Mal & Mod: Active Hydration Tonic

As our summer kicks in and our complexions suffer from the humidity and heat, as always at The Amazing Blog we need to find a solution. This is where we turn to a hydrating facial mist which is cooling and uplifting. However, in a recent search, we’ve found that too many high street face mists are ineffective, watery or filled with chemicals. So, today we’re happy to introduce another one of our #amazingfinds with the natural multipurpose Active Hydration Tonic from Mal & Mod to revitalise, hydrate and even brighten the skin.

Mal & Mod is a British brand founded by husband and wife team Louise and Dan Malcolmson. Together they studied at Formula Botanic just for fun, to learn how to make products for themselves. However, in 2016 while creating products, they realised a niche in the market, “We became increasingly conscious of what we were exposing our skin to every day and so was inspired to create something we could both use to simplify our skincare routine. So, Mal & Mod Mal & Mod was born, based on a shared desire for a stripped-back skincare approach for both genders.” Mal & Mod is a gender-free natural skincare brand that keeps skincare simple, with only four core products in the range, they contain only bioactive and plant-based ingredients. In their view, although women and men have different skin types, they don’t necessarily need separate products. Their ethos is strongly focused on sustainability by offering fewer products for a skincare routine that everyone can use, which in turn means fewer bottles in the bathroom. The brand uses Miron glass, which is 100% recyclable, together with its tissue paper and packaging. They also source their ingredients as locally as possible, working with manufacturers who are also committed to limiting their carbon footprint using sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients.  

The product we tried is their Active Hydration Tonic which was shortlisted in the 2020 Pure Beauty Awards. Thanks to its plethora of 32 ingredients, this Tonic is energising, refreshing and super-cooling on the complexion. There are five key elements; the most unusual is glasswort. This helps protect the skin from environmental stress; with betaine, amino acids, and minerals, this extract can strengthen the skin barrier, increase skin recovery and evens skin tone. Hyaluronic Acid here is a moisturising boost that hydrates the dermis and reduces signs of fatigue. The plant extract selaginella pulvinate also hydrates skin, whilst also strengthening the skin’s protective barrier function. Kumquat extract contains vitamin C, antioxidants and calcium to repair and increase skin vitality. Finally, Aloe vera is there to soothe, hydrate and repair. Together with the other ingredients, this Tonic gives the skin a dewy, brighter and more lifted appearance.The Tonic has fine particles, which evenly distribute the mist onto the face The fragrance is garden-fresh with a light combination of citrus, spearmint and lavender (all in the formula). We used it after cleansing, to tone the skin; on top of makeup, to set it; and intermittently during the day, to fresh up in the heat. We think this is a great little multitasker to keep close at hand to cleanse, hydrate, cool and tone the skin. To purchase your own 100ml Active Hydration Tonic, see here for £32.

Choate BODY: The Trio Set

Everyone has their own individual skincare needs, and trying to find one product that works for all can be a bit of a challenge. Today on The Amazing Blog, we’re featuring The Trio Set from Choate BODY that offers mix and match sets from their organic skincare range.

Choate BODY is a US-based organic skincare brand, that was created in 2017 when its founder Rhandi Foster, couldn’t find the right products to help manage her eczema, dry and sensitive skin. Choate BODY produces products that are handcrafted with only organic ingredients and are primarily aimed at those with problematic skin. Foster aims to “encourage self-acceptance, which is something we all have to work through to be the best version of ourselves. We aim to help you see that you are enough even on your worst day and to remind you that good things can come from a bad situation, in my case, bad skin. We’re in this together.“  Based on her personal experience, Choate BODY has designed and created a different collection to suit each skin type.  They offer four main collections, which include several different products. The Restore for anti-ageing provides anti-ageing products while also being suitable for combination skin. The Calm for dry skin contains products that are crafted specifically for dry, sensitive skin. The Clarity for oily skin focuses on oily skin and the unique needs for this skin type. The Balance for acne, as it states is for acne-prone skin. Each collection details the specific, natural ingredients that provide the best solution and tailored the skin type need. Products are handmade in small batches with a brand mission to ‘soothe and smooth’, providing the freshest and cleanest ingredients for their products. Apart from the skincare and grooming products, they also have candles, clothing and accessories.

Choate BODY sent us one of these four options from The Trio Set, which was ‘Clarity’ for an oily skin. Each one of The Trio Sets, includes a Smooth Body Butter for hydration, the Matcha Peppermint Facial Cleanser, and a face and body scrub specific to the individual’s skin type.  The two products which are  always included in each of The Trio Sets are the Matcha Peppermint Facial Cleanser designed to relieve inflammation and balance your skin’s oils and pH levels. Combined with its antioxidants, this cleanser will naturally soothe the skin while ridding it of free radicals. The Smooth Body Butter  is a daily hydrating moisturiser that aims to soothe itchy, dry skin. This offers a protective layer of healing moisture for soft skin by utilising raw butters, organic oils and chamomile to help with eczema and psoriasis.  With the Clarity option, the specific face and body scrub included is the No.1 Lemongrass Eucalyptus Face and Body scrub which is made with brown sugar, matcha green tea, honey, turmeric, french green clay, lemongrass and eucalyptus essential oils. The primary focus of this scrub is to reduce blemishes and remove dead skin. Again, It is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps balance oil production while brightening and balancing the skin tone. 

Apart from the Clarity  that was sent to us. The other three options to choose from here in this collection are Balance for acne with the No.2 Tea Tree Sea Moss Face and Body Scrub scientifically formulated with tea tree oil, Irish sea moss, activated charcoal, honey and turmeric to lift dirt, oil and dead skin that clog pores. These ingredients also work to reduce inflammation and minimise the appearance of scarring whilst also soothing the skin.  Calm for dry skin has the No.4 Lavender and Honey Face and body scrub with raw honey, chamomile, burdock root and lavender oil to help calm inflammation from dry, itchy skin. The combination of the light and delicate scent of lavender will leave you feeling relaxed and calm while restoring moisture, exfoliating, ridding dead skin cells, dirt, oil and rough skin. And last but not least is the  Restore for anti-ageing with the No.3 Patchouli Hibiscus face and body scrub which provides a rejuvenating experience using a blend of pure patchouli and hibiscus flowers, this scrub will rid dead skin, dirt and oil that clog the pores, it will also helps regenerate new skin cells and restore elasticity naturally to help minimise the appearance of wrinkles.  What we like about The Trio Set is its natural ingredients, and their ability to mix and match, enabling us to get the products to suits our different skin types. All Choate BODY products are available here and The Trio Sets are available for purchase here for $77. Either through one-time payment options or a subscription-based purchase option, saving you an initial 15% off your first order and 10% off on all remaining orders.

MIDNATTASOL: Lingonberry Seed Oil Capsules

Typically, when we think of skincare, it’s as a topical treatment. However, today we are going to be talking about a product that seeks to improve your skin from the inside out. MIDNATTSOL’s Lingonberry Seed Oil Capsules have been created to help improve smoothness and elasticity from within, rather than just on the surface, and here at The Amazing Blog we’re looking at its benefits.

MIDNATTSOL is a Swedish brand co-founded by Erik Sundquist in 2018. MIDNATTSOL is owned by Cynocare Ltd, a medical device company focused on bringing unique and scientifically proven innovation to the aesthetic and medical field. With offices in Hong Kong and Sweden, Cynocare Ltd has a reputation based on 20 successful years in the life science business. The brand MIDNATTSOL works with a focus on innovative yet natural health and beauty solutions. As a brand and company, they pride themselves on their Swedish heritage, and with this focus, MIDNATTSOL only chooses active ingredients with scientific support for their products. The name of the company derives from the unique Nordic midnight sun. The extended amount of sunlight creates unique growing conditions, which results in some of the nutrient-rich ingredients used in MIDNATTSOL. These ingredients, such as the lingonberry, are used in a variety of their skincare products. MIDNATTSOL also uses a unique patented TYMEDIKER™ process which focuses on reducing pigmentation in the skin. This four-step process focusing on creating effective yet gentle solutions to suit even the most sensitive of skin types.

MIDNATTSOL’s Lingonberry Seed Oil capsules are naturally enriched with fatty acids and vitamins that work together to provide natural barriers to protect the skin. Lingonberries are considered a superfood. The raw seed oil that derives from these wild, Arctic lingonberries is rich in essential fatty acids, plant sterols and antioxidants. The lingonberry is the distant cousin of the well-known cranberry and contains more flavonoids than cranberries or any other wild berry. Due to their high nutritional profile, these small, red berries help heart health, control weight and blood sugar, and promote healthy gut bacteria. More research is needed on the benefits of this superfruit, but studies have already shown that these berries are packed with vitamins, calcium, potassium and other enriching elements. Lingonberry seed oil is naturally rich in vitamin E, which has strong antioxidant properties. The fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, giving natural barriers to help retain moisture in the skin and protect the skin from outside pollution penetrating the skin.

In a clinical trial over a 12 week period with Dr Moon Seok Shin, women between the ages of 35 to 65, who regular took the lingonberry seed oil capsules, saw significant improvement their skin’s ‘hydration, elasticity and density’, which in turn reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 93% of participants found the treatment either good or very good, 90% felt that it was effective in improving skin smoothness, and 86% found the treatment to be effective in making the skin more elastic. See here to learn more.

Something we also know, is that lingonberry seed oil act as antioxidants, blocking free radicals that can damage skin and is rich in plant compounds, including anthocyanins and flavonoids. The red colour of lingonberry comes from anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefit. These luminous little red capsules are so easy to take, two in the morning and two a night. Although we haven’t quite finished the 12 week’s course, with about another month or two to go, the one thing we have noticed is a definite improvement in gut health and our general wellbeing. We think that this humble lingonberry is a very underrated superfood that offers so much not only for skin but for wellbeing too. They describe it as ‘Nordic beauty from within’ and we couldn’t agree more. We’ll keep you posted as to our progress. MIDNATTSOL Lingonberry Seed Oil Capsules are available in a pack of 60 capsules (one month’s supply) and you can purchase here for $41.80.

Skin Virtue: Future Advanced Serumist®

In the heat of the summer, there is nothing nicer than using cooling face mist to spritz from the beginning to the end of the day, keeping skin fresh and hydrated. Today at The Amazing Blog, we wanted to introduce a hydrating and anti-ageing mist, with this Future Advanced Serumist®, which is suitable for all skin types with a potent blend of highly concentrated actives from Skin Virtue.

Skin Virtue is an Australian result-driven premium cosmeceutical skincare range, which is also available to the consumer. Created in 2008 by skincare expert Nina Gajic, with a mission, “To bring beauty to life by crafting skincare regimes that are proven by science and enhanced by nature for clients who demand results and value. Our continuous research, development, and testing enable us to provide the most clinically advanced skincare technology available on the market today.” Gajic had been suffering from sensitive and problem-prone skin, which lead her onto several years of study for formulation science and clinical research. This enabled her to understand the skin layers and its complexity, including her own sensitive skin. Skin Virtue was formulated in association with an experienced team of biochemists and dermatologists in an Italian laboratory, using a synergy of clean beauty with cutting-edge skin science. The brand combines advanced science with high-quality ingredients with complex natural actives along with potent vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and soothing marine and botanical extracts in three multifunctional and targeted skincare collections: The Super Clear Collection is for skin concerns like breakouts, redness, clogged pores and inflammation. The Pure Anti-Ageing Collection is for dry skin. And the specialist Future Advanced Treatment Collection which is designed to work with the other two collections where it helps to address age-related concerns such as the appearance of discolouration, wrinkles, volume loss and sagging skin. Skin Virtue is committed to making all its products non-comedogenic, anti-irritating, anti-allergen, and free from any parabens and mineral oils, making it suitable for even sensitive skin types.

We’d heard so much about the Skin Virtue renowned Future Advanced Serumist® and we couldn’t wait to try it!  Hailed as a revolutionary potent anti-ageing serum which delivers as a mist - it has sixteen active ingredients to help nourish, rehydrate, tighten and tone. This serum is part of a six product collection in the Future Advanced range.  Quick and easy to use, it addresses numerous concerns such as ageing skin, moisture loss, dehydration, brightening, loss of luminosity, environmental damage, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, blotchiness, fine lines and skin barrier function - what a list! It also promotes elasticity and suppleness to make the skin look younger, all thanks to its active ingredients. Among these top ingredients are glycine soja protein derived from the soya bean; this has numerous fatty acids such as palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic, that have anti-ageing and soothing properties. There is also rose water to tone and refresh and niacinamide (B3), ideal for increasing the skins resiliency and improving texture by making pores look smaller. The sodium hyaluronate is hydrophilic, meaning it easily mixes with water; this reduces dryness and flaking by increasing skin hydration and attracts moisture to the skin cells. Another of these key ingredients is methylsilanol mennuronate, a seaweed derivative that binds moisture in the epidermis helping skin regenerate by increasing collagen production, therefore, preventing fine lines. And finally, worth mentioning is another of our firm favourites found here is the aloe vera extract, a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that have shown to neutralise the effects of UV rays, repair skin from existing UV damage. The Serumist® has a mild floral fragrance that won’t conflict with any other skincare used. We applied first thing in the morning after cleansing, and followed it with our regular serum or face cream. We found it energising and uplifting and also great for spritzing on face and décolletage during the day to keep skin feeling fresh and hydrated. We noticed skin looked dewier and plumper after use, and yes, it made a great addition to our skincare routine; although with this hefty price tag, it does make it a considered purchase. We think to see excellent results; it probably needs to be used in conjunction with the rest of the range as they make a formidable team when tackling volume loss, dehydration and skin discolouration. See here to buy the Future Advanced Serumist® 150ml for £73.00.

Hempura: Hemp Tea in Natural Raspberry

As regular readers will know, at The Amazing Blog, we’re big fans of CBD (see here) mainly because of the numerous benefits it provides, especially the calming effect, which is much needed during these uncertain times. We always try to seek out new and more unusual CBD products to introduce you to, and today we’re featuring another CBD infused tea, but this time it’s Hempura’s Hemp Tea in Natural Raspberry, which has no THC and a more summery and fruitier flavour. 

Hempura is a British brand launched in 2016 by Lewis Hadaway.  Passionate about CBD, he quit his job in nuclear project management to set up this CBD brand, Hempura, where even today, he is still very much hands-on. In this over-crowded and confusing world of CBD, Lewis wants to help inform and educate the consumer, providing us with high-quality authentic hemp extract CBD products, which are 100% traceable from seed to shelf. Hempura imports their raw cannabidiol from organic farms in Eastern Europe, where they use an advanced ethanol extraction method, for Hempura, they feel that this ensures the preservation of the naturally occurring terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, nutrients and minerals present. Every batch produced is automatically sent to an approved third-party laboratory for complete analysis. Lewis recently commented, “We build relationships with our customers because CBD is a lifelong product.” He went on to say, “We empower our customers to make informed decisions. This reduces concerns and fears, especially for seniors.” The Hempura range consists of vapes, topicals, edibles and CBD Oils. The Original (full-spectrum) and the Refined (broad-spectrum) CBD oils contain the same amount of CBD. However, the Original contains all the natural hemp components (including the accepted amount of less than 0.05% THC) without the refinement of the broad-spectrum. There 10ml CBD Oil bottles with approximately 200 drops in each, and a strength starting from 250ml (2.5%) cannabidiol up to 1000mg (10%). The brand has been members of the Vegan Society since July 2019 (except the chocolates due to dairy) and all products are GMO free.

We originally wanted to try their CBD infused chocolate but, alas, these were out of stock. So, as it’s now summer, we thought trying this Hemp Tea in Natural Raspberry instead. Although THC-free, it’s still rich in natural terpenes and all-natural ingredients found in hemp and has 5% or 5mg of CBD (we think…from lab report) per tea bag. Let’s look at the ingredients. This has 100% organically grown hemp made with hemp leaves with no herbicides or pesticides. They say it’s free of additives (or not as the case may be!) We couldn’t quite understand why there is a ‘trace of propylene glycol’ here?! There are also dried raspberries with the addition of natural raspberry flavouring. Raspberries, themselves provide vitamin C with a small amount of vitamin A, thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2). Moving onto the potent terpenes found in this hemp CBD tea. With limonene, A-pinene, B-pinene and citral these have a hugely beneficial effect on the gut, intestine and also help to regulate blood pressure, see here. These combined are also known to help sleep and inflammation and studies have also shown that these terpenes can produce an antidepressant-like effect. We prepared the tea using one tea bag in the cup, and let it steep for about 5 minutes, until the tea was a glorious berry colour (see above photo). What we liked was that this had a robust and fruity taste, a far more complex and in-depth flavour than that of a regular fruit tea or plain hemp CBD tea. We think it’s ideal for the caffeine sensitive, or for those wanting a warming and fruity drink at night to help them relax and sleep. With 20 tea bags, weighing in at 11g, you can purchase the Hempura Hemp Tea in Natural Raspberry here for £9.99.