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!

The Flat Lay Co: Leopard Print Full Size Flat Lay Makeup Bag

Finding a perfect present for one person can be challenging, but when it comes to Christmas with lots of friends and family, now we’re having a complete meltdown! Here at The Amazing Blog when we ask our makeup-loving friends what they want, they just say: “Oh we’ll leave it up to you…” But then there’s always the question of: “Is it the right brand and colour?” However, the problem‘s solved this year with our latest #amazingfinds and The Flat Lay Co with their Flat Lay Makeup Bags.

After spending time getting her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, the founder Izzy Howe realised that it wasn’t the right career for her and promptly switched to business for her postgraduate education. After working in multiple tech companies, she decided to change her focus and 2017 The Flat Lay Co was born. Based in Shoreditch, Howe’s goal has been to create a product which offers a time-saving solution for an everyday problem. She noticed a gap in the market for a drawstring flat lay make up bag. This is a cosmetics bag that opens flat, offering the user to view all their makeup at once, with no more scrabbling around to find that all-important lip gloss at the bottom!  This ingenious drawstring flat lay makeup bag is the brand’s signature product and comes in a variety of colours and designs. Apart from the drawstring open flat makeup bags, they also have Brush Cases, Box Bags, Oversized Eye Masks and Scrunchies, so something to suit every budget.

The Leopard Print Flat Lay Makeup Bag has been a joy to use, as it’s both practical and stylish and comes in two sizes 50cm at £19.99 (that we have) or in a ‘Mini’ in 33cm at £17.99. Best of all, there is a range of fourteen different colourways to choose from, as well as three pale coloured soft velvet bags that coordinate with the Box Cases and Brush Bags. This leopard print was the one that caught our eye, and in a matter of seconds, we could open the flat lay makeup bag and find exactly the product we wanted, rather than rummaging around for ages.  The outer shell is made of a thick material which protects products from breakage, where there’s also a raised edge to stop anything from rolling away. Let’s not forget to mention the inside and outside pockets too, which hold loose products that might get lost, plus four elastic holders designed for brushes. What more do you need? We love these and think the ‘Mini’ is ideal for everyday use in our handbag, whereas the ‘Full size’ also makes an excellent travel companion. More importantly, we think this is an absolute must-have present for every makeup lover.  You can purchase any of The Flat Lay Co Makeup Bags here and by using our exclusive code THEAMAZINGBLOG15, you can receive 15% off your purchase.

Absolute Health - De-Stress Drops

Alas as humans, we’re not immune to negative feelings triggered by stress, tiredness or anxiety. Here at The Amazing Blog, we know those feelings only too well… Luckily, we were given by Absolute Health their De-Stress Drops which offer a little help here, with a formulation of blended of flower essences and 27% grape-based brandy. Flower essences are liquid extracts used to address a variety of issues ranging from well-being, soul development and mind-body health. They are part of an emerging field of energy medicine, which also includes homoeopathy.

Absolute Health was founded in Russia by Galina Boggis-Rolfe, a specialist in psychosomatic illness and stress-related issues. The De-Stress Drops feature a blend of red chestnut, oak, olive, hornbeam and lotus flower essences, and are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. They are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Red chestnut essence is for those who have selflessness, over concern for others, especially for close friends and family. Oak essence helps those workaholic type people who find it difficult to take necessary breaks. Hornbeam essence helps combat that Monday morning type feeling and helps sharpen inner liveliness. And the final essence, lotus flower offers divine inspiration and light as well as soothing emotional imbalances.

Absolute Health suggests their De-Stress Drops are most beneficial in situations such as prolonged stress, working overtime in crisis mode, caring for ill relatives, preparing for exams, or buying or selling a house. To consume, place four drops directly onto the tongue with a clean mouth (no caffeine or strongly flavoured food residue) or they can be dropped into a glass of water. These special drops come in a 10 ml bottle for £10 and can be purchased here. We just can’t wait to put these drops to the test the next time a stressful situation arises!

Dr Renaud – Mimosa Smoothing Energising Cream

In a world where we’re all searching for natural remedies that promise the effects of clinically prescribed cosmetology, dermatologist Dr Renaud is nothing short of an absolute blessing. Here at The Amazing Blog we have been fortunate enough review quite a few products already from this revered brand here.

For 70 years, true to the work of the Dermatologist, Dr Renaud laboratories have been pioneers in transforming effective and sensory natural ingredients, in order to cater to the various needs of the skin. Over the years, this French salon based brand has paid close attention to women and their skincare requirements and thus, he has been able to create effective and sensational products that are easy to understand and incorporate in your beauty routine.

Dr Renaud’s new Mimosa Smoothing Energising Cream will leave you feeling moistured and hydrated as this one of a kind range features a blue light filter. It has been designed to combat the environmental challenges met in modern life and tackle the early signs of ageing for those of us in our twenties and thirties. The advanced formula addresses the problems our skin face with environmental pollution and helps to restore the skin’s vitality, with the inclusion of mimosa bark extract to stimulate tissue repair and reactivate cellular metabolism. At the heart of the formula is ‘Pollustop®’, a protective shield against airborne, domestic and UV pollutants. Like all of their products, it also contains the Neuro-Phyto-Oxygenating Complex, which is a patented system designed to stimulate the synthesis of dopamine and boost cellular oxygenation. As the name suggests it has organic mimosa flower extract for anti-radical and anti-inflammation, butterfly flower to inhibit hyperpigmentation and nasturtium to help leave the skin radiant and glowing.

Has this piqued your interest? If so, there are four more products in this range to explore. To get your Mimosa Smoothing Energising Cream 50ml for £44 see here. We highly recommend trying it out - you can thank us later!

Nano - Intensive Whitening Kit & Toothpaste

Here at The Amazing Blog, we know how important it is to have a bright white smile. Unfortunately, we don’t all have the time or funds for professional teeth whitening. However, we have found the next best thing, the Nano Intensive Whitening Kit by Whitewash Laboratories. As well as an Intensive Whitening Kit we also received Nano’s Whitening Toothpaste and Premium Whitening Toothbrush, and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed.

The products are designed by UK dentists and are clinically proven to be safe and effective, so you don’t have to worry about your teeth feeling sensitive afterwards unlike most teeth whitening kits. The kit contains 28 Intensive Whitening Strips (14 sets of 2) which can be used as a 2-week course, or as needed as a quick fix to top up your smile. The strips come in a fresh mint flavour and are formulated with a unique oxidising whitening ingredient; they’re completely safe on enamel and whiten teeth by 3.6 shades after just 1 application. The kit also contains 2 Intensive Whitening Gel Syringes and 2 Boil and Bite Mouth Trays; the gel was developed by dentists to be effective and easy to use. You simply mould the mouth trays to fit the shape of your mouth, line the trays with the Intensive Whitening Gel, place in your mouth for 35 minutes, rinse and voila! A bright, white Hollywood smile.

We also received the Nano Whitening Toothpaste and Toothbrush, which work amazingly in addition to the Intensive Whitening Kit. The toothpaste can be used daily to give your teeth a brightening boost and remove any new surface stains. Designed by UK dentists, the toothpaste contains advanced enamel care technology and Xylitol to help reduce sensitivity and prevent plaque formation. The toothbrush is made of whitening bristle technology which is proven to remove 35% more stains compared to normal bristles. You definitely need to give these Nano Intensive Whitening products a try, our smiles have never looked better! You can purchase the Intensive Whitening Kit here for £39.95, Whitening Toothpaste here for £11.99 and Whitening Toothbrush here for £4.99.