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If I was going to use one word to describe this brand, it’s going to be ‘wow’. From the moment I opened the package, taking the products out to actually using the products, ‘wow’ was always my first reaction.
What’s Ambuja story?
Frank E. Legart, a scientific chemist, molecular scientist, and alchemy expert founded Ambuja more than a decade ago. He was passionate about combining natural elements to reap the rewards of their benefits. All products are hand-crafted using highly concentrated and pure natural materials in Germany and are formulated with the utmost technological competence and research to support all skin types and concerns. Mr Legart believes in confidence and ingenuity, which is why he tries to communicate his imagination and passion through his products.
Ambuja uses the highest possible concentration of ingredients from controlled organic cultivation and wild collection, cold-pressed, certified vegetable oils and natural bioactive substances from the whole plant. Their products are all-natural, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, avoid preservatives, parabens, petrochemical substances, synthetic and nature-identical fragrances, dyes, silicone compounds, PEG / EO compounds, raw materials of animal origin, genetically modified and produced raw materials, radioactively irradiated active ingredients, paraffin, sulfates, mineral oils and petroleum derivatives.
What about packaging?
Just like their sister brand which I mentioned back in September 2020, the packaging is nothing short of uniqueness and ingenuity. The outer packaging opens/closes over the top with a magnetic closure and then unfolds in the shape of a flower to reveal the product inside. The folding mechanism is so clever and gives you a sense of curiosity to peek through the content within. The quality of the paper is also very high and has a tactile feel when holding it. You can’t help from being in awe of the thoughts that went behind it and attention to detail in showcasing the products in the best light possible.
Atelier Elixir
Part of the Ambuja Couture Collection, this highly concentrated anti-aging serum helps to tackle fine lines and wrinkles and to promote the regeneration and repair function of the skin. Formulated with key ingredients such as
- Peptide complex: hexapeptide for regeneration, restructure, and rejuvenation and octapeptide for replenishment and wrinkle reduction
- Lotus cell water: Soothing for dried-out or irritated skin
- Green coconut water: Restoration through minerals and vitamins
- Acacia gum: firming, toning, and strengthening
Ingredients
Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Fruit Juice*, Isoamyl Laurate, Glycerin*, Alcohol*, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Nelumbo Nucifera (lotus) Root Water, Hydrolyzed Rhizobian Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Hexapeptide-10, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cyclodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprate, Parfum** (natural Fragrance**), Linalool**, Limonene**, Citral** * 100% Certified Organic/ According To Certified Organic Agriculture Practices ** 100% Natural Origin/ Ecocert Certified
Verdict
The first time I used it I was like, ‘wow, this feels amazing’ and that feeling hasn’t changed. Two months later, I still feel the same. This might be the silkiest creamy texture serum I’ve ever used. Usually, I avoid using products with heavy silicones (dimethicones in particular) because I always feel that the smooth feeling is just an illusion and they tend to clog my pores as well. Then we are onto the other spectrum with natural skincare products either formulated quite watery or a bit heavier, I guess it’s tricky to get that balance right with natural ingredients. Well, we have a winner here. This serum has that perfect consistency, glides onto the skin so smoothly and absorbs quickly. I typically use 2 pumps and my skin feels fresh, rejuvenated, hydrated and nourished without an ounce of heavy feeling. The experience of using the serum was amazing and the result was also visibly evident. While it’s hard to pinpoint if my lines and wrinkles are reduced because of this serum or my constant use of retinol, I do feel my overall skin structure is more resilient. There’s a slight ‘green’ botanical scent which adds to an overall beautiful sensorial experience, it’s like having a mini-facial everytime. If I was going to say anything negative, it’d be the fact that I can’t see how much is left in the bottle because I’m worried it’s going to run out without warnings.
Available: £275/30ml
Capsule Cream
This anti-aging moisturising cream, also part of the Couture Collection, improves the general moisture level, elasticity and microcirculation of the skin. In addition to the peptide complex, lotus cell water and green coconut water like the Atelier Elixir, this also contains:
- Mimosa: Promotes skin regeneration and cell renewal and fight against free radicals and urban pollution
- Organic buckwheat: Minimises water retention and reduces dark circles under the eyes
- Pomegranate: Promotes elasticity in the skin
Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and mature skin.
Ingredients
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice*, Isoamyl Laurate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alcohol*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Root Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter*, Acacia Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Cera/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Extract*, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract*, Hexapeptide-10, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed (Sunflower) Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cyclodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Levulinate**, Sodium Anisate**, Parfum** (Natural Fragrance**), Benzyl Benzoate**, Linalool**, Citronellol**, Limonene**, Eugenol** * 100% certified organic/ according to certified organic agriculture practices ** 100% natural origin/ EcoCert certified
Verdict
I use this moisturiser after I cleanse in the morning and at night. This is so similar to the Elixir, the texture is equally silky and opulent. While it’s a little richer, it’s still very lightweight but so nourishing for the skin without any grease. Your skin immediately feels revitalised and overall appears more rested and well balanced. I like applying 2-3 pumps and massage all over my face including my eye areas. The formula is of such a high quality that you won’t need a separate eye cream, my eyes don’t feel irritated or developed milia. This is the kind of moisturiser that truly works either day or night; during the day, it sits well under makeup and because it doesn’t have silicones it’ll never ‘pill’; and at night, it’s like an intensive regenerative treatment that you wake up with better skin. There’s also a very similar scent to the Elixir, a bit green botanical feel, very subtle and lush like a gentle walk in the forest.
Available: £197/30ml
Globetrotter Mask
The anti-aging face mask works on strengthening the skin’s natural defense systems, deep cleansing and sebum regulation.
- Superstone ™ complex: Effective surface and deep cleaning, sebum regulation
- Rose Pomegranate Ferment: Improve the surface of the skin, minimise fine lines and reduce skin redness
- Camellia oil: Soothe and neutralize free radicals
- Volcanic Rock and Amazon China Clay: Absorbs excess sebum to help prevent blemishes and improve the texture of the skin
Ingredients
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Glycerin, Volcanic Rock, Pentylene Glycol, Kaolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Emu Oil, Bacillus Ferment, Bacillus Ferment, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Fragrance, Sorbitan Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Water, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Rosmarinus Officinalis, Oleyl Oleate, Lactose, Oleyl Oleate, Sodium DNA, Olea Europaea (Olive), Emu Oil, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Citric Acid, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene** 100% natural origin/ EcoCert certified
Verdict
Have you ever put a face mask on and wish you could taste it? Because that’s how I feel every time, it feels absolutely incredible! This chocolate pudding lookalike is rich and creamy, and it spreads like butter. I’m struggling to come up with another mask that has a similar texture or consistency like this one, it honestly isn’t too far off from a chocolate mousse and smells like one too. If I ever go to a spa and a nutrient boost facial, I think this will be it. I apply this mask liberally on my skin and leave for at least 30mins (like most masks, instructions say 10 – 15mins but trust me, you will want to have this on as long as possible) and then remove with a warm washcloth. It requires very little effort to remove, so there’s no rubbing or pressure needed and cause any potential irritations. The result is deeply cleansed skin without any of my natural oils being stripped. My skin feels softer, smoother, all in all, healthy and balanced, again, like I’ve just had a very lovely facial.
Available: €190/100ml
Final thoughts
How to sum up my thoughts without repeating what I said in the opening? It’s just ‘wow’. I really enjoy all the products, they are exquisitely presented as well as carefully formulated. They feel so gentle on the skin, even when I bring them all the way up around my eye areas, I’ve never experienced any irritations on my temperamental skin. They are very pricey, but the quality is so good that you can see why they are at that price point. Usually, I’d be able to pick one product as my top choice but here all three are equally stunning and honestly, I’d be very sad if they run out.