Pura Vida Organic: CBD Deodorant (Stick)

Whether you’re back working out in the gym, taking a jog around town, or having fun at home with friends and loved ones, it’s true to say that sometimes we struggle to keep our body odour in check. As the weather is warming up, at The Amazing Blog we’d like to recommend a natural and effective deodorant that kept us dry and fresh all day long. We’ve already introduced Pura Vida Organic with some of their CBD hair and skincare products here, and today we’re back featuring their CBD Deodorant (stick).

Based in Croatia, Pura Vida Organic is an organic certified CBD skincare and cosmetic brand founded by Jennifer Deegan are in 2015. This brand only uses the purest organic ingredients and has a wide range of product, especially for problematic and sensitive skins. A graduate from Formula Botanica, Deegan suffered from skin problems herself, and is a firm believer of the brand philosophy ‘pure life’: "I couldn’t find 100% natural and organic products that met my standards – so I made them myself. Once I discovered what really worked for my skin, I wanted to share it with everyone else.” During this process, she discovered the amazing benefit of CBD, which is why Pura Vida Organics have developed a wide range of CBD infused products, including: Anti-ageing serums, balms, elixirs, massage oils, shaving gels and many more; all of which use broad-spectrum or isolate CBD (THC-free) as the primary ingredient. In 2018, Pura Vida Organic passed the Current Good Manufacturing Practice  regulations enforced by the FDA (CGMP) and the international standard for quality management systems (ISO9001). In 2019, they were the first CBD skincare production facility to obtain the COSMOS Organic and Natural Certification . Recent winners of Best Face CBD Product and Best Body Butter at The Organic Clean Awards, they are also Bronze winners for their entire body care range in Cosmetique Magazine. In addition to their high-quality CBD products, Pura Vida Organic cares deeply about sustainability. All plastics are recyclable, and boxes are made of 25% grass pulp, recycled paper and cardboard. All labels use vegetable dyes and vegan-friendly glue, and all products are 90% handmade, which decreases energy consumption from mechanical production. 

This time, we want to try their CBD Deodorant (Stick), which comes in a compact twist-up tube. Like other products in their range, this CBD Deodorant is infused with 300mg of CBD. Here the cannabidiol is effective at killing odour-causing bacteria on the skin. It also balances, soothes and moisturises the armpit – ideal if you have just epilated or shaved. Plus, being used near the sweat glands helps to regulate both the sweat/sebum production. What we love about Pura Vida Organic's CBD Deodorant, is that it also uses zinc oxide and coconut oil, two other super-effective anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients, to maximise the control of bad-smelling odours. Along with the lavender and sage extracts here, it leaves a fresh, not over-powering, floral scent. With the addition of arrowroot powder, shea butter, and myrica fruit wax (AKA bayberry wax, it’s a vegan emollient), these leave the underarm skin soft and silky smooth. To our joy, we found absolutely no stinging when we applied this direct after epilation. In fact, this actually soothed the armpit. It’s long-lasting and kind to the skin and one of our #amazingfinds for this week. As it’s 100% natural, organic, vegan and cruelty-free, if you’re looking for an effective and natural deodorant with no paraben, preservatives and zero irritation, then this is the one for you! You can buy this 30ml CBD Deodorant (stick) here for €9.50. 

Skin Woof London: Premium Collagen Beauty Drink - Strawberry & Lime

Superfoods and supplements have become more and more popular over the past years, and at The Amazing Blog we’re always on the lookout for new and beneficial supplements to include in our diet. There is still a big trend for beauty drinks at the moment, particularly those that are collagen and/or hyaluronic acid based. We were very interested in trying the new product Premium Collagen Beauty Drink from Skin Woof London.

Skin Woof is a British supplement brand founded in 2017 by Ben May. After a routine operation, where he unfortunately, contracted the deadly MRSA bacteria, and was hospitalised for a period of three months - this gave him time to reflect and think about his wellbeing. Having contracted this superbug combined with taking a potent dose of antibiotics, he noticed a very negative impact on his skin. This in turn had a significant effect on his self-confidence and completely changed his perspective on life. However, from this low point he took advantage of what he had learned, and gained the inspiration to launch Skin Woof, as he wanted to also help others. The name comes from ‘Skin’ obviously, because he wants to help his consumer get that extra boost of skin confidence; and ‘Woof’ because it’s the word from a friendship group, and used whenever something positive happened. This time, May has created a ‘beauty drink’ combining vitamins, botanicals and minerals, all scientifically formulated with the help of dermatologists. This is where he wants to offer others the opportunity to achieve healthy, radiant and beautiful skin from the inside out. There are four products in the range with a line of vitamins, a skincare serum and this new Premium Collagen Beauty Drink. All products are sustainably sourced, not tested on animals and manufactured in the UK in ISO 9001 certified facilities. They also follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Having heard how this Premium Collagen Beauty Drink won the Best Beauty Supplement at the Pure Beauty Awards 2020, we wanted to try it. The benefits of taking a beauty drink can be multiple, with the reduction of fine lines together with a firmer and smoother appearance, as it can also improve skin hydration. This has primarily been created to boost levels of collagen in the skin using scientifically researched peptan marine (fish) collagen. Peptan are bioactive collagen peptides, and their hydrolysed form makes them easily digestible. Studies have shown that this ingredient leads to a significant increase in skin hydration and decreased collagen fragmentation in the deeper dermal layers of skin. The other benefits of in This Premium Collagen Beauty Drink are the powerful skin antioxidants: Vitamin C, helps with the formation of collagen, and vitamin A promotes better skin health by fighting free radicals. The pomegranate extract will also help with collagen production and hydration with its antioxidant actions. Similarly, the hyaluronic acid for hydration and the gotu kola as proven compounds to help maintain a youthful skin. It has natural flavours added with strawberry and lime, all sweetened with steviol glycosides from the stevia plant. To be honest, it was a little too sweet for our palate; however, if you have a sweet-tooth, then you’ll love this drink. They recommend two sachets (morning and evening) in 400ml of water. It dissolves easily and can be quickly swigged back at home or on-the-go. The brand recommends taking this beauty drink for at least three months to experience the best result.  We’re big fans of collagen, not just for beauty but also for rebuilding cartilage and joint lubrication. It’s difficult to say, after only taking this 15-day supply, if we saw results; if anything it’d be stronger nails, and perhaps more hair growth?  If you want to join the #woofmovement, you can purchase the Skin Woof Beauty Collagen Beauty Drink (30 sachets) for £39.95 here.

IDUN Minerals: 2-in1 Pressed Powder & Foundation

Mineral makeup is a hot favourite at The Amazing Blog not only for being waterless and bacteria-free but also for its pure mineral content. Today we are featuring a 2-in-1 Pressed Powder & Foundation, from the established Swedish mineral makeup brand IDUN Minerals.

IDUN Minerals is a Swedish beauty brand founded by Göran Agard. The brand was launched in 2011 with a purposeful mission to bring ‘simply, pure and clean’ products into daily makeup routines. They also cite themselves as an industry role model within the beauty sector, offering high-quality, vegan, cruelty-free, and environmental-friendly cosmetics.  Their makeup, haircare and skincare products are based on a few highly purified minerals which are deemed beneficial to skin; all of which are suitable for sensitive skin or for those with skin issues such as acne and rosacea. IDUN Minerals’ products are sold exclusively at pharmacies, meaning that its products meet the international pharmacies’ high safety and quality standards. Committing to sustainability, IDUN Minerals has created their products using recyclable packaging, no microplastics or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these are made only with sustainable content. These are then transported globally by using a low-pollution shipping method. What we thought was interesting, is that the IDUN Minerals mineral powder foundation is the only cosmetic product on the market to be recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

We had the opportunity to try out the award-winning 2-in-1 Pressed Powder & Foundation, which can be used as both a foundation and setting powder.  It is currently available in three different shades Sarek (light), Skärgård (light to medium) and Österlen (medium), and if you’re unsure of what will suit you, see their skin tone guide here. What makes this Pressed Powder Foundation unique is the clever design, where the application pad is stored under the pressed powder, opening and retracting from the compact with the lid’s automatic movement. This is a double-sided application pad (with smooth or porous), so depending on the desired effect wanted, the smooth side can be used for setting powder to remove shine; or the porous side for apply the powder as a foundation allowing for light to medium buildable coverage. Suitable for all skin types, it doesn’t contain talc, oil, silicone, perfume, bismuth or preservatives (such as parabens) or any substances that might cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Here there is a high concentration of minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients. For example, the silica in the formula builds up the skin’s strength and elasticity and stimulates cellular regeneration. The mica gives the skin a smoothing, radiant effect and protects against damage caused by free radicals. And the natural oils such as passion fruit oil and sunflower seed oil, makes the powder feel light and smooth on the skin, and prevents it from clogging the pores. What we like, is that it keeps skin looking silky smooth and matte. This Pressed Powder Foundation is a recent winner in the 2020 Scandinavian Global Makeup Awards: Gold for Best Foundation and Silver for Best Design & Packaging; and we can see why, with its excellent light texture and coverage and innovative compact design. We think this Pressed Powder & Foundation is Ideal to keep in a handbag for quick touch-ups throughout the day; and unlike some other pressed mineral foundations that we’ve tried, this won’t leave you looking overdone or cakey. If you’re looking for a foundation that will allow your skin to breathe and one that offers you even and natural coverage, then look no further! You can purchase the 2-in-1 Pressed Powder & Foundation in 7.7g here for €27.

Verolive Natural Products: Innovative Sulfate-free Revitalizing Shampoo

It’s an exciting day for us in England, as after four months hairdressers are FINALLY open! So today, at The Amazing Blog we thought it appropriate to talk about a unique haircare.  We’re excited to share another of our #amazingfinds with a natural Innovative Sulfate-free Revitalizing Shampoo, all the way from Crete. Meet the brand Verolive, and their products made with locally sourced organic olive oil and prickly pear seed oil.

Verolive Natural Products was founded in 1975, by Yannis Tzortzakakis in the heart of the Messara Valley, Crete. This area is well known for its endless olive groves, producing top quality extra virgin olive oil, which can be found in each of Verolive's products. The brand has developed a unique core range of ten products, using meticulously selected natural and locally sourced ingredients. Their ethos is focused on high-standard eco care and packaging, with ingredients dermatologically tested, vegan, clean in composition and above all, high in quality. Every product has been designed to protect both the environment and its customers' wellbeing. Apart from the consumer, they also cater to spa professionals and built long term successful partnerships with some of the best-known wellness centres. All plastics are BioPET, which means the plastic is based on 30% renewable raw material such as starch, glucose, vegetable oils and cellulose and 70% oil-based raw material. To maintain their continuity and brand excellence, they only produce each item in a limited batch to ensure superior quality control. Their philosophy and strategies have certainly paid off with their multiple award wins in the 2020 Mama & Baby and a Gold for Best International Breakthrough Brand in The Pure Beauty Awards London 2020.

After two years of research, their shampoo has become of one the top bestsellers; so, as you can imagine, we were eager to try this Innovative Sulfate-free Revitalizing Shampoo. It was developed to ‘respect hair, sensitive scalps and the environment’. This sulphate-free shampoo is formulated with 98% of natural ingredients without any PEGS, silicones, parabens, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, cocamidopropyl betaine or phosphates. Among the seven active ingredients, there are two key oils:  Firstly, the organic extra virgin olive oil, which contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, and a large number of vitamins, such as vitamins E, A and K. Secondly, the organic prickly pear seed oil and bio-active extract, which certainly piqued our interest, as it’s one of the world’s rarest and most expensive oils rich in fatty and amino acids, it’s known to promote hair growth, treat the scalp and give hair a magnificent lustre. This shampoo is aimed at those with dry, damaged and/or coloured hair. And this could not have been more appropriate for us! We’d like to say that it is almost a co-wash (conditioner wash) rather than a shampoo per se.  With my long (remember no hair cut in four months) fine and curly hair which breaks easily, I found it kind to the hair, as it left it completely tangle-free! Which, to be frank is unheard of. I’m always leary of using shampoo by itself as my hair mats up quickly, making it almost impossible to comb through. By using the Revitalising Shampoo, this was not the case, the comb slide through the hair like a hot knife through butter. It’s impressive, and as mentioned above, it’s rated as one of our #amazingfinds. All we did was to apply it onto wet hair, gently massage and rinse; it left hair clean, soft and shiny, easy to comb and hydrated. Best of all, you don’t need any conditioner; and who doesn’t want to save time and money? You can purchase Verolive Innovative Sulfate-free Revitalizing shampoo (300 ml) here for €27.90.

Suneeta London: Cleansing Pack (Combination Skin)

We believe that to find some the best skincare, it doesn’t always have to be expensive. Today at The Amazing Blog, we’d like to introduce you to an artisan skincare and zero-waste brand Suneeta London with their Cleansing Pack, which has everything you would ever need to cleanse your skin - without having to spend too much.  

Suneeta London is a family run business launched by Suneeta Dinraz in 2019. They sell hand-made, natural and fresh skincare, deodorants, hair and body care products for all skin types and ages. Their formulas are based on the Ayurvedic principles, which are known for enhancing well-being, combined with an original twist to make skincare products fun and easy to use. Suneeta believes that families should use products that they trust are safe to use. Don’t we all?  To increase this trust, Suneeta is working to raise awareness for natural ingredients and inspire future generations to take care of what they put on their skin. By purchasing their products, you’re helping their campaign against the use of unnecessary chemicals and animal testing. They recently won an award for Best Inclusive Beauty Product in the 2020 London Pure Beauty Awards; and Suneeta holds an incredible passion for keeping high ethical beauty standards: “There is definitely a double standard in what we as consumers in the west deem to be ethical. Frustratingly, we know more about animals being harmed for our cosmetics than we do about black and brown workers supplying ingredients. Luckily more and more businesses are making it easier to make the right choice.”  The brand also focus on creating zero waste skincare and accessories - which we love!  

Suneeta’s three-step Cleansing Pack (Combination Skin)  contains the Mandarin & Calendula Cleansing Balm, a toner specifically chosen for your skin type and a sample size of the Aloe & Jojoba Facial Scrub with Sandalwood. Also included here’s are a small hand tooled wooden spoon, an organic cotton cloth and cotton bag.  We started by opening the Mandarin & Calendula Cleansing Balm   it is a light anti-ageing balm suitable for removing even the most stubborn mascara, make-up or daily impurities from the skin. The unrefined virgin cocoa butter softens the skin and works as an antioxidant to prevent ageing signs and reduce scarring. The calendula stimulates collagen production to promote skin healing, and the mandarin essential oil maintains moisture balance in the skin to boost cell production and immunity. It smelled incredible and was super easy to use. We gently massaged a small amount onto dry skin, and then used their cotton cloth (provided) damped with warm water to gently wipe away the daily grime. Next, we tried the sample size Aloe & Jojoba Clay Facial Scrub with Sandalwood which is a gentle grainy scrub made with natural jojoba beads and Fuller’s earth which mildly exfoliates away dry skin. They recommend using this scrub once or twice a week but it can be used as often as you like. We found that it stimulated the skin and made a good pore-cleansing facial scrub and left skin soft and fragrant from the sandalwood oil here. Finally, there’s the toner. This varies in the Cleansing Pack according to skin type, we were sent Orange Blossom & Aloe Vera Skin Toner which, as they say, is an excellent cooling and hydrating toner for combination skin. It contains cooling aloe vera, healing orange blossom water and a refreshing peppermint essential oil to help reduce oiliness while also soothing and healing the skin. After cleansing, we sprayed the toner onto a cotton pad and gently sweep across the face and neck to ensure removal of any further impurities. We also liked to spritz this during the day to boost skin hydration - from living with too much central heating! The other toners available are Organic Rose Water  designed for normal skin, or the Frankincense & Lavender Toner  which is for dry or sensitive skin and made with natural flower hydrosols. We were impressed with both the performance and affordability of this Cleansing Pack, and to purchase Suneeta’s Cleansing Pack for your skin type at £20.00, see here.