Lady H Apothecary: Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil

Maintaining healthy hair can be a struggle, whether trying to encourage hair to grow or perhaps dealing with an irritated scalp. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we were thrilled to test out this Healthy Hair & Scalp Oil from organic skincare Lady H Apothecary. The benefits are numerous when using hair oil, whether it’s for feeding the scalp or just nourishing dry ends. We were privileged to be invited to judge this product for The 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it won ‘Best Scalp Oil’, and let us tell you why.

Lady H Apothecary is based in Northumberland and founded by Lyndsey Lees; who, with her background in salon and holistic beauty, blends various therapeutic oils for both skin and hair. After eighteen years in beauty and holistic therapy, she followed her passion and sold her beauty business to return to college to complete a degree in the aesthetic practice of advanced skin treatments and the physiology of skin ageing. Lyndsay said, "In truth, I first fell in love with aromatherapy as a young beauty therapist. I was told that essential oils were similar to people in that they had many characteristics or properties, and those characteristics could change in accordance with the different oils that they were blended with, much in the same way that human characteristics can change depending on who they're spending time with.” The base of all Lady H products is organic carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, evening primrose, prickly pear, pomegranate oil and Argan oil and in butters like cocoa and shea, which all have an abundance of essential fatty acids which promote the absorption of vitamins into the skin. All her products are all derived from organic plants to harness the actives and feed the skin with plant-powered nutrition. She has since opened a clinic in Morpeth, where her hand-crafted products continue to grow, and she has expanded her treatment menu to include the latest in beauty and self-care. Recognised for her skill and expertise, she won the 2022 North East Skin Specialist of the Year at the British Hair & Beauty Awards. With Lyndsey’s love of aromatherapy and organic ingredients, she went on to say, “It is amazing to carry out treatments and achieve results using the products I’ve made by hand, and even more amazing to hear how my clients are enjoying them at home.” The brand is conscious of its environmental footprint and has a refill scheme in which customers can participate. After use, the bottles can be cleaned and returned to Lady H Apothecary, where they will be sterilised and reused, and customers will be offered a discount for their refills.

We found that The Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil was excellent for hydrating and conditioning both the hair and scalp. We used it as a pre or post-shampoo treatment or reviving overnight hair mask. It contains a powerhouse blend of handpicked organic carrier oils, which include organic jojoba oil, calendula, evening primrose oil, Argan oil, tocopherol and apricot kernel oil, together with essential oils of rosemary leaf extract, lemon, palmarosa, and Roman chamomile too.

Every ingredient is here for a reason. The organic jojoba oil is high omega 9 content that protects the hair to keep moisture locked in and grow thicker, lustrous hair. Organic calendula can help soothe any irritation on the scalp or clear dandruff as it has oleic acid. The essential oil of Argan oil is very beneficial in strengthening hair and softening lifeless hair with omega 9 and omega 6, which can help reduce hair breakage. Organic evening primrose and organic apricot kernel oil are also effective with omega 9 and 6 to restore dry, dull hair and work as a detangler and decrease hair loss. For stimulating hair growth and reducing greasiness, the rosemary leaf extract increases scalp circulation along with the beneficial ingredient of lemon essential oil that improves the scalps' oxygen flow and functions of the hair follicle.  Whereas palmarosa essential oil is wonderful in restoring hair, and Roman chamomile oil calms scalp irritation.

This hair oil blend certainly has been a great multitasker for us, and we’ve used it for scalp nourishment and hydrating dry ends. The texture is light, and the fragrance is floral and uplifting. It can be used as an overnight as an intensive treatment; the oil can be left overnight and washed out in the morning.  Or as a pre-shampoo, which is one of our favourite ways to apply, using it from the root to the tip, then massaging it into the scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Plus, it works well taming flyaway hairs by simply rubbing a few drops of oil into the palms and then gently smoothing down those stray strands. We highly recommend this hair oil, and it’s another of our #amazingfinds.

To purchase the award-winning 100ml Healthy Hair and Scalp Oil for £36, see here.

AK Pure Skin - Face Tan Water

With the questionable hours of sunshine with our inclement British weather, we all seem to crave that elusive healthy golden glow, and this is where a good self-tan comes in very handy. However, when it comes to the face, we found that not all tanning products are created equal. And after much trial and error, we at The Amazing Blog, prefer to use natural facial tanning water. Meet another of our #amazingfinds from the Icelandic brand AK Pure Skin with their award-winning Face Tan Water. Whether you wish to enhance your natural complexion or deepen an existing tan, this product is for you.

AK Pure Skin is a unisex beauty brand that offers natural and organic Icelandic skincare. The founders of AK Pure Skin are husband and wife Aron Einar & Kristbjörg Jónasdóttir. Aron is probably best known for being a professional footballer at Qatar Stars League club Al-Arabi and is also the Icelandic national football team captain. Together, they created AK Pure Skin in 2019 after three-plus years of perfecting the formulas and packaging. Kristbjörg explained their inspiration as a mother and athlete, “We wanted to make effective formulas with the best ingredients that slot effortlessly into life and give skin the health and nutrition it needs. Formulas that do for my skin what I try to do for my body.” She went on to say, “Our key focus is developing effective, natural and unisex skincare products made from Icelandic pure water, using only carefully selected ingredients that benefit and enhance the skin’s health to provide the best results possible.”

The brand offers a range of products made with all-natural and organic ingredients, which are cruelty-free and vegan. They have collaborated with Pharmarctica, an Icelandic contract manufacturer and formulator, accredited as GMP certified, and who fulfil the standards required for producing organic and eco-certified cosmetics. With this partnership, AK Pure Skin has achieved a range of natural skincare products that are 100% produced in Iceland and, most importantly, made with pure Icelandic water. 90% of their products have ingredients derived from natural origin; they are free from parabens, PEG, SLS/SLES, silicones, alcohol, petroleum, and nanoparticles. In an interview with Trendnet.is, Kristbjörg said, "The products are made from pure Icelandic water, which may sound like a cliché, but is a very important part of the production because our water is so clean. It allows us to use fewer materials in the products than if they were produced where the water quality is worse." She went on to say, in Akureyri.net, “After three years and incredible fluctuations due to the COVID pandemic, online sales have been growing, and we felt that there was a demand for advice and personal service in-store. We, therefore, took this step of opening a store in Iceland and are extremely happy with the result." The brand also ships globally and considers itself a pure, natural and down-to-earth skincare that prides itself on being ‘Real, Raw and Unique’.

We discovered the Face Tan Water when we were privileged enough to be invited to be one of the judges at The 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it won ‘The Best Self-Tanner - Face’. One of the first things that impressed us was how it’s made up of 98% natural origin-derived ingredients. It’s easy to apply, gives excellent results and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive ones. We found it nourished our skin and was also versatile enough to be combined with a serum or moisturiser to make it more of a gradual tan. A great deal of time and care has gone into creating this facial tanning water, and Kristbjörg said, "The Face Tan Water was the first product we developed, so for us, this is our baby and very close to our hearts. In making it, we knew exactly what we wanted: to develop a product that would give you a beautiful, refreshing sun-kissed glow and help even your skin tone."

The key ingredients are pure Icelandic Water, dihydroxyacetone, vegetable glycerin, erythrulose, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate. There’s also aloe leaf, beta-glucan, calendula flower extract, lemon oil, citric acid and plankton extract.

For facial tanning water, the first ingredient is the most unique; pure Icelandic water provides hydration and nourishment to the skin and is also known for its ancient healing properties.

Dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose; are both natural and organic tanning ingredients. Dihydroxyacetone is derived from sugar cane that reacts with amino acids in the skin to produce a natural-looking tan. Erythrulose works with dihydroxyacetone to provide a long-lasting, even tan. Next is vegetable glycerin, a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin to leave it hydrated and nourished. This ingredient works well with sodium hyaluronate, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Panthenol, aloe leaf and beta-glucan are here to soothe and hydrate. Aloe leaf reduces inflammation and irritation; panthenol contains pro-vitamin B5 to retain moisture levels and shield skin from irritation; and beta-glucan is a natural polysaccharide that improves the skin's texture and appearance, reducing signs of ageing.

Working with the ingredients above are calendula officinalis flower extract, a natural extract with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lemon fruit oil and citric acid exfoliate and brighten the complexion to reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes. And, the plankton extract reduces oxidative stress, protects the cells and fights the signs of premature skin ageing. Since all these ingredients are natural, this Face Tan Water needs natural preservatives to keep the integrity of the product. It uses phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate; both are natural and prevent the growth of bacteria as well as keep it fresh.

The great thing about facial tanning waters is that their colour can last up to three or four days. This, of course, depends on your skin type and how often you cleanse your face. When considering using facial tanning waters, there are a few things to remember: Tanning drops and moisturisers are typically more subtle and buildable. In contrast, facial tanning waters can provide a more intense colour with just one application. Gradual tans can take longer to build up but can be more forgiving if you make a mistake during application. Avoid using products with exfoliating properties, such as alpha-hydroxy acids or retinoids, for a few days after application; this will prevent premature fading.

When using this Face Tan Water, it took 4-6 hours to develop, and we found that it was best applied at night. It's recommended to prep your skin beforehand by cleansing and gently exfoliating to ensure an even colour. Also, another tip, when we first used the product, we used a water-based serum as a base to make sure we didn’t overdo it! We also applied a moisturiser to dry areas, such as your eyebrows or hairline, to prevent the product from clinging to those areas. It creates a good, even and healthy glow that typically lasts about four days, which we then let gently fade before applying more. AK Pure Skin Tanning Water does not contain any SPF, so please use a separate sunscreen if you spend time in the sun. We love this Face Tan Water, it saves us time and money, as there is no longer a need to use a BB cream or foundation to even out our skin tone, and this gives us the ideal sun-kissed glow. Get ready to say goodbye to pale skin and hello to a beautiful, healthy looking all-year-round tan. Click here to purchase 50ml of Face Tan Water from AK Pure Skin for £31.

Chapter Organics - 'The Quiet' Rollerball Pulse Point Oil

Although we think summer is for chilling, the reality is often very different, as it can come with a set of stresses and distractions. You know how it is, trying to fit everything into one day and then, to top it all, lack of sleep from the humidity or noisy air con! That’s why at The Amazing Blog, we’re big fans of aromatherapy rollerballs because they offer us a little time out on the go.  The one we want to discuss today is from Chapter Organics, with their ‘The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil. As the name suggests, ‘The Quiet’ helps us all to be more mindful, pause, breath and take stock. It contains a unique aromatherapy blend designed to restore inner peace in moments of need. Genius.

Charlotte Nutland founded Chapter Organics in 2017 to create natural aromatherapy blends that fit into everyday life. She first started blending aromatherapy oils when she was pregnant with her first child, as she wanted to prioritise her own self-care and general wellness. In an interview with Highcliffe Cornwall, Charlotte said, “I shared these blends with my friends and family, and they, too, noticed the difference in their sleep, anxiety, mood and energy. I was driving one day wondering if I could turn my love of Aromatherapy and plant oils into something more?” Soon after, she established Chapter Organics, creating and sharing unique blends to fit into a daily routine. She went on to say, ”I started to use essential oils to cope with symptoms and promote general wellness. I made up my own little blends and began to see benefits immediately,” she explains, “Friends and family loved my blends and kept asking to try them. It was then I started to wonder if other people could benefit from them too.”

What sets Chapter Organics apart is its collection of aromatherapy blends, all of which relate to ‘a chapter of your day’. Each of their five blends The Remedy, The Tonic, The Peace, The Quiet and The Self, are available as candles, atmosphere and linen mists, hand and body cleansers, moisturisers, pure essential oils, and room diffusers. Alongside Charlotte making self-care more accessible, Chapter Organics maintains a firm commitment to sustainability. The brand donates £1.00 from every sale to Marine Conversation Society via Work for Good to support a cleaner and better-protected ocean. To help reduce waste, all the glass used in their packaging is recyclable and reusable, and they even offer refill candle wax inserts. All products are handmade, vegan, cruelty-free, and 100% natural. For those new to aromatherapy, they offer a Mood Quiz on the website, and based on the response, this produces a unique selection of products best suited to promote an individual’s well-being; Chapter Organics is an award-winning brand and recently swept the board as an Aromatherapy brand in The Beauty Shortlist 2023 Mama & Baby Awards, and the Eco Lifestyle Awards which is where we made our discovery.

As mentioned earlier, "The Quiet" Rollerball Pulse Point Oil has been coming to our rescue. ‘The Quiet’ range is designed to ground those with a ‘runaway mind’ and creates a calm and stillness in daily life. The blend has five essential oils with rose geranium, rosemary, frankincense, bergamot and clove. The carrier oils are a combination of sunflower and jojoba; both are aroma-free and full of omega-6 to help keep skin well-hydrated.

Rose geranium has a soothing, sedative effect on the mind and encourages relaxation and optimism. Rosemary enhances concentration by improving alertness and improving memory and lowers cortisol levels to reduce anxiety. Frankincense enhances mood by diminishing negative feelings. Bergamot has been shown to trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain producing feelings of happiness and ease. Lastly, the stimulating scent of the spice clove is reputed to help minimise anxiety and strengthen your focus. We found ‘The Quiet’ therapeutic for both mind and body, giving us clarity and tranquillity and allowing us to be more present.

We’re fans of aromatherapy pulse point oils, as they’re always effective. Did you know your body has nine pulse points? A pulse point is where the blood pumps closer to the skin; therefore, applying essential oils to pulse points such as the temples, below the ears, jawline, or wrists allows faster absorption into the bloodstream. Rub in three slow circular motions onto the inner wrist or side of your neck and inhale the aroma deeply to restore your inner calm. This is another of our #amazingfinds for whenever we feel unfocused and in need of recentring ourselves to find our zen. To purchase the 10ml ’The Quiet’ Rollerball Pulse Point Oil for £20 see here.

Matter of Skin : LEE - The Skin Barrier Osmolyte Concentrate

We believe that small is beautiful, particularly when it's a serum presented in a recyclable and pocketable pouch that’s from the new forward-thinking and circular economy skincare Matter of Skin. At The Amazing Blog, we’ve been itching to try this new brand and were lucky enough to be sent their serum LEE: Skin Barrier Osmolyte Concentrate, a lightweight, water-based serum that encourages skin barrier repair and long-term hydration with a high concentration of pro barrier actives. However, what caught our eye was that it’s formulated with upcycled ingredients and presented in a recyclable pouch, which means less waste, and of course, it’s better for our planet.  

The talented Caitlyn Smith founded this natural skincare Matter of Skin. It has taken two years in the making, and she’s incorporated all her knowledge and experience from working with other skincare companies - thus giving her an insight into the best supply chain and formulations. She is also part of the emerging trend of ‘circular beauty’. This means that Matter of Skin has a minimal waste policy, and encourages the reuse of their packaging materials to expand the life-cycle of products. 

Matter of Skin strives to break down information barriers, and states, "We believe the more you know, the better," Caitlyn is always thinking of new and innovative products to add to the brand portfolio; they launched with only two products: VIC and LEE. Both of these have been designed with full circle sustainability, as well as the use of actives, bridging the gap between performance and sustainability. Her company's goal is to assess every aspect of the product, including those that are ‘invisible’ to the consumer, offering innovation and minimising any environmental impact. The brands' key attributes include using 100% upcycled ingredients, zero waste packaging, a highly energy-efficient manufacturing process and solar-powered distribution. Examining their supply chain to ensure every step is done as carbon friendly as possible, is of the utmost importance. Not only are these serums effective, but they’re also all-natural and vegan, and come with traceability and stability testing with a full safety assessment. They manufacture in the UK using 100% renewable energy and low waste, with over 2000 solar panels on the warehouse's roof producing 212.10 kWp of energy – saving 93.7 tones of C02 a year. Matter of Skin affirms, "Our spout pouches on the product utilise approximately 80% less plastic by volume with a lower carbon footprint than industry packaging options." Their pouches are digitally printed, with no additional packaging labels or cartons required. All formulations have successfully passed 12 weeks of regulatory preservative challenge testing as well as stability and compatibility tests. Students can get a 15% discount on products, and as if it couldn't get any more eco-friendly, the shipment for these serums is free on £28 and above orders and is carbon neutral. Matter of Skin ships your products in biodegradable cardboard boxes obtained from FSC-managed forests and manufactured from 75% recycled materials. They recently won the ‘Best Circular Economy Beauty Brand’ at the 2023 Beauty Shortlist Awards. 

We tried the LEE: Skin Barrier Osmolyte Concentrate; it’s a clear, fragrance-free and gel-like serum that contains plenty of natural, hydrating key actives with betaine, ectoin, lactobacillus ferment, lactobacillus bamboo ferment filtrate, radish root ferment filtrate, chia seed oil, and inulin.

Betaine is a mighty amino acid discovered in sugar beet molasses and has powerful protective and humectant properties, enhancing the skin's ability to attract and retain moisture effectively. It simultaneously hydrates and protects the skin. Ectoin works as a powerful barrier to environmental toxins, is a microbiome protectant and is a clinically proven organic osmolyte known as an "extremolyte ". It supports the skin's defence system against external stressors, including pollution, blue light and UV-induced damage. It also attracts and binds water to skin cells, forming a protective hydration barrier and minimising inflammation, irritation, and dehydration. There are both probiotics and prebiotics in the serum. The probiotic lactobacillus ferment, lab-created, and non-living probiotic ingredient that plays a role in helping the skin’s microbiome. The other lactobacillus bamboo ferment and radish root are both prebiotic and antioxidant; they help to strengthen the skin barrier and minimise any irritation as they nourish and support collagen synthesis, fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. Chia seed oil is a rich source of fatty acids, and forms a protective barrier on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-pollution properties make it ideal for those who struggle with sudden skin flare-ups. Finally, Inulin is usually derived from chicory root or sugarcane; as a natural humectant, it draws water into the skin; it’s also prebiotic and can play a role in healing skin sensitivity.

LEE serum is not just a serum; it can also be used as an effective stand-alone moisturiser. Primarily it gives the skin the ability to defend itself from its environmental aggressors thanks to the lactobacillus ferment. With a viscous, almost gel-like texture, very little is needed. We used a few drops on clean damp skin, which swiftly absorbed, leaving skin ready for our daily SPF. They say that it’s at its most effective when used in the morning or mixed with your daily moisturiser, to protect skin against pollution and stressors. It's also microbiome-friendly, which means the product does not disturb the skin's microbial balance. An imbalanced microbiome could lead to skin issues such as acne or eczema. We found that a little goes a long way, and it adapted well to all our different skin types. We also found that whether skin tended to lean towards dryness, sensitivity or a combination of both, this serum helped improve the skin's overall appearance. We also found it helped offset factors leading to redness and dryness. A big plus, for us, is that this serum is both versatile and easily portable. The pouches slip neatly into any small bag, so, if needed, a top-up can be applied throughout the day.

To purchase the LEE: The Skin Barrier Osmolyte Concentrate in 30ml for £28 click here.

Aura Organics : Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil

How do you cleanse? Is it with a one-off cleanse and rinse? Or perhaps, it was like us, with a double cleanse using a cleansing oil and then followed by a water-based toner. Whichever way it is, we want to introduce you to a single cleanse, with this oil-to-milk Aura Organics Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil from Aura Cosmetics. It's a discovery from Edwina's 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards judging; and one that also wowed us with its exceptional performance and moreish fruity fragrance. A little while ago, on The Amazing Blog, we also reviewed their wonderful Exfoliating Face Mask, see here.

Aura Organics are a London-based indie natural and organic skincare brand. Founded by the holistic practitioner, formulator, and spa owner Danielle Andrean, whose experience in working in mainstream skincare revealed many unnatural and problematic ingredients, which were not only lacking in nutritional value but causing skin irritation in her clients. This began her mission to launch her own skincare with Aura Organics, a name that comes from the Latin word for a ‘breath of fresh air’. Alongside her existing knowledge, and study of organic cosmetic chemistry, it was the start of this natural, organic and cruelty-free skincare range. All products are made in small batches and are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and harmful toxins. It's important to Danielle that her products contain natural and organic ingredients that align with her holistic brand ethos. This small, family-run business seeks to inspire and educate people on the importance of natural skincare and is committed to sustainable living with both products and packaging materials, that are recyclable, biodegradable and refillable to reduce pollution and waste.

 In addition to developing an organic skincare range, Danielle also launched Aura Organics Spa. The spa uses its own range of holistic and organic products paired with ancient healing remedies, allowing them to create individually tailored treatments and globally inspired wellness rituals. They aim to provide a relaxing experience that promotes physical and mental well-being. Apart from treatments, their wellness studio offers a variety of yoga, pilates, and meditation classes to suit all levels. To adhere to their sustainability ethos, even the yoga mats are made with renewable harvested tree rubber and recycled materials that are free of PVC and latex. They also run a free community meditation class to make yoga and meditation accessible to all. 

Their award-winning Aura Organics Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil , really caught our eye. It’s packaged in a stylishly frosted metallic glass bottle, which protects the special ingredients from harmful sunlight and contamination from plastics. A vegan blend of mango extract, organic orange peel oil, vitamin C, and magnesium helps to hydrate, soothe, brighten and fight acne breakouts. Organic gotu kola (AKA centella asiatica) has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and strengthens the skin while brightening dull-looking. Finally, beta carotene, a natural vitamin A form, helps boost the skin's defence and signs of ageing.

All the organic oils present are for cleansing and nourishing. The grapeseed and sunflower oil are rich in vitamin E, for the repair of the skin’s barrier, both are highly absorbent and won’t clog pores. Olive, peach kernel, castor, orange peel and rosehip are all rich in antioxidants and offer anti-inflammatory properties that fight bacteria and moisturise. Rosehip and sweet almond oil are is high in vitamins A, E, zinc and linoleic acid, all of which boost collagen production and hydrate.

If you wonder why oils are used for cleansing, it’s because they are non-comedogenic and bond with any makeup or grime. Did you know that your skin is home to over 1,000 species of bacteria? Quickly added, these are not all bad bacteria, in fact, the skin offers a variety of distinct ecosystems, with communication between bacteria, skin cells and immune cells. Unfortunately, washing the skin is completely out of sync with the needs of our skin, and damages the good bacteria making it harder for the skin to retain moisture. As a result, it disrupts the skin’s pH level. However, by using an oil cleanser, you are supporting your skin’s army of healthy bacteria. This interaction helps to reinforce, repair and bolster the barrier formed by the skin, and acts as a barrier to protect the skin from pollutants locking in moisture. Why do we like cleansing oils? It’s because they work to remove any stubborn residue from sunscreens and are also very adept at dissolving all types of makeup. Many cleansing oils and balms now contain an emulsifier; this allows the oil to mix with water to form a milky emulsion, making only a single cleanse necessary, as they remove all makeup and grime, and rinse away without leaving any greasy excess.

As mentioned earlier, this organic cleansing oil has a delicious smell of mango and orange. We found the scent uplifted our spirits, and left our skin beautifully fragranced. We found that by massaging a small amount of this oil to milk cleanser, the light and silky texture dissolved makeup, and the deep cleansing oils targeted pollution and grime leaving skin soft and squeaky clean. For stubborn eye makeup, we used a reusable makeup pad, wet hands and a splash of water, then massaged the cleanser until it became a milky white emulsion - best of all, no eye stinging!. Then, with a quick final rinse, we were left with a clean, hydrated, glowing complexion! It gets top marks from us and is another of our #amazingfinds. To purchase your bottle of Aura Organics Mango & Orange Cleansing Oil at £17.95, see here.