Summer Manicure - Friday Favourites

Woo hoo summer's on its way! However, our hands and feet are truly screaming out for a good mani-pedi. It feels like a long recovery time from the chapped and dry skin on our hands and feet, that the past winter month have so cruelly inflicted upon them.  So we've been searching for some quick fixes and hottest new products, to give them that little boost to help them on their way. As some of us (no names mentioned) at The Amazing Blog  have a slight nail polish addiction, we pooled our knowledge and came up with a list of the latest 'at home' mani-pedi products to give you that professional manicurist finish.

First on our list is FLASH Manicure, we tried both their Original and Lotus scented FLASH Instant Manicure. They left our hands feeling pampered within minutes. FLASH Instant Manicure is effectively a complete treatment in one; it moisturises and exfoliates the hands while also aiding dry and damaged cuticles and nails. It works to brighten and soften hands by using a combination of sea salt and essential oils such as lavender oil, citrus oil and avocado oil. They recommend using the product once a week. This product is so easy to use, you just have to shake the bottle to make sure that the salts are properly dispersed into the oils, then pour an amount about the size of a one pound coin into clean palms and carefully scrub the product into the hands. This product is very effective on damaged cuticles so make sure not to skip the nails. Once you’ve rubbed the product into your hands sufficiently, rinse them with tepid water and dry with a clean towel. The plain FLASH Instant Manicure leaves a lovely aroma of lavender that will leave you coming back for more, while the lotus scented product has an even more tantalisingly floral aroma. NB Great for hands and feet.

Both versions are available here from £10.35 and come in a variety of options for you to choose from. These products left our skin looking clean, smelling fabulous and feeling smooth – what more could you want?

The next products we found are a selection of unique and summery nail polishes from Margaret Dabbs. After her award-winning collection of hand and foot care ranges, Margaret has recently unveiled a stunning and much-anticipated range of treatment-enriched and cutting edge nail polishes.

We tried three colours: Snap Dragon, Poppy and Saffron, opting for richer pinks and reds - which we hope will complement and enrich our newly acquired sun kissed tans. There is a vast array of colours within the collection ranging from the most delicate on-trend nudes and pastels to the most vivid blues. Each of the 72 shades takes its inspiration from the wonder of nature as each polish follows a floral theme.  We applied two coats with a base and top coat and our finger nails remained chip free for up to four days.

These polishes are also made with the highest quality lacquer combining beneficial ingredients that help to make them last longer than your regular nail polish. All free from Formaldehyde, Toluene or DPB which will ensure that the nails remain healthy even after removing the varnish. These unique formulas have been designed to promote nail health and vitality. The Vitamin E in the product helps to strengthen and protect the nail, while the Rose Botanical Extract revitalises, prevents infection and leaves an aroma of wild roses.

You can explore the range and purchase these amazing nail polishes here!

Finally, if you want to spice things up a bit, then you might be interested in Semilac and their product Semi-Flash which allows you to join in with one of the hottest nail trends without the salon price! However, it must be noted that you will need a LED lamp in order to cure and use this powder. It is also recommended to purchase their Top No Wipe with Semi-Flash to ensure a quality and professional manicure and will also need an applicator.  NB please see here for instructions.

Semi-Flash is a special powder used for creating the latest designer nail effect of mirrored chrome. This product will give you glamorous and unique nails that all your friends will be talking about for weeks to come. This uber cool effect when cured will last up to an astonishing 3 weeks as the powder doesn’t smudge or chip. Its superior performance and the fact that the product is so easy to apply that make this a summer must have!

You can purchase your own Semi-Flash powder here for £9.99.

Remember anyone can wear a great outfit but it's your nails that will make the statement!

Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion - Dear, Klairs

As the summer months approach, we at The Amazing Blog have been searching for that extra skincare protection for our delicate complexions. With this in mind we've been on the hunt for a selection of high SPF sun lotions or primers to apply to our faces.  So when discovered a new sun lotion from one of our favourite Korean brands, Dear, Klair’s we eagerly put their efficient and lightweight Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion to the test.

'K beauty' is becoming more and more popular with many new Korean brands recently arriving into the UK. The K beauty trend began with the introduction of our favourite quirky looking sheet masks, which have now become quite common-place and certainly part of our weekly beauty regime. They have also led to inspiring many other international beauty brands replicating these sheet masks and following in their footsteps. We were intrigued to learn that the average daily Korean beauty regime consists of seven steps, and although each regimen may vary, the use of an SPF screen never does. The Korean's recognise the application of SPF screen as a crucial and protective step against sun damage, which as well all know is a direct contributor to ageing skin.  

Bearing all this in mind, Dear, Klairs Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion has a high SPF 40,  lightweight and non-greasy texture with an almost feathery finish. What’s more the sun lotion helps tone out redness. Formulated with Guaiazulene, like the Midnight Blue Calming Cream that we've previously reviewed, this sun lotion contributes to calming irritated skin. Perfect for protection against harsh UV rays it has the added bonus of giving you a fabulously flawless skin that everyone will be envious of. 

It’s recommended that you apply the Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion to skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and then reapply every 2 hours or as needed. We also suggest using it as a protective primer under your make up.

Purchase the Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion here for £18.90.
 

To The Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner - Noughty

Here at The Amazing Blog, we understand the struggle to attain frizz free hair. We have time and time again spent our hard earned money on some hair alchemy that gurentees to free our locks from their frizz induced prison, only to be left diappointed. Yet, we haven't given up this quest, for which we are glad as we have just come across Noughty, a company dedicated to creating an all natural range of hair care products that help to reduce friss and tame the untameable. 

We tried Noughty’s To The Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner, and it was as if a prince on a white horse rode straight into the house. Made from 97% natural ingredients, the products are free from petrochemicals, parabens, sulphates and silicones. This is a seriously good shampoo and conditioner from a company that doesn’t take itself too seriously. We love the light hearted and jokey vibe that the brand has; in fact when discussing how all the products they make are cruelty-free, they write “we don’t believe in testing our ingredients on Bambi, Lassie or Skippy.” Meaning that not only will your hair be left looking smooth and beautiful but you will be left feeling guilt free.

Because of the blend of natural ingredients, including sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, Shea butter and blue mallow flower, our hair was left feeling and looking shinier, healthier and smoother. Our split ends were reduced, and hair felt calmer and more under control. What's more the products are bursting with a sublime fruit and coconut scent, that is as refreshing as it is fragrant. 

You can purchase Noughty’s To The Rescue Shampoo here for £6.99 and their Conditioner here for £6.99

Shine Teeth Whitening Powder - Misfit Cosmetics

Here at The Amazing Blog, we love nothing more than a white and bright smile. However, years of coffee, wine and tea, can leave teeth less than an ideal peraly white. This is why we love Misfit Cosmetic’s, natural teeth whitener, Shine as it helps to enhance and brighten teeth's whiteness using only the best non-chemical ingredients.

The product could not be simpler to use. Shine is a fine powder you dip your toothbrush into before applying directly onto teeth and brushing for 2 minutes before rinsing. Don’t let the black colour of the powder throw you off though, as Shine is made of up all all-natural and non-harsh activated carbon. Activated carbon works by adjusting the pH balance in your mouth and absorbing plaque and other materials that cause staining. As well as whiten teeth, Shine can also help prevent cavities, bad breath and gum disease.

Daily use will have you saying good-bye to those pesky stains. Even more, this product is cruelty-free, so you can use it with a clear conscience.

You can purchase Shine here for £29.99.

Earl Grey and Green Tea - Hope and Glory Tea

Fancy a cup of tea? Here at The Amazing Blog, the answer to that question is always yes. Today we are drinking Hope & Glory tea and savouring every sip. From the robust flavours in the Maharaja signature range to the softer more delicate herbal tisanes in the Rani range, Hope and Glory tea will lift your spirits. Certified, organic and completely free trade, this tea is hand-picked from countries all over the world and is curated with the British palate in mind.  

Their teas are split into four collections, each with a name as royal as the tea itself. There is the robust and strong Maharajah collection, the nurturing and natural Maharani collection, the unique Rajah collection and of course the delicate Rani range. Hope & Glory offers their products as either loose leaf sachets or as pyramid tea bags with differing quantity options for each. 

We were fortunate enough to sample Hope and Glory’s Earl Grey Tea and Green Tea which are both from the Rani collection. The Earl Grey has a light and aromatic flavour. Infused with natural Bergamot oil this tea has a hint of sweet lime and delectable and refreshing citrus notes. Take it with milk or without, this Earl Grey is delicious and is the perfect way to start your morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. The Green Tea is mellow and bright and, we think, the ideal way to unwind after a long day at the office and a stressful commute home – after all, as Hope and Glory say, “where there is tea there is hope.” 

You can purchase these moreish teas here, and prices range from £11.00 - £25.00 depeding on the style of tea and the quantity you desire.