Bubu Skincare - Ultimate Sheet Mask Pack

Who doesn’t love ‘mask time’?  We love pampering ourselves and giving our skin some TLC! So, when the newest ‘it’ sheet masks arrived at The Amazing Blog, we were very eager to give them a whirl. Not only because in a world where we are constantly pressured to look our best, the philosophy of the brand is breath of fresh air, but also because their products are as effective as they are convenient and simple to use.

The founder of Bubu Skincare is Marianne Morrison, serial beauty entrepreneur, and qualified beauty therapist, so she knows what she is talking about. Right about now, you’re probably wondering why she chose this particular name for her newest brand. Bubu is short for the brand’s philosophy “Be U, Be Unique” which is the core of the brand’s DNA. For Marianne, nothing is more important than to be able to love your body and feel at home in your own skin, (especially) without make-up. The brand specialises in potent sheet skin masks, for every skin type and need. The five sheet masks #Soakmewet, #stripitoff, #feelingdirty, #t-spot, and #youpucker (don’t they sound cheeky?) and all come in five different coloured packs (with more fun descriptions). We think that these will probably become a new favourite, especially for those who want their weekly pampering routine to be simple and easy without a fuss while still being ultra-effective. Although the focus of the brand is not put on being eco-friendly or organic, the fact that they are eco-conscious with their recycled packaging and being completely vegan is a big plus for us.

Without further ado, let’s dive right in with the first sheet mask in the pack of five, called #soakmewet. This one – you guessed it – is meant to give a pure shot of deep hydration and glow to dry or dehydrated skin. It comes in a red metallic packaging that you have to open (carefully) to reveal the two-part sparkly gel mask that makes applying it easy. By the way, you don’t have to worry about the glitter’s bad impact on the environment as it is entirely bio-degradable! This sparkliness is Bubu’s innovative and patented thermogel that stays solid to keep the potent ingredients inside, right up to the moment it touches your skin and then dissolves to infuse its actives. Unlike most masks that are actually soaking wet, dripping, and frankly a mess to put on, this one is quite simple thanks to the two-part conception and solid gel. For this first mask, the hydrogel is packed with a mix of antioxidants and vitamins, as well as the renowned plumping and moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, and liquorice roots that soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Once on the skin, the mask stays in place, allowing you to either keep going with your day or indulge and relax while the moisture kicks in. Keep it on for about 15 minutes, then take it off and massage the leftover product to maximise the benefits. The product is quickly absorbed, leaving skin perfectly primed and radiant, ready for make-up. You can find #soakmewet individually here for the price of £7.00.

The second mask, called #stripitoff, is sensibly different, as it is the only exfoliating mask of the pack. This one comes in an orange metallic packaging and is in one piece, so you do have to be careful when pulling out and unfolding the sheet mask. What is more, the texture is different on this one. The thermo-sensitive gel is not present in this mask. Instead, the texture is a super exfoliating blend of charcoal and kaolin clay to unclog the pores and draw the toxins, and AHAs to get rid of the dead skin cells. This mask literally feels like an at-home spa treatment. Once on the face, the mask sticks well. You can also let this one sit for 15 minutes and work its way to your skin – exfoliating your face does not get easier than that. Then rinse off with warm water. The skin feels completely clean and the pores look smaller. After using, do not forget to apply an SPF if you plan on going out in the sunlight as newly-revealed skin is always more sensitive to sunlight. You can find #stripitoff here for £7.00.

The third mask of the pack is #feelingdirty. This one is another two-part mask that uses the patented hydrogel. It is to be used preferably in the morning, after cleaning your face, as it aims to protect the skin against environmental toxins and pollution, as well as dirt and free radicals, thanks to its advanced biotech complex and sage leaf infused formula. It also stays in place and primes the skin perfectly, leaving a clean and ‘tacky’ surface for make-up, absolutely perfect for the morning rush. #feelingdirty is available individually here for the price of £7.00.

If, like us, with COVID 19 your skin has reached a new level of stress and has adopted ‘maskne’, the perfect sheet mask to tackle this is #t-spot which is the fourth and final full face mask of the pack. This one is also a two-piece mask with a hydrogel that contains niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and allantoin, both effective to treat inflammation and soothe the skin from acne and eczema. The gel also contains pro-vitamin B5 and a secret serum which help restore the skin barrier. In this mask, the oil-control and total anti-blemish action is a however a progressive result: it will not target your acne spots like an anti-blemish balm or rebalance your skin right away, this is not its purpose – but it will make your skin better, reducing the oil production and breakouts in time, but only if used regularly! After use, we found that the skin looked clean and healthy and is also primed ready for make-up. You can purchase the #t-spot sheet mask individually here for £7.00.

Last but not least #puckerup, is not really a face mask, but a lip-mask. Perfect after a day in the sun or for a ski trip this winter, this sheet mask is a lip-shaped gel that delivers deep hydration thanks to the hyaluronic acid that locks the moisture in, and actives that plump-up the lips. Suitable for all skin types, and is even safe to use during pregnancy. This one is a little bit trickier to apply as it is slippery, so we advise you to just sit and relax while the Thermogel works its magic – which, let’s face it, is just another excuse to take some time out. You can buy #puckerup individually here for £5.00. Depending on the season, where you live, your age or even anxiety, fatigue and stress levels, your skin will continue to change. For instance, it may become dryer this time of year, due to alternating between central heating and the cold.  This is why we think it’s worth investing in the full complement of these five masks, with Bubu’s Ultimate Sheet Mask Pack, which is available here for £25.

Solid Cologne UK – All Black Collection Gift Set

Have you ever had that frustrating moment when you arrive at the airport, and forget that you’ve still got your favourite big bottle cologne in your hand luggage? Well, I have! This is where the Solid Cologne UK  has an interesting option, a highly concentrated, wax-based cologne that is portable. Yes, dear readers, we know that we’re still in lockdown but here at The Amazing Blog we like to plan ahead!   

Solid Cologne UK is a British brand that launched in 2016 and is a sister brand to The London Beard Company (where I previously wrote about their Eastern Spice Beard Oil here). The idea for the concept was inspired by travellers who had a common problem, like us, of transporting fragrance in hand luggage and then being over the liquid limit. They believed this needed a solution, and from there Solid Cologne UK was born. This solid perfume concept goes as far back as Egyptian times with the anointing of an ‘unguent’ a combination of animal fat, scented oils and resin. Since then, I’m happy to report the Solid Cologne UK has had a big update on this original formula! They’ve put their own unique twist on the idea, where their Solid Colognes are made with the highest quality of natural ingredients including beeswax, shea butter and jojoba oil. Quickly added, this is a far better for your skin compared to alcohol-based scents as they’re gentler, more moisturising and can be layered to get the right strength of your preferred ‘fragrance’.

Today, we’re talking about their All Black Collection (Pack of 3) which includes the fragrances of Sikandar, Malcolm & Valentin Cologne. Let’s start with Valentin which is light and fresh – perfect for trans-seasonal wear now, with its clean scents of basil, sage and mint, this made it not only my favourite, but also a big hit with the girls in the office too.  Malcolm has top notes of citrus with a tang of fruit from blackcurrant, bergamot and apple. However, the base notes pack a woody punch with incense, jasmine, sandalwood and musk. The final fragrance of this trio is Sikandar which again has a heady citrus top note but with more spice with middle notes including geranium, cinnamon and cloves. This one for me would be to wear in the evenings or at a cooler time of year.

With over thirteen different colognes to choose from, you can certainly adapt (or even mix and match) these fragrances to your mood thus channeling your inner masculinity, without them being too overpowering. The packaging comes in a sleek, pocket-sized sliding black 18ml tin, perfect no matter how small your luggage is. The products are not tested on animals and are even handmade in London. They are easy to apply, making them ideal for those times when you are on the go. I found that the fragrances were long-lasting, as well as rather timeless and elegant. There is something rather special about carrying around one of these tins, which allows you to dab a bit here and there in order to freshen up anywhere.  We heartily recommend these solid colognes they are not just reserved for us boys – the girls seem to love them too! All the colognes can be bought individually or in packs. The All Black Collection (Pack of 3) gift set can be purchased here for £50.00. The individual cologne can be purchased from £17.99 here.