Verolive: Firming Cellulite Cream

Here we are in mid-May with more grey days and rain… Of course, it’s great for the plants but not for our spirits!  At The Amazing Blog,  we’re still living in hope for the appearance of a gloriously hot June. Which is why this week, we’re reviewing a couple of new and natural body care products to help you get body-ready for the sunshine. Today it’s with Verolive’s award-winning Firming Cellulite Cream, and readers may remember that we recently reviewed their outstanding Revitalizing Shampoo here.

The Tzortzakakis family founded Verolive in 1975, where they’ve created this multi award-winning brand, in the heart of the Messara Valley, Crete. It is a well-known area for its endless olive groves, producing organic extra virgin olive oil, a key ingredient that can be found in each of the Verolive products. The brand has developed a unique core range of ten products, where ingredients are meticulously selected from natural and locally sourced ingredients. Their ethos is to focus on high-standard eco care and packaging, with ingredients, dermatologically tested, vegan, clean in composition and above all, high in quality. The plastics in all their containers are BioPET, which means the plastic is based on 30% renewable raw material such as starch, glucose, vegetable oils and cellulose and 70% oil-based raw material. Every product has been designed to protect both the environment and its customers’ wellbeing. To maintain their continuity and brand excellence, they only produce each item in a limited amount to ensure superior quality control. The brand also caters to spa professionals and built long term successful partnerships with some of the best-known wellness centres. 

What piqued our interest about this Firming Cellulite Cream, is that it won Best Cellulite Treatment in the 2020 Mama & Baby Awards, and we’ve wanted to try this ever since. The purpose of this formula is to reduce cellulite, which is from an accumulation of fat under the dermis that weakens the connective tissue, and generates a series of orange-peel ripples over the skin. Although it is a harmless and natural condition, for the body-conscious, trying to get rid of this dimply cellulite can sometimes be an issue. This formula has nine actives , and is 94% natural including many ingredients native to Crete. Let’s start with some of these local ingredients which include, organic shea butter, olive and sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, aloe vera, natural beeswax, which all work together to moisturise the skin, thanks to their various nutrients and fatty acids. With a more in depth look at their function we find that the organic extra virgin olive oil is for skin barrier function, making it stronger, thanks to its numerous vitamins such as vitamins D, E, K and A. The organic avocado oil is here to make skin smoother, firmer and more elastic due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. There’s organic bio-active aloe vera, which has skin-restorative properties, and the rosemary essential oil acts as a skin tonic and rejuvenates the skin; which is why it’s used here to fight cellulite. The natural vitamin E is here to boost your skin by moisturising it, softening it, and encouraging cell regeneration. However, it’s the active caffeine in phospholipids, in this formula that make a real difference, as they are ‘vectorised’ for quicker skin penetrate. They improve its cutaneous absorption, in order to reach lipocytes and fat cells in the adipose tissue, which specialise in storing energy as fat. The caffeine here enhances the microcirculation to actively reduce the orange-peel look. Cellulite only really becomes a concern for us as every summer approaches. Yes, it’s a vanity issue and we’re happy to admit it!  After all, who doesn’t want to look and feel their best when wearing skimpy swimwear? Verolive suggest targeting any problem areas, by applying this Firming Cellulite Cream twice a day. Rich in consistency it left our skin super-hydrated with a delicious hint of a rosemary scent. It was quick to absorb, as we massaged it into our legs, tums and bums both morning and evening. As Yannis said to us, “to maximise the results of our natural Firming Cellulite Cream, you also need to exercise and follow a specific daily diet. As it’s well-known that all these three factors are necessary, to see results when using a cellulite treatment.” This is something worth remembering, as no cream will ever work to remove cellulite on its own. We noticed that with regular use, our skin became smoother and softer, although we do need to be more disciplined on the diet and exercise front to see more dramatic results! This Cream has been dermatologically tested, is a natural body care, and is suited to all skin types. You can purchase your own 250ml Firming Cellulite Cream from Verolive for €59.90 here .

EasterMia: Crisp Apple Nail Polish & Nail Kit

Nail polish is the quickest (and chicest) way to change up your look from day to night, or from season to season. With spring here, at The Amazing Blog  we’ve selected a beautiful true-red nail polish and a Nail Kit to share with you from the Canadian nail brand EasterMia, for a quality at-home manicure. With over 40+ shades to choose from, these nail polishes are vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic and deliver a great professional looking manicure. 

Mia Phan, the creator and founder of EasterMia, owns a local nail salon in Burlington, Ontario. Inspired by her clients and her mother, Helen, who has more than 30 years of experience in the nail industry, she wanted to create a relaxing and fun experience for all the  hardworking women who are time-poor and deserve a little pampering at home. Phan established EasterMia in 2019, and  understands the importance of self-care and nail health. EasterMia was created in collaboration with a chemist, where the range of nail polishes and nail care are free of all the most common toxic chemicals and fragrances used in other mainstream brands. They are also a Leaping Bunny approved brand. So, whether you are a soon-to-be mother or prone to allergies, this nail brand should be safe for you.

The first product to introduce is the Crisp Apple Nail Polish. With so many reds to choose from (think blue-based, neutral or orange-toned), we decided upon this stunning and versatile true apple-red shade; which adds a classic pop of colour. The shiny and vibrant finish of this trans-seasonal red adds a opulent shade to complement any spring, going into summer wardrobe. We also think that this sophisticated hue looks just as chic for sporting on office hands, as it would on the red carpet. It is a 10-free nail polish, meaning that it does not contain the ten common harsh chemicals found in nail polishes, like formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, triphenyl phosphate and fragrance. We like how the formula allows you to apply it thinly onto the nails, and delivers an opaque coverage with just one coat. They suggest for a longer lasting colour, to top-up with their high gloss Top Coat finish, all of which we’re happy to report, are entirely gloop free. 

We also received the Nail Kit. This essentials kit has everything you need to start an at-home manicure, including a clear Base Coat, Top Coat, Organic Cuticle Oil, a small buffer and file. The Base and Top coat serve as foundation and protection for their nail polish. The Base Coat’s unique ingredients help smooth the nail surface and evens out the nail plate, as well as offering no stain residue on the natural nail. The Top Coat is slightly tinted to make it even more light reflective and keeps the nail polish from yellowing. EasterMia purposefully adds aloe vera and vitamin E to its Organic Cuticle Oil to nourish your cuticles. With the pineapple scent here, it makes the experience even more pleasant and relaxing.  To get your nails polished to perfection in a matter of minutes, see here to purchase EasterMia’s Crisp Apple nail polish for £8, and the Nail Kit is here for £15.

Organic Island : Shell Lips Balms

How at The Amazing Blog, we wish it was summer - oh to be walking barefoot along the beach, without a care in the world…  Well, what if we told you that there’s a product that could bring back some of those distant memories?  See the above pretty Shell Lip Balms, housed inside recycled shells which have been washed up on the Australian shores. These contain yet another of Organic Island’s organic raw plant-based balms. Recently, you may remember we featured their PAWPAW Multi Balm here.

Organic Island is an organic Australian skincare launched in 2006 by Mark Powers. The company ethos is to produce honest organic cosmetics and skincare all with advanced technology. With their patented formulas of Si02 Matrix, OliveM 1000 and Lexfeel Natural, Organic Island is an established and multi-award winning brand. They also have the much acclaimed ACO (Australian Certified Organic) and BDIH Germany certification, which are two of the most highly-regarded global commissions. Receiving these accreditation, means that their products only contain organic, raw plant and mineral-based formulas, and ensures a purity of ingredients. Organic Island also states that the only preservative they use in their Shell Lip Balms is vitamin E.

These Shell Lip Balms are made using only 100% recycled beach shells; they collect the washed-up shells, cleaning with sandblasting and water pressure - Organic Island does it all. Every shell is unique, and there are six different types of shells to choose from. Our favourites are the select four, that have a handy mirror tucked inside. We received the full set of six shells to try, which consist of the White Pearl and Turquoise which are a small and compact size. The medium ones are Mocha and Oriental Fan; and largest are Tiger Crown and White Frangipani. Inside all six shells is the organic, silky and moisturising balm which contains only eight organic ingredients. The rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acid vitamins and antioxidants, which help improve skin hydration and repair dry, damaged skin. Coconut oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties help prevent irritation, making it an excellent skin emollient; and the macadamia oil protects the lips from environmental damage. There is also jojoba oil, lanolin wax, beeswax, vitamin E, and mango seed butter; these all work together to deliver a nourishing and soothing salve. The formula is made up of only natural emollients and has no artificial ingredients i.e. parabens, sulphates, artificial colours, fragrances or petrochemicals. Although, for now, we can’t have our sunshine getaway, we can at least reminisce using one of these seaside inspired beauties. Why not choose your favourite shell for £12.99 here. Each one comes with it’s own a protective cotton pouch, and if you buy two, you get another one free!

The Flat Lay Co: Leopard Print Full Size Flat Lay Makeup Bag

Finding a perfect present for one person can be challenging, but when it comes to Christmas with lots of friends and family, now we’re having a complete meltdown! Here at The Amazing Blog when we ask our makeup-loving friends what they want, they just say: “Oh we’ll leave it up to you…” But then there’s always the question of: “Is it the right brand and colour?” However, the problem‘s solved this year with our latest #amazingfinds and The Flat Lay Co with their Flat Lay Makeup Bags.

After spending time getting her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, the founder Izzy Howe realised that it wasn’t the right career for her and promptly switched to business for her postgraduate education. After working in multiple tech companies, she decided to change her focus and 2017 The Flat Lay Co was born. Based in Shoreditch, Howe’s goal has been to create a product which offers a time-saving solution for an everyday problem. She noticed a gap in the market for a drawstring flat lay make up bag. This is a cosmetics bag that opens flat, offering the user to view all their makeup at once, with no more scrabbling around to find that all-important lip gloss at the bottom!  This ingenious drawstring flat lay makeup bag is the brand’s signature product and comes in a variety of colours and designs. Apart from the drawstring open flat makeup bags, they also have Brush Cases, Box Bags, Oversized Eye Masks and Scrunchies, so something to suit every budget.

The Leopard Print Flat Lay Makeup Bag has been a joy to use, as it’s both practical and stylish and comes in two sizes 50cm at £19.99 (that we have) or in a ‘Mini’ in 33cm at £17.99. Best of all, there is a range of fourteen different colourways to choose from, as well as three pale coloured soft velvet bags that coordinate with the Box Cases and Brush Bags. This leopard print was the one that caught our eye, and in a matter of seconds, we could open the flat lay makeup bag and find exactly the product we wanted, rather than rummaging around for ages.  The outer shell is made of a thick material which protects products from breakage, where there’s also a raised edge to stop anything from rolling away. Let’s not forget to mention the inside and outside pockets too, which hold loose products that might get lost, plus four elastic holders designed for brushes. What more do you need? We love these and think the ‘Mini’ is ideal for everyday use in our handbag, whereas the ‘Full size’ also makes an excellent travel companion. More importantly, we think this is an absolute must-have present for every makeup lover.  You can purchase any of The Flat Lay Co Makeup Bags here and by using our exclusive code THEAMAZINGBLOG15, you can receive 15% off your purchase.

Clockface Beauty – Beard Oil Ho Leaf & Bergamot

They say ‘time is measured in days, weeks and beards’ and with this yo-yo-ing lockdown, it feels like I’ve been cultivating one for months! Yet again, this presents another perfect opportunity to put those girls at The Amazing Blog through their paces, to search out a natural, super-gentle and great smelling beard oil for me. Not an easy task as my skin is quite sensitive and when washing my face, which is now quite often, it becomes a little sore and sensitive. This time, they introduced me to one of their favourite organic skincare brands Clockface Beauty who has created a fantastic grooming range from cleanser, masks to shave balms and oils. They kindly sent us their award-winning Ho Leaf & Bergamot Beard Oil which I couldn’t wait to try. If the brand sounds familiar to you, it probably because you’ve read our feature on their Foot & Leg Scrub and Balm here.

Sarah Thomas founded Clockface Beauty with the help of her mother, Karen. During her pregnancy, Sarah found there to be a noticeable lack of transparency on beauty product labelling. So this is where the Clockface Beauty story began where she and her mother decided to create their brand of natural, organic, cruelty-free and vegan skincare. This luxurious and natural skincare also offers products without artificial chemicals or synthetic fragrances.

As with so many of their products, the Ho Leaf & Bergamot Beard Oil has ingredients that are 99% organic. I used this Beard Oil first thing on my freshly washed beard, massaging it in to help nurture not only my hair follicles but skin too. The result was that my whiskers felt softer and my skin soothed and hydrated. A few drops of this Beard Oil go a long way, it absorbed quickly leaving me with a very pleasant fresh and subtle aroma. Light in consistency, it’s versatile enough to use on all beard lengths and skin types. The key ingredients of bergamot have antibacterial benefits helping to reduce skin irritation, oiliness, acne, psoriasis and eczema. Whereas the frankincense here has anti-ageing properties that protect the skin cells while reducing the blemishes and shrinking the pores. The carrier oils are jojoba which stimulates the hair growth and apricot kernel gives a toning and slight tightening effect to the skin. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that the ho leaf here is mildly antiseptic, stimulating and known to also be an aphrodisiac! All in all, this Beard Oil feels cooling and healing, so if you too have a newly acquired beard that is giving you some grief, look no further. To purchase the 30ml Clockface Beard Oil for £22 here.