Skincare Routine

Youth & Earth : Preservage

We cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of your body from the inside out and new supplements always pique our interest. At The Amazing Blog, we’re constantly reading up on ‘biohacking’ and were thrilled to test Preservage from the award-winning Youth & Earth, where it recently won ‘Best Wellbeing Brand’ and ‘Best Supplement - Age Well’ at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards.

Youth & Earth is a British brand that produces natural anti-ageing supplements, using cutting edge science to slow down ageing at a cellular level. Although life expectancy has been increasing in the UK for the past few decades; there has been a slowdown over the last decade. There are ‘Blue Zones’, which are geographic areas where people are expected to live longer than elsewhere. In these zones, some people live to 90-100 years old. Youth & Earth explore this in their feature on ‘Blue Zones’ here. The brand is the largest supplier of NAD+ boosters in the United Kingdom and Europe - these are the natural fuel cells use to function. However, they become more depleted in our bodies as we age and “drop as much as 50% by we are 50.” Youth & Earth supplements target the nine hallmarks of ageing: Cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, poor intercellular communication, genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The products target these by recreating the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle. Youth & Earth’s founder, Ed Van Harmelen, founded the company after learning that his NAD+ levels were dropping. He started learning about the principles of longevity pathways and researched the hallmarks of ageing back in 2017. He looked for supplements that address ageing at the cellular level, and found a gap in the market, so Youth & Earth was born. As they say, “Backed by science, rooted in rigorous research and, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, are designed to slow down, stop or even reverse the ageing process.” All ingredients are researched, scientifically backed and have very high bioavailability. Products are all-natural, pure and vegan, with sublingual powders, delayed-release capsules, and liposomal formulas.

Preservage helps with cell health and antioxidant protection and is an all-natural supplement designed to optimise intestinal absorption of ingredients like Resveratrol (350%) and Curcumin (200%). The key three of quercetin, resveratrol and curcumin have scientific proof here. The full ingredients listed for Preservage are trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, bioperine (black pepper extract), rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose (plant fibre), and silicon dioxide.

The trans-resveratrol is commonly sourced from red wine, grapes, berries and chocolate (theirs comes from a surprising source - Japanese knotweed!) It is a natural polyphenol with many benefits, such as protecting the heart, helping the body fight disease, and lowering cholesterol. Trans-resveratrol versus resveratrol is more effective because it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Curcumin is full of antioxidants and the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory compound and a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals and may increase brain levels of BDNF protein which plays a role in memory and learning.

Quercetin mainly comes from onions, and is also found in many other fruits and vegetables like capers, asparagus, and apples, It is also rich in antioxidants. It’s thought to help protect the body from cardiovascular diseases and contains flavonoids with potent antioxidant properties.

Bioperine is a black pepper extra, which helps enhance nutrient absorption (particularly the curcumin)> It decreases inflammation, and stabilises blood sugar levels; and is also said to combat cancer cell growth, decrease inflammation, and boost brain function. The fillers are rice flour, which contains vitamin E and other nutrients such as calcium; Microcrystalline Cellulose which acts as an absorbent and emulsifier, and silicone dioxide, a natural compound and anti-caking agent that ensures full absorption.

Youth & Earth recommends taking two capsules of Preservage every morning on an empty stomach, which provides 200mg Trans-Resveratrol, 200mg Curcumin, 400mg Quercetin, and 20mg Bioperine. Taking the supplement daily allows it to naturally slow down ageing in the body, and it delays cellular ageing and boosts the longevity gene sirtuin. By the way, sirtuins are a family of 7 proteins, with each one playing a variety of roles. However, they all work in synergy to keep the body healthy and functioning efficiently. Again, best explained by Youth & Earth detail more about this here.

The Preservage is a potent polyphenol booster and mTOR inhibitor. Polyphenols are full of antioxidants that protect body tissue and help maintain healthy and youthful skin, whereas mTOR is a longevity pathway that helps slow the ageing process. How was it for us? We love the ingredients and what they offer, and are big fans of curcumin and trans-resveratrol already. Here the combination of trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin and bioperine offers us pretty much all we need to increase our energy levels, aid anti-inflammatory issues, with the added bonus of slowing premature ageing - all in two daily capsules! Youth & Earth also recommends taking their NMN with Preservage for the ultimate anti-ageing effects - something we’ve yet to do. Start your anti-ageing journey today and purchase Preservage here 60 x 410mg capsules for £29.99 as a one time purchase, or subscribe and save 15% off.

PuraVida Bio

As our readers know, at The Amazing Blog we always veer towards good all-natural products. But, even with all the natural products we use, toxins still find a way to get into our skin through polluted air. We know that we’ll never leave the hustle and bustle of the city, but is the city air messing with our skin? Enter PuraVida Bio with their skin detox line. The Detox Serum, Detox Mask and Anti-age Balm all offer a perfect remedy to polluted skin. Anti-pollution skincare is one of the fastest growing areas in beauty and is something we’re all keen to try more of.

PuraVida Bio is an Italian brand of organic skincare that was started after identifying a need for high quality, innovative skincare products for all age ranges that are also completely safe and effective. We particularly like how they break down the ingredients that they use in each product with a purpose for each one. What makes this brand ‘different’ is that all their products are made with certified natural organic ingredients which are transformed into precious plant Lysates. The ingredients are provided by Alce Nero approved Italian farmers who cultivate under strict guidelines for organic farming. These are then go through a method of biotransformation into certified Lysates through an active process of natural fermentation (called ‘elision’), which strengthens all the antioxidants revitalising all the ingredients used. You can read more about this here.

We were sent three of their key products to test. The first of which was their Detox Serum, which is a concentration of anti-pollution active ingredients. It contains extract of Malvasia grapevines which maintain the correct level of skin microflora and speed up natural detoxification. The serum can be applied alone or before a moisturiser or balm, but we saw the best results when using together with their Anti-age Balm.

The Anti-age Balm we enjoyed using, light in texture, easy to absorb and the fragrance has a delicious powdery sweetness (the beetroot extract?) The extract of beetroot helps bind vitamin D on the skin, essential for toning and hydrating the skin. This is a long lasting formula that goes on working for 24 hours as it’s powerful antioxidants, ceramides and fermented angelica oil protect the skin and keep it toned and uniform. The vitamin C stimulates the renewal of collagen and combats the formation of age spots.

Our favourite of the three products is hands down the Detox Mask. It comes in these perfect single-use travel pods that are so easy to throw in a carry-on bag if you’re traveling. The PuraVida mask is the fastest way to detox your skin. Just apply the mask to the face and neck and leave for 15 minutes, once a week. It’s rich in powerful antioxidants and vitamin D, which is necessary for proper skin hydration.

All products are natural, gluten free, nickel tested no parabens or artificial preservatives and are not tested on animal. They are also approved by ICEA, one of the most important institutes for ethical and environmental certification. If you would like to remove some of the effects of pollution from your skin, the PuraVida Bio Detox products  can all be purchased here. The 50 ml Anti-age Balm is €32. You can purchase the 30 ml Detox Serum for €45 and the pack of 4 (8ml) Detox Masks retails for €22.

Sofia Latif - Face Oil

As busy people working and living in London, we’re constantly looking for ways to make our lives a little less complicated. We want to pamper both ourselves and our skin but are often too tired to conduct a daily extensive skincare routine. Therefore, simple is always best and that’s why we were excited at The Amazing Blog to experience the great multitasking Sofia Latif Face Oil.

Created with a holistic approach to skincare in mind, Sofia Latif believes in the importance of using our me-time to reconnect mind to senses, soothing the mind and skin at the same time. Now that’s a philosophy we can get behind. The founder, Sofia Latif created the signature face oil to combat her personal skincare issues with pigmentation and sensitivity. Fearing her skin would be further damaged if she used prescription creams or steroids, she spent 15 years perfecting the blend of her face oil. The Sofia Latif signature Face Oil was shortlisted for the Beauty Awards in 2018 .

We love how many amazing ingredients are contained in this signature Face Oil . With the powerful anti-oxidant properties of moringa seed oil, the elasticity improving marula seed oil mixed with rosehip oil with natural retinol action and pomegranate seed oil for skin regeneration; this is truly an all-in-one product. The organic sweet almond oil seals in moisture while jasmine flower works to balance and Bulgarian rose flower refines. We’re also happy to report that this Face Oil is vegan and doesn’t contain any synthetic ingredients, palm oil, mineral oils, phthalates, SLS / SLES, and silicones.

The Face Oil is made in small batches in London, so it’s always fresh. We suggest applying it at night on cleansed skin or adding a drop or two to your moisturiser or primer to give skin an extra radiant glow. Wanting to give back, Sofia Latif provides microfinance loans linking with non profit Lend with Care to female entrepreneurs who are working their way out of poverty by starting their own small business, to date they have give over 20 loans since 2017. An amount of the sale from each product goes towards the investment in these women’s future. The Sofia Latif Signature Face Oil 10ml can be purchased here for £20.00 or for 30ml for £45.

Be Glow - TIA and PURA Sonic Cleansers

At The Amazing Blog, we are always on the hunt for products that will help us cleanse our skin and help make it look more vibrant 24/7. We’ve been looking for an uncomplicated, portable, easy to clean and maintain sonic cleanser. Some of us here, have tried those electric cleansing brushes, but found that they tended to be quite harsh, ‘peeling’ the skin to cleanse which then generate more blemishes. Tired of spending money on useless beauty gadgets products? Then read on, we recently came across a new brand BeGlow with their TIA and PURA Sonic Cleansers at the CEW Awards showcase .

BeGlow advanced facial treatment methodologies are what everyone needs! Like us, they were aware that most brush-based sonic cleansers had an antagonistic effect on some people’s skin due to the nylon brushes. The brushes can end up harvesting bacteria because they never seem to get fully dry in a bathroom, due to humidity. They started working on different formulas to create a sonic cleanser that would avoid all those issues. After hours of brainstorming, they discovered that silicone brushes are the ideal material since it is non-porous, making it easy to dry, clean and therefore more hygienic. This is where BeGlow shines; they also have designed soft, replaceable silicone brushes which they recommend changing annually, to keep guaranteeing optimal results.

BeGlow designed two different cleansers; TIA and PURA, both are waterproof so can be used in the bath or shower, and each serving different functions. TIA is an all-in-one sonic skincare system designed for cleaning, lifting and toning. TIA is dual-ended making it possible to cleanse and tone both simultaneously and at once. On the one end, it has a replaceable silicone brush head to provide you with the ultimate hygiene. Its skinsense technology allows the machine to adapt its intensity according to your needs, automatically. On the other end, it has an anti-ageing titanium applicator with high frequency pulses, that improve your blood circulation and cell vitality, by helping the oxygen absorption. Lastly, it has a dual pulse visage mode which acts like a full-on workout for your face, toning its muscles to enhance definition and strength in the area of the cheekbones and jawline. This device is available in stylish colours of red, pink, white and black.

PURA, on the other hand, is simpler to use and is ideal for travelling due to its smaller size. PURA is designed to remove impurities and makeup (and other products) from your skin, to help avoid future blemishes, it’s available in pink and white. Like TIA, it is composed of a replaceable silicone brush head and skinsense technology. No matter which one you go for, they are both are straightforward to use. Start by applying your favourite product and press the control button to start the cleansing, press the control button 1 to enter the standard cleansing mode. Once you are finished, rinse and dry your face and you’re ready to apply your skincare. Both TIA and PURA and waterproof and once fully charged, this charge can last up to 6 months!

Skin health should always be your top priority and with BeGlow, it couldn’t be easier. We’re fans and think that our complexions are looking better than ever. Get your TIA and PURA Sonic Cleansers at here for £199 for TIA and £109 for PURA. You can also get them at other online retailers like Look Fantastic and QVC.

Les huilettes - Mon huilette night

After a long and tiring day, we at The Amazing Blog can’t think of anything better than taking off our makeup and applying a soothing night serum. What makes  a night serum stand out for us from other skin care products is that they’re jam-packed with ingredients that nourish and brighten your skin while you sleep. We can never get enough of serums, as each one has specific properties to enhance the skin, such as anti-ageing from les huilettes we are referring to, of course, their very special mon huilette night serum. 

The brand was started in France in 2015 by two long-time friends, Pascale Gal and Claire Auzouy. Gal was a pharmacist with a degree in Aromatherapy while Auzouy had a background in luxury gastronomy. Gal desired to ‘return to a simpler beauty, essential and without sacrifice, summed up in a few principles and gestures’. The pair combined their unique experiences to start a cosmetics company that is 100 per cent natural, vegan, and botanical. Les huilettes is also committed to the environment and partnered with Up2green Reforestation, a French nonprofit organisation that helps replant fruit trees in communities affected by deforestation. 

The Mon huilette night serum is made for all skin types to smooth and enhance your skin’s suppleness. Overnight, it leaves your skin looking more radiant overnight and repairs any signs of anti-ageing such as wrinkles and skin dullness. The formula of a ‘plant synergy of essential and vegetable oils to be effective without fluff’makes the night serum stand out. Essential oils like Italian helichrysum have an anti-inflammatory benefit while myrtle and bourbon geranium have therapeutic aromatherapy effects to enhance positive well-being. Argan and avocado oils deeply moisturise and plump your skin while prickly pear cactus prevents the formation of premature wrinkles and lightens dark circles. These elements result in a light-feeling oil serum that melts evenly into your face and neck and doesn’t make you feel greasy. 

A little goes a long way, and you only need 3-5 drops per use. You should purposely but gently massage the serum into your freshly cleansed face for optimal results. However, for extra pampering and an at-home massage, we suggest you watch their serum application video here . On top of it all, rose and white flower leave a tangy and therapeutic scent on your face to relax you before bed. You can join ‘tribe of huilettes’ and amp up your night skin care routine by purchasing the mon huilette night (15ml) here for 45€