JAYA : PM Transforming Cleansing Balm

We all know the importance of having a good skincare routine. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we love finding new products suitable for every skin type, especially those gentle enough for teenagers who are just embarking on their skincare journey. Our feature is on the award-winning PM Transforming Cleansing Balm by UK prebiotic skincare brand JAYA.

Vicky Charlesworth founded JAYA (Just As You Are) Beauty in 2019. She created the brand with a specific target audience in mind - teenage girls. "With two daughters approaching teenage years, I feel more passionate than ever about helping people feel (and look) good because of who they are, not who they feel they ought to be." Vicky felt there wasn't enough choice of natural products to support the younger generations’ skin type, or with the genuine credentials of transparency and sustainability. Which set her on a mission to ensure that young women have a realistic set of tools, products, and skincare knowledge to empower and nourish themselves in a positive and greener way; Vicky got to work collaborating with a team of top British skincare chemists in search of the most effective plant-based ingredients. After much testing and feedback, JAYA finally perfected its vegan prebiotic formulas with natural ingredients suitable for all skin types. This prebiotic skincare range has been scientifically developed to help support the good bacteria (microbiome) on the skin. The brand is certified by The Vegan Society and is Leaping Bunny approved, with a choice of a gentle jelly cleanser, a cleansing balm and the 24/7 Vitamin Moisturiser, soft muslin cloths and cotton headbands, a skincare set that’s ideal for helping establish a first skincare routine. But JAYA didn't stop there. The brand strongly values sustainability and makes a great effort to be eco-friendly. "The beauty industry is renowned for the waste it generates. Being an outsider, I didn't look at how things are 'normally' done - I wanted to do them in the most environmentally efficient way, supporting those who are local and, where possible, under-represented. It is this commitment that made working towards B Corp certification such a perfect fit." The brand packages its products in recyclable plastic and jars that can be repurposed. JAYA also has a charity pledge. In March 2021, they announced they would donate 2% of all sales to a charity of the buyer's choice. "We welcome your feedback regarding which charities are important to you, and to get the ball rolling our founding JAYA team has selected charities covering mental health, women's rights, the environment, refugees, and race. All of which are charities close to our heart.” Recently, JAYA has made a name for itself by winning its very first award. The brand recently won an Editor's Choice at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards for their PM Transforming Cleansing Balm, which we are reviewing today.

Let’s start by asking, what are prebiotics in skincare? They are a food source for the skin's 'good' microflora, aka bacteria. Like a fingerprint, we all have a microflora ecosystem unique to us, made up of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria. Prebiotics are described as non-living ingredients that stabilise the good and bad bacteria throughout the skin and body. They are made up of plant-based carbohydrates, and they improve and preserve the healthy microbiome of the skin, and are a very positive addition to skincare as they balance out and strengthen the skin barrier. In simple terms, this means the skin will better protect itself from everyday environmental aggressors such as allergens and pathogens while locking in hydration.

The PM Transforming Cleansing Balm is prebiotic skincare - is not just for teenagers; we loved using it too! This gentle but deep cleansing and nourishing formula diligently remove makeup, pollution and SPF. It lifts excess grease and dirt from oily skin while moisturising dry skin and balancing the skin's natural microbiome (good bacteria). JAYA highlights the six critical ingredients incorporated in this PM Transforming Cleansing Balm: Sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn oils. Plus the prebiotics with black tea ferment, and plankton extract (fragrance-free).

Let's start with the oils. Sweet almond oil has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to treat minor cuts or wounds and soften the skin. This oil contains vitamins A and E, which help stimulate the production of new skin cells and help prevent cell damage and UV damage. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with premature ageing and sun damage. Lastly, sweet almond oil contains zinc which is crucial to help acne scars heal. Grapeseed oil has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. This oil will aid with acne outbreaks and uneven skin tone and protect skin from UV rays. It can also help with skin softness, moisture, and improved elasticity. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties, and provides hydration to soothe skin damage, reduces signs of ageing, and heals scarring. Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from sea berries found in coastal and mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. This tiny berry is loaded with 190 nutrients and phytonutrients, including higher concentrates of vitamin C, fatty acids, and other vitamins. Together, these reduce inflammation, boost, brighten, and help to achieve healthy, clear, and more radiant skin.

The black tea ferment helps with skin tone and has an anti-glycation effect which helps reduce inflammation and boost skin elasticity. It is a prebiotic ferment that encourages the growth of good microorganisms. Last but not least, we have plankton extract. This extract is also notable for its prebiotics and antioxidant properties. High in fatty acids and it’s crucial in developing healthy cells, and its high zinc content can also reduce blemishes.

We found this award-winning 99.8 % plant + water PM Transforming Cleansing Balm to be a gentle, nourishing, and deep cleaning. It’s an effective everyday cleanser transforming when combined with water from a gel into a milk. To apply, gently massage a small amount into dry skin, then wet hands to activate gel into milk. It swiftly removes daily grime, and any excess can be wiped away with a warm wet cloth. JAYA recommends using it every night for the best results - although we used it both morning and evening. Fragrance-free, It’s one of those rare cleansers that instantly melts away makeup without any eye stinging. This product is packaged in 50% post-consumer recycled plastic tubes. When it's empty, simply cut the tube in half, rinse, and put it in the appropriate recycling bin. It’s another of our #amazingfinds and one we’d highly recommend for any skin type or age. To purchase the 100ml PM Transforming Cleansing Balm for £18 see here. We can’t wait to see what other prebiotic skincare products JAYA will add to their range in the future.

Rossano Ferretti : 14 Velluto - Straightening Serum

As the weather begins to warm up, summer humidity beckons, and so does our dreaded hair frizz! At The Amazing Blog, we want to share our latest anti-frizz discovery with Rossano Ferretti and their 14 Velluto Straightening Serum; it’s a non-oily formula that’s helped to keep our hair texture super-smooth and glossy.

Rossano Ferretti is an Italian hair care, company founded by the hairdresser Rossano Ferretti himself in 1990 when he opened his first salon in Parma, Italy. Since opening his salon, Ferretti's goal has been to change the salon experience to a more sensory experience, with wellbeing at the forefront. Since 2008 he has been travelling globally to open new salons and developing a new concept for franchising and collaborations with some of the top hotel chains bringing his vision for the luxurious hair salon experience. A unique element of the brand is its haircutting method, which Rossano Ferretti exclusively developed with his sister. The technique is all about the hair's natural fall; it’s a customised haircut tailored to each individual and their hair type. In an interview with Vogue, Rossano Ferretti explained that the method "was a vision I had for ten years, but a technique that I developed overnight. My goal was to create a haircut without geometry, and without seeing the cut of the scissors. I just wanted to see the natural fall of the hair, so I invented the invisible haircut." Rossano Ferretti was inspired by his grandfather, a barber, and his mother and grandmother, who ran a small salon. He went to London to study hair design, enrolling at the Sasson Academy in the 1970s at just 15 years old. He said that "This particular period in my life was the incubator for my revolutionary technique, the moment where I was able to breathe life into my original vision and dream." Rossano Ferretti now has over 20 hair salons across the globe and a range of multi-award winning luxury professional haircare products, which launched in 2010. They recently won ‘Best Hair Brand ‘at the global 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards. There are now 36 products categorised within 11 collections, including ‘Dolce’ for nourishing dry hair, ‘Grandioso’ for adding volume to fine and flat hair, ‘Intenso’ for adding smoothness and hydration to ultra-thick hair and ‘Vita’ for rejuvenating thin, ageing or fragile hair. His products are made in Italy and available in his salons, select spas, and online. They cater to every type of hair issue and need with up to 99% naturally derived vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, and combine powerful natural-botanical elements with the most advanced active principles and technology. The brand has partnered with Save the Children, where they donate 5% of their net profits.

Edwina, our Executive Editor, tested out this 14 Velluto Straightening Serum as one of the judges on the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, and we can see why it won ‘Best Hair Smoother/Strengthening Treatment’. This serum works for all hair types and is comprised of over 95% naturally derived ingredients. The product not only straightens hair by detangling, and defrizzing, but it also gives it a great shine.

Looking at the key natural ingredients, they all come with numerous benefits. The Sweet almond protein is nourishing and helps smooth, soften and protect the hair. Another notable is the avocado oil, a rich source of vitamin A, D, and E and fatty acids. Together, both these have the restructuring power to repair, and strengthen hair. Sesame seed oil is another excellent source of vitamin E and B, it’s naturally moisturising and soothes the scalp. The crambe abyssinic seed oil is rich in omegas 6,9 and triglycerides, it’s light, hydrating and adds shine. 

Other additives in the serum are sulfonic acid, used to promote hair growth. There are other surfactants, emulsifiers, and solubilising agents such as polysorbate 80. Ethylhexylglycerin is a nourishing ingredient with hydrating properties. Peg-8 Dimethicone and Isohexadecane are synthetic ingredients that are used as texture enhancers. Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer are thickening agents. Sodium benzoate and phenoxyethanol are preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria in cosmetic products. Finally, limonene, linalool and geraniol are natural aroma compounds.

What we found with this Straightening Serum, is that it protects the hair from humidity and enhances strength to reduce damage or breakage. In an interview with Prestige, Rossano Ferretti recommended it saying, "To help hair remain smooth and supple despite the humidity, I would recommend Velluto 14, a luxurious, anti-frizz serum that makes the hair exceptionally smooth and silky while controlling static and protecting from external aggressors." We used only a couple of pumps before styling and loved how it gave our hair a wonderful sleek looking sheen - taking away any flyaway hairs or frizz. It’s opaque, light and creamy in texture, and has a delicious subtle floral fragrance - that won’t conflict with another. As one of our #amazingfinds, it’s on our must-have list for the summer. If you want to avoid unwanted frizziness, then we recommend adding this straightening serum to your hair care. Purchase the 100ml Straightening Serum here for £34.

FOUR HER: Gold Shimmer Oud Crystal Keyring

Whether it's through hair, makeup, clothing, or accessories, we all love to express ourselves through our appearance, and those of us at The Amazing Blog are no different! However, if we had to choose just one product it’d be this eye-catching and aromatic Gold Shimmer Oud from FOUR HER with its multitude of uses.

FOUR HER is a UK based clothing and beauty brand created by four sisters Sadia, Nadia, Shereen, and Nazima Chuhan in 2019. Although they were born and raised in London, the sisters grew up immersed in their multicultural family background. Influenced by fashion and beauty trends of the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa, the sisters have blended these international elements with Western trends to create their unique style. They began to design their own clothing, receiving a flood of comments and compliments from others wherever they went. Over time, they began to receive requests from friends and private commissions both within the UAE and the UK, which formed the foundation and inspired them to launch FOUR HER. The sisters aim to bring together both modern and traditional women from all heritages, creating clothing that allows, as they say, "everyone to embrace the elegance whilst feeling and looking happy, inside and out." Since then, the FOUR HER founding sisters have expanded the brand to also include a children's clothing line and their exclusive Gold Shimmer Oud perfume oil. Across all designs and clothing lines, they prioritise using exclusive fabrics and limited editions, taking significant measures to ensure top quality control of each piece. 

FOUR HER sent us their Gold Shimmer Oud Crystal Keyring, a travel-size version of their Gold Shimmer Oud Perfume Oil is packaged in a sleek and convenient crystal glass bottle with a golden stopper and keyring. The FOUR HER Gold Shimmer Oud is a perfume enriched with biodegradable gold shimmer particles and sweet floral notes of rose petals and ylang ylang enveloped by white musk and woody sandalwood. The perfume also contains chords of soft vanilla patchouli, rich strands of saffron, and balancing accents of calabrian lemon, creating a romantic, indulging, and lasting fragrance. Oud oil (often called ‘liquid gold’ and worth about 1.5 times more than gold) is derived from the tropical Agar tree native to the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. When the agar tree becomes infected by a mould called phialophora parasitica, it produces a resin to protect itself. Oud is extracted from the resin by distilling or melting the resin.. However, only about 2% of trees in the wild produce this resin, making Oud a rare and expensive ingredient in the essential oil market. Oud oil smells intense and smoky in its raw state but can also be simultaneously pleasing and sensual. There can be slight fragrance variations based on the climate in which the Agar trees grow, the age of the trees, the harvesting techniques, and how the skin's chemistry reacts with the oil. Oud is associated with harmony and serenity, and if applied regularly, it’s believed to remove negative energies in one's life, aid in mediation, and improve mental clarity. In addition to the benefits that the oud provides, there are also benefits to using perfume oils. They don't evaporate into the air because they don't contain alcohol, so the scent lasts longer, and you have to apply less to get the same effects. Oil-based perfumes are also less drying to the skin and can provide moisturisation, making them ideal for anyone with dry skin. To apply the Gold Shimmer Oud, carefully shake the bottle to activate the gold shimmer. We then applied 1-3 drops of oil onto the skin with the stick applicator, gently dabbing until it’s left a light shimmering sheen. You can focus on pulse points like the wrists and neck or apply it to highlight cheek or collarbones. FOURHER even suggests adding it on the ends of the hair to make it glisten! The fragrance is divine…with warm and seductive notes that envelop you with rose, vanilla and sandalwood. To experience this luxurious and warm scent of this exclusive Gold Shimmer Oud, you can purchase the Gold Shimmer Oud Crystal Keyring in three different bottle designs here  at £10.00 for 3ml. 

5-KIND: Clinical Skincare Hemp Active Relief Gel & Massager Roller

Back at the gym after summer holidays? Feeling a little sore after your workout? Then you might like to read on The Amazing Blog today about 5-KIND and its unique Hemp Active Gel and Massager Roller.

5-KIND UK are a team based in Somerset, and trademarked in the UK/EU and USA. 5-KIND clinical skincare wishes to offer benefits for inflammation-based disorders, such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and many more with their hemp based products. This brand has been created by a dedicated team of international medical professionals and development chemists and aims to harness natural extracts to offer great products for the skin and body. We also read that 5-KIND founders were motivated to start this business to find a solution to their children's eczema, one that they could be easily apply to protect and soothe the skin. They have spent the last three years developing a formula with their nominated producers that are an organic oil emollient which finally achieved reducing eczema. This has yet to launch. The high level of organic oils within each of their products creates a barrier to protect and naturally moisturise the skin, and 5-KIND aims to ensure that at least five active ingredients within each of their formulas, to make them as effective as possible and but also kind to the skin. They have a diverse range of products from face sheets, anti-cellulite and soothing body creams to the hemp-based active creams and gels which we are reviewing today.

We were kindly given the Hemp Active Relief Gel to try with their massager. The Hemp Active Relief Gel contains a perfect synergy of natural ingredients that work to soothe aches and help you relax quickly. As you already know, hemp oil helps lower inflammation in the body and uses its potent antioxidant effects to help the body get rid of free radicals that aggravate aches. The formula features over 11 natural oils and extracts, of which hemp seed oil is one. This hemp seed oil can dramatically decrease skin dryness to alleviate itching and irritation. Plus, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve muscle soreness. The camphor here is an organic compound extracted from camphor trees, and commonly used in creams or gels for pain relief. In this gel, camphor will help stimulate blood circulation and accelerate the absorption of inflammation. We found that it had a cooling effect on the skin, although it does have a very strong aroma from the combination of camphor, rosemary and menthol. It comes in an opaque buff coloured gel and is easy to apply, as the gel quickly absorbs into the skin while providing non-greasy moisturisation. It is considered a breakthrough natural hemp soothing gel with its new high strength formula, which is dermatologically approved. To use the Hemp Active Relief Gel, rub it onto the areas where there is either stiffness or soreness. For best results, 5-Kind suggests using it with the included Massage Roller gently or apply with more pressure for a deeper tissue massage. We tried the Hemp Active Relief Gel, which helped to relieve our aches and pains the day after a heavy training session at gym. To purchase the 300ml Hemp Active Relief Gel here for £14.98, or the 300ml Hemp Active Relief Gel and Massager for £18.98, click here or the Massage Roller only here for £6.99.

Grüum: Shampoo Bars

The shampoo you use can make or break your hair (literally!), and when it comes to chosing your haircare, there are so many factors to consider. With many choices available on the market, at The Amazing Blog we tend to gravitate towards natural and eco-friendly products with simple ingredients that we can recognise. Today, we’re highlighting the natural brand Grüum and four types of their shampoo bars. 

Grüum is a Manchester-based brand founded in 2016 by four friends Andy Shaw, Bethanie Sleigh, Simon Leonard, George Lagonikas. During a trip to the supermarket, they realised how there was a lack of good natural skin and haircare products for both men and women at reasonable prices. Determined to create affordable and straightforward everyday skin, hair, and grooming essentials, the friends quit their jobs, invested their savings, and launched Grüum. Inspired by Scandinavian ideals, they launched Grüum based on the three core principles of “Simplicity, Honesty and Fairness,” to reflect each of their products. They created inclusive products, and developed a single skincare range suitable for anyone regardless of age, gender, or race. Grüum products are free from toxins and contain natural ingredients, and the brand does not use EDTA, parabens, or artificial colours. We were also happy to find that Grüum never tests on animals nor sources ingredients from suppliers who do, and almost all of their products are vegan! Grüum is also eco-friendly: they make their products in the UK, reducing transport emissions and use only space-efficient and minimal packaging with recyclable materials. They are the first UK brand to offer a shaving razor recycling system. 

We were sent four of Grüum’s Shampoo Bars, which are a solid form of shampoo. While liquid shampoos contain detergents that can often strip the hair of its natural oils, shampoo bars contain solidified oils, butters, conditioners, and cleansers that don’t lead to breakage or dry hair out over time. Grüum uses Sodium Coco-Sulfate, a palm-free alternative to the traditionally-used sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) detergent extracted from coconuts. Shampoo bars also contain less water than liquid shampoo, meaning that the shampoo is more concentrated and potent with ingredients. Because they’re solid, shampoo bars also reduce plastic waste, and are travel friendly. The first of these bars that we tried was Grüum’s Shine Boost Bar with henna and juniper extracts . While most of us associate henna with the dye used for skin and hair, this extract from the Henna flower also helps seal the hair cuticle, making it less susceptible to breakage and increasing its shine. Juniper extract has astringent qualities, meaning that it tightens pores, strengthens hair roots, and increases hair growth. Because of henna extract it makes this bar best for darker and dyed hair. The second bar that we tried was Grüum’s Revitalising Bar for dull hair. The key ingredient in this bar is cocoa butter, a butter rich in antioxidants and fatty acids extracted from cocoa beans. Because of its nutrients, cocoa butter offers many benefits for hair: It moisturises hair, strengthens the hair shaft, prevents hair loss due to breakage, replenishes oils, and repairs damaged hair strands. The cocoa butter, along with the coconut oil in the bar, left our hair feeling squeaky clean but smooth and moisturised at the same time. The third bar that Grüum sent to us was their Brightening Shampoo Bar with lemon and sweet almond oil.  The lemon juice contains citric acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent and on the hair. As a lightener, lemon juice is the most effective for dark blond to light blond hair, so it’s best used to maintain the brilliance of hair that’s already light. Unlike other almond oils, sweet almond oil is free from toxins and contains high concentrations of vitamin A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. The oil moisturises both the scalp and the hair, preventing breakage, split ends, itchy scalp, and dry roots. The final bar that Grüum shared with us was the Nourishing Shampoo Bar with coconut oil. A natural and straightforward bar with only five ingredients, the main star of this shampoo bar is its coconut oil. The fatty acid found in coconut oil is lauric acid, giving it a long structure that is easily absorbed into the inner layer of the hair shaft and helping to reduce protein loss. This protein retention allows hair to become more moisturised, smooth and shiny. With its simple but effective ingredients, it’s no wonder that this shampoo bar is suitable for all hair types! This was our favourite, with our long and also curly hair this worked the best out of the four, as it left hair clean and not too tangly. To use any of these bars, wet your hair and swirl the shampoo bar between your hands or over your hair to create a lather. Then, massage into your hair and rinse. However, we would like to mention you DO need conditioner with these shampoo bars, they are not a 2-in-1. Grüum do a Conditioner Bar, but sadly didn’t send it to us.

If you’re interested in making the switch to Grüum’s shampoo bars, you can find all four bars mentioned above on their website in 50g bars for £8.00 for a one-time purchase or £5.00 if you sign up for one of their subscription services. Best of all, these shampoos are long-lasting and offer up to 60 washes per bar! The Shine Boost Bar with Henna and Juniper is available here, and the Revitalising Bar for Dull Hair is available here. You can purchase the Brightening Shampoo Bar with Lemon and Sweet Almond Oil here and the Nourishing Shampoo Bar with Coconut Oil here.