IDUN Minerals: 2-in1 Pressed Powder & Foundation

Mineral makeup is a hot favourite at The Amazing Blog not only for being waterless and bacteria-free but also for its pure mineral content. Today we are featuring a 2-in-1 Pressed Powder & Foundation, from the established Swedish mineral makeup brand IDUN Minerals.

IDUN Minerals is a Swedish beauty brand founded by Göran Agard. The brand was launched in 2011 with a purposeful mission to bring ‘simply, pure and clean’ products into daily makeup routines. They also cite themselves as an industry role model within the beauty sector, offering high-quality, vegan, cruelty-free, and environmental-friendly cosmetics.  Their makeup, haircare and skincare products are based on a few highly purified minerals which are deemed beneficial to skin; all of which are suitable for sensitive skin or for those with skin issues such as acne and rosacea. IDUN Minerals’ products are sold exclusively at pharmacies, meaning that its products meet the international pharmacies’ high safety and quality standards. Committing to sustainability, IDUN Minerals has created their products using recyclable packaging, no microplastics or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), these are made only with sustainable content. These are then transported globally by using a low-pollution shipping method. What we thought was interesting, is that the IDUN Minerals mineral powder foundation is the only cosmetic product on the market to be recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

We had the opportunity to try out the award-winning 2-in-1 Pressed Powder & Foundation, which can be used as both a foundation and setting powder.  It is currently available in three different shades Sarek (light), Skärgård (light to medium) and Österlen (medium), and if you’re unsure of what will suit you, see their skin tone guide here. What makes this Pressed Powder Foundation unique is the clever design, where the application pad is stored under the pressed powder, opening and retracting from the compact with the lid’s automatic movement. This is a double-sided application pad (with smooth or porous), so depending on the desired effect wanted, the smooth side can be used for setting powder to remove shine; or the porous side for apply the powder as a foundation allowing for light to medium buildable coverage. Suitable for all skin types, it doesn’t contain talc, oil, silicone, perfume, bismuth or preservatives (such as parabens) or any substances that might cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Here there is a high concentration of minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients. For example, the silica in the formula builds up the skin’s strength and elasticity and stimulates cellular regeneration. The mica gives the skin a smoothing, radiant effect and protects against damage caused by free radicals. And the natural oils such as passion fruit oil and sunflower seed oil, makes the powder feel light and smooth on the skin, and prevents it from clogging the pores. What we like, is that it keeps skin looking silky smooth and matte. This Pressed Powder Foundation is a recent winner in the 2020 Scandinavian Global Makeup Awards: Gold for Best Foundation and Silver for Best Design & Packaging; and we can see why, with its excellent light texture and coverage and innovative compact design. We think this Pressed Powder & Foundation is Ideal to keep in a handbag for quick touch-ups throughout the day; and unlike some other pressed mineral foundations that we’ve tried, this won’t leave you looking overdone or cakey. If you’re looking for a foundation that will allow your skin to breathe and one that offers you even and natural coverage, then look no further! You can purchase the 2-in-1 Pressed Powder & Foundation in 7.7g here for €27.

Benny Hancock For Men: Moisturising Face Perfector SPF 15

Taking care of our skin is nothing new. Each of us has, to some extent, a daily routine to try and keep skin looking at its best. However, men’s skin, and the look they want to achieve, can be quite different from that of women. We know 30% of our readership is men, which is why at The Amazing Blog we wanted to introduce this best-selling new all-in-one lightweight moisturiser and foundation Moisturising Face Perfector from Benny Hancock For Men. 

Working closely with celebrities, supermodels, and VIPs for over a decade, Benny Hancock is an influencer and a global industry pro-makeup artist who understands men’s skin and their priorities when looking for a makeup. After realising men’s increasing need for makeup, he founded Benny Hancock For Men, with a masculine-looking range of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics, to help men build their confidence and enhancing their appearance. He believes that “makeup for men should enhance rather than conceal” and, therefore, has worked hard to design products that are feel invisible, are convenient, and long-lasting. Benny Hancock For Men is an innovative brand that combines high-tech and wearable formulations to achieve the perfect makeup look that men are seeking out.  

With the Moisturising Face Perfector what we like is that this product is a multi-tasker. It works as both as a moisturiser and foundation. While the hydrogenated coconut oil and argan oil it hydrates the skin just like a moisturiser, the fragrance-free formula provides natural yet buildable coverage that disguises uneven skin tone and imperfections without being sticky or cakey. The SPF 15, along with vitamin E, silica, and Ectoin, protects your skin from UVA/B rays and is clinically proven to create a barrier that defends against pollutants. This foundation is available in five different skin-compatible shades, and if you’re unsure of what colour suits you the best, you can use their ‘Virtual Try-On Mirror’ to find the perfect match, using the camera on your smartphone or computer. As a tip, they advise using the buffing brush to apply the foundation for best result, but it can also be applied with the fingers - if unarmed combat is more your thing! Men’s makeup, is still a relatively new concept for your average bloke. Our tester (that bloke) not one to normally wear makeup, was curious and sceptical all at the same time. We gave him the shade of NC15 fair to try. Our powers of persuasion which involved pointing him to the tutorial at Benny Hancock on ‘How to Use’ and telling him about how the SPF factor and ingredients would protect his face from the sun and city pollutants - he was off and running. Much to his (and our) surprise he was amazed at how natural it looked! He later confessed to having it as one of his ‘empties’ with a view to reordering. You can purchase this 30ml Moisturising Face Perfecter SPF 15  here  for £25.

ST.. essentials: Eco-Friendly Shimming Body Glitter Gel & Loose Glitter Eyeshadow Pigment

With Spring almost here, at The Amazing blog we just can’t wait for lighter mornings and longer days.  However, we’re still in need of adding a little sun-kissed shimmer to our dull wintery skin.  And what better way than to use some serious sparkle from a young and inclusive brand ST..essentials. 

ST..essentials recently launched last year, and is more than just makeup it’s a movement. The brand is founded by Sheena Ellington and Temi Alebiosu, two young women who are both passionate about cosmetics.  They have built this concept around their core brand values with a particular focus on inclusivity, making them a stand out from other traditional cosmetic brands. ST.. essentials wants to spread a message of positivity through their products, regardless of skin tone, sexuality or body size, so that everyone can glow!  Their cosmetics are cruelty-free, vegan and eco-friendly. Wherever possible, products are refillable and ingredients are natural. Their aim is to make their customers feel pretty and confident while also taking care of the planet, “Within the brand, it is very important that everybody who comes in to contact with our brand, feels an instant vibe of positive energy.” This artisan brand offers a range of products that are not only handmade but affordable and easy to use.

They sent us two products, the first was the Eco-Friendly Shimming Body Glitter Gel  in ST. Dhabi Gold. This is a must-have to get THAT glow and a great multi-purpose product that can be used on the face and body. We’d suggest using it as an brow shimmer or as a subtle touch to highlight cheekbones. It’s also perfect to use on the body to that dewy glistening look, and with the added plus of the vanilla oil, it gives out a sweet scent. Our personal favourite was to use it on our shoulders and decolletage to accentuate and catch the light. With the two different shades, it offers a choice of light or rich gold which will complement any skin tone. In the ingredients there is aloe vera which well known for its multiple benefits such as cooling and soothing; the macadamia nut oil here is filled with antioxidants, vitamins and essentials fatty acids, to nourish the skin as well as make it shine. The only ingredient here that we aren’t so keen on is the phenoxyethanol which depending on the amount in this product, may cause some skin irritation or sensitivity. The Shimming Body Glitter Gel works so well thanks to the eco-friendly tiny mica /titanium dioxide particles which gives the product its twinkle. this is, a natural ingredient that reflects ST..essentials' commitment to the environment. ST. Dhabi Gold here for £23.99, or as a refill at £10.99.

The brand also sent us their Eco-friendly Loose Glitter Eyeshadow Pigment in Silver Coast Once again, we loved the versatility of this product as it can be used on the face, body, hair or nails (under clear polish). Indeed, not only perfect for an ultra-reflective eye look but also perfect for adding a body highlight - we even used it with a stencil to create some body art. We recommend applying a small amount of a plant-based balm either with a brush or your fingers. This can be anywhere on your body, face, hair. Then sprinkle some Loose Glitter on it and you’re good to go. Please use with caution, when applying around your eye area due to the fine particles which might fall into the eye. It’s easy to remove and washes off with warm water and soap, or by using regular makeup remover. You’ll love experimenting with this Silver Coast Eco-Friendly Loose Glitter as well as their other six colours in the range, perfect for creating your own super-glam looks for getting ready for après-lockdown and the summer festivals (fingers crossed!). We feel it's important to highlight once again, that the pigments used here in both products are made using the finest of earth's natural ingredients, natural mica, a soft silicate mineral that can be found in many forms. You can purchase the Eco-friendly Loose Glitter Eyeshadow Pigment (in silver Coast) in 5g here for £7.00.  These cosmetics will make you glitter like a goddess - even during lockdown!

Tuesday 2 March: The 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards

**BIG CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 🥳 TO ALL THE WINNERS **

Today we're celebrating NATURE.

There's been a special energy around the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards this year, which is so cheering when we've all been wading through a heavy, "abnormal" and often difficult year.

These awards are not particularly easy to win, it's quite a wait from 1 September to Tuesday 2 March to find out if you have won.

But fortune favours the brave, Awards Day is here at last, and it's time to share the 🧡.

2021 highlights and emerging trends include:

* inclusive beauty (a priority for the industry)
* plantable packaging (you can compost at home)
* CBD edibles & delicious treats like coffee, nut butters and 70% dark chocolate
* the "almost naked" soap + solid skincare bar heroes flying the flag for "plastic-free"
* crystal beauty... moonstone-infused serums and shungite cleansers
* nootropics, gut health solutions and mood enhancers (yes please)
* buy-a-product-plant-a-tree campaigns
* recycled ocean plastic, mushroom (mycelium) boxes and a lot less plastic overall...

I hope you enjoy the awards today. Big congratulations to all the ethical, beautiful 2021 AWARDS winners - including those who've won one of the first ever Beauty Shortlist ECO LIFESTYLE AWARDS (new for 2021).

To see the gorgeous green winners go to thebeautyshortlist.com or click the bio link above. HAPPY MARCH 🐇🌷!

“We need the tonic of wildness…we can never have enough of nature”
Henry David Thoreau

Jillian Dempsey: Cheek Tint ' Rosy'

Now we’re back again in #lockdown holed up in our homes, at The Amazing Blog we need to find something to bring back that healthy glow to our cheeks.  For us, blush and cheek tints are the way forward, and today we are reviewing Jillian Dempsey’s easy to use and blendable cream Cheek Tint, which gives just the right amount of subtle radiance. 

Founder Jillian Dempsey is a professional makeup artist from Los Angeles. Her star-studded clients range from Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet, Emilia Clarke, and so many more. If it’s good enough for them, then it’s certainly good enough for us!  Her work has been featured in editorials such as Vogue, ELLE, Vanity Fair, and Dazed, and photographed by famous fashion photographers like Mario Testino and Annie Leibowitz. Having an artistic eye, she’s always able to find fresh and new ways to give her clients’ skin a radiant glow. So, the natural progression was for her to create her product range with exciting textures and colour palettes. In February 2016, Dempsey started her self-titled line releasing her Waterproof Khôl Eyeliner and Lid Tints. A little over two years late in the summer of 2018, she released her Cheek Tint cream blushes. All products are formulated without parabens, sulphates, phthalates, petrochemicals, GMOs, synthetic fragrances or dyes. They are also classified vegan and are therefore cruelty-free.

The Cheek Tints  come in a variety of six shades and we received ‘Rosy’, which a vibrant medium pink. All the Cheek Tints have a velvety texture making them effortlessly glide onto the skin; plus they’re smooth and easy to blend. Not only that, this is also preservative-free and made with natural and organic plant extracts and waxes such as those from the Chinese lacquer and Indian shala trees. The organic sunflower seed wax acts as a thickener and provides a non-sticky feel, while both the organic shea butter and the bamboo stem extract help to nourish and hydrate the skin. The organic coconut oil provides a protective barrier giving the Cheek Tint smoother appearance when applied. Dempsey said: “Blush is one of my favourites. It’s transformative because depending on where you apply it, you can change the shape of your face. My Cheek Tint has an unbelievably smooth texture, so blending is fast and finger-friendly.”  And we think this Rosy hue complements a wide range of skin tones, it certainly gave us a warm pinky glow to our very dull city pallor. Purchase the Jillian Dempsey Cheek Tint in Rosy for £24.50 here.