Spa Fabulous Organics - A Little Pot of Heaven

Here at The Amazing Blog, we admire companies that truly strive to use the best ingredients in their products. Neena Trehan, facialist and founder of Spa Fabulous Organics, is committed to using the highest quality, most natural and pure ingredients in her premium products, in order to help recreate the spa experience at home. One such product, A Little Pot of Heaven, combines key ingredients like Pure Rose and Rosehip Seed Oil to leave skin rejuvenated and refreshed. Pure Rose works to repair broken capillaries and reduce redness. Rosehip Seed Oil is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin F and helps to plump and repair skin.

I have particularly dry skin, so I am always searching for products that thoroughly hydrate my skin without leaving it with that greasy feeling. A Little Pot of Heaven is light and whipped but still rich with nutrients. I was pleased with the texture as it glided over my skin, leaving a silky finish. The cream absorbs deep into the skin to lock in moisture for the entire day. Even at the end of the day my skin still felt smooth and soft. It is no surprise that A Little Pot of Heaven was selected as a 2013 finalist for Best Daytime Moisturiser by The Beauty Shortlist Awards.  A Little Pot of Heaven is available here for £55.

Mary Kay – Botanical Effects

Many facial regimes are made for specific skin types, often causing difficulties when attempting to uncover skincare for sensitive, dry or oily skin.  In our search for a multi-skin cleanser, we here at The Amazing Blog have discovered the Botanical Effects line from Mary Kay.  This skincare line breaks the stigma with hypoallergenic ingredients exclusively customisable by skin type.  This matchless formulation of Botanical Effects offers ideal benefits for various skin types.

Wanting to provide skin with ‘feel good’ softness, Botanical Effects by Mary Kay contains a four-step regime including the Cleanse, Hydrate, Freshen and Mask.  Every item in the Botanical Effects line by Mary Kay consists of the rather unusual ingredients which is what interested us the most. They are namely Silymarin (commonly known as Milk Thistle) and Luo Han Guo.  The Silymarin ingredient soothes skin while defending it against environmental damage while Luo Han Guo promotes healthy skin with its enduring antioxidants.  Combining these ingredients, the Botanical Effects range revitalises skin, leaving the body feeling nourished.

To solve a dry skin dilemma, Mary Kay suggests using Cleanse both in the morning and evening.  This hydrating cleanser nourishes skin while removing makeup and other pore-clogging items with Flaxseed and Sea Kelp extracts.  Applying the Hydrate formula after cleansing the face leaves skin calmed, supple yet durable.  For an additional botanical boost, apply the Freshen body spray for radiating skin, as well as the Botanical Effects facial Mask to remove additional impurities and replenish hydration.  It is unnecessary to do all of these steps devotedly, as Botanical Effects focuses on how the skin feels after each step.  Mary Kay suggests you ‘add the steps that make you happy.’ However, to clear oily skin and pores, the Botanical Effects process remains the same, but the benefits are altered, combining Kanuka Tree and Guava extracts to improve oily skin.  Again, they suggest using the Cleanse in both the morning and evening to control oil; this removes excess oil from the face but does not leave the skin feeling ultra dry.  Applying the Hydrate then offers moisture to the skin while still balancing facial oils.  Spraying Freshen onto the skin continues to remove oil but also decreases the appearance of pores.  The Mask, the final step in the Botanical Effects process, assists in refining and cleansing pores.  Apply the regime until skin feels satisfied, as Mary Kay finds it unnecessary to apply these products consistently.  The entire Botanical Effects  range can be found here for only £60.  Each piece of the line can also be purchased separately online from Mary Kay.

Moana - Moisturiser

As many of you know, we adore supporting companies and using products that are natural, organic and environmentally friendly.  Many organic products are similar, not only in their use, but in their ingredients as well.  Moana is a skincare company offering the typical skincare line with a unique twist: their use of marine extracts for facial improvements.  And all of us here at The Amazing Blog are swimmingly excited to try it!

The Natural Skincare Company’s Moana offers a variety of skincare solutions ranging between moisturisers, serums, face masks and cleansers.  It is no surprise Moana is housed beneath the Natural Skincare Company, as they share the mutual goal of creating the best possible products while maintaining ethical practices in the creation of 100% natural and organic products.  This New Zealand based company includes natural botanicals from their environment, marine extracts and their revolutionary skincare ingredient, Red Seaweed.   Red Seaweed, which is a key ingredient in all Moana skincare, contains the extract glycan which encourages the body to further produce collagen. Aging and wrinkling are caused by the bodies decreasing development of collagen over the years. The rare ability of Red Seaweed doubles Moana skincare as anti-aging moisturisers, face masks and other anti-aging remedies. Moana is highly commended by The Natural Health Beauty Awards 2014.

When I tried Moana's moisturiser I was not disappointed by Moana’s distinctive formula.  This ‘Pure Drop of Youth’ completely stimulates the skin naturally, with its uses of Algae Extract, Aloe, Fruit Oil and most importantly Red Seaweed.  Unlike many moisturisers I have tried, Moana moisturiser does not simply sit on-top of the skin but massages deeply into the skin, leaving a soft and smooth finish.  Though it is thoroughly absorbed, the moisturiser does leave behind a refreshing scent that reminds me of the ocean.  With such rejuvenating powers from natural ingredients and marine extracts, Moana is still only £48 for a 30ml bottle here.

Kelly Edwards Skincare – Florence Selina Rejuvenating Moisturiser & Serum

Regardless of age, we all either currently suffer from skin imperfections or recall a time in life at which we did.   Kelly Edwards Skincare sent The Amazing Blog their fabulous Florence Selina Rejuvenating Moisturiser and Serum to help us cope with skin imperfections!

Having skin problems as a teenager herself, Kelly Edwards understands the troubles caused from such skins issues as eczema. This personal experience motivated Kelly to develop a natural skincare range and help educate others on skin health.  Handcrafted with natural ingredients like omega oils, antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals no surprise that Kelly Edwards Skincare was shortlisted in the ‘Free From’ skincare awards for the anti-wrinkle Florence Selina Moisturiser in 2013.  With organic ingredients supplied by the Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd, Kelly Edwards Skincare ensures the highest quality ingredients.

Like Kelly, I can relate to having difficulty finding skincare products benefiting my skin as I also suffer from sensitive skin. Thankfully the Kelly Edwards Florence Selina Rejuvenating Moisturiser and Rejuvenating Serum are extremely calming on my easily-irritated skin.  Named after Kelly Edwards grandmother, the Selina Florence line is especially designed to hydrate troubled skin, as well as prevent wrinkles.  I apply the Florence Selina Rejuvenating Moisturiser and Rejuvenating Serum both morning and night after cleansing.  I have found applying one or two pumps of the Florence Selina Rejuvenating Moisturiser into both the face and neck truly does the job.  Kelly Edwards suggests applying one or two drops of the Florence Selina Rejuvenating Serum to the face and neck before moisturising, three times per week in the evening.

The Florence Selina products plump skin, smooth fine lines, and restore elasticity, making them ideal for mature skin.  Kelly Edwards Florence Selina Rejuvenating Moisturiser and Rejuvenating Serum pair as a perfect team; you can purchase the line here save £7 when you purchase them together here. Separately, the Rejuvenating Moisturiser is £30.00 and the Rejuvenating Serum is £18.50.

Friday Favourites - Nourishing Lip Balms

With cold weather and wind flocking our skin this season, our dry lips are in need of a moisturising treatment.  To help soften lips this spring we here at The Amazing Blog have gathered a few handbag sized lip balms (and pocket sized for men) to help keep your lips moisturised...and kissable!

Bomb Cosmetics, a company specializing in natural and handmade lip treatments, believes in curing the body, face and lips with the powers of natural butters and pure essential oils.  With a love for all things green, Bomb Cosmetics containers and packaging are constructed with 100% recycled products; they also promise to never test products on animals!  Bomb Cosmetics channels their passion for the planet into their bright, natural and fun product designs.  Their lip care products come in various scents and flavours, all at an affordable cost!  We particularly love the Lipology Intense Lip Treatment balm in Chocolate Jaffa Orange, as it is designed to deeply moisturise and hydrate tough lips.  With ingredients like Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil and Fruit Oil, the Chocolate Jaffa Orange balm leaves a zesty chocolate scent on the lips that’s good enough to eat!  Unlike many balms, the Lipology Intense Lip Treatment in Chocolate Jaffa Orange does not leave a waxy coating on the lips, but certainly leaves lips feeling soft with additives of Aloe and Beeswax.  This pocket size lip balm is perfect for treating lips on-the-go!  Bomb Cosmetics Lipology Intense Lip Treatment in Chocolate Jaffa Orange can be found here for £2.49.

Next we have yet another balm perfect for refreshing dry lips.  These natural and vegan friendly lip balms by Crazy Rumors make moisturising fun!  Designed by a couple with the passion to create an all natural & vegan lip balm, the recipe for a 100% natural and vegan lip balm was created.  Crazy Rumors lip balms include zero artificial aromas and all of the ingredients are certified organic materials.  Such natural ingredients used by Crazy Rumors are organic shea butter and organic jojoba oil, all perfect for moisturising and hydrating lips.   All Crazy Rumors flavours smell (and taste) amazing because they are slightly sweetened with a hint of Stevia.  Their lip balm flavours include Tea, Citrus, Ice Cream, Floral, Bubble Gum and others.  You can view the entire Crazy Rumors lip balm line here.  With a passion for natural products, it is no surprise that Crazy Rumors Lip balms can be found at Holland & Barrett locations, as well as online here, for £3.49 each.

Sticking with the theme of vegan friendly lip balms, we have also discovered HURRAW!  Unlike most lip balms, HURRAW is not the typical girly, sweet smelling lip balm; rather all HURRAW lip balms are designed to offer a natural yet fun flavour and scent.  It is no wonder these balms have an organic flavouring, as they are constructed from wild-crafted, fair-trade ingredients such as seed oils and butters.   Some of the lip balm flavours offered by HURRAW include Almond, Earl Grey, Vanilla Bean and Mint and 17 other creative yet natural flavours.  Because of the unique taste and design of these lip balms, HURRAW balms are suitable for both women and men.  All HURRAW balms offer a layer of long-lasting protection without being too glossy for males.  Select HURRAW lip balms also include SPF.  They are also the perfect size for your handbag or your back jean pocket (gentlemen!).  Select your favourite, natural HURRAW lip balm flavour here for £3.99.

Our final nourishing lip balm find is by skincare artist, Jane Scrivner.  Uninterested in providing the repetitive skincare used by everyone else, Jane Scrivner uses raw ingredients with a proven track record.  Her care lines combines pure, natural and organic materials to feed skin with fresh nutrients.  As an award winning skincare company, it is no wonder Jane Scrivner offers a smooth and hydrating lip balm.  This 100% organic lip balm softens and moisturises lips with a tingly fresh finish with ingredients like Coconut Oil, She Butter, Wild Mint Essential Oil, Rose Hip Oil and Vitamin E.  For the best results, Jane Scrivner recommends users generously spread the lip balm on both the top and bottom lips daily.  This portable 5ml lip balm also doubles as a cuticle balm or an emergency spot moisturiser when your typical skincare rescuer is left at home.  Treat your lips (and dry skin spots) with the Jane Scrivner lip balm for £9 here.

May these naturally nourishing lip balms be the perfect pick-me-up for your dry lips and skin this season!