Dr Ankerstjerne - URBAN PROTECTION & SUPERFOOD

If you tot up the annual cost of your skincare, does it make you draw breath in horror? When we did this at The Amazing Blog it certainly gave us quite a shock!  We are all for economy and multitasking products, so when we heard about a new advanced Nordic skincare Dr Ankerstjerne , that would not only save us time but money – we had to try it. We also think that it’s perfect as a Christmas gift for anyone looking for a simple anti-ageing skincare routine with excellent results.

Dr Ankerstjerne is an advanced skincare brand developed by two Norwegian doctors, who got their inspiration when they couldn’t find skincare that would endure the extremes of the Scandinavian weather. Stine and Andre Ankerstjerne went on to develop an effective cosmeceutical brand based on one particular insight: Why use multiple products when the key actives needed can be condensed into just a few? In 2018, after five years of research, development, and testing, they decided to launch their own skincare brand with advanced skincare that’s easy to use. To answer the need for a simpler skincare regime, all the products are packed with multiple actives that work in synergy to provide long-lasting results without taking so much time or money. These all underwent clinical and laboratory testing with advanced dermatology equipment to measure very precisely the depth and length of wrinkles, skin firmness, skin elasticity and moisture levels. Dr Stine Ankerstjerne said: “Documentation of our skincare range’s effect assures us that our products do what they promise. The anti-age effects have been thoroughly investigated in double-blind, long-term studies, where independent dermatologists have performed advanced 3D scans of the skin of test subjects before and after the test period. The impressive study results showed a reduction of wrinkles, increased moisture content in the skin, as well as improvement of skin elasticity and tightness.” There is a core range of five products, all of which are high in vitamins and antioxidants (see here ) where these target anti-ageing for all skin types. They are also vegan, free from paraben, silicone and microplastics. 

We received two products, both beautifully presented with simple and clean white branding. The first product that we reviewed is the URBAN PROTECTION Anti-pollution/Anti-ageing day cream . As the name suggests,  this cream is to be used in the morning to hydrate and safeguard skin against environmental pollutants and aggressors. This is one of the few creams that we’ve tried that offered SPF 30 UVA and B filtering and quick absorption into the dermis. Best of all,  for us, it doesn’t leave a white residue or clog the pores! It uses CityStem™ an ingredient known to restore the autophagic functions that can be altered by pollution in order to detoxify skin cells (i.e. it reduces the penetration of air pollution into the skin, strengthen the epidermis, and limits DNA damage). To slow ageing signs, this is combined with niacinamide (vitamin B3), well-known for its hydration and skin barrier function, as well as reducing hyperpigmentation. It keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay, whilst improving skin texture and elasticity by boosting the collagen production. After using, their testers found that in eight weeks the wrinkles were decreased by 24% and noticed an increase in skin elasticity and firmness. We think that if, like us, you live in a city then this URBAN PROTECTION day cream will soon become a must-have addition to your daily skincare routine! 

The second product we tried was their  SUPERFOOD multipurpose vitamin facegel. This is what Dr Ankerstjerne calls an “ultra-hydrating antioxidant vitamin bomb”…And we quickly understood why, looking at the list of ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin B5, A, E and sea buckthorn extract for vitamin C. All of these ingredients are known for their powerful hydrating and antioxidant properties. It offers the perfect cocktail to help reduce hyperpigmentation and skin irritation while helping with skin moisture and maintaining the skin’s natural elasticity and firmness. Because it is so deliciously rich in vitamins, this cool-to-the-touch gel can either be used alone or under your day or night cream, and as an eye contour cream.  This truly is an all-in-one anti-ageing product and here, after eight weeks the clinical tests with SUPERFOOD it showed 10/10 results for improvement of wrinkles/elasticity and firmness.  We used this alone at night where it felt cooling, fresh and moisturising. When used under URBAN PROTECTION, it gave us the reassurance that we needed, for our skin to be adequately shielded from pollution and chilling winter weather. It is easy to use, timesaving and we think good value for money as a high-performance cosmeceutical. Rest assured these two products will be a good investment and your two great allies for all-year-round protection. You can purchase the 50ml URBAN PROTECTION day cream here for 850.00nok (approximately £70.50), and the 50ml  SUPERFOOD multipurpose vitamin facegel here for the same price.

Eye of Horus: Sacred Earth Palette

If you’re one of our loyal readers on The Amazing Blog then you’ll know, that if there is one natural cosmetics brand that we love, it’s Eye Of Horus, all the way from Byron Bay. We’ve reviewed several of their eyeliners, eye shadow palettes and mascaras previous here but today we’re featuring a new launch which is their Sacred Earth Palette which we think would make a wonderful gift for any make-up aficionados friends.

Eye Of Horus was born out of a passion for natural ingredients combining ancient Egyptian beauty secrets. They wanted to create make-up products that would perform and bring confidence to all women helping them to look and feel like goddesses! All products are inspired by these same techniques and key raw ingredients that have been tried and tested since ancient times. These include essential oils and natural waxes, where the brand is respectful of nature and the planet. Eye of Horus works hard to be as sustainable and ethical as they can be, with their production processes and by using recycled materials for their packaging. As some of you may know, most of their products are organic and vegan, and never tested on animals. However, just because their make-up is organic, sustainable and cruelty-free, it doesn’t mean that it has to have a limited number of exciting colours or products. This is where Eye Of Horus steps up by offering a new range with lipsticks, glosses, illuminators, cheek colour; adding to their already extensive collection of colourful eye pencils, liquid liners, mascaras and eye shadows. This is one of the reasons why they are a multi-award brand, their hero product the award-winning Goddess Mascara.

The Sacred Earth Palette is part of the new Glow Collection, which is aimed at modern-day Goddesses. Especially those who need performing products that are quick and easy to use and fit into a tight schedule; as co-founder Holly Spiering says: ‘We created the Glow Collection for the busy everyday Goddess in mind. We wanted these palettes to be super versatile, easy to apply, with products that can be used on your face, your eyes, and your cheeks, to give you that really beautiful, youthful look, while still showcasing our EOH signature glow.” This 100% vegan palette is a must-have to create a fresh and sun-kissed everyday look, even in winter! Enriched with desert clay, moringa oil - the oil of Pharaohs – goldenseal and olive leaf extract it’s suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. This all-in-one product features their signature ‘Bronze Ochre’ bronzer and ‘Luxor Light’ highlighter, as well as two beautiful blush powders – ‘Persian Peach’, and ‘Sienna Blush’ – that can also be used as eyeshadows for a beautiful and youthful look. The ‘Persian Peach’ is perfect for a fresh-face look, while it can be used alone, you can also blend it with the ‘Sienna Blush’. This vibrant-looking pink colour has gorgeous gold undertones and therefore complements all skin tones. There are many ways that you can use this complexion palette, but for a simple everyday working Goddess look, here is what Eye Of Horus advises: Start by applying the ‘Bronze Ochre’ to define your cheekbones, nose, and any other feature you want to define. Then apply ‘Sienna Blush’ or ‘Persian peach’, or both blushes to your cheeks, highlight with ‘Luxor Light’ above the blush and anywhere you want to add extra glow. For the eyes, apply ‘Bronze Ochre’ into the crease, add ‘Sienna Blush’ on the lid, and finish off with ‘Luxor Light’ on brow bone, inner corner, and lid. When we used this Sacred Earth Palette, we remembered why we love this brand so much; all the colours complement each other to create a natural look, the colours are easy to apply, blend well and last all day long! Once again, well-done Eye Of Horus, with this Sacred Earth Palette. Want to bring out your inner Goddess for Christmas? Then purchase this complexion palette here for £48.

Nay Luxury CBD Skincare: Moonlight Massage Candle & Wanderlust Face Serum

As we’re rounding the corner on this unusual year, here at The Amazing Blog we’ve been collating gift ideas for friends and family. As CBD is one of our favourite things, it’s great to be able to give them a gentle introduction with some of the new products from Nay Luxury CBD Skincare.

After finding out that the soothing properties of CBD, Sophie Taylor and Nicole Levy Wogman teamed up to launch Nay Luxury CBD Skincare. Their journey began when they started to use CBD products to treat both stretch marks and acne after pregnancy. Thrilled with the results, they decided to combine their two passions of skincare and CBD and launch the brand earlier this year. They have sourced the highest quality of CBD isolate, which is typically used in food and skincare due to it having no smell or flavour. The products are formulated by CBD specialist Taylor Mammon, where the CBD has been infused into four botanical-based products for a natural plant-based range of skincare.

We received two products from Nay Skincare the first was the Wanderlust Face Serum which they call a ‘CBD Facial Gel Serum’ it nourishes the skin and has anti-ageing properties. The packaging is sleek, with the white opaque glass bottle and gold twist dropper.  The key ingredients are simple, 300mg of CBD isolate in 30ml, which is infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and retinol, all of which give excellent results and keep dark circles and wrinkles at bay. It is suitable for all skin types and we found it easy to apply, cooling on the skin and super-quick to absorb. We wonder if Nay Skincare has a further range of skincare in the wings to launch with this…? You can purchase your Wanderlust Face Serum here for £24.99.

Next to we tried the Moonlight Massage Candle which we think makes a fantastic gift. This candle is infused with 300mg of CBD isolate in a 30cl white ceramic pot with pouring lip and lid. We think this takes relaxation to another level as a three-in-one; candle, massage oil and body moisturiser. You can even drizzle the candle’s warm fragrant oil into the bath while it’s filling up, all for a more relaxing soak. The base is soya wax with coconut, Argan, avocado and peach kernel oils, which all help rejuvenate and repair damaged skin. At the same time, the essential oils soothing the mind with three of the calming oils lavender, jasmine and sandalwood. We love that by lighting the wick, you can have a scented candle, and a hydrating oil as the wax melts. What better gift to give a loved one who needs a little bit of TLC, after the year we’ve all had. To purchase the Moonlight Massage Candle see here for £29.99.

Setunea – Dead Sea Mud Body Wash & Honey Infusion Soap

Finding natural, clean and simple artisan soaps has been our recent mission at The Amazing Blog trying to declutter the bathroom and find good multitaskers. Today we’d like to introduce you to Setunea who use ingredients and methods dating back to the biblical times with their olive oil-based soaps and body washes. 

Founder of Setunea, Waleed Kamhieh was curious about how the market would receive sustainable, all-natural, and organic soaps. “Setunea was born out of an idea of introducing a centuries-old olive oil soap recipe to the modern consumer and try to meet the growing global demand for chemical-free organic products.” He decided to launch the brand at a Natural Products Global Exhibition in London during 2018. Seeing that their 100% chemical-free products were a hit, especially with people looking for sensitive skin-friendly products, they decided to carry on sharing the wonders of olive oil from Nablus, a city located between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal near the Dead Sea. This is where olive farming and manufacturing has been part of the local heritage for almost a millennium. All of Setunea’s products are sustainably farmed and manufactured, as the olive oil is directly sourced from family-run farms where products are handcrafted by a family business that has continuously produced olive oil soap since 1611. The pure extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil constitutes 80% of the soaps. This olive oil is packed with nutrients and super-antioxidants and the skin will never feel tight or dry after using a Setunea soap no matter how sensitive it is. And if it does, Setunea promises to refund you under 30 days. Best of all their products are vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without any other chemicals, and their packaging is made from recyclable paper-based materials.

Let’s start with the initial product that caught our eye their Dead Sea Mud Body Wash. A rare blend of Dead Sea mud and olive oil, this unique two-in-one cleanses and heals the skin. Dead Sea mud has been used for healing the skin since biblical times; it has an extraordinary calming result on highly sensitive and problem skin with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or keratitis. This minimalist formula has only four ingredients: Olive oil, food-grade lye (soda), water, and Dead Sea mud. The salt minerals work together here with the purest olive oil to gently cleanse the body restoring the skin’s PH balance and effectively hydrating and fortifying the dermis. If you have trouble coping with one of the skin conditions (mentioned above), we recommend this as your next go-to gentle body wash. This formula comes in a recyclable plastic 250ml bottle. It has slightly vanilla/nutty fragrance and is a translucent pale brown-olive greenish and lathers up well. To use, put a small amount on damp skin and massage in, then rinse off. We found that our skin felt cleansed and incredibly soft after use - its another one of our #amazingfinds. This gentle 2-in-1 is available for purchase at 250ml with a price of £9.00 here.

The next product that we tried is from their traditionally hand-crafted collection of Natural Olive Oil Soap. The Honey Infusion Soap bar is also clean in composition with simple ingredients of olive oil, honey, coconut oil, glycerin, food-grade lye (soda), and water.  The making these soaps are by a century’s old method, where the saponification process takes place in a large heated vat where the olive oil, lye and water are carefully combined for several hours before the mixture is laid out on a horizontal surface in a flat layer. Once the soap is hard enough, individual squares are marked out, hand-cut by an artisan who then expertly carves out each bar of soap. Finally, the soap bars are stacked in drying towers. Because this manufacturing process includes drying the soaps for five months, the bars do not reduce or turn to mush like industrial soap bars – so well worth the extra price point! This lightly honey-scented soap lathers nicely on the skin, leaving it smooth and thoroughly hydrated, even several hours after drying. Like the Dead Sea Mud Body wash, this Honey Infusion soap bar is excellent for dry, damaged, and sensitive skins. Note that being a soap with a clean formula, it can be used for the whole body: hair, hands, and body wash, just like the full range of Setunea’s Natural Olive Oil Soap bars. It is 100g wrapped in recyclable packaging, where you can purchase this highly nourishing soap for £5.00 here or a choice of their two full collections of six bars for £25 here.

Vedic Botanicals – Alk-Align Toning Mists

During these colder months, skin hydration is more important than ever. Going between the extremes of the chilly outside world and central heating plays havoc with our skin. This is where for us at The Amazing Blog we’ve been regularly ‘spritzing’ our faces with these Alk-Align Toning Mists from Vedic Botanicals, best of all, we’ve found that they’re stopped our skin from feeling tight and dehydrated. 

The Vedic Botanical’s founder Rachel Warnock has always had a desire to do what’s right by the environment and the people around her. After gaining a master’s in Vedic Science and Ayurvedic Medicine, the global 2008 economic crisis happened… Unsure of what to do, or where to go, she started working mediocre jobs to get by. However, dissatisfied with what she was doing, she decided to follow her passion by making her own products and thus started the brand with the motto of: “From soil to skin, only goodness goes in!”. Vedic Botanicals has created a variety of organic Ayurvedic body and skin care, hair serums and mists. Warnock is committed to using environmentally friendly practices where her products are certified organic and cruelty-free. Their packaging is reusable and is made from compostable plant-based plastic. They use eco-friendly practices wherever possible and compost any products past their sell-by date and have a workshop which is 100% solar powered. One of the more unique aspects of this company is their ‘empty jar guarantee’. If at the end of using one of their products you’re unhappy, you can simply return the empty to them and receive a full refund! We applaud Vedic Botanicals for their ethos and have quoted here from an interview with Warnock and Conversations with Kim: “We believe that profit made at the expense of the Mother Earth is not worth making. It only robs future generations along with the other species sharing this planet with us.  We vet the companies we source our herbs, oils, and packaging materials from choosing companies with eco-friendly practices to maintain sustainability top to bottom.” 

These are now some of our go-to winter products, the Alk-Align Toning Mists which come in two different blends has alkaline water and are one of the first toning mists to have a pH level of 9 (see the recent feature here where we talk about pH levels in the skin) There is the Ourika or the Kamogawa blend, both of these mists are created as multi-taskers they can hydrate, balance, cleanse, or tone the skin. We’ve been using these by spritzing onto our face and letting it absorb on makeup-free skin (at home in lockdown!) or as a cleanser/toner using these either end of the day.  Both mists contain oxygenated water which promotes hydration, detoxification and blood circulation. The Ourika mist, which is named after the Ourika river in Morocco, is created to help with your dry or oily skin with a spring-like floral scent. The key ingredient here is the frankincense which is known to help hydrate dry skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Whereas the Kamogawa mist, which is named after Duck River in Kyoto, it addresses uneven skin tone and has a more autumnal earthy scent. The white rose hydrosol here is a popular toner often formulated for dry skin. The helichrysum hydrosol is good for calming and correcting redness or dryness helping to balance the skin. We like how both these are pocket-sized at 30ml – making them easy to keep with you to spritz on the skin throughout the day.  Keep your skin nice and hydrated throughout these cold weeks and purchase your Alk-Align Toning Mists for the Vedic Botanicals here for $18.47 each.