Celtic Herbal - Balms and Candles

We at The Amazing Blog tend to opt for peaceful scents that lift our mood, and Celtic Herbal certainly does just the trick. Celtic Herbal is a Welsh artisan company, who incorporate both their love for natural ingredients, and the surrounding Welsh landscape, the one in which they source some of their key ingredients. What makes each product all the more special, is the fact that they are handmade, and not tested on animals.

We tried four products from their range: two balms and two candles. The handy-sized balms offer a simple solution for dry and cracked skin and fit perfectly into our handbags to use on the go. Celtic Herbal’s Peppermint Lip Balm is made from 100% natural beeswax and has a cooling effect. It’s made up of lovely ingredients, like peppermint oil, sweet almond oil, castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and calendula officinalis flower extract. We loved the piquant of the mint which gave a teeny bit of a tingle, and we found that this balm kept our lips moist and supple throughout the day.

With the Celtic Herbal Sleep Balm with Mandarin & Ylang Ylang, we found that when applied to the pulse points it helped to relax our mind. This Sleep Balm is made with warming mandarin oil to ease pressure and Ylang Ylang for calmness. It’s 100% natural and contains mandarin orange peel oil, beeswax, sweet almond oil, castor seed oil, and cananga odorata flower oil. Good to apply at the end of a busy day to bring peace and harmony.

Aromatherapy harnesses the power of botanicals and essential oils, and there are so many different ways to utilise it. Celtic Herbal has created candles from ethically sourced soy wax which are made in small batches to ensure the highest quality. Their Natural Rose Geranium & Grapefruit Travel Soy Candle comes from the Refresh range, emitting a sweet and floral scent that is connected to the balance of the nervous system. It’s said to help lift depression and relieve anxiety - we found it very mood enhancing.

The final product that we tried was their Natural Mandarin, Lime & Basil Travel Soy Candle. This comes from the Purify range. Its warm and uplifting scent intends to bring clarity and fresh perspectives. Perfect to help you unwind after a long journey. The 30g travel candles have a clean burning time of four hours, and the 105g candles can last up to twenty-five hours. Time to breathe in and relax! Purchase the Celtic Herbal Peppermint Lip Balm 15g here for £4.00; Sleep Balm with Mandarin & Ylang Ylang 25g here for £5.50; Natural Rose Geranium & Grapefruit Travel Soy Candle 30g here for £5.50; Natural Mandarin, Lime & Basil Travel Soy Candle 30g here for £5.50.

Zeos for Men - Premium Beard Lover Gift Pack

While most of the team here at The Amazing Blog don’t have beards (!) We certainly do appreciate those that sport them and indeed on occasion, I sometimes do. Zeos for Men is a UK-based company that specialises in stress-free male grooming products.  Formed in 2014, Zeos for Men’s mission is to help make looking your best, as hassle-free as possible.  After all, there’s more to taking care of your beard than just a wash-and-go! One needs to consider keeping the complexion clean, hair follicles healthy and the beard itself well-groomed and perfectly trimmed. As regular readers will know we're already fans of Zeos for Men and have featured their Urban Living QU3 Skincare Regime here and their Warm Waxing Kit here.

Zeos for Men Premium Beard Lover Gift Pack is ideal for those looking for soothing oils to ease irritation and dry skin while also nourishing the beard. Because its facial hair, beards have to be treated with a different level of care than the scalp. Both these beard oils are suitable for vegans and alcohol-free; The gift pack contains the two beard oils and a wooden beard comb that fights static. We were surprised by how many power ingredients make up the oil blends. Both consist of evening primrose oil, sweet almond oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed and vitamin E oil. The blends are also locked and loaded with Argan oil, antioxidants, natural vitamin E, vitamin A, Omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. With these oils, your beard is now ready to thrive and tackle all of the everyday elements.

The Radiance Beard Oil has a sharp but sweet scent perfect for everyday wear. The Inspire Beard Oil has a seductive musk that is fitting for a night out or date. I'm a fan of these products as they don’t leave my skin or beard feeling greasy, they condition and don’t leave a nasty residue. You can purchase Zeos for Men’s Premium Beard Lover Gift Pack (two 30ml beard oils and a pocket wooden beard comb) here for £22.99. Zeos for Men offers free UK shipping on orders over £12. We think this is the perfect gift for the bearded man in your life :)

Underbelly Festival

Every city welcomes the unique, eccentric and unconventional. London is especially no stranger to this. The Amazing Blog appreciates the unusual and fun events that the city puts on, and this programme is no exception. Over the past decade, the Southbank has hosted the Underbelly Festival, and it’s back this summer for another wild experience. Until the end of September, you can purchase tickets to attend live circus, comedy, cabaret and family entertainment. 

Join the live entertainment this month, accompanied by international food and drink, right on the banks of the Thames. Prepare to have your mind blown, according to Time Out, with the showgirls of the House of Burlesque. The provocative performance will have you singing and dancing along with their soundtrack and sing-alongs. Come and celebrate their 7th year performing on the Southbank!  On until 27th September, you can purchase a ticket here for £21.00. The show lasts about 80 minutes.

After you’ve witnessed the revolutionary movement of the House of Burlesque, attend Europe’s most prestigious Burlesque competition, Burlesque Idol 2018. In its 9th year, the competition has produced starlets from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Paris and America. At the event, guests will be greeted by showgirls and given a ballot to vote on their favourite contestant. Help the judges pick the next Burlesque Idol by purchasing tickets here for £21.00.

Next up on the lineup, is cabaret with The Raspberry Cannoli Cabaret and Marcel Lucont’s Cabaret Fantastique. For one night only, on the 19th September, the talented group, Raspberry Cannoli Cabaret will be performing. Tickets can be purchased here from £21.00. Don’t miss out on headliners such as Ray Gelato and the Giants who have played for H.M. Queen, Sir Paul McCartney and Richard Branson. If you can’t make it on the 19th, don’t fret! Marcel Lucont’s Cabaret Fantastique will have shows this month. You can purchase tickets here from £17.00.

Most shows range from £21.00 or less! Find out about the other exciting events happening at the Underbelly Festival. There is something for everyone!

CHIC CHIQ - Face Masks

We always try to make the glorified phrase 'treat yourself' the centre of The Amazing Blog’s mantra! One of our most cherished pastimes is slipping into our pyjamas, throwing on a face mask and chatting for hours on facetime to our friends. We used this time to try out CHIC CHIQ’s anti-ageing and rejuvenating powder masks, relishing in taking much needed time out, at home.

After an inspired trip to India, the founder of CHIC CHIQ, Patrycja Rotithor, became captivated in the rich and ancient culture of Ayurveda practices. These practices became ritualised in her own daily skin, hair and health routine. The company started with facemasks, one of the oldest cosmetic traditions and the core of Ayurveda. The products are all-natural and serve three primary functions: cleansing, nourishing and moisturising. Rotithor’s goal was to uphold this tradition that she grew so fond of, making the process convenient and global ingredients accessible.

We had never tried a powdered face mask before, so were intrigued by both the de la Mer and à la Rose products. Cleverly, keeping a face mask in powder form allows for greater longevity, because unlike other processes, the ingredients don’t reduce the shelf life. CHIC CHIQ’S face mask powders are activated when mixed with warm water, making these face masks healthier and fresher for the skin. What we like about these powder masks is their purity, how refreshing it is to have no additives or chemicals - you really feel like you are at one with nature. Apart from the contents, the packaging is pretty impressive too. The stylish bamboo containers lend themselves to being showcased alongside other super-star products in the bathroom.

The de la Mer rejuvenating face mask contains anti-ageing properties that nourish the skin with spirulina algae and lemongrass. When mixed with water it turns a lovely shade of pond green with a zesty/spirulina smell. The spirulina algae have vitamins A and C, which are full of anti-oxidants. Other main ingredients include vervain and barley. Vervain heals wounds and infections while barley preserves skin elasticity. The à la Rose anti-ageing mask is infused with rose petals and jojoba oil to moisturise and reveal a healthy glow. The mask works to soothe inflammation and balance dry skin. This was our favourite, as not only did we love the vibrant pink mask, but we also liked the refreshing and floral fragrance. Purchase the de la Mer mask 100ml here for £21.99 or the à la Rose mask 100ml here for £21.99. Chic Chiq also offer one-off travel sizes for a packet mask for £4.99 each here.

Lola’s Apothecary

Amongst the hustle and bustle of city life, The Amazing Blog finds it necessary to make time for relaxation, whether it’s watching a marathon of our favourite box sets or drawing a warm bath. Lola’s Apothecary helped us unwind with their Delicate Romance Balancing Bath & Shower Oil and Tranquil Isle Bath Salt. Lola’s Apothecary is a UK and Devon based company who take a holistic approach to wellness and spa, with products which are grounded in nature. We found ourselves reaching nirvana with their intoxicating fragrances. All the handmade products are created with the intent to enrich your self-care rituals.

The award-winning Delicate Romance Balancing Bath & Shower Oil is composed of plant essences that emit a romantic fragrance of flowers and spices. The scent is warm and inviting and immediately commands the body to relax. It only takes a few drops to feel the effects of instant gratification. The glass bottle is simple, yet elegant and inside has a selection of adorable floating rosebuds. You can also reap the benefits of the aromatherapy by rubbing a few drops onto your décolletage before slipping into the bath for a soak. The source of vitamin E treats sensitive skin. Beta Carotene stimulates cell turnover with its high level of omega 6. Other ingredients help reduce redness and inflammation and regulate hormonal health.

Similar to the bath oils, the Tranquil Isle Bath Salt is concentrated in essential oils that create a therapeutic experience. The calming smell of lavender puts your mind at ease of everyday stresses. The Himalayan Crystal Salt is one of the purest salts with traces of many minerals that are also very beneficial to health. Roman Camomile acts as an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent for sensitive skin. The Vetivert is a relaxant that aids sleep and relieves nervous tension.

To use, create a complete atmospheric experience for yourself – dimming the lights and lighting a candle. You can indulge in the pleasures of aromatherapy without leaving the comfort of your own home. As you draw the bath, drip a few drops of the oil or sprinkle the bath salts. Step into the tub and let the therapeutic smells take over. Purchase the Balancing Bath & Shower Oil 100ml here for £40 and the Tranquil Isle Bath Salts here for £50.