The Perfume Bible

Working in an office full of women, I often hear about the importance of fragrance. Perfume is said to add a personal signature and a final touch to an elegant outfit. In short, it's a powerful way to make a statement. 

When you’re walking through the crowded London streets, it's hard not to stop and take a whiff of the variety of fragrances around you. However, have you ever stopped to think about the art of perfume? If The Amazing Blog has sparked your curiosity, then go pick up The Perfume Bible by Josephine Fairley and Lorna McKay and learn a thing or two about that scent you put on your body everyday.

The Perfume Bible is your ultimate guide to the world of fragrance. It captures the romance and beauty of perfumery in an informative way that will deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of your favourite perfume bottle.

Josephine Farley, a best-selling author, teamed up with Lorna McKay, the leading fragrance and former Harrods/Liberty fragrance buyer, to create this beautifully-illustrated and comprehensive guide to scent. Packed with insider information from the world’s leading experts and interviews with some of the greatest international perfumes, this book brings together everything you need to know about perfume, including guidance on which ‘scent family’ you’re attracted to, the art of shopping for fragrance, and a run-down of the 100 Perfumes to Try Before You Die.

If you’re a perfume addict or simply a curious person, then get online  and purchase the book for £20 or walk to the nearest bookstore and buy it for £25.

Friday Favourites - Nut Butters Feature

We here at The Amazing Blog love when we come across a healthy snack we don’t feel guilty indulging in. This is why we decided to look for some delicious and health nut butters to make your meals and snacks fabulous and guilt free.

Soil Association approved, the Primrose's Kitchen Almond and Chia Spread is a delicious butter alternative to the tasty peanut butter we all know and love. It’s still just as nutty but it’s actually better for you! You can spread it on bread, add it to dress or use it in baking. The key ingredient, almonds, is our nut of choice because they alkalise the body and make the perfect high protein snack when combined with Chia Seeds. Not only is this spread organic, but it is also gluten, wheat and sugar free.

Mix it up a little bit and purchase Primrose's Kitchen Almond and Chia Spread here. 

Instead of a spread, we decided to try Meridian nut butter bars. They come in two flavours, Almond and Peanut, and let me tell you, they are literally crammed full of nuts.   
Each delicious nut bar is 55% nuts, providing an excellent source of nutrients and energy.
These bars prove to be a satisfyingly tasty choice for people on-the-go because they are high energy snacks and super healthy. Each bar contains 8 and 7f of protein respectively – significantly more than mainstream cereal and nut bars. All Meridian nut butter bars are suitable for vegans and are gluten, dairy, soy and wheat free. They would make a healthy addition to any lunchbox so purchase these Meridian bars and other butters here.

Get your taste of Moroccan sunshine in a jar. The Berber tribes’ answer to nut butter, Alassala’s Amlou Paste is a traditional Moroccan food that can be used as a spread or a dip for bread or crackers. Winner of a Gold Star at the Great Taste Awards 2013, Alassala Amlou Paste sets itself apart by being pure and natural with no added honey or sugars. Made with only 72% ground, semi roasted almonds and 28% Organic Argan Oil, the paste is perfect for both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a great source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to lower cholesterol. Its distinct almond flavour makes a delicious, healthy addition to any recipe. Moroccan’s thought it to be the ideal enhancement to any romance, and it has certainly made its way into our hearts and our kitchens.

If you’re looking to add an exotic twist to your nutty snacks, Alassala Amlou Paste is available in two sizes: 226 grams RRP £14.99 and 113 grams RRP £7.99. Alassala also has a selection of recipes available here. The Amlou Paste is currently stocked at The Hale Clinic’s Nutri Centre online, and at other independent Health Stores and Speciality Food Stores. You can also buy Alassala’s products online.

This all-new brand of natural nut butters is changing the game when it comes to providing customers delicious and nutritious products. Pip & Nut have recently launched their line with three yummy, irresistible flavours: Peanut Butter, Almond Butter and Coconut Almond Butter. Each one is free of palm oil, refined sugar, preservatives, additives and emulsifiers. Their motto is, “if it’s not natural and a squirrel wouldn’t eat it, then we don’t use it.” The brand has already been mentioned in an article from The Grocer about healthy January comfort foods available at Selfridges. The founder was mentioned in an article by The Guardian about sacrifices start-ups need to make when they launch. Talk about go-getters!

You can find these tasty nut butters on display at your nearest Selfridges, until the Pip & Nut website is fully up and running. The containers are £5 each, and since each jar is loaded with health benefits and great taste, they are worth every pound.

Gold Collagen - Forte

Here at The Amazing Blog we are no stranger to Gold Collagen and their anti-ageing products. We previously wrote a post about their Pure Gold formula, but we were excited to try their newest product. Gold Collagen generously sent us a month’s trial of their Gold Collagen Forte and we are pleased to say that it is very effective.

Thanks to this company, we have said goodbye to our average anti-ageing pills and moisturisers and hello to liquid supplements. Gold Collagen offers 3 different products that fight anti-ageing: Pure, Active, and Forte. Each product activates the cells in the body that produce collagen, which is essential to tackle all signs of anti-ageing.

When we discovered that Gold Collagen had so many products to choose from, we assumed that each would have its own individual taste or flavour. Gold Collagen Forte tasted the same as the other liquid supplements we have tried, however this products has the unique ability to provide the extra vitamins needed for 40+ women with more advanced signs of ageing. Thanks to the extra doses of vitamin B, though it tastes the same, it is much more effective. We will continue to use liquid anti-ageing supplements around the office because we truly enjoy products that work from the inside out. Purchase any Gold Collagen product on their website and learn more about the unique aspects of Gold Collagen Forte here.

Martha Hill Skincare

Does your skin get easily irritated? Here at The Amazing Blog we understand that some products just aren’t suitable for sensitive skin whether we love them or not. Martha Hill understands too, which is why she created a skincare set specifically for sensitive skin.

The Soothing Skin Wash is a gentle, non-drying face wash formulated to leave easily irritated skin thoroughly cleansed, refreshed and soothed. With ingredients such as Oat and Gotu Kola Extracts, Meadowsweet and Tarvin, you won’t have to worry about irritation, tightness or discomfort. The ingredients will stimulate the skin’s natural anti-bacterial defenses, reduce pores, protect the skin and provide anti-ageing treatment.

The Soothing Skin Tonic will tone, refine and gently balance while providing a soothing hydration and boost in your skin’s resilience. Containing the same ingredients as the Soothing Skin Wash, as well as Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel, the tonic helps soothe and moisturise skin while also reducing irritation and preventing breakouts.

The Soothing Skin Relief addresses all the problems associated with easily irritated skin and skin prone to allergic reaction, roseacea and dermatitis. Sodium Hyaluronate has incredible moisturizing benefits and maintains day long hydration. The Sodium Hyaluronate, along with Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, will also get rid of dry, flaky patches, prevent spots and pimples and provide another layer of anti-ageing treatment.

If you’ve been searching long and hard for the perfect product for your sensitive skin, stop your search and buy this skincare set here.

Jane Iredale - Jelly Jar Eyeliners

Are you constantly on the hunt for eyeliner that will actually last throughout the day? Well, look no further! The Amazing Blog team has finally found the perfect eyeliners from Jane Iredale that you just have to try.

The founder of the company, Jane Iredale, was the first to supply the aesthetic industry with a line of make-up that has skincare benefits. Jane Iredale’s Jelly Jar Gel Eyeliner naturally creates a rich and captivating look along the eyes, but with a formula free of chemicals and irritants. Packaged in a compact pod, each eyeliner provides longwearing, water-resistant colour that gives you the precision of a liquid eyeliner with a silkier and softer finish. Available in matte black, shimmering warm brown, a matte deep violet and an iridescent gold olive, each highly pigmented jar provides colour that glides on smoothly for a defined or smudgeable line.

If you want to ensure precise application on the lash line, you can also try the new Angle Eyeliner Brush. I absolutely love these eyeliners and the eyeliner brush. With the brush, all you have to do is gently press it into the jelly jar and apply along the lash line. I just have to make one long swoop along my lash lines and the eyeliner goes on perfectly. Plus, it lasts all day and makes my eyes pop.
You can purchase a Jelly Jar Gel Eyeliner for £16.50 here and the Angle Eyeliner Brush for £12.22 here.