AQ Skin Solutions

Here at The Amazing Blog, we know how over time our skin can suffer, so we are always looking for new products that help bring back that youthful glow. So when we received the  Eye Serum and Active Serum from the award-winning Californian skincare brand AQ Skin Solutions, we couldn’t wait to try them out. AQ Skin Solutions was created by Dr Ahmed Al-Qahtani who formulated this range by using cutting-edge technology (detailed here). He was inspired to start AQ Skin Solutions from conducting extensive work in medical applications of Growth Factors (GF) for healing wounded tissue and creating artificial skin grafts.

We first tried out the Eye Serum, the benefits of this product include smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten the appearance of dark circles and reduce signs of puffiness around the eye area. What we particularly like about this moisturising formula, is that it feels gentle on the skin, they say that it also won't irritate even the most sensitive eyes. The concentrated GF technology blend stimulates collagen production for increased firmness, while several smoothing peptides help tighten and lift the skin. Through activation of the skin’s own damage repair processes, fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed. It increases micro-circulation and lightens the under-eye area and helps to clear up eye bags and dark circles. The product is non-greasy, which means it won't clog the pores. We also like the handy 15ml bottle and the sleek packaging.

We were also lucky enough to receive the Active Serum. The serum also contains stem-cell derived growth factors to renew and accelerate skin cell regeneration. This helps erase the signs of ageing and environmental damage for a firmer, smoother complexion. Daily use of the serum helps minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles. We used it not only on our face but also on the neck and decolletage areas too. The GF technology contained in both of these products is also being used successfully for encouraging healthy hair growth, reducing the appearance of scars and shortening the healing time of burn wounds. They say about using this serum: "Optimal improvement to your skin is generally not reached until six weeks of daily use." We only managed three weeks, but were pleased with the results.

We're happy to say, that by using both these products our skin felt softer, eyes looked brighter and it helped to give us back a more glowing complexion. All AQ Skin Solutions products are paraben, sulfate and phthalate free as well as cruelty free. You can purchase the Eye Serum here for £99 and the Active Serum here for £157.

Soley 'birta Lift & Glow Serum'

Overlooking serums in your beauty regime should be a thing of the past. If you keep up with us here at The Amazing Blog, you might remember we previously shared an amazing face mask from Soley Organics in our Friday Favourites, so we are thrilled to tell you about their birta Lift & Glow Serum. We also love a good story and Soley Organics has a wonderful history behind its creation. It was founded by the Icelandic actress Sóley Elíasdóttir, who was inspired by her great-great-grandmother's work as a healer. She then knew she wanted to take her family history and create skincare products that focus on using ingredients found in nature to heal the skin as her ancestors used to. 

This is why Soley uses Icelandic sourced ingredients in all of their skincare because they are known to work wonders on the skin. This serum contains Arctic sea buckthorn oil, which has been used for centuries for its medicinal and topical benefits. It is a miracle worker on the skin because it deeply nourishes every skin cell to prevent ageing and helps heal skin damage. It is also infused with Icelandic birch and yarrow, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties to heal the skin as well as give it a beautiful radiant glow. We also really enjoy the subtle earthy and sweet citrus aromas this emits as we massage it into our skin.

The berta Lift & Glow Serum has the best results if used both morning and night or it can simply be added into your daily lotion to pack in as much moisture and vitamins at once. You can purchase this serum here for £54.

CODE Lip Intense Plumper and CODE SSL Soft Smooth Lip Liner

Full lips are one of those make-up trends that never really go out of fashion. So when we at The Amazing Blog received the Lip Intense Plumper and the Soft Smooth Lip Liner from CODE Beautiful, we loved the idea of trying these products to help make our lips look fuller and feel smoother. This boutique brand is all about creating go-to handbag essentials, so it's no surprise that both of these lip essentials were also awarded Editor's Choice for The 2018 Beauty Shortlist Awards. 

The first step to a perfect pout is to apply the Lip Intense Plumper. We must admit this treatment slowly becomes addictive each time we apply it. We’ve all tried our fair share of plumping products that actually end up leaving your lips with an irritating burning sensation. However, this treatment gives you a gentle tingly, cooling sensation and of course, fuller and more nourished lips. The blend of coconut, almond and castor oil moisturises your lips, while the magical combination of Hyaluronic acid, Tripeptide-1, Dimethicone and the star ingredient, Hilurlip, to redefine and sculpt your lips. 

Once your lips are feeling plumper, the next step is to define them helping to create a long-lasting, youthful pout with the Soft Smooth Lip Liner. We think that this liner will soon become your essential product for an instantly defined lip. Brilliant to use for preventing our favourite lipsticks from feathering and also applied it on its own for a great natural look. It comes in the perfect Nude Blush shade that will give you an all-round even colour. The added bonus of this lip liner is the self-sharpening tool that automatically leaves the liner sharp for a precise application every time, all with just a quick twist of the cap. Both of these products are paraben-free and not tested on animals. You can purchase the CODE SSL Soft Smooth Lip Liner here for £18 and the Lip Intense Plumper here for £20.

Organii Arnica Gel

Getting out of bed in the morning is difficult enough, and when you have sore muscles and stiffness, it becomes quite the mission. We here at The Amazing Blog have found the solution to all your bodily aches and pains with the Organii Arnica Gel. This miracle in a bottle has us no longer fearing those days of sore muscles after a tough work-out, which is why we couldn’t wait to share it with you. In the past, we tried Organii's Shea Butter Shower Gel and Aloe Mouthwash what we love this brand is its dedication to producing natural and organic products. Organii places importance on obtaining their ingredient from similar ethically minded manufacturers so that they can produce highly effective and affordable products that are suitable for the whole family.

The key ingredient in this gel is Arnica Montana Flower Extract, which has been used medicinally for hundreds of years because it has a powerful ability to soothe aches and pains and reduce inflammation. But the benefits of this gel don’t stop there; it also helps to reduce bruising as well as pain from arthritis and osteoarthritis. All you need to do is apply the gel to the injured area and massage in well. The gel will be quickly absorbed into your skin and you will notice its soothing effects. The Soothing Arnica Gel leaves skin with a light Arnica flower scent that smells absolutely delightful. It’s also certified organic and vegan and uses 100% natural ingredients. If you are a bit accident prone, this gel will be perfect to keep in your bag to prevent and reduce any swelling, bruising or pain throughout your day. You can purchase a 50ml tube of the Soothing Organii Arnica Gel for £3.95 here and rest easy knowing it’s got your back.

WAHL Foaming Shave Gel

We at The Amazing Blog have noticed that barber’s shops are multiplying like rabbits along every high street - all very ‘man chic’ with the kind of interiors to help us relax and chill out whilst someone pampers us to perfection … However, if you like your grooming a little more on the private side, then Wahl has come up with the most amazing bottle of skin nurturing goodies to help to keep our whiskers in top trim. Since 1919, Wahl has been an integral part of the Barber Trade and recently launched their Professional 5 Star Traditional Shaving Range.
 
We think whole range is worth trying out; however, the Foaming Shave Gel has been our personal favourite when it comes to soothing and aiding hydration. This enriched moisturising formula contains coconut to deliver a professional close shave that feeds and soothes the skin for reduced irritation. This ozonic fragrance is infused with crisp and citrus notes of lemon. The masculine fragrance leaves the face feeling refreshed and invigorated.

The fragrance is masculine and not too heavy, but the real feeling of protection comes as it hits the skin, giving a gentle buffer between blade and follicle. We tried it both with and without a brush to lather up, and either way worked superbly. So, if you can't make it to the barber shop, this shave gel offers the full experience at home. Purchase your Wahl Foaming Shaving Gel here at £16.99