Douvall’s - Skin-High: Organic Hemp & Argan Oil and Cannabis & Argan Oil

We don’t know about you, but recently we seem to be plagued by dry skin. Maybe it’s caused by #stayhome #staysafe stress or perhaps the constantly fluctuating change in temperature. In our search for a solution, we’ve returned to one of our favourite and trusted brands Douvall’s, who recently launched two skincare products in their Skin High collection. In the past, some of you will have seen that we’ve written about one of their hero products the Organic Argan Oil Moisturiser here.  At The Amazing Blog what we like about argan oil is that it’s a one-stop ingredient for skin, hair and nails. Today we are exploring their products that combine their hero cold-pressed organic argan oil with both organic hemp and cannabidiol.

Douvalls are best known as a trailblazer with their cold-pressed organic argan oil skincare. Created by mother and daughter Alicia and Georgia Douvall, it’s an award-winning range that harnesses the benefits of organic argan oil either using it pure and combining with other ingredients for their skincare, makeup and more recently hair care too. This is a responsible and eco-conscious company that gives back to the planet. They are also natural, cruelty-free, vegan and contains no chemicals, toxins, artificial fragrance, sulphates, parabens or alcohol. They work closely with The Breast Cancer Haven charity and partner with women’s cooperatives in Morocco where their argan oil is sustainably harvested.

Let’s start with Skin-High Organic Hemp & Argan Oil but don’t get confused with this and their Skin-High Cannabis & Argan Oil. The difference between these two is the ingredients of either hemp or cannabidiol (CBD etc).  The hemp oil is made from seeds of the hemp plant whereas cannabidiol is made from leaves, flowers and stalks of the hemp plant. Both offer their own potent health benefits. Hemp oil is simply obtained by a basic cold pressing extraction; whereas cannabidiol (CBD etc) has to go through a complex and expensive extraction method (known as supercritical CO2 extraction). All ingredients for the Organic Hemp & Argan oil are 100% eco-certified and contain simply 50/50 of each and only that! This rich and powerful oil glides effortlessly onto the skin, rich in linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and vitamin E. The combination of organic pressed argan and hemp oils here have many extra health-enhancing minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron and zinc. Rich and nutritious, a little goes a long way; it’s great to use by itself or a few drops mixed with your regular moisturiser for added benefit. And in case you are wondering, it’s CBD and THC free and only has the faintest natural hemp oil scent. This comes in two sizes 50ml at £48 see  here or 15ml at £18 see here.

Next is the Skin-High Cannabis & Argan Oil made from cannabidiol and cold-pressed organic argan oil; the argan here contains a high concentration of antioxidants (including oleic acid and linoleic acid) which helps to fight ageing by neutralising free radicals which damage cells. Whereas the 200 milligrams of full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD,CBDA,CBDV,CBC and CBG) offers this and so much more.  As cannabidiol is produced using the whole plant, it naturally contains very high levels of CBD as well as other organic compounds, known as phytocannabinoids and terpenes. It protects against oxidation and reduces sebum due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It nourishes and hydrates helping the skin to absorb vital nutrients with its high concentration in vitamins A, D and E together with a balance of essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9 in the same proportions). The cannabidiols also treat skin disorders like dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema. They say it is THC free but the packaging states that it’s full spectrum too (?) Douvall’s, we’re a little confused here… However, we loved the texture and were surprised by its divine delicate and slightly grape-like fragrance. I think out of the two ‘Skin-High’ products this was our favourite. We recommend this as a night oil, as it left skin feeling soft, boosted and revitalised in the morning. This also comes in two sizes, where you can purchase 50ml for £58 here or 15ml for £20 here.

SOS - SPF 50 Sun Serum

Despite only being allowed outside our homes for a limited amount of time, at The Amazing Blog we know how important it is to protect skin from the dangers of the sun. Today we're talking about SOS SPF 50 Sun Serum where they use only simple, effective non-irritating and simple ingredients. Regular readers may remember that we wrote about their hero product the gentle cooling and repairing SOS Serum here.

Scientist and chemist, Bruce Green founded SOS Serum and has contributed to the formulations of many cosmetic brands in the UK & North America, and he also sits on several EU advisory committees. With a long dedication to the skincare industry, although he is now semi-retired, his fascination with skincare still continues, particularly with his understanding of skin sensitivity which is a common problem for most people. Which is why he set out to focus and create on his own range of skincare with this issue in mind. All of the SOS products are made in the UK and are cruelty-free and vegan.  

Based on science, this unique SOS SPF50 Serum formula is significantly higher with the SPF and has fewer ingredients than its rivals. Not forgetting to mention that in our experience it's hard to find a high SPF sunscreen that is designed for all skin types, including extremely sensitive or eczema-prone. This is where SOS SPF 50 steps in, it’s made primarily with a combination of mineral-based filters (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide) and plant stem cells, which protect the skin from the harmful rays. With its key active ingredients such as soybean stem cells to help reduce wrinkles and increase the skin's firmness and vitamin E to soothes and calms, these two essential ingredients attack free radicals on the skin, whilst protecting skin from further sun damage. 

SOS SPF 50 Serum has a non-greasy and white-free application suitable for the face or body and all ages (including children), the product is also fragrance-free, without parabens, SLS, or mineral oil. Sun protection isn't the only benefit; with the moisturising hyaluronic acid (vegetable - low molecularweight) it can help eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, bites, wind-chapped and sun-damaged skin or allergic flare-ups. The product blends directly onto the skin and without a trace and with the leaf extracts combined with peppermint provide immediate relief upon application.  We recommend using this product in the morning for day-long protection, it's easy to use and perfect for providing good moisturising relief. The retail price for the 50ml serum is £15.00 and found here. 

There are three other products in this line such as the SOS H2O Day Serum with anti-ageing properties, the SOS Protect a broad spectrum hand sanitiser and SOS Serum (which we previously reviewed) for skin repair.

2020 Mama & Baby Awards are now OPEN

Calling clean, green parent and baby brands! The 7th annual Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby awards are now open for entries. But hurry – the final deadline is May 8.

The hotly anticipated Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby awards are back to celebrate outstanding ethical products for parents, babies, toddlers and beyond. 

Right now parents are more plugged in than ever to global health concerns. So there’s never been a better time to shine a spotlight on cherishable essentials that beautifully nurture, pamper and protect our families.

“There’s huge demand among parents for products that meet high ethical standards with an ingredients list that’s as pure and natural as possible,” says awards founder Fiona Klonarides.

“However, well-meaning mums and dads can find it tough to navigate the category. We need to direct consumers away from the big non-natural ranges cluttering the shelves of high street chemists and towards the gentle, ethical, clean natural brands – big and small.

“We’re not looking at a brand’s advertising budget. We’re finding out if their products perform for the most discerning audience possible: parents and their kids.”

Brands can enter now here .

Find out who’s won on Friday 12 June

These awards provide The Beauty Shortlist's definitive run-down of top-ranked natural, organic and earth-friendly baby products, plus beauty and wellness for mums and parents.

Experts, consumers and editors trust the awards to highlight excellence and ethics through a proudly independent judging process. 

For 2020, the global panel includes: 

– UK Katie Hill, co-founder of green living magazine My Green Pod (distributed quarterly with The Guardian to six million eco conscious consumers). 

– USA Makeup artist (Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue) and wellness coach Denise del Russo. 

– AUSTRALIA Holly Spierings, creative director of award-winning make-up brand Eye of Horus. 

Looking for recommendations right away?

Here are three of our previous winners… 

1. Madara Organic Baby & Kids Cocoa and Plum Creamy Oil
Judges loved how the extra-creamy consistency makes massages feel soothing and special for everyone. Meanwhile the rich cocoa butter smoothes away dryness and nourishes soft and delicate skin.

2. Balmonds’ Skin Salvation
Natural balms are a positive boon for parents protecting against nappy rash. The beeswax base seals away the skin’s moisture while protecting against irritating dampness – making it a must for the baby bag.

3. Bloom and Blossom Matilda’s Miracle Detangler
A natural product that takes the fight out of bed-time or pre-school hair-brushing is a big win for parents. Judges admired the calming lavender scent and how it worked across all different types of hair (however tangled).

About the awards
Originally launched seven years ago by beauty writer and respected natural living expert Fiona Klonarides, the awards are a 100% independent guide to parent and baby products.

Each year they’re judged by a panel of unbiased industry experts with no sponsorship or advertising to sway their decisions. This unique, transparent approach with an intrinsic focus on “natural, eco and ethical” attracts entries from across the world – creating a uniquely level playing field for both big and small brands.

Fi-ne - Body Serums

At The Amazing Blog it’s no secret that we love luxurious body lotions and serums. And probably no surprise that today’s #amazingfinds is on Body Serums. Meet a new German brand called Fi-ne Cosmetics whose rather unique trio of Body Serums are luxurious organic moisturiser-oil-serums specifically created for this area. Their founder had a light bulb moment when she discovered that most people were using luxury skincare on their faces, but completely neglecting their bodies.

Fi-ne Cosmetics was created by Judith Springer in Germany when she couldn’t find a range of natural, healthy and functional deodorants. Since then the brand has evolved to offer body serums, masks, eye serums and perfume oils. Her belief is that she won’t ever bring something to market that either already exists, or doesn’t offer the right solution for the problem. Fi-ne Cosmetics products are handmade, certified organic, 100% vegan and not tested on animals. They are also GMO-free, paraben-free and free from all synthetic preservatives, colours, and fragrances.  Manufactured in a laboratory in Germany, their natural and organic products are made under strict conditions in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation. They avoid plastic materials in their packaging.  Wooden spatulas that come with their cream-based products are created in a workshop for people with special needs in Berlin.

Fi-ne Body Serums are a fusion of a rich nourishing blend of effective oils and a hyaluronic moisturising serum.  These Body Serums primarily feature a distinctive blend of original Australian Bush Flowers. The flower essences contain the individual energy of the specific plants from which they are derived. The second key ingredient is the Mediterranean algae which provide a multitude of protection and healing properties.  There are three different Body Serum in the range which cater to individual needs.

We tried the set of three Body Serums all of which contain the ingredients of cooling and hydrating aloe vera and squalane. Let’s begin with Focus, this uses apricot kernel and safflower seed oils with the wood additions of douglas fir/atlas wood oils, it also has lavender and grapefruit peel oil for a more citrus/woody scent. Focus is for grounding and centring it has helped to boost concentration and clarity. These ingredients also help to restore hydration, leaving skin fresh and radiant. The second we tried was Energy serum as the name suggests it’s empowering and uplifting helping to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis. The key ingredients are sweet almond oil together with hazel and grape seed oils. More unusual here are the palmarosa and manuka branch/leaf oil making the scent ‘warming and comforting’. The final Body Serum in the trio that we tried was Peace serum which helps let go. Since the Peace serum is for use at night time, it features a higher quantity of plant oils,  such as camellia seed and peach kernel oil. It has a delicious and slightly fruity fragrance, where the smell of the dog rose with juniper and lavender oils comes through. This is perfect for city living as its purpose is to repair UVA/UVB and pollution-induced damage, restoring skin while you sleep!

Fi-ne Cosmetics recommends applying the Focus and Energy serums after a shower in the morning and applying the Peace serum before bed in the evenings. Each of the Body Serums scents can be purchased individually in 200 ml or 50 ml sizes. We had the set of three Body Serums in 50 ml which can be purchased here for €50.  We think these make a great gift or for yourself for a little luxurious self-care.

Baûbo - Infinite Balm

Going from winter to spring can be tough on the skin, from cracked cuticles to chapped lips and at The Amazing Blog we’ve experienced it all! However, we’ve now found the perfect balm to recommend to help our skincare woes. Meet  Baûbo’s Infinite Balm which is ideal for all skin types and can combat dryness, skin irritations, damaged lips and even fragile baby skin - making it a one-stop product for the whole family.

Based in Paris, Baûbo was created in 2015 by Bethsabée Krivoshey and Cécilia Capece. They’re both strong women and proud feminists who have created a very special eco-responsible brand committed to the well-being of women and those around them. Bethsabée is an author and journalist who specialises in sexuality, who was particularly frustrated that there was no organic or natural intimate care on the market to relieve the everyday irritation felt by women after a day in skinny jeans, sexual intercourse or a gym class. Cécilia, an MBA graduate helped Bethsabée embark on a journey of launching this ethical brand and their French entrepreneurship. The brand is named after the Greek mythical story of Baûbo, which reminds us of the positive force of female sexuality, the importance of joy and the healing power of the vulva.

Something we particularly want to applaud Baûbo for is their eco-packaging. Their products are the first 90% recycled glass cosmetic container in the world (75% post-usage and 15% post-production). Plus the production creates 36% less of Co2 emissions than traditional production. Baûbo also takes care to make their cartons with no glues or plastic film in order to make recycling easy. Not only that, they recently announced their partnership with the non-profit organisation Gynecology Without Borders (Gynécologie Sans Frontière) who have been working for dignity and promotion of women's health in the world, as their goals. For every product purchased they donate 2% to fund medics helping support these women.

Baûbo’s Infinite Balm is one of three different healing balms that they produce. The Infinite Balm’s key ingredients are macadamia, castor oil, coconut, avocado, wheat germ, shea butter and vitamin E. The Balm is super slick and hydrating and takes no time at all to absorb flawlessly into the skin, leaving the surface supple and hydrated.  The other specialist balms are The Gorgeous Balm for hydrating and toning for boobs, belly and booty; as well as The Balm for vulva care especially for intimate dryness, menopause and hormonal changes. The great thing that they all have in common, is that the ingredients are 100 percent natural and sourced from organic farms. What’s not to love about Baûbo? If you’re interested in purchasing Baûbo’s Infinite Balm, it can be purchased here for £37.00.