Founder's Formula : Macadamia Omega-7 Cleansing Oil

We were thrilled to see one of our favourite Australian skincare brands Founder's Formula as a 2022 Beauty Shortlist Editor’s Choice winner, and this time, it’s with their Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil which the brand very kindly sent us a while back to try on The Amazing Blog. That’s why today we thought we’d feature their cleansing oil, and tell you a little bit more about it.

Anthropologist Dr. Annie Holden founded Founder's Formula in March 2021. Annie Holden studied Australian botanicals and discovered how effectively they could be used in skincare. Australia contains over 70% of the world's most unique plants. And many of these plants are high in various nutrients, which have many benefits for the skin. Australian botanicals contain many active, potent ingredients which have proven to be very beneficial in skincare. Founder's Formula is a very sustainable and environmentally friendly brand, as all products are clinically clean, and ingredients are from organic suppliers and wildly harvested when possible. All the formulas are vegan and use minimal natural and organic ingredients, which are mainly locally sourced. To see our other reviews of Founder’s Formula see here.

The Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil is an excellent cleanser, and as an oil-based cleanser, it’s unique from other types of cleansers, such as foam cleansers or bars. Oil-based cleaners are particularly effective at removing dirt or makeup from the skin because they sink deep and can dissolve any excess oils in the skin. Therefore, they are typically thought to be more effective than foam cleansers or bars, as they’re very gentle and don’t strip the skin or cause breakouts as they contain very soothing ingredients, which don’t irritate the eyes or skin.

The product has six nourishing ingredients which protect the skin, boost collagen and elastin synthesis, and improve micro-circulation. The first and star ingredient is organic macadamia seed oil, (also known as Queensland nut tree or maroochy nut) which has ample benefits and is very high in omega 7, which is often referred to as the 'beauty omega.' omega 7 increases the synthesis of elastin and collagen. It restores the skin's omega balance, protecting skin cells and supporting cellular health. Macadamia is also rich in squalene which helps in cell regeneration. It also contains phytosterols that protect the skin, and are filled with fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. There is also organic jojoba seed oil which gives the product its soothing and antioxidant properties. The peg-20 glyceryl isostearate is a mild cleansing agent, but it also contains many soothing properties, it’s considered a very safe ingredient in skincare products and has undergone an extensive toxicology review, see here. The organic avocado oil and hemp seed oil are vital sources of skin-replenishing fatty acids and an excellent source of amino acids, and vitamin E. Talking of vitamin E there’s tocopherol, an antioxidant form of vitamin E, which helps maintain healthy skin. Finally, there’s the organic Australian sandalwood seed oil, which here is used as a fragrance but can also have antibiotic properties. 

This Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil works well for all skin types including sensitive ones. Founder Annie Holden says it’s her favourite product, "I live at the beach and slather myself in sunblock every day, so I wanted to create a rich, organic, nourishing cleansing oil that would remove every skerrick of sunblock clean away but not strip my skin. I love all my products, but that is my favourite." We found that this oil cleanser thoroughly cleansed away city pollution, as well as any stubborn residue of makeup. Plus, as we use 50+ SPF all year round - it ensures it’s fully removed at night as it can lead to clogged pores and increment in the production of sebum, and none of us want more spots! With the few natural and organic ingredients here, there are ample benefits of using an oil-based cleanser, and we think that this Macadamia Omega 7 Deep Cleansing Oil is an excellent addition to anyone's skincare routine and another one of our #amazingfinds. To purchase 150 ml for 59 dollars or 250 ml for 85 dollars, AND to get a 10% discount please click here expiring 30 June 2022, Adding code AMAZING at check out, valid one per customer.

Skin Creamery : Basil, Baobab, Cypress,Marjoram Shower Oil

For us, at The Amazing Blog, there’s no better way to start the day than with a powerful and refreshing shower! And this is where we’re always looking for cleansing and post-shower products that are both kind to the skin and super hydrating. Edwina was delighted to test out this South African skincare brand Skin Creamery, with their Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil for the recent 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, which we’re featuring today.

Skin Creamery was founded in 2014 by Hannah Rubin in Cape Town, South Africa. Growing up in the lush green Garden Route, she developed a more natural and conscious way of life. Hannah went on to work as a practitioner in top salons and spas, where she developed a passion for natural fragrances, ingredients and sensory wellbeing. Fueled by this interest, Hannah went on to study and launch her minimalist natural and organic skincare range, Skin Creamery. She told Afrenai in a recent interview, "With all the knowledge and experience I had gathered in my line of work and my passion for all things natural and organic [having grown up on a farm] that urged me to create my own range. One that met all my needs, of being simple and easy to use, that felt good on the skin, smelt amazing and was nicely packaged," The Skin Creamery ethos is to be kind to the earth and skin by using ingredients made from 100% natural origin that are earth-friendly and certified organic. The brand is dedicated to reducing plastic use, unnecessary packaging, and decreasing its carbon footprint. They also make sure their ingredients are from fair trade outlets and try to source all raw ingredients from South Africa or within Africa. Plus, wherever possible, they are waterless, meaning no preservatives are needed. A couple of their products, including the Everyday Cream and Oil-Milk Cleanser, are available as refills, and the Deep Cleansing Powder is gentle and plastic-free. Skin Creamery strives to be sustainable, and ideal for the environment and zero-waste beauty enthusiasts. Skin Creamery products are vegan and cruelty-free. The brand has already won several awards at the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards, including Best Oil to Milk Cleanser for their Oil Milk Cleanser and Best Facial Toner for their Skin Tonic.

The Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil is very different from your average body cleansing product, and as a shower oil, it doesn’t foam or contain any soap. While the primary purpose of a product like a shower gel is to cleanse, the main goal here for the shower oil is to moisturise. Plus, shower gel can only be used in the shower; whereas the shower oil can also be used out of the shower. Skin Creamery's  Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil is super-hydrating as it locks in moisture. The base oils sunflower, jojoba, baobab and Kalahari seed oil, which all help keep the skin supple. It also has natural essential oils that soften the skin leaving a refreshing natural herbal scent with a unique combination of cypress, basil, marjoram, peppermint, lavender and bergamot.

Basil has many skin benefits the natural oils act as a natural cleanser and removes surplus oil and impurities. It also soothes and calms the skin and is packed with powerful antioxidants has antibacterial, anti-inflammation, and antiseptic properties. Made from the twigs, stems, & leaves of the cypress tree, cypress oil also has antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. It fights bacteria that often cause acne, and it helps with oily skin. Peppermint with its cooling effect leaves the skin feeling energised and promotes better circulation. Lavender has a calming effect and detoxifies to purge harmful toxins from the skin while promoting tension-release for sore muscles. Bergamot is a natural cleanser and stimulates skin cell renewal as a natural astringent. Its clarifying and oil-reducing properties make it ideal for anyone suffering from overactive sebum production. Finally, marjoram is known to restore hormonal balance, hydrate, moisturise, and purify the skin. It strengthens lipid production to nourish and repair skin, alleviate dryness, and enhance moisture.

This shower oil is exceptional and impressed us with its super hydrating properties. The fragrance is deliciously green, herbal and garden-fresh - for us, it was stimulating and reviving. Its unique scent and oily texture make it both luxurious and calming. We used this after our morning shower by putting a few drops directly onto damp skin and gently rubbing it in to let it absorb and to let the natural scent linger for longer. The brand also recommends using it directly after dry brushing the skin to get maximum benefits from the natural ingredients. Housed an elegant green-tinted glass bottle, it not only makes a glamorous addition to the bathroom but also reduces plastic waste as the brand emphasises sustainability by using little to no single-use packaging, "Skin Creamery is committed to ethical business practices and is focused on creating innovative packaging solutions that are both luxurious and sustainable. We aim to replace single-use packaging with packaging that is functional, reusable or recyclable."  Apart from being awarded an Editor’s Choice Winner in this year’s 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, it’s also another of our #amazingfinds as an excellent shower oil/ body moisturiser. If you are looking to give your skin a natural hydration boost, then this is for you. The Skin Creamery's Basil Baobab Cypress Marjoram Shower Oil is 100 ml at R299.00 (approximately £15) from the brand’s website here.

Aura Organics : Mini Microdermabrasion Tropical Honey Exfoliating Face Mask

Let’s talk face masks; it’s something that we love at The Amazing Blog, and consider an essential part of our regular skincare routine. We were lucky enough to test out The Mini Microdermabrasion Tropical Honey Exfoliating Face Mask from Aura Organics, which won Best Exfoliating Product at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards.

Aura Organics was founded in 2015 and is a small family run business by Danielle Andrean. It is a London based spa and beauty brand focusing on both beauty and wellbeing. Their motto is "Pura Vida", which translates to "pure life" and ties into their mission statement as a natural, organic and holistic brand. As they proudly state, "Our company policy is to always be environmentally friendly, always keep up to date on the most interesting new remedies from around the world. We are organic. We are natural." The brand was also awarded the "Silver Award" at the 2018 Free From Skincare Awards and was nominated again the following year too. Aura Organics has a physical space in London where they offer spa and yoga services. "We welcome you to Aura Spa. Our sacred space is where you can indulge in guilt-free beauty and wellbeing. We pride ourselves in high-quality service with our friendly all-female team." Their treatments range from facials and pedicures to massages and CBD tanning. Their yoga and wellness studio provides a variety of physical classes. You can pick between a relaxing yoga class or a high-intensity pilates class. Got a little one? You're in luck because Aura Organics also offers baby yoga. In addition to this, their wellness studio provides more spiritual workshops such as angel readings and meditation. The skincare range from Aura Organics is cruelty-free, as well as paraben and sulphate free. The brand is also free from harsh chemicals as they have an extensive knowledge of healing plants. They even use natural preservatives such as fermented radish and coconut (see below). Most importantly, the brand strictly highlights being an all-natural and organic range of skincare. Danielle said, "My experience in working within the mainstream skincare industry revealed many problematic, unnatural and cheap ingredients in a lot of products that lack nutritional value and cause skin irritation. This initiated the beginning of a mission to apply the knowledge I had learnt, alongside studying organic cosmetic chemistry to create wholesome and organic products." Aura Organics also uses special coloured glass bottles to help protect the product from harmful UV rays and keeps products free from contamination by plastics. Overall the brand offers a wide range of both skincare and services to help keep the skin glowing, the mind healthy, and the body active. 

What we loved was the Mini Microdermabrasion Tropical Honey Exfoliating Face Mask, which is said to help reduce clogged pores and leave the skin firmer, moisturised and radiant, The star ingredient here is honey. The brand specifically uses acacia mangium honey, which some have compared to manuka honey, but this is far more sustainable. The honey is imported from the Borneo rainforest, with the bees pollinate the abundance of acacia mangium trees. This honey (like most) is rich in nutrients and minerals like iron, zinc potassium calcium and copper, vitamin C and other antioxidants. However, acacia mangium honey, like manuka, it’s thought to help improve the healing time of wounds; making it a great choice to use if you have scarring or any common skin conditions like acne. Aura Organics says that they chose this honey as it's completely free from pollutants and supports the delicate ecological balance in its surroundings.

The Exfoliating Face Mask has a base of kaolin clay which is purifying and detoxifying, it gently cleanses the skin to remove dirt, grime, and general pollutants. It’s also infused with organic sweet orange oil and beta carotene-rich organic mango butter and extract. These both moisturise, are rich in antioxidants, stop dryness and help soothe any skin irritation.

For the exfoliant, the organic pineapple powder complements the bamboo extract, for a natural and gentle way to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface. Not only is bamboo high in antioxidants, but it contains large amounts of natural silica which strengthen and tighten the skin, that naturally retains moisture keeping the skin hydrated. It also naturally absorbs dirt and bacteria to keep pores clean, exfoliating the skin for better absorption of serums or moisturisers, in order to give a healthier-looking complexion. Finally, the fermented radish root and coconut are here as pure and natural preservatives - giving the product a safe and longer shelf life.

Packaged in a small metallic rose gold jar, we can only describe this mask as uplifting with its fruity and zesty scent. It smells almost good enough to eat! Whipped into a creamy paste, the kaolin clay combined with all the ingredients gives it a good thick texture, making it easy to spread generously and evenly on the face, neck and décolletage. We applied it as a mask and kept it on for about 10-15 minutes to hydrate and moisturise. Then gently massaged it in, using slow circular motions to exfoliate and eliminate all the dead skin, before rinsing off and patting dry. We love the natural and organic ingredients, and also how it leaves the skin super-soft and looking refreshed. Aura Organics recommends using this once or twice a week, followed by a soothing moisturiser. For us, it’s a keeper and another of our #amazingfinds. You can purchase the 100g Mini Microdermabrasion Tropical Honey Exfoliating Face Mask here for £12. 

Menteath Lewes : Smoked Bay Body Oil

Today is the start of a series of our product reviews, where Edwina had the privilege to be on the panel of judges for this year’s 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards. They are also our #amazingfinds here on The Amazing Blog. As regular readers will know we love to find and share new sustainable and indie brand products. And what better way to kick off than by reviewing a brand awarded “Best Brand to Watch 2022.” This unique skincare company, Menteath caught our attention with their handcrafted products and wild-grown ingredients inspired by ancient traditions. Watch this space as they make new strides in the world of natural skincare. We want to introduce you to their very special Smoked Bay Body Oil, which we fell in love with.

In 2019, Felicity Stuart-Menteath, inspired by nature’s beauty, created her brand Menteath in the memory of her grandfather, Fred Hatton. Menteath is an all-natural, organically certified and holistic skincare that carefully and thoughtfully creates infused skincare products. As Felicity says, “I have fused traditional smoke rituals from the Middle East and Old England, bringing together ancient traditions, conservation, and wildlife, with beauty in nature.” The name of the brand itself alludes to Felicity’s Scottish lineage, although the brand is based in Lewes, Sussex. She has drawn her inspiration from her journeys in the beautiful surroundings of the Sussex Downs and the Highlands to create a range of products, which include body oils, face oils, cleansers, and tonics. Apart from nature and the environment, Menteath prioritises sustainability and ethics. “I harvest fallen trees four times a year in line with the seasons in two woodland locations in Sussex, England, and Perthshire, Scotland. Each tree species allows me to create small batches of beautifully fragranced plant-derived oils.” They only use all-natural and well-sourced ingredients, and Menteath works with like-minded suppliers and producers that also aim to work ethically and sustainably. Additionally, the brand uses recycled materials for packaging its products, even generously offering a refill service to its customers. It’s important to the brand to source suppliers who work ethically, organically and provide alternative livelihood programmes supporting organic farmers who grow and harvest their plants every year. They have planted over 1,000 trees at Knepp Wildlife in Sussex, where each purchase of a Gift Box results in tree planting. Menteath also supports the Alternative Livelihoods Project (ALP) in Afghanistan, where much of the Earth's poppy seeds are harvested and sold. Poppies are crucial to the economy in Afghanistan, but they have unfortunately cost the lives of many innocent individuals. The ALP works to provide small farmers with the opportunity to grow alternatives to opium poppies and earn a stable income. Many of these farmers have successfully moved from poppy farming to organic rose otto farming. Each bottle sold of Menteath's Wild Path Body Oil supports these farmers in Afghanistan. Felicity also offers personalised massages and facials at her shop in Lewes - see here to book.

The Smoked Bay Body Oil is enriched with a smoky wood infusion, inspired by the smoke bathing similar to a dukhan, a practice where smouldering wood is placed around the oil, with wool draped over it to create a smoke chamber, which generates a rich herby and woody aroma from the scented smoking wood. According to Felicity, this body oil is a nod to the Aleppo Soapmakers in Syria, with its distinct smoky scent, and healing and soothing qualities.

The oil is rich in vitamins and actives that nourish the skin. The fundamental elements here are the combined oils with olive, wheat germ, jojoba, and sunflower. These moisturise and protect skin from environmental damage and pollution. They are also plentiful with fatty acids which helps the skin produce more collagen, for ample benefits to help improve the skin's elasticity. The wheat germ contains tocopherol (vitamin E) which nourishes, hydrates and is rich in antioxidants. The rosewood strengthens and regenerate the skin, and is, therefore, ideal for treating stretch marks or tired skin.

The further aromatic ingredients also include cade oil, which possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Historically used in folk medicine, cade oil is obtained by dry distillation from the branches of Juniperus oxycedrus, also known as prickly juniper, and further gives the product its smoky and woody scent. Like cade oil, lanus nobilis fruit (bayberries) here has anti-bacterial properties and depth to the scent with its sweet and spicy notes.

Thyme, pimento and racemosa leaf (part of the West Indian bay tree family), generate a delicious herby aroma. There’s the anti-microbial parsley seed which adds green, spicy, herbal notes to balance the smokiness. Limonene and geraniol are both ingredients used here to enhance the product’s scent. Geraniol is a naturally derived fragrance from plants such as rose, geranium and citronella. It serves as an excellent scent carrier with a floral bouquet and is known to offer the aroma a longer shelf life. Finally, limonene is present for its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. that is also known to calm skin.

The Smoked Bay Body oil is a treat. When opening the bottle the initial scent notes remind us of sweet burning leaves, which then mellow into more fragrant green tea and leathery notes. It becomes moreish, as the fragrance lingers with its rich aroma that gives a feeling of peace and comfort. Although it’s created as body care we couldn’t resist using it on hair ends too. Designed to be used after bathing or showering at night, we noticed when used, our skin was left hydrated and soft in the morning; making this another of our #amazingfinds and an excellent addition to any self-care routine. It’s a remarkable ode to nature and is undoubtedly a unique product, that has forged a way to connect modern skincare with ancient traditions. To purchase the 50ml Smoked Bay Body Oil at £48 see here. 

Annabelle Minerals - Makeup Pencils

It’s been a while since we’ve reviewed makeup on The Amazing Blog; so, we were excited to receive a range of makeup pencils from plastic-free and zero-waste mineral makeup brand Annabelle Minerals. It’s the first time we’ve reviewed Annabelle Minerals, and we couldn’t wait to try their latest launch of their eco and vegan EYE Pencils, JUMBO Eye Pencils and JUMBO Lip Pencils.

Anna Szczerba founded Annabelle Minerals in her home country Poland in 2016. Before creating her cosmetic company, she was a lawyer who studied law in Kraków. She began her company because of her personal experience with blemishes and when looking for solutions she came across a forum that introduced her to mineral makeup. This is when she discovered that mineral makeup helped with her breakouts and blemishes. With the lack of mineral makeup to be found in Poland, Anna decided to create her own with the help of a lab to manufacture her first cosmetic products, initially selling on her online shop and Facebook page. Eventually, she was able to quit her day job, and after a year, her brand was able to take off. Annabelle Minerals has been created with a view to being waste-free. As a starting point, with every product they release, they make an effort to use sustainable packaging. "Our passion is finding beauty in the surrounding reality, which is why the mission of Annabelle Minerals is making sure that every woman believes in the beauty that she has inside." As a vegan and cruelty-free brand, their products also offer UVA/UVB protection and are plastic-free, making them perfect for zero-waste lovers. They are also an award-winning brand with five awards to date which include Beauty Shortlist Awards in 2020 and 2021 and three Global Green Beauty Awards in 2020.  

Annabelle Minerals sent us their complete set of makeup pencils, which include JUMBO Lip Pencils, EYE Pencils and the JUMBO Eye Pencils. The brand told us the thought process and reason behind launching these new products. "We are constantly on the lookout for new launches in the spirit of less waste. As a brand, we’ve become very eco-conscious and are evolving towards being more sustainable with every new product, and makeup pencils were something that was missing in our offerings. We've been in the process of creating the lip pencils for months to make sure the first lip product is special and something we would use ourselves daily. Then we liked the results so much, that we decided to create something for the eyes, too."

Key ingredients common to all the makeup pencils are: Hydrogenated vegetable oil, copernicia cerifera wax, silica, glyceryl undecylenate, cocos nucifera, vitamin E, mica and oryzanol. The hydrogenated vegetable is best known as a thickening agent in cosmetics and for offering products a long and safe shelf life. However, it also has the added benefit of occlusives these help prevent transepidermal water loss. The copernicia cerifera wax is vegetable wax it’s a texture enhancer, stabiliser and a hypoallergenic additive to cosmetics. Silica when applied topically significantly improves the elasticity, texture and hydration of the skin. Glyceryl undecylenate is used to emulsify a product along with its antimicrobial properties. It also acts as a skin-conditioning agent and seals moisture into the skin. Cocos nucifera (coconut oil) is highly moisturising and the fatty acids give nourishment to the skin. Vitamin E is a light stabiliser, hydrator and antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory benefits. The mica is a natural mineral that is commonly used as a colour additive and for its shimmery qualities in cosmetics. Finally, oryzanol which is extracted from rice bran oil and good for natural UV-A and UV-B absorbing capacity

Let’s start with their JUMBO Lip pencils - these are effortless to apply with creamy, non-drying formula, making them are comfortable to wear all day long. They also nourish and soften while providing long-lasting coverage and are versatile enough to use as a lipstick or lip liner, leaving a velvety semi-matte finish. The JUMBO Lip Pencils come in three natural lip shades. Cranberry is a deep and moderately cool berry shade. It gives a natural, multidimensional look. It's perfect for an everyday makeup look or a unique statement look. When you're looking for a natural and simple lip, then the Clover shade is the way to go. This nude pink shade accentuates your lips naturally and easily—ideal for an everyday look. Lastly, Marigold is great for when you want a warmer hue. This colour has peachy tones that go great with daily makeup and could even be used with a bold smokey eye for an evening look. Marigold makes lips appear fuller with its natural lip tone colour, and like the other two colours, leaves a semi-matte finish.

As mentioned, there are two different types of eye pencils – their EYE Pencils and JUMBO Eye Pencils. Both these eye pencils leave a creamy and velvety look and give a great colour payoff, and come in three shades. They are gentle and perfect for sensitive eyes, or beginners as they are long-lasting, and can be applied in several ways, starting as a basic eyeshadow and to a precision eyeliner. To quote Annabelle Minerals “[They’re] super blendable and very easy to use, we think they’re a great staple product.”

The slim EYE Pencils offer more precision lining than the JUMBO. We loved the versatility of Dark Wood a classic/go-to pencil as it is excellent as an eyeliner and eyeshadow primer. This shade will become a must-have in your makeup bag. Forest Sky is a graphite grey shade, and it is ideal for green and blue eyes as it leaves a soft and smoky effect. Lastly, comes the shade Pine, this brown shade gives a matte finish that you can use, again, with a smoky eye or even use as a filler to touch up eyebrows.

Their JUMBO Eye Pencils, as Annabelle Minerals says “Glide on effortlessly and create infinite looks with minimal effort.” Their smudgeable formula makes them easily blendable. The Fern, as the name suggests, is a beautiful green shade and has iridescent mica particles whose colour changes depending on the light. You can wear it alone or mix and match it with the other pencils. If you want a more suitable shade for an everyday look, then Maple is the colour for you. With a deep brown and copper glow, Maple is excellent for everyday use, again, it has the same iridescent particles as Fern, but here they reflect the light with a copper halo. Last but not least, we have Mist, a classic white and beige pencil with a matte finish. This colour can be used as an eyeshadow, liner, primer, and highlight.

Our conclusion? For the eyes, we loved experimenting with blending more than one JUMBO shade together to get a graduated look. The EYE pencils apart from precision liners, made great waterline pencils as they didn’t transfer or bleed. And the JUMBO lip pencils are a brilliant trio of natural lip colours - again we mixed and matched, using them to fill in and subtly enhance our natural lip colour. All makeup pencils are packaged in traditional natural wood and, for protection, have a metallic rose gold metal cap at the end. They have good eco-credentials as they're biodegradable (except for usable metal caps) and zero-waste products. Another one of our #amazingfinds we think these products are great as a standalone or blended with each other - here you can have lots of fun experimenting with different looks. The only thing missing is a JUMBO pencil sharpener - maybe something for the brand to add to their e-shop? You can find the JUMBO Lip Pencil here for £11.90 and the EYE Pencil and JUMBO Eye Pencil here for £9.90 and £11.90 each.