Clarena - Pumpkin Cream

Although we know hot summer days are few and far between in the Capital, we at The Amazing Blog know how important it is to keep our skin's hydration levels topped up during the warmer seasons. Unfortunately, we also know all too well how uncomfortable it can be to wear those heavy, clogging moisturisers in balmy weather. Luckily, we've found the perfect balance in Clarena’s Pumpkin Cream.

Although pumpkin is something that we associate more readily with Autumn months, Pumpkin Pulp Extract is packed with enriching vitamins and minerals such as E, C and β-carotene, ideal for nourishing your skin all year round. We found the light, fresh formula perfect for summer moisture, as it absorbs almost immediately, and helps to maintain a proper level of skin hydration. The lotion gives all the benefits of a rich, thick facial moisturiser, without clogging up our pores. We’re excited to finally find a cream that gives the best of both worlds.  Its lightweight formula is perfect for oily skin, keeping it balanced, fresh and moisturised. An added bonus: it smells wonderful too.

Clarena shows that pumpkins aren't just for Halloween after all - avoid any scary skin issues this summer with this fabulous cream. Buy it here for £14.50.

Gazelli - Revitalising Mineral Mask with Volcanic Mud

As you know, here at The Amazing Blog, we take our beauty regimen very seriously and we are always looking for new ways to achieve a healthy glow. Gazelli is a luxury brand which has a fantastic selection of skincare that we’ve long been a fan of.  Their Volcanic Mud Revitalising Mineral Mask is our latest love as it gives our skin a new vitality and luminosity. 

This wonderful mud mask gives you a gorgeous fresh complexion without the need to scrub and without the irritating tightness an exfoliator leaves. The mask is so light that it goes on smooth as silk and smells absolutely amazing. After spreading a thin, even layer across our visage and leaving it for 15 minutes, we certainly noticed a new and wonderful luminosity to our complexion. The powerful Volcanic Mud formula stimulates collagen and elastin and also draws out toxins and enriches the skin with its minerals and nutrients. This deep cleansing mask has a gentle and refreshing cooling sensation  which certainly revives our tired skin. Use this mask a couple of times a week and your skin will be positively radiant.

If you’re looking for that extra summer glow and also a little skin detox, you can buy Gazelli’s Volcanic Mask online here for £40.

Stvdio 5 - Natural Soaps

Here at The Amazing Blog, there’s is nothing we love more than relaxing in a nice hot bath with some soothing music, a glass of wine and some deliciously scented soap.  The clever people at Stvdio 5 have created some of the most gorgeous soaps we’ve ever seen, so that our baths no longer just smell delicious, they look it too. 

Each of the beautifully designed soaps is handmade with serious attention to detail to look like some of our favourite baked goods. Unlike those carb-filled treats, however, these soaps are packed full of goodness. Following the cold process method, they combine Olive, Coconut, Almond and Castor Oils instead of using any nasty chemicals. We certainly felt the benefit of this natural goodness; that horrible drying feeling given by most standard soaps was noticeably absent after this tasty looking cleanse. The formula is enriched with Kaolin and Tea Tree Oil, which are packed with antibacterial properties, as well as Aloe Vera Extract, a powerful source of Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and B12, Vitamin C and E. What makes these soaps extra special? They’re vegan, cruelty free, natural and, best of all, British.

They smell so good, you’ll want to eat them (but don’t!). These stunning soaps start from £3.00 and you can find them on Stvdio 5’s website.

Feel Free Foods - Breaded Hake and Gluten Free Foods

Here at The Amazing Blog, we love our food, but we know it’s sometimes tricky to rustle up something easy, tasty and healthy, especially if you suffer from allergies or intolerances. Thanks to Feel Free Foods, it's about to get a lot easier. The gluten free company have added some great new breaded fish dishes to their frozen products, so that you can make a nutritious meal with ease at the end of a long day. 

Diagnosed a coeliac, Sally Allister started the company back in 2004 after recognising a need for healthy, high quality, gluten free products which are tasty enough to be enjoyed by the whole family. Her latest breaded fish range is made from 100% fish fillet and covered in a crunchy maize coating. The mouthwatering Breaded Cod and Hake Fillets are each available in packs of two, ready to be baked for a quick and healthy dinner. We were lucky enough to try the delicious Breaded Hake Fillets and it's safe to say we’re hooked (excuse the pun).  The fillet was firm, tender and had a delectably crunchy coating.  What’s more, the hake is sustainable, so that guilt free feeling goes a little bit further!  If you have little mouths to feed, the brand also make Breaded Fish Nuggets, as well as a huge range of pastas, sweet treats, and quick, easy meals. 

You can buy your own tasty hake here. They retail for the very reasonable price of £3.99 and are worth every penny! If fish isn't your dish, then fear not, as the company offer a wide range of other gluten free products, and have a selection of recipes for you to experiment with.

Friday Favourites - Massage Oils

As much as we love our work here at The Amazing Blog, we often can’t wait for a super relaxing weekend. We believe that the key to tranquility is in a really fantastic massage, so we’ve compiled a list of our favourite massage oils, for those of you who are feeling a little tense.

First on our list is Absolute Aromas’ Mobility Massage Oil. Made with 100% natural ingredients, everything from their range is developed by a team of dedicated experts, so you know you’re in good hands.  As the name suggests, the oil is great for relieving aches and pains in joints and muscles, making it the perfect choice for those that suffer with mobility issues. This oil glides easily on the skin, whilst using a combination of essential oils to promote health and wellbeing naturally. You can purchase it oil here, for just £8.26. This relaxation remedy is a bargain.

Another of our firm favourites is the Rituals Body Oil. Not only do we love the design and the convenience of the packaging, but also how soft and smooth our skin feels after use. This super nourishing oil is ideal for dry skin, as it absorbs so easily, leaving flaky patches feeling soft, supple and hydrated. Enjoy a moment of relaxation here for £13.50.

Mashooq Massage Oils are also a wonderful treat for those of us feeling stressed. Aptly named Relax and Calm, these two oils have such a calming fragrance of Frankincense, Lavender and Neroli which, when combined with the Sweet Almond Oil, also leave your skin feeling smooth and smelling fresh for the entire day. Apart from smelling incredible, and giving us that dose of relaxation that we oh so crave, the oils are super affordable at just £4.30, so you don’t have to stress about the price either. You can purchase them here.

If you aren’t relaxed enough already, Balance Me offer an award-winning Super Toning Body Oil. As well as hydrating, the oil improves circulation with a unique blend of active ingredients such as Juniper, Bergamot, Geranium and Lavender. This oil allows you to smooth away any imperfections, giving your skin an even and flawless finish. The oil sinks into the skin very quickly and doesn't leave any residue and it smells wonderful! Treat yourself to the Balance Me Oil here for £20. It's well worth it as it will last you forever!

With all of these amazing oils to choose from, you can finally combat that stress. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a massage or two this weekend with the help of these gems.