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.

Little Butterfly London : Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel

Even in this unprecedented heat,  at The Amazing Blog, we’ve been running around on our feet all day. It’s easy to forget self-care for tired legs, which is why we’re thrilled to have found a cooling and energising gel that helps lift and nurture swollen, heavy-feeling legs and feet. Meet Little Butterfly London’s organic-certified, vegan and cruelty-free Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel, which leaves legs and feet feeling rejuvenated. Although aimed at mothers, we think it’s ideal for anyone with achy limbs and feet. Yet another one of our #Amazingfinds, this hero gel was also recently awarded Winner of ‘Best Therapy for Tired Feet and/or Legs’ at the 2022 Mama & Baby Awards.

Growing up in a family of hoteliers in Austria, founder Gudrun Wurm always had the entrepreneurship bug. Combine that with her love for cosmetics, skincare and luxury design from a young age, and her frustration and inability to find a baby skincare range with organic purity, natural formulations and elegant packaging, she launched Little Butterfly London. “I could not find a range which ticked all my boxes,” said Gudrun, “I was looking for an organic luxury range which would be absolutely safe and gentle, yet highly effective to care for even newborns and susceptible, irritation-prone skin, made of generous formulas using precious ingredients. Essentially products I would love to pamper my own son with. This is how it started. Eventually, the idea took shape, and the brand was born.“ Little Butterfly London has authentic, natural and organic ingredients, and is free from any harmful irritants – making it perfect for fostering delicate, sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin. Ingredients like mineral oil, paraffin, parabens, SLS, silicones, DEA, TEA, PEGs and MIs (methylisothiazolinone) never make the cut, nor do synthetics and strong essential oils. Instead, gentle organic actives at a low level are utilised. The brand is eco-friendly, treading lightly with the planet in mind and in everything they do. All products are packaged with recyclable materials, and only trusted suppliers with sustainable and responsible production methods, and environmental accreditations are used, like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). As if it couldn’t get any better, the range is pregnancy safe during breastfeeding, dermatologist-approved for sensitive newborn and eczema-prone skin, and vegetarian society-approved. Last but not least, Little Butterfly London is made in the UK and approved by Vegan Society, Ecocert and Cruelty-Free International. The brand is also committed to carefully crafting its mother and baby skincare range with five values: purity, excellence, pleasure, beauty and grace.

Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel comprises of 98.7% of the ingredients of natural origin, and 95% of the total plant ingredients that originate from organic farming.

You can find anti-inflammatory properties like ginger root, arnica flower and horse chestnut, boosting circulation and reducing puffiness. Next to these are nourishing oils of sweet almond, peach, passionflower and cucumber packed with an abundance of vitamins and fatty acids – locking in moisture and strengthening the skin’s resilience and elasticity. On the other hand, antioxidant-rich green tea, grape juice and aloe vera neutralize free radicals and protect the skin at a cellular level.

The sweet almond oil keeps skin looking healthy and protects from UV radiation through its richness in vitamin E for smooth, soft, youthful-looking skin. Additionally, peach kernel oil is filled with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, carrying moisture deep into the skin for plump, hydrated skin. At the same time, Irish moss powder is lavishly hydrating and non-comedogenic, and peppermint oil soothes inflammation, itchiness and irritation. Among the ingredients listed above, aloe vera, peach kernel oil, peppermint oil, grapeseed oil and green tea are farmed entirely organically. 

Several other ingredients that you might not be too familiar with and ones to mention are sodium phytate, which stabilises cosmetic products, and potassium sorbate, which acts as a preservative. Denat (denatured alcohol) makes products spread and absorb easily while also acting as a preservative. Dicaprylyl carbonate is a skin-conditioning agent to enhance the absorption of other ingredients. Cetearyl glucoside, a blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose to emulsify ingredients, and glyceryl stearate, an emollient responsible for keeping products blended.

As cooling leg gels go, this one for us is unmatched. Easy to apply, using gentle upward sweeping movements from toes to above the knees, it absorbs quickly. Our top tip is to keep it in the fridge to use on those blisteringly hot days - it’s heaven! As mentioned, the opaque gel is full of skin hydrating goodies as well as a subtle minty-fresh scent. It’s a lifesaver during the heat and works brilliantly on swollen legs after a flight (AKA ‘gravitational oedema’ from sitting down too long). It doesn’t dry out the skin; instead, you get hydrated and smooth legs. Hence, we recommend using the Cooling Leg Gel liberally, even in the colder months, if you need some leg pampering. See here to purchase a 100ml tube of Little Butterfly London’s Fresh Meadows Cooling Leg Gel at £22.

JAYA : PM Transforming Cleansing Balm

We all know the importance of having a good skincare routine. This is why at The Amazing Blog, we love finding new products suitable for every skin type, especially those gentle enough for teenagers who are just embarking on their skincare journey. Our feature is on the award-winning PM Transforming Cleansing Balm by UK prebiotic skincare brand JAYA.

Vicky Charlesworth founded JAYA (Just As You Are) Beauty in 2019. She created the brand with a specific target audience in mind - teenage girls. "With two daughters approaching teenage years, I feel more passionate than ever about helping people feel (and look) good because of who they are, not who they feel they ought to be." Vicky felt there wasn't enough choice of natural products to support the younger generations’ skin type, or with the genuine credentials of transparency and sustainability. Which set her on a mission to ensure that young women have a realistic set of tools, products, and skincare knowledge to empower and nourish themselves in a positive and greener way; Vicky got to work collaborating with a team of top British skincare chemists in search of the most effective plant-based ingredients. After much testing and feedback, JAYA finally perfected its vegan prebiotic formulas with natural ingredients suitable for all skin types. This prebiotic skincare range has been scientifically developed to help support the good bacteria (microbiome) on the skin. The brand is certified by The Vegan Society and is Leaping Bunny approved, with a choice of a gentle jelly cleanser, a cleansing balm and the 24/7 Vitamin Moisturiser, soft muslin cloths and cotton headbands, a skincare set that’s ideal for helping establish a first skincare routine. But JAYA didn't stop there. The brand strongly values sustainability and makes a great effort to be eco-friendly. "The beauty industry is renowned for the waste it generates. Being an outsider, I didn't look at how things are 'normally' done - I wanted to do them in the most environmentally efficient way, supporting those who are local and, where possible, under-represented. It is this commitment that made working towards B Corp certification such a perfect fit." The brand packages its products in recyclable plastic and jars that can be repurposed. JAYA also has a charity pledge. In March 2021, they announced they would donate 2% of all sales to a charity of the buyer's choice. "We welcome your feedback regarding which charities are important to you, and to get the ball rolling our founding JAYA team has selected charities covering mental health, women's rights, the environment, refugees, and race. All of which are charities close to our heart.” Recently, JAYA has made a name for itself by winning its very first award. The brand recently won an Editor's Choice at the 2022 Beauty Shortlist Awards for their PM Transforming Cleansing Balm, which we are reviewing today.

Let’s start by asking, what are prebiotics in skincare? They are a food source for the skin's 'good' microflora, aka bacteria. Like a fingerprint, we all have a microflora ecosystem unique to us, made up of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria. Prebiotics are described as non-living ingredients that stabilise the good and bad bacteria throughout the skin and body. They are made up of plant-based carbohydrates, and they improve and preserve the healthy microbiome of the skin, and are a very positive addition to skincare as they balance out and strengthen the skin barrier. In simple terms, this means the skin will better protect itself from everyday environmental aggressors such as allergens and pathogens while locking in hydration.

The PM Transforming Cleansing Balm is prebiotic skincare - is not just for teenagers; we loved using it too! This gentle but deep cleansing and nourishing formula diligently remove makeup, pollution and SPF. It lifts excess grease and dirt from oily skin while moisturising dry skin and balancing the skin's natural microbiome (good bacteria). JAYA highlights the six critical ingredients incorporated in this PM Transforming Cleansing Balm: Sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, and sea buckthorn oils. Plus the prebiotics with black tea ferment, and plankton extract (fragrance-free).

Let's start with the oils. Sweet almond oil has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices to treat minor cuts or wounds and soften the skin. This oil contains vitamins A and E, which help stimulate the production of new skin cells and help prevent cell damage and UV damage. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with premature ageing and sun damage. Lastly, sweet almond oil contains zinc which is crucial to help acne scars heal. Grapeseed oil has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. This oil will aid with acne outbreaks and uneven skin tone and protect skin from UV rays. It can also help with skin softness, moisture, and improved elasticity. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties, and provides hydration to soothe skin damage, reduces signs of ageing, and heals scarring. Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from sea berries found in coastal and mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. This tiny berry is loaded with 190 nutrients and phytonutrients, including higher concentrates of vitamin C, fatty acids, and other vitamins. Together, these reduce inflammation, boost, brighten, and help to achieve healthy, clear, and more radiant skin.

The black tea ferment helps with skin tone and has an anti-glycation effect which helps reduce inflammation and boost skin elasticity. It is a prebiotic ferment that encourages the growth of good microorganisms. Last but not least, we have plankton extract. This extract is also notable for its prebiotics and antioxidant properties. High in fatty acids and it’s crucial in developing healthy cells, and its high zinc content can also reduce blemishes.

We found this award-winning 99.8 % plant + water PM Transforming Cleansing Balm to be a gentle, nourishing, and deep cleaning. It’s an effective everyday cleanser transforming when combined with water from a gel into a milk. To apply, gently massage a small amount into dry skin, then wet hands to activate gel into milk. It swiftly removes daily grime, and any excess can be wiped away with a warm wet cloth. JAYA recommends using it every night for the best results - although we used it both morning and evening. Fragrance-free, It’s one of those rare cleansers that instantly melts away makeup without any eye stinging. This product is packaged in 50% post-consumer recycled plastic tubes. When it's empty, simply cut the tube in half, rinse, and put it in the appropriate recycling bin. It’s another of our #amazingfinds and one we’d highly recommend for any skin type or age. To purchase the 100ml PM Transforming Cleansing Balm for £18 see here. We can’t wait to see what other prebiotic skincare products JAYA will add to their range in the future.

Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy : Arnicare® Arnica Cream

We’ve recently spoken about how aromatherapy plays a part in our lives, today at The Amazing Blog, we’re going to talk about homoeopathy. With the warmer weather and lighter evenings, and spending more time outdoors with activities like runs, bike rides, or walking; our bodies have been taking a bit of a bashing with bruising and achy muscles. This is where the homeopathic based Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream comes to the rescue - it’s a staple in our bathroom cabinet and no doubt will soon become one in yours too.

Nelsons Homeopathic Pharmacy is a British company that has been supplying homeopathic medicines since the mid-nineteenth century and is Europe’s oldest homeopathic brand. It’s also the largest manufacturer of homeopathic remedies in the United Kingdom, and all products are manufactured in Wimbledon. Founder Ernest Louis Arbrechy extensively studied homeopathy with German doctor and chemist Samuel Hahnemann (who developed the comprehensive system of homoeopathy that exists today), He came to London and founded Nelsons in 1860, preparing homeopathic medicine in the Hahnemannian tradition making it accessible to all and providing the highest quality of medicine and advice. The company was then succeeded by his son, Ernest Louis Nelson Armbrecht. Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars, which states that something in large doses produces symptoms, but it alleviates those symptoms in small quantities ‘let like be cured by like'. Homeopathy involves treating the body with natural substances, such as botanicals and minerals where the remedies heal the body by stimulating the body’s biological healing processes. Nelsons products are sold under three main categories: creams, such as topical applications, spray-on forms, or edibles in tinctures and pillules (pills). The Nelsons’ own formulated range includes ready-made remedies that are targeted at specific illnesses or conditions.

Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream is a homeopathic topical herbal treatment that is traditionally used to treat bruises. The product is part of the Nelsons Arnicare range of products, including Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Cooling Gel. All the products included in the range are either topical creams or pillules based on the arnica montana plant, which has been harvested for centuries in the mountain peaks and marshes of Europe and North America. Nelsons sources their arnica from the Scottish highlands. Arnica is a vibrant yellow flower that has been recognised for its natural healing properties since the 16th century. Why we love this Arnicare® Arnica Cream cream is because it always comes to the rescue when rubbed into any bruising or sore areas. It always soothes and heals, with its unscented salve-like texture, and is always easy to apply.

The first ingredient listed for the Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream is the botanical active, arnica montana. A fragrant plant with yellow flowers, it has a long history of being one of the best and most effective homeopathic treatments. Here they detail that 1g of cream contains 9mg of arnica whole plant extract tincture (1:10) equivalent 0.9mg arnica whole plant. The extraction solvent is ethanol 57% v/v. It helps reduce swelling, heal sprains, and takes away the pain from bruising. The cream is water-based, with other ingredients such as apricot kernel oil which is an emollient plant oil with skin-soothing and antioxidant properties, and theobroma oil is an oil extracted from the cocoa bean a rich source of the antioxidant polyphenols.

The other compounds found in the formula are emulsifiers and hydrators to help regulate skin moisture, with glyceryl monostearate, macrogol stearate, glycerol and glyceryl monocaprylate. Polawax GP200 (cetearyl alcohol, PEG-20 stearate), cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate are also effective emulsifiers and often used to increase the thickness of a product, they also help to soften and soothe the skin. Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and . propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) are preservatives typically used in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams or lotions.

Have we persuaded you to invest in this little 30g tube on Nelsons Arnicare® Arnica Cream ? If yes, and you’re new to Arnica Cream see here to purchase it for £5.50.