Jane Scrivner : Peace, and Revive Blends - Life Essentials Pure Essential Oils

We all know the importance of being mindful, whether focusing on health or taking an hour out to compose oneself during a stressful day. Today on The Amazing Blog we want to talk about a new range of essential oil blends that have helped us to get a feeling of balance and calm. We were delighted to test out these two unique natural aromatherapy blends, Peace and Revive in the Life Essentials Pure Essential Oils collection, from one of our favourite holistic and natural skincare brands Jane Scrivner. Some of our loyal readers may well remember that we wrote about the brand back in 2013 and 2014.

Jane Scriver created her skincare range in 2013. With over thirty years of experience in skincare working as a therapist and an international skincare trainer to top global spas, she discovered local and indigenous raw oils, which inspired her to create her very own range of skincare products. "I then came home to practise in London and used these same oils in my treatments, unblended and pure, and I saw how my clients' skin turned from pale and pasty to nourished and alive."  In addition to her well-known skincare, Jane has now added a home and lifestyle product range of emotion and mood-enhancing diffusers and blended essential oils. The brand commits to sourcing everything ethically by using carefully assessed suppliers for traceability and sustainability. All products are paraben and SLS free; they are also cruelty-free and 100% natural and use certified organic ingredients wherever possible. The ranges are handmade in small batches in the UK, where they are mindful of waste and only use FSC approved packaging. The brand is no stranger to beauty awards as they have already won several Beauty Shortlist Awards and Beauty Bible Awards for their skincare range.

Recently, they received an award at the Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards 2022  for their Peace and Revive  Blend Pure Essential Oils. As we were privileged to be amongst the judges this year, we thought we’d feature these two blends which really impressed us. We used these in a candle diffuser (pictured here) which uses accelerated evaporation by heat with the drops mixed in with water; and in an ultrasonic diffuser with its waves transforming the essential oil mixed with water into a vapour. We also like the suggestion that Jane gives here, “My favourite ways to use these is to either drizzle just a few drops into a bowl of pinecones collected on a walk and to let the aroma gently perfume the room or for my office, if I have a busy 'thinking' day, I drop Blend #29 into an electronic diffuser to stay inspired and creative!" 

The Peace Blend Pure Essential Oil, we found enhanced a sense of calmness. It contains nine soothing ingredients: Bay, benzoin, chamomile Maroc, eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, myrrh, sweet orange, and petitgrain. Bay is woody and spicy scented yet fresh, it’s indigenous to Europe and the Middle East and can grow up to six metres. Bay in aromatherapy practices is used to increase mindfulness and promote focus. Benzoin is sap from Styrax trees, and the extract has a warm scent to it. This blend is used to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress. Chamomile Maroc plant from North-West Africa and South Spain. Traditionally, this extract has been used as a muscle relaxant and for anxiety relief helping to relax the mind. Eucalyptus is native to Australia. Although this oil has many external benefits, such as relieving respiratory conditions, eucalyptus oil also eases tension and helps bring a wave of positivity. Frankincense comes from the trunk of a Boswellia tree. Frankincense is one of our favourite oils; it’s used for grounding and connectedness and is one of the key essentials we use for meditation. Lavender is one of the most frequently used plants in essential oils, and for good reasons. Lavender provides a clear and focused mind, emotional stability, and inspiration. Interesting fact, the Egyptians used myrrh for embalming as It slowed the decaying process and left a pleasant scent. In this blend, myrrh is used to uplift moods by removing any negative feelings and keeping minds grounded. When it comes to sweet orange extract, there are many benefits to this citrus ingredient, the extract can help reduce symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Lastly, petitgrain oil comes from a bitter orange tree native to southern China. The word petitgrain is French, meaning "little grains". Petitgrain oil has many uses; it soothes nerves protecting the mind from anxiety, shock, and fear. We think this blend is perfect for people who need to take a step back from their stressful lives, for much-needed relaxation. 

The Revive Blend Pure Essential Oil blend is made from seven unique energy-boosting ingredients: Basil, clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, lime, patchouli, and peppermint. Basil extract is proven to have many health benefits, including stabilising the nervous system, it’s known to help decrease tension and anxiety. Clary sage is another plant with many physical and mental benefits and significantly helps to reduce stress as it has antidepressant properties. Geranium oil comes from the leaves of a plant called pelargonium graveolens, indigenous to South Africa. Geranium oil is used to treat signs of stress, anxiety, and depression and helps restores confidence. The grapefruit inspires an uplifting and positive mindset needed for motivation in this blend. Lime is also used to uplift one's mood and energy, purify the air, and even help with relaxation after a long day. Patchouli is sweet, spicy, and woody, and in this blend; it helps aid symptoms of depression and stress as it induces a sense of wellbeing. The final ingredient is peppermint, known to help relieve sorrow, or feelings of restlessness and offer a sense of calm. We think that the Revive Blend is best used when you first wake up giving a much-needed burst of energy, it’s also a brilliant blend to help give focus.

We’ve always been big fans of aromatherapy essentials oils ,and these blends are another of our #amazingfinds. Not only do they smell gorgeous, but they’ll make a great addition to anyone's aromatherapy collection. Both blends come in small 10ml glass bottles, and the brand advises adding 2-3 drops of these essential oil blends to any room fragrance device or getting creative and using what you have. Also, to note, depending on the base ingredients, these essential oil blends can smell very different when used in their product than in pure form ‘on the nose’. To purchase the Peace Blend Pure Essential Oil Blend see here for £18 or Revive Blend Pure Essential Oil Blend to Refresh & Awaken here for £16.  Or to purchase the full range of the four Life Essentials Pure Essential oils here for £85.

NAYA : Hydration Mask

After the recent cold snap, are you finding that your skin is in need of a big hydration boost? Then keep reading one, as today on The Amazing Blog, we’re very excited to introduce you to the Hydration Mask from the natural and sustainable skincare brand NAYA. It’s another of our #amazingfinds which we judged on The Beauty Shortlist Awards, where it won a very well deserved Editor’s Choice.

The NAYA story began in 2018 when the founder Sarah Zimmer’s wanderlust took her to over 60 countries. It was fueled by these travels, that an idea started to emerge. She was fascinated by local traditions, botanicals and remedies, and saw an opportunity to create a natural, luxurious and sustainably sourced skincare that utilised regenerative farming methods together with scientifically proven ingredients. Her vision is to empower and educate the consumer on their skincare with these natural and sustainable ingredients that offer long-term benefits. “Our focus is to convince customers of providing effective skincare that truly makes a difference and makes you love the skin you are in.” All NAYA products include pure and sustainably grown cacay oil, 100% vegan and PETA certified, making their range both good for the skin and the environment. During the manufacturing process, NAYA consciously uses upcycled and biodegradable materials to reduce the use of single-use plastic and waste. Their focus is on using developmental farming methods to source their ingredients ethically and is very proud of their sustainability. Sarah went on to say, "Our approach to skincare goes beyond our products. I wanted a performance-driven skincare line formulated with fewer proven actives at higher concentration. Products that I could feel good about for their botanical science, proven effectiveness and soil to skin life-cycle." With every purchase, they give back by working alongside projects such as EDEN Reforestation to plant a tree, and Four Seasons to support the protection of corals. Plus their regenerative project - ‘Tierra Radiante - Roots to Glow’ where the harvesters grow cacay and indigenous plants, replacing those used and giving back to the indigenous communities in Colombia. To date, the brand has planted over 1500 seeds. All NAYA products are also gender-neutral, cruelty-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, organic and free from GMOs. The brand has also won multiple awards for six of its products, including its Hydration Mask (below) see here.

The Hydration Mask has been created to help revive, freshen and nourish the skin. This plant-based overnight mask comprises of five key ingredients, that the brand focuses on. These are aloe vera, cacay oil, silverear mushroom (tremella fuciformis), willow bark and four different variations of hyaluronic acid.

The hero ingredient of cacay oil is one we know well. This precious oil from the Amazon is proven to help cell growth, skin hydration, and collagen production. Plus, it contains three times the amount of vitamin C and 50% more vitamin E than argan oil. Aloe vera extract is made up of 80% water, and has lots of vitamins, nutrients and minerals, which help moisturise and soften skin. Silverear mushrooms are commonly used in Asia for both medicine and beauty. This ingredient is known to hydrate, rejuvenate, and heal the skin. The silverear mushroom is also known for its hydrating properties. Even by ingesting this mushroom, it’s said to help keep skin hydrated and is often found in traditional Asian recipes. Willow bark extract and high in salicin, polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Salicin is a natural exfoliant and substance that is converted by the digestive process to salicylic acid when taken orally. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, can help soothe acne, eliminate wrinkles, and promote increased firmness. Polyphenols and flavonoids, have strong antioxidant properties and are ideal for fighting free radicals and stopping them from harming healthy cells. Tannins are frequently found in toners and help shrink and tighten pores, control oily skin, and make for a firmer complexion. They are also excellent anti-agers as they protect the skin from harmful UV exposure.

Let’s explain the four types of hyaluronic acid found here: Sodium acetylated hyaluronate (SAH), sodium hyaluronate (SH), sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer (SHC), and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate (HSH). SAH is a different variation of hyaluronic acid that has better moisture retention and bonds .This improves skin elasticity and has long-lasting effects. When applied topically, SH can help moisturise, reduce wrinkle appearance and inflammation, and even help heal wounds. SHC is a modified form of hyaluronic acid with a polymer structure that enhances hydration. HSH is lighter in molecular weight in comparison to regular HA. This helps the product penetrate the skin improving skin elasticity, HSH is able to stimulate HA production to protect skin from harmful skin radicals. This makes for a potent combination to help boost skin moisture and hydration. To quote NAYA, “Multi-hyaluronic acid approach increased skin hydration by 155.1%, an hour after application. The skin’s TEWL (transepidermal water loss) decreased by 32.3%. It improves the natural moisture levels from the inside out, making skin smoother and more elastic.”

Apart from the ingredients, what we loved about this overnight mask was how soft it left our skin in the morning. It really is the ultimate hydration boost and one that replenishes the skin with all the vital vitamins and minerals that it needs to plump up again. We applied an even layer to clean skin at night time, it takes about 15 minutes until it’s fully absorbed (so no residue on the pillow!) No need to rinse. Quickly added, we have very sensitive skin and the great thing about this mask is that it’s suitable for all skin types; also they say it’s safe enough to use even for expectant mothers. We love how inclusive this product is, and It’s certainly one we’d recommend. The Hydration Mask comes in a 50 ml jar packaged in a recyclable box. You can purchase this product here for €65 or approx £53.93.  

Dr Jackson's : 05 Face & Eye Essence

Following on with more of our Beauty Shortlist Winners, here is a brand that has won no less than six awards this year, with some of the highest accolades given which include ‘Best Blue Beauty Brand” and “Best Vegan Skincare UK”. We are talking about Dr Jackson's a British beauty and well-being brand that prides itself on being clean, organic, gender-neutral and fragrance-free. Today we are featuring one of our favourites, which was awarded “Best Product of Tired Eyes/Signs of Fatigue” their 05 Face & Eye Essence.

Dr Jackson's was founded in 2008 by the PhD pharmacy in pharmacognosy Simon Jackson. However, the history of the company dates back a few decades. Even as a child, Simon was always intrigued by the power of nature and took an interest in native plants used by indigenous tribes in Amazon, Indonesia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Simon relates how a particular fruit drew his fascination and how it was sparked an idea to create his skincare. It was the Kigelia or "sausage-tree", traditionally, this fruit is used topically for its anti-microbial properties, which help reduce symptoms associated with eczema and skin irritation. Dr Jackson related in a past interview that, "95% of the world's population use natural products or plants as a primary healthcare, so for me, it is a real inspiration as to why people use natural products as a medicine." With his extensive botanical knowledge, a range of incredible plant-powered, vegan, sustainable skincare, and organic herbal teas, were born. Dr Simon Jackson is currently the CSO and co-founder of Modern Botany skincare.

Today the company is led by Kristijana Durakic, a scientific officer. She is a biological sciences, pharmacy, and biomedicine professional who oversees a team of scientists and formulation experts. Under her leadership, Dr Jackson's stays true to its roots and offers clinically tested and sustainable products with reduced waste that minimises its carbon footprint where it is “led by science, inspired by nature.” The packaging of the products is always eco, simple plastic-free, and in recyclable 100% compostable cardboard boxes. Additionally, Dr Jackson's is a member of 1% for the Planet, a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to ensure that the earth and future generations thrive. One of the key ingredients that the brand uses is Baobab. They now have an alliance with the Baobab Foundation to support their educational programmes and Baobab Wilding Campaign, planting young Baobab trees and protecting them from external threats. The brand considers itself gender-neutral and inclusive, as its products are designed for everyone regardless of their age, gender, or skin type. 

The 05 Face & Eye Essence is a firm favourite with us as a hydrating and toning gel, particularly for the contour area of the eyes. The four key ingredients are damask rose flower water, bitter orange flower water, chamomile flower oil and baobab seed oil.

The damask rose flower water restores, tones and calms leaving a soft mood-boosting fragrance. The bitter orange flower water is excellent for relieving stress and boosting energy, and is full of vitamin A and phosphorus, known to tighten large pores and even out skin tone - it leaves skin clear and radiant. The chamomile flower oil is ideal for sensitive skin as an antipruritic and anti-inflammatory it neutralises any irritation. The baobab seed oil strengthens and moisturises thanks to its vitamins C, B, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium; and as the brand says, “The fruit has six times as much vitamin C as an orange, is a plentiful source of antioxidants and it combats skin ageing by improving skin firmness and strength by boosting the elastic quality of the skin and encouraging cell regeneration”. 

There’s aloe leaf juice which hydrates and soothes and is enriched in vitamins and antioxidants, to help prevent premature signs of ageing. Finally, the marula seed oil is a nod to the brand's origins and is one of the most popular skincare oils in sub-Saharan Africa, Packed with vitamins C and E, as well as a lesser-known antioxidant phytochemical epicatechin which helps to stave off the free radicals caused by exposure to UV rays or pollution.

This Face & Eye Essence is dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skins. It is a multi-purpose product that can be used to reduce puffiness or applied as a primer. It’s a little gem that will be your new best ally for soothing tired eyes after a bad night's sleep or for cooling the skin after sunburn. It comes in a glass jar that can be recycled or reused and has a small spatula for application to avoid any contamination. Apply night and day and gently tap the gel around the eye area. A little goes a long way, as it’s highly concentrated in actives, let the skin absorb the gel for a few minutes, before applying makeup. Our top tip is to store it in the fridge before using it - as cool, it’s absolute heaven on tired eyes! This is another of our #amazingfinds, one we repeated buy, and can’t live without. See here to purchase the 50ml 05 Face & Eye Essence for £60.

EARTH from Earth: Damask Rose Skin Balm

It is no secret that here at The Amazing Blog, we value natural skincare products above all else. After all beauty trends come and go, but our skin is here for life, and so it’s imperative to take care of it. As always, we’re on the hunt for new and exciting products, and today’s latest discovery is from EARTH from Earth, with their Damask Rose Skin Balm.

EARTH from Earth is a wellness brand that focuses on natural and organic skincare, haircare and grooming products. Founded by Kehinde Ogunba, a graduate of Formula Botanics, who saw that there was a “gap in approachable and effective self-care products that are made with the right combination of herbs and unconventional superior plant oils and butter.” Ogunba works closely with Minomi Adejumo, who is the formulator and brand alchemist for EARTH from Earth. Adejumo is a qualified pharmacist and medical herbalist with expansive knowledge of both African and Western healing traditions. Adejumo has “a strong appreciation and experience in harnessing the therapeutic properties of numerous herbs and plant oils.” EARTH is a acronym for Essences Aromas Relaxation Therapy Healing. These ideas are what the brand aims to offer for the modern woman, man and family; since their products are formulated to “nourish, uplift, calm and balance mind, body and soul.” EARTH from Earth describes their range of products as “indulgent, potent, aromatic and nutrient-dense” with all-natural, organic plant oils and herbs that are chosen specifically for their “therapeutic abilities and extraordinary efficacy.” Every product is made in the UK and handcrafted to nourish, condition, moisturise, rejuvenate, restore, uplift and balance. The fragrances only come from the raw aroma of the natural ingredients combined with the “delicate blend of aromatherapy oils to evoke a deep sense of sensory awakening.” Most of their products are plastic-free in brown amber glass containers and housed in a biodegradable paper tubes, with earthy jute sacs to keep them safe. They made with 100% ethically-sourced herbs, plant oils and butters which are vegan and cruelty free.

EARTH from Earth’s Damask Rose Skin Balm contains a unique blend of antioxidants and vitamin-rich superior butters, plant oils and herbs. We love that the natural and organic ingredients create their own natural and raw aroma. This skin balm feels and smells luxurious. It is specifically formulated to provide deep nourishment, hydration and replenishment. This balm is laced with one of our favourite ingredients the rosa damescena, “carefully hand-picked early in the morning before they can open and release their precious scent, soothing and sensual as it infuses the skin with enriching nutrients.” The herbal extracts are produced in-house to ensure the essence of every herb is fully released into the oils. To use this soothing skin balm, scoop a small portion into your hands to warm it up and take a moment to inhale the natural aromas, then proceed to apply the balm all over your skin.  The key herbal ingredients here are wild geranium, broadleaf plantain, gotu kola, nettle, calendula, licorice root, field horsetail, marshmallow, chickweed. Together they are blended with oils from coconut, grapeseed, castor, avocado, jojoba, olive and African oil palm. There is candelilla wax, murumuru and cacao butters to give the Balm its consistency. The fragrance is subtle combination of the essential oils, with rosa damescena, patchouli and geranium. In short, this is a beautiful and delicately scented Balm which is free from water, alcohol, chemical preservatives, stabilisers and additives. We used it on face and body, concentrating on elbows, knees and lips. We love how this is a wonderful multitasker, and if there’s only room for one skincare product to pack in you travel bag this summer - make sure this is it! To purchase this 120ml jar of Damask Rose Skin Balm see here.