Skin W1® : Collagen Stimulating Serum

As we grow older, it goes without saying that we all want our skin to age well and keep its youthful bloom. At The Amazing Blog, we’ve been looking for a new age-defying serum, one that’s packed full of antioxidants and science-driven ingredients. With autumn fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about using a more potent daily skincare, and lucky enough, we were sent this award-winning Collagen Stimulating Serum by Skin W1®. It certainly piqued our interest, with its pioneering ingredients and medical know-how. Did you know that by the age of thirty, collagen production diminishes rapidly, thus affecting the elasticity of the skin; so we couldn’t wait to try this serum.

Skin W1® is science-driven skincare founded by Dr Rabia Malik, an aesthetic doctor and GP who has a particular interest in non-invasive, non-surgical facial rejuvenation and problem skin solutions. Dr Malik completed an attachment in dermatology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital, in the USA before launching her aesthetic medicine practice in 2011. Today, she is based at The Harrods Wellness Clinic, where Dr Malik offers bespoke skin peels and non-injectable facial rejuvenation to improve skin tone and texture. "My focus is on non-injectable facial rejuvenation and maximum skin health. I specialise in providing bespoke skin peels to help achieve a glowing, natural complexion." In 2021, Dr Malik launched her line of skincare Skin W1® with a range designed to support skin health, in particular, collagen production, these include a cleanser, serum, moisturiser, mask and facial oil. Taking over three years in research and development, she commented on the range, “I didn't want to create a product range focusing on actives already on the market. I wanted to focus on something innovative and new – something we know delivers results." One of these special ingredients includes copper amino acid complex, a combination of methyl glucoside phosphate and copper lysinate/prolinate; these can be found in her serum and moisturiser. It’s best known for boosting the skin's own collagen as well as encouraging elastin production. She went on to say, “I have worked with these active ingredients in the clinic for years, and I wanted to bring these powerful results to clients at home.” All products are free from parabens, sulphates and fragrance (except the serum), and all claim to have non-irritating ingredients. The brand believes that Skin W1®’s three core products can replace other additional products, helping to declutter and simplify a skincare routine. They have a very instructive Ingredient Library here where all the products are listed and explained in full.

The Collagen Stimulating Serum is their hero product, collecting some well-deserved wins at the Beauty Awards London 2021 and Get the Gloss 2021. This is a performance-led serum that has a range of actives that are not typically found in retail skincare. Suitable for all skin types, don’t think that this is just for the 40+ age group; it’s for anyone over 25, which is when collagen levels start to decline. Apart from the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate (mentioned above), the niacinamide (vitamin B3) and aminopropyl phosphate (a derivative of vitamin C) also work together for impactful anti-ageing benefits, similar to those of retinol, but as much gentler version; which is why Dr Malik chooses to use these ingredients over others.

The seven key ingredients mentioned are witch hazel extract, niacinamide (AKA vitamin B3), aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, 2% methyl glucoside phosphate, 2% copper lysinate/prolinate,  L-carnosine and adenosine, which we will explain.

Witch hazel is antioxidant-rich with tannins, its unique medicinal anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties aid with the vasoconstrictor tightening blood vessels and reducing redness in the skin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3), helps build skin cells, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen and protein production, and protects skin from environmental stressors. Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, is a form of vitamin C  and an antioxidant used for reducing hyperpigmentation and collagen-boosting; it also helps with the stability of l-ascorbic acid. However, the main anti-ageing ingredients present are the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate. These work together by using amino acids to increase collagen and elastin production for firmer, tighter skin. With daily use, a high percentage of the copper amino acid complex will stimulate collagen to plump up the skin and soften fine lines. Finally, the L-carnosine and adenosine are both synthetically manufactured peptides, that assist in wound healing activity, and protect and repair the skin barrier making it more robust.

There are also the ubiquitous skin plumping ingredients that you would expect to find in an anti-ageing serum with hydrolysed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate (which we have often discussed). Also, there’s one that we haven’t come across before with phenethyl alcohol, it’s a preservative with antimicrobial activity and gives the serum its delicate rose-like scent.

We like that Skin W1® has worked hard to avoid using plastic, which we applaud. The serum comes in a small frosted glass bottle with a pump and with a protective cardboard outer shell, which could be repurposed to store other products or toiletries while travelling. Dr Malik recommends applying this product in the AM or PM using 1-2 pumps on clean skin, massaging it into the face and neck. We liked how the serum is simple to use and absorbs quickly, allowing us to follow it with our regular moisturiser/SPF in the morning, although at night; we felt it was best to use the serum alone, to allow its powerful antioxidants to penetrate the skin and do their work encouraging cell renewal, and plumping up fine lines. Our verdict? It’s very gentle, unlike retinol-based products which tend to give us redness and irritation. It leaves skin soft and more luminous; plus we noticed that it faded some of our pigmentation spots. It does have a hefty price tag, but we think it’s a worthwhile investment. After all, what price can you put on having healthy and youthful-looking skin? To purchase the 30ml Collagen Stimulating Serum for £125.00, see here.

White Lotus : Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum

We all know the power of crystals and their many benefits for mental well-being, but did you know that they can enhance your skincare too? As readers of The Amazing Blog will know, we love to try out effective, new and unique skincare, and yet again, we’ve made an exciting discovery via The Beauty Shortlist Awards. This time, it’s a serum with a difference, meet Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum from award-winning Australian holistic skincare company White Lotus.  

Husband and wife duo Anthony and Kamila Kingston, founder of White Lotus, met while studying Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine at university. They spent two years in Asia, studying traditional holistic beauty and treatments passed down through generations. On returning to their native Australia in 2004, they opened their first clinic White Lotus Cosmetic Acupuncture. This was Australia’s first specialist cosmetic skin and microneedling clinic. "Due to the unique nature of the clinic, which offered brand new treatments for the time including microneedling, jade rollers, facial Gua Sha and cosmetic cupping, word of mouth quickly spread." In 2007, White Lotus, with Anthony’s knowledge of herbal pharmacology, officially launched its first range of skincare products and tools, together with online courses for techniques such as acupuncture, microneedling, and traditional face reading. They’ve even co-written and published books, like "Jade Roller, Gua Sha & Cosmetic Cupping for the Face and Body". White Lotus is also committed to avoiding greenwashing and has partnered with Clean Hub, an organisation that checks and verifies the amount of plastic they remove from the ocean each month. The brand is also working to become a carbon-neutral company, the majority of products are organic, PETA approved, vegan and cruelty-free. They are also free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, petroleum, phthalates, ethanolamines, silicone, GMO, or synthetics. They're no strangers to awards, as they have won over 20 awards. Most notably, they've won an Editor's Choice Award at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards and were a finalist at the 2021 Mama & Baby Awards.

The Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum is made using genuine crystals rather than the fashionable but less effective method of crystal infusion. For those not in the know, crystal-infused skincare simply means real crystals are dipped in the mixture and then removed during the manufacturing process - leaving no trace of the crystal or its beneficial effects. This Crystal Face Serum contains genuine ground jade and tourmaline crystals combined with organic and natural botanical oils and herbs.

It is believed that jade was used to withdraw negative energy and balance 'chi', a 'life force or energy in traditional Chinese methods. Using jade can help brighten skin complexion, reduce puffiness, and aid blood circulation. Although tourmaline crystals are excellent for balancing chakras and meridians, this gem also has some skin benefits. This energising crystal can be used to vitalise skin, making it more luminous and youthful. When these genuine finely ground ‘activated’ jade and tourmaline crystals are applied to the skin, it has attracted natural wave energy AKA ‘far-infrared rays’. (By the way, to activate any crystals they have to be placed in the light of the full moon for a minimum of four hours). These crystals help skin cells called fibroblasts to synthesise new collagen and elastin. The brand also tells us one of the main benefits of these far-infrared rays is that they, “Advance wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis, cell proliferation and keratinocyte motility”.

Apart from the jade and tourmaline crystals, other key ingredients are botanicals: Rose flower water, camelia seed, jojoba, frankincense, bergamot and lemon oils; plus panax ginseng root and benzyl alcohol. Rose flower water has antibacterial properties that help reduce skin redness and improve complexion. Camelia seed minimises the appearance of premature ageing and promotes healthy skin. Jojoba has vitamins E and B-complex, and it’s key to damage control and skin repair. Frankincense soothes and nourishes and aids with sunburn, rosacea or breakouts. Bergamot contains limonene, a potent antioxidant and has many anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon oil evens skin tone and lightens dark spots, rejuvenating and detoxifying tired-looking skin. Benzyl alcohol is a natural preservative; this type used is not ethanol. The herbs are either added raw or extracted using an oil-based method rather than ethanol. Finally, ginseng is full of vitamins D and B12 and can help slow the loss of collagen, helping the skin retain elasticity.

What we liked about this serum is that It is light and cooling, making it perfect for the warmer summer months. With its very slight bergamot/citrus scent, it absorbs almost instantly when applied. Using 4 or 5 pumps of the serum we gently massaged it onto the face and neck morning and night. Skin felt soft and hydrated - with no evidence of any powdery crystals, just a silky smooth and opaque liquid. It’s hydrating enough by itself and we felt no need for a moisturiser, only our regular SPF. White Lotus say that with regular use, it will increase the skin's microcirculation, detoxification, and nourishment; as this serum allows for deeper penetration for the hydration of the skin cells. It’s a game-changer for holistic skincare and has become an instant favourite with us; and also has excellent sustainability credentials, as it comes in a 30ml glass bottle and BPA/BPS & phthalate-free and recyclable plastic cap and pump. it’s PETA certified, vegan and cruelty-free and is made with 90% certified organic ingredients.

The Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Serum is also a vital part of the White Lotus Crystal Facial and can be used alone or works wonderfully with their jade roller or rose quartz roller. We have written about their Jade Roller here. They also recommend combining it with their Organic Green Tea Face Oil and jade gua sha to complete the full crystal facial. To purchase the 30ml Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Serum for £29 see here. We hope to see more innovative products from White Lotus in the future and will be keeping an eye out for the next product launch.

Methode Physiodermie : Shot C15 Anti-Aging Serum

We’ve recently written about a variety of award-winning serums, and today Methode Physiodermie is the next of our #amazingfinds on The Amazing Blog. This brand made a great impression at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards, winning not one, but six awards on its debut entries. And we can see why - with its researched and scientifically proven ingredients in this innovative Shot C15 Anti-Ageing Serum, which includes 20% from organic farming and 99% from natural origin.

Methode Physiodermie is the flagship concept skincare range of the Swiss company Laboratoire Sintyl. The company was founded in 1974 by Swiss biologist Dr Calato, who dedicated much of his life to researching and developing the formulation of effective skincare, with a complete range of anti-ageing solutions, backed by 40 years of research on skin rejuvenation. Today their CEO, Alexandre Vacher, has had extensive experience in the biotechnology and cosmetics industries; in an interview with South China Morning Post Country Reports, he said, “The fact that all our products are proudly Swiss- made in our Geneva facility ensures that they only get the highest quality ingredients and, therefore, with the highest effectiveness.” The company creates skincare through science at its headquarters in Geneva and dedicates vast amounts of time and resources to research and development before launching its products. Their skincare is scientifically formulated with a range that includes organic ingredients that uses the latest revolutionary and cutting-edge technology called microencapsulation (MEIMA). Through this process, active ingredients are acquired into a liposome capsule and are then protected and delivered to the layer of skin where the cells need them most; it’s a skincare concept that specifically adapts to every type of skin and allows the achievement of visible and lasting results. Methode Physiodermie’s products are available to both consumers and professionals. 20% of the company’s sales go towards further research and development innovation methods, and in another interview conducted by I Feel Good Event, CEO Alexandre Vacher stated, “We are also leading Research and Development activities in the field of functional ingredients, plant extracts and formulation techniques to offer consumers ever more efficient products.” And as a cosmeceutical brand, they only rely on scientifically proven ingredients. Although all their products are produced as professional skincare and distributed in medi-spas and beauty salons - they are also available from the website for consumer use.

With Edwina as one of the judges at The Beauty Shortlist Awards, The Shot C15 Anti-Ageing Serum, certainly got her vote as the Best Serum (age 50+). It is part of Methode Physiodermie’s Clinical Swiss Organics collection, where the range is certified by Ecocert Greenlife according to the COSMOS-standard and is free from fragrance, silicones, parabens, mineral oils, EDTA/BHA/BH; it also went on to win the Best Skincare Brand (age 60+).

The Shot C15 Anti-Ageing Serum is their first certified organic serum with 15% pure vitamin C. The product has an ultra-concentrated formula, which has given the product a very effective anti-ageing effect. It is scientifically proven to firm the skin, visibly reduce brown spots, stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, and protect cells from free radicals. The Shot C15 Anti-Ageing Serum separately includes Pure Vitamin C sachet which needs to be mixed in and when combined must used within one month, as it is only stable within that time frame. If exposed to heat, light, or air, it can also become unstable. Something to note is that stabilised vitamin C is the only effective way to use vitamin C, as when it becomes unstable and oxidises, there is no longer a benefit to its use. 

Let’s look at the ingredients and what they do. Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit water comes from (organically grown) red cranberries. It is rich in antioxidants with vitamin C, to combat free radicals and slow the appearance of the effects of premature ageing. Ascorbic acid is pure vitamin C, again as the primary antioxidant here it’s known to brighten the skin, improve wrinkles, and help fade any skin discolourations. Sodium citrate also has antioxidant properties and helps maintain the pH level in skincare products. Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid and a potent skin humectant that helps the skin retain water. Salicylic acid is an exfoliating ingredient that helps the skin feel smoother. Glycerin is naturally occurring in the skin and is an ingredient that protects the skin from dryness by helping the skin retain moisture. Xanthan Gum is produced from the fermentation of simple sugars and acts as a thickening ingredient and stabiliser in skincare products. Benzyl alcohol is a preservative and pH adjuster used in skincare. Sorbic acid is another preservative and form of vitamin C; it encourages new collagen to grow and maintains the existing collagen, and is deemed to be a very safe ingredient used in skincare and also prevents the growth of bacteria.

We used this serum morning and night; only a few drops were needed. All you do is add the contents of the Pure Vitamin C sachet into the serum bottle. Then screw the dropper back on and shake vigorously for approx. 10 seconds. Then they recommend letting it stand for a few minutes before use. It’s for the face, neck and décolleté; gently massage to let it absorb and then apply any regular moisturiser or SPF (if applied in the morning). This is another of our #amazingfinds, and we love how it has proven scientific ingredients from the natural origin combined with the organic cranberry fruit water. Don’t be put off by the high percentage of vitamin C. We initially had our reservations, as we thought this serum might be too potent for our sensitive skin type. However, we were very pleasantly surprised at how gentle it was! It has given our complexion back its glow and helped fade some of our more visible pigmentation patches. As an anti-ageing serum, what more could we ask for? To purchase the 27ml Shot C15 Anti-Ageing Serum see here for £64.

Skin Virtue : Future Advanced Eye Serum & Pure Eye Radiance Cream

And when it comes to eye care, we’re battling dark circles, dehydration and fine lines together with our skin reacting badly to the cold. It’s an area that some of us need a little added extra help, which is why at The Amazing Blog, we were delighted to return to the nature meets science-based Australian skincare Skin Virtue  (which we previously reviewed here), but this time it’s with their hydrating and age-defying Future Advanced Eye Serum and the Pure Eye Radiance Cream. 

Skin Virtue is an evidence-based skincare, with premium products that have been developed to address a multitude of skin issues. Founded in 2008, 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.” The inspiration for the brand began with Nina herself, who had been struggling with sensitive and easily irritated skin, and was determined to understand why. In order to help resolve her own skin issues, she began researching formulation science and teaming up with certified dermatologists and Italian biochemists to create targeted skincare. Nina was already running a clinic working with clients who also had skin sensitivity which is when Skin Virtue came to life during this journey. The principal goal was to create effective products that incorporated the most effective botanical aspects of both science and nature. The brand has developed highly-effective formulas using advanced ingredients and technologies using natural multi-functional actives, potent vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and calming marine and botanical extracts. The Skin Virtue range harnesses the power of these ingredients to help slow down skin ageing and restore the skin's health. This is done by strengthening the skin barrier, promoting skin cell longevity, and targeting skin-related concerns through specific treatments. Skin Virtue has three targeted skincare collections: Super Clear Collection (for oilier skin types) to help with skin issues like breakouts, redness, clogged pores, and inflammation, the Pure Anti-Aging Collection (for drier skin types) to hydrate and protect the skin from premature ageing, and the Future Advanced Treatment Collection (for all skin types) which can be used with the other two collections to target skin-ageing issues like discolouration, wrinkles, or volume loss. Skin Virtue dedicates itself to providing skincare that is also suitable for sensitive skin, as all their products are fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, anti-irritating, anti-allergen, paraben-free, and made without mineral oil. For skincare suggestions or to check out the founder’s own skincare routine, see here. They also have a questionnaire on their website to personalise your skincare experience here to help you determine the best products to add to your personalised skincare routine. 

As the skin around the eyes is thinner and more active than the rest of the face, particularly with all our squinting, frowning and laughing, these ingredients help slow down the signs of ageing. Also, as the eye area doesn’t create hydration or replace moisture, it’s more prone to dryness, or worse – wrinkles. Therefore including an eye serum and/or eye cream in a daily skincare routine is, in our view, essential!

The Future Advanced Eye Serum is featured in the Future Advanced Treatment Collection, aims to correct signs of skin-ageing and revive skin complexion. This anti-ageing serum is ultra-light and developed to lift, firm, and plump the eye area so that your skin doesn't sag or suffer from hollowness and deep-set wrinkles. The serum’s super-concentrated formula and targets age-related volume loss through molecular lifting technologies. It has 11 active ingredients that work together to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines.

Let’s start with the two patented ingredients, malus domestica cell culture extract, and adipofill’in™ (in ionosomes). Malus domestic is a liposomal preparation sourced from apple stem cells - specifically from a rare Swiss variety. These stem cells have a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect and help to protect skin against sun damage and fine lines. As for the adipofill’in™ (in ionosomes), its main purpose is to increase fatty tissue for facial rejuvenation, it has a ‘lipofilling-like" action and is designed to lift and plump.

There is acetyl hexapeptide-8 argireline, a peptide that restores the skin's natural water barrier by binding water to the skin which in turn helps improve elasticity. Next, there is hydrolysed pearl, which is easily absorbed by the skin offering plentiful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and energising benefits. It’s also known to boost collagen production to strengthen the skin and help prevent the onset of dark patches. There is also glycine soja protein from the soya bean. It has several fatty acids such as, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic, that have anti-ageing and soothing properties, which leaves the skin feeling rejuvenated. Another key ingredient is one that we all know well is sodium hyaluronate. Sodium hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight than its cousin hyaluronic acid. It is synthesised small enough to penetrate deep into the skin, leaving a smoother, fuller, nourished, and more moisturised eye area. Finally, caffeine is present to reduce any puffiness and allay any hyperpigmentation or dark circles. 

We were excited to try this serum for its volumising properties, which for us, worked perfectly in tandem with the Pure Eye Radiance Cream.  As we have sensitive eyes that water, the fact that this is fragrance-free is a huge asset. We found that we needed only a tiny amount of this light serum, which we applied to the contour of the eye area, gently tapping it in with fingertips. It absorbed fast leaving skin feeling cool and hydrated. As Nina says about this Future Advanced Eye Serum, “it provides that lipofilling-like effect to sunken eyes, helping to plump up hollowing under the eye area and maintain firmness.” We found it effective to use independently, and together with the Pure Eye Radiance Cream (below).

Next, we tried the Pure Eye Radiance Cream, which is designed primarily to combat the look of puffy and aged skin. This eye cream is a part of the Pure Anti-Ageing Collection, which offers a range of products that use anti-ageing and pH strengthening active ingredients to help improve dry skin and prevent premature skin ageing. This age-defying rich cream leverages the power of biotechnological ingredients to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, reduce dark circles, target eye puffiness, and build skin health. Again this cream echoes some of the above serum’s ingredients with acetyl hexapeptide-8 argireline peptide and malus domestica stem cell liposomal formulas - both of these improve elasticity and support skin stem cell longevity around the eye. This eye cream certainly helps to revive the eye area with its 13 active ingredients, and wrinkle-smoothing peptides.

A few of the key ingredients worth mentioning are ginkgo extract, olea europaea (olive oil) unsaponifiables, vitamin A and E. These botanical extracts have soothing, toning, and antioxidant properties. The olea europaea oil unsaponifiables are a composition similar to sebum, with squalene and phytosterols that act as an intensive emollient. The hydrolysed elastin, marine collagen, has humectant properties for moisture retention, supporting cell growth and improving skin elasticity. Rich in vitamin A and E, both potent antioxidant that effectively fights free radicals - a major cause of wrinkles and dark spots. 

The Pure Eye Radiance Cream is super hydrating, rich in texture, but not thick or heavy, and again only a small amount is needed. It feels ‘protective’, particularly when used in cold winter weather. As mentioned, this can be used independently, and together with the Future Advanced Eye Serum, if intense hydration is required. We noticed with regular use, the skin around our eye area looked smoother and felt more hydrated, but to see longer-lasting and more defined results, we think it is probably best to use them both morning and night for an extended period of time. They are both this week’s #amazingfinds and we love that they are great value for money, priced at around only £40 each. The 15ml Future Advanced Eye Serum can be purchased here or £40 and the 15ml Pure Eye Radiance Cream can be purchased for £39 here.

The Cool Projects : Mood of the Day Box of 7 Soaps

With Christmas just around the corner, spirits are high and keeping that festive mood going is just what we are looking for, that, and of course, finding the perfect last-minute Christmas gift. At The Amazing Blog we couldn’t resist this Mood Of The Day: Box of 7 Soaps by The Cool Projects, these are a set of 100% natural soaps, beautifully designed with feel-good themes that helps keep the festive mood going.

The Cool Projects is founded by Greek designer Marina Koriolano-Lykourezou and her artist life partner Giannis Zagorianakos after they moved to the island of Aegina from the hectic city of Athens. What they found there were lots of olive tree groves, and a beautiful environment, which would later spark their business idea. Living in Aegina brought Marina and Giannis closer to nature, prompting them to create handmade, natural cold processed soaps using the traditional Greek method of production. In 2013, they began their business journey with the launch of their soap company, Cool Soap. In a recent interview with Greece Is, the co-founders explain how they wanted to develop a “local product that could travel”, and their soaps, made from Aegina extra virgin olive oil and other natural ingredients, reflect just that. Greece is known for its olive oil, and it’s one of its top agricultural exports. Their goal is to “produce a series of quality natural handmade Greek olive oil soaps with respect to nature, people and animals.” Cool Soap has gained an international cult following and expanded to become the brand The Cool Projects, that we all know and love today. Under this umbrella are four collections, Body, Bath, Kitchen and Lifestyle.  The Cool Projects team work in collaboration with skilled artisans from Aegina to produce not only handcrafted soaps but also bath and home accessories ranging from ceramic cups to cutting boards.  The Cool Projects company, as a whole, values the importance of craftsmanship, high-quality designs, “natural handmade products, and an effort to sustain small traditional workshops.” The Cool Projects also works to respect the environment by reusing and recycling as much as possible and only using natural ingredients. 

The Mood Of The Day: Box of 7 Soaps is a part of ‘The Mood Series’ collection which has soap bars, soap flakes and shower gels. The idea for this product stemmed from a collaboration between The Cool Projects and graphic designer Iliana Alexandrou. They wanted to create the ideal gift by providing customers with natural and colourful soaps presented in unique packaging. These offer a range of olive oil-based soaps in seven different colours and scents to help improve specific moods, hence the name. What we like about these seven soaps, is that you can use one for every day of the week for a different positive affirmation. As we near Christmas, being able to choose a desirable mood to improve our day sounds like the best way to let the festivities commence! Each of The Mood Series soaps represents a different mood, curious, happy, loved, sexy, calm, relaxed, and lucky. 

As these soaps are all made with olive oil, they’re rich in antioxidants with anti-ageing properties and are packed with vitamins that leave skin moisturised. They use palm oil which they reassure us is from “responsible sources” see here for more on this. Plus a blend of carefully selected essential oils which are coloured with natural pigments and oxides to match the given mood. For the yellow ‘Curious’ mood soap, it is scented with rosemary and sage essential oils. Some studies have found that rosemary essential oil can increase brain activity and combat tiredness, and sage has been known to clear the mind and fight fatigue as well. The orange ‘Happy’ soap blends citrus fruits and rosewood essential oils together to create an improved mood. Citrus fruits harness the power of vitamin C to help combat depression and drowsiness, and rosewood essential oils have sedative properties that allow the body to calmly deal with stressors. The pink ‘Loved’ mood soap purposefully combines jasmine and bergamot essential oils to encourage a warm, loving feeling, as jasmine has been linked to acting as an aphrodisiac and bergamot is believed to help the brain release dopamine. The ‘Sexy’ red soap is scented with ylang-ylang and bay essential oils, known to promote sensual energy. The jasmine and lavender essential oils found in the blue ‘Calm’ soap accurately depict this mood, as they help relax your nerves to relieve stress. As for the ‘Relaxed’ mood soap, it’s a combination of lavender and chamomile essential oils that creates a masterful cocktail for relaxation. Lavender and chamomile are some of the most well-known essential oils for promoting a sense of calm and fighting both depression and anxiety. Finally,  ‘Lucky’ the green mood soap, is composed of lavender essential oil, which eases stress and boosts your mood, and eucalyptus essential oil, known to stimulate and revitalise your mind and body. 

Their stylish packaging is also very pleasing with the white canvas-looking background paired with the playful and colourful imagery exclusively designed by Iliana Alexandrou, with a character holding the ‘mood’ like a present. We think these are perfect for those looking to create a positive affirmation and good energy, making this box of 7 soaps the ideal gift for all. They also offer a single soap where you can select any specific mood which makes the perfect stocking filler at €4 each, see here. You can purchase the full set of The Mood Of The Day: Box of 7 Soaps on their website here for €22, or you can buy here in the UK for £18.