ALL TIGERS - Liquid Lipstick & Nail Lacquer

Did you know that the average woman can eat up to 2kg of lipstick in her lifetime? At the Amazing Blog we love our lipstick and probably consume even more than the average woman! However, it’s scary to think what we are consuming if we use lipsticks that are made from chemicals or other unnatural ingredients. That’s where ALL TIGERS steps in.

The founder Alexis Robillard was inspired by this and a simple question was born: What if he could create the perfect lipstick that’s both eco-friendly and stylish? Unique in their approach, ALL TIGERS is a young and fun brand, they even took to their Instagram account to poll with future customers and get approval on each important decision. They support the preservation of the wild tiger and its eco-system in Asia, within the framework of the 1% FOR THE PLANET . ALL TIGERS is a fitting name because of the powerful nature of the brand, made for the queens of the modern jungle!

ALL TIGERS is the culmination of trendy and eco-friendly – the perfect merger. We tried the Natural & Vegan Liquid Lipstick in the shade 888 Pure Red ‘Call me Queen’ . We loved the timeless red shade of this lipstick, which is suitable for women of all skin tones. This shade screams ‘tigress’ as women have long worn red lipstick as a symbol of their power and femininity. The lipstick has an ‘easy-matte’ finish with a blend of botanical oils and waxes. We love that with just one swipe of ‘Call Me Queen’ across your lips and you’ll have a high-coverage red pout that lasts for hours.

Now every girl needs the perfect red nail lacquer to match her signature red lips. The ALL TIGERS Nail Lacquer in Red 298 ‘Hit It Big’ applies a pigmented colour to your claws. We love how it has bamboo, acerola, gotu kola and glycerin to improve nail strength. The generous brush applicator is the perfect size for applying the polish in one swipe. Its long-wear non chip vegan formula was made for queens of the concrete jungle. Free your claws from chemical-based nail lacquers with this vegan polish.

We love this stylish brand and their mission to empower women to be fierce and powerful while also being eco-friendly. If you want to join us in the prowl, you can purchase ALL TIGERS Liquid Lipstick here for £20.50. The Nail Lacquer can be purchased here for £11.50.

Regenovex - ActiFlex and Gel

As most of us at The Amazing Blog are regulars at the gym or do our morning run, we’re no strangers to muscle soreness or the odd joint problem. Tired of having to put off training when suffering from injury or stiffness, we were happy to make the discovery of the brand Regenovex that have produced Regenovex ActiFlex and Regenovex Gel, for aiding joint and muscle pain.

Regenovex products are thoroughly researched by a team of experts who have designed blends and formulas to end your joint issues. Both the Actiflex capsules and the Gel contain their unique patented Bionovex® oil, which is a marine oil with its origins in New Zealand’s Green Lipped Mussels. The Green Lipped Mussels used in Bionovex® Oil are harvested and sourced only from the clean, clear and fresh waters of New Zealand. Both products are also rich in hyaluronic acid, ETA (eicosatetraenoic acid), an Omega-3 fatty acid.

Regenovex Actiflex capsules are suitable for everyone (except those who are either  pregnant or with shellfish allergies). The pack come with 30 capsules that are free from artificial colouring, preservatives and yeast. The composition enhances collagen formation, and supports muscle and bone functions with a lubricant and cushioning effect to restore flexibility. It is recommended to take one capsule a day, or if it’s your first time you can take 2 a day for the first 10 days.

Similarly, Regenovex Gel has a similar effect but is topically applied, and can deliver up to 80 applications in just one small 40ml dispenser. It is ideal for immediate a joints pain relief and has a cooling and soothing effect. We recommend carrying it on your kit-bag to apply after training, massaging the gel into joint areas that hurt. Enhance your muscle and bone performance with the Regenovex ActiFlex capsules here 30 capsules for £25.00, or get your bottle 40ml Regenovex Gel  here for £10.99. Both are also available in Lloyds Pharmacy Stores nationwide.

Nairian - Micellar Rose Water and Cleanser

As fellow skincare fans will know, we’re always on the hunt for new cleansers and micellar waters to help maintain a clear skin. This is something we’ve all struggled with for a long time, because most products either provoke dryness or produce oils in excess, leaving our skin sticky or worse, clogging our pores. Finding products that are powerful and effective but also soft and kind to our skin is a challenge. At The Amazing Blog, we have discovered a new brand Nairian who we’ve heard lots of good things about. What’s more they produce an effective Micellar Rose Water and Cleanser which we couldn’t be more excited about.

Nairian is an Armenian family-based business that always has two priorities: Your skin and the planet. Armenia is a small country in Eastern Europe where the soil mainly comes from volcanoes, therefore it is incredibly rich in nutrients. Nairian sustainably harvest their ingredients in these local lands, on the slope of Mount Ara. They use principles of aromatherapy to make all their products which are cruelty, paraben, sulphates, synthetic fragrances and chemical-free. Nairian puts quality and sustainability at the core of the business and by growing all their products organically, where they are handcrafted and plant-based. They also monitor the production process from seed to bottle, in order to deliver the very best in top-quality products.

Let’s start with the Nairian Cleanser which is a delicately fragranced, gentle soap-free formula made with calendula flower and essential oils. It cleanses, calms and brightens both the skin and mind, as you inhale its flowery and zesty fragrance. Containing sunflower seed oil, citrus peel and rose geranium all of which have antibacterial properties among others, it soothes our redness and inflammation whilst maintaining our skin’s natural moisture.  The Nairian Cleanser is suitable for all skin types and is highly recommended to use on acne-prone, dry or mature skin. To make the most of it, use only two pumps and gently massage your face. To remove it, use a damp cloth and repeat the process morning and night. Ideally, follow it with your toner (i.e. Nairian Micella Water for optimal results) and a moisturiser of your own preference.

For us finding micellar waters and cleansers that do not irritate the skin has been a bit of a mission. Nairian Micellar Rose Water is gentle but also capable of deeply removing pollution and grime. Mainly composed with rose water, this micellar will not only cleanses but it also soothes and calms any inflammation. It also contains a hint of rose essential oil which spreads antioxidants throughout the skin, protecting it from day-to-day pollutants as well as preventing ageing. The Nairian Micellar Rose Water is suitable for all skins and its dash of glycerine, finds the perfect balance between oily and dry, giving you a soft and hydrated face. Wet a cotton pad and apply it onto your skin in an upward motion to fully activate all the ingredients.

We’ve added these two Nairian cleansers to our must-have list, we think once tried, you will too. With countless benefits, the Micellar Rose Water and their Cleanser leave your skin like never before. If this sounds like something you need, you can get your 200ml Micellar Rose Water for £28 here and the 100ml Cleanser for £28 here .

Friday Favourites: South West Wine School

Wine fascinates us with all the varieties, colours and flavours which are infinite; and being able to identify a specific wine is pretty much in everyone’s wish list. At The Amazing Blog we always enjoy learning more about the origin of the wines, how it affects the characteristics with the difference in taste or texture and so on. This is why we were intrigued to find out more about the South West Wine School with their Wine and Spirit Education Trust courses.

The South West Wine School, was co-founded by Jonathan and Hayley Reynolds with the aim of providing first class wine education across the country. Both with numerous years of expertise, Hayley holds the DipWSET diploma, while Jonathan is WSET Level 3 certified and said “I have recently taken and passed my WSET Level 3. It provides such a comprehensive education on everything related to wine, from growing vines, winemaking and the different grape varieties to serving recommendations and food and wine pairings.” This year, they are holding WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) courses to give you the chance to get your diploma, just like Jonathan and Hayley. Sponsored by the likes of Salcombe Gin, Eversfield Organic, Enotria & Coe, Vineyard Productions, The Eco Laundry, Kingston Estate and Deer Park Country House, this event couldn’t look more promising. They offer comprehensive education from growing wines, learning about the different grape varieties, to winemaking and serving recommendations. They are also members of associations like Food & Drink Devon and Taste of the West.

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) was established in 1969 for the UK wine trade. It provides optimal education courses and certifications recognised globally as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge for both wine enthusiasts and professionals. The courses will take place at the South West Wine School’s headquarters in Wakeham Farm, in South Devon and will be primarily taught by Hayley Reynolds and Rebecca Mitchell (also DipWSET certified). The next available courses begin in September and go along until the end of November.

Please see the following dates:

WSET Level 1 is on Thursday 5th September, Wednesday 9th October and Wednesday 6th November. Sign up to obtain the WSET Level 1 diploma. This course is ideal for those who are new to the wine industry. You will learn about the world of wine, explore the types and style through sight, smell and taste and gain skills to describe wines accurately to know what the best food is for pairing. Sign up for a 7 hour day course beginning at 10am for £155.

To achieve the WSET 2, they are doing 3 day courses, a total of 21 hours, for £395. This qualification is suitable for those seeking a deeper understanding of wines. From wine regions, grape varieties and styles, to classifications and labelling terminology, this course is excellent to be taken to the core of the wine industry for those aiming to achieve an intermediate level of knowledge. Moreover, you will also receive an overview of the key categories of liqueurs and spirits. WSET Level 2 – 3 day courses: Wednesday 11th, 18th, and 25th of September. Or Tuesday 12th, 19th, and 26th of November.

WSET Level 3 – 6 day course: Tuesday 10th, 17th, 24th September continuing Tuesday 1st, 8th and 15th October. In order to take the WSET Level 3 course, you will need to have passed the Level 2. This level is for those wanting to become professionals and work in the wine industry. This is a much more in-depth course, touching up on grape growing and the mastering of wine making. Once completed, you will be able to confidently assess wines accurately, delving deeper onto style and quality. The course is 6 days long and has a price of £695.

They welcome the professional, enthusiast or beginner to these courses. You can sign up here and embark on this journey to become wine expert obtaining an international qualification. Perfect for ticking off on your wish list!

Etch Taper - Shave Gel

Increasingly for us boys at The Amazing Blog the once daily chore of keeping our beard in check, has transformed into an art form of near perfectly precise sculpting of the hair, both on our head and our face. Inevitably around this new phenomenon, a thriving commercial model has emerged not only of barber shops opening at an impressive rate on our high streets, but also now an extensive range of grooming products, designed specifically  for the professionals which are offered also to each of us.

Etch Taper - Shave Gel is one such glorious find, and is the brain child of an entrepreneurial biomedical engineer with a fascinating interest in the revered world surrounding the barber’s shop chair, which went a bit further than simply having the ultimate buzzcut. Dr Salman Malik’s story is an inspiration to those who identify with the entrepreneurial hold that takes place when the potential of a solid idea germinates into the foundation stone for the construction of a brand. As if Dr Malik didn’t have enough to concentrate on with securing two Masters Degrees and a PhD, he also found time to study the art of cutting hair, all gleaned from the wonders of the internet - YouTube and Instagram, take a bow - and from this point, gained a loyal client base of eager heads needing to be kept in tiptop shape at the weekends.

Clearly a chap who is driven in an inexhaustible pursuit of knowledge, the nexhet challenge came in trying to source the perfect gel - if we remember his background, the fact his focus was on the perfect formulation of the ingredients with a very clear goal in mind, can come as no surprise at all. In this he was fastidious in producing ‘a shave gel that worked’, and thus we have at our fingertips the glorious golden elixir  he has produced is a slick, clear golden gel which allows us to see what we are doing, whilst lubricating the skin and follicles which are destined for a trim. The fragrance is peppermint based and key ingredients include witch hazel and aloe vera to soothe. It’s so cools as it glides on, and because of its transparent consistency, we can actually be far more precise in the shave job at hand.

Salman hasn’t stopped there, with a marketing campaign as slick as his product - the visual pull from the pharmacy shelf is given high prominence, understanding his target market, and keeping the message clear and succinct. Something tells us his attention to detail will continue to come through as he works towards the dream of opening his own barbershop, and then taking his brand global. When you see how far he has come in a comparatively short time, it would be a short-sighted person who doubted such an outcome; increasing your Instagram following fivefold in just a few months, and securing three distributors is testament to that.

On the subject of distribution, and where we can all get some of this magic formulation to enjoy, check out  where the golden gel (250ml) is available to buy here for £13.00 .