Virustatic Shield

Sometime soon, we hope to return to normal life as we knew it, but with this pandemic, we’re experiencing, it’s certainly been making some dramatic changes to our way of life. This brings us at The Amazing Blog swiftly onto the topic of hygiene and health. We’ve spent a fortune on single-use or even reusable masks, most of which haven’t got a proven track record to protect us against viruses. However, we were extremely curious to try out a slightly different alternative, the Virustatic Shield which is a revolutionary protein-coated snood-style face mask. 

Virustatic Shield is the result of 10 years of research by Manchester biochemists who created this shield to help reduce pathogenic microbial intake into the human respiratory system. It was developed with the University of Manchester with lab-tested results to prove that this Shield is up to 98% effective against influenza viruses. The unique protein coating disables viruses on contact, thus helping slow the virus spread. NB: They point out that testing is currently still underway to assess the effectiveness of this against covid-19. What we find particularly intriguing is that this snood-style mask can be touched without transferring any viruses - so unlike other masks, it’s safe to handle even when taking it on and off!

When we tried this Virustatic Shield we found it to be a comfortable fit (although a little tight when first worn) made with 96% viscose and 4% lycra it offers some ‘give ‘ we found that after a few wears it loosens up, still safely hugging the contours of the face. The difference between this and other face masks is that this covers the entire face from eyes down (including ears).  Effective for as long as you wear it (for us tube travel and supermarket shopping), it’s reusable with up to 50 hours wear, hand washable up to 3 x in warm water without detergent and made of natural material for breathability (see above). The great advantage is that it is suitable for everyone, whether you are a child or an adult. It offers two-way protection and cuts the risk of cross-contamination from saliva droplets. When you’ve finished with the Virustatic Shield as it’s non-hazardous, you dispose of it as you would any other fabrics. They also have QR code on the packaging which allows you to check you’ve bought the genuine article. You can purchase the Virustatic Shield here for £20. What better way to stay safe and protect yourself and others.

Universal Soul Company - Positive Energy STILL Candle

Right now at The Amazing Blog, we think it's essential to take time out each day for meditation and relaxation removing ourselves from the worries of this global pandemic! Put on a little relaxing music and take advantage of a mindful moment. For our regular readers, you’ll probably remember reading about our suggestions of the Aromatherapy Eye Pillow from Sanda and the De-Stress Drop from Absolute Health. To complement all of these, today we want to introduce you to one of our other #amazingfinds the Positive Energy Candle STILL from Universal Soul Company.

Actress and wellness expert Sara Griffiths recently founded this luxury lifestyle brand. Her wish is to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and provide wellbeing. All her products are vegan, chemical-free, environmentally friendly and even have Braille writing on the packaging to make them accessible to everyone. The Universal Soul Company specialises in candles and mists. Again, dear readers may remember reading about their award-winning 3-in-1 Still Soul Mist here. This recently won Best Aromatherapy Self Care Mood Enhancing Products in the 2020 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards. Well, we were ‘won over’ then (excuse the pun) and even more so now with their candle. The company focuses on ‘profit for purpose’ and donates a portion of its revenue to different charitable causes - which we love.

At this moment of uncertainty, this wellbeing candle could not be more appropriate. The Positive Energy Candle STILL does what it says – it’s gloriously uplifting and grounding. It offers you calm and tranquillity with its delicious combination of patchouli and lavender scents that will help to transport you into a harmonious state.  Made from a soy-based wax, it’s a vegan candle that burns clean (no black smoke) with a long-lasting burn time of approximately 50 hours. We will admit to lighting this candle numerous times particularly during moments of anxiety – even in the middle of the night! It truly does soothe and helped us to focus on a more positive mindset. Oh and we nearly forgot to mention that this candle is also an Editor’s Choice winner in the 2020 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards too. This is wonderful for you or makes the perfect gift to help bring positivity to others. You can purchase your 210g Positive Energy Candle STILL here for £30.

Scurl® Fine Grooming: Beard Wash, Oil & Balm

As always those resourceful girls at The Amazing Blog have been on the hunt to find me some beard grooming products (this lockdown has played havoc with my whiskers!) And lo and behold they’ve found me yet another new grooming brand to add to my repertoire. This time it’s a brand that’s a resounding success across the pond. Meet the rather sleek looking Fine Grooming range from Scurl®.

Scurl® is the newest addition to the product line from the Luster Products family. Luster was established in 1957 by the late Fred Luster, Sr a successful barber in Chicago, Illinois, and has grown from a modest shopfront into a multi-million-dollar global enterprise. It all began with Fred Lustre Sr saw a gap in the market to develop a line of hair care products specifically catering for the African American market. Today Luster is available worldwide and has an extensive stable of over fifteen hair and grooming product ranges for both salon professionals and consumer use. We love that they also have a philanthropic arm and non-profit charitable foundation My Neighbor's Keeper (MNK) which is an employee outreach programme, under the umbrella of the Luster Product Black Heritage Foundation. Which to date has contributed more than $1million to other non-profit organisations such as the American Cancer Society, Habilitative Systems, Lawndale Community School and The Rising Star. This Scurl ® range has a diversified range of men’s hair care products which includes sprays, relaxers, texturisers and beard grooming.

Although this Scurl ® range has been primarily created for men of colour, these Fine Grooming of products are suitable for all hair types. We were sent a trio of products and I’m going to start with their gentle Beard Wash, it’s a 4-in-1 instant cleanse and condition. Easy to use morning and evening but I liked using this at the end of the day, ridding myself of the hideous London grime and pollution. It lathers up nicely and leaves a lingering fragrance that is fresh and almost cologne-like, and of course, it’s always good to know that there are no nasties as it’s sulphate-free. Extra goodies here include shea butter (moisturising) aloe vera (soothing) and olive oil (nourishing). Next, we turn to conditioning; I used the Beard Balm, it’s 100% natural and left a delicious smelling cocoa butter residue on my beard. Key ingredients are olive oil, cocoa butter and shea butter; and it comes with a plethora of coconut, argan jojoba, soya bean oils – all beautifully blended into a waxy finish. I found this better to use in the morning working into my beard for styling and smoothing effect. Then last (but not least) I used the Beard Oil, which is not only good for encouraging beard growth but also ideal for hydrating the hidden skin under my whiskers! I loved the subtle scent which is a hybrid combo of coconut + shea butter. Again, this too is brimming with natural ingredients from grape seed, soya bean, jojoba, coconut, shea butter to marula. I loved how this mix of oils softened and detangled – oh, and did I mention how long my lockdown beard is getting? To purchase these any of these products, go to their website for international sellers here or for the UK here; all three products retail at £4.99 each.

DRINQI- Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Highest Percentage) by Therin

We love products with hyaluronic acid, they work wonders for the complexion and have many benefits including smoothing, plumping and tightening the skin. As time-poor individuals here at The Amazing Blog we’re always looking for products that do the most but require the least amount of effort. Today we’ve found that very thing, and we’re thrilled to be the very first to review a new Australian natural skincare DRINQI Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

Therin G is the founder of DRINQI, she’s originally from the UK but now embraces the ocean breeze and beach life in coastal Australia. With her extensive experience in the skincare industry, her beauty credentials are nothing short of impeccable. Not only is she an Industry Expert Advisor to Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (organic skincare), a private label formulator, a spa menu and treatment adviser but also a qualified holistic practitioner (in all spheres) - the list here is endless! Therin cleverly spotted a gap in the market and decided to focus her efforts on aligning quality with affordability, producing a trio of vegan performance-based serums that offer the very highest percentage of pure hyaluronic acid. There are no fillers, only a few simple ingredients other than the hyaluronic acid (think water and a natural food-based preservative). She is truly a skincare genius, and we couldn’t wait to see the results from her serum. Therin explained: “There are very few really powerful skincare ingredients that can be used and rightfully claim to be a youth elixir or a product that truly produces visible results, achieving the results they purport to be able to do.”  She went on to say “I am only interested in producing or supporting the very best ingredients and products. DRINQI Hyaluronic Acid is one of those rare products.” And so, Therin has created this extraordinary trio of powerhouse serums that offer the highest percentage of hyaluronic acid to be found in the beauty sector today. Something else that we applaud DRINQI for is their ethos supporting and giving back to the Aboriginal communities as well as pet and wildlife rescue see here.

As an ingredient hyaluronic acid (let’s call it HA), is a humectant that attracts water and is critical for maintaining skin hydration.  Not only does it hydrate, but as a molecule it can hold 1,000 x its weight in water. It’s natural and produced by the body and can be used as an injection, supplement, or in this case a serum. Many skincare products contain this ingredient but not in the same way as DRINQI. Competitive brands offer between 0.02% - 2% HA, yet DRINQI has produced a range of three serums from 3%, 10% to an astonishing 13%! How do you know which one to use? Well, it’s probably best to start with the 3% and see how you progress. The performance of the serum depends on the individual, i.e. someone 20+ may feel 3% is a  perfect starting point, whereas someone 50+ may want a higher strength with the potent 13% to achieve more significant results. As mentioned, the serums are vegan with the HA sourced from the fermentation of nutritious vegetables - nothing else. We also like that it’s safe to use even during pregnancy. This DRINQI serum fits into any skincare regime, no matter what other moisturiser or SPF you’re using. It’s also suitable for all skin types – even sensitive ones and is safe to use from ages 16-18 upwards. 

Before using they recommend doing a skin patch test (see their FAQ here ) as we do with any new skincare, simply apply a few drops to the inside of your arm and leave for 24 hours. Three of us used the 3% 10% and 13% serums twice a day morning and night with no issues. However, on a single occasion, one of us did get a little flushing (hormones?) otherwise it sank into our complexions without a trace. It’s so easy to incorporate into your skincare, just a few drops of the clear gel-like liquid on the fingertips and gently smooth into the face/neck and décolletage.  Our verdict? Skin looked dewier, plumper and after only a few days, we also noticed a difference in texture, fine lines and firmness. Will we be buying more? That’s a resounding yes from us all! The bottom line? DRINQI offers you the highest strength of one of the most effective natural ingredients, all at a very affordable price point. To purchase your 30ml bottle with pipette, the DRINQI 3% at £14, DRINQI 10% at £21.05 or DRINQI 13% at £26 here, with shipping at an approximate $10 AU to the UK. 

Ieva's Makeup - Reusable Strip Lashes + Classic Case

As they say ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’ and they’re the only focal point of the face with the current ubiquitous mask-wearing! At The Amazing Blog, we’ve been learning new tips and tricks to help make our eyes pop and what better way than with some speedy luxury strip lashes to make them flutter.  On our hunt to find good quality lashes we found a new brand Ieva’s Makeup that not offers only reusable strip lashes but lash cases, glues and tools to help apply. 

The eyelash and makeup company Ieva Makeup was founded a year ago by the makeup artist Ieva Bogdanova, best known for her work with top models. She proudly told us that the supermodel Winnie Harlow wore these lashes shortly after they launched. Ieva decided to create her own line of lashes when she became acutely aware of the colossal waste as people throwing away their strip lashes after only a single use. This is when she decided to create a range of reusable cruelty-free luxury faux mink lashes. She also sells glues, an invaluable Lash Applicator Tool and Classic Cases to keep lashes safe and in shape for reuse. Not forgetting to mention, that the entrepreneurial Ieva offers certified makeup courses for any aspiring makeup artists too. 

We received two pairs of FM22 Sassy Lashes which were soft, mounted on a flexible band and easy to apply. We often have trouble finding strip lashes that fit the shape of our eyes and end up bending and trimming them. However, these blended perfectly with our natural lashes and gave our eyes an extra lift. The results were glamorous! Giving our eyes a more intense look by adding a little drama, but without being over the top. Two of us have tried these, and have reused the lashes already 9 or 10 times. Top tip: After use, carefully peel off the adhesive with tweezers, before replacing them back in the moulds in the Classic Case, then they’ll be ready to go again. A quick note to say that the brand has slightly changed its Classic Case design since our photo above, but is still the same shape and design. You can purchase your Classic Case with the pair of Strip Lashes of your choice here for £14.99. Or if you only want the FM22 Sassy Lash you can find them here for £4.99.