Käsämä Cosmetics: Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask

Self-care is important, especially during these stressful times, and we think the best way to start a relaxing self-care routine is with a face mask. As always, we’ve been on a quest to find a new face mask that work with the skin’s natural balance. Today we’re introducing a waterless face mask from Käsämä Cosmetics with their Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask made of 100% natural ingredients.

Käsämä Cosmetics, is a natural skincare brand from Finland, and founded by Pauli Wigelius. Wigelius has a background in commerce but was inspired by Finnish wilderness and nature to get into the business of cosmetics — Käsämä is named after an area in North Karelia, Finland, where the clay is sourced and first used by the indigenous people for making pottery nearly 6500 years ago. The brand currently sells three different clay masks, each for different types of skin — the classic mask is for all skin types, the cranberry mask is for sensitive and normal skin, and the sea buckthorn is for oily and combination skin. All face masks are sustainable, vegan, cruelty-free and waterless, and the latter allows for the products to be stored safely for several years, even without preservatives. The brand said, “Käsämä clay deeply cleanses and purifies our skin and helps us see and appreciate our pure, innate beauty, our truest self and brings a touch of the purest natural healing power within reach of modern-day city dwellers in the world’s busy metropolises.” Although the company is based in Finland, they have distributors in multiple countries and deliver worldwide. 

The face mask that we tried was nominated in the Nordic Beauty Awards 2020, the Käsämä’s Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Clay Mask is formulated primarily for oily and combination skin; this mask exfoliates and purifies skin by absorbing impurities, removing dead skin cells, and cleansing clogged pores — pretty much everything we look for in a mask. The only ingredients this mask contains are clay, sea buckthorn extract, and zea mays (corn) starch. 75% of the powder in the mask is clay, which is the key ingredient here to absorb impurities and excess oils. Sea Buckthorn is one of nature’s wonder-berries, full of antioxidants it has a healing and rejuvenating effect on the skin and is also a natural cleanser and exfoliator. It also contains vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, and C that hydrate and regenerate skin. Whereas the zea mays starch reduces oil and has anti-inflammatory properties. To apply, measure 1-2 teaspoons of the powder and add lukewarm water by drop until a smooth paste is created. Then, massage onto your face, neck, and shoulders and wait 5-10 minutes before rinsing away with lukewarm water. They recommend using it 1-3 times per week and avoiding contact with the eyes. Each package contains 35g, which is enough for about 10 full facial applications. The strength of the mask can be adjusted by adding different measures of water, making this a versatile mask for every skin type. We love the brand’s eco-credentials as it’s contained in a simple recyclable paper packet, and of course, being in powder form it cuts the weight of the product in half. What is fantastic about this powder mask is its purity, how refreshing it is to have no additives or chemicals - you really feel like you are at one with nature. If you want to feel the healing benefits of this mask, you can find it here for €17.90. 

David Jourquin Paris: Cuir Mandarine Eau de Parfum

We think that a scent can immediately change your mood, bringing good memories back or creating new and exciting ones. Finding that one and only fragrance that encompasses your style, personality and suits each season - is a case of trial and error. This is why at The Amazing Blog we love exploring new olfactory experiences. Meet David Jourquin with and his inventive range of fragrance, today we are reviewing the delicious Cuir Mandarine.

David Jourquin created his fragrance company in 2011  after a lifetime of being surrounded by all sorts of olfactory inspiration. His mother always went to work wearing her famous leather coat and loved sprinkling tiny drops of perfume on the cushion pillows. His father smoked cigars and took David to the market in Pointe-à-Pitre,Guadeloupe, where he revelled in all the spices’ sweet, robust aromas. For David, these memories have shaped who he is today, and inspired him to recreate them in the form of his unique fragrances. Motivated by intense passion, each of his fragrances expresses a different facet of his intimate universe. Inspired by seasons and places he has created a core collection with Vendômen offering seven different Eau de Parfum where these scents are characterised by their personality and emotional impact. The Opéra collection are the refill flacons ready to be slipped into the leather coverings of the Vendôme Collection, or left bare, according to one’s desires and budget. For Jourquin, fragrances are emotional touchstones: "They speak the truth in a language that is invisible yet essential, intimate yet universal. My greatest joy is to share these fragrances with you, to create secret paths that bring us closer to ourselves so that in turn, we can get closer to others." We were excited to experience this magic.

We couldn’t wait to try one of his first launch fragrances with the much talked about  Cuir Mandarine which was a recent Gold winner with Best New Premium Fragrance at the 2020 Pure Beauty Awards.  it emits a very soft and slightly sweet unique mix of mandarin and leather. The square bottle itself is clad in hand-stitched calfskin with a solid wood grain top to accentuate its masculinity. The vibrant top notes of mandarin, pepper and lavender are very evident and immediately greet you. However, what makes this so unusual is the middle notes of leather and patchouli. The five different varieties of patchouli used originate from the mint family and are cultivated in tropical Asia. Here the patchouli has subtle musk that enhances the other fragrance notes. The base notes are the rich blond Virginian tobacco and amber which add a dimension to the sweet and earthy notes, holding everything in balance. Although Cuir Mandarin luxurious fragrance that is aimed at the male market with its timeless and classic scent and modern twist; we loved the sensual, rich, warm and sweet aroma which conjured up the change of seasons, taking us swiftly from autumn to winter.  It ‘s certainly a scent we’d recommend spritzing to uplift spirits and transport you to warmer climes even on a grey and wet English day! You can purchase Cuir Mandarin in 100 ml for €230 in 5 ml for €8.90 here. 

Facialderm Advanced Neurocosmetics – 05 Anti-Pollution & Anti-Stress Serum and C1 Anti-Ageing & Anti-Stress Moisturiser

We all experience different skincare issues from time-to-time either with redness or dehydration, which can be triggered by environmental issues or stress. Today at The Amazing Blog we’re excited to introduce to you Facialderm, who have begun a skincare evolution with their innovative neurocosmetic range and patented technologies.

Founded in 2004, Facialderm’s parent company Sensalia Labs prides itself on bringing the future to cosmetics. Recent winners in The Beauty Shortlist Awards 2020 for Best Beauty Breakthrough Brand (innovation), they offer unique formulas based on new technologies in neuroscience which are then applied to their skincare. After all, the skin and the brain are connected. In simple terms, they explain: “Stimuli perceived from the outside through nerve receptors in the skin, are transmitted to the brain and processed by it for interpretation.” These are related to wellness and energy, which in turn focus on the reduction of facial stress.  Facialderm has a range of five customisable serum boosters and two creams all of which are formulated with Neurophroline™. This is an inhibitor for the production of cortisol, the stress hormone and acts on its consequences such as accelerated ageing, flaccidity of the skin and decreased luminosity. Neurophroline™ is an extract based on tephrosia purpurea, a plant native to India and also a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. Let’s talk about the technical stuff: The Neurophroline™ in Facialderm’s products claim to reduce up to 70% of cortisol production in just two hours. Neurophroline™ also increases up to 163% the amount of beta-endorphin released by the cells, a natural and pain-relieving peptide. All products have natural ingredients, where they refer to them as ‘earthceuticals’ (concentrated plants) and ‘seaceuticals’ (concentrated sea plant) power.

We tried the 05 Anti-Pollution and Anti-Stress Serum which is detoxifying and moisturising with antioxidants and vitamins to protect the skin from dehydration, solar radiation, pollution and REM/blue light. Apart from the Neurophroline™, there are antioxidant plant extracts ginseng, apple, peach, wheat and barley;  as well as marine glycogen (protections against blue light) and vitamin B5 which activates cell regeneration to soothe itching, redness and irritation. Suitable for all skin types, we applied 3 - 4 drops alone (or you can mix with another product in the line), it absorbed quickly leaving skin feeling soft, we also liked the slightly fruity/ginseng fragrance.

We then combined this with the C1 Anti-Ageing & Anti-Stress Moisturiser which is best suited for normal to dry skin. Its ingredients include hyaluronic acid, chrondrus crispus (an extract of red algae), providing cells with the energy necessary for their metabolism to aid the process of regeneration and tissue repair. Caviar extract also helps to slow down the ageing process, and rice extract to help with cell longevity slowing down the process of cell senescence. The cream feels luxurious, almost whipped in texture; regenerating and soothing on the skin it left skin our supple and hydrated. We applied day or night after using the Serum and massaged into the skin to promote absorption.  We like that this can be customised with any of the Facialderm Serums as a ‘booster’ in the cream too. The 05 Anti-Pollution & Anti-Stress Serum 30ml, can be purchased here for £34.95, and the C1 Anti-Ageing & Anti-Stress Moisturiser 50ml for £34.95 can be purchased here.

These dermatologically tested, and cruelty-free products are packaged in bright colour-coded glass bottles and jars. As mentioned previously, this intelligent skincare range can be personalised to target specific skincare issues, while the advanced neurocosmetic technology uses their Neurophroline™ to limit the production of stress hormones. Best of all, it’s available at a very competitive price point!

Tweezerfile

With the sudden focus on perfectly shaped and groomed thick eyebrows, At The Amazing Blog we’re well aware of just how important a pair of tweezers truly are. Plucking those stubborn hairs can sometime be difficult and even painful and the thing that makes the process all the worse is a pair of horrifically blunt tweezers. We came across a perfect revelation (as well as a solution) to blunt tweezers at a beauty trade event.

Met Tweezerfile which is a simple solution to a small problem but one that will save you money in the long term. The only investment you have to make is a pair of tweezers and one Tweezerfile Sharpener and then you’re set for life! No more running back and forth to the pharmacy or online beauty shop because your tweezers are blunt and no good anymore. It is a simple tool to refresh your old and blunt tweezers that can neatly be stored in a back pocket or beauty bag. The Sharpener has diamond plated stainless steel for the highest quality sharpening and is complemented by a handle that fits in the palm of your hand.

This multi award winning and eco-friendly product, is recognised by industry experts and comes highly recommended. This little gadget will make your tweezers work like new again. It will re-sharpen any blunt tweezers within seconds thus saving you time as well as money. Perfect eyebrows are now just a few seconds away. The product will save you all the frustration that most of us face when dealing with blunt tweezers as you pluck your eyebrows. We think these are a beauty essential and from what we’ve noticed online, all those who have purchased are beyond satisfied and are simply raving about this product. Hop on over to their official website here to purchase your own sharpener for £19.99 in either a fetching shade of petrol blue or coral.

U Glow - Anti-Ageing Tanning Water

I think you’ll agree, that one feels happier and healthier when you’ve got a little bit of a tan. As we’ve mentioned before at The Amazing Blog we’re not sun worshippers. Therefore we’re always on the look-out for new self-tanning products, particularly if they are fragrance-free and offer no mess and. This is when we came across U Glow at the showcase for the CEW awards earlier this year. This self-tanning water is a mist poised to give an even glow from just a light misting application.

U Glow has just launched this year with their clear anti-ageing tanning water. First of all say goodbye to tanning products staining your clothes, and secondly, we like that it’s anti-ageing. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this tanning water will give you not only a natural summer glow but also a deeply moisturised and nourished skin. Thirdly, it’s tanning water, so forget about creams, foams and oils, tanning water is even easier to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. Finally, it’s a fragrance-free self-tanning product which as they claim leaves no marks, no mess, or sticky feeling.

What we love the most, is that it is hassle-free. To apply the tanning water, simply place the spray at arms length and lightly mist the water over the desired area you want to tan. With the mitt, buff the area gently covering all areas to ensure a streak-free tan. The tan will fully develop within 6-8 hours, being dry to the touch in 60 seconds. It is specifically formulated so you can shower just three hours after applying the tanning water and will continue to develop after showering. The mitt is very durable, giving for months of wear (pop into the washing machine). We recommend waxing or shaving at least 24 hours before using the product to achieve a long-lasting effect, as well as ensuring your skin is exfoliated and free from any other products. When applying the mist to your face and hands,  they say it’s suitable for contouring (we suggest blending the mist with a makeup brush). An easy, clean, practical way to achieve a flawless natural all over body tan, which adapts to your individual skin tone.

Purchase your U Glow mitt and Tanning Water here , for the mitt £4.95 and U Glow £19.50 for the 100ml.  It’s so good that it’s also now available as a professional range for salons.  Say hello to a reduced odour, fast acting solution with clear application. U Glow, U Go!