Sens8ate : Morning Dew CBD Day Cream

Whenever there is an opportunity to discover a new launch skincare, at The Amazing Blog - we’re on it! And as regular readers will know, we’re big advocates of CBD, so imagine our delight when we received Sens8ate, a CBD infused skincare range with their Morning Dew CBD Day Cream.

Sens8ate is a UK based vegan-friendly skincare brand launched in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Patrick and Gomolemo Shirley. The brand’s priority is to provide the consumer with “products that look great, work effectively on the skin and are kind to the environment.”  The fact that the founders both grew up using herbal remedies and botanical extracts meant that Sens8ate had to reflect these practices. So the emphasis here is on the importance of their 95+% natural ingredients. The brand has been built on the philosophy of “producing ethical skincare that also looks desirable.” The Sens8ate skincare range is cruelty-free and is without parabens, sulphates or harmful toxins. There's also a trio of CBD infused skincare within the range of seven products that include cleansers, moisturisers, and serums. Gomolemo recently said, “When it comes to CBD-based beauty products, CBD promises a range of health benefits, many of which have been praised for treating and preventing skin breakout,” which is why they have infused CBD into some of their offerings. As an eco-aware company, Sens8ate also ensures they do their part in protecting the planet by using a minimal amount of plastic with all their products to help safeguard the environment for future generations. The brand is manufactured in the UK, using recyclable luxurious porcelain glass containers, with lids made of natural bamboo and ashwood, and the unique scroll boxes which use real birchwood.  Gomolemo went on to say, “I feel we have so far managed to achieve that balance and created products that are effective, sustainable whilst being aesthetically pleasing to the eye. We will continue to find innovative ways of eliminating plastic altogether whenever possible.” Sens8ate’s eco-friendly practices have obviously not gone unnoticed, as they recently won Best Sustainable Beauty Brand at the 2021 Hip & Healthy Sustainability Awards.

So back to CBD skincare, we were eager to try their Morning Dew CBD Day Cream a hydrating CBD infused moisturiser, with 98% natural ingredients and is deemed suitable for all types. This Day Cream is one of three products in the THC-free CBD range. Although the CBD here is sourced the USA, the brand is conscious about reducing its carbon footprint and has recently appointed a UK-based supplier. Apart from the 50mg of CBD, there is also a blend of botanicals and essential oils. The CBD is isolate (the purest form of crystalised CBD) and produced by removing all other compounds found in the hemp plant, including other cannabinoids isolating the CBD. This isolate is thought to be the best type of CBD for use in skincare, as it’s odourless, doesn't clog pores and is packed with skin-rejuvenating antioxidants properties. CBD’s other USP is that it interacts directly with our endocannabinoid receptors to help maintain moisture levels. This ensures that the sebum production is regulated correctly, to avoid overly dry or oily skin. In this formula, the CBD isolate is mixed with a blend of natural ingredients which are high in efficiency to help fight off the first signs of ageing.

The other key oils in the Day Cream include avocado, coconut, baobab, prickly pear, sunflower, olive, apricot kernel, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, oat extract and vitamin E (oils and lipids). However, we couldn’t find the other’ key ingredients’ mentioned on the website, with rosehip, argan and buriti fruit - they’re not on the Day Cream packaging..?! Perhaps those listed on the website are for more general ingredients other than this skincare. We particularly like prickly pear and baobab oils rich in vitamin E and fatty acids which soothes inflammation, acne and reduce redness. Green tea is a powerful antibacterial agent for treating acne and unclogging pores. Polyphenols in green tea have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties that help fight against skin infections. The meadowfoam seed oil maintains the skin’s natural balance of sebum production; and the cherry fruit extract is a very potent antioxidant, packed with vitamin C to protect skin from environmental stressors, addresses hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone. And finally, we should mention our old friend hyaluronic acid, which, as we all know, hydrates and firms the skin.

These botanical infusions make this Day Cream not only effective with the antioxidant and antibacterial properties but also refreshing with the floral scent, which significantly adds to its overall appeal. Easy to apply, it absorbed swiftly leaving no excess and felt cooling and replenishing. As the temperature drops and seasons change, so does our skin. Therefore it’s important to keep it hydrated and protected against the elements, and this Day Cream certainly offers a good first step with its plethora of nutritious and natural ingredients. To purchase The Morning Dew CBD Day Cream for £49.99,  see here.

Havuka: Five Herbs Balm and the 30% Spruce Resin Balm

Living amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, at The Amazing Blog we love brands that transport us to faraway lands with their natural and organic products. Today, we’re back with the Finnish botanical brand Havuka, who we recently featured here, this time it’s with their  Five Herbs Facial Balm and 30% Spruce Resin Balm.

Havuka is a Finnish brand launched by entrepreneur Anna-Leena Toivanen that creates natural, artisan cosmetics "from the Finnish forests and land." Their products utilise natural remedies from the Finnish landscape inspired by Elias Lönnrot's recipes. Elias Lönnrot was a Finnish physician, philologist, and collector of traditional Finnish oral poetry. During his travels, Elias collected poems and stories across Finland, resulting in the creation of the Kalevala, a collection of literary works based on the Finnish landscape. Throughout his journey, Elias discovered the healing powers of Finnish botanicals and herbs. Particuarlly the spruce resin, which has been used in Nordic countries for centuries as a healing balm to treat skin infections, insect bites, chapped hands, cuts, scrapes, eczema, burns and rashes. Havuka continues his journey by bringing "natural products made according to his recipes bringing them into modern times." The brand is a family-owned company that has passed on the tradition of creating these natural products for three generations. Anna-Leena first learned about Elias Lönnrot from her father, and now her son Timo Tynys is the current CEO. Havuka's resin-based spruce products are made by hand using traditional Finnish techniques, where they take great care when sourcing their materials, selecting spruce resin harvested domestically and combining with other organic ingredients. 

Havuka sent us two of their products to try, the first being their Five Herbs Balm.  As Elias Lönnrot wandered across the northern meadow, he collected five herbs from which he prepared an eye cream that he gave to his wife, Maria. The Havuka Five Herbs Facial Balm is modelled after this very cream. The first botanical is dandelion. Rich in antioxidants, it has anti-ageing benefits for the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Dandelion also contains vitamin C that promotes healing and detoxifying properties that help reduce clogged pores and acne. The second herb is yarrow, said to have been used on battlefields to slow bleeding, it also has antimicrobial properties. In this balm, it works to restore the skin, soothing irritation and healing broken capillaries. The Five Herbs Facial Balm also contains burdock, which includes multiple types of powerful antioxidants like quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids. These antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, and is ideal for treating skin conditions like acne and eczema. The next herb in the balm is broadleaf plantain, the leaves of this plant contain many anti-inflammatory compounds like tannins and flavonoids. It can also support healing by blocking microbial growth and relieving pain. The fifth and final botanical is chickweed, which has a high concentration of vitamin B that soothes skin and eases any inflammation caused by bug bites or eczema. This balm is specifically aimed at helping to calm and soothe the skin around the delicate eye area. To apply, take a small amount with your ring finger and gently tap the cream onto your skin, starting from the inner corner of the eye and going outwards. They recommend keeping the cream in the refrigerator, as the coolness feels refreshing on the skin helping to calm and heal, plus, the darkness of the refrigerator protects the integrity of the balm's delicate ingredients. 

The second product that Havuka sent us was their 30% Spruce Resin Balm. Throughout his journeys, Elias Lönnrot developed wounds on his feet, prompting him to utilise the powerful healing benefits of Spruce Resin. And legend has it that this resin immediate soothed his feet and gave him the strength to continue on his travels. Spruce Resin, known as ‘nature's own antiseptic balm,’ has rejuvenating and calming benefits, repairing skin damage while also providing antibacterial and antimicrobial protection. It's a renewable natural resource that contains hundreds of active compounds, including antioxidants, flavonoids, delicate oils, and natural resin acids. Spruce Resin is said to be so potent that with regular application, beneficial effects are visible within only 3-5 applications! Again, this balm doesn't contain any chemicals, fragrances, or additives, only pure raw materials with 30% spruce resin, organic beeswax and rapeseed oil. Ideal for use to treat dry skin, abrasions, scratches, insect bites, burns (including sunburn), and even healing tattoos. And also suitable for our furry friends too, it can treat wounds, burnt or day paws, and even tick bites and insect stings. This is a balm that’s good for treating the body as a whole (rather than specifically the eye area). For skin and nail issues, they suggest applying the balm to the area once or twice daily until healed. It’s also recommended to use the resin balm in a warm environment like a sauna where the heat enhances its absorption. We love how both these little jars of balms have a multitude of uses - perfect for keeping in the medicine cabinet or on the dressing table. To purchase the Havuka Five Herbs Balm, 40ml for €27.90 or 100ml €49.90 here and The 30% Spruce Resin Balm is available here at €27.90 £ for 40ml or 100ml at €39.90.  

Object : Moisturising Shampoo Bar

At The Amazing Blog, we like to find new and artisan natural brands to talk about, and today, we’re featuring an award-winning eco-friendly natural haircare from the British artisan brand Object. We tried out their  Moisturising Shampoo Bar and their purposefully designed Light Weight Travel Tin shampoo bar container.

Object, is co-founded by Jack Wolton and Hugo Tylor, and focuses on providing “natural, ethical, and plastic-free products.” After struggling to find hair and body care brands that offer both sustainable and high-quality ingredients, Wolton and Tylor decided in December 2020 to create their own. The two are eager to offer new alternatives to wasteful plastic packaging, while also providing well-designed and effective natural ingredients. Object launched to fill this gap in the market and is built on the principles of creating natural alternatives and “objecting to the status quo” - hence the inspiration for the brand name! The founders also want to tackle and create awareness of social and environmental issues and in a recent interview with It’s Nice That, Wolton describes here how they care a lot about inclusivity and promote acceptance and diversity, and celebrate being ‘different’ in everything that they do. They also donate a percentage of their sales to local charities, plus they have a strict code of ethics which all their suppliers must comply with. To reflect their values, they do not use any chemicals in their products and only use natural ingredients, which can be found on their website here. The brand takes its sustainability efforts even further by being a waterless and plastic-free brand. The packaging is made from 50% recycled cotton, and they only use FSC (The Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper and cartons. They have gained brand recognition for their eco-friendly efforts, as their Moisturising Shampoo Bar was recently awarded Gold for the Best Sustainable Hair Product at the 2021 Global Green Beauty Awards. Object has also received the Butterfly Mark Certification by Positive Luxury to show how they meet the “highest verified sustainability standards.”  

As fans of shampoo bars, we couldn’t wait to try this Moisturising Shampoo Bar. We find that shampoo bars tend to last longer than liquid shampoos, and are gentler on the hair and scalp as they don’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate, which can contribute to dry hair. The Moisturising Shampoo Bar is gender-inclusive, handmade in Spain, and does not use any sulphates, parabens, artificial colouring, or palm oil. As regular readers will know, palm oil contributes to deforestation, and the sulphates can lead to a dry and irritated scalp. This award-winning bar is made from moringa, jojoba and argan oils, blended together with coconut milk and essential oils. The moringa oil, made from the seeds of a moringa oleifera (a type of tree found in the Himalayan mountains), is packed with omega-3, which moisturises and strengthens the hair and scalp. Jojoba oil contains a blend of oils, vitamins, and minerals that help to regulate scalp sebum production, and leave hair feeling hydrated. As for argan oil, it helps soothe and nourish hair cuticles with its vitamin E and fatty acids. The coconut milk here is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin E to fight against serum build-up in the hair. The combination of these ingredients helps hair to have more volume and shine and overall be more healthy. The sustainable nature of this product also is important to point out, as it’s all-natural, vegan, 100% plastic-free, and cruelty-free. Did you know that a shampoo bar saves the waste of up to three shampoo bottles? The bar also has a fragrance combination of earthy and citrus scent that is derived from the blend of ylang-ylang, cedarwood, citronella, and lavender essential oils. We found it long-lasting and both refreshing and nourishing for the hair. To use the shampoo bar, we soaked our hair and rubbed the bar in our hands to create a frothy lather, and worked it into our scalp. We then ran the bar down the hair strands to cleanse and finally rinsed. The shampoo bar left our hair squeaky clean with zesty fragrance; however, we did need to follow up with our regular conditioner to leave it tangle-free.

What we also like the ergonomically designed shampoo bar container, Object's Light Weight Travel Tin, to store the bar and to help to make it last longer. It’s made from rust-proof aluminium with strong durability and a screw top to prevent leaking. This container is perfect for draining your shampoo bar dry straight from the shower or for travel purposes. They suggest frequently emptying water from the tin, and ensuring that the bar is dry before putting it into the tin. The Light Weight Travel Tin can be purchased here for £5, and the Moisturising Shampoo Bar can be purchased here for £14.  

Mokosh : The Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack

With so many different skincare products to choose from, mixing and matching products can often feel like trying to solve a puzzle! So, today at The Amazing Blog, we thought we’d keep it easy by featuring a set of products that work together in perfect synergy. Meet The Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack, a sample-sized 4-step routine created by the organic skincare brand Mokosh.

Former medical scientist, veterinarian, and pathologist Marion O'Leary founded Australian brand Mokosh in 2006 after discovering many of the mainstream skincare brands she used contained toxic ingredients. She worked with her friend Jayne Bland who introduced her to the Indian science of Ayurveda, which focuses on working with the body's natural healing systems. The result is 10 years of research and experimenting, refining, and perfecting an organic skincare range that doesn’t compromise on ingredients - using the purest and most beneficial. Marion was determined to make "the world's cleanest skincare range" by creating Mokosh. She wants to target the root cause of skin imbalance and restore the skin's equilibrium with products that are potent, healing all made with simple botanicals. All products are formulated without water, or the skin-disrupting emulsifiers and preservatives. As a waterless brand, Mokosh products have a higher concentration of healing, natural ingredients that don't disturb the skin's microbiome or barrier. In addition, all Mokosh products are free from synthetic ingredients, fillers, palm oil, and artificial fragrances. They're cruelty-free, certified organic, and packaged only with refillable or recyclable materials. Mokosh offers a skin-match quiz on their website to recommend products based on your skin type, concerns, and needs. With natural products that are suitable for any skin type, it's no wonder that Mokosh is a multi-award-winning brand and recently received the "Most Revolutionary Skincare Brand" Award in the Luxlife Health, Beauty, & Wellness Awards 2021.

Mokosh sent us their Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack,  a set of four different products designed to meet the needs of dry and mature skin. These products focus on hydration, replenishing the skin's protective barrier, removing dead skin cells, rebalancing skin pH, and delivering potent nutrients to promote collagen production and enhance elasticity. The first product in the pack is their Facial Cleanser, Exfoliator, and Mask,  a 3-in-1 formulation that removes superficial cell debris, clarifying, refining, and renewing the skin. It delivers humectants, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory molecules, minerals and α- and β- hydroxy acids that promote cell regeneration and collagen growth. It contains aloe vera gel powder to soothe and moisturise skin, meadowsweet leaf and flower powder which contains salicylic acid to exfoliate naturally, and pomegranate fruit juice powder to provide hydration and deposit vitamin C in the skin. This Facial Cleanser, Exfoliator, and Mask comes in a powder form, so to use it, take about ½ to 1 teaspoon of powder and add water to make a smooth paste. To cleanse, gently massage the face and rinse, and to use as a mask, apply it to the skin and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. We liked using this product in the shower to make it easier to mix and rinse, but be careful not to allow water into the jar!

The second product in the pack is the Pure Hydrosol Toner made with a blend of damask rose and lemon balm hydrosols. Hydrosols are made by distilling fresh flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. They're water-soluble and contain as many nutrients as essential oils but are much gentler on the skin. Rose hydrosol is a mild astringent, so it controls sebum production, tightens pores, and balances skin pH. It also maintains moisture in the skin, delays the formation of wrinkles, and has anti-inflammatory properties, decreasing redness and repairing irritated and damaged skin. Lemon balm Hydrosol also soothes inflamed skin, tightens pores, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Both of these hydrosols also have aromatherapeutic properties, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. You can spray this onto your face and neck after cleansing and before applying the serum. We also liked using it throughout the day, as it’s a refreshing pick-me-up.

The third product is the Raspberry and Pomegranate Beauty Serum, a hydrating concentrate that Mokosh designed for normal and dry skin. The serum is a blend of ten organic botanical seed oils that work together to protect dermal elements and plump and soften the skin to reduce signs of ageing. Pomegranate and raspberry seed oils contain high concentrations of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that fortify the skin's barrier, as well as Vitamin E, C, and A that provide deep moisturisation that helps to restore damaged skin and fade scars. After cleansing, warm about 3 to 4 drops of this serum in your hands before patting gently into your skin.

This routine's fourth and final product is the  Rich Face Cream formulated for mature or dry skin types. It's an award-winning and best-selling cream that delivers potent botanicals and nutrients that protect collagen, build the skin's protective barrier, and support cell growth. This cream contains ten oils mixed with shea butter, including rosehip, avocado, pomegranate, neem, and prickly pear oils - all rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, triglycerides, and vitamins. These nutrients nourish and repair skin, and help to reduce inflammation, and even skin tone. As the last step in your routine, take a half pea-sized amount, warm in your hands, and pat onto skin. It smells amazing and feels luxurious, almost balm-like in texture, and best of all, very little goes a long way. Being small and compact this Ulitmate Nutritious Starter Pack could also be a very good travel companion for a weekend away. To experience the benefits of the Mokosh Ultimate Nutritious Starter Pack, you can purchase it here for $45.00AUD.  

CBD Pure Oils: CALM – CBD Infused Scented Oil

Regular readers of The Amazing Blog will know that we can’t resist trying something new from the world of CBD, Today, think ‘room fragrance’. We couldn’t resist trying this CALM- CBD Infused Scented Oil, a CBD infused fragranced oil from CBD Pure Oils. A few drops in water either with an ultrasonic aroma diffuser (photo above) or burning in a traditional ceramic one; the combined effects of CBD with essential oils help to transform a room’s ambience.

The CBD Pure Oils story starts in August of 2017 with two friends discovering that they’ve both been using CBD products, on a regular basis for anxiety and pain relief.  This was the moment when Debbie Houghton and Julie Barrett decided to become the founders of a new CBD brand, This way they both could share their CBD experience with others. What started as an idea to provide high-quality CBD products has now turned into a successful and innovative brand.   They described CBD Pure OIls as a place for consumers to “easily access the products they desire and be assured that the CBD products they are buying are pure.”  With transparency at the forefront, the two founders want to ensure that the CBD products they offer are always reliable and pure. To emphasise this brand message, they use EU-approved hemp strains that have been extracted in the UK through a Co2 supercritical extraction process. They’ve also made information on their products available here with the laboratory results giving the strength and purity.  CBD Pure Oils sells a selection of full-spectrum but THC-free CBD products, ranging from oils and topicals to the slightly more unusual home products. Co-founder Denise pointed out, “Having the ability to provide a CBD oil that contains the whole plant, and is full-spectrum, increases ‘the entourage effect’ within our bodies, meaning our customers will get the maximum benefits from our CBD oil.” They’re also proud members of the Cannabis Trade Association, a trade body that aims to foster good work practice, raise standards, increase safety, and monitor the cannabis trade industry in Europe. All products are suitable for vegans, they’re mindful of their carbon footprint, and use recyclable packaging for their products.  

CALM- CBD Infused Scented Oil combines essential oils with 20mg of full-spectrum CBD oil, creating an aromatherapy-based room fragrance. This deep scented blend can be broken down into three main notes: the top note is bergamot, the middle note is patchouli, and the base note is amber. As mentioned earlier, this dark amber and bergamot essential oil is infused with full-spectrum CBD, this unusual addition helps to add another dimension raising a further sense of calm, which in turn reduces stress and promotes a feeling of relaxation. The full-spectrum CBD oil means that it retains many of the terpenes and natural plant compounds, like THC. However, the THC in all the products from CBD Pure Oils has been removed by using a Co2 supercritical extraction process. When these terpenes come together with other natural plant compounds, like those found in essential oils, they tend to create an even more amplified effect. The bergamot here is a popular citrus essential oil also known to relax the mind and relieve stress. Patchouli oil, made from the leaves of a patchouli plant, has its own beneficial properties like alleviating pain and easing anxiety, As for the amber oil, made from melted tree resin, it’s known to strengthen memory, soothe the mind, and improve sleep patterns. All these ingredients come together to form this unique CALM- CBD Infused Scented Oil. By harnessing the CBD benefits with these essential oils, this infusion creates a feeling of ‘calm’ which when either burnt or vapourised in a diffuser, offers a feeling of almost meditative tranquillity to the surroundings.

To use this CALM - CBD Infused Scented Oil, we simply added five or six drops together with water into our ultrasonic aroma diffuser, which dispersed plumes of fragranced vapour into the air, taking only moments to create a scent-filled room. The best way to describe this dark bergamot and amber aroma is a warm, earthy, sweet scent with a slight touch of citrusy spice - and no smell of hemp!  We found it very mellow and autumnal. Sadly, this little bottle didn’t last long as the scent proved very popular in the office, and became part of our daily home-time routine - stimulating the senses and calming our busy minds!. Yes, it’s another one of our #amazingfinds. The 10 ml CALM- CBD Infused Scented Oil (containing 20 mg of CBD oil) can be purchased here for £9.