Pure Lakes: Sweet Basil & Orange Shampoo & Conditioner

At The Amazing Blog, we understand the importance of trying to have a good hair day - every day. That’s why we always turn to natural haircare because it works. Pure Lakes is a natural skincare brand that uses the best and most potent plant-derived ingredients, with some products being entirely organic. We’ve had our eye on this brand for a while, especially their haircare which was a recommendation. Today we feature their Sweet Basil & Orange Keratin Silken Shampoo and Conditioner, which offer a naturally moisturising fix and leave hair soft and smelling zesty-fresh.

Pure Lakes Skincare is a multi-award-winning brand made in The English Lake District, now a world heritage site. Originally founded in 2006, the highly successful natural spa and skincare brand that we know today started through a café opened by Sandra and Iain Blackburn in Grasmere. The lack of income from the café inspired Sandra to make her own skincare products. Sandra’s chemistry background, feedback from friends and family, and her love for pure plant-based ingredients allowed her to create handmade, affordable, luxury products that gently care for the skin and planet. Pure Lakes’s first opportunity was supplying eco-friendly skincare products to hotels all over the UK; now, happy hotel guests and affordable, eco-friendly luxury skincare lovers flock to Pure Lakes for the best. The story continues….Previous regular buyers of Pure Lakes, who lived in London before moving to the Lakes shortly afterwards, Claire McKeever, a former actress and salsa dance teacher, and her husband Gareth bought the business in 2016.  Claire is a Lake District lass, and the Mc Keever's and their young family live in Far Sawrey, home to Claire's family for several generations. Keeping it local, its products’ environmentally-friendly packaging is designed by Cactus Creative in Kendal and is further complemented by unique artwork created by Claire McKeever’s late Grandmother, Patricia “Paddy” Naylor. They continue to work closely with Iain and Sandra to ensure the core principles and values of the company are inherent in every decision. Claire told Green Parent, “Four years on and I have completed an apprenticeship with Sandra - she & Iain still work for us, albeit one day a week - and love formulating and making products that I am passionate about. I have long suffered from eczema and being able to make products that help and that are beneficial for the skin, is incredibly fulfilling.”

Gareth and Claire McKeever have their sights fixed firmly on spreading the word about how their products are created ethically and sustainably within the boundaries of the UNESCO-recognised Lake District National Park. In an interview with Cumbria Growth Hubb, Gareth said, “We’ve always had that ethos. What’s changed is the way we communicate it. Everything we do has to have clear environmental benefits. For example, we’ve started using plastic made from sugar for our bottles, which has a smaller carbon footprint than normal plastic made from oil. Consumers ordering online can save £1 by opting for minimal packaging. Our products to hotels come in refillable bottles that can be used time and again.” He added, “Just because our products are environmentally friendly doesn’t mean they can’t look luxurious. We package them in environmentally-friendly materials in keeping with high-end products using high-end ingredients.” The four main pillars of Pure Lakes Skincare are its customers, employees, supplies and owners. They strive for excellence in all products, ensuring customers are always satisfied. If not, a replacement or refund will be issued within a reasonable period, no questions asked. Pure Lakes also believes in sustainable, equal pay careers with flexibility to enjoy the beautiful Pure Lakes and building and maintaining long-lasting relationships with great suppliers for the most traceable, undeniably sustainable, and highest quality ingredients. Once a secondhand bookseller, Claire finds the recycling of pre-loved items very satisfying – especially using a significant number of pre-used padded envelopes and recycled packaging much like Pure Lakes does today. Claire stated, “I believe in the stance Pure Lakes is taking on recycling, with their biopolymer bottles, their reusable and refillable policy and their use of organic products: the team are aware of the company’s impact on the environment and is committed to keeping in the forefront of innovation.” Not forgetting to mention that Pure Lakes are vegan and never tests on animals; they are free from synthetic ingredients, parabens or SLS. They even donate a portion of online orders to young carers, children looking after siblings and/or parents, in collaboration with Honeypot and West Cumbria Carers. Over the past six months, Pure Lakes has donated over £2,000 to young carers.

The Sweet Basil & Orange Keratin Silken Shampoo is a natural shampoo with a gentle lather giving cleansed and nourished hair, with the essential oils of sweet & bitter orange, sweet basil, geranium and lemongrass. On the one hand, sweet & bitter orange oil is abundant in vitamin C, promoting collagen production and reducing hair breakage. Whereas in contrast, sweet basil oil is exceptionally beneficial for hair growth by improving scalp circulation, stimulating hair follicles and promoting the production of new healthy hair. The basil plant has an astonishing 120 varieties, and the sweet basil variety is known to retain its potent properties even in high temperatures, making it a better choice for use in cosmetics. The geranium oil balances secretions around the hair follicles, effectively stimulating hair growth. And the lemongrass oil’s astringent and antiseptic properties strengthen hair follicles, control hair loss, and leave hair shiny.

Other key ingredients start with organic aloe vera, an excellent pain reliever, antiseptic and healing agent ideal for eczema, burns, sunburn and cuts – making it highly soothing for the scalp and hair. It’s followed by cocamidopropyl betaine, and decylglucoside, both amphoteric detergent that produces a fine foam and makes products gentle on the skin. There’s organic jojoba, a scentless liquid wax easily absorbed by the skin that functions as a moisturiser and protectant to the scalp and skin, safe for all skin types and a great hair oil. Organic sunflower oil, a dry oil rich in omega 3 for soft and silky hair; D-panthenol, a nutrient from vitamin B for managing oxidative stress on the scalp and skin; and vitamin E (tocopherol), an antioxidant that prevents fat and oils from going rancid; Meanwhile, a combination of phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol and potassium sorbate, are antibacterial agents that form the most gentle and eco-friendly preservative, along with citric acid, an acidity and pH regulator, also make its way into the formula.

These plant-based ingredients only enhanced our hair, as the shampoo is light and natural, and yet it left a beautiful zesty lemongrass scent on our hair. It didn’t dry the scalp, or make hair tangly; instead, it left our hair soft and clean.

Followed by the Sweet Basil & Orange Keratin Silken Conditioner, which is equally zesty and naturally moisturising. Each bottle contains plant keratin and a pleasant blend of essential oils like sweet basil and orange. You will find similar ingredients as the shampoo, plus each bottle contains glyceryl monostearate, cetyl alcohol and isoamyl laurate for emulsification that leads to soft and silky hair, along with isoamyl cocoate, a light, natural emollient with low viscosity for quick absorption of formulas. Also, there are hydrolysed corn, wheat and soy proteins, that maintain hair elasticity by controlling the loss of humidity, reducing breakage, improving traction of hair fibres, and increasing collagen production for moisturised, nourished, shiny hair. Avocado oil is a mild, nourishing, semi-fatty oil that is rich in vitamins and perfect for treating damaged hair cuticles; cetearyl glycoside, an emulsifier that won’t clog scalp pores; and lastly, coconut butter, a butter rich in essential proteins to nourish, repair and condition dull, damaged hair and can even be beneficial for dandruff when massaged into the scalp.

Again, we found the conditioner light on the hair, much like the shampoo, and it did its due diligence in leaving hair soft and silky. We suggest letting the conditioner sit for a few minutes to give it time to hydrate hair and scalp, and then in our case, follow with a wide tooth comb and rinse. The Shampoo and Conditioner work perfectly in tandem for a lightweight summer haircare - we used it twice a week to keep hair clean, shiny and smelling fresh. Suitable for all hair types, including our long fine curly hair, although with the essential oil content and the lively scent, we’d caution those who have flaky or sensitive scalps to do a patch test first. Another of our #amazingfinds, thanks to this dynamic duo, you don’t have to think twice about your next good hair day!

Both products are free from alcohol, lanolin, petroleum jelly MI, gluten, and artificial perfumes or colours. To top it off, they even have refills available see here. For a 250ml bottle of Pure Lakes’ Sweet Basil & Orange Keratin Silken Shampoo for £14.50, click here; and the 250ml bottle of Pure Lakes’ Sweet Basil & Orange Keratin Silken Conditioner for £14.50, click here.

MotherSage™ : CBD Body Butter

If like us, you’re off and away to catch the last of the summer sun, then the one body care multitasker we’d recommend packing in your hand luggage is a balm. Today at The Amazing Blog, we’d like to introduce this award-winning CBD Body Butter from MotherSage™. But it’s not just ANY body balm; it has one of our favourite ingredients CBD, which when paired with other vitamins and oils, nourishes, repairs, and calms irritated or inflamed skin.

Farard Darver, launched Healthcare International Research (HIR) in 2021, specialising in cosmetic and herbal cannabinoid products, it is the umbrella company for CBD brands such as MotherSage™ and Hempe®. After a successful army career, Farard focused on making his passion a reality in the well-being and CBD sector. “Seeing first-hand the extent that CBD was helping people around me with a range of issues, I knew I had to investigate further and my investigations led me to the Czech Republic”. In an interview in The Daily Echo, Farard also went on to say, “I am creating the conditions for HIR to become the authoritative voice on the use of CBD in cosmetic and lifestyle applications, demonstrated by our credentials that show we are driven by science and regulatory compliance, resulting in products that are truly lifestyle changing.” All of HIR’s products are backed by 65 years of research from scientists in the Czech Republic, and this multi-award-winning brand ensures that their products have full traceability, as well as are effective. With the environment in mind, HIR has created its two CBD brands, where they are committed to reducing the carbon footprint by using raw materials for their packaging and following sustainability guidelines. Based in Lymington, Dorset, they are proud supporters of Litter Free Dorset and are also partner members of the British Beauty Council.

MotherSage™ offers a range of natural cosmetic skincare products that contain cannabidiol (CBD); these include balms, body butter and bath salts. We love how nourishing this CBD Body Balm is, but don’t just take our word for it; it was recently a winner in the 2022 Pure Beauty Global Awards. The CBD in the balm helps to maintain moisture levels by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors, which helps to fight dryness and inflammation. And if you’ve been reading our features on CBD, you’ll know that it is bioactive and single compound found in the hemp plant that contains many naturally occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it the ideal ingredient for skincare as it balances and hydrates. MotherSage™ uses CBD isolate to ensure there is no THC which removes all cannabis plant compounds.MotherSage™ told us, why they choose to use CBD isolate, “In all of our topical products, we use CBD isolate, so our products are essentially THC free (< 0.000025%) - It is difficult to control THC levels in distillate as they vary, so any company offering products that are used in sports or work settings where drug testing may take place would be best using isolate.” It’s named ‘isolate’ as it isolates only the CBD found within the hemp plant, removing any THC and terpenes. it is normally in a crystalline or powder form, with the added advantage of being odourless, which means it will combine with other fragrances, like the essential oils here, without any conflict of scents.

Apart from the 100g CBD isolate, it’s combined with other natural key ingredients, including shea butter, jojoba oil, sea buckthorn oil, lavender, argan oil, and vitamin E. Shea butter is an emollient, which means that it works by adding moisturising oils to soften and keep skin supple. Jojoba oil is an anti-inflammatory that supports skin immunity. Sea buckthorn oil is filled with antioxidants such as carotenoids and vitamin E, which help to regenerate the skin. Lavender oil sets a relaxing tone while also preventing infection and irritation with its antifungal, antimicrobial and detoxifying properties. Argan oil is occlusive, which means that it acts as a barrier to keep moisture from evaporating out of the skin. It’s also packed with omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids, which work together to address dry patches and soften skin.

The three other ingredients on the list worth mentioning are caprylic/capric triglyceride,  ethylhexyl olivate (olive oil) and hydrogenated castor oil. The hydrogenation in the olive and castor oils provides more stability. Both these oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids; they are ultra-hydrating and act as humectants retaining moisture by preventing water loss. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerine and is sometimes mistakenly referred to as fractionated coconut oil. It is usually used in skincare as an emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.

 What we love about this CBD balm is that it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. They call it “An Evolution in Body Butter.” It’s certainly quick to absorb, but we can’t tell you why it is ‘evolutionary’. Perhaps HIR could enlighten us on this? That said, it’s one to keep at hand to help prevent (or treat) skin dryness. As mentioned at the beginning, we think it’s the perfect travel companion, to help soothe any insect bites or calm redness for the dreaded sunburn. Is it suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skins? We’d say probably not because of the essential oil content. However, the isolate CBD here is an anti-inflammatory and has been known to help skin conditions such as psoriasis. So, if you have sensitive skin, we’d recommend doing a test patch first. Also, don’t worry, there’s absolutely no trace of a hempy smell, it only has a very subtle floral bouquet. As it’s solid and 100ml, it’s easy to pack away for your travels and we think is ideal for treating any skin mishaps or dry skin. To purchase the 100ml CBD Body butter for £19.99, see here. 

Skin W1® : Collagen Stimulating Serum

As we grow older, it goes without saying that we all want our skin to age well and keep its youthful bloom. At The Amazing Blog, we’ve been looking for a new age-defying serum, one that’s packed full of antioxidants and science-driven ingredients. With autumn fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about using a more potent daily skincare, and lucky enough, we were sent this award-winning Collagen Stimulating Serum by Skin W1®. It certainly piqued our interest, with its pioneering ingredients and medical know-how. Did you know that by the age of thirty, collagen production diminishes rapidly, thus affecting the elasticity of the skin; so we couldn’t wait to try this serum.

Skin W1® is science-driven skincare founded by Dr Rabia Malik, an aesthetic doctor and GP who has a particular interest in non-invasive, non-surgical facial rejuvenation and problem skin solutions. Dr Malik completed an attachment in dermatology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital, in the USA before launching her aesthetic medicine practice in 2011. Today, she is based at The Harrods Wellness Clinic, where Dr Malik offers bespoke skin peels and non-injectable facial rejuvenation to improve skin tone and texture. "My focus is on non-injectable facial rejuvenation and maximum skin health. I specialise in providing bespoke skin peels to help achieve a glowing, natural complexion." In 2021, Dr Malik launched her line of skincare Skin W1® with a range designed to support skin health, in particular, collagen production, these include a cleanser, serum, moisturiser, mask and facial oil. Taking over three years in research and development, she commented on the range, “I didn't want to create a product range focusing on actives already on the market. I wanted to focus on something innovative and new – something we know delivers results." One of these special ingredients includes copper amino acid complex, a combination of methyl glucoside phosphate and copper lysinate/prolinate; these can be found in her serum and moisturiser. It’s best known for boosting the skin's own collagen as well as encouraging elastin production. She went on to say, “I have worked with these active ingredients in the clinic for years, and I wanted to bring these powerful results to clients at home.” All products are free from parabens, sulphates and fragrance (except the serum), and all claim to have non-irritating ingredients. The brand believes that Skin W1®’s three core products can replace other additional products, helping to declutter and simplify a skincare routine. They have a very instructive Ingredient Library here where all the products are listed and explained in full.

The Collagen Stimulating Serum is their hero product, collecting some well-deserved wins at the Beauty Awards London 2021 and Get the Gloss 2021. This is a performance-led serum that has a range of actives that are not typically found in retail skincare. Suitable for all skin types, don’t think that this is just for the 40+ age group; it’s for anyone over 25, which is when collagen levels start to decline. Apart from the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate (mentioned above), the niacinamide (vitamin B3) and aminopropyl phosphate (a derivative of vitamin C) also work together for impactful anti-ageing benefits, similar to those of retinol, but as much gentler version; which is why Dr Malik chooses to use these ingredients over others.

The seven key ingredients mentioned are witch hazel extract, niacinamide (AKA vitamin B3), aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, 2% methyl glucoside phosphate, 2% copper lysinate/prolinate,  L-carnosine and adenosine, which we will explain.

Witch hazel is antioxidant-rich with tannins, its unique medicinal anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties aid with the vasoconstrictor tightening blood vessels and reducing redness in the skin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3), helps build skin cells, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen and protein production, and protects skin from environmental stressors. Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, is a form of vitamin C  and an antioxidant used for reducing hyperpigmentation and collagen-boosting; it also helps with the stability of l-ascorbic acid. However, the main anti-ageing ingredients present are the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate. These work together by using amino acids to increase collagen and elastin production for firmer, tighter skin. With daily use, a high percentage of the copper amino acid complex will stimulate collagen to plump up the skin and soften fine lines. Finally, the L-carnosine and adenosine are both synthetically manufactured peptides, that assist in wound healing activity, and protect and repair the skin barrier making it more robust.

There are also the ubiquitous skin plumping ingredients that you would expect to find in an anti-ageing serum with hydrolysed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate (which we have often discussed). Also, there’s one that we haven’t come across before with phenethyl alcohol, it’s a preservative with antimicrobial activity and gives the serum its delicate rose-like scent.

We like that Skin W1® has worked hard to avoid using plastic, which we applaud. The serum comes in a small frosted glass bottle with a pump and with a protective cardboard outer shell, which could be repurposed to store other products or toiletries while travelling. Dr Malik recommends applying this product in the AM or PM using 1-2 pumps on clean skin, massaging it into the face and neck. We liked how the serum is simple to use and absorbs quickly, allowing us to follow it with our regular moisturiser/SPF in the morning, although at night; we felt it was best to use the serum alone, to allow its powerful antioxidants to penetrate the skin and do their work encouraging cell renewal, and plumping up fine lines. Our verdict? It’s very gentle, unlike retinol-based products which tend to give us redness and irritation. It leaves skin soft and more luminous; plus we noticed that it faded some of our pigmentation spots. It does have a hefty price tag, but we think it’s a worthwhile investment. After all, what price can you put on having healthy and youthful-looking skin? To purchase the 30ml Collagen Stimulating Serum for £125.00, see here.

Pickle’s Potions and Lotions : Vegan Lash + Brow Serum

The team at The Amazing Blog knows how difficult it is to find an affordable, vegan lash and brow serum, especially one that is handmade, woman-owned, organic, natural and cruelty-free. Pickle’s Potions and Lotions’ Vegan Lash and Brow Serum ticks all these boxes. This best-seller is an award-winning product, having won the Editor’s Choice in the Beauty Shortlist 2021 Awards and the Bronze Award in the Best Natural Product at UK Global Makeup Awards 2021.

A skincare junkie from a young age, founder Kristin Mutchler’s cabinets were always filled to the brim with perfumes and products, but it wasn’t until she became pregnant with her first child that Pickle’s Potions’ journey began. “As first-time mums are prone to do, I started researching everything and discovered that my skincare products were full of highly suspect ingredients, from hormone disruptors to toxic fragrances,” Kristin went on to say, “I began to make my own products and dove into the science of skincare, researching different ingredients and the chemical composition of plants and oils and how they work in synergy.” She was even more determined to create an all-natural skincare brand that is safe and effective for everyone after discovering her baby was prone to eczema. Kristin’s background in science, having taken several college-level science courses, and her passion for learning about skincare motivated her to take classes in product formulation, aromatherapy and skin care science, which marked the first steps of her brand’s creation. Combine this with her knack for gardening in her rural Maine garden, foraging local surrounding fields and woods for other ingredients too. Pickle’s Potions’ biggest wish is to create products with the best possible ingredients for our precious skin, free from synthetic chemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances and petroleum byproducts. Instead, each non-toxic batch is family-safe, handcrafted and carefully formulated using freshly handpicked botanical ingredients and precious oils in Wayne, Maine. On top of this, each bottle and tube is PETA-certified and has never been tested on animals. With this in mind, their distinctive potions are handcrafted with only 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils, as well as cold-pressed vegetable oils, butters and botanical extracts. You won’t find any pre-made bases with synthetic colours, fragrances or preservatives. In contrast, everything is handmade in tiny batches to ensure the utmost freshness and potency. As Kristin promises, “I handcraft each batch with compassion and dedication and have poured my heart and soul into this small business.”

Their much-loved Vegan Lash and Brow Serum is a luscious blend of various natural, nutritious oils that have been used for centuries to encourage and stimulate hair growth and health. This product is designed to naturally boost hair growth using the key ingredients of burdock, horsetail, liquorice root, nettle, and meadowsweet-infused camellia seed oil.

Burdock is a plant native to Japan that promotes healthy hair and reverses thinning through an ingredient called arctiin. Meanwhile, horsetail, a non-flowering weed, encourages proper hair growth through its high silica and selenium content. Additionally, liquorice root’s richness in L-carnitine, creatine and glycyrrhiza inflata stimulates hair roots, promoting growth and reducing thinning. Nettle combats hair loss and aids hair growth through its abundance of silica and sulphur as hair follicles are regenerated, and hair breakage is minimised. Lastly, camellia seed oil’s blend of proteins, glycerides and vitamin E conditions and fortifies hair; and when infused with meadowsweet, it can boost scalp and hair health as a natural astringent.

More ingredients in the mix comprise hexane-free castor oil, which lubricates the hair shaft and strengthens hair, unrefined rosehip seed oil, which nourishes hair through its high fatty acid and vitamin content, and sea buckthorn oil replenishes hair through its abundance in fatty acids. Besides the above, you can find vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, candelilla wax, therapeutic grade organic Bulgarian lavender, frankincense carterii and organic rosemary essential oils. Nearly all these ingredients are organic, from burdock to rosehip seed oil. As you can see, an array of nutrients are packed in this little tube – ready to condition lashes and brows, helping them to strengthen and grow. BTW the difference between their regular Lash + Brow Serum and this vegan version is the beeswax used.

What attracted us to this formula was the natural and organic ingredients. If you have permanent make-up brows and eyeliner like us, then there are certain ingredients always to avoid such as retinol, ascorbic and salicylic acid - which fade the pigment. This is why we want to try the natural Vegan Lash + Brows Serum. It’s recommended to apply the serum nightly for both growth and restoration on the lashes and brows. Rest assured, the serum’s thicker consistency won’t drip or run, meaning it won’t irritate the eyes. Despite being thick, we found the serum is highly spreadable, allowing easy application. It can also be used as a clear gel for taming unruly brows. It has a mild and natural castor oil scent and is smooth in texture so that it doesn’t lashes weigh down. We’ve used it regularly for a couple of weeks, taking a break from wearing our Lashify lashes. It’s perfect for reconditioning and hydrating the hair follicles. And in that time, it made our lashes slightly thick and more nourished. However, it probably needs at least 6-9 weeks of regular use to see noticeable results in any sparse areas. It’s a natural brow and lash serum and conditions like no other we’ve tried. It’s another of our #amazingfinds and a product we’d highly recommend adding to your nighttime routine. To purchase a 10ml tube of Pickle’s Potions and Lotions Vegan Lash and Brow Serum at £16.96, see here.

Josie Rose : The Josie Dream Mask

It’s been a while since we featured a face mask on The Amazing Blog, and this Josie Dream Mask caught our eye. It’s an overnight facial mask by Josie Rose, lightweight and gentle, yet hydrating enough to work overnight boosting the complexion.

Anna Daniels founded science-based skincare Josie Rose in 2019, following her successful career as an award-winning dietitian. Growing up in Australia and UK gave her focus on the positive effects of antioxidants in food science, nutrition and viticulture, thus gaining extensive knowledge about the role they play before she started her skincare. “I knew how to nourish skin from the inside, and I wanted to develop a way to do it from the outside too.” With her understanding of nutrition and positive lifestyles, she decided to add to her offerings by creating a skincare product that would become a ritual in her clients' daily routine. The 'gut-skin-mind' ethos gives the brand a completely new and holistic approach. In The Harrowgate Advertiser, Anna said, "Whilst I knew that certain active ingredients benefitted the skin, they were also very drying and could be harsh. My aim was to create a skincare product that was effective and could be used across the age ranges with a simple goal: to improve the health of the skin.” She went on to say, "It was important to create a product where every drop in the formula had a direct benefit on the skin." Based in Harrowgate, the local theme is reflected in her logo with the Yorkshire Rose and microalgae in the centre and petals representing hydration droplets - are a homage to the renowned Harrowgate spring water and the key ingredients. Anna believes that using fewer products reduces the waste in our ecosystem - hence she currently has just one multifunctional product, the hydrating retinol-based Josie Dream Mask. As an overnight mask, it can repair and alleviate the skin from aggressors and environmental damage. Plus, skin cell renewal and turnover increase when the body is in a deep sleep. Her products are natural, recyclable, and cruelty-free. As an example of the clean ingredients, Josie Rose sources the microalgae grown in clean, filtered seawater, and the rose water from organic farming. Anna is in product development with a unique SPF serum, and on a more personal level, Anna has a special love for whales and dolphins, where Josie Rose supports Whales & Dolphins Conservation pledging to donate 1% of all profits.

The multitasking Josie Dream Mask has a total of 38 Ingredients, 23 of which are natural and sustainably sourced with active nutrients and antioxidants. It is water-based and intensely moisturises the skin leaving it more hydrated with fine lines plumped up. Applied as an overnight mask, it can replace, or work with regular nighttime skincare. We think it’s better used alone to get the full benefits of all these natural activities. Usually, we would go into each ingredient in detail, but on this occasion, we’ll leave you to look at their ingredients section for a full explanation. We’ve picked out a few of the key ingredients below:

It is packed with 20% actives and has a potent combination of 5% micro-encapsulated retinol (1% pure) and 1% bakuchiol with stable vitamin C. The micro-encapsulated retinol is what sets it apart. It contains the highest level of retinol you can get over the counter, as it’s micro-encapsulated, which means it works at a deeper level without any irritation. Their small molecule size allows them to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, improving fine lines and increasing collagen and elastin production. Bakuchiol extract is from the psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant's leaves and seeds. It is a compound recognised as a phyto-retinol and a natural alternative to synthetic retinol. It works the same way as retinol but is also an anti-inflammatory. Vitamin C is known to stabilise retinol, and is a powerful antioxidant, offering protection from oxidative stress. Also, it has a biodegradable delivery system which delivers lipophilic active agents, including fat-soluble vitamins and botanicals, into the outer layers of the skin.

The Australian botanicals are kangaroo paw and Tasmanian pepperberry (both of which we’ve featured before). The kangaroo paw is full of fatty acids, which encourage cell growth. The ferulic acid in the flower offers keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen and elastin to enhance the skin. It also acts as a photoprotective agent from harmful UV rays. The Tasmanian pepperberry comes from a shrub found in south-eastern Australia. It reduces inflammation, redness and sensitivity and consists of the powerful active polygodial, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The ultra-nourishing ‘Natural Moisturising Factors’ (NMFs as Anna refers to them) are a blend of humectants and emollients with ectoin, hyaluronic acid, lecithin, plant squalane and urea. When combined, they hydrate the skin, helping it maintain a dewy, plumped up, smooth texture.

There’s also a blend of super active microalgae, rose stem cells, fermented honey and cold-pressed plant oils like papaya, melon and cucumber seed. These give optimum skin hydration, keep the skin cells regenerating, and protect the epidermal barrier.

The Josie Dream mask is housed in a recyclable plastic-free sea green glass cylinder with an airless pump to ensure stability and efficiency. Once a product is exposed to light and air, any active ingredients will lose their potency. It’s designed to be used 2-3 times per week depending on skin type or concerns. We used it solo and with a serum - which honestly wasn’t needed, with the plethora of goodies here to feed the skin. As we have sensitive skin we were a little cautious given the high retinol content. However, our concerns were unfounded, it was gentle enough to use around the eye area, with no skin tingling and was very light and easy to apply. A big plus is that it has no added fragrance, and a thin layer felt more like a cream than a mask. We loved how it left our skin hydrated and glowing in the morning. What a bonus! It's another of our #amazingfinds and one we’d like to recommend. Forget your regular night cream and make this your investment overnight skincare, as it’s worth every penny. To purchase this 30ml Josie Dream Mask for £68.00, see here.