Eye of Horus: Sacred Earth Palette

If you’re one of our loyal readers on The Amazing Blog then you’ll know, that if there is one natural cosmetics brand that we love, it’s Eye Of Horus, all the way from Byron Bay. We’ve reviewed several of their eyeliners, eye shadow palettes and mascaras previous here but today we’re featuring a new launch which is their Sacred Earth Palette which we think would make a wonderful gift for any make-up aficionados friends.

Eye Of Horus was born out of a passion for natural ingredients combining ancient Egyptian beauty secrets. They wanted to create make-up products that would perform and bring confidence to all women helping them to look and feel like goddesses! All products are inspired by these same techniques and key raw ingredients that have been tried and tested since ancient times. These include essential oils and natural waxes, where the brand is respectful of nature and the planet. Eye of Horus works hard to be as sustainable and ethical as they can be, with their production processes and by using recycled materials for their packaging. As some of you may know, most of their products are organic and vegan, and never tested on animals. However, just because their make-up is organic, sustainable and cruelty-free, it doesn’t mean that it has to have a limited number of exciting colours or products. This is where Eye Of Horus steps up by offering a new range with lipsticks, glosses, illuminators, cheek colour; adding to their already extensive collection of colourful eye pencils, liquid liners, mascaras and eye shadows. This is one of the reasons why they are a multi-award brand, their hero product the award-winning Goddess Mascara.

The Sacred Earth Palette is part of the new Glow Collection, which is aimed at modern-day Goddesses. Especially those who need performing products that are quick and easy to use and fit into a tight schedule; as co-founder Holly Spiering says: ‘We created the Glow Collection for the busy everyday Goddess in mind. We wanted these palettes to be super versatile, easy to apply, with products that can be used on your face, your eyes, and your cheeks, to give you that really beautiful, youthful look, while still showcasing our EOH signature glow.” This 100% vegan palette is a must-have to create a fresh and sun-kissed everyday look, even in winter! Enriched with desert clay, moringa oil - the oil of Pharaohs – goldenseal and olive leaf extract it’s suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. This all-in-one product features their signature ‘Bronze Ochre’ bronzer and ‘Luxor Light’ highlighter, as well as two beautiful blush powders – ‘Persian Peach’, and ‘Sienna Blush’ – that can also be used as eyeshadows for a beautiful and youthful look. The ‘Persian Peach’ is perfect for a fresh-face look, while it can be used alone, you can also blend it with the ‘Sienna Blush’. This vibrant-looking pink colour has gorgeous gold undertones and therefore complements all skin tones. There are many ways that you can use this complexion palette, but for a simple everyday working Goddess look, here is what Eye Of Horus advises: Start by applying the ‘Bronze Ochre’ to define your cheekbones, nose, and any other feature you want to define. Then apply ‘Sienna Blush’ or ‘Persian peach’, or both blushes to your cheeks, highlight with ‘Luxor Light’ above the blush and anywhere you want to add extra glow. For the eyes, apply ‘Bronze Ochre’ into the crease, add ‘Sienna Blush’ on the lid, and finish off with ‘Luxor Light’ on brow bone, inner corner, and lid. When we used this Sacred Earth Palette, we remembered why we love this brand so much; all the colours complement each other to create a natural look, the colours are easy to apply, blend well and last all day long! Once again, well-done Eye Of Horus, with this Sacred Earth Palette. Want to bring out your inner Goddess for Christmas? Then purchase this complexion palette here for £48.

Elo Cosmetics - Hydra Derm Clay Mask, Soothing Lavender Mist & Hand & Body Moisturizer

At The Amazing Blog, we find that simplicity is best, and that’s why today we’ve chosen to talk about an indie vegan skincare that contains only a few simple key ingredients. Meet the Canadian-French brand Elo Cosmetics who pride themselves on being ‘the new face of vegan skincare’. 

Elo Cosmetics was born from a challenge when the two founders Elodie and Luis took up a ‘pas cap’ contest.  As devout vegans, they would try to outdo each other, by finding beauty products with the purest vegan ingredients that mirrored their values, but also didn’t have a long list of ingredients, that they had to decipher! Having drawn a blank in finding their perfect products, this prompted them to create their own natural and 100% vegan skincare and cosmetics, partnering with a Canadian formulator to help develop their range. They are all about keeping it simple, from the branding to the ingredients.

We were sent three of their skincare products. The first is one of their three clay masks, the Hydra-derm Clay Mask which has its key ingredient of kaolin clay, rich in vitamins, minerals, silica and offers a neutral pH balance. This ultra-hydrating face mask will both nourish and remove impurities from the skin balancing the hydration and leaving it smoother, softer and more supple. The clay helps to remove sebum from the skin's surface and has a calming effect on any inflamed breakouts. It also contains vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant protecting skin from damage caused by free radicals. This pale green mask has the addition of avocado oil, rich in protein and fatty acids as well as vitamins A, D, and E which protect and also increase collagen production. The grapeseed oil is high in omega-6 fatty acid, fortifying the skin's barrier aiding the reduction of water loss. While other ingredients such as almond oil reduces puffiness and under-eye circles and the chamomile, has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Finally, the aloe vera will moisturise the skin, boost healing and fighting skin ageing. This clay mask is a powerhouse of antioxidants and ideal for revitalising and hydrating the complexion. We used it in the evening, applying it to the face for 10-15 minutes then rinsing off in warm water, it gave us silky soft skin. You can find it here for $21.99.

Following the face mask, we used the Soothing Lavender Mist, again, this is one of three face mists from their range. This nourishing mist will soothe irritated skin and detoxify; it will moisturise helping to regenerate and repair cells, offering a healthier-looking complexion. The lavender, besides having anti-inflammatory properties it will calm dry skin. The blend has the deep hydrator aloe vera and chamomile (properties discussed in the above paragraph). The cucumber here will detoxify the skin and boost elasticity and decrease water loss. Say goodbye to inflammations and skin breakouts with this mist! This subtly fragranced lavender mist has hyaluronic acid, providing excellent hydration which in turn improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Finally, there is vitamin C that will even out skin tone and resveratrol to brighten tired-looking complexions and minimising any redness. This Soothing Lavender Mist we used to freshen up the skin not only after using the face mask but throughout the day. What we love is that this will combat free radical damage and enhance collagen production. The Soothing Lavender Mist can be found here for $23.99.

We’re saving our favourite until last, the Hand & Body Moisturizer. This is a non-greasy and rich lotion that quickly absorbs into the skin.  Its fragrance is a delicate, a combination of green tea and chamomile. It has a high concentrate of aloe vera that will instantly heal dry skin and help to reverse any sun damage. We used it on the face, hands and body, which left us with a velvety soft skin, we think this is a great multitasker and one to take for a weekend away when luggage has to be kept to bare a minimum. it’s designed to keep skin radiant, smooth and deeply nourished as well as counteracting the effect of pollution. The benefits of the green tea here are as an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The matricaria flower extract, (aka chamomile) is a natural healer and contains tannic acid for skin calming. Finally, the lanolin oil (which we presume is sourced from plant butter not wool?) is known to be an emollient or balm which restores water loss and soothes dehydrated skin. This product, in particular, was a hit with us all and you can find this Hand & Body Moisturizer lotion here for $19.99. 

We’d also love to try their cosmetics range of vegan eyeshadows and glitters – which we think would be perfect for the forthcoming winter months and party season ahead.

Sanda – Rose & Cardamom Aromatherapy Eye Pillow

Sometimes with this ever-changing world in which we live, it’s hard to remember to stop, take a moment, be mindful and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Today at The Amazing Blog we’re excited to introduce you to something new with the Sanda Aromatherapy Eye Pillow. These therapeutic and calming eye pillows focus on evoking feelings through their scent. The calming and uplifting scents produced help to relieve stress and anxiety, perfect for this #stayathome moment and their Aromatherapy Eye Pillows are also very eco-friendly. 

Jo Bennett, the founder and designer behind Sanda, started the company after working in the textile industry and becoming a certified yoga instructor. This is when she had a light-bulb moment, deciding to merge her two passions, thus creating her Aromatherapy Eye Pillow. Launched this year, Sanda Aromatherapy Eye Pillows serve as a reminder to everyone to take time out of their day to decompress. We love that they’re handmade here in the UK in 100% organic linen, dyed botanically and contain only natural plant ingredients. Let’s not forget to mention too that their eye pillow sleeve is made from 100% recycled paper with vegetable printed inks. While the Eye Pillows are her primary product, Sanda also sells tote bags to store your eye pillow in or take to yoga class. Based on your preference, the pillows can be heated or cooled. To use warm - put the pillow in the microwave and heat for 20-30 seconds, and to use cold- let it cool in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. The pillows come in seven different scents such as the uplifting Orange & Cinnamon, Pine & Sage or Eucalyptus & Peppermint; or a relaxing Rose & Chamomile, Lavender & Rose, or Lavender & Chamomile.

We were sent the calming Rose & Cardamom eye pillow, and love its delicious smell of roses, which soothes and helps relieve anxiety. The cardamom helps to calm and promote emotional balance – which is rather timely for us at the moment! Upon touch, the pillow is incredibly soft and made up of only three ingredients: Flaxseeds, rose and cardamom. The linen cover is naturally dyed with madder root to give it a beautiful pale pink. Together these perfectly contour to the face and around the eyes, thus relieving tension and aiding relaxation. The pillow also stimulates meditation and peaceful sleep. There are both cosmetic and health benefits with the cooling technique as it helps reduce headaches and puffy eyes. We recommend adding this eye pillow, to help your relaxation technique during your day. Visit the Sanda to choose from one of their seven heavenly scented eye pillows. Or you can buy the Rose & Cardamom Aromatherapy Eye Pillow here for £22.00.

London International Mime Festival 2020

Let this New Year begin with laughter and joy as you soak up brilliant talent, skill and humour at the London International Mime Festival 2020. Commencing on the 8th of January until the 3rd of February, the 44th year of London’s Annual International Contemporary Visual Theatre Festival is here to keep you entertained, gleeful and excited. Be sure to find your way to at least one if not all the shows coming up at theatres around town such as The Soho Theatre, Shoreditch Town Hall, and Wilton’s Music Hall etc. Missing these astonishing, fascinating and exquisite performances will mean forfeiting the opportunity to experience one of the best mime shows in the world.

With 20 performances going on throughout the early year, the festival is pulling in talent from all ends of the world including Puppetry from New York and France, a dance theatre company from Belgium as well as talent from Australia amongst various others ensuring they’ve got something or the other for the diverse and distinct taste of all Londoner’s. 

First, we’d like to introduce Australian artist Fleur Elise Noble who has spent seven dedicated years towards creating The Magical Universe of Rooman. The show incorporates a rich tapestry of puppetry, projection, moving animation, dance, music and sound effects. Rooman highlights a fable of romance, fantasy and the eventual pursuit of happiness. Centred around a girl meeting a kangaroo man in her sleep, Fleur Elise Noble explores the theme of romance, life and furthermore the human psyche. On at The Pit in Barbican from the 14th – 18th January, book your tickets online for only £18.

Up next is BOYS presented by The PappyShow (UK), a celebration of male tenderness, silliness, vulnerability and community performed by a cast of exceedingly talented young men. Unscripted and refreshing, each story is told uniquely in every performance. BOYS is a joyful, electric, occasionally raw but always tender piece that hopes to unravel preconceptions and uncover the endless possibilities that can make up a man. Brought to life in 2013 by director Kane Husbands, the PappyShow is one of London’s finest theatrical ensembles.  On at the Southbank Centre's Purcell Room on the 20th and 21st of January, the show has been said to be an essential viewing for every boy, so be sure to get your tickets well in time! Tickets are priced at an easy and affordable £18.

Last but certainly not least is Optraken created by the ferociously talented Galactik Ensemble. Unstable ground disappears underfoot, walls wobble, ceilings collapse, danger’s come from every side. Forget elegant tumbling and spangly tights – this wonderfully inventive and original piece of physical theatre is a battle in which every movement matters for survival as five breathtaking acrobats pit themselves against a hostile environment. The show proves to be spectacular, impressive, unpredictable and enormous fun at The Peacock from the 29th of January to the 1st of February online. Ticket prices range from £15 - £45 depending on the seats you choose to buy.

Finally, we at The Amazing Blog highly recommend you see a minimum of one of the twenty shows being putting on by the London Mime Festival not only to enjoy the various talents of the participants but also to give yourself that much-needed break from your hectic schedules! Hop on over to their official website here for more information regarding the same.