HÆR: SUSINUM Luxuriant Hair Oil

It’s been a while since The Amazing Blog has featured a hair oil, and as our regular readers will know, ones that don’t leave an oily residue on the hair are few and far between! That’s why we want to share another of our #amazingfinds with the non-greasy SUSINUM Luxuriant Hair Oil,  by HÆR which is good for even damaged or coloured hair.

HÆR is a British brand and newly launched by Rámon Taitz. It’s a new luxury haircare brand that offers this their award-winning SUSINUM Luxuriant Hair Oil. And what a product! Rámon worked in the hairdressing sector for over 20 years before deciding to take a leap of faith and create his own brand. His inspiration came from wanting to find products that didn’t contain artificial silicones or petroleum-based ingredients. The natural and organic hair products that he did find, were generally too oily for styling. Hence, he devoted five years to studying the origins of Egyptian and other ancient hair care ingredients to find his formula. Rámon said: “It became my wish to fuse these two life-paths and create hair care that combines the natural botanical medical wisdom of our ancestors with sustainable modern scientific practice, to create 100% naturally-derived, ethical haircare for today.” HÆR hair care is cruelty-free, vegan (registered with the Vegan Society), GMO-free and certified organic. It is also made with natural and sustainable ingredients which are biodegradable, renewable and kind to the environment.

HÆR’s firstborn (as they call it) and hero product is the SUSINUM Luxuriant Hair Oil which has recently been awarded with an Editor’s Choice in the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards. This has been created by adapting, modernising, and naturally enhancing a formula, documented nearly 2000 years ago, which had ingredients like: One thousand blue Egyptian water lilies (aka blue lotus), steeped in antique balanos oil and perfumed with several aromatic botanicals such as cinnamon, myrrh, saffron and cardamom. However, this has now been modified by HÆR to make it light in texture, non-greasy and has the addition of 18 botanical ingredients. These key ingredients include: Egyptian blue lotus extract to help increase the volume, body and elasticity of brittle hair. Rich in palmitic acid, an emollient fatty acid, it prevents moisture loss and increases natural shine. Black seed oil, for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Moringa seed oil, also full of antioxidants, with the addition of bio-actives with vitamin B, C, and minerals to revive the hair. There is watermelon seed oil, an ultra-light oil with an abundance of antioxidants to help boost scalp circulation, and pomegranate seed oil, rich in nutrients to revitalise dry and damaged hair. There’s also squalene, frankincense, myrrh, cardamon, cinnamon, black cumin, cedarwood, vetiver, geranium, linden blossom, ylang-ylang and hazelnut - what a list! This formula is completely without synthetics or chemicals and designed to leave hair nourished, glossy and easy to style. We initially used this on clean damp hair, rubbing a few drops in the palm of our hands then gently massaging it into the scalp before running it through from the hair shaft to the ends. It felt more like a hair tonic than an oil as, there’s no greasy residue left on hands or hair. The scent is divine and exotic, where we detected a very subtle and fragrant fusion of ylang-ylang, cardamom and vetiver.  The scent and performance were outstanding; we also used it on dry hair for styling, and loved how it instantly smoothed down any annoying flyaway strands. This is now one of our ‘empties’, and we’ll certainly be buying more. You too can purchase HÆR: SUSINUM Luxuriant Hair Oil here for £39 - deliver within the UK only. 

Great Lakes Gellatin® Co - Collagen Hydrolysate (10 x single servings)

With this damp and chilly start to May, we find that this sort of weather plays havoc with our over exercised and achy joints. However, this is where at The Amazing Blog we’ve learnt that taking a good collagen supplement comes into its own, as it reduces joint inflammation and stimulates the collagen synthesis in the body. Meet Collagen Hydrolysate, from the Great Lakes Gellatin® Company, which has 20 different amino acids that help to heal and repair the connective tissue. 

The Great Lakes Gellatin® Company is the pioneer of collagen hydrolysate technology. Founded in 1988, it was initially known as Grayslake Gelatin Co (which started production in 1922). They were the first company to research and develop the collagen and gelatin benefits, and ever since has been a market leader in this sector. Great Lakes Gellatin® Co are a family-run business, and was created from the founder’s promise to help and educate others into having a healthier lifestyle. Numerous scientific studies have shown to how collagen hydrolysate supports tendons and ligaments through strengthening the connective tissues, thereby helping to prevent injury and speed up recovery. It also helps muscle mass and strength through promoting lean muscle The cattle from which the collagen is sourced, are grass fed and pastured-raised in Argentina and Brazil, and animal welfare is one of this company’s main priorities. The brand’s products are kosher and free from gluten, MSG, GMO, and verified glyphosate, and easily fit into both the keto and paleo diets. It is also free of allergens and sensitisers: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, seeds, fish/shellfish, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, gluten, corn, mustard, celery stalk/leaf, yeast or yeast derivatives. This ground-breaking company also offers a wide range of other flavoured collagen hydrolysates, gelatin and keto products. 

We tried the Collagen Hydrolysate (unflavoured) in 10 x sachets a box. This has one ingredient only: 100% bovine hydrolysed collagen powder, which is a derived protein found naturally in bones, skin, and cartilage. This contains amino acids, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline which are responsible for the growth and repair of the body. In addition, collagen represents almost a third of the natural proteins found in our bodies. However, as time goes by, the production of collagen declines, which where a hydrolysed collagen supplement comes into play. It supports the digestive tract, increases joint health, improves bones density, tightens and hydrates skin, and strengthens hair and nails. It also has the added bonus of aiding sleep and concentration. The effects of bovine hydrolysed collagen on joints and bones have been scientifically proven to act as a kind of ‘intracellular glue’ giving support, shape and bulk to the blood vessels which feed bones and joints as well as vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver – and yet it’s not a medicine. This low molecular weight protein is easily digested just a few minutes after eating. It will not congeal because it has been hydrolyzed for quick assimilation and improved hydration to the connective tissue. We found that these Great Lakes Gellatin® Co Hydrolysed Collagen unflavoured powders to be colourless and odourless; they dissolve quickly in cold or hot beverages, which means you can put them in your coffee, tea or smoothie (see our berry smoothie above). It is also possible to dissolve them into soups or mix into yoghurt. One sachet (6 grams) or two (12grams) a day are enough. We stirred one sachet into our smoothie until the collagen powder dissolved - about 10-20 seconds - it’ll be quicker in hot liquids. If you need a little inspiration, you can take a look at their Recipes Page here for more ideas. To purchase Great Lakes Gellatin® Co Collagen Hydrolysate 10 x Single Servings, go to Amazon UK here  at £5.99.

Comme Ça Skincare - Le Youth Sérum

From living in a city, we get prolonged exposure to general environmental pollutants and solar radiation. This is why at The Amazing Blog we find our skin sometimes becomes dry and sensitive and in need of a vitamin-enriched serum to both protect and repair. Having heard so much about Comme Ca Skincare we wanted to try Le Youth Sérum for ourselves.

Comme Ça Skincare  is a Dutch company with French roots - just like its founder, Charlotte Seijerlin. Disappointed by the fact that many of the skincare products she used were made with synthetic ingredients, Seijerlin decided to pursue a degree in Natural Skincare Formulation and bring her own natural products to market. After two years of hard work, she founded Comme Ça Skincare in 2019, dedicated to: “Offering the most gentle, natural and high-performance skincare products that bring visible results, and that leaves the skin with that ultimate youthful glow.” To ensure high quality and effectiveness, Seijerlin has created a skincare range of three products concentrated with anti-ageing and nourishing ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, plant extracts, and minerals. Their products are also entirely  plant-based and free from parabens, SLS, artificial colours, fragrances, and any other synthetic ingredients. Instead, all of the ingredients are either organic or wild-harvested and sustainably procured. The products are made in small batches in the laboratory at Rebel-Nature in Amsterdam.

This Le Youth Sérum  was the product that we wanted to try. Suitable for all skin types, it contains many active ingredients, including multiple plant extracts and oils such as: Camellia seed oil, acmella oleracea extract, sunflower seed oil and algae extract. Combined together these can help protect the skin from the damage of free radicals, reduce the visibility of fine lines, and restore skin elasticity. The algae extract here, is packed with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids; and together with the addition of coconut oil derivative and vitamin E help to keep skin nourished and moisturised. At the same time, the kukui oil is here to soothing and softening the skin without leaving a greasy film and is particularly beneficial for eczema and psoriasis. Finally, the vanilla fruit extract in the formula has a superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, making it perfect for sensitive or mature skin. This serum is designed to have a skin-firming effect and also leaves skin looking healthier and more youthful. Although this serum is designed for the skin, a few drops can also be added to the length and ends of the hair, making this a hair serum as well as a primer for the face. We like how this is a brilliant two-in-one product, and with its delicious blend of fragrances from the exotic kukui nut and vanilla extract make it exceptionally moreish. Applied either by itself or a few drops mixed in with a moisturiser, we found with the fusion of these luxurious oils, only a few drops were needed to help get, as they say, a ‘luminous glow’. You can buy the 30ml Le Youth Sérum here for €74.95. 

Spruce: Multi-Purpose Starter Kit

The world of cleaning products is at last changing, and thankfully there is now a choice of natural cleaners with plant-based ingredients to make our homes sparkle.  For too long, products with harsh chemicals, leaving toxic residue on our counters, floors and even on our hands, has dominated. Although these natural products aren’t cheap, at The Amazing Blog we think that when it comes to buying safe, eco-friendly and non-toxic household cleaning items, these are a wise investment. Today we take a look at a Multi-Purpose Start Kit from Spruce.

Spruce, is a British cleaning brand recently founded by Mahira Kalim. They have launched with two products made from non-toxic ingredients and without any single-use plastics. After suffering from health issues, possibly due of the toxins in household products, Mahira realised that the market was filled with cleaning products that use single-use plastic bottles with 90% water, toxic chemicals, artificial dyes and fragrances. So, she decided to create a brand that offered safe, natural, and eco-friendly choices for consumers; “without compromising on convenience, effectiveness or aesthetics”. Having launched Spruce in the midst of the pandemic, Mahira has “put people and the planet over profit”. Therefore, she has developed her products to be entirely cruelty-free, vegan, and safe for pregnant women, children, and pets. Their product packaging, including the reusable aluminium bottles and the refill sachets, are all plastic-free, recyclable, FSC-certified, and printed with biodegradable ink.  Sustainability is at the heart of the brand. With the one-time buy of the aluminium bottle, it’s the world's most recycled material with 80% of the aluminium in use today which is recycled.  Their lightweight refill sachets have a concentrated powder and only weighs 4 grams, which is 140 times less than a typical cleaning bottle that weighs 560 grams, plus these are completely biodegradable!  Refills fit through a letterbox and get delivered with a significantly low carbon footprint. They also offer a flexible subscription which can be changed or cancel anytime.

The Multi-Purpose Starter Kit  is one of Spruce’s best-seller. The brand has already gained consumer recognition having been shortlisted by Dezeen Awards for their Sustainable Design and an Eco Lifestyle Winner at 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards. We initially found Spruce at its inception on Instagram and have been itching to try their cleaners ever since. The Kit comes with a lightweight aluminium Spruce bottle and a plastic-free Multi-Purpose cleaner refill sachet. The refill sachet is made of plant-based or food-grade powder ingredients highly rated for their environmental and human safety on Environmental Working Group (EWG) and by the  European Chemical Agency (ECHA). The plant-based ingredients include sodium coco-sulfate (a surfactant derived from coconut) and alkyl polyglycosides (sugars). Whereas the food-grade ingredients include citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and sodium bicarbonate. Plus, there are locally sourced essential oils which contain antimicrobial properties. They are quick to point out that their surfactants work differently from toxic antibacterial agents (pesticides) that kill the bacteria. Also, a point to remember is that antibacterials are effective against bacteria, not viruses. Anyway, we couldn’t find any nasties here! We found it is gentle on the nose, where it left only the slightest residue of a mild spa-like geranium fragrance. Happily it also made swift work of removing lingering food stains and greasy marks from kitchen and bathroom worktops. To turn this Kit into a cleaning solution, you simply add the refill sachet into the bottle and fill it slowly with tap water- easy! This Multi-Purpose Kit has won us over as being not only good for the planet, but also great for our pocket; it lasted over a month, with regular use, which for us makes economic sense when this one product can replace at least three of our current others. You can purchase the multi-purpose starter kit here for £12.00 and refills at £9.99 each.

MamaSia: Desert Date Oil

Let’s keep it simple – at The Amazing Blog we want to take about the versatility and purity of oils. They’ve been tried and tested for centuries, and we find more and more people are returning to using only minimally-processed oils as part of their skincare routine. Today, we are trying out a Desert Date Oil from MamaSia . 

MamaSia is an established natural skincare brand, launched in 2012; it has traditional African beauty and wellbeing products, all with a modern twist. They are based in the UK and co-founded by Maame Opoku.  With her dual heritage, Maamie is of Ghanaian descent, and born in England.  She spent time in Laraganga, Ghana, where she learnt about local ingredients and production methods from women in the community. After years of experience in the beauty industry, she realised the uniqueness and value of the traditional African beauty practices she’d gleaned and decided to create her own brand MamaSia, now a business made up of more than forty Ghanian women. All products are formulated by Maame and Sam, the company’s co-founders. Where their collective objective is to help the local communities, especially women, by acting in a socially responsible way to ‘Share, Inspire and Assist’ (this acronym ‘SIA’ is found in the brand name). All of its product ingredients are sourced from its family lands in Senegal and Ghana. As Maame said, “MamaSia is an experience rather than a brand, many people have never heard of some of the natural botanicals found in our products range. So, it is an experience from that standpoint, not forgetting our customers get to experience how our ingredients are grown on our communal lands to how it is re-purposed by us. That is why we say ‘From our Lands to your Hands’, it is direct from soil to hands.”  MamaSia produces a range of hair and skincare products and superfoods such as raw purple sea moss. However, what interests us are the superfood oils in her collection, which are pure, unadulterated and good enough to eat! They are now getting the brand recognition that they deserve and recently won The Afro Hair & Beauty Association AHBA Award for Brand Excellence. 

We couldn’t wait to try the Desert Date Oil , an all-rounder that is beneficial and suitable for all skin and hair types. It can automatically adjust and balance your skin or hair’s pH level, leaving your skin and hair smoothing and glowing without being greasy and won’t clog the pores. It is derived from Desert Date’s seed kernel, a fruit that thrives in dry conditions and is high in natural non-volatile fatty acids (46%), helping rejuvenate skin cells and reduce fine lines. As an ideal food ingredient and a cosmetics component, it contains naturally occurring, highly concentrated vitamin E and omega 3 &6 fatty acids. Vitamin E provides an excellent healing and nourishing effect that strengthens and moisturises the skin. At the same time, omega 3 &6 serves to regulate the skin's oil production and calm inflammatory reactions and skin breakouts. This is the first time we’ve used 100% cold-pressed Dessert Date Oil (balanites aegyptiaca) where we tested it out night and day, and as directed by the brand to ‘dab or pat not glide’ a little goes a long way. We loved how hydrating and protective this felt on the skin (used in chilly February). This is good for the hair tips to seal split ends, and with a drop rubbed into the palm of our hands, then smoothed over the crown, it also keeps frizz at bay. This is simplicity at its best, suitable for all skin types and one oil we’d certainly buy more of. The humble date is probably one of the most sustainable botanicals around, with its fruits and leaves which can be eaten, the kernels used for oil, and the vines and twigs crushed to help build local structures! To purchase this 30ml Desert Date Oil for £10, you can buy it here.