Calming

Flower and Spice - Rose & Coriander Travel/Discovery Set

 At The Amazing Blog, we all can relate to the need to pamper ourselves after a hectic week at the office. Therefore, we like to treat ourselves with natural skincare products that are both soothing and calming. So when someone suggested we try the newly launched skincare brand Flower and Spice with their range of natural and organic products, we did just that!

After deciding to stop working in the marketing industry, Flower and Spice founder Karmen Novak  went on to studying organic skincare science at UK-based Formula Botanica before launching the brand last year. Her mission is to ‘...bring nature back to your daily life.’ After experiencing great results on her own skin from the selection of natural oils she chose, Karmen decided to share her propriety blend of essential oils with the world, all in the form of her first launched product the much haled Midnight Beauty Rich Revitalising Serum. Since then, she has gone on to release two other equally successful products. While we only got to try two out of their three products, in the Rose & Coriander Travel/Discovery Set we were extremely pleased with the results. The set is comprises of two of Flower and Spice’s, products the Soothe and Repair Daily Moisturiser and the Midnight Beauty Rich Revitalising Serum. Both of these contain rose absolute and coriander seed oil and other botanical ingredients ensuring the efficacy while also exuding a gentle and relaxing aroma during use

The first product in the set is the Midnight Beauty Rich Revitalising Serum. This contains ten essential oils and is void of any parabens and fillers. In addition to the rose and coriander oils, the serums are antioxidant rich with other oils like prickly pear, plum seed, jojoba, apricot seed, argan, evening primrose and macadamia. Together these work to regulate your skin’s oil production and the texture of your skin by hydrating and preventing signs of ageing.  Flower & Spice recommend using this alone at night-time by simply gently press about three pumps of the serum onto cleansed skin. However, If like one of our team, you have particularly dry skin we suggest using this Serum in tandem with the Soothe and Repair Daily moisturiser during the day.  Let the Serum sink into your skin before applying the moisturiser to lock-in the effects.  

Next we tried was the Soothe and Repair Daily Moisturiser. While the rose absolute in the moisturiser provides an aromatherapy feel, other plant-based ingredients such as the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory coriander seed oil, grape seed oil, the rare prickly pear seed oil, aloe vera, rosewater and arctic oat extract all soothe, smooth and moisturise giving the skin a dewy, supple complexion. After cleansing skin, apply a generous amount of the moisturiser for day or night. This Rose & Coriander Travel/Discovery Set is perfect to use either individually or together with a layer effect depending on your skin type. Start your journey towards giving your skin a special relaxing treat by purchasing the duo set which contains a 30ml bottle of the Moisturiser and an 10ml bottle of the Serum here for £61.43 and if you purchase now you get 2 gifts offered!

Khadi's Face Masks

The best way to start a relaxing self-care routine is with the perfect face mask. We at The Amazing Blog are always on the quest to find top quality products that work with the skin’s natural balance, so we were excited to discover Khadi, an skincare company with 100% organic and natural products.

Khadi combines Ayurvedic formulations (developed with Ayurvedic doctors), to create a strong unity of body and mind. The concept of the company was formed after one of the co-founders took a trip to India. H had always suffered with a dry and itchy scalp, a problem that was solved by using a Ayurvedic shampoo. So effective at ridding him of dandruff, he brought his findings back from India. He subsequently helped to set up the brand Khadi developing handmade herbal products like Ayurvedic shampoo, handmade soaps and skincare. Although these products are from India they are also German organically certified. All their ingredients are 100% natural made with herbal ingredients which are vegan, free of parabens and artificial ingredients. These products work with the power of India’s nature, using exotic ingredients and age old wisdom.

We tried three of their herbal face masks and were very happy with the results. Starting with our favourite one the Sandalwood, which is suitable for all skin types. We found that when using this, that our pores significantly reduced. Those of us with sensitive skin were also pleased to discover that it was particularly effective at cooling and calming the skin, even protecting against sunburn. It provides a fresh and healthy complexion, moisturising the skin and subsequently smoothing any small imperfections and wrinkles. The Orange mask is slightly sweet-scented - it immediately brightened our mood when applied. Perfect for combination skin, this mask works as a natural cleanser, helping to create a smoother complexion. It can also be used on the body, by stimulating blood circulation, helping to prevent both cellulite and bloating. Finally, the Neem mask is primarily suitable for normal to greasy skin, as it works as a natural antiseptic, preventing infections, removing toxins and restoring a natural and healthy glow. It really detoxifies your skin, freeing it from impurities, as well as refining pores. It also works to fight bacteria, leaving your skin feeling fresh, without a tight sensation.

All three herbal masks use clay as a base, which clarifies and prevents inflammation. No matter which skin-type, you will find the perfect mask to leave you feeling relaxed and fresh. By cleansing, hydrating and supporting regeneration, all three masks promote more harmonious complexion. To use, mix one teaspoon of the powdery mask with water (you can add milk for dry skin, or yoghurt for greasy skin), and apply a thin layer on face and neck (or even the body if you wish). Rinse after 15 to 20 minutes, and you’ll be greeted with a hydrated and fresher skin.

To purchase one (or all) of these face masks for yourself, click here, where you will find each Khadi Herbal Face Mask for £12.90.

Purepotions - Skin Salving Bath and Body Oil

Here at The Amazing Blog we are extremely fortunate to be testing lots of different beauty and lifestyle products on a daily basis. However, as one of us in the office has particularly sensitive skin, we tend to veer towards natural and organic products. One of our trusted go-to skincare brands is Purepotions. In fact, you can read our recent reviews on their Intensive Moisturising Ointment and Daily Moisturising Cream here; and their Hair & Scalp Natural Shampoo & Conditioner here.

Today we are reviewing their great little multitasker, the Bath and Body Emollient Oil . Already an award winner with Natural Health for Best Eczema Range in 2017, it doesn’t only work as a Skin Salving Bath and Body Oil but combines different benefits all in one. This completely natural emollient oil is made from a unique and gentle blend of nutritious botanicals, and can be used anywhere and on anyone. It is suitable for all skin types and ages, and the naturally versatile blend can be used as a massage or shaving oil, and as a moisturising oil after showering, to hydrate our skin. If that isn’t enough, then it can also be used as a facial cleanser.

The wonderful part about this 100% natural product, apart from the obvious, is that it is free from parabens, preservatives or perfumes, making it suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Furthermore, it nourishes deeply due to essential vitamins that are blended into its unique formulas. It contains organic calendula, with its soothing abilities, and both lavender & camomile essential oils which calm and protect. There is also the use of organic hemp seed oil which keeps the cell membranes flexible, and retains moisture. As it is the dehydrated cells which cause the skin to be irritated, we are thankful for this product - itchy skin doesn’t stand a chance against this powerful moisturising oil!

All products from Purepotions are handmade using natural ingredients in order to heal our bodies and our planet at the same time. Purepotions is also so natural, that it can be used on pets. However, they do not recommend Rescue Salves, as they have a high concentration of tea tree and lavender essential oils which are not good for cats and dogs. We think that this Bath and Body Oil would work as a great travel companion, so if you can only pack one body/bath/massage/shaving product - make it this one. This Skin Salving Bath and Body oil is available here for £12.99 per 200ml or £19.00 per 300 ml.

Manna face & bodycare

You know how much we at The Amazing Blog appreciate an ethical beauty company, so once you hear a little more about today's featured brand, the wonderful Mannayou'll understand why we are obsessed with them! Not only are they cruelty-free (and with the German accreditation from BDIH), they are also an organic brand from Hungary, that was recently recognised by The Vegan Society, for their world-class formulas and quality products. Today we look at Manna's fabulous Body Wash and their brilliant soaps. 

Manna's Body Wash is made with Neroli oil, which is renowned for its calming properties to both the mind and body. Making this the perfect relaxing product to use at the end of a busy day. The uniqueness of the product lies in its captivating fragrance and versatility of usage. Infused with high-vitamin sunflower oil and sesame oil the Body Wash provides extra-hydration to the skin, whilst its floral scent lasts all day long.

Manna’s soaps are the perfect unisex face soaps which are formulated for anyone looking for carefully selected organic ingredients that also offer unique health benefits. The Facial Cleansing Soap with Camphor addresses specific skin issues and aids to diminish the appearance of spots and blackheads. The COCO Lavender Soap enriched with coconut oil and Shea butter deeply cleanses normal skin types, leaving it nourished and velvety soft; whilst the White Satin Facial Cleansing Soap is the perfect option for anyone with sensitive skin. These soaps are a bathroom essential, bringing a gentleness and wonderfully natural approach to your cleansing routine.

The Manna shower gel is available here for £7.40, and the soaps can be purchased here for £6.20.