Quarnero: Fleur de Sel Relax Bath Salts

With winter still upon us here, at The Amazing Blog we love taking a hot bath at the end of the day, to warm up before bed and soak away the day. We've recently featured a few different bath products, but today we have an exceptional and award-winning brand Quarnero, with their delicate and unique Fleur de Sel Relax bath salts. 

Quarnero was founded by mother and son Zorica and Rešid Seferović, and is based in the Kvarner region in Croatia. They produce natural and organic face & body oils and bath salts, which have up until recently, been primarily created for the spa and salon sector. Their ingredients are mainly derived from the local region where the wild plants flourish in the clean air, and the unpolluted Dalmatian shoreline gives life to their fleur de sel. Otherwise, other key organic ingredients such as organic cold-pressed sesame oil and a few of the essentials oils are carefully sourced from selected organic locations. They use organic biodynamic plant actives combined with their time-honoured knowledge of ancient medicinal remedies to bring these select products to life – for Quarnero their brand ethos is to get’ back to basics’ and ‘less is more’. All products have the prized certification from NATRUE, International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association https://www.natrue.org, who are committed to promoting and protecting global natural and organic cosmetics. All Quarnero products are handmade, vegan and delivered in solid, simple apothecary-style jars with Miron violet glass. Interestingly, this violet glass is scientifically proven to maintain fresh ingredients longer than clear glass. It also acts as a barrier preventing the loss of bioenergy, enzymes, smell or colour from the product stored within, making preservatives less necessary. The brand is now available in 39 countries, with six products in total, which are within the two ranges of Face & Body Oils and Bath Salts.

These Fleur de Sel Relax bath salts were a recent Wellbeing Winner, named as the Best Bath Soak at the global 2020 Beauty Shortlist Awards. As the name suggests, these contain the beautiful fleur de sel crystals, together with Quarnero organic botanical oils. When poured into the bath, this heady mix is slow to dissolve, fragrancing the water which in turn, absorbs into the pores relaxing the body. Any undissolved fleur de sea crystals can also be used to gently exfoliate and stimulate the lymph,as well as improving the skin's texture by making it soft and smooth. Fleur de sel is a salt enriched with natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iodine from the Adriatic Sea. It forms in oceanic conditions in seawater; it’s flaky, fragile and forms either as flat mass or as hollow pyramids, which look like angular delicate flowers (hence the name ‘flower of salt’). These bloom and float on the surface and are carefully harvested by hand. Fleur de sel is known as the purest form of salt on earth, as it contains no impurities or bitterness from the sea. Its been a tried and tested formula for therapeutic bathing since the Roman Empire and some even say that these salts have the aroma of violets.  Apart from the salts, other ingredients include oils from lavender, bergamot orange peel and geranium leaf. Lavender, as we know, relieves stress and aids sleep. Bergamot has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the skin. The geranium leaf has been used as far back as the Egyptians in tea to alleviate anxiety and fatigue. When I opened the jar of Relax Bath Salt, it immediately filled the room with its notes of lavender, bergamot, geranium leaf; and the potent fleur de sel. Another one of our #amazingfinds, it was deliciously intoxicating and from just opening the lid, I could slightly ‘taste’ the saltiness in the air. I can honestly say, that I could not get enough of these Relax bath salts. They made me feel uplifted, and yet tranquil, relaxed and at peace. With all the lockdown, stress and anxiety – what better way to soak away the worries of the day and get a good night’s sleep? To purchase the Relax Bath Salt in 450g at €94,49 please email info@quarnero.hr for enquiries due to the online shop currently being unavailable.

CUBID CBD: Re:Vive Stay Active Gel

We don’t know about you, but here at The Amazing Blog time seems to have flown by - can you believe that it’s almost March? Whether like us, you’ve been keeping up with your New Year fitness goals, or just began your activities; certainly one or other of us here has already experienced some kind of soreness, joint pain or both! Most probably because in lockdown we’ve pushed ourselves even harder with a new home workout or perhaps walked too many extra steps. If this is you, don’t fret, as today we talking about the very soothing Re:Vive Stay Active Gel by CUBID CBD. 

CUBID CBD is a brand specialising in CBD, hemp-derived cannabidiol topicals and oils. Based in Derby CUBID CBD was founded by Paul Caplin in 2019, they produce high quality, award-winning CBD products with a reassuring tagline, “Choose a Better Day, Everyday.” Danielle Nodwell, CUBID CBD’s brand director, commented that the brand was created to “become an influencer, lead CBD revolution, and deliver a range of products that answered the specific needs of our customer.” Because the demand for CBD has been growing in the UK, CUBID CBD has made their products THC free, vegan and cruelty-free; using only broad-spectrum hemp oil in each of their topical products. Combining agricultural and scientific expertise, CUBID CBD's hemp is grown on a farm in Colorado where they to use an ethanol extraction method which is classified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the FDA. The CBD here has natural cannabinoids, proteins and fats, plus it is free from pesticides, solvents and parabens. CUBID CBD has a carefully curated self-care skin and body care regime, known as ‘the seven R’s’: Re:juvenate; Re:fresh; Re:lax; Re:scue; Re:new; Re:set and Re:Vive (which we review below).

CUBID CBD Re:Vive Stay Active Gel was a recent winner of Highly Commended in the Pure Beauty Awards London 2020; this is a botanical anti-inflammatory gel, which is light, cooling and designed to aid aching muscle issues. This has 500mg of CBD in the 100ml, where the 66% CBD combined with the other botanicals soothes any inflammation and finds a way to mend it. It’s blended with botanicals such as wintergreen leaf oil known to help ease stiff muscles, grapeseed oil to improve blood flow and rosemary oil with its anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Also enriched with eucalyptus leaf this helps with arthritis and has the added plus of its scent which helps to ignite an inner calm for a clear mind. Whereas the fruit extracts such as blackcurrant containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that's been said to help ease inflammation, and the strawberry extract with ellagic acid is also another effective anti-inflammatory. The black pepper seed oil offers relief from spasms and cramps; and finally the cinnamon leaf oil stimulates circulation reduces muscle stress and relieves pain. It had a silky-smooth texture which melts seamlessly into the skin offering comfort to exhausted and tender muscles. With its soft fragrance, we could only detect a very pleasant and subtle eucalyptus and rosemary scent on the skin. As someone who has arthritis, I found that this offered some gentle relief. I also found it good for overworked hands, as well as shoulder and neck stiffness. Apply this Gel directly onto the skin and massage in circular motions to target the sore areas. You can use it daily at any time, or  before bed for a night of enhanced restful sleep. The Re:Vive Stay Active Gel can also be paired up with the oil drops by CUBID CBD for additional benefits. By the way, if you purchase the Re:Vive Stay Active Gel along with their Re:Set Oil Drops  you can save £20. The Re:Vive Stay Active Gel is here 100ml for £30. 

Rebel Wine Ltd: CBD Infused Wine

Are you taking part in the new lockdown trend of the ‘virtual happy hour’? We at The Amazing Blog think it’s a brilliant way to say ‘cheers’ and stay in touch with our family and friends. As regular readers will know, we’re always looking to introduce new kinds of tipples, and today its Rebel Wine with their trio of CBD-infused wines. Yes, our beloved CBD in a very different guise!

Rebel Wine Ltd is a British company founded by Rupert St Aubyn, a wine connoisseur and merchant. After two years of experimentation, they created the perfect formula for CBD-infused wine, commissioning the award-winning South African winemaker Matthew Copeland from Vondeling Estates, to blend and create. St Aubyn had this idea to combine CBD and wine, and when asked why, he said, “CBD is usually served as an oil and can be taken in its natural form using a dropper. However, it has a bitter taste, so is much nicer when combined with food or drink. Blending our wine with CBD worked better than we could have dreamed of. It combines all the goodness of CBD with the highest quality wines imported from South Africa, to make a fabulous drink.”  Rebel Wine’s ethos is: “If you follow all the rules, you miss all the fun” this tongue-in-cheek attitude is reflected in their hip branding and kitsch 50’s vibe.  What makes this trio of wines unique, is that they’re the first CBD-infused wine produced here in the UK.  Each of the three wine varieties is combined with the highest-quality organically grown hemp from Colorado, where all the extraction is done using only the supercritical C02 method. It’s 100% vegan and each can contains 10mg of broad-spectrum CBD with no THC, guaranteeing a safe and completely legal drinking experience. Available in 200ml cans, makes these ideal for picnics or outdoor events. Not only do these cans lower the carbon footprint, but they’re more convenient for a quick glass, portable, fast chilling and easily recyclable. After only three months from their launch, the brand won their first Bronze award in the Beverages category of the Canex 2020 awards.   With a lower alcohol content of around 12.5% ABV, they currently offer a Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot which are sold at an affordable price of £4.25 each, and for this price you simply can’t go wrong.  

We were sent the Three Can Gift set bundle to try: Merlot, Rose, and Sauvignon Blanc.  Given the option, we prefer to drink our wine from a glass, rather than straight from the can. Something to quickly mention, is that when poured all three of these grape varieties had a noticeably cloudy hue. This is absolutely no reflection on the wine quality, and it’s to do with the CBD infusion. First, let’s talk about our favourite the Merlot, this is a smooth and fruity red wine that is great for everyday drinking. It contains 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% ABV. This original Merlot from Vondeling is currently featured in the renowned Platter's Wine Guide in 2020 with 3.5 stars. Rebel Wine recommends drinking this in combination with eggs and bacon butty while listening to (of course) Rebel, Rebel by Bowie! We’d say, with its red fruits, easy tannins and soft finish we prefer to pair it with dark chocolate (yum!) Next, the Rose, this is a refreshingly fruity with a crisp finish and needs to be served chilled. It is a pale blush pink in colour and we think great as a light refreshment and aperitif, as its easily quaffable with or without food. Also made from the Merlot grape, this original Rose wine from Vondeling recently won a Gold at The Annual Rose Rocks Awards in 2020. Finally, the Sauvignon Blanc, is a zesty, light-bodied gooseberry-ish white. It contains 100% Sauvignon Blanc and 12.5% ABV. Again, served chilled, we think this is an everyday drinking wine that marries well with anything from seafood, soft cheeses to a naughty fried chicken takeaway!  All without that taste of hempyness, we applaud Rebel Wine for creating this exceptional trio and can’t wait to try more - perhaps a CBD sparkling wine next? To purchase the Three Can Gift Pack at £14 (3 x 200ml cans), click here.

Organic Island : Shell Lips Balms

How at The Amazing Blog, we wish it was summer - oh to be walking barefoot along the beach, without a care in the world…  Well, what if we told you that there’s a product that could bring back some of those distant memories?  See the above pretty Shell Lip Balms, housed inside recycled shells which have been washed up on the Australian shores. These contain yet another of Organic Island’s organic raw plant-based balms. Recently, you may remember we featured their PAWPAW Multi Balm here.

Organic Island is an organic Australian skincare launched in 2006 by Mark Powers. The company ethos is to produce honest organic cosmetics and skincare all with advanced technology. With their patented formulas of Si02 Matrix, OliveM 1000 and Lexfeel Natural, Organic Island is an established and multi-award winning brand. They also have the much acclaimed ACO (Australian Certified Organic) and BDIH Germany certification, which are two of the most highly-regarded global commissions. Receiving these accreditation, means that their products only contain organic, raw plant and mineral-based formulas, and ensures a purity of ingredients. Organic Island also states that the only preservative they use in their Shell Lip Balms is vitamin E.

These Shell Lip Balms are made using only 100% recycled beach shells; they collect the washed-up shells, cleaning with sandblasting and water pressure - Organic Island does it all. Every shell is unique, and there are six different types of shells to choose from. Our favourites are the select four, that have a handy mirror tucked inside. We received the full set of six shells to try, which consist of the White Pearl and Turquoise which are a small and compact size. The medium ones are Mocha and Oriental Fan; and largest are Tiger Crown and White Frangipani. Inside all six shells is the organic, silky and moisturising balm which contains only eight organic ingredients. The rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acid vitamins and antioxidants, which help improve skin hydration and repair dry, damaged skin. Coconut oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties help prevent irritation, making it an excellent skin emollient; and the macadamia oil protects the lips from environmental damage. There is also jojoba oil, lanolin wax, beeswax, vitamin E, and mango seed butter; these all work together to deliver a nourishing and soothing salve. The formula is made up of only natural emollients and has no artificial ingredients i.e. parabens, sulphates, artificial colours, fragrances or petrochemicals. Although, for now, we can’t have our sunshine getaway, we can at least reminisce using one of these seaside inspired beauties. Why not choose your favourite shell for £12.99 here. Each one comes with it’s own a protective cotton pouch, and if you buy two, you get another one free!

Amai Hana: Silky Skin Serum G1 Bio and Mousse Lift H2 Bio Day Cream

Today at The Amazing Blog,  we’re featuring another award-winning natural skincare brand that has caught our eye. However, this time its with biocosmetic phytotherapy formulas. We’d like to introduce Amai Hana with their Silky Skin Serum G1 Bio and Mousse Lift H2 Bio day cream.

Amai Hana is based in Barcelona and produces 100% natural formulas using aromatherapy and phytotherapy principles. They practice biocosmetic phytotherapy which is a science-based medical practice, with traditional medical herbalism; these use vegetal origin products to help prevent, heal and cure. The brand was launched in 2019 by Susanna Asensio, who has a master's degree in phytotherapy and a degree in chemical sciences, specialising in the formulation and synthesis of organic and pharmaceutical compounds. Amai Hana's philosophy is to promote vegetarianism values, responsibility, sustainability, conscious consumption, respect for oneself, the animal world and the environment - quite a list! Each product is handmade with 100% natural plant actives, cruelty-free and offered at affordable prices. Their products range from serums, balms, massage oils, creams and soaps. They are packaged in pharmaceutical-grade containers and are presented in natural eco-cotton bags.

We were given two product to try from Amai Hana: The Silky Skin Serum G1 Bio  and the Mousse Lift H2 Bio Day Cream. Let’s start with the Silky Skin Serum GI Bio, Amai Hana's best-selling hero product, and a recent Bronze winner at the 2020 Scandinavian Global Makeup Awards. Its recommended for the face, neck and décolletage as an anti-wrinkle, regenerating and firming treatment. The main ingredient here is centella asiatica extract (see photo above) which stimulates collagen production and has madecassoside an active compound potent with antioxidant and a rich source of amino acids. The lavender, rosewood and geranium essential oils work as anti-inflammatory agents to moisturise and regenerate dry, damaged, and inflamed skin. These oils inspire feelings of relaxation, calm and well-being - effectively reducing stress and anxiety. We found it to be an excellent serum for daily use and when applied, we found that a little goes a long way. They recommend using on clean dry skin both morning and night. Amai Hana tells us that with use, softer and more hydrated skin will be evident in 7-19 days. This Silky Skin Serum left our skin feeling smooth, firm, and rejuvenated; and when we inhaled its soothing botanical scent, it had the added benefit of making us feel less stressed! 

Next, we used the Mousse Lift H2 Bio Day Cream, this provides rich nutrition and was recently a Gold winner (in the awards as mentioned above). This Day Cream works as a gentle astringent and antioxidant acting to close large pores and tightens the skin, making it firmer and brighter. The other big plus here, is that it also claims to reduce dark circles around the eye area. The key ingredient is  witch hazel hydrolate for its tightening and lifting effect. Whereas the macadamia oil here regenerates and softens the skin. It also has the essential oils geranium, frankincense, and rosewood; the combination of which, promote cell regeneration, regulates sebum and stimulate the skin’s collagen natural production. The formula is so gentle, that they recommend using this Day Cream to treat acne, rosacea or couperose. Simply use alone or combine it with the Silky Skin Serum to complete your beauty ritual. As we have dry skin, we used these together as they offered extra nourishment, plus firmed and lifted the skin (we notice this around the neck area). To purchase Silky Skin Serum G1 Bio in 30ml for €23.99, see here, or to buy the Mousse Lift H2 Bio Day Cream in 60ml for €27.99, see here.