V 10 Plus - Water Base Sunblock SPF 40+++

At The Amazing Blog, we’re getting ready to ditch London's bleak weather for a springtime break. We’re dreaming of somewhere warm and tropical where all we need to pack is our swimsuit, coverup, sandals and sunscreen (of course!) The V 10 Plus Water Base Sunblock will soon become your new best friend going forward from spring to summer. Coming in a compact tube this SPF 40+++ is perfect for protecting your face, neck and decolletage to take on holiday or to wear as an everyday primer under makeup.

V10 Plus was started in Japan by Akiko Yokota and her sister in 2011, and has only just landed here in the UK. The skincare range is made in the Yoktalab in Japan, it’s free from parabens, chemical fragrances, artificial colours. Plus all products are water-based and dermatology tested. V 10 Plus was awarded the Top 25 Prestige Award in 2014 in Singapore, and were recently the official skincare sponsor for Miss Singapore Beauty Pageant in 2019. 

Today we want to talk about their Water Based Sun Block SPF40+++ which full of natural protectants to keep your skin shielded from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Key ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which absorb the harmful UVA/UVB ray spectrum.  Also, the ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, which is a vitamin C derivative, restricts melanogenesis and eliminates free radical. As we all know sunblock is a super important step in our skincare routine both on holiday and at home. The sun’s rays can make your skin age quicker, leading to dark spots and redness, but all of these symptoms can be prevented by using sunblock. V 10 Plus Sunblock is water-based, meaning it won’t be sticky when applied under makeup. It also has a non-powdery finish and sits lightly on the surface of the skin. The sunblock leaves skin feeling moisturised without leaving a white film on the surface, unlike some other sunblocks we could name!

You can purchase the V 10 Plus’ Water Base Sun Block SPF40+++  here for $36, or in-store at Zen Pharmacy in London. At 30 ml, we think it’s the perfect size to take on the plane for a quick weekend sunny getaway.

Les huilettes - Mon huilette night

After a long and tiring day, we at The Amazing Blog can’t think of anything better than taking off our makeup and applying a soothing night serum. What makes  a night serum stand out for us from other skin care products is that they’re jam-packed with ingredients that nourish and brighten your skin while you sleep. We can never get enough of serums, as each one has specific properties to enhance the skin, such as anti-ageing from les huilettes we are referring to, of course, their very special mon huilette night serum. 

The brand was started in France in 2015 by two long-time friends, Pascale Gal and Claire Auzouy. Gal was a pharmacist with a degree in Aromatherapy while Auzouy had a background in luxury gastronomy. Gal desired to ‘return to a simpler beauty, essential and without sacrifice, summed up in a few principles and gestures’. The pair combined their unique experiences to start a cosmetics company that is 100 per cent natural, vegan, and botanical. Les huilettes is also committed to the environment and partnered with Up2green Reforestation, a French nonprofit organisation that helps replant fruit trees in communities affected by deforestation. 

The Mon huilette night serum is made for all skin types to smooth and enhance your skin’s suppleness. Overnight, it leaves your skin looking more radiant overnight and repairs any signs of anti-ageing such as wrinkles and skin dullness. The formula of a ‘plant synergy of essential and vegetable oils to be effective without fluff’makes the night serum stand out. Essential oils like Italian helichrysum have an anti-inflammatory benefit while myrtle and bourbon geranium have therapeutic aromatherapy effects to enhance positive well-being. Argan and avocado oils deeply moisturise and plump your skin while prickly pear cactus prevents the formation of premature wrinkles and lightens dark circles. These elements result in a light-feeling oil serum that melts evenly into your face and neck and doesn’t make you feel greasy. 

A little goes a long way, and you only need 3-5 drops per use. You should purposely but gently massage the serum into your freshly cleansed face for optimal results. However, for extra pampering and an at-home massage, we suggest you watch their serum application video here . On top of it all, rose and white flower leave a tangy and therapeutic scent on your face to relax you before bed. You can join ‘tribe of huilettes’ and amp up your night skin care routine by purchasing the mon huilette night (15ml) here for 45€

Voya Men's Grooming Range

We head over to the glorious the isle that is emerald, for this post, indulging in, without apology, Voya’s dreamy range of men’s skincare- with such a deliciously smelling combination of clove and lime, it certainly wasn’t a hardship - indeed more an exceptionally unrestrained bout of serious pampering. Such a start to the day really sets you up perfectly for what may lie ahead - good or bad (the day we mean!) the skin is certainly going to be in tiptop shape. The girls at The Amazing Blog have already experience the gorgeousness of this organic Irish brand with a few of their goodies including their Hydrating Body Lotion  So now it’s my turn!

The provenance of this range stems from a formidable heritage, rooted in the luxury spa marketwhich originated in the indigenous bathhouse tradition of Co. Sligo. The bathhouses which opened in 1912 may have since closed, but the essential ingredient which continues to provide it’s magic of course remains in bucketfuls … well vat-fulls really. And this essential ingredient which provides such incredibly healing results is of course seaweed. Naturally, the benefits of seaweed have long been known to soothe and heal, but more thorough investigation continues to throw up advantages not simply in deep detoxification, but also in aiding weightloss amongst other things. As nature’s most powerful anti-oxidant from the vegetal world, it’s hydrating and nourishing properties come from it’s plethora of minerals and vitamins, which have proven to effectively treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and acne, and is particularly good for sensitive skin. It also naturally moisturises, whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin’s elasticity and stimulating the renewal of damaged cells.

The Voya Men’s grooming range is totally focused on organic seaweed and the following two scientifically proven and 100% natural active ingredients. Speci’MenTM derived from the Baobab tree, and DEFENSIL®-PLUS: A complex of Blackcurrant Seed Oil and Balloon Vine extract. Here we have a three step routine to savour: An Invigorating Face Wash, (recently awarded Winner in the 2019 Beauty Shortlist Awards) Cooling Shave Gel  and Rejuvenating Moisturiser. These Seaweed-based products use the highest-quality botanical elements and aromatherapy oils in sustainable and historical processes to attain their high level of quality. The organic seaweed itself is harvested by hand to help protect the delicate coastline of West Ireland and no artificial colours or fragrances are used, with all products adhering to the strict COSMOS standard. All this science could easily overshadow the fundamental treat that comes with using this Voya For Men range -  but  we enjoyed, and enjoyment is certainly the route we took! It must also be added that they are perfect for fighting signs of aging, reduce enlarged pores, calm inflammation from shaving and soothe dehydrated skin.

Available here priced at £27.00 for the 125ml Invigorating Face Wash, £23.00 for the same sized Cooling Shaving Gel and £45.00 for the  50ml Rejuvenating Moisturiser … For the level of luxury on offer here, and the chance to bathe in some Irish magic, trust me the cost is well worth it.

Sea Creatures: Life Beneath the Ocean

We are always searching for new and exciting events happening in London, especially those where the whole family can partake. If you’re interested in marine life and the creatures that inhabit our oceans, then dive into Sea Creatures: Life Beneath the Ocean’s immersive experience. The exhibition is making its first European debut this summer, and The Amazing Blog is eager to grab tickets.

With 200 exhibits of 50 full body and 150 body parts of ethically-sourced specimens, visitors learn about marine life and conservation through various tactile approaches. While exploring the anatomy of the sea creatures, the exhibit offers a digital interactive experience for children, virtual reality installations and a mini cinema. The exhibition creates a narrative around sea life that engages its visitors in environmental awareness, through its interesting visuals. This will also be the first time that Hai Hai, the world record-breaking Minke whale will make its way to London.

Before the exhibition’s tour to four UK cities, the London exhibition will open on 27th July until the end of August, at Royal Horticulture Halls, Lawrence Halls. The exhibit is open from 10:00-18:00, with extended hours on Thursdays. Tickets are £18 for adults, £12 for children, or £52 for families (which include tickets for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children). It’s recommended to take public transportation as there isn’t available parking at or near the venue.

The London Art Fair returns for its 30th Anniversary

So here we are, the tinsel is packed away, 2018 has started with high energy, and we here at The Amazing Blog are raring to go and soak up something new and vibrant. Just as well then that the annual London Art Fair  opens it doors on the 17th January, and keeps them open for all us culture vultures until the 21st - book your tickets before the 15th January and you get 40% off … now let’s keep that queue orderly shall we?

Whatever your taste in Contemporary Art, there will be something here for everyone - check out Beaux Arts Bath on Stand G20 for some seriously intriguing work, or Charlie Smith London on Stand 38A for selection of something a little darker. We will be making a bee line for Galerie Olivier Waltman  on Stand G06, as they are showing some seriously delicious pieces, and with a base in both Miami and Paris - what’s not to love?

Of course alongside all the fabulous art on show, being situated at The Business Design Centre in Islington, also means a plethora of choice in restaurants and bars in the surrounding area for refuelling. But of course inside there is the obligatory Champagne Bar for those of us who feel the need, as well The Photo50 and Jack’s Café offering something altogether more wholesome … However, if people watching is your thing - it certainly is ours - then Jack’s Café with views over the whole shebang is also on the menu. We'll look forward to seeing you there!