ST.. essentials: Eco-Friendly Shimming Body Glitter Gel & Loose Glitter Eyeshadow Pigment

With Spring almost here, at The Amazing blog we just can’t wait for lighter mornings and longer days.  However, we’re still in need of adding a little sun-kissed shimmer to our dull wintery skin.  And what better way than to use some serious sparkle from a young and inclusive brand ST..essentials. 

ST..essentials recently launched last year, and is more than just makeup it’s a movement. The brand is founded by Sheena Ellington and Temi Alebiosu, two young women who are both passionate about cosmetics.  They have built this concept around their core brand values with a particular focus on inclusivity, making them a stand out from other traditional cosmetic brands. ST.. essentials wants to spread a message of positivity through their products, regardless of skin tone, sexuality or body size, so that everyone can glow!  Their cosmetics are cruelty-free, vegan and eco-friendly. Wherever possible, products are refillable and ingredients are natural. Their aim is to make their customers feel pretty and confident while also taking care of the planet, “Within the brand, it is very important that everybody who comes in to contact with our brand, feels an instant vibe of positive energy.” This artisan brand offers a range of products that are not only handmade but affordable and easy to use.

They sent us two products, the first was the Eco-Friendly Shimming Body Glitter Gel  in ST. Dhabi Gold. This is a must-have to get THAT glow and a great multi-purpose product that can be used on the face and body. We’d suggest using it as an brow shimmer or as a subtle touch to highlight cheekbones. It’s also perfect to use on the body to that dewy glistening look, and with the added plus of the vanilla oil, it gives out a sweet scent. Our personal favourite was to use it on our shoulders and decolletage to accentuate and catch the light. With the two different shades, it offers a choice of light or rich gold which will complement any skin tone. In the ingredients there is aloe vera which well known for its multiple benefits such as cooling and soothing; the macadamia nut oil here is filled with antioxidants, vitamins and essentials fatty acids, to nourish the skin as well as make it shine. The only ingredient here that we aren’t so keen on is the phenoxyethanol which depending on the amount in this product, may cause some skin irritation or sensitivity. The Shimming Body Glitter Gel works so well thanks to the eco-friendly tiny mica /titanium dioxide particles which gives the product its twinkle. this is, a natural ingredient that reflects ST..essentials' commitment to the environment. ST. Dhabi Gold here for £23.99, or as a refill at £10.99.

The brand also sent us their Eco-friendly Loose Glitter Eyeshadow Pigment in Silver Coast Once again, we loved the versatility of this product as it can be used on the face, body, hair or nails (under clear polish). Indeed, not only perfect for an ultra-reflective eye look but also perfect for adding a body highlight - we even used it with a stencil to create some body art. We recommend applying a small amount of a plant-based balm either with a brush or your fingers. This can be anywhere on your body, face, hair. Then sprinkle some Loose Glitter on it and you’re good to go. Please use with caution, when applying around your eye area due to the fine particles which might fall into the eye. It’s easy to remove and washes off with warm water and soap, or by using regular makeup remover. You’ll love experimenting with this Silver Coast Eco-Friendly Loose Glitter as well as their other six colours in the range, perfect for creating your own super-glam looks for getting ready for après-lockdown and the summer festivals (fingers crossed!). We feel it's important to highlight once again, that the pigments used here in both products are made using the finest of earth's natural ingredients, natural mica, a soft silicate mineral that can be found in many forms. You can purchase the Eco-friendly Loose Glitter Eyeshadow Pigment (in silver Coast) in 5g here for £7.00.  These cosmetics will make you glitter like a goddess - even during lockdown!

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.