Friday Favourites

Friday Favourites - The Rosé Festival

Now, The Amazing Blog has a real treat for all you rosé fans out there. A brand new festival celebrating the beautiful pink drink is coming to London’s stunning Geffrye Museum in Shoreditch this summer. We guarantee that the inaugural launch of The Rosé Festival is not something you’ll want to miss. In fact, this is the UK's first and only festival dedicated to this beloved drink.

The event is expecting to welcome over 3,000 visitors and is taking place from Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd of July. This unique and wonderful festival will offer visitors the chance to not only sample different varieties of rosé from expert producers in all of its forms, both fizzy and still, but also learn from the producers who will share their knowledge and experience with guests. If you have always wanted to know what makes an excellent rosé, and how to distinguish between the variations of the drink then you must attend this event. We cannot stress the abundance of rosé that you’ll be surrounded by, which for many of us will be a dream come true.


However, if rosé is not your drink of choice then never fear as producers will also display a range of their other products including Ciders, Vermouths, Prosecco and other Sparkling Wines. Alongside all of this will be a vast array of carefully selected British food vendors for you to enjoy and discover. What’s more is that between every sip and bite you’ll be entertained. The festival will be hosting a mix of Shakespeare recitals, jazz bands and Opera and DJ sets, as the festival plans to welcome young, up and coming British talent. 

So if enjoying some wine, food and culture sound like your kind of day then you can purchase tickets here for £15.00. £1 of every purchase will be donated to the Geffrye Museum.

Hot Drinks Feature - Friday Favourites

Struggling to make it through this winter? Here at the Amazing Blog we have been trying to combat the gloominess with some warming hot drinks. We are sure you'll agree that when it's as wet and grey outside as it is today, there is nothing better than curling up with a tasty and comforting hot drink. So, we thought we would round up some fun and unusual winter warmers, that are guaranteed to make you feel cozy and comfortable.

Akesson’s is a brand that passionate about cacao. Today Akesson’s has grown from a single plantation to haveing buisness with plantations based in Madagascar, Brazil, and Indonesia. The company produces undoubtedly one of the finest forms of cocoa, which they supply globally to famous chocolatiers and chefs.

We loved trying Akesson’s exclusive line of chocolate and we particularly enjoyed the Choco-Tea Cacao Infusion. The tea is a natural product made from cacao nibs and their shells, producing a rich and warm flavour that lifted our spirits after exposure to the damp weather. The cacao in this comes from the Sambirano Valley, in the North-West of Madagascar, and has a wonderfully expressive chocolate aroma, with subtle fruit and citrus notes. The tea is organic and rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, iron, magnesium and Vitamin D, making it a very healthy and natural drink.

We infused half of one large teaspoon for five minutes in hot water. We liked the fact the tea is not overly sweet, but of course, if you like your tea sweeter adding a teaspoon of honey or sugar can help round out the flavour to match your cravings.

Try Akesson’s sumptuous Choco-Tea here for £6.95.

 

 

 

Pure Chimp’s Super Tea specialises in matcha green tea, a nutritional powerhouse produced in Japan. This tea is different to regular green tea, as it's partially grown under cover helping to fill it with extra goodness. Equally, matcha tea also differs from normal green tea as it has higher levels of theanine and chlorophyll. Theanine offers a wonderful energy boost without the crash that usually follows after a cup of regular caffeinated tea. The higher chlorophyll gives this tea a lovely soft and smooth flavour that we can’t get enough of. 

We love the versatility of this product. You can add it to hot water, juice, smoothies and even bake with it. Our favourite combination was to simply add hot milk and drink it as a matcha latte! The product is also suitable for vegans so everyone can enjoy the health benefits of Pure Chimp Super Tea.

Try Pure Chimp’s Super Tea here for £4.95.

Next is PHROOTI, a UK based brand which has created the perfect product for those of us who don't like tea but still enjoy the tradition and comfort that a good hot drink can give. The founders of PHROOTI were frustrated with conventional flavoured teas that smell incredibly fruity but lack any real and discernable flavour. The brand thus decided to reinvent fruit tea to give the people what they want, and we can't thank them enough as the result is delicious. PHROOTI consists of 95-97% natural and dried fruit powder and contains no traces of tea. This gives the product an intense fruity flavour that is guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds!

The faux-tea is caffeine-free, low calorie, and free from added sugar, making it a delicious and guilt-free treat. PHROOTI currently comes in three fabulous flavours, including Sour Cherry and Cranberry, Blackcurrant, Blackberry and Blueberry. Our favourite was Raspberry and Strawberry. This is the perfect option for those who don’t enjoy tea but love fruity flavour infusions.

Try PHROOTI here, you can buy 6 packs for £17.70.

We thought we would end today’s feature on a more traditional and classic note, simply, tea. Here at The Amazing Blog, we love tea and love to try out new and exciting flavours. Tea Shirt is a new UK brand founded by a tea-obsessed couple with a passion for discovering high-quality teas and unearthing original flavours.

After the endless office tea runs we've all done, you know how hard it is to find two people who enjoy their tea the same way. Whether it's an argument over when the milk goes in or type of tea, it can be a nightmare filling out those tea orders! But this isn't a problem with Tea Shirts, as not only are all their teas delicious but they have an extensive selection to choose from; ranging from the typical ‘Irish Breakfast’ to unusual flavours such as ‘Barbados Rum’ and ‘Marshmallow’ there is definitely a flavour for everyone. We personally loved the ‘Apple and Grapefruit’ tea blended with its fresh and citrus flavours, we felt completely revitalised and refreshed after a cup.

The teas are packaged in “Tea Shirts” - labels which mimic traditional textiles and embroidery from the areas where they originated. We think Tea Shirts makes a perfect gift for tea lovers or just a winter warmer by the fire.

You can buy Tea Shirts here from £1.79.

 

 

 

 

 

Eyelash Feature - Friday Favourites

At the Amazing Blog, we all agree that the one makeup staple that gives us the biggest transformation is mascara. The products we can use on our lashes can make a huge difference in how our eyes and overall makeup looks. We decided to gather our favourite products that can make our eyes pop and stand out from the crowd.

First up is Foltène’s Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment. This little wonder is a treatment which is designed to strengthen and restructure fragile and damaged lashes. Regular use of makeup, external aggressors, and stress can all contribute to a weakening of eyelashes. Foltène created this treatment using their patented active ingredient Tricossacaride, which has growth stimulating and strengthening properties that help to provide hydration and elasticity to unhappy lashes.

There are no parabens, mineral oil, silicones or paraffin wax, which is a huge bonus for us. Additionally, the Eyelash & Eyebrow Treatment is ideal for sensitive eyes and for those wearing contact lenses, as it has been ophthalmologically tested.

The product is simple to use, you need to apply the treatment to the lashes in the morning and evening at the end of your routine. Take care to use it on the thinnest and smallest lashes that are hard to reach, as these are the ones that need the most assistance. Another brilliant aspect of this product is that you can also use it on your brows, resulting in healthier and fuller eyebrows. This treatment from Foltène will leave you with longer, stronger, and more beautiful eyelashes and eyebrows.

If your eyelashes have been damaged by products in the past then this is the ideal treatment to get those beautiful fluttery lashes back. Buy Foltène’s Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment here for £14.95.

Up next is Eye of Horus’ newest product, the Bio Lash Lifting Mascara. We were excited to try this new offering from the brand, as it boasts to be 100% vegan and 98% organic. We were initially skeptical about how effective such a natural product could be but the results are fantastic. The formula is made with botanicals such as marine algae and plant-derived collagen. The mascara also contains Omega 9, Vitamin E, and Castor Seed Oil, resulting in healthy and nourished lashes. The natural ingredients mean that this product is suitable for the most sensitive eyes and can be enjoyed by all.

This mascara from Eye of Horus has been designed to add length, volume, and nourishment to lashes – the ultimate trio for great looking lashes. The double-sided comb brush is easy to use and combs with ease through the lashes, providing lift and volume.

If you are looking for a new mascara made with organic and vegan ingredients, but won’t compromise on quality then try Eye of Horus’ Bio Mascara. You can buy it here for £19.00

 

False lashes taking too much time in your beauty routine? We at The Amazing Blog know the struggle, which is why we were so excited to try the Nuvega Lash Revitalisation Serum.

Eyelash revitalising serums have been around for a while, however most use controversial ingredients which are not vegan or environmentally friendly. Nuvega is a German company that uses vegan ingredients, combining the science behind lash growth with vegan and natural production, allowing the vegan market to try this new beauty revolution. 
 
The product claims to stimulate the eyelash hair follicles as well as nourishing the hair follicles at the same time. When we tried the serum we were impressed with how easy it is to apply. We used the thin wand within the package to sweep the serum over like an eyeliner. Only a thin amount is needed, and the product should be applied over all the hairs on both the top and bottom lashes. The product is easy enough to add into a daily beauty routine, and we found the price is reasonable due to its high quality and solid results. The box has clear instructions on how to use the product, making the whole process very easy and fool-proof.
 
Grow your lashes and banish the need for falsies - the Nuvega Lash Revitalising Serum can be purchased online here for £71.75.

 

 

No eyelash feature would be complete without adding some fake eyelashes. These are a sure-fire way to add some glamour and oomph to any look. We love the selection from Pinky Goat - they are a unique brand with a large range of false lashes for both makeup artists and anyone with a love for voluminous eyes. Don’t just take it from us – Pure Beauty voted them Best New Brand of the Year.

We tried many different and exciting falsies from the brand, however our favourites were from the Deluxe 3D Silk Collection. The lashes in this collection are cruelty free and light-weight, with a thin cotton band for a luxurious feel. These lashes add intense volume and lengthen the look of your eyelashes, and can last an amazing 15 uses. You can use Pinky Goat’s exclusive GLUEME Lash Adhesive and Gold Lash Applicator as well for perfect results.

This range alone has 9 styles to choose from, so there are many options for whatever look you’re going for. We loved Mayar from the collection, the lashes were voluminous but understated enough to look elegant and life-like.

To take your lashes to the next level, try Pinky Goat’s 3D Silk Collection False Lashes. You can purchase them here for £21.00.

Friday Favourites- Skincare

Here at The Amazing Blog, we believe skincare shouldn’t revolve just around the face, it is equally important to take care of our whole body. We have selected a few of our favourite skincare products from PHB Ethical Beauty, Mimi’s, JustBe Botanicals, and Pura Vida to keep us in tip top shape.

Firstly, PHB Ethical Beauty have introduced an effective yet gentle organic face wash. The Rosehip & Chamomile Gentle Face Wash is ideal for anyone that finds their skin sensitive. This family run brand is committed to natural and organic products, we can finally have confidence that our skin will not react badly. The clear face wash has a smooth and cooling texture, after washing away with water your skin is left feeling soft and refreshed. We loved that it didn’t strip the moisture from our face, the use of natural essential oils ensured our skin was protected and hydrated. If you’re sick of suffering with sensitive skin, put a stop to it with this gentle face, available here for £9.06.

Mimi’s Organic Skincare has catered for all with ranges specified to both men and women. From the women’s range we had the opportunity to try the indulgent Night Revitaliser and Repair Serum. The Night Revitaliser Cream is a rich and creamy mixture of oils and butters that protect and nourish whilst you sleep. Only a small amount is needed but we were astounded by how clean and hydrated our skin felt. The liquid Repair Serum is extremely moisturising, best results come from taking the time to massage into the skin. We found that after just a few uses our skin felt firmer.

From the men’s range we received the Aftershave Blend and Face Balm, both of which had a clean and refreshing scent. The face balm came in a thick and creamy form to provide an intense moisture for tired/dry skin. While the Aftershave Blend felt more like a liquid serum, the mixture of essential oils and Vitamin E are designed to intensely nourish and protect the skin. Perfect for men who’s skin undergoes daily trauma whilst shaving. If you, or the men in your life, want a totally natural and organic range of skincare, get your own Night Revitaliser and Repair serum here for £20.00 and £22.00. Or get the Aftershave Blend and Face Balm here for £14.13 and £15.00.

JustBe Botanicals have launched a bright and fragrant JustBe Happy Hand & Body Set, equipped with a lotion and wash. Both are lovingly handmade using totally natural ingredients, no need to worry about harmful chemicals on your body. We love that this set works for both hands and body, with the most gorgeous citrus scent. The blend of uplifting pink grapefruit, lime and coconut oil in the wash leaves skin cleansed and bursting with happiness. The lotion has an addition of creamy shea butter and soothing aloe vera, a perfect companion as it locks in hydration. We loved it for our manicured hands, it kept our cuticles soft and our skin radiant. Keep your skin as happy as can be with the JustBe Happy Set, available here for £25.00

Now we have our skin well hydrated and nourished, it’s important to get rid of any unwanted dead skin. The Pura Vida Coconut Coffee scrub is the answer! The scrub is full of natural and organic Costa Rican ingredients, including rich coconut oil to prevent the scrub from drying the skin. Only needed once a week, this effective but gentle scrub gives the skin a brightening effect whilst keeping it soft and supple. The combination of ingredients work together to stimulate the body, believe it or not it has to ability to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. This is a simple and easy addition to your shower routine and we loved how fragrant the coffee scent was in a warm shower,  our skin was left beautifully smooth. If you want to try out your own Coffee Coconut Scrub, they are available here for £12.

Friday Favourites - Fragrances

Here at The Amazing Blog, we love summer in London. However, offices without air conditioning and stuffy tubes can often lead to assaults on the senses when the weather heats up. For this reason, we always like to make sure we’re smelling our best, and I’m sure you do too. Of course, this isn’t limited to the warmer months, but we wanted to share with you our favourite summer scents.

The first of our fragrance favourites is the new Les “White” collection from French brand, Jul Et Mad.  Positively oozing Parisian sophistication, the brand was born out of the love story of Julien and Madalina, whose relationship inspires all the perfumes they create.  Of the three aromas in the collection, Nea, Nin-Shar and Garuda, Nea is our favourite. A rich, fruity fragrance, it contains Date and Dry Plum, as well as Damascan Rose and Caramel. It feels so opulent, and is such a treat to wear. The perfect heady scent for those hot summer evenings, it’s inspired by the Ancient civilization of Byzantium. Modern day Turkey, it certainly evokes feelings of the East and the Orient. A little on the pricey side, the Nea scent is available to buy here for €165.  It’s also available to buy at Harrods, Fenwick Bond Street and Harvey Nichols, and it certainly is the ultimate luxury.

A little more affordable, but no less special, are the Industria fragrances. You may recognise the brand from our candle feature, and the fragrances are no less chic. With three beautifully crisp looking fragrances to choose from, each looks so clean and fresh. Although we love the sharp citrus notes of Bergamotto and the more musky scent of Ambergris, Cardinalis is the shining star for us.  As with the candle, the notes of coconut and mandarin oil perfectly evoke holiday feelings in us, making it a wonderful summer aroma. You can pick up the Cardinalis perfume here for £59 along with others from the collection.

Another little spritz of luxury can be found in Eutopie perfumes. With each numbered bottle documenting part of a journey, the brand story is just as interesting as the scents themselves. Our favourite was No. 7. Influenced by the Palace of Versailles, the opulent scent takes inspiration from the Kitchen Garden of the King, filled with the delicious scents of blackcurrants, peaches and strawberries. Combined with Marigold and Pink Pepper, this subtle scent is perfect for a soft scent this season. Pick it up here for €155. (They are featuring free international shipping on their website until 31/08 with purchases of €155!)

Last, but certainly not least is the innovative creation from Perphone. We love to carry a scent with us on long days, so that we can freshen up when needs be. We always rely on sample sizes however, as carting around a bottle of your signature scent is a little cumbersome. Perphone have come up with the genius idea of merging your scent with your phone. Their chic iPhone cases house cartridges of a range of fragrances, which swivel up, turning your phone into a makeshift spritzer. Available for both men and women, we’ll never have to worry about forgetting our perfume again. Grab one of these fun cases here on their website or on Amazon for £28.