Albiva - ECM Advanced Repair Brightening Serum

Everyone knows that the weather conditions here in the UK are wildly unpredictable. One minute it’s rain, the next sun, and who knows what the following day might be doing - snowing?! All these temperature changes effect our skin with varying degrees of dryness or break-outs. Which prompted our mission at The Amazing Blog to look for a natural skincare to protect and nourish it rain or shine. This is where we’d like to introduce you to Albiva (who we met at the CEW Awards showcase) a new natural skincare where science meets nature, and they kindly sent us their ECM Advanced Repair Brightening Serum to try out.

Ivana Iesini founder of Albiva, was diagnosed with a spinal tumour at the age of 28, where she was having to combine so many conventional medicines, that it started to make her feel worse. During her months of recuperation, she thought about her grandmother, Albina who was a herbalist. She remembered the natural remedies that she was introduced to from an early age, and the power of all these botanicals used to help heal and regenerate the body. Her journey into launching Albiva had begun. The name is a portmanteau combining the name of Ivana’s grandmother and her own. Ivana combined her knowledge of these natural remedies, her studies in biomedical sciences together with embracing an organic way of life, and bingo! From this, Albiva skincare gradually took shape combining her knowledge of science and natural compounds, all collated from sustainable sources. Another thing that sets this brand apart is their use of ‘gemmotherapy’ (an advanced branch of phytotherapy, which isolates the active ingredients from the embryonic tissues of plants). They also remove plain water from their formulations, where Albiva prides itself on replacing the plain water with COSMOS certified organic Raspberry water, this in itself is an active ingredient renowned for firming, lifting and smoothing properties. There are skin-identical and cell communicating ingredients, all designed to stimulate cell regeneration using the skin’s own cell biology. Let’s not forget to mention the ultra-hydrating blend of botanical extracts, powerful antioxidants, collagen supporting ingredients, peptides, ceramides, compound of oligo-elements, phyto-stimulins, nucleid acids, marine algae extracts, essential fatty acids and many more. Now you know why this brand is so very special!

The ECM Advanced Repair Brightening Serum (ECM means extra cellular matrix) combats hyperpigmentation (age spots) and equalises the skin texture providing natural minerals and vitamins that the skin might be lacking. This serum rejuvenates and restores damaged skin by combining an array of natural botanicals: Mallow, Peppermint, Cowslip, Lady’s Mantle, Speedwell, Melissa, and Yarrow together with Swiss Garden Cress extract; all to enhance the complexion protecting it from environmental damage. It is vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologically tested, contains 77% of certified organic ingredients and 92% of natural ingredients. We like that it’s light in texture, absorbs quickly (no oiliness), with the subtlest of fragrance and left our skin feeling hydrated and looking brighter. We used it under our regular moisturiser and SPF primer, and were pleased to note that it complemented these other products. This serum is suitable for all skin types, so whether you are combating age spots or the effects of the erratic UK summer weather, the ECM Advanced Repair Brightening Serum is going to be your perfect ally. This is one brand to keep an eye on, as we’ll predict they’ll being going places…. To get your very own special serum, go to Albiva’s website here 30ml for £195.00.

Real Kombucha

Have you noticed that increasingly at events or in restaurants, where once there would be a choice of either red or white, or perhaps champagne with the non-alcoholic options of water or maybe juice sitting forlorn alongside? Well things have taken a welcome turn with some very exciting new offerings to tickle our taste buds whilst giving our livers the night off, welcome Real Kombucha.

This company has taken the concept and is firing it up to new heights. Real Kombucha was established in 2016 by David Begg, a self-proclaimed foodie who having given up the sauce, found that he missed the opportunity to pair various foods with something decent to drink. A family holiday to India provided the real impetus for developing a tea which would offer up similar depths of flavour that we enjoy in wine, but without the alcohol, that then could sit alongside different dishes. Working alongside Adrian Hodgson, an expert in nutrition, and Will Battle, a tea expert, this entrepreneurial team came up with three delicious choices: Dry Dragon, Royal Flush and Smoke House all who’s flavours are derived from the fermentation of high-end teas. Our favourite at The Amazing Blog, came in as Royal Flush, but that is probably because we are huge fans of Darjeeling, which is the primary ingredient here. But where this range stands out from the crowd is its versatility, not simply with any type of food, but also in opening up new avenues for cocktails, aperitifs and even desert wines, all alcohol free.

Got your interest? Then click here, if you order by 3pm, you’re promised our Real Kombucha will be with you the next day. The choice of a case of 6 or 12 bottles. As a starter, why not try the half-mixed case at £12.69 (6 bottles) so you can thoroughly enjoy each option? A case of 12 will cost £24.39 with delivery from £4.99. 

Walford-Richards Designs - The Best Makeup Brush Cleaner

Cleaning brushes such a tedious task that we all tend to put off until there is no way to avoid it. At The Amazing Blog, we were as lazy and reluctant at cleaning brushes as anyone until we discovered Walford-Richards Designs The Best Makeup Brush Cleaner, a real revolution. The brush cleanser was created by James Walford-Richards who used his expertise to create a brush cleaner more efficient than any other in the market. The Best Makeup Brush Cleanser is hand-poured in the UK and contains ethically sourced ingredients; it is also cruelty-free and is produced with Vegan ingredients.

This handcrafted brush cleansing balm not only deeply cleanses make-up brushes and sponges but is also anti-bacterial and conditioning meaning that it enhances the longevity of the brushes leaving them clean and fresh.  This highly effective, beautifully scented brush cleanser is essential to any make-up enthusiast or artist and should be part of a regular routine. Unclean brushes collect dust, dirt and plenty of bacteria which in turn transfers onto your skin creating spots and blemishes. This brush cleaning balm helps you take the best care of your skin.

At The Amazing Blog, we absolutely love this quick and practical solution for cleaning our brushes. It's brilliant in the way it quickly deeply cleanses both brushes and sponges removing all make-up and build up, leaving them softer and fluffier than before. We must all add that this cleansing balm smells amazing and leaves a fresh and clean lemon scent on the brushes. This product impressed us and we'd recommend this without hesitation for cleaning and maintaining your make-up brushes. You can purchase the brush cleaner here for £25.00.

Odylique - Gentle Herb Shampoo

Here at The Amazing Blog we all have different hair types and hair needs, which can change over time. As a result, the chance to try something new is always welcomed with open arms.

Gentle Herb Shampoo from Odylique is the first shampoo to achieve Soil Association approval, meaning that it complies with UK, European and International standards. This rare accolade highlights the commitment to the environment which Odylique products display. Additionally, the shampoo emits a luxurious smell with gentle texture, creating a product which is packed with natural goodness. Containing Rosemary, Chamomile and Aloe Vera, the shampoosoftens, nourishes and scents hair in a gorgeously organic way. The benefits of natural herbs and oils combined with the absence of harsh detergents means that after a week or so of regular use, you should find that you don't need a separate conditioner. We loved that we could skip using conditioner occasionally, as it meant more time in the mornings for us.  

Odylique products are available through many different outlets but the Gentle Herb Shampoo is available through a distributor herefor £10.50. 

Senspa - Bath Salts

Here at The Amazing Blog, we appreciate the importance of a good long soak in the bath once in a while, with all our lotions and potions! So when Senspa sent us a bag of their 100% natural Himalayan Bath Salts we couldn't wait to turn the taps on.

One of the most important aspects of bath and shower products is the smell. If something dissolves into the water to give off a gorgeous fragrance, it’s immediately 10 times more appealing. So, when we opened the Senspa salts, we were blown away by the intensity of the Lavender, Rose and Cedarwood fragrance and were immediately hooked. This on its own can be intense but pour under hot water and it’s a delight, filling the bathroom with a sweet floral fragrance. Made with 100% Himalayan salts and mined by hand, they are premium grade pure and unrefined and considered to be the purest in the world as they contain upwards of 84 minerals and trace elements. These include calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium which are all released when mixed with warm water. The bath salts can be used in handfuls for daily bathing but if you fancy removing the toxins from your body in one go, the whole bag (500g) can be used for concentrated use. Soaking for 20 minutes is recommended before rinsing any residue off. We highly recommend a soak with Senspa especially after a long and sweaty commuting day. These salts take away any impurities that you may have and leave the skin feeling soft, fresh and infused with rose and lavender.  Best of all, afterwards you'll simply feel like a new woman!

 You can purchase your own Senspa Himalayan Bath Salts here for £5.95.