Friday Favourites: Face Masks

There is nothing better for your body and mind than the occasional pamper day. It is utterly imperative to take the time to give your face and body the attention it needs. We at The Amazing Blog follow a strict rule of giving ourselves a full-blown pamper session at least once a month because it helps us take a moment to breathe, reflect and slow down. Today we've featured a wide range of faces masks so whatever you skin type or budget we think we've got it covered!

If you are like us, then you’re in need of some interstellar relaxation, and the only brand that can meet such space-age promises is Spacemasks. We love that each mask has a stylish star-studded cover so you could literally use it anywhere; at home or on the go. Each box contains five masks guaranteed to whisk you to a world of peace. 

These masks are the perfect way to get your well-deserved beauty rest. Scented with jasmine essence, these masks are incredibly soothing. Added bonus? They heat up when opened, which left us feeling warm and cosy. It was a fantastic way to literally melt away all the stress of the day and drift off to a more beautiful world as we slept.  It is so easy to use this product, just open the pouch and unfold the mask. Then gently place it over your eyes and fit the loops over your ears.  The mask will start heating up pretty quickly as the oxygen reacts with the iron particles in the product. Leave it on for 15 minutes as you drift off to a space far away from Earthly stresses. 

For a better night’s sleep, reduce eye strain and relieve tiredness you can purchase your pack of 5 masks here for £15.00.

The second mask for your next pamper day that we would recommend is the Retexturing Radiance Mask from Lucia Magnani Skincare. One of most luxurious range of skincare that we've seen in a while, we all fell in love with this beautiful faux tortoise shell pot. This brand has a fundamental philosophy that helps them develop all of their products. They believe that their products should help bring out everyone's inner beauty to equip you with a natural radiance and a confident glow. 

This mask has a unique formula based on the individual properties found in the waters and mud of Castrocaro Terme in Italy. It is enriched with antioxidants CoQ10, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Vitamin E. The combination of these ingredients helps the mask to regenerate, strengthen and preserves the skin's structure. The mask works to keep skin looking youthful and radiant. The presence of minerals and other key ingredients with an astringent effect reduces the size of pores, signs of redness and skin irregularities. We found that our skin was looking brighter and more radiant after use, making it the perfect product to lift you when you’re feeling a bit worse for wear. 

The product is the most effective when used 2-4 times a week. Just massage directly onto cleansed skin and leave to dry for around 5-20 minutes before rinsing off. We'd certainly like to try more products from this skincare range. You can purchase the face mask here as part of their 6 part Ben Essere skincare set for £590 which contains all the brands signature products.

The next mask we wanted to introduce you to is the steinEY from Soley.  Containing Wild Icelandic Herbs and Volcanic Ash, this face mask will make you feel Scandi chic in 10 minutes.

The face mask contains minerals that regulate and balance skin, stimulate cellular metabolism and strengthen skin tissues while also reducing the signs of ageing. Packing in an exfoliating effect, the mask will also help to even out skin texture by removing dead skin cells, toxins and other impurities. The rich volcanic clay from Eyjafjallajökull and the Wild Icelandic birch promote the skin’s natural equilibrium, meaning you will be looking like your best self in no time. Mix ½ a teaspoon of the mask with ½ a teaspoon of water and apply evenly to clean skin with fingertips once a week. Leave it on until it dries and turns a light grey, which should take roughly 10 minutes. You can purchase the mask here for £38

Last, but by no means least, we wanted to introduce you to the Chlorella-Algae Mask from one of our favourite brands, ISUN.

This mask is suitable for all skin types and is ideal for people looking for a calming and hydrating gel mask. The mask contains superfood ingredients such as Chlorella-algae and Aloe Vera, which calms, nourishes, soothes and firms the skin. The lavender and rosemary oils in the mask help to enhance the skin-soothing properties and make this a sensory experience as well as a rejuvenating one. We think that this mask is particularly good for those with sensitive skins and the co-owner Tracey Annette suggested: "Chlorella Algae Mask mixed with plain Natural Yoghurt is also excellent for hyper-sensitive skin conditions such as Rosacea." We're already fans for iSuncare skincare and have to say that this mask left our skin feeling more toned and hydrated and we also liked how fresh-faced we felt all day long. You can purchase the ISUN mask here for £52.00

No pampering session is complete without a face mask and we hope you enjoy trying our favourites too. Make your next ‘me time’ all that bit more special.

Argan & Orange Blossom Elixir by SoapNSkin

At The Amazing Blog, we think that everyone needs a go-to product. For us, our number one go-to beauty product is the handmade Argan and Orange Blossom Elixir from SoapNSkin, which is as versatile as it is effective. We cannot live without this product, it is 100% natural, effective on all skin types and can be used on your face, body and hair. Before we discuss the many ways you can use this product and the reasons behind its versatility, we have to tell you a little about SoapNSkin, which is one of our favourite brands. Founded by two mothers, SoapNSkin aims to empower women in any way they can, so not only is their Argan Oil Soil Association Certified, but it is also sourced from a supplier that is dedicated to looking after 600 Berber women that it has employed at its mill. This supplier only employs women and pays them a fair wage as they are often the sole supporters of their families, as well as providing free crèche facilities and education programmes.

Made with ethically sourced organic Argan Oil and Orange Blossom Oil, this beautifully fragranced elixir has a multitude of uses. This is because the Argan Oil moisturises, heals and renews lost vitality in skin and hair, while the Orange Blossom Oil helps to create an enviable glow. The ingredients are packed full of Vitamins A and E, Omega Fatty Acids and anti-oxidants which mean that your skin doesn’t just look better but is actually healthier on a cellular level.

To use this on your face, we would recommend gently massaging a few drops into freshly cleansed skin. The Argan oil is non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog up pores but will leave skin looking more radiant than ever. If you want to heal dry or damaged skin on your body – which can especially occur in the winter months – then we suggest applying the elixir directly to areas of concern and watch skin heal within days. Otherwise merely apply after showering for softer skin. Our favourite use for the elixir has to be when it’s used on hair.  If applied like a serum it will help to control frizz and leave hair glossy, but it also will soften hair and treat an unruly scalp if used as a leave-in conditioning treatment before showering.

We love this product and brand and hope you do too. The product only costs £42.00 and can be purchased here. All profits made from selling the elixir are given back to the communities who help mill the Argan Oil. 
 

Korres- Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Day/Night Cream

The Amazing Blog is a big fan of the brand Korres, and we have reviewed them multiple times in the past. We love them for two reasons; firstly they are inspired by homeopathy and its “mild yet effective approach to skin needs.” Secondly, we are big supporters of the brand because of their ability to produce high-quality products time and time again. Today we are writing about two of our new favourites from the brand, their Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Day Cream and their Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Night Cream. 

Both the day and night creams are advanced, non-greasy formulas that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They restore skin to a more youthful state by helping it become firmer and regain its elasticity. Both products are driven by the revolutionary molecule Active HALupeol and Castanea Arcadia (Arcadian Chestnut tree.) These ingredients work to protect the skin’s essential structural elements such as collagen and glycoproteins. Overall, the creams give weaker and older skin suppleness and youthfulness. Our skin was left positively glowing and wonderfully smooth to the touch. 

Not only are the products amazingly effective on skin, but they contain over 90% natural ingredients, making them the perfect products for eco-conscious people trying to avoid nasty parabens. The Day Cream is 93.3% natural and the Night Cream is 96.1% natural. They could not be easier to use, simply massage into skin once in the morning and once in the evening and watch as the effects quickly begin to take effect. 

You can purchase the Day Cream here for around £39.40 and the Night Cream here for roughly £39.40. Although prices are listed in Euros PayPal is available which will allow you to pay in Pounds. 

Hydra-Mattifying Cream by Karethic

Shea Butter is a hero ingredient in the eyes of The Amazing Blog, but it is also an ingredient often taken for granted and side-lined.  We bet though that if you were to look at the back of every moisturiser and hydrating or nourishing cream you own, Shea butter would be listed. We love the brand Karethic as they are a brand giving the spotlight back to this nourishing and hydrating ingredient.  Their mission as a company is to promote the Shea Butter story. For them, not only is it a miracle product but is also a symbol of African spirituality, a gift of nature that has been passed down through the generations. Our favourite product of theirs is the Hydra-Mattifying Cream, which is an excellent showcase of the power or Shea Butter.  All Karethic’s products are entirely organic and vegan so that everyone can use them!

The Hydra-Mattifying Cream is a must have product for those of you who don’t enjoy a shiny face in the summer. It left our skin looking attractively dewy as opposed to the undesirable sweaty glimmer that can happen in the more humid months. The Shea Butter helps to soothe and calm skin while nourishing it to create a healthy and natural glow. The other ingredients, such as the Roman chamomile floral water, purifies skin helping to clear it up and balance the face’s complexion while the rice powder immediately mattifies the face. The product should be applied in the morning and evening after cleansing the face. This product is amazingly natural with 99.4% of all the ingredients being from a natural origin and 57.8% from organic farming. Nothing in this product will irritate or aggravate skin, making it ideal for all skin put is particularly effective on oily to combination skin.

You can purchase the Hydra-Mattifying Cream here for around £14.00. Prices are listed in Euro’s but the product is purchasable through PayPal where you will be charged in Pounds.

Friday Favourites - Tanning Feature

Warmer seasons are slowly starting to creep up on us, which only means one thing: serious tanning prep! Here at The Amazing Blog, we are big fans of fake tanning and believe that everyone should be a little bit bronzed. So, we have come up with a few products to get you looking tip top in time for the summer.

It’s essential to prep your skin before applying your tanning lotion, and Kissed by Mii has got you covered. By using Seriously Smoothing Exfoliator and Moisturiser, you will be prepped and ready for a streak free and even glow. Prepare your skin by first using the exfoliator. Getting rid of dead skin helps create a smooth and flawless tan while also removing any tan left over from a previous time.

After using the exfoliator, the Seriously Smoothing Moisturiser will hydrate and prime your skin for a longer lasting glow. Paying particular attention to moisturise dry areas such as elbows and knees will help you avoid uneven spots.

Your skin is now ready to receive the Effortlessly Easy Tanning Mousse - Delicately Light. This blend of red seaweed, green algae and coral seaweed, will be perfect for the first-timers. With a light and airy texture, easy to apply and very fast to dry, the mousse will give you the perfect flawless tan in 6-8 hours. We particularly love its fresh marine scent which remind us our long walk along the seafront.

To get ready for the maximum glow, check out the Seriously Smoothing Exfoliator here for £12.95, the Seriously Smoothing Moisturiser here for £13.95 and the Effortlessly Easy Tanning Mousse - Delicately Light here for £23.95.

Benefit has just created a great range to give you that enviable summer glow, and we were excited when they sent us the newest members of their bronzing line, Hoola Zero Tanlines and Dew The Hoola, launching tomorrow (March 12th)! The Hoola Zero Tanlines will give you bronzed skin for up to 12 hours, streak free! Apply all over the body for instant colour with the hands free sponge applicator. It gives you an even tan while avoiding orange hands. We also adore the subtle beachy fragrance that lightly sticks on the skin.

Once we have tanned our bodies, we can use Dew The Hoola liquid bronzer for a lightweight, natural, and shimmerless glow on the face. The liquid bronzer is perfect for year-round because of its soft-matte finish and seamless blending ability. You’ll look and smell like you’ve just returned from paradise.

 ‘Hoola your way to a beachin bod!’ Get Hoola Zero Tanlines here for only £19.50, and Dew The Hoola here for £22.50!

There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning after carefully applying your tan to find that most of it has come off on your bedsheets. With Bronzie to save the day, that can now be a thing of the past. The onesie is designed to keep and protect your fake tan; you can say goodbye to streaky legs and a stained bedsheet.

Here is how the Bronzie system works: the fabric is made from a lightweight versatile material which has been specially designed to glide over just-tanned skin. It features underarm mesh knit panels to ensure that your skin can breathe. There is a velour hood for added comfort as well as an asymmetrical zip to allow you to ease your body in and out, so you have minimal contact post tan. The Bronzie is designed to be worn everywhere: the salon, the shops, around the home, and to bed—making it the ultimate lounge wear.

Available in Gold label or Classic; look gorgeous and have a streak free tan by getting your Bronzie here for £34.99.