’ve created this multi award-winning brand, in the heart of the Messara Valley, Crete. It is a well-known area for its endless olive groves, producing organic extra virgin olive oil, a key ingredient that can be found in each of the Verolive products. The brand has developed a unique core range of ten products, where ingredients are meticulously selected from natural and locally sourced ingredients. Their ethos is to focus on high-standard eco care and packaging, with ingredients, dermatologically tested, vegan, clean in composition and above all, high in quality. The plastics in all their containers are BioPET, which means the plastic is based on 30% renewable raw material such as starch, glucose, vegetable oils and cellulose and 70% oil-based raw material. Every product has been designed to protect both the environment and its customers’ wellbeing. To maintain their continuity and brand excellence, they only produce each item in a limited amount to ensure superior quality control. The brand also caters to spa professionals and built long term successful partnerships with some of the best-known wellness centres. 

What piqued our interest about this Firming Cellulite Cream, is that it won Best Cellulite Treatment in the 2020 Mama & Baby Awards, and we’ve wanted to try this ever since. The purpose of this formula is to reduce cellulite, which is from an accumulation of fat under the dermis that weakens the connective tissue, and generates a series of orange-peel ripples over the skin. Although it is a harmless and natural condition, for the body-conscious, trying to get rid of this dimply cellulite can sometimes be an issue. This formula has nine actives , and is 94% natural including many ingredients native to Crete. Let’s start with some of these local ingredients which include, organic shea butter, olive and sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, aloe vera, natural beeswax, which all work together to moisturise the skin, thanks to their various nutrients and fatty acids. With a more in depth look at their function we find that the organic extra virgin olive oil is for skin barrier function, making it stronger, thanks to its numerous vitamins such as vitamins D, E, K and A. The organic avocado oil is here to make skin smoother, firmer and more elastic due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. There’s organic bio-active aloe vera, which has skin-restorative properties, and the rosemary essential oil acts as a skin tonic and rejuvenates the skin; which is why it’s used here to fight cellulite. The natural vitamin E is here to boost your skin by moisturising it, softening it, and encouraging cell regeneration. However, it’s the active caffeine in phospholipids, in this formula that make a real difference, as they are ‘vectorised’ for quicker skin penetrate. They improve its cutaneous absorption, in order to reach lipocytes and fat cells in the adipose tissue, which specialise in storing energy as fat. The caffeine here enhances the microcirculation to actively reduce the orange-peel look. Cellulite only really becomes a concern for us as every summer approaches. Yes, it’s a vanity issue and we’re happy to admit it!  After all, who doesn’t want to look and feel their best when wearing skimpy swimwear? Verolive suggest targeting any problem areas, by applying this Firming Cellulite Cream twice a day. Rich in consistency it left our skin super-hydrated with a delicious hint of a rosemary scent. It was quick to absorb, as we massaged it into our legs, tums and bums both morning and evening. As Yannis said to us, “to maximise the results of our natural Firming Cellulite Cream, you also need to exercise and follow a specific daily diet. As it’s well-known that all these three factors are necessary, to see results when using a cellulite treatment.” This is something worth remembering, as no cream will ever work to remove cellulite on its own. We noticed that with regular use, our skin became smoother and softer, although we do need to be more disciplined on the diet and exercise front to see more dramatic results! This Cream has been dermatologically tested, is a natural body care, and is suited to all skin types. You can purchase your own 250ml Firming Cellulite Cream from Verolive for €59.90 here .

516 Polish: Serene Nail Polish

Regular readers of The Amazing Blog will know that we love to support new and indie brands, and today we are featuring 516 Polish a British, inclusive and vegan nail brand as one of our #amazingfinds. As it’s almost time for us start wearing open toes, we couldn’t resist this Serene pink to wear - with pink being one of the designated and hottest colour for this S/S 21 season.

516 Polish was founded in July 2019 by Wunmi Ladele. With her passion for wearing nail polish, she became very aware of the lack of diversity within the spectrum of nail colours offered for people of colour. This was the inspiration behind her creating a range of colours in the 516 Polish collection to suit all. Wunmi wants to be “A brand that formulates beautiful colours that have the potential to be complementary for everyone, particularly people of colour.” She also went on to say, “I am committed to making 516 a people-focused brand that you can actually relate to.” They are the first UK indie nail polish brand to support swatch diversity, offering various products such as nail polish, one-step gel polish, nail care and tools. They currently have over fifty nail polish colours which are PETA certified, vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic; with sixteen coordinating gel polishes to try out too. 

To quote the late fashion icon, Diana Vreeland: “Pink is the new black,” and with this in mind, we decided to feature 516 Polish’s soft and versatile Serene pink which you can also see on different skin tones when you click here . This on trend and statement shade of bubble gum pink, has appeared on all the S/S 2021 fashion runways and doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon.  What we like about this Serene pink is that it’s fresh, feminine and brightens our mood. It also adds some wonderful drama when paired with analogous reds or red-oranges, which you’ll also see appearing on the high street. The ingredients in Serene are all ’10 free’, which means it is free from 10 toxic ingredients commonly used: Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate, Ethyl tosylamide, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Acetone and Parabens. For those that don’t know, here are some of the reasons why these toxic ingredients are not included in the formula: Toluene is a neurotoxin that can cause neurological damage when inhaled. Formaldehyde and its by-product Formaldehyde Resin can be responsible for allergic reactions, asthma, nausea, and dermatitis. Low doses of Xylene can provoke headaches, and high doses can affect the respiratory system. Ethyl Tosylamide is banned in Europe due to it causing mild to severe allergic reactions; it also can disrupt hormones. What we also like about this Serene nail polish, is that it can even be matched with a Gel. A handy option if we’re away on holiday and in need of a quick touch up. The brand also has a nail care guide with a few tips and tricks for a better home manicure; we found their 3-Stroke method very helpful (see here). When applied correctly, the 516 nail polishes (with recommended base and topcoat), should last between seven to ten days. We found on toes (see photo) it was over ten days but on hands (too much typing and hand washing!) it was more like five or seven. Best of all the nail polishes are available in two sizes; which means you can experiment with more colours, with the 5ml bottles, at only £4.75 ea. Or if you fall in love with Serene (as we did), you too can invest in a 10ml bottle at £8.