Utopia Skincare

As our readers of The Amazing Blog will know we're always striving for perfection - well, perhaps only in our dreams! So when we heard about ‘Utopia Skincare’ we wanted to see if the products really lived up to their name... Made in the UK, Utopia Skincare was created by Chris Smith, an award-winning skincare formulation scientist who invented the patented anti-ageing antioxidant complex used in the renowned Boots’ No7 Protect and Perfect Serum. It has been specifically designed for women with mature skin, to help prevent signs of premature ageing before, during and after menopause. What make this range unique is cutting edge 'Adaptive Skincare Technology' which uses ingredients that literally adapt to the skin’s particular needs. The range also contain a pollution defence formula which claims to protect the skin from 'harmful environmental aggressors' that speed up the ageing process.  What makes Utopia’s product line stand out for us, is their Derma Complex which is a combination of eight ingredients that work together to create a more youthful looking complexion. This complex is able to penetrate down to the lower levels of the dermis and restore collagen and elastin fibres, thus reducing and preventing the appearance of wrinkles. All of Utopia’s products are collagen boosting, pore refining, paraben free, and silicone free. They are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians

The first of the three products that we were sent was their Hydrating Day Cream. This advanced formula  contains retinol, SPF 30 and UVA protection to help prevent sun damage and other pollutants. Our skin definitely felt more hydrated throughout the day, but what really appealed to us was that it contains a lot of ceramides, sterols and other skin lipids; also the SPF in the cream which gives extra protection under make-up. It is easy to use, simply apply a pea-sized amount to your face and neck each morning. It also works well as a primer and lets the foundation just glide smoothly on.

The second product was their Nourishing Night Cream; this cream works to restore the skin to its optimum hydration level overnight and also removes dead skin cells. When applied to the face, the cream is instantly soothing, giving improve firmness and elasticity, we also liked the texture and smell. It works deep down at the dermal-epidermal and has three star ingredients; these are exopolysaccharide, vitamin E and ceramide-rich oat oil. Exopolysaccharide helps to rebuild skin, vitamin E absorbs toxic free radicals, and ceramide-rich oil brings hydrates the skin.

The final one of our trio is the Instant Firming Eye Serum it treats the under eye area, which is probably one of the most challenging areas of the face to repair. Utopia Skincare has formulated this Serum to help reduce dark circles, crows feet and puffiness. It contains pepha-tight to immediately reduce under eye bagsneodermyl which combined offers the best of the latest anti-ageing technologies. Utopia claims that when used over the course of two weeks, it has the same wrinkle reducing effect as that of a collagen injection! We can't vouch for this, but it did leave the eye area of our Exec Ed's plumped up and smoother.

You can purchase a 50ml tub of Utopia’s Hydrating Day Cream here for £34. A 50 ml tub of Utopia’s Nourishing Night Cream here for £34, and a 15 ml tube of Utopi­­­a’s Inst­­­­ant Firming Eye Serum here for £27.

Lime Lace - Lets Rock Hand Candle

Rock 'n' roll is much-loved music genre at The Amazing Blog. What’s better than a dramatic electric guitar solo or the slam of drumsticks on the cymbals? Home products that incorporate our musical interests always get our attention and one of our favourite brands that do so is Lime Lace. They are an inspirational boutique online store offering eclectic home accessories and gifts, and you can see other products that we’ve written about in the past here.

Lime lace specialises in helping their customers create personalised homes filled with quirky items that speak to each person's unique personality. The Lime Lace Lets Rock Hand Candle provides customers with a fun way to spice up a room's vibe and it’s definitely a fantastic conversation starter!

The Lets Rock Hand Candle is a cast of an actual adult hand using the universally known rock ‘n’ roll gesture (H 21 cm x W 9 cm.) The candle is made from high-quality, non-toxic wax and natural colours, and is odourless. This candle comes in two different finishes: shimmering silver or metallic steel (as pictured above). Also, it has two wicks that add an extra flair. This candle is the perfect gift for any rock 'n' roll lover. This candle is sure to ‘rock out’ in any room you put it in. You can purchase the Lime Lace Lets Rock Hand Candle here for £22.95.

The Tropical Gelish Gala

After a long week, we can’t wait to put our feet up, relax, and indulge in good food, drinks and even better company. At this time of year we all day-dream of our next holiday – will it be a weekend getaway in the country or a beachside cabana?  Nail Harmony UK is hosting their very special Tropical Gelish Gala evening on 22nd June. Plus, also offering a great opportunity to win a luxury all-inclusive holiday to Mexico!  So let’s talk about the Tropical Gelish Gala first. This glamorous affair has something for everyone: Food, music, dancing and entertainment. During the evening, you’ll be able to enjoy a live performance by an X Factor contestant, table magic, fire dancers and so much more …… please keep reading on!

 

Don’t be shy, whether you’re a nail newbie, experienced pro or friend of the industry, this fantastic evening is open to everyone!  “This not-to-be missed party is open to all and has a tropical theme is to encourage some summer sun,” comments Georgie Smedley, director, Nail Harmony UK. “ Complimentary Cocktails and Mocktails will be available all night long, as well as great food to keep energy levels high and some exciting announcements will also be revealed…”

As mentioned earlier, if you’re looking for your next holiday, Nail Harmony UK is offering an all-inclusive trip for two to Mexico, for one lucky winner! The entry guidelines are simple:  Book a ticket, take a photo of a Gelish bottle in a creative, unique or exotic location – we say think beyond the bounds of convention here. Then, upload to social media with the hashtag #CherishGelish and, you’re done.

It’s guaranteed to be a fun-filled night. Put on your party shoes and come and join us on Friday 22nd June.  Tickets are going fast, so don’t miss out and book here

All tickets are £45 per person, the evening will be at The Princes Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, from 6.30pm ‘til late! We at The Amazing Blog can’t wait to meet you all – please do come and find us to say hello :)  

She LDN Candle

Rain or shine, all of us at The Amazing Blog are continually burning candles in the evenings. There is something simple and calming about watching the flickering flame and being surrounded by its seductive fragrance. This is why we're always on the hunt for our next one! Recently, we discovered SHE LDN, an up-and-coming British home fragrance brand. The company is known for their handmade soy-based candles, which are inspired by the modern streets of LondonSHE LDN produces all their handmade candles in their London studio. This week we're burning their NO. 1 Tropical Candlewhich we think is evocative of forthcoming summer festivals (especially our fav, the Notting Hill Carnival) with its exotic fragrance. Bring on the sunshine, even if it's raining! We just can’t get enough of this uplifting fragrance!

The NO. 1 Tropical Candle also reminds us of Piña Coladas on a warm, sunny beach. The tropical blend of pineapple, banana, and mango is made from high-quality soy-wax and essential and fragrance oils. One of our favourite things about this candle, apart from its fragrance, is the stylish design and packaging. This funky candle comes in a sleek cardboard box and glass container, all printed with a contemporary colourful design of flamingos and palm trees.

The candle has up to a 50 hour burn time, so it'll give you a week or so of summer evening pleasure, even if it is (like now) grey, rainy and miserable! To achieve best results, SHE LDN suggests burning the candle for at maximum 4 hours at a time. They also recommend trimming the wick 1/8 – ¼ of an inch before each use.

You can purchase the NO. 1 Tropical Candle from SHE LDN here for £20.00. 

Heathcote and Ivory – Drawer Liners

With the summer months upon us, The Amazing blog has been using Heathcote and Ivory’s scented drawer liners to pack away all of our winter clothing. These sheets are designed for drawers, cupboards, and shelves, and keep our clothes smelling fresh with a subtle fragrance. Last May we covered the company’s Sweet Pea and Honeysuckle scented sachet and Eau de Toilette, so when we saw they came out with the same scent in a drawer liner, we couldn’t resist!

Sweet Pea and Honeysuckle’s floral scent isn’t overwhelming, but rather the smell of white jasmine and gardenia flowers which is both light and refreshing. The Neroli and Lime Leaves fragrance is a combination of Neroli flowers, lime leaves, white blossoms, and precious woods, sweet amber and rich musk.

The liners are an ode to spring with its pastoral colours, and floral pattern etched onto each. The sheets come with a thick paper folder with a Velcro fastening – complete with a ribbon bow. Heathcote and Ivory pays close attention to the intricate and feminine details of the product and packaging.  With five 33.5 x 50cm liners, all you have to do is cut them to the size of your drawer and lay them at the base.

You can purchase The Neroli and Lime Leaves Fragranced Drawer Liners here for £7.00. The Sweet Pea & Honeysuckle Fragranced Drawer Liners can be purchased here for £6.50.