Aus Dem Orient: Shampoo & Night Cream

With the ever-changing regulations on self-isolation and travel, it's something we're all having to put on the back-burner. However, today at The Amazing Blog we’re going to take you on a journey where Switzerland meets Morocco, with organic skincare Aus Dem Orient.

The trip today takes us to the Deutschschweiz, the German-speaking part of Switzerland where Marie-thérèse Hainke the founder of Aus Dem Orient, always held a fascination with Morocco and decided to take a journey there to discover the different smells, colours, spices and culture. There she and her family found themselves captivated by the beauty of Moroccan and their traditions, as well as the warmth of the people. This was when the family Hainke decided to create Aus Dem Orient and bring these unique Moroccan ingredients to Switzerland, where they’ve now built a brand that offers a pure and high-quality natural skincare. Their products are also certified with an organic seal in both Morocco and Europe, but Switzerland only acknowledges these as natural. This is because a Swiss organic certification is a timely and expensive process which many of the small skincare producers cannot afford. The Aus Dem Orient range of skincare is suitable for all skin types and contains no preservatives, parabens, silicone, dyes, or synthetic ingredients. It is also proudly a cruelty-free brand.

We received two products and will begin with their hero product the Night Cream with Argan & Prickly Pear Seed Oil. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E this night cream is ideal for addressing dry skin. The prickly pear seed oil is a luxurious anti-ageing oil that contains over 80 percent of unsaturated fatty acids. It supplies the skin with moisture, nourishes, regenerates and also reduces age spots. The golden argan oil here has a unique composition of essential fatty acids and a high content of vitamin E, one of the most critical antioxidants. This oil provides valuable moisture and is quickly absorbed without leaving an oily film. The antioxidant activity in argan oil helps to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by the sun with burns and hyperpigmentation. There is also the addition of shea butter, which is again is rich in fatty acids; and the beeswax which has anti-inflammatory properties and offers a barrier between the skin and environment, without clogging the pores. It’s light in texture, although it feels creamy and hydrating, with a slightly honey-ed scent. With its few organic ingredients, this night cream offers simplicity at its best.

The other product we tried is their Shampoo Argan Oil with Honey. The natural scent of the shampoo is a combination of honey and argan. This is an organic shampoo designed to protect and hydrate the hair. The argan oil here is used as a hair treatment, it is beneficial for both the hair and scalp and is used as a conditioner. Vitamin E in the argan acts as a moisturiser for the scalp and also fights dandruff and a dry scalp. The honey has unique healing abilities and has both emollient and humectant properties. Emollients smooth the hair follicles, adding shine to dull hair whereas the humectants bond with water molecules, adding moisture to any dry hair strands. By locking in the moisture the honey can help restore the natural lustre to the hair and promotes hair growth as well as acting as being a cleanser. One of the most crucial factors for us is that shampoo must be colour-safe, which this is. It cleansed our hair well, we must point out that this is not a co-wash, so a conditioner is recommended to use with this and we see they have, but we didn’t try it. You can find the 50g of Night Cream with Argan & Prickly Pear Seed Oil for CHF 37.00 and the 200ml Shampoo Argan Oil with Honey for CHF 17.00, both here.

Green Chemistry: Phyto Flora,

In our never-ending search to find new and exciting skincare formulas to introduce you to; today at The Amazing Blog, we’ve found a rather special natural serum from Green Chemistry. This brand is a US-based indie skincare that has a range of wild-sourced clinical and holistic skincare, where they only use food-grade botanicals and have an emphasis on Ayurveda.

Brigitte Tolson is the founder of this brand and began her successful journey in aesthetics as a cosmetic surgery consultant and professional makeup artist in her hometown of Los Angeles. Her interest and passion for natural skincare took on a voyage of discovery with Ayurveda and holistic medicine, which has since grown fuelled by her passion for incorporating these into her own skincare and practice. Her clinical area of expertise is with treating cystic acne, nutrition, advanced peels, holistic skincare, sun damage, anti-ageing and other systemic issues of the skin. After years of research and collaboration, Tolson built Green Chemistry with a mission to provide clinically proven ingredients with a focus on the holistic.  Her mission has been to create products that complement the range of treatments that she already offers her clients and to provide unique formulations that have been lacking in the professional skincare sector. Tolson said: “What initially started as two of the most nutrient-rich serums on the market, has evolved into a line that now makes a scientifically proven toxin-free hyperpigmentation treatment, along with a mask that draws city pollutants from the skin, and a rich anti-ageing night cream that even surpasses my expectations.” Currently, with eight products in the range, they are produced in small batches, using the best local botanicals available from farms and orchards. Green Chemistry also has a ‘give back’ policy to help save the bees, where they contribute $3 from each purchase to the Los Angeles County Beekeeping Association. Tolson feels strongly about making this donation as it is these bees that are responsible for pollinating most of the ingredients that Green Chemistry source from locally. 

The product we’re featuring today is the Phyto Flora which is a serum which they say is ideal for dry, sensitive skin with acne or eczema. The key ingredient here is the hemp seed oil which balances the skin and helps to reduce acne scarring, and offers relief from acne, psoriasis, and eczema. The hemp oil also strengthens the skin and enhances its ability to resist viral, fungal, and bacterial infections and has shown to reduce pathogenic bacteria and yet is still intensely hydrating. Next is the Spanish lavender which has been specifically selected over 40 other different species of lavender. This lavender reduces sensitivity, redness and the antibacterial properties here cleanse the pores and work as an anti-inflammatory. The damask rose reduces inflammation by suppressing the growth of certain bacteria and has mild astringent properties. The star jasmine is restorative and known to detoxify the skin. The sea buckthorn oil promotes skin hydration, elasticity, cell regeneration and even helps treat and prevent acne. Sea buckthorn helps to reduce swelling and redness associated with many skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. This blend also contains sesame seed and jojoba oils which are both rich in vitamins and fatty acids which can help protect skin cells from the damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, and toxins. The chia seed oil here maintains moisture and reduces the appearance of fine lines relieving dryness and peeling. The camellia flower oil is an excellent emollient for keeping skin moist and supple and has properties that will prevent skin breakouts. It is rich in coenzyme Q10, which can help your body produce collagen and elastin, and is rich in cranberry which provides vitamin C. These will improve the skin’s appearance making it look softer and brighter; and then with the addition of tomato seed oil, this will even out the skin tone. Finally, this serum will deeply cleanse thanks to the daikon seed extract.  We used this for both night and day and found the serum’s scent-neutral with only the subtlest trace of jasmine where it meets the lavender. All of which means that it will happily sit under other skincare with no scent conflict. Because this serum is oil-based, a little goes a long way and we found that only a few drops were needed. None of us here have acne breakouts, but some of us do have dry and sensitive skin; and found this to be a Godsend, to protect skin against the yo-yo-ing effects of going between central heating and the chilly outdoors. To purchase the 30ml bottle for $70.00 see  here.

Bean Álainn Naturals Skincare

Are you tired of searching for chemical and toxin-free skincare? Then we at The Amazing Blog have just the brand for you, meet Bean Álainn Naturals. All their products are completely chemical-free, cruelty-free, and utilise 100% organic, cold-pressed oils.

Mother and daughter duo LeAnn C. Riley and Erin L. Sorena are the co-founders of US skincare Bean Álainn Naturals. Their mission is primarily to create pure and organic ingredients with no hidden extras. With their respective backgrounds in molecular biology and wellness, it was the perfect match for creating this brand. The origins of the name Bean Álainn, is from a Gaelic phrase meaning ‘beautiful woman’. Ingredients are sourced from all over the world, although the products are produced in their own private laboratory in California, USA. They all go through a rigorous checklist to ensure purity, potency and minimal processing. To this end, their products are chemical-free, cruelty-free, and use 100% organic cold-pressed oils. We like that the EWG Skin Deep Organization has given them the highest safety rating of zero for being completely non-toxic and that they were also awarded by Cruelty-Free International a Leaping Bunny certification.  They pay meticulous attention to detail, with their skincare being formulated, bottled, and packaged only in small batches. By the way, the packaging and branding have changed since we were sent their products.

We were sent three of the products, and will begin with their hero product, the Master Mix Anti-Ageing Powerhouse Serum. It is a daily face serum for both morning or night. Use alone, or in our case, as a primer under makeup. This serum is in actual fact more of a face oil and contains some potent and luxurious anti-ageing oils. These oils are sourced from all around the globe with argan, jojoba, orange, apricot seed, pomegranate seed, grapeseed, evening primrose, krill and emu oil.  Argan oil, as we all know, helps protect against sun damage with its omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce redness. Emu oil is rich in vitamin E and has small particles that allow it to penetrate deeper into the dermis to moisturise and prevent skin ageing. When we asked co-founder Erin Sorena, why emu oil? She told us: ”Many oils make these same claims, but studies show that emu oil far outperforms other oils in its class, including olive oil (which does not absorb into the skin as easily and clogs some prone skin). Emu oil is a luxury but comes from emus that are sustainably raised.” The Orange oil helps dry, irritated, acne-prone skin and gives the serum its citrus fragrance. Apricot oil is also anti-ageing and prevents blackheads, softening and soothing the skin. Pomegranate oil regenerates and repairs skin. Grapeseed oil helps the skin be more elastic. Evening primrose oils enhance the textures and elasticity of your skin. Lastly, the krill oil here improves the overall appearance of the skin. It is a very rich serum, so only a few drops are needed. Shake the bottle well, then massage into a damp face and neck. They recommend using it both in the morning and evening to get the best results. The 1oz Master Mix Anti-Ageing Powerhouse Serum is available here.

The Enliven Mist helps brighten the skin. You would typically use it before their Master Mix as a prep or primer. We used this Mist on face and neck after cleansing then followed it with our regular skincare routine. However, some of us spritzed it during the day and found that it offered excellent hydration (particularly now we have the central heating on!) That said it’s not a flower water and leaves a slight dewy residue, which in turn gives the skin more of a glow. The organic green and white tea extracts help with skin-firming.  Whereas the organic liquorice extract is effective in improving an uneven skin tone. Plus, with its glabridin, a potent antioxidant, it’s a skin-soothing ingredient too. Helichrysum oil here is a slightly more unusual ingredient (from the Latin it translates as immortal or everlasting) it’s hydrating and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Cucumber seed extract gives a protective barrier and helps with cell regeneration, while the rosehip oil has lots of fatty acids and has cell-repairing notes. The 4oz Enliven Mist is $35 and available here.

The last, but certainly not the least, is their Transformation Clay Mask. We like that this is formulated with only three ingredients. The seaweed here is full of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants. The bentonite clay helps to remove sebum or oil from the skin's surface and has a calming effect on inflamed breakouts. And the organic peppermint oil will detoxify the skin while moisturising and tightening. This mask is designed for a monthly or weekly home facial, we used it weekly and found it easy to mix with equal parts of water (and we even added some of the Enliven Mist). It took about 20-30 minutes to dry then we rinsed it away. This was our favourite product; we loved the simplicity, purity and of course, the results which gave us incredible soft and hydrated skin. At 6oz the Transformation Clay Mask is $40 and available here. To start your chemical-free skincare journey go to Bean Álainn  Naturals here.

Mitomo: Aloe + Cherry Blossoms & Camellia Flower Oil + Matcha Essence Sheet Masks

Today at The Amazing Blog we’re talking about sheet masks. Did you know that they originated in Japan (not Korea)? Sheet Masks are thought to have been invented by the Japanese Geishas who would soak small silk squares in flower water, and then rest them on their faces as part of a skincare routine. We don’t have silk sheets but we do have Mitomo’s Essence Sheet Masks which are made from sustainable bamboo fibres and impregnated with botanical extracts.

Mitomo is a Japanese company that launched in 2006, which specialises in producing high-end sheet masks. Their products and branding reflect the culture, where you can’t miss the famous cherry blossom on their packaging and extracts in most of the ingredients. The symbolism cherry blossom in Japan means ‘a time of renewal’, as the blossom is only evident for two weeks before it starts for fall. In a bygone era, it signalled the rice-planting season, where its blooms were used to bless the forthcoming harvest. We’ve already tried many of their different sheet masks, see here; so, we’re looking forward to trying two new sheets masks that they have added to their Ukiyoe Essence Masks collection with the Aloe + Cherry Blossoms Essence Sheet Mask and the Camellia Flower Oil + Matcha Essence Sheet Mask. These are made from bamboo bio cellulose material and what we like about bamboo is that it’s biodegradable and the fibres have no chemicals. It also has good breathability and water absorption; together with being antibacterial. They also manufacture and designs sheet masks for other international beauty brands, and are known in more than 60 countries all over the world. 

Let’s start with our favourite, Aloe + Cherry Blossoms Essence Sheet Masks which are ideal for those who wish to enhance moisture and elasticity in the skin. It contains a rich source of caffeic acid and other phenolic antioxidants for antioxidants that prevent cellular damage; as well as arbutin known for reducing dark pigmentation spots. The cherry blossom extract is used as a soothing agent because it has an anti-inflammatory effect. It helps to repair skin damages and gives the skin a natural barrier. It is rich in collagen, therefore, not only can it improve skin elasticity, but also prevents the effect of glycation, a process in which the excess of sugar in the body destroys the elasticity and create wrinkles and sagging. This face mask is also rich in multivitamins and enzymes including vitamins A and C and stops skin breakouts thanks to the aloe vera extract here. Finally, the mask is rich in a boswellia serrata gum extract (also known as Indian frankincense)  known for its ability to keep the skin look firm and youthful. We used these once or twice a week, on cleansed skin, leaving for 20 minutes, removing and squeezing out any excess extracts which we gently massaging into the face. You can find it here for £2.70 each or a pack of 10 for £23.90.

The Camellia Flower Oil + Matcha Essence Sheet Mask is a very different mask, it’s a purifier. One of its main ingredients is the camellia flower oil, which is non-greasy and an excellent moisturiser for oily or combination skin. It absorbs quickly and reaches the dermal layers of the skin, therefore providing even deeper hydration. It’s also a great balancer rich in vitamins A, B, D, and, E as well as omega 3,6, and 9. The matcha (ground green tea) here is very popular in East Asia and is used for detoxing in both cosmetics and food. Good for the body and digestive system; it provides DNA restoration for the skin. The tea polyphenols in matcha powder offer protection against UV ray damage. It can reduce the redness of the skin and bring an overall feeling of smoothness. It also has properties that help with the reduction of sebum secretion. The boswellia serrata gum extract used in both masks is included for anti-ageing reasons and as an acne reliever. Alongside these great ingredients, it also contains refreshing and soothing aloe vera. You can find this purifier mask for £2.70 each or a set of 10 for £23.90 here 

West Barn Co (WBCO) - Balancing Cleanser & Brow Elixir

At The Amazing Blog, we love to make new brand discoveries, especially when they have been created for professional makeup artists. Meet West Barn Co who specialise in brow and skin preparation products, where today we review their Cleanser and Brow Elixir.

West Barn Co (WBCO) is based in the heart of Durham and created by a mother and daughter team, Donna McCann-Turner and Kim Cattin. It all began in August 2016, when Kim was working as a professional make-up artist on an editorial photoshoot. She wanted to create something entirely different for the Instagram brow trend that was buzzing at the time; Kim wanted to create a brushed up, fluffy, natural brow. Having found no product that could actually fulfil her wish, Kim used an old Hollywood trick by using soap to freeze the brow in place but was a little hesitant about using hand soap on the faces of her clients. This is when Donna and Kim locked heads and created a little tin of brow soap with a brow brush, and the legendary Soap Brows® was born. This then went on to explode on social media last year with fans such as Beyonce, Perrie Edwards and Sophie Turner. This natural and ethical brand went from being a small artisan product made in Donna's home to becoming a globally successful business, all within a year. The company now focusses on creating high-quality brow and skin preparation products for professional make-up artists. Amazed and inspired by the increasing success of the original Soap Brows® they turned their attention to other skin preparation products. Donna has gone on to formulate more skincare products that have proved just as popular with the pro make-up industry elite. Today, this successful company contains 14 staff members working in fulfilment, manufacturing and marketing. It ships internationally to 60 countries, and their mission has evolved into creating a complete range of exceptional brow and skin prep products that professional make-up artists will choose for their kit. All products are cruelty-free and vegan. 

We were sent two of their products. First, we’ll talk about the Bog Myrtle and Lime Balancing Cleanser. It's a beautifully light and creamy face cleanser that will deeply clean and tone skin in just one simple step. It is made to give an instant brightening effect and is refreshing, uplifting and balancing. This facial cleanser is ideal for including in a daily routine or a part of a self-care session. It has properties from the bog myrtle plant which are known to tightens pores and reduces spots. It is has a balancing effect on the skin and can stop breakouts thanks to its antiseptic properties. The lime oil in the blend is used to reduce pores, tones the skin and add a refreshing zesty scent to this energising lotion. Castor oil here has antioxidant properties that help keep skin detoxified; It also has excellent moisturising properties and will hold moisture. Finally, the agonis fragrans branch/leaf oil adds a citrus/spicy scent and purifies the skin with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. We found that this Cleanser worked best for us when used it primarily as a make-up remover, as the castor oil makes light work of gently lifting away foundation and daily grime. What's more, this Cleanser comes with a sustainably sourced organic bamboo and cotton cloth. To use it, WBCO advises to take the cloth and run under lukewarm water for a few seconds. Place it over your face to allow the warmth to open those pores and soften your skin. Two pumps of this Cleanser should be enough. Gently work the cleanser into the skin using circular motions and working up the face. Once you have thoroughly cleansed your face, use the wet cloth to remove the product, which leaves skin soft, clean and clear. It can also be used as part of a double cleanse too. To purchase this 100ml Cleanser see here for £19.00.

The second product was our favourite, the Brow Elixir which is full of brow enhancing ingredients. This brow elixir claims to boost and stimulate the healthy growth of your eyebrows. So, if your brows feeling a little lacklustre or perhaps like us you had a little too much tweezer time in the 90s, this will help to revive, nourish and promote growth. I’m always cautious when it comes to using brow serums, as I’ve got brows with permanent makeup and regular use of ‘active ingredients’ can fade the pigments. I was delighted to read on the list of ingredients here, that there are no actives! This contains key ingredients such as evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract, which has a balancing and soothing effect on skin. The camelia seed oil (aka tea seed oil) which will enrich skin feeding it with a plethora of vitamins and minerals. The blend also includes hydrolysed vegetable proteins which will give a power boost to strengthen brow hair. The cucumber extract will keep skin refreshed. The vitis vinifera seed oil is extracted from grapes and promotes healthy hair growth and acts as a natural dandruff treatment. The macadamia oil will bind to the hair shaft and infuses it with fatty acids, leaving hair follicles stronger and healthier. Finally, your eyebrows are left silky and soft thanks to the propanediol, which is plant-based glycol, that enhances the absorption of all other ingredients too. To use it, WBCO advises coating the brow hair, from root to tip. Brush through your eyebrows, using a circular motion to stimulate microcirculation and get the follicles stimulated. When this has finished, I’ll be purchasing another, despite no regrowth being evident yet, I’m hoping in another month, I’ll see some… to get your 8ml Brow Elixir, see here for £29.00.