Matis - Réponse Jeunesse MatiSCity Anti-Pollution Hydrating Cream

As we have mentioned in previous posts, the skin is the largest organ of the body, therefore living in a polluted city, we feel a particular need to take care of it! That is why at The Amazing Blog were interested to try the new anti-pollution face cream from one of our favourite salon brands Matis. The Matis Réponse Jeunesse MatiSCity is their latest launch addressing both pollution and hydration. It’s a product bringing together both their scientific finds together with the latest technology for a protective almost shield-like face cream.  The French brand Matis may ring a few bells with regular readers, as we have previously reviewed a few products see here.

Matis is a pedigree French brand, that has been successfully sharing its professional French skincare solutions for more than 80 years. Based in Paris, its team develops tailored-skincare products based on the scientific advances in medicine, molecular and cellular biology in order to address skin solutions. Emphasis is always made on its ingredients, combining specialised actives like hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C; together with naturally-derived ones like aloe vera, tea tree and rose stem cells.

In the range, Reponse Jeunesse, has been specifically formulated for all skin types and as anti-ageing for those who are 25+ years old. The Matis Reponse Jeunesse MatiSCity Anti-Pollution Hydrating Cream is for face and neck it offers the skin a protective barrier against exposure to toxic air particles. This is a gel-like cream that blocks and limits the adhesion of polluted particles; it is enriched with ingredients like cranberry extract which is full of vitamin C and polyphenols and takes on the role of an antioxidant; as well as aquaregul which is a mixture of the potassium salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and an aqueous extract of Mexican cactus stems, it has both short and long term moisturiser qualities that stimulates water penetration into the skin cells

We suggest applying MatisCity to your skin on a cleansed skin both mornings and evenings. They also recommend using this in tandem with one of their Reponse Jeunesse Serums for the best results.  Want to give your face more city protection? Then see here to get your 50ml pot of Matis Reponse Jeunesse Matis City anti-pollution hydrating cream for £62.20.

Shakeup Cosmetics

My turn dear readers to say ‘Happy New Year’! Today I’m kicking-off with one of our #amazingfinds which is a new brand of men’s cosmetics. Apparently us boys have different skin to the girls… (NB: Girls at The Amazing Blog!) that may sound a glib expression, but there is an increasing amount of data to show that our skin is 20 - 25% thicker due to the presence of testosterone, which goes some way to explain why certain products manufactured for women can be ineffective for us. Since we also have slightly larger active sebaceous glands, our pores tend to be larger leading to a higher propensity of acne and pore blockages. Of course, we also put our skin through the dreaded daily slash of a sharp blade which inevitably stresses the epidermis, making it far more sensitive.

Happily, for us twin brothers Shane Carnell-Xu and Jake Xu have come to our rescue - they are the driving force behind Shakeup Cosmetics and are shining the light ahead for us boys to reap the benefits of a skincare range as diverse as that for women, but specifically tailored for our needs. Whilst we all want to look our best, not everyone wants to make it headline news when we walk into a room, which is where Shane and Jake have come to our aid with their Shakeup Cosmetics For Men range. Although born in Beijing, the boys emigrated to the UK in their teens and are proud to have formulated and produced their line here, ensuring the highest standards, as well as rejecting animal testing, and keeping their products totally vegan-friendly.

At the moment, we have the Under Eye Concealer and Moisturiser, called ‘Eye Eye Captain’, the ‘Let’s Face It’ Tinted Moisturiser, and the ‘Lip Life To The Full’ Volumising and Moisturising  Lip Gel, with the first two of that list coming in Light, Medium and Dark shades for the skin palette. Retailing at £20 for the Concealer, £25 for the Moisturiser, and £12 for the Lip Gel, we can get our hands on these goodies from here and that stalwart of the pioneer brands, Harvey Nichols - and when HN starts stocking a range, you know it’s one to watch! This range is certainly one to try, as there is a revolution afoot in the male grooming world, and it is being spearheaded by dynamic teams like Shane and Jake who believe in natural, wholesome skincare, and are bringing it to market for us to enjoy.

Herbal Dynamics Beauty - Acai & Mango Sugar Lip Scrub with Volumizing & Smoothing Rapid Lip Mask

Wishing all our readers a very Happy New Year! Let’s kick 2020 off with looking at lip products as we know that the key to any fabulous full-on red lips or just a healthy-looking pout is a quality lip scrub and mask. So imagine finding products that smell good enough to eat! Enter Herbal Dynamics Beauty ’s. Their Acai & Mango Sugar Lip Scrub contains only natural oils and extracts. Yummy as this might sound, we at The Amazing Blog do not advocate eating it! Instead, it’s best to use for exfoliating dead skin, paired with their Volumizing & Smoothing Rapid Lip Mask to help achieve plumper and healthier looking lips.

Herbal Dynamics Beauty is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was founded just a few years ago with the core belief that ‘what you put on your body is of the utmost importance’. Natural ingredients, like acai extract and pistachio oil, are combined with botanicals, such as xylitol and vitamin E, to create the Acai Lip Scrub and Volumizing Lip Mask Duo. Cocoa butter and pistachio oil add an extra layer of hydration and reduce inflammation with the scrub while peptides in the mask increase hyaluronic acid for plumper lips. This 'science-meets-nature' approach results in useful products that are gentle for sensitive skin and as we mentioned, smell amazing. Both products also are free from sulphates, parabens, phthalates, and are also cruelty-free.

The duo is perfect to use when you have time at night or when you want to pamper yourself. The sugary texture of the lip scrub allows it to work with just the slightest pressure from your fingers and creates a base for the lip mask to be most effective. A small coat of the lip mask should stay on your lips for about 3-5 minutes before removing and revealing more full lips ready for the next day or some lipstick. The company prides itself on making products for ‘consumers seeking affordable options’. It’s £24 for the Sugar Lip Scrub here and £21 for the Rapid Lip Mask here. This price point may appear high, but a little goes a long way and they’re something you will only use 2-3 times a week.

The Facial Box by Michaella Bolder

With Christmas just around the corner, the pressure of getting your loved ones the perfect gift is burning up and we can all surely feel it! A knitted sweater that might not fit or a bag that they may just have to pretend to like, but later return? Here at The Amazing Blog, we can do you one better and introduce you to the Michaella Bolder’s Facial Box that will surely put a smile on the recipients’ face!

Michaella Bolder has created The Facial Box by putting together a brilliant selection of products that take on a number of skincare challenges leaving you with beautiful, radiant and glowing skin. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Michaella has gained a reputation as a truly iconic facialist and tanning expert. Appearing regularly in leading international publications, she is now the go-to person for many celebrities including Dame Helen Mirren, Naomie Harris, Olivia Munn, Noomie Repace, Nick Grimshaw and Frankie Bridge to name but a few. Further, she is also known as a ‘facial expert’ for global skincare brands L’Oréal Paris, Time Bomb, Romilly Wilde, Rodial & Fusion Mesotherapy, alongside her tanning and skin finishing skills for St.Tropez and Vita Liberata. Thus it isn’t farfetched to say that the items included in The Facial Box will surely be effective and worthy.

The Facial Box by Michaella Bolder includes eight magnificent products. It includes two items by the brand Rodial from their Pink Diamond range. The first is a Cleansing Balm with vitamin E and diamond powder that works towards removing make-up and dirt helping to transform the skin. The second product is the Magic Gel Day which is a lightweight cream-gel targeting dehydration and fine lines for an instant glow. Thereon, the box also includes two items the organic skincare brand, Weleda which is a cream called Skin Food for dry and rough skin. This is formulated with plant extracts traditionally used to sooth the skin. There is also a Skin Food Light sample sachet which is an intensive instant moisturising skin cream for the face. Furthermore, the box includes the reputed Lactic Acid 10% by The Ordinary which visibly targets uneven tones, textural irregularities and fine lines. It is a high strength lactic acid superficial peeling formula that truly does wonders. Then there is the Self Tan Purity by St. Tropez which is a bronzing water face mist that results in natural glowing skin. Up next is the multipurpose soothing balm by PawPaw for lips, skin, cuticles and beauty finishing. Last but most certainly not the least, is the SPF 30 High Protection Face Moisturising Anti-Ageing Sun Protection by Ultrasun specifically for sensitive skin with antioxidants and ectoin®.

These eight products will certainly help your recipient’s skin for the better considering they were all put together by the knowledgeable and esteemed Michaella Bolder. Michaella’s expertise and knowledge of the beauty industry is endless and ever-growing. You can find her treating clients in some of London’s leading hotels, including The Mandarin Oriental, The Corinthia, The Ned and currently even Harrods and John Frieda Salon Mayfair.

Another perfect gift for a loved one, as well as the perfect treat for yourself, hop on over to the official website to purchase The Facial Box for £49.99 here to make your Christmas a little easier, happier and brighter. Hurray now, as for a limited time only there is a special offer of 30% off!

Ayumi - Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang skin and hair care

At The Amazing Blog we believe in source not only the very best products for our readers, but also the best value; and that’s why we’d like to introduce you to another one of our #amazingfinds Ayumi. Today we’re reviewing their seasonally scented Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang skin and hair care range, we also think that these will make fabulous Christmas stocking fillers!

Ayumi is an Ayurvedic and natural skincare brand that originates from a family run business, known as Fudco, which also happens to be one of the leading brands and suppliers of the ethnic food market. Ayumi use only natural ingredients with infusions of spices and essential oils. Their core ranges are Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang, Argan, Neem & Tea Tree, and Turmeric with combinations of Shea Butter,  Hibiscus or Bergamot. The brand’s inspiration comes from ayurvedic principals which is an ancient Indian philosophy that is believed to be one of the most ancient healing traditions helping to create a balance between mind, body and spirit.

Ayumi kindly sent us eight products in their range of Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang face and body care to review. Each of these products has the perfect pairing of a warm, woody and seductive sandalwood, and the heady sweet floral scent of ylang-ylang.  And what a scent combination it is! It couldn’t be more comforting or uplift on these dark bitter nights. This range has been created to help balance and revitalise and is best suited to those with dry or sensitive skin. 

Let begin with the body care range. The Body Wash is a good place to start, it cleanses without stripping away the skins naturals oils, it feels hydrating and invigorating and left our skin smelling subtly scented. The Body Scrub is a gentle and yet effective exfoliator – it takes away rough skin with the finely ground olive seed powder, ideal for getting rid of the daily commuting grim. We recommend using this weekly. To finish off we used the Body Lotion this was our favourite from the range, it smelt divine, absorbed quickly and kept our skin soft and supple all day long. Ayumi also sent us their Argan & Sandalwood Shampoo which has all the nourishing properties of the argan oil and the growth stimulation of amla and bhringra. It’s good for strengthening weak hair and is gentle enough to be used as a frequent wash shampoo.

Moving onto the four key face care products in the Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang range. The Face Scrub is creamy in texture with bamboo stem and perlite volcanic lava powders, it gently buffs the skin leaving it free from impurities and city pollution. It has cocoa and shea butter to replenish the skin and leave it silky smooth. The Face Wash is a gentle cleansing wash, pampering and soothing as well as effectively removes stubborn residue of make-up. Great for everyday use. The Face Mask is a slightly different combination of Sandalwood & Pink Clay, the clay and zinger root extract are the base of this mask which helps to draw out all the impurities in the skin. Finally, we used the Face Cream which has the glorious scent of frankincense, sage and patchouli. We liked the texture and noticed that it gave a luminous base for our foundation.

We think that Ayumi has a great variety of natural skincare that won’t break the bank, and is a great way to introduce your friends to a really special ayurvedic skincare brand. All products are around £6.99, see here.