Cruelty free

CLĒ Cosmetics - Melting Lip Powder

With the anticipation of summer, we’re feeling a little bit more colourful at The Amazing Blog.  We’ve been getting ready searching out our lighter and brighter clothing to complement our range of statement lip tints and blushes. That’s when we were recommended CLĒ Cosmetic’s Melting Lip Powder which is versatile enough to be used on lips and cheeks, so we had to include it in this week’s #amazingfinds.

When US born Lauren Jin founded CLĒ Cosmetics, she wanted to craft every product with the ‘modern’ woman in mind. With the beauty brand’s minimalistic and multifunctional approach, we were intrigued when they kindly sent us the shade Hot Choco of the Melting Lip Powder to try out. Made with the Korean beauty technology, CLĒ’s Melting Lip Powder is like no other product we have tried. While we’ve tried many liquid lip and cheek tints throughout the years, CLĒ’s powder-to-stain tint is an innovative take to the cult-favourite.

While the lip powder looks dry in the bottle, when applied to lips, cheeks or eyelids, the Melting Lip Powder glides beautifully across the skin to melt into a smudge and water resistant matte tint. Like all CLĒ Cosmetic’s products, the Melting Lip Powder is entirely  vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, has no paraben, or sulfates and contains nourishing elements like Vitamin E to ensure skin is moisturised and protected.  Some of the other key ingredients are:  Natto gum, hydrolozed hyaluronic acid, blueberry fruit extract, bamboo leaf/stem extract, saussurea involucrate extract (thistle), and coconut oil. CLĒ sources these ingredients with a holistic approach in mind and aims to develop a makeup formula that benefits the skin as well.  While the lip powder is a little messy when you open the cap, the doe-foot applicator makes it easy to control where and how much of the pigmented powder to apply. After applying the chestnut-hued Hot Choco to my eyelids, cheeks and lips, I was able to put together an effortless look in less than five minutes. To try CLĒ’s innovative Melting Lip Powder for yourself, you can purchase a tube for $20 on their website here or for £14.34 available here.

NB: CLĒ does warn that the powder can naturally compress over time, which in turn decreases the powder level.

 

 

 

 

Friday Favourites - Face Oils

Including a face oil in our daily beauty routine has become somewhat of a ritual for us at The Amazing Blog. This week, we’d like to introduce you to four of our favourite luxury face oils that will enchant your senses, revive your skin and keep your complexion feeling supple and hydrated, even as the temperatures drop.

Our first pick is Replenish, a night oil created by the award-winning aromatherapy brand Beatitude. As a brand that we know and love, we have previously written about their Peace Bath Oil. Founded by Rebecca O’Connor, the name of the brand itself represents supreme happiness and blessedness, and according to Rebecca, the brand aims to bring “a sense of happiness, calm and well-being”. We can certainly vouch for this, as the Replenish Oil has become a much-loved part of our wind-down evening routine.

It’s a profoundly nourishing oil that awakens your senses and skin cells, to give your complexion a radiant and healthy glow. With powerful ingredients like rose, neroli and immortelle, it is also anti-ageing, working to combat fine lines and dehydration. Anti-oxidants and vitamins are mixed in a unique formula of rosehip, vitamin E, evening primrose and many more natural plant ingredients. These make our skin feel nourished and rejuvenated, and as the texture is light on the skin, it doesn’t leave the greasy look that most of us fear when considering facial oils. Instead, it absorbs quickly and has become a firm favourite in our nightly beauty routine. It can be used under night cream or stand-alone; apply to the décolleté, neck and face with light upwards massage movements, but be careful to avoid the delicate eye area. Click here to purchase a 30ml bottle of anti-ageing magic for £38.

Up next is a deeply nourishing and natural facial oil, known for its premium anti-ageing properties. Created by experts at Lumity, a brand committed to proving that ageing is more than skin deep, their Natural Anti-Ageing Facial Oil is equally rejuvenating and balancing. The brainchild of Sara Palmer Hussey, Lumity’s products are designed with busy lifestyles in mind, combining vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids to create simple skincare and supplement products. In fact, we reviewed Lumity’s Anti-Ageing Supplements back in 2017, click here to view the post.

This time, we tried the Facial Oil and were pleased to discover that the formula contains 32 different botanical oils and extracts, including passion flower seed oil, known for stimulating skin cells, and marula oil, known for healing powers. Alongside this, the mixture of argan and jojoba seed oil make this a unique and plant-based blend, full of the nutrients that are welcome as winter approaches. This luxurious oil provides smoother skin, and in just 4 weeks, 73% of users noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These are statistics we can back, as members of the Amazing Blog team (not naming any names) have noticed similarly smooth and younger complexions. Lumity's Facial Oil (30ml) is available on their website, standalone for £60 or at a discounted rate of £48 if purchased as part of their monthly subscription.

Our third find this Friday is from Botany Blend; a brand celebrated for combining green beauty and luxury, offering us a range of oils that indulge our minds and bodies. With expertise in aromatherapy products that satisfy your senses, and revitalise the skin, each batch is handmade and all ingredients are sourced sustainably. We love the use of certified organic ingredients and were excited to discover that the products are all made in a small studio on the Devon coast.

We tried the Aceso Oil, which like Botany Blend's other products, is free from essential oils. The formula contains numerous potent antioxidants, alongside Co2 extracted sea buckthorn, rosehip berries, apricot kernel, safflower and Japanese camellia. These are all rich in plant-based fatty acids, helping to nurture even the most sensitive of skin. We found that the oil was easy to apply, and was soothing, yet non-greasy, ideal for use both morning and night. It even acts as a smooth base for makeup, something we would often steer clear of with other oils. If you have sensitive skin or are merely looking for an organic oil that does not contain essential oils, then this will be for you. Purchase your own 30ml bottle of Acesco for £35 here.

Last, but by no means least, we came across Vetivert & Co, a London based brand, founded by Aanu Oduyeni to provide plant-based oils to nourish and repair the skin. Suffering from acne, and dreading scarring, she envisaged a brand that would be free from synthetic fragrances, nut oils and parabens, and suitable for vegans. These goals are something that she has very much achieved, so we were excited to try the Balance Oil.

As with Vetivert & Co's other products, Balance Oil is cruelty-free, and 100% natural, containing a blend of tamanu, seabuckthorn, palmarosa and lavender oils. We found these ingredients not only helped to avoid future breakouts by neutralising and calming the skin, but that they also helped to repair it, aiding with the scarring that many of us are availed with. This oil helps to defy the stereotype that oils will clog pores and worsen acne, as many of us here have been suitably impressed with the long lasting effects. As a lighter oil, this can be used twice daily (morning and evening) and should be gently patted onto damp or dry skin. Combat your acne worries by purchasing a 30ml bottle here for £35.

Face oils often have a reputation of only being necessary for dry or older skin. While there is truth in this statement, we hope to have opened your eyes to the uses of facial oils for all skin types. Whether you have sensitive or acne prone skin, we're sure one of these products will be suitable for you.

Haircare products by Routes Hair Extensions

Those who have hair extensions will know that their hair goes through an incredible amount of wear and tear, from hot straighteners, curling irons, and harsh hairspray. Let's not forget about sweat, spilt drinks, and pulled hair. While out on the town, I think it's fair to say that we’ve all been in the way of a spilt drink at least once!

We at The Amazing Blog are happy to report that we’ve found reliable premium hair products by Routes Hair Extensions, to protect and clean our natural hair and extensions. As one of the leading brands in the UK and USA, Routes Hair Extensions have extensive knowledge of the top professional human hair from around the globe. The hair has been sourced ethically, ensuring the hair has been fairly paid for, measured by length, weight and quality. Their products are guaranteed to be vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. For Routes Hair Extensions, it is essential that there is no illegal and unfair practice and that synthetics are not used. All of their extensions are 100% human Remy hair (cuticle correct). They source luxurious Indian Remy hair and use bonds from Italian keratin, to ensure they last.

Routes Hair Extensions very kindly sent us their collection of haircare products to try. Natural hair has a direct source of nutrients and moisture, whereas hair extensions don’t. Therefore, it's crucial to use the correct products to protect the extensions from everyday damage. Their Shampoo and Conditioner were easy to use, and both have a glorious delicate rose/floral fragrance. We would highly recommend these to everyone (hair extensions or not), as with regular use we certainly noticed their cuticle smoothing properties.  The Protein Therapy is a daily hair treatment which replenishes moisture and shine. There is a significant amount of B5, which moisturises and protects the hair surface, alongside wheat germ (vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, essential fatty acids, thiamine) and wheat proteins which repair the hair and prevent static. Together, all these ingredients create a protective spray which is suitable for all hair types. Our favourite product has to be the Extension Boost. This a wonderful treat for both extension and natural hair, particularly if you have fine hair that tangles easily. Routes recommend this non-greasy formula, to be used bi-weekly; perfect to help you achieve an easy comb through, with a soft and sleek texture and an added bonus of colour enhancement. Et voila! Purchase Routes Hair Extensions' products here: Shampoo 250ml can be purchased for £12.00; Conditioner 250ml for £12.00; Protein Therapy 250ml  for £12.00; Extension Boost 100ml tub for £12.00. 

 

 

Sass+Co - Volcanic Sea Salt & Coconut Scrub

Body positivity is crucial, and one we should all take steps in embracing with acceptance and love. Sass+Co’s philosophy is one to live by – 'respect for others and respect for oneself.' It’s as simple as that. In the digital age, it’s hard not to get caught up in comparisons between one another, as many of us have  witnessed the dreadful public celebrity body shaming! We support wholeheartedly Sass+Co’s mantra that 'beauty has no limitations'The Amazing Blog applauds this company’s dedication to building confident women through this body care product.

Inspired by the earth goddess Pachamama (revered by the indigenous people of the Andes), Sass+Co's natural Volcanic Sea Salt + Coconut Scrub is the perfect bathroom treat for everyone. This Australian brand invites the unconventional and creates products aligned with their mission: Raw and honest. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, contains zero palm oil and nanoparticles, and even has sustainable packaging.

The vital earthy fragrance of the scrub is both light and natural and aids relaxation at the end of a busy day. The sea salt crystals add a gritty consistency to exfoliate, while stimulating blood flow and detoxing the outer body. Additionally, its properties also help heal psoriasis and eczema. The lemon peel essential oil improves circulation and brightens dull skin, and the coconut husk and hemp seed oil moisturise any dry and rough areas. The scrub also reduces cellulite and is anti-ageing. What can't this product do? To learn more about the scrub’s ingredients, and the associated benefits, click here. After using this product, our body felt invigorated and noticeably softer. We think that this could easily become an essential part of our body care routine.

You can purchase a 250g tub from their website for $35, or alternatively, you can purchase the product in a handy 70g resealable pouch for $12 here. For UK customers, there is also an option to pay via PayPal. Happy shopping!

 

Marina Miracle - Amaranth Face Oil & Night Serum

Skincare is an essential process in our daily regimen. Finding the perfect products that fight impurities, without irritating the skin, can be a challenge. The Amazing Blog noticed that the most coveted products are those created by people who understand our wants and needs from skincare. Marina Engervik, the founder of Marina Miracle, gets it. After being a victim of chemical-based skincare lines, Engervik found the solution with natural ingredients. Her formula treats all types of skin and is 100% natural. The Norwegian brand focuses its efforts on carefully selected ingredients, that are of high-quality, luxurious and safe. Marina Miracle products are both vegan and cruelty-free, and 90% certified organic.

We admired the company’s mission, which strives to be sustainable in all aspects of its business strategy – through the ingredients, packaging and supply chain. All packaging is made up of recycled paper and is compostable.  The company’s suppliers are chosen based on their respect for the environment, animals and people, by advocating to select fair-trade.  Additionally, when possible, products are shipped by sea.

The company’s drive to find natural alternatives, with healthier benefits, motivated us to try both the Amaranth Face Oil and Amaranth Night Serum. Both are anti-ageing and work to revitalise the skin. The face oil is hydrating and improves elasticity. After application, your skin is noticeably softer and left with a lasting glow. The all natural face oil has a soothing fragrance of ylang ylang and grapefruit and is made up of Scandinavian herbs, amaranth and Arctic cranberry extract.

The night serum’s aroma of oranges and flowers is soothing and refreshing. It contains amaranth, Argan, chia and natural fruit acids that rejuvenate and tone the skin. As you sleep, the serum soaks deep into the skin, moisturising and evening your complexion. After cleansing your face, shake the bottle well. Then, drip 4-6 drops onto the pads of your fingers, rub together and apply the product. Their Argan Night Serum recently won the 2018 Beauty Shortlist Awards Editor’s Choice. You can purchase the 28ml  Amaranth Face Oil here for £63 or the 28ml Amaranth Night Serum here for £87.