Circulove : CALM Face & Eye Serum

At The Amazing Blog new skincare ingredients always pique our interest, and when we learnt about this CALM Face & Eye Serum by Circulove, with its biotic actives designed to deliver probiotic benefits directly into the skin – we knew this was a must-try! 

Circulove is a Scandinavian brand that was founded in Finland in 2020. Where a group of designers, natural cosmetics chemists, beauticians, nurses and lifestyle professionals have come together to create this brand to help people live a “more sustainable and purposeful lifestyle while enhancing their natural beauty.” The idea of a circular lifestyle is the basis of Circulove. The concept of circularity focuses on cycles in the sense that things should be reused and recycled. Circularity considers entire ecosystems, like social, cultural, natural, and human capital, and the benefits of these systems. With this ideal in mind, their goal from day one has been “to create clean, biotic skincare products with no compromises.” Päivi Paltola, the founder of Circulove, was concerned with the increased occurrences of greenwashing and began investigating circular design principles to try and create “more purposeful beauty.”  Circulove is committed to following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), which are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future. Anyone can see their commitment to these values and goals, with toxic-free products and less waste; they use 30% ocean waste plastic for their recyclable mono-material bottles and organic by-products from the food industry for ingredients. The plastic used is recycled waste plastic collected from the Java Sea, meaning Circulove contributes to the ocean clean-up movement. They also promote up-cycling and transparent supplier networks, scrutinizing their own carbon footprint, by using 85% of Finnish or local Scandinavian ingredients in their products. Paltola says it best, “we know we are on a lifelong learning journey, and we believe that every action counts.” They are also FI-NATURA certified.

The CALM Face & Eye Serum hydrates, soothes and protects the skin. What makes this serum ‘different’ is that it combines vegan prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics with eight luxury plant extracts and oils to help reset the skin taking it back to its original and natural state. Prebiotics are compounds that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms and may help improve the skin’s barrier function. Applying topical prebiotics and probiotics to the skin is the most effective and direct way to affect the skin’s microbiome. Postbiotics include enzymes, peptides, and cell surface proteins and are a by-product of the fermentation process of the probiotics. The ingredients in this serum are fermented for 3-5 weeks, which is the chemical breakdown process of the prebiotics and postbiotics. Following the fermentation process,the plant extracts and oils are then added. The CALM Face & Eye Serum helps reduce redness, creates long-lasting moisture, protects against free radicals, and balances the skin’s pH and oiliness. The beauty of this serum is that it is suitable for all skin types, and can significantly help those with sensitive, rosacea, couperose or atopic skin. The CALM Face & Eye Serum contains a few other key ingredients. The antioxidant and flavonoid plant extracts are derived from lady’s mantle,  blueberry and lingonberry. The pure oils here are raspberry seed, jojoba and sunflower, hemp, and rosehip all of which are rich in essential fatty acids such as omegas 3 & 6, vitamin E and antioxidants. The vegan prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics come from fermented oats and tapioca; the slow fermentation process ensures that these ingredients stay nutrient-dense. Beyond these ingredients, Circulove has provided a detailed ingredients list that includes the country of origin (the list can be found here ) where the brand delivers full transparency for each product - and we’re obsessed! In their efforts to create sustainable products, the packaging is airless, designed specifically for their all-natural skincare, and this design lets you use every last drop of the product since the bottom of the packaging rises as you use it. The simple white opaque bottle ensures that the natural ingredients retain their integrity. Each of Circulove’s products are free from mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sulphates, silicones, chemical sunscreen, nano zinc oxide colourants, added perfumes and GMOs. 

To use the CALM Face & Eye Serum apply to clean skin on the face, under the eyes and around the lips - both day and night. NB: We found that the airless pump required a quick 5-10 pumps to activate before using. It can be used alone for combination or oily skin, or if like us you have normal to dry skin, then use it prior to moisturiser or face oil. The fragrance gave us a delicious hint of berries combined with green tea. It felt like a lotion to apply and absorbed quickly as It’s light to the touch, but super-hydrating once on the skin, and yes, we’d say it’s yet another of our #amazingfinds. The 30ml CALM Face & Eye Serum is available for purchase directly from Circulove’s website here for € 59.00.

Vitybox: Lotus Tropical Flavoured Collagen Drink

Collagen is the latest rave in the beauty world, whether in skin care, tablets, or liquid supplements. We at The Amazing Blog have tried many different collagen products (see here) and like how this skincare product starts working from the inside out. So, we’re here again to give you, our readers, the latest ready-to-drink collagen supplement with VITYBOX Lotus Collagen Drink. 

 VITYBOX is a new and upcoming beauty brand that focuses on its liquid supplement containing collagen, keratin, and hyaluronic acid. Ali Azmandian and Ali Kais, founders of VITYBOX and healthcare professions, started this brand with a mission to create a supplement that has natural and clinically backed ingredients. To gain the trust and loyalty of their consumers, Azmandian and Kais invested in several years’ worth of scientific studies and qualitative research with a team of healthcare professions. Their team uses cutting edge science and is involved in every step of the way, from production to aftercare with clients. This Lotus Collagen Drink boost 95% absorption compared to ~8% absorption with tablets and capsules and contains premium patented marine peptide sustainably sourced from Thailand. It’s also free from lactose, GMOs, eggs, nuts, wheat, dairy and gluten. In 2019, a little after their launch, VITYBOX were finalists for the International Breakthrough Brand Award at the Pure Beauty Global Award. All our manufacturing takes places in the UK, and every single batch that gets produced is vigorously tested

Like all liquid collagen drinks, Lotus works from the inside out to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix, boost natural hydration levels, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The 20ml shot has a natural tropical flavour, it’s sugar-free, and unlike some other collagen drinks, there’s no lingering fishy after taste. Here the Lotus has three main ingredients: keratin, hyaluronic acid and collagen. Keratin is a protective protein found in hair, skin, and nails and is a protein that is hard to manufacture. Thus making this Vitybox’s supplement, one of the few collagen brands to have actual keratin peptides. This ingredient improves hair growth and promotes hair shine. Hyaluronic acid is another naturally occurring molecule found in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. And as we all know, it helps the body retain water keeping skin hydrated, eyes lubricated and joints supple. Having this ingredient in Lotus creates elasticity in the skin and reduces wrinkles. Lastly, collagen; what is it? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up parts of connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles. It provides skin with elasticity and strengthens joints. As one gets older, it’s harder for the body to produce collagen naturally. By regularly taking a collagen supplement, it can help hydrate the skin by promoting the production of elastin and fibrillin (a glycoprotein), reducing dryness and wrinkles. Something we take collagen supplements for is to stimulate tissue repair and renewed connective tissue in joints and bones to relieve pain, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis. There are three types of collagens that are used to produce supplements: bovine, plant and marine. This is marine collagen and has a high collagen content that supports naturally occurring collagen already found in humans. As we mentioned earlier, Lotus uses premium, patented marine collagen sustainably derived from Thailand. It is then hydrolysed and purified, creating a greater concentration of smaller peptides that absorbs better into the gut and bloodstream. They tell us that the 5g of collagen in Lotus, is equal to over 10g of collagen found in some other brands. This liquid collagen drink claims to have a higher absorption rate than powders or capsules, as when the fluid enters the body, it’s immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. The principle is that it makes the body believe that it has already broken down too much collagen, tricking it into producing more collagen in return. Interestingly, VITYBOX reports having consumers who have seen outcomes starting as early as two weeks, particularly with stronger nails and faster hair growth. In 1 month, hair was healthier and shinier. In 2 months, the skin was firmer and hydrated, and in 3 months, wrinkles and fine lines were reduced. As we only received six sachets, so it’s difficult to report any such similar results. With this 20ml ready-to-drink Lotus sachet, it’s easy to take, especially if you’re like us and constantly on the go. We also like how Lotus can be seamlessly incorporated into one’s daily routine. You can have a one-time purchase of a 14-day supply at £34.95. Or Vitybox has several other subscription options here, with a 14-day supply at £29.71 or a 1-month supply at £56.44.

Shea Sassy - Holistic Rose Soap

With all these nasty Covid viruses hovering, we’ve been told endlessly to wash our hands. Which is why the simple soap has now become our new best friend at The Amazing Blog. it’s always been our preferred way to cleanse as we like natural soaps that are kind to both hands and face. So, the newly launched artisan soap brand Shea Sassy piqued our interest.

Based in the picturesque Esk Valley, Shea Sassy was founded by Emily Hodgson – who wanted to create natural soap products that would be both good for skin and the environment. The company provides a wide range of handmade artisan soaps with natural fragrances. Every soap bar is lovingly made in her studio using only the finest natural ingredients.  Shea Sassy focuses on producing cruelty-free, eco-friendly products in plastic-free sustainable packaging. They are also cold-pressed, handmade, vegan and HSCG (Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild) certified. All soaps contain the key ingredient of unrefined shea butter, which is known for its healing and restorative properties. 

They kindly send us this Holistic Rose Soap, a handmade soap that comes in a simple white cardboard sleeve, it's creamy in colour and embellished with small dried rosebuds. It has a soothing and subtle rose scent, and is made with a combination of parma rosa, rose geranium and ylang ylang essential oils. The soap is made using a cold-pressing method, which takes up to 6 weeks for full saponification. Shea Sassy uses sodium cocoate, naturally derived from coconut oil and known primarily for its cleansing abilities. There is also sodium palmate, extracted from palm oil and working as an emulsifying agent which works wonders eliminating germs and dirt. There are also extracts from olive oil, shea butter, avocado and castor oil that are all blended together to help leave the skin clean, soft and deeply hydrated. The rose element here includes rosa damascene flowers and rose geranium oil which help to fight bacteria and reduce anxiety and stress.  We used this soap not only as a gentle face wash for the morning, but also for hand-washing during the day. It has the perfect balance to cleanses and hydrates the skin (and we couldn’t get enough of it). To get your individual Holistic Rose Soap bar here for only £7.00, and you can also purchase it as part of a set (which includes an Egyptian cotton flannel and mahogany soap dish) here for £20.00.

Oh My Garden - Balancing Facial Oil

Although we think that ageing gracefully is a beautiful thing, we always use a daily skincare to enhance and protect our complexions at The Amazing Blog. As this is our favourite time of year to use face oils, today we are featuring a new brand Oh My Garden with their natural Balancing Facial Oil.

Oh My Garden is a Canadian natural beauty brand. The story began when after spending almost, a year following a 10-step skincare routine, the founder Togzhan Jumagulova was astonished to learn how much plastic was used in these products. As a researcher with a PhD, her curiosity led her on to research further the effect not only on the beauty industry but on the environment. She was horrified to learn about the microplastics and silicone build-up, plus the toxicity levels of some synthetic compounds, and the unsustainable practices within the beauty industry. She wanted to make a difference, which is when in 2019 Jumagulova created this skincare line of Oh My Garden. The brand’s goal is to provide environmentally conscious and scientific-based ingredients for the consumer that are natural, vegan and cruelty-free. As Jumagulova says, “Beauty is more than maintaining good looks. It’s about self-care, it’s a ritual of self-love. It’s about staying healthy and saying “thank you” to our bodies. Textures, subtle natural aromas, colours, and packaging - everything we create we design to add vibrancy and excitement to your everyday life.”  Oh My Garden believes that skincare should be an expression of self-love and the Balancing Facial Oil here is one of four products in their collection.

This Balancing Facial Oil can be used by all skin types; however, it is formulated for combination and oily skin. The golden oil used just by itself gives the skin a glorious glow. The main use of this oil is to balance sebum production in the skin. The skin’s response to dry skin is to produce more oil for the moisture lost, which then results in oiler skin, leading on to more problems. Jumagulova explained the benefits of using this Facial Oil: “This might sound counterintuitive, but the great solution for this issue is rightly chosen facial oil. The plant oils form a breathable occlusive layer that stops water from evaporating and also gradually restore the skin barrier and calm irritations. As a result, the skin stops losing the moisture and the sebum production naturally regulates back to normal.” Let’s look at the key ingredients starting with the Abyssinian oil which is rich in an array of vitamins such as B1, B2, A, B6, E and C. It is considered one of the best moisturisers because it locks in hydration and eliminates dead skin giving a youthful look. The argan oil contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin E, which help brighten the skin and protect the skin from sun damage (although you still need to use sunscreen). Meadowfoam seed oil’s most significant benefit is to bring balance to the skin (our photo above is with the Meadowfoam flower). Squalane can help with hydration, boosts collagen giving the skin a firmer feel, and contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling. The raspberry seed oil helps control oil production, fights against wrinkles and acne. Sea buckthorn oil helps skin elasticity and regenerating cells. The prickly pear seed oil contains high amounts of antioxidants which can help prevent skin damage, ageing and breakouts. Tocopherol (AKA vitamin E) has properties that defend the skin from pollution and environmental stressors. Ylang-ylang here is considered an essential oil and in skincare, it regulates oil production while soothing irritation and inflammation. Similarly, tea tree oil soothes redness and is also an antimicrobial. This Balancing Facial Oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, the fragrance is neutral, if anything we detected a slight delicious nuttiness. We applied a few drops directly to the face, which we then massaged gently in. It didn’t feel ‘oily’ at all, in fact, now the sun strength has gone and we’re moving towards winter, we’d be happy to use this alone (or under SPF), it also makes an excellent primer for makeup. To purchase a 30ml bottle Oh My Garden Balancing Facial Oil for $45 see here.

Liolà Cosmetics - Nutrient-Rich Anti-Ageing Action Face Cream

With our new stay at home culture, the new make-up is no make-up! Skincare for us, at The Amazing Blog the priority beauty buy. And it would seem that we aren’t alone, as we ride through this turbulent time of the Covid19 pandemic. Lia Neophytou, the Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, recently commented: "With fewer out-of-home occasions for consumers to attend, as well as the transition to working at home, cosmetics has taken a backseat. Even when consumers do venture outdoors, the wearing of masks is further diminishing the need for cosmetics. All sectors in the cosmetics and toiletries industry are expected to return to growth in 2021, though will not recuperate their pre-COVID-19 value.” This is why today we’re want to introduce you to another of our #amazingfinds with the luxury and award-winning natural bio-peptide skincare by Liolà  Cosmetics from Italy. 

Liolà  Cosmetics is a luxurious range of skincare mixing the best natural ingredients with state-of-the-art biotechnologies. They were founded in 2018 by a group of like-minded Italian entrepreneurs with over 35 years of beauty experience, all of whom share the philosophy of simplicity, transparency and obsession for using only the finest natural ingredients. Here less is more, where they use minimal formulations to achieve a highly effective performance. Nature and innovative biotechnologies are at the sources of their quality actives; they don’t use any synthetic surfactants, parabens, silicones or mineral oils. They have the highest standards only using quality ingredients in order to deliver the experience of an authentic, tangible and luxurious experience. They also believe in is keeping a sustainable blueprint making sure that their products cohere to a practice helping to preserve the environment, as well as giving the customer the right product/quality ratio. In less than a year, they have produced four ranges with: Time Control, Black Diamond, Sport and 360 degrees. They have recently been recognised, winning Finalist at the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2020 with their Face Cream from the Time Control collection, which we are going to talk about today. All their products are 100% Italian, clinically tested, affordable and made with clean formulas. BTW you can scan the SKU on their products on the INCI Beauty App to find out their rating and explanation of ingredients.

The Time Control line is the hero range of the brand, only launched in 2019. It has bio-peptides which are substances formed by amino acids joined by covalent bonds known as amide or peptide bonds. Peptides act as a messenger between the top-most layer of skin or epidermis. Epidermal-dermal communication is important as it naturally breaks down as we age and is one of the causes of ageing. Here these bio-peptides are programmed to train the skin to fight the first signs of ageing, by toning and helping to diminish fine lines. We tried the Nutrient-Rich Anti-Ageing Action Face Cream which has a mix of 98% natural ingredients. The fragrance is fresh, it’s fast to absorb and light in texture, ideal for counteracting skin fatigue with it’s brightening and toning. It contains anti-ageing peptide which reduces the depth of facial wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial expression muscles, especially on the forehead and around the eyes. 

One of our favourite ingredients here is hyaluronic acid which will alleviate dry skin by hydrating and plumping due to its high molecular weight, where it helps to retain moisture between the skin cells. The Anti-pollution factor here is the vegetable-based ingredients with a synergic mix of a natural oxide-reductase enzyme and carefully selected soy peptides, small protein fragments produced by fermenting soybeans that neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals, pollution and UV. There is jojoba oil that aids in diminishing dryness and has anti-inflammatory properties which will reduce redness and also ease any irritation from eczema or rosacea. It also is rich in sweet almond oil which gives an emollient power to the cream as it improves the skin complexion and tone, helping reverse sun damage and restore the firmness of the skin making it look fresh. The black currant oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which will soothe irritation, nourish and protect. There are fatty acids with omega 6 and 3 which have protective properties, elasticising the skin lessening the effects of ageing. Last but not least, is the sunflower oil, here it’s a regenerator of damaged skin cells where it’s light, non-greasy and absorbs quickly without blocking the pores.

 Liolà Cosmetics advises applying morning and evening on clean skin. We found this to be a brilliant all-in-one Face Cream – no serum needed. When we tested this we found that it was nourishing enough to use alone, even on the driest skin type. It is expensive but if you work out ‘cost per wear’ using this alone without the need for a serum – we think it’s good value!  You can feel the luxury in every single detail, from the sourcing of ingredients to the presentation and packaging. Yes, we would buy more and for us, it’s a winner! We can’t wait to try more from this brand. To purchase your Nutrient-Rich Anti-Ageing Action Face Cream for see here.