Lady H Apothecary: Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil

Maintaining healthy hair can be a struggle, whether trying to encourage hair to grow or perhaps dealing with an irritated scalp. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we were thrilled to test out this Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil from organic skincare Lady H Apothecary. The benefits are numerous when using hair oil, whether it’s for feeding the scalp or just nourishing dry ends. We were privileged to be invited to judge this product for The 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it won ‘Best Scalp Oil’, and let us tell you why.

Lady H Apothecary is based in Northumberland and founded by Lyndsey Lees; who, with her background in salon and holistic beauty, blends various therapeutic oils for both skin and hair. After eighteen years in beauty and holistic therapy, she followed her passion and sold her beauty business to return to college to complete a degree in the aesthetic practice of advanced skin treatments and the physiology of skin ageing. Lyndsay said, "In truth, I first fell in love with aromatherapy as a young beauty therapist. I was told that essential oils were similar to people in that they had many characteristics or properties, and those characteristics could change in accordance with the different oils that they were blended with, much in the same way that human characteristics can change depending on who they're spending time with.” The base of all Lady H products is organic carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, evening primrose, prickly pear, pomegranate oil and Argan oil and in butters like cocoa and shea, which all have an abundance of essential fatty acids which promote the absorption of vitamins into the skin. All her products are all derived from organic plants to harness the actives and feed the skin with plant-powered nutrition. She has since opened a clinic in Morpeth, where her hand-crafted products continue to grow, and she has expanded her treatment menu to include the latest in beauty and self-care. Recognised for her skill and expertise, she won the 2022 North East Skin Specialist of the Year at the British Hair & Beauty Awards. With Lyndsey’s love of aromatherapy and organic ingredients, she went on to say, “It is amazing to carry out treatments and achieve results using the products I’ve made by hand, and even more amazing to hear how my clients are enjoying them at home.” The brand is conscious of its environmental footprint and has a refill scheme in which customers can participate. After use, the bottles can be cleaned and returned to Lady H Apothecary, where they will be sterilised and reused, and customers will be offered a discount for their refills.

We found that The Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil was excellent for hydrating and conditioning both the hair and scalp. We used it as a pre or post-shampoo treatment or reviving overnight hair mask. It contains a powerhouse blend of handpicked organic carrier oils, which include organic jojoba oil, calendula, evening primrose oil, Argan oil, tocopherol and apricot kernel oil, together with essential oils of rosemary leaf extract, lemon, palmarosa, and Roman chamomile too.

Every ingredient is here for a reason. The organic jojoba oil is high omega 9 content that protects the hair to keep moisture locked in and grow thicker, lustrous hair. Organic calendula can help soothe any irritation on the scalp or clear dandruff as it has oleic acid. The essential oil of Argan oil is very beneficial in strengthening hair and softening lifeless hair with omega 9 and omega 6, which can help reduce hair breakage. Organic evening primrose and organic apricot kernel oil are also effective with omega 9 and 6 to restore dry, dull hair and work as a detangler and decrease hair loss. For stimulating hair growth and reducing greasiness, the rosemary leaf extract increases scalp circulation along with the beneficial ingredient of lemon essential oil that improves the scalps' oxygen flow and functions of the hair follicle.  Whereas palmarosa essential oil is wonderful in restoring hair, and Roman chamomile oil calms scalp irritation.

This hair oil blend certainly has been a great multitasker for us, and we’ve used it for scalp nourishment and hydrating dry ends. The texture is light, and the fragrance is floral and uplifting. It can be used as an overnight as an intensive treatment; the oil can be left overnight and washed out in the morning.  Or as a pre-shampoo, which is one of our favourite ways to apply, using it from the root to the tip, then massaging it into the scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Plus, it works well taming flyaway hairs by simply rubbing a few drops of oil into the palms and then gently smoothing down those stray strands. We highly recommend this hair oil, and it’s another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase the award-winning 100ml Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil for £36, see here.

Yatlina : Aroma Inhalation Patches

During busy times of the year, it’s not uncommon for us all to struggle with feelings of anxiety and stress. Here at The Amazing Blog we know how sometimes it’s difficult to unwind and rebalance. That’s why we would like to introduce Yatlina’s Aroma Inhalation Patches; these are a simple and easy way to inhale beneficial aromatherapy blends of essential oils. As fans of all things aromatherapy, we found these helpful to aid relaxation, boost mood and reduce stress.

We’ve previously featured aromatherapy blends from Yatlina here with their rather ingenious Mask Drops, which we used recently during the pandemic. The brand was founded by Yasmine EIGhamrawy, who studied aromatherapy for three years after switching careers from working a stressful job to becoming an aromatherapist. She struggled with sleeplessness, aches, and brain fog and became more interested in working with aromatherapy after recognising this was her body's way of sending warning signs. Now, she wants to help others take control of their wellness and understand how to be more in tune with their bodies. She firmly believes that understanding how to use aromatherapy blends is empowering for both physical and mental well-being, as it directly affects the limbic side of the brain that controls emotions and memories, as well as physical effects on the body. In an interview with the Amazon accelerator program, she said, “I threw myself into it, and from the day I decided to do it until the launch on 7 September 2020, it was only ten weeks. During that time, I tested out formulas for the product, and I had to quickly learn about packaging and branding (which my husband helped with as he was previously a graphic designer). I created Yatlina to bring safe and effective products that you can use to support you holistically.” Her upbringing in Egypt has had a lot to do with her love for herbs and natural remedies; she learned from experienced herbalists and street vendors in Cairo all about the power of botanicals and how they affected her mood. She went on to say in Authority Magazine, "Now that I know a lot more about the science behind why certain oils work and how they affect the body, it makes a lot of sense why I was so drawn to them.” When creating her products, she goes deep into the science and traditions of aromatherapy and goes by three fundamental principles: chemistry, tradition, and scent. With chemistry, she spends significant time researching each formulation to ensure maximum effectiveness. Every essential oil is unique depending on how it's grown and harvested since each has a chemistry of volatile compounds, usually non-polar and fat-soluble, which are produced in plant species. The tradition is from her upbringing in Egypt, and finally, the scent is essential in creating these blends, as memories and emotions all of which are linked with certain fragrances.

Also a registered business with the Aromatherapy Trade Council, Yatlina is now officially the UK and MENA region distributor for the Aroma Inhalation Patches, with six new patches to launch in addition to the ones we are featuring today. Coming soon are single oils with Lavender, Peppermint, Spearmint Mandarin, and three new blends targeting breathing issues, immune support and anti-nausea. The NHS trusts are now using these patches for clinical use. In healthcare, they address physical discomfort and offer a modicum of normalcy and empowerment during trying moments. From mitigating restlessness, improving sleep quality, and enhancing concentration and mood to ameliorating nausea and respiratory challenges. They have also emerged as a beacon of relief for women navigating the intricate landscape of stress and anxiety due to premenopausal changes.

Yatlina’s Aroma Inhalation Patches are ‘hands-free wellness on the go.’ they cleverly combine chemistry, tradition, and scent, making them ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. The five patches have been created for specific uses, and the fragrances are fresh floral with added sweet citrus or earthy notes. All five of them contain chemical compositions of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

The first patch is the CALM scent that helps with relaxation, uplifting your mood, calming agitation, and reducing anxiety or emotional exhaustion with lavender, neroli, bergamot mint, and petitgrain blend ingredients. The lavender oil is for balancing, healing, soothing, and nurturing properties for calm and tranquillity feelings, along with the element of neroli for relieving emotional or physical stress and exhaustion. The added bergamot mint is excellent for its calming and relaxing ability to feel uplifted and centred again. Petitgrain Blend is used for stress-related issues or fatigue and is suitable for creative thinking.

Our favourite patch was the POWER-UP, used on a day when we were flagging. It clears the head and re-energises with Spanish rosemary, Egyptian peppermint, French clary sage, and Russian coriander seeds. The Spanish rosemary is excellent in supporting memory and cognitive abilities, while the Egyptian peppermint gives alertness and feelings of refreshment. French clary sage is a perfect oil for supporting hormonal issues with elements that produce a more relaxed mood. The Russian coriander seeds add a sweet, earthy scent to clear mental blocks and boost mental stimulation.

The REST patch we found good for unwinding and quieting the mind, with ingredients of lavender from high-altitude farms in France, Egyptian sweet marjoram sourced from Egyptian farms, British Roman chamomile, and Brazilian sweet orange. The lavender and sweet marjoram settle the nervous system and support deeper respiratory breathing. The chamomile brings a soft, earthy tone that’s great for relaxation and clearing mental strain. The sweet orange brings a sweeter aroma and has chemical properties to lower heart palpitations, nervousness or agitation.

The REBALANCE patch scent helped make us feel less anxious and get back on track with rose oil from Bulgaria, neroli, bergamot, pink grapefruit, petitgrain bigrade, and geranium. The rose oil helps to release pain or anger, while the neroli and bergamot lift moods and bring emotions back into balance. The pink grapefruit is a refreshing scent to lift you up whenever you feel burnout. Petitgrain bigrade brings in a soothing fragrance for stress-related issues, and with geranium's fresh floral aroma for balancing any feelings of weariness or lethargy.

The REFOCUS patch is best for those feeling overwhelmed when concentrating on important tasks. Here, it has the beneficial ingredients of Spanish rosemary and Italian bergamot for memory support and balancing emotions. These ingredients we also discussed above.

The last patch is a custom UNSCENTED one to which you can add your own aroma by just putting two drops of whichever scent you choose onto the patch.

Another of our #amazingfinds, these Aroma Inhalation Patches, are designed to be a gentle passive diffusion of aromatherapy that is very safe to use with fast inhalation and no accumulation risk. It is single-use, applied to clean skin, and the hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive is strong enough to last up to 8 hours of wear. It is metal-free, making it MRI-safe for clinical procedures. Yatlina suggests the best place is on the chest (see here) so that the fragrance wafts upwards, helping to inspire your mood. To purchase these Aroma Inhalation Patches, see here for a pack of 10, starting price at £15. Use code "AMAZINGPR15" at checkout to get your discount on any Aroma Patch Product until the beginning of November 2023.

Chapter Organics - 'The Quiet' Rollerball Pulse Point Oil

Although we think summer is for chilling, the reality is often very different, as it can come with a set of stresses and distractions. You know how it is, trying to fit everything into one day and then, to top it all, lack of sleep from the humidity or noisy air con! That’s why at The Amazing Blog, we’re big fans of aromatherapy rollerballs because they offer us a little time out on the go.  The one we want to discuss today is from Chapter Organics, with their ‘The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil. As the name suggests, ‘The Quiet’ helps us all to be more mindful, pause, breath and take stock. It contains a unique aromatherapy blend designed to restore inner peace in moments of need. Genius.

Charlotte Nutland founded Chapter Organics in 2017 to create natural aromatherapy blends that fit into everyday life. She first started blending aromatherapy oils when she was pregnant with her first child, as she wanted to prioritise her own self-care and general wellness. In an interview with Highcliffe Cornwall, Charlotte said, “I shared these blends with my friends and family, and they, too, noticed the difference in their sleep, anxiety, mood and energy. I was driving one day wondering if I could turn my love of Aromatherapy and plant oils into something more?” Soon after, she established Chapter Organics, creating and sharing unique blends to fit into a daily routine. She went on to say, ”I started to use essential oils to cope with symptoms and promote general wellness. I made up my own little blends and began to see benefits immediately,” she explains, “Friends and family loved my blends and kept asking to try them. It was then I started to wonder if other people could benefit from them too.”

What sets Chapter Organics apart is its collection of aromatherapy blends, all of which relate to ‘a chapter of your day’. Each of their five blends The Remedy, The Tonic, The Peace, The Quiet and The Self, are available as candles, atmosphere and linen mists, hand and body cleansers, moisturisers, pure essential oils, and room diffusers. Alongside Charlotte making self-care more accessible, Chapter Organics maintains a firm commitment to sustainability. The brand donates £1.00 from every sale to Marine Conversation Society via Work for Good to support a cleaner and better-protected ocean. To help reduce waste, all the glass used in their packaging is recyclable and reusable, and they even offer refill candle wax inserts. All products are handmade, vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% natural. For those new to aromatherapy, they offer a Mood Quiz on the website, and based on the response, this produces a unique selection of products best suited to promote an individual’s well-being; Chapter Organics is an award-winning brand and recently swept the board as an Aromatherapy brand in The Beauty Shortlist 2023 Mama & Baby Awards, and the Eco Lifestyle Awards which is where we made our discovery.

As mentioned earlier, "The Quiet" Rollerball Pulse Point Oil has been coming to our rescue. ‘The Quiet’ range is designed to ground those with a ‘runaway mind’ and creates a calm and stillness in daily life. The blend has five essential oils with rose geranium, rosemary, frankincense, bergamot and clove. The carrier oils are a combination of sunflower and jojoba; both are aroma-free and full of omega-6 to help keep skin well-hydrated.

Rose geranium has a soothing, sedative effect on the mind and encourages relaxation and optimism. Rosemary enhances concentration by improving alertness and improving memory and lowers cortisol levels to reduce anxiety. Frankincense enhances mood by diminishing negative feelings. Bergamot has been shown to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain producing feelings of happiness and ease. Lastly, the stimulating scent of the spice clove is reputed to help minimise anxiety and strengthen your focus. We found ‘The Quiet’ therapeutic for both mind and body, giving us clarity and tranquillity and allowing us to be more present.

We’re fans of aromatherapy pulse point oils, as they’re always effective. Did you know your body has nine pulse points? A pulse point is where the blood pumps closer to the skin; therefore, applying essential oils to pulse points such as the temples, below the ears, jawline, or wrists allows faster absorption into the bloodstream. Rub in three slow circular motions onto the inner wrist or side of your neck and inhale the aroma deeply to restore your inner calm. This is another of our #amazingfinds for whenever we feel unfocused and in need of recentring ourselves to find our zen. To purchase the 10ml ’The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil for £20 see here.

BodyBees : Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm

As we're now in the midst of the summer festival season, we thought it an appropriate time to talk about warding off those far too frequent uninvited, flying insects! At The Amazing Blog, we're not fans of those chemical insect repellents with all their harsh toxins; we prefer to use natural and essential oil-based products. This was when we discovered BodyBees, and their effective hydrating Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which is 100% safe for skin, and has the added bonus (not something they advertise) of keeping mosquitoes at bay.

BodyBees is a Swedish family-owned natural skincare brand based in Danderyd, Sweden. Founded in 2019 by Lars Jacobi and his daughter Therese Fal'en, it all began because Lars struggled to find a cure for his eczema. However, this all changed when he visited South Africa, where he discovered some of their healing ingredients, i.e. honey and propolis, which literally "changed his life." From this moment on, he began experimenting and creating his own skincare as a way of also helping others. The brand now collaborates with local producers in South Africa for their natural and organic ingredients, with the hero base for their balms: beeswax and olive oil. They firmly believe in nature's way of healing, restoring, and protecting the skin. Therese told us, "I think it is fascinating how powerful these ingredients are in all their simplicity. When I used them myself and on my children, I actually realised that they help keep me and my family’s skin to stay protected and hydrated, as well as bringing a sense of wellness to everyone." For BodyBees, sustainability is at the brand's core, together with monitoring each batch of products to ensure all ingredients used are natural, organic and safe. They currently have a range of four balms, including one that's fragrance-free and suitable for babies.

We tried Bee Gone - Outdoor Balm, which has recently scooped up an award (think the Swedish Beauty Oscars, see here) with 'Best Protection'. To quote these awards, "Bee Gone is nature's own recipe and works well when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. As well as caring and effective at the same time." Although the brand is careful not to promote Bee Gone as an insect-repelling balm, as they don't have the official product registration to make this claim; they are, however, quick to point out that it is an all-natural outdoor balm with many different uses.

What we like is that it's only made with four simple ingredients. These include the essential oils of citronella, lemongrass, beeswax and olive oil, all of which make it super-nourishing for the skin. Citronella, of course, is one of those ingredients which helps to repel insects. Combine this with lemongrass, another natural insect repellent, and you have ingredients which are both anti-inflammatory and antifungal, as well as gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin.

The base combines water-resistant beeswax and olive oil, rich in vitamins; they form a protective barrier and shield the skin from toxins while also supporting natural hydration. The blend creates a powerful antioxidant with an antibacterial effect for healing, moisturising, and all-important skin replenishment. When asked, Therese told us about her inspiration behind this product, "The Bee Gone Outdoor balm is one we created for our own use as a family. It's the perfect product to fill a much-needed gap in the skincare market. In Sweden, we all love being outside in nature, so we wanted to create a hydrating skin balm that contained citronella and lemongrass, to ward off insects, and to leave the skin with a fresh scent." 

As someone who is usually feasted upon by pesky mosquitoes, I was a little apprehensive to try this as a repellent. When applied, it smells fresh and zesty, giving the skin a smooth and hydrated feel. Lo and behold, for the first time, I can confirm that the mosquitoes left me alone; they weren't even buzzing around my head. Result! However, the brand does recommend reapplying Bee Gone every four hours as a top-up to keep skin safe.

Another of our #amazingfinds, we'd highly recommend this pocket-sized tube of outdoor protection for the whole family to keep skin protected, moisturised and nourished. To purchase the 40ml push-up tube of BodyBees Bee Gone Outdoor Balm for £14, see here. 

Skin:Genius : 'Hits the Spot Spot' & 'Best Cleanse Forever'

Here at The Amazing Blog, we know to our cost, that the dreaded acne isn’t just reserved for those teenage years. Adults also struggle with acne, so we wanted to talk about this natural and solution-based skincare brand Skin:Genius. Their ingenious (pun intended!) Hits the Spot purifying gel is a quick zapping, maximum-strength spot-on treatment gel that immediately fights the bacteria, ridding the spot quickly and effectively. Combine this with their multi-award-winning Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Face Wash, an organic and natural botanical-packed face wash, specifically formulated to help target spots, breakouts, oily and acne-prone skin, and here you have the perfect dynamic duo!

A beautician by training, founder Julia Vearnacombe was well aware of the number of adults and teens struggling with oily skin, breakouts, flushed complexions and the anxiety that comes with it all. When researching solutions to the skin issues posed by clients and mums, Julia realised there were very few effective solutions out there that were natural and worked with the skin, not against it. This was when she approached her homoeopath friend and co-founder of Skin:Genius, Hilery Dorrian. Together they conducted extensive research in combining the most effective ingredients to tackle acne and spot-causing bacteria with natural botanicals known to cleanse and calm red and irritated skin, as well as non-comedogenic vegan ingredients that soften and soothe the skin. In a recent interview with Squirrels&Bears, Julia said, "Together we created Skin:Genius in order to offer an accessible, affordable range” she went on to say, “ We have recently rebranded, so we’re not just targeting teenagers: we were finding many parents of teenagers – in the 40s and 50s – who were suffering from hormonal and menopausal skincare breakout problems, were having great results with Skin:Genius too.” The brand doesn’t just specialise in helping spots and acne; they also offer solutions for eczema & psoriasis-prone skin.

Acne is a persistent, inflammatory skin condition caused by an overproduction of oil, resulting in breakouts and pimples. The most common cause of adult acne for women is hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause. Stress is another common factor for both men and women, especially with challenging times and the continuous cycle of trying to achieve a work-life balance. To learn more about acne, please see here. Skin:Genius believes that everyone deserves to be happy in their skin. However, after learning that some of those with skin conditions have experienced social and mental health problems, they recently launched their support group FaceUp2It . This group brings together trusted experts and people with first-hand experience of bullying and/or living with problem skin.

Let’s take a look at Hits the Spot purifying gel, which is loaded with oregon grape, nettle, roman chamomile, and yarrow, making it rich in antioxidants to reduce, prevent, calm and soothe spots and breakouts. It’s an extremely versatile gel and can also be used to ease stings, bites, rashes and hives. Organic ingredients include witch hazel, an astringent with potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties; aloe vera for healing and softening skin; yarrow, a pampering herb with pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties; agrimony, another herb ideal for mild skin redness and swelling and lastly, marshmallow, a root that alleviates inflammation while retaining moisture in the skin. In addition to these power-packed ingredients, there’s roman chamomile, an antimicrobial and antibacterial essential oil, oregon grape that has a compound called berbamine which kills on contact any bacteria that contributes to acne; calendula, a plant with substantial healing properties; lavender, which is calming and reduces inflammation, and lemon tea tree, an essential oil which aids in treating oily and acne prone skin, can be found too. There’s also ribwort, known for its wound healing and antihistamine properties; red clover, ideal for eczema and psoriasis; and finally, nettle an astringent, also suitable for treating oily skin issues.

Besides the above, Irish moss is an emulsifier, there’s lecithin is an emollient, and pectin serves as an anti-ageing structure provider. Coumarin carries antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities, citral provides an antibacterial and antifungal component; and together with eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, linalool and limonene all-natural ingredients that enhance the citrusy scent. Whereas compounds like benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate are preservatives.

We used only the tiniest amount; they say, ”a small dot directly onto the spot and soak it up”. We left it on overnight to work its magic. However, the brand says it’s so gentle that it can be used several times a day or whenever needed. The gel is an opaque pale yellow with a fresh herbal/ citrusy scent. There’s no tingle when applied, (which, ahem, we’ve experienced with some other spot gels!) It was quick absorbing, non-irritating and left no sticky residue. Best of all, our spots were dried out the very next day. It’s one to keep in your SOS skincare draw, and one we’d whole heartily recommend.

The Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Face Wash helps control bacteria, soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness. Key ingredients are red clover, calendula, witch hazel and lemongrass, which work together to reduce and clear spots by deep cleansing pores, making it feel super clean yet not over-drying the skin. Cleverly some ingredients mimic the sebum in your skin to stop the overproduction, for a better skin balance. Similar ingredients in the Hit the Spot purifying gel can also be found here, i.e. witch hazel, aloe vera, yarrow, agrimony, marshmallow, roman chamomile, oregon grape, calendula and lavender. New ingredients include sodium cocoyl glutamate, a mild surfactant with outstanding cleaning and foaming properties; caprylyl, a glucoside and gentle cleanser; glycerin, a humectant with moisturising properties; with lauryl glucoside, and cocamidopropyl betaine, both hydrating and mild cleansing surfactants. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin, while citric acid is a chemical exfoliant and protective antioxidant. Meanwhile, organic lemongrass removes impurities, and detoxifies leaving the skin feeling clean and clear; whereas organic sunflower abundant in vitamin E helps ward off any premature ageing.

This foaming cleanser is in a pump bottle and needs a quick shake, then apply and distribute a small amount of the foam over the face and neck. Massage in and simply rinse off with warm water, or if you’re us, use a face cloth for a bit of extra gentle exfoliation. We recommend applying it morning and evening to keep skin and pores clean to get optimum results - follow the Skin:Genius mantra which is “Cleanse: Treat: Hydrate: Repeat” We found the cleanser foamy and gentle with a mild and uplifting citrus scent; it left our skin feeling clean and hydrated. If you have hormonal breakouts and sensitive skin, then this is for you. It’s another ‘yes we’d buy’ from us, and both these products are another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase a 10 ml bottle of Skin:Genius Hits the Spot purifying gel for £13.50, click here. For a 100ml bottle of Skin:Genius Best Cleanse Forever Cleansing Facial Wash for £16.50, click here. For those interested in a special 2-in-1 deal, Skin:Genius has a unique ‘Genius Set Starter Collection’ with both products and a face cloth for £33 (now £27!), click here.