Soular Alchemy - Classic 5000mg CBD Hemp Spagyric Infusion

If you tune in regularly to read our blog posts, you’ll know that here at The Amazing Blog the girls and I have been big fans of all things CBD for quite some time now. Several studies have demonstrated that CBD is good for the body and the soul, so of course, as wellbeing and beauty devotees, we try to incorporate different types of CBD products into our daily routines.  With CBD oils and tinctures being some of the most popular forms, it’s a tincture we’re reviewing today. In basic terms, the difference between CBD oil and a tincture is the alcohol-base, that said, they both mimic the same therapeutic properties. 

The brand that we are talking about here is the award-winning Soular Alchemy. Based in the U.S., it was founded by Kristopher Grove and Trevor Polinsky who both have a background in the organic foods and/or the natural wellbeing sector. Polinsky and Grove came together to primarily share their knowledge and to educate people on the health benefits of the hemp plant. What makes this brand so unique – and also why it caught our eye – is the ‘beyond full-spectrum’ statement which they advertise. We all know about isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum; but beyond full-spectrum CBD? That’s a new term for us. In an interview, Polinsky explained that the notion of beyond full-spectrum refers to the fact they use the whole plant to make their tinctures; thus the user gets the maximum ‘entourage effect’. This means that they use the whole hemp plant rather than a single aspect, this offers significant beneficial results with the compounds working together boosting the health benefits, and overall therapeutic effect of the cannabinoids.  Unlike other brands, the process they use is actually a lot more complex than just a CO2 or ethanol extraction. The process that they use is called ‘spagyric’, which is from a method of ancient alchemy used in the preparation of tinctures. Spagyric production depends on the manipulation of the three mythologised substances that alchemists believed made up everything: salt, mercury, and sulphur - which translated to the minerals and salts representing ‘body’, the essential oils and organic acids being ‘soul,’ and alcohol was its ‘spirit’.  In short, it consists of several extractions to separate and recombine multiple plant components, including CBD, terpenes and flavonoids with a little bit of the organic cane ethanol as solvent. When all of these components are brought back together, they interact chemically with each other, creating what is called ‘ester’, a state where the elements enhance each other, creating a full entourage effect, carrying the whole benefits of the plant. Reassuring points are that all their products contain less than 0.2%, are produced with Good Manufacturing Practices, and are also EU compliant. And, the bonus here, is that the hemp is organic and free of pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials. We like that you can access their full lab analysis on each product directly from their website (i.e. for the Classic Hemp Spagyric Infusion see here).

The product that Soular Alchemy sent us is the Classic 5000mg Hemp Spagyric Infusion in 50ml. It contains a potent 50mg of total cannabinoids per ml. This is the biggest size of the tinctures that they sell and it includes all of the terpenes present in the hemp flower. The other distilled botanical terpene extracts here in the blend are sacred frankincense, blue mallee, Bavarian hops, lime and basil. All of these ensure that it’s an all-round efficient product, without addressing one specific need. Apart from the hemp spagyric, there is organic MCT coconut oil too. It comes elegantly packaged and is very instructive detailing the different terpenes present inside each plant and their benefits. To use, shake the bottle then put the drops under the tongue, hold the liquid sublingually here for a minute, then swallow. This allows the Infusion to bypass the digestive system avoiding it being broken down by enzymes and enables it to transfer through the membrane reaching the bloodstream quicker. Soular Alchemy recommends starting with 12 drops and then increasing as and when needed. If you’ve tried other full-spectrum CBD oils, then you’ll know how some can taste earthy and bitter leaving a bit of kick at the back of the throat when swallowed. Not this one. We couldn’t get over how pleasant, smooth and palatable it was, leaving absolutely no aftertaste. Our Executive Editor who thoroughly testing this out, remarked on having a better quality of sleep, less anxiety and noticeable pain relief from both her perpetual stiffness and arthritis. Although the price tag may seem hefty, it certainly seems to have lasted her well with plenty more to use. When asked if she would buy more - the answer was a resounding yes! Their two awards attest to this tincture's quality: Best CBD Tincture at the CBD Expo East 2019 Orlando, and Finalist for Best Tincture at the World CBD awards 2019 Barcelona. Apart from this Classic Infusion, there are also nine other Infusions to choose from, see here. So, if you are searching for a more specific action-oriented product to soothe a specific condition, Soular Alchemy does smaller doses of 1500mg of their hemp spagyric infusions in a 15ml bottle. These contain the selected terpenes to target particular conditions like depression, insomnia, anti-bacterial action, pain relief, to name but a few. As for this Classic 5000mg Hemp Spagyric Infusion at 50ml that we’ve reviewed today, you can buy it directly from their website here for $250.00.

BOOSH - Bone Broth

We’ve been hearing all about the potent and nutritious qualities of bone broths for quite some time now. It’s been a hot topic linked with the keto diet and the likes of celebrities Kylie Jenner and Gwyneth Paltrow. However, when someone mentions bone broth (aka chicken soup), we tend to think of our Granny’s remedy for all ills! So what do you know about bone broth?  Not much? Well, read on as today at The Amazing Blog we’re excited to share with you another one of our  #amazingfinds with this new trio of delicious bone broths from BOOSH. 

Boosh bone broths launched in September 2019 and offer 3 organic bone broth flavours: Chicken, Beef and Asian Spiced Organic Chicken. This bone broth is a combination of animal (or fish) bones with vegetables and meat all of which are slowly simmered in water for greater nutritional value for over 16 hours. This creates a delicious extract that offers high levels of collagen and protein; it’s also very nutritious claiming to help reduce conditions like inflammation, a leaky gut, arthritis and generally boost weak immune systems. Not only that - these bone broths are low in calories and have almost zero carbs.

We love that BOOSH can be used in our favourite ‘gobble and go’ ramen and soup dishes or just as a warming nutritious beverage. Other bone broth brands have never made taste a priority, but BOOSH has taken a different approach bringing their bone broth to the mainstream consumer without sacrificing taste. Another thing to mention is their packaging - they only use 100% recyclable glass bottles and cardboard sleeve. Another added bonus is that bone broths are a great way to reduce the signs of ageing – think about all those vitamins, minerals, amino acids and collagen that you’re ingesting! Perfect for helping maintain a great looking complexion and banishing fine lines and wrinkles.  BOOSH only uses certified organic ingredients with their chickens, cattle, vegetables and herbs, all of which have to be the finest and most responsibly sourced. To try one of BOOSH’s bone broths in your next recipe, or simply enjoy it solo, visit BOOSH here where each 350 ml broth can be purchased for £4.99 or the set of 3 in the Mixed Pack Bone Broth for £13.50 here.

Fi-ne - Body Serums

At The Amazing Blog it’s no secret that we love luxurious body lotions and serums. And probably no surprise that today’s #amazingfinds is on Body Serums. Meet a new German brand called Fi-ne Cosmetics whose rather unique trio of Body Serums are luxurious organic moisturiser-oil-serums specifically created for this area. Their founder had a light bulb moment when she discovered that most people were using luxury skincare on their faces, but completely neglecting their bodies.

Fi-ne Cosmetics was created by Judith Springer in Germany when she couldn’t find a range of natural, healthy and functional deodorants. Since then the brand has evolved to offer body serums, masks, eye serums and perfume oils. Her belief is that she won’t ever bring something to market that either already exists, or doesn’t offer the right solution for the problem. Fi-ne Cosmetics products are handmade, certified organic, 100% vegan and not tested on animals. They are also GMO-free, paraben-free and free from all synthetic preservatives, colours, and fragrances.  Manufactured in a laboratory in Germany, their natural and organic products are made under strict conditions in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation. They avoid plastic materials in their packaging.  Wooden spatulas that come with their cream-based products are created in a workshop for people with special needs in Berlin.

Fi-ne Body Serums are a fusion of a rich nourishing blend of effective oils and a hyaluronic moisturising serum.  These Body Serums primarily feature a distinctive blend of original Australian Bush Flowers. The flower essences contain the individual energy of the specific plants from which they are derived. The second key ingredient is the Mediterranean algae which provide a multitude of protection and healing properties.  There are three different Body Serum in the range which cater to individual needs.

We tried the set of three Body Serums all of which contain the ingredients of cooling and hydrating aloe vera and squalane. Let’s begin with Focus, this uses apricot kernel and safflower seed oils with the wood additions of douglas fir/atlas wood oils, it also has lavender and grapefruit peel oil for a more citrus/woody scent. Focus is for grounding and centring it has helped to boost concentration and clarity. These ingredients also help to restore hydration, leaving skin fresh and radiant. The second we tried was Energy serum as the name suggests it’s empowering and uplifting helping to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis. The key ingredients are sweet almond oil together with hazel and grape seed oils. More unusual here are the palmarosa and manuka branch/leaf oil making the scent ‘warming and comforting’. The final Body Serum in the trio that we tried was Peace serum which helps let go. Since the Peace serum is for use at night time, it features a higher quantity of plant oils,  such as camellia seed and peach kernel oil. It has a delicious and slightly fruity fragrance, where the smell of the dog rose with juniper and lavender oils comes through. This is perfect for city living as its purpose is to repair UVA/UVB and pollution-induced damage, restoring skin while you sleep!

Fi-ne Cosmetics recommends applying the Focus and Energy serums after a shower in the morning and applying the Peace serum before bed in the evenings. Each of the Body Serums scents can be purchased individually in 200 ml or 50 ml sizes. We had the set of three Body Serums in 50 ml which can be purchased here for €50.  We think these make a great gift or for yourself for a little luxurious self-care.

Allira Organics - Nourish Anti-Ageing Cream & Brightening Foaming Cleanser

Have you like us, had the endless night creams and serums that promise a reduction in fine lines? But then only offer exhaustion of your time and money. Well, fortunately for you, The Amazing Blog is here to help restore your faith in the skincare miracles and anti-ageing products all over again.

Allira Organics is an Australian hand-crafted, vegan and cruelty-free brand that creates products their labs with esteemed and knowledgeable naturopaths and nutritionists who have over two decades of experience in natural skincare formulations. They offer an array of products created with the highest quality and certified organic raw ingredients in order to deliver a range of products that embed your skin with the nutrients and help to showcase your true radiance. Every dedicated formulation takes birth from current research and approaches skincare from traditional and effective plant methodology and thus is designed to be, in its truest sense, anti-ageing. Allira Organics aims to take you on a luxurious journey that will leave your senses deeply intoxicated and your mind at ease. Their products carry an aromatic smell of organic botanicals that will transform your bathroom into a spa sanctuary where all your worries can miraculously float away.

The Allira Nourish Anti-Ageing Cream is an award-winning formula made with natural ingredients such as gumbi, calendula and rosehip. Made and manufactured in Australia, it is a nourishing cream (as the name suggests) and extremely rich in antioxidants, pure essential oils and calming organic herbs that do their magic as powerful anti-ageing agents. The formula will leave your complexion feeling nourished, radiant and of course, with consistent use rejuvenated! We recommend you use it twice a day, both before you put on your facial armour to take on the world as well as after you retire and succumb to the comforts of your bed.  

This award-winning cream is complimented best with the Allira Brightening Foaming Cleanser that packs together a unique blend of earthy minerals, herbs and essential oils deeply cleansing the skin while simultaneously soothing and brightening your complexion. Made with refreshing aloe vera, lactic acid, gumbi, rose water, red and white clay as well as green tea and grapefruit extract, the Cleanser works as a timeless product for all skin types but especially well on oily/acne-prone skin. Additionally, the 40ml bottle will go a long way since you don’t need more than a drop or two to work through your canvas and get rid of all the impurities. We also recommend using the cleaner twice a day, prior to applying their magnificent Anti-Ageing Cream.

The two products are available on the official Allira Organics website here and are priced at an affordable £30.76 and £20.69 respectively. Re-enforcing an indulgent beauty ritual, Allira Organics proves to be a one of a kind brand that doesn’t only make promises but also delivers on their every word.

Friday Favourites – Lash Serums

With the weekend approaching, it’s time to get our high heels out, we’re getting ready to paint the town red! However, we’re well aware that no outfit is complete without long, voluminous and beautiful lashes that flutter like butterflies... That is why, today at The Amazing Blog we’re ready to bring to you all the necessary products that you need to ensure you look like a million dollars not just over the weekend, but every single day!

We’re going to begin with the dynamic duo sold by Avante. Their Dynamic Lash Serum and Dynamic Effect Mascara will leave your lashes looking thick and rich completing your Friday night going into your Saturday morning! Avante’s philosophy and the aim is to use scientifically proven ingredients for maximum results in combination with ingredients that provide nutritional benefits. This brand hails from New Zealand and is created by a multidisciplinary team of leading aestheticians, trichologists and pharmacists.

The  Dynamic Lash Serum is an effective and deep conditioning serum that maximises hydration, helps reduce breakage and improves the overall texture of lashes making sure your blinking butterflies can give the Great Wall of China a run for its money! This is to be applied once a day and provides up to three months of conditioning solution in this compact 2ml tube. NB: It’s free-from prostaglandin, petroleum-based ingredients like mineral oil or petroleum jelly, parabens, animal products, artificial colours or fragrances. Made with vitamin E and C, hyaluronic acid and liquorice root extract, the serum delivers unbelievable results.

Additionally, the Dynamic Effect Mascara is just as effective. It is smudge-proof and perfectly lengthens, volumises and strengthens the lashes too. Created with nourishing castor oil, jojoba seed oil, liquorice extract and naturally scented with rose flower water. This mascara with its curved wand for uplift will surely give you the best lashes ever. Hop on over to their official website, to give your lashes the gift they very well deserve for £48 for the Dynamic Lash Serum here and £30 for the Dynamic Effect Mascara (in Jet Black or Chocolate) here.

Up next we have another two game-changing products by Lashfactor. The brand has created the world’s very first eyelash and eyebrow enhancer that incorporates a ground-breaking serums free nano-molecular growth technology that promises longer, fuller and darker eyelashes and eyebrows in just 4 weeks. Lashfactor realises that eyes are one of the most precious organs of your body. The gift of sight through eyes is a miracle of nature that should be truly appreciated. Therefore, Lashfactor has developed TWO products: an Eyelash Enhancing Serum as well as a Lash + Brows Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum. So, what’s the difference between the two? They say that the Lash + Brows Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum is the higher strength out of the two. It’s a serum-free nano-molecular polymeric solution with a patented sterile micro bristle dip-in applicator; not only does it give long, fuller and darker eyelashes but it’s also strong enough to considerably enhance the eyebrows too. Thus ideal for everyone to boost their lashes in a natural way without the use of fake extensions. 

Their semi-viscous formula containing bimatoprost ophthalmic solution with a unique volume building nano polymers which gently coats the roots of the hair follicles. The brand recommends applying it once every night along with the roots of the eyelashes and the eyebrows. Lash Factors hopes to eliminate fake lashes and further, enrich and thicken your natural lashes to look just as long and luscious as extensions.  You can purchase both these products as a gift set on their official website for an affordable £50 here for both the 2ml serums and if you put in the code AMPR10 in the checkout, you will get 10% off your purchase.

Last but most certainly not the least, is one of our favourite brands Lavera, with their Lavera’s Lash Care Serum. This is very different to the other two brands, it’s chemical-free with the key ingredient of organic coffee (caffeine) developed for stronger and more revitalised lashes. Lavera prides itself on using natural and sustainable ingredients in all its products. When used at night this serum is highly effective in strengthening your lashes and making them look healthier and thicker. The brand is organic, vegan, makes 100% certified natural cosmetics and is also engaged in animal protection thus allowing you to use their beautiful products without the pounding sense of guilt in your heart. This overnight clear serum holds the lashes in place conditioning them whilst also making them soft and hydrated. You can purchase Lavera’s Lash Care Serum 9ml for £12.90 here.