Cannabina: Raw Hemp + CBD Soap Bar

If you’ve been reading The Amazing Blog  for a while, you’ll know that we like to try lots of different products that contain CBD. Today we are looking at massage soap bar infused with Raw Hemp CBD from Cannabina, who we have recently featured here with their CBD Bath Bomb Trio.

Cannabina is founded by Gemma McKay, and a brand specialises in all kinds of healing products infused with hemp-based broad-spectrum and THC-free CBD ingredients. These products have been created for everyone to enjoy the healing and soothing benefits of CBD. Cannabina offers a variety of CBD infused items from bath bombs and skincare to tinctures and edibles. McKay’s passion and interest in cannabis are the motivating factors behind the brand’s mission to improve the quality of life for their consumer, through this incredible plant's relieving and healing properties. Cannabina is an all-natural CBD brand where the products are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, solvent residues, chlorophyll, fats and lipids. There are no preservatives, sulphates, mineral oils, parabens, artificial colouring, flavours or perfumes. The brand’s products are also cruelty-free and are tested and certified by both US and UK laboratories. The brand’s products are also cruelty-free and are tested and certified by both US and UK laboratories. Cannabina also has a strong sustainability ethos with its recycling and asks customers to return their product empties, for which they’re rewarded with a 5% discount on further purchases.

The Raw Hemp & CBD Soap Bar has 100mg of CBD and is made with super-clean formulas, intended for use with those with sensitive or irritated skins. This is a gender-free soap bar, where This is a gender-free soap bar where Mc Kay tells us that she initially created this as a massager for the breast area and lymph nodes. However, it is also proving popular for using on the face, and with those who have back acne. Alas, we don’t have to full ingredients to tell you about, as this is such a new product for Cannabina (nothing listed on packaging or website). They tell us that it is 95.8% organic. We will hazard a guess that this semi-translucent CBD Soap Bar has flecks of hemp and is made with glycerine and 75% hard oils like coconut; the 13 nodules moulded into the bar making it particularly good as a massager. We’d also add that it’s ‘fragrance-free’ with no hemp or essential oil scent evident. The raw hemp and CBD interact with theendocannabinoid receptors to help moisturise, balance oil levels and heal the skin as well as reduce any inflammation. This Raw Hemp & CBD Soap Bar is also efficient in treating skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis. If you are looking for an antioxidant, pore cleansing and anti-acne actions, then this is designed for you. We used it in the shower, gently massaging our body and breast lymph area - we found it uplifting. It seemed to work wonders on our mood (and body) after yet another long and tedious #lockdown day. This 100mg Raw Hemp & CBD Soap Bar is available here £6.00.

SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask

As CBD fans at The Amazing Blog, today we’re reviewing a new skincare range that offers a combination of the best of CBD and advanced pharmaceutical skincare united in one product.  InnoCan Pharma has created a new range of skincare, with one of their hero’s the super hydrating SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask.

SHIR is a premium beauty brand designed to bring the best of both worlds – combining both nature and science; this is for those looking for an effective anti-ageing skincare routine.This line has been created by the Israeli pharmaceutical tech company InnoCan Pharma whose strong suit is having delivery platforms combining cannabidiol (CBD) with other pharmaceutical ingredients, together with the development and sale of CBD-integrated pharmaceuticals. There are three segments within the company combining cannabidiol and the development and sale of CBD-integrated pharmaceuticals. This is where they specialise in cutting-edge research and development with CBD in wellness, pain relief and topicals and are high-end innovators within the world of CBD formulation. Seeing the potential of CBD’s restorative function in skincare, InnoCan Pharma decided to develop two lines of CBD infused derma-cosmetics products, which are now being sold in Europe: SHIR CBD Must a 100mg CBD infused products line which is aimed at a younger market in need to help with acne breakouts, oily skin and offers anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and hypoallergenic benefits. Whereas the  SHIR CBD+  has 300mg, a triple-dose of CBD isolate, for premium anti-ageing results and hydration. All CBD test reports are available on InnoCan Pharma’s website here which shows all products are GMO-free and dermatologically tested.

The SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask is with 300mg CBD isolate (no THC, or added terpenes only pure CBD), it focuses on the fine lines and restoring the skin’s elasticity. We read on InnoCan’s blog: “CBD topicals are the easiest way to introduce the benefits of CBD into your daily skincare routine. Easy application and great results are two of the major reasons why CBD has become such a force to reckon with in the beauty and skincare industry.” Indeed, packed with natural anti-oxidant properties and its fatty acids boost the skin’s collagen production, CBD alone is one of the most effective ways to preserve the skin from ageing. CBD’s other USP is that it interacts directly with our endocannabinoid receptors to help maintain the moisture levels. This ensures that the sebum production is regulated correctly, to avoid overly dry or oily skin. In this formula, the CBD isolate is mixed with a blend of ingredients which are high in efficiency for fighting off first signs of ageing and have been clinically proven. These are inca inchi, which like CBD, is extra rich in fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9). Another key ingredient named is matrixyl 3000 which is a two-protein anti-ageing peptide. It is almost as effective as retinol but much gentler and is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines through sub-layer collagen and elastin boost. The formula also includes bakuchiol in its key ingredients, which is another alternative to the famous retinol. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and helps to fight acne, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. The last two key ingredients of this super anti-ageing hybrid formula are vitamins A and E which also help keep the skin’s firmness, hydration and elasticity. They also protect it against free radicals and treat hyperpigmentation. This ultra hydrating and plumping night mask they recommend to be use 2-3 times a week and as the last step before bedtime. We followed instructions and massaged in a generous layer of the mask, then cleansed away any residue in the morning. Easy to apply it absorbed swiftly leaving no excess, only a slight floral fragrance. It felt cooling, hydrating and we think this Sleeping Mask makes an excellent addition to a nighttime skincare routine for tired, dull or stressed skin. The 50ml SHIR CBD+ Premium Sleeping Mask is available here for €98.

Nume-Lab: Deep Exfoliating Cleanser & Advanced Renewal Face Cream

Do you find that in these Covid times, that wearing a mask makes your skin more prone to spots and irritation? At The Amazing Blog, we do! And have been looking at stepping-up our skincare routine with Nume-Lab a new Swiss biotech beauty brand that offers at-home professional style skincare.

The Nume-Lab idea all began when Paulina Kostrzycka and her co-founder, reviewed their bulging bathroom beauty stash. What they feared became a reality: Most of their skincare products were redundant and gathering dust… some were from well-known brands others had ingredients that overlapped in terms of their use or potency. All generating waste! This was that light bulb moment when she and her co-founder decided to create a clean, simple, functional, sustainable skincare brand - offering long-lasting results. While growing her new brand, Kostrzycka realised that although sustainability is essential, it is not the only factor; why not completely push the boundaries and offer products that are efficient and with an ethical approach. This meant a skincare that would not only promote respect for the environment, different cultures and lifestyles, but also empower people, especially women. “Giving freedom of choice to women and men who follow different lifestyles and have different needs was important to me. NUME-Lab goes beyond skincare. It is a bridge between different cultures and a promotion of diversity”, stated Kostrzycka. Working on her new company while still working her day job, she finally launched Nume-Lab last year in Switzerland. The brand is Halal certified, where all products have the highest ethical manufacturing process required, including being cruelty-free no animal testing, using sustainably sourced ingredients, and banning alcohol, other toxic chemicals and mineral oils from formulas.  Nume-Lab is made with innovative Swiss biotechnology and high efficacy ingredients. The key ingredient that the brand uses is snail mucus, which as we know from previous reviews on K-beauty, is an ingredient that Korean brands have used for centuries. It swiftly regenerates, protects and nourishes the skin effectively naturally rich in glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, peptides and antioxidants. This miracle ingredient was used in ancient times to cure wounds, burns, inflammation and other skin issues. Of course, the mucus production is highly regulated and conforms to the cruelty-free standards set by the Halal certification. The snails are kept in the good conditions and are put in a bumpy environment that helps them produce the filtrate. There are three products in the range  Resurfacing Night Peel, Deep Exfoliating Cleanser and Advanced Renewal Face Cream. Today we cover the Cleaner and Face Cream – the Night Peel will be featured at a later date.

The first product we’re featuring about today is their Deep Exfoliating Cleanser. This cleanser is the first step towards a spot-free and glowing complexion. Inside the formula, the ground walnut shells, apricot kernel, and almond microbeads help unclog the pores and remove the dirt and dead skin cells. Enriched in glycolic acid, this formula efficiently exfoliates the skin and help treats pigmentation issues. The presence of snail mucus, aloe vera, allantoin and kaolin also helps to rehydrate the skin cells and offers  protection from potential irritations, aggressions and inflammation. This slightly floral-scented cleanser, which they suggest using daily as your face cleansing step, should be mixed with water and massaged in circular motions for a whole minute.  However, we’d advise that if you have a sensitive skin (which some of us do), it’s better as a weekly cleansing/exfoliating treatment. We found it too strong for a daily cleanse and too abrasive with the microbeads for using around the eye area. That said, it is an essential step for cleansing and preparing the skin for the Face Cream or Night Peel.  

Next, we tried the Advanced Renewal Face Cream with its anti-ageing, moisturising and healing ingredients. This is formulated using not only their hero ingredient the snail extract mucus; but also, hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, C and E. This Face Cream is for use both day and night, tit’s a rich cream is especially good as night treatment for sensitive or damaged skin that needs extra attention. The ingredients easily penetrate the dermis, boosting collagen production plus treating any blemishes and dark spots, and restoring the skin’s elasticity. As an antioxidant, the vitamin E here also ensures that the skin is well protected against free radicals and premature ageing. We used the Face Cream daily, both in the morning and in the evening massaging in circular movements for 1-2 minutes. Again, this has a slight floral fragrance and didn’t conflict with any other serums or make up that we applied. It feels cooling and absorbs well leaving skin soft and hydrated. However, because the consistency is so rich, those with combination to oily skin might prefer to use it only at night-time. We think these are both ideal for use for those with #lockdown maskne. The snail secretion filtrate is nothing to be afraid of; in fact, it should be embraced as a gift from nature that soothes and repairs, in particular acne and rosacea. You can purchase the 120ml Deep Exfoliating Cleanser on Nume-Lab’s here for CHF39 (approx. £32.30), and 50ml Advanced Renewal Face Cream available for CHF 69.00 (approx. £57) here .                                                                               

Happy Carrot Skincare – Incredible Carrot Hero Balm

Today at The Amazing Blog we’re looking at a simple and effective vegan skincare – well after all it’s still ‘Veganuary’. Today the humble carrot is the key ingredient with the  Incredible Carrot Hero Balm which is full of plant-based goodness, award winning and a great multi-tasking product from Happy Carrot Skincare.

Victoria Carpenter, founder of  Happy Carrot Skincare decided to name the company Happy Carrot because she believes in the benefits and power of the plant-based ingredients -  mainly the carrot! Launched in 2019, the Happy Carrot Skincare is committed to creating plant-based skincare - that works. This Vegan Society registered brand, wants to bring a positive change to our skin and the planet. Carpenter commented: “We focus on ingredients that are amazing for combination skin which are also great for the planet. Our skincare superheroes are extremely nourishing and calming for even troubled skin, and deliberately fragrance-free.” All pots are made from recyclable plastic with compostable labels, and they use cold-pressed oils from Europe with up-cycled fruit seeds and kernels, which are excess and have been discarded from food production. They consider themselves to be a zero-waste and low carbon footprint brand. Happy Carrot Skincare keeps their ingredients to a minimum, where all their ‘superhero’ products contain less than ten in total. The brand has won by numerous awards such as The Beauty Shortlist Awards, Global Green Beauty Awards,  Free From Skincare Awards and VegFest UK Awards. Their four products range from Terrific Tomato Facial Oil, Awesome Apricot Lip Balm, Reusable Cleansing Pads to the (below) featured Incredible Carrot Hero Balm.

The Incredible Carrot Hero Balm comes in two sizes a 15g or 40g pot with recyclable plastic. This Balm helps cleanse, calm, and moisturise your skin. This one of their superhero products which only contains eight plant-based ingredients. The hero here is the carrot extract because of the number of antioxidants it has, and it also gives the skin a golden glow. Carrots contain two types of vitamin A, carotenoids and retinoids (which the liver converts into the magical ‘retinol’). These are key in producing new skin cells, being high in antioxidants reduce skin inflammation and sun damage – reducing age spots and pigmentation. The murumuru butter mixed with vegan waxes such as myrica and candelilla wax, give the Balm a smooth texture making it easy to apply and leaving the skin soft.  The other fruit seeds oils used are watermelon, tomato and raspberry which are light and fast-absorbing; they’re clarifying for those with oily skin but also nourishing for dry.  Combined they protect and moisturise with antioxidants, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. The Balm can be used in numerous ways; we used it as a cleanser, mask, moisturiser and lip balm. However, we see that many others like it as a nail and cuticle balm. We recommend scooping a little into your hands and massaging onto the face or neck, leaving it overnight to give skin an extra vitamin A and retinol boost, then removing any excess with a gentle toner in the morning. With a whole host of vitamins and nutrients, it left our faces feeling moisturised but not greasy. This is a one-pot-wonder; we think a good investment and ideal for using when travelling light. To purchase The Incredible Carrot Hero Balm see here  40g for £25.00.

Rejuvenated: H30 Hydration® Sachets

Now we’re all held captive ‘inside’ during lockdown, it’s given us time to reflect on the state of our nutrition and its effect on our skin. Today at The Amazing Blog we’re talking about supplements and featuring one of our favourite nutraceutical brands Rejuvenated, with another of their hero products H30 Hydration® powders which are rich in natural ingredients like polyphenolic antioxidant from resveratrol - a potent weapon against ageing. 

Rejuvenated is a British nutraceutical brand founded in 2003 by Kathryn Danzey, a health and wellness expert. With a team of scientists and nutritionists, she developed a range of natural supplements focusing beauty from the inside with harmony and balance. Danzey recently said: “By embracing an overall progressive approach, we can make drastic improvements in not only our face but our whole well-being.” The brand’s core values are keeping their products 100% natural, traceable and ethically sourced. There’s no artificial sweeteners or flavourings and all their products are GMO, gluten and lactose-free. Although all products are cruelty-free they also recently launched some vegan alternatives to some of their marine collagen supplements. We applaud Rejuvenate for committing to provide 90% plastic-free packaging by the end of 2021.

Having won the prestigious global Beauty Shortlist Award three times, we consider this a must-have supplement to try. The H30 Hydration®  is a skin hydration supplement it offers a radiant boost to both the skin and energy levels. Rejuvenated has carefully combined a list of key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid giving a long-lasting surge of skin hydration.There’s resveratrol, a plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties, that tackles underlying skin stress plus protects the heart and circulatory system, and lowers cholesterol levels. With other specific nutrients included like vitamin C to protect the body from oxidative stress and inulin a fermented fruit sugar and prebiotic, it’ll further enhance your daily supplement regime. The ionic minerals here also play a crucial role and allow this drink to absorb through the gut wall more effectively. Once again, Rejuvenated has delivered an exceptional supplement where this H30 Hydration® drink, when taken regularly, will do its work by plumping up skin cells keeping them firm; where the ionic electrolytes will adjust and control the even distribution of fluids throughout the body. All of these ingredients will regulate the lipid barrier function, cellular turnover and anti-oxidant production ensuring that a supple, glowing and beautiful skin is enhanced and maintained. Drink it anytime (we drank it at night), it’s easy to use and all you have to do is add one sachet to 400ml of water, stir well and drink. This  H30 Hydration® is available in 24 individual Sachets here at £24.95.