Inspira Cosmetics - Mykonos Blue Eau de Toilette

We bet you like us at The Amazing Blog you wish right now, that you were luxuriating on a Greek island – rather than sitting behind your desk! Well, we can’t exactly take you there - but we can ‘virtually’ transport you to the island of Mykonos with another one of #amazingfinds from Inspira Cosmetics with their new Eau de Toilette: Mykonos Blue.

Inspira Cosmetics is based in Aachen, Germany, and is known for its solution-based skincare. Their motto is ‘maximum effect, but as natural as possible’ where they have cutting edge technology, combined with natural and active ingredients. We think that they’re a true leader in their field, and this brand never ceases to amaze us with their latest products. We have previously introduced Inspira Cosmetics where we have reviewed some of their ranges here. We’ve even spoken about their other products from their Mykonos Blue skincare range see here. Inspira Cosmetics are innovators who create skincare and cosmetics for both the professional and consumer market and have their own R&D with their leading cosmetic laboratory.

Mykonos Blue is inspired by the legendary island, with its Grecian deep blue sea, white houses and blue-painted rooftops. The first impressions of this Eau de Toilette are that it’s fresh, fruity with a touch of lemon zest, giving us a relaxing vibe that made us feel as though we were in paradise….  Its weighty and elegant rectangular glass bottle contains this blue elixir. The fruity top notes of lemon blackcurrant, peach, and mandarin transported us back to summer holidays, wandering through the lemon groves to a beach where it meets the warm salty foaming sea. This deliciously citrusy scent then develops into floral heart notes with lily of the valley, jasmine rose and freesia. Finally, it deepens with its base notes of cedarwood, amber, white musk, and sandalwood adding a lasting depth the other fruity and floral notes. We think that this is an ideal fragrance to refresh and lighten the mood. A little spray on the pulse points or spritzed like a halo, truly does leave you feeling uplifted; almost as if you are enjoying some time out on your favourite Greek Island. You can purchase the 100ml Mykonos Blue Eau De Toilette here for €24.32.

Liolà Cosmetics - Nutrient-Rich Anti-Ageing Action Face Cream

With our new stay at home culture, the new make-up is no make-up! Skincare for us, at The Amazing Blog the priority beauty buy. And it would seem that we aren’t alone, as we ride through this turbulent time of the Covid19 pandemic. Lia Neophytou, the Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, recently commented: "With fewer out-of-home occasions for consumers to attend, as well as the transition to working at home, cosmetics has taken a backseat. Even when consumers do venture outdoors, the wearing of masks is further diminishing the need for cosmetics. All sectors in the cosmetics and toiletries industry are expected to return to growth in 2021, though will not recuperate their pre-COVID-19 value.” This is why today we’re want to introduce you to another of our #amazingfinds with the luxury and award-winning natural bio-peptide skincare by Liolà  Cosmetics from Italy. 

Liolà  Cosmetics is a luxurious range of skincare mixing the best natural ingredients with state-of-the-art biotechnologies. They were founded in 2018 by a group of like-minded Italian entrepreneurs with over 35 years of beauty experience, all of whom share the philosophy of simplicity, transparency and obsession for using only the finest natural ingredients. Here less is more, where they use minimal formulations to achieve a highly effective performance. Nature and innovative biotechnologies are at the sources of their quality actives; they don’t use any synthetic surfactants, parabens, silicones or mineral oils. They have the highest standards only using quality ingredients in order to deliver the experience of an authentic, tangible and luxurious experience. They also believe in is keeping a sustainable blueprint making sure that their products cohere to a practice helping to preserve the environment, as well as giving the customer the right product/quality ratio. In less than a year, they have produced four ranges with: Time Control, Black Diamond, Sport and 360 degrees. They have recently been recognised, winning Finalist at the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2020 with their Face Cream from the Time Control collection, which we are going to talk about today. All their products are 100% Italian, clinically tested, affordable and made with clean formulas. BTW you can scan the SKU on their products on the INCI Beauty App to find out their rating and explanation of ingredients.

The Time Control line is the hero range of the brand, only launched in 2019. It has bio-peptides which are substances formed by amino acids joined by covalent bonds known as amide or peptide bonds. Peptides act as a messenger between the top-most layer of skin or epidermis. Epidermal-dermal communication is important as it naturally breaks down as we age and is one of the causes of ageing. Here these bio-peptides are programmed to train the skin to fight the first signs of ageing, by toning and helping to diminish fine lines. We tried the Nutrient-Rich Anti-Ageing Action Face Cream which has a mix of 98% natural ingredients. The fragrance is fresh, it’s fast to absorb and light in texture, ideal for counteracting skin fatigue with it’s brightening and toning. It contains anti-ageing peptide which reduces the depth of facial wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial expression muscles, especially on the forehead and around the eyes. 

One of our favourite ingredients here is hyaluronic acid which will alleviate dry skin by hydrating and plumping due to its high molecular weight, where it helps to retain moisture between the skin cells. The Anti-pollution factor here is the vegetable-based ingredients with a synergic mix of a natural oxide-reductase enzyme and carefully selected soy peptides, small protein fragments produced by fermenting soybeans that neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals, pollution and UV. There is jojoba oil that aids in diminishing dryness and has anti-inflammatory properties which will reduce redness and also ease any irritation from eczema or rosacea. It also is rich in sweet almond oil which gives an emollient power to the cream as it improves the skin complexion and tone, helping reverse sun damage and restore the firmness of the skin making it look fresh. The black currant oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which will soothe irritation, nourish and protect. There are fatty acids with omega 6 and 3 which have protective properties, elasticising the skin lessening the effects of ageing. Last but not least, is the sunflower oil, here it’s a regenerator of damaged skin cells where it’s light, non-greasy and absorbs quickly without blocking the pores.

 Liolà Cosmetics advises applying morning and evening on clean skin. We found this to be a brilliant all-in-one Face Cream – no serum needed. When we tested this we found that it was nourishing enough to use alone, even on the driest skin type. It is expensive but if you work out ‘cost per wear’ using this alone without the need for a serum – we think it’s good value!  You can feel the luxury in every single detail, from the sourcing of ingredients to the presentation and packaging. Yes, we would buy more and for us, it’s a winner! We can’t wait to try more from this brand. To purchase your Nutrient-Rich Anti-Ageing Action Face Cream for see here.

Inspira Cosmetics: Mykonos Blue Collection

Were you thinking about planning a summer trip to the beautiful Greek islands? But then cancelled as you realised with a heavy heart, that there’ll probably be the UK quarantining as a consequence… Well, at The Amazing Blog we’ve found for you the Mykonos Blue Collection of skincare as a consolation!  This is a new launch from one of our favourite skincare companies Inspira Cosmetics whose other products you may remember we recently reviewed here.

Inspira Cosmetics is based in Aachen, Germany, and is known for its solution-based skincare. Their motto is ‘maximum effect, but as natural as possible’ where they have cutting edge technology, combined with natural and active ingredients. We think that they’re a true leader in their field, and this brand never ceases to amaze us with their latest products.

The first product we want to talk about is the Mykonos Blue Aqua Hydro Gel Cream. This gel-cream will leave the face with a hit of a fresh wave and will deeply moisturise the complexion. The algae extract will hydrate with its powerhouse of nutrients, minerals and will extract the toxins to purify and heal thanks to their therapeutic benefits. This refreshing gel-cream will alleviate dry skin since it also contains hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate and help with the disappearance of any wrinkles and reduces fine lines. It also contains pentavitin®  made from plant extracts and known as a great protector preventing dehydration and sensitivity. This 100% natural ingredient will also act as a shield with powerful hydration lasting up to 72 hours. The caffeine here ensures a fresh complexion and works as a natural 3D lifting polymer that will intensively tighten the skin.  All of these ingredients make it ideal for applying after a long day battling the elements, as it will cool and soothe. however, more importantly, this Aqua Hydro Gel Cream containing pentavitin® which will keep the skin moisturised for a good period of time. The Mykonos Blue Aqua Hydro Gel Cream 50ml at €39.50 here.  

Moving on with this exclusive collection, the next product that we tried was the Blue Intensive Moisture Mask. This is the perfect product to apply when you’ve returned back from the beach with drying winds and sea. It also contains the intensely hydrating ingredients of algae extract and the humectant of hyaluronic acid both of which hold moisture in the skin, plumping up and revitalise It. This Intensive Moisture Mask is also a combination of hydrator and cleanser, where the charcoal powder here removes dead skin cells and control oil production. The sea salt cleanses the pores and balances oil helping avoid breakouts for those prone to acne. The glyceryl caprylate will restore oil in the skin and regulate the moisture. They advise applying it generously to a cleansed face, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off the rest or massage into the skin with their Blue Cooling Massage Tools. the Blue Intensive Moisture Mask 50ml at €37.50 here.

The third product in this collection is the Mykonos Blue Cooling Massage Tools. These massage tools are made of glass and filled with a sea-blue cooling liquid which will chill quickly when kept in the fridge.  These are cooling and refreshing tools to use in circular movements either alone or in conjunction with the Intensive Moisture Mask to invigorate and aid faster penetration of ingredients. What better way to leave your skin refreshed and soft than by combining these two elements. These Blue Cooling Massage Tools can also be used on both the face and body. The Mykonos Blue collection also contains a fourth product, Mykonos Blue Eau de Toilette 100ml, which we will be featuring soon. It’s a beautifully presented collection which is evocative of summer Greek holidays; to see the full collection click here.

Inspira: Med Anti Ageing Sun Protection

Who’s wearing sunscreen today? We hope that it’s all of you! We at The Amazing Blog are very sun leery, particularly with this unpredictable UK summer weather. You can leave home in the morning when it’s overcast and then find yourself stranded at midday in full sun with no SPF and very little shade! That’s why today we want to bring you one of our #amazingfinds with a favourite solution-based skincare brand and their reliable SPF (and after-sun) for face or body. Say hello again to Inspira Cosmetics with their Med Anti Aging Sun Protection. We couldn’t resist trying this range after hearing that they won the LuxLife 2019 Health Beauty & Wellbeing Award here for this Anti Ageing Sun Protection range.

Inspira Cosmetics are based in Aachen and were founded in 2000. They’re known for their solution-based skincare and have a special motto of ‘maximum effect, but as natural as possible’. True trailblazers in the world of skincare, they are leaders in skin technology with natural and biotech active ingredients. As regular readers will know, we’ve already shared with you some of our favourite products here.

They kindly sent us both the Anti-Aging Sun Guard Spray SPF30  and Anti-Aging Sun Guard Spray SPF50. These SPF Sprays are quickly absorbed, with no white residue, non-greasy and have the added bonus of being water-repellent. The key ingredient in their suncare range is the natural active called Ectoin®. This active is obtained from microorganisms that live in extreme environments (e.g. in geysers, salt lakes or the Arctic). This ingredient increases the barrier effect on the skin as it protects it from the damaging effects of the sun and stressful environmental factors related to UV light or pollutants thanks to its antioxidant ability. It also serves as an emollient on the skin and in cosmetic formulas. We found that these two SPF Sprays work as excellent primers under make-up as well as a solo moisturiser/sun protection. We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a strong SPF. The Ectoin® here contains anti-inflammatory properties and stabilises the skin cells, protecting them from UVA and UVB radiation. If you want an advanced SPF all-in-one moisturiser/primer/sun cream, then these Anti-Aging Sun Guard Sprays in SPF30 or SPF50 are for you! These Sun Guard Sprays contain karanja oil (AKA as pongamia oil) which is obtained from the Indian beech tree. This has soothing properties which also help to slow down the premature ageing process and shields the skin from the sun with its high UV absorption. Like us, you may wish to apply this Sun Guard Spray first thing in the morning under your make up. However, we do strongly recommend reapplying repeatedly if you are exposed directly to sunlight or on a beach or swimming.  We love the clean and subtle floral scent and can guarantee, that if your skin is anything like ours, then it’ll remain dewy and protected throughout the day. Both are 150ml the SPF30 retails at 28.76 Euros here and the SPF50 retails at 32.17 Euros here.

Finally, let’s move onto their After Sun. They kindly sent us the Immediate Soothing After Sun Foam which is mild creamy and crafted specifically for soothing over-exposed or sun-damaged skin. It immediately calms irritated skin thanks to the Ectoin®, panthenol, pumpkin seed extract and, seawater. The panthenol also called provitamin B5 which has a calming effect on the skin – again it increases skin hydration and creates a protective barrier. The pumpkin seed extract is rich in fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 and also vitamin E, zinc, and other antioxidants that help to keep the skin moisturised for a more youthful appearance. We all know how vital water is for humans, being the most important molecule for the body and skin. What better way to include this ingredient, than by using seawater. Used since ancient times it holds therapeutic qualities and gives a regenerative and mineralising effect to the skin. This gentle foam also contains glycerine the famous water magnet and last but not least aloe vera, which relieves burns and itching thanks to the cooling effect - like a breath of cold air on the skin. This can be bought in 150ml here for 28.76 Euros.

All the range can be used on the face and body and we consider them to be an everyday essential, not just as a one-off holiday wonder. So, if you are still self-isolating or on lockdown at home, you might have forgotten just how intense the sun can be in the park, on your balcony or in the garden. By applying either of these SPF products daily will certainly ensure no more red faces!

Inspira Cosmetics - Pure Vital C Booster Pearls and Activator Fluid

Sometimes, it is all about searching out the right serum for your skin, to boost and restore it back to its former glory and at The Amazing Blog we’ve tried many! Today we wanted to re-introduce you Inspira Cosmetics a brand that we recently reviewed with their 4 Men Only 24H Skin Supercharger here. They are a German newcomer to the UK, and today we’re featuring their Pure Vital C Booster Pearls and Activator Fluid from their Inspira Med range.

In 2000 Inspira Cosmetics was founded by Walther Janssen, who created this brand after 30 years of experience in the cosmetics industry. This ‘Inspira Med’ range was developed to meet professional spa and clinic standards but is also gentle enough for clients’ home use. It is a solution-based skincare range with the latest scientific advances to ensure the most effective results.

As mentioned, they kindly send us their skin refining serum Pure Vital C Booster Pearls and Activator Fluid. This skin-refining liquid has clinical studies that are over three-week period reporting: 21 % less of wrinkles, 24% reduction of rough skin, 20% improvement of elasticity and 80% reduction in fewer age spots with improvement in skin tone. It arrived stylishly boxed like a magic potion and looked most promising. With key ingredient is the antioxidant of pure L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) which is in a powder form moulded into a ‘pearl’ in a carrier of jojoba oil, this is then mixed together with three drops their Activator Liquid. Vitamin C is notoriously unstable therefore by mixing the Vital C Pearls with the Activator Liquid, it keeps it fresh with all the actives working to an optimum. We couldn’t wait to begin! Before applying the skin must be cleansed and completely free of any residue. When we mixed together, the pearl dissolves and becomes a light fragrance-free clear liquid that swiftly absorbs into the skin. They recommend using this serum daily or weekly at night – depending on your skin issues. We used it once a week, for a period of 7 weeks and found it to be gentle and effective. What we noticed was a reduction in skin pigmentation and pore size, which in retrospect would have offered swifter results if we’d used it daily. To can purchase the Pure Vital C Booster Pearls (7 x Pearls) and 5ml Activator Fluid see here for £70.