But before you get too excited by the spring-heralding appearance of hot cross buns, snowdrops and daffodils, let me tell you: this weekend is set to be chilly. Waaah! But instead of hunkering down in front of the fire with a dozen eggs of the Easter variety, why not swop edible gifts for something equally delicious but far less calorific: a new spring scent?

If you’re anything like me after winter, you already resemble an egg anyway; middle-aged spread is a thing. The struggle is real. The struggle to move, I mean. I’m like a Weeble. My current figure makes Humpty Dumpty look positively sylphlike. So this weekend I’ll be treating myself to some sweet-smelling treats instead of the calorific choccy ones. My waistline heaves a sigh of relief as I reluctantly put the Lindt bunnies (yes, plural – don’t judge!) back on the shelf and reach for my new Parfen perfumes instead.

First up is Lily-Of-The-Valley And Magnolia, a stunning white floral fragrance. The first aromas to tantalise your nostrils after a generous spritz are the citrus notes of orange and tangerine. This then develops into beautiful heart notes of magnolia, lily-of-the-valley, jasmine, and rose. Jasmine is one of my favourite summer flowers, so the inclusion of this note in the fragrance hints at the heady days of summer to come. Ahh, summer! Just saying the word puts a smile on my face. All that sunshine, long lazy evenings in pub gardens and frantic festival fun….(Sorry, I was getting sidetracked by thoughts of summer there – back to the fragrance!) The base notes of the scent are guaiac wood, sandalwood, and musk.

The fragrance is feminine and uplifting; the floral notes reminding me of the beautiful flowers that will soon start to bloom in parks and gardens up and down the country. I love spring! Not just because it’s my birthday this weekend (I know – blatant hint), which always brings lots of fun celebrations with my friends and family, but also because of all the other cute little Easter babies celebrating their birthdays too (and yes, I was including myself as a cute Easter baby there). Seeing the playful little lambs gamboling around amongst the daffodils has to be one of the sweetest sights, don’t you agree? (Not to mention the sight of them served up for the Easter Sunday roast with a bit of mint sauce – dee-licious!)

If all this talk of baby animals and flowers is just too saccharin-sweet for your tastes, you may prefer a lighter, more aquatic scent for the new season. Close your eyes. (Actually, open them again as you won’t be able to read this otherwise. Duh!). Imagine the aroma of walking along a beach, inhaling the fresh salty air, skimming stones out to sea. If this sounds like your kinda scent, let me introduce you to…Aquamarine.

This badboy is predominantly a men’s fragrance, but I have to say, I’ve been wearing it myself and I love it! Zesty top notes of grapefruit and orange give way to neroli, seaweed, rosemary and saltwater notes, before deepening to cedar wood and musk. For me, it is the scent of holidays, bottled. And we all know how much I love to travel.

On a chilly spring morning, I can close my eyes and be transported to my favourite beach with a generous spritz of this fragrance; taking a deep breath as I imagine filling my lungs with that salty sea air. Bliss!

So there you have it – two sumptuous spring scents to tempt you. At just £15.90 each, they are not going to dent your bank balance too much either. So instead of adding to your loved-ones’ winter weight woes this Easter, why not give the gift of scent instead of sugar? These fragrances will last a lot longer than the sugar-fix, and are a lot kinder in the dreaded fight against flab too. So I’ll be leaving those Easter eggs on the supermarket shelves and filling my basket with these fragrant treats instead*.

Happy Easter, Bird’s Eye Viewers!

*Well, maybe just one little egg won’t hurt. It is my birthday, after all…

To Buy Lily-Of-The-Valley And Magnolia click here. To Buy Aquamarine click here. To see the full range of fragrances available at Ivy Bloom, click here.

Online Easter Offer – Save up to £20 when you shop online

1. £10 off when you spend £40 or more. Use code SAVE10 at checkout
2. £20 off when you spend £80 or more. Use code SAVE20 at checkout

I was gifted the fragrances in exchange for an honest review.

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (lifeabirdseyeview)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post The Sweet Scent Of Spring appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

I recently returned from Spain to a welcome pile of goodies, and whilst rummaging amongst them I noticed a common theme: rose. The most popular flower there is, roses are a recognised symbol of love the world over. I doubt there’s a woman alive who wouldn’t be pleased to receive them. (Well, maybe a few with allergies, but let’s not split hairs.) However, when it comes to beauty, the fragrance of rose can be a bit Marmite, with some people of the opinion that it’s a tad ‘old lady.’ But love or hate this classic aroma, the benefits of rose as a therapeutic ingredient for our health and skin are undisputed: it works wonders.

For me, the scent of roses takes me right back to my childhood, when I would play in the garden, and (unbeknownst to De Mama) pull the heads off the roses and soak the petals in an empty ice cream tub half filled with water to make my own perfume. I can clearly remember sitting at our little red plastic table and chairs in the conservatory on a summer’s day, watching in wonder as the water slowly turned a pinkish colour over the course of a day or two; swishing it around before anointing my pulse points with the floral water, as I’d seen Mum do with her perfume sprays. Of course, it was all fun and games until she saw the state of her precious rosebushes…and the water quickly turned rancid; the petals brown and soggy. Fortunately, I’m no longer an amateur perfumier; I leave the formulating to the professionals and stick to buying, reviewing and selling beauty products instead.

Anyway, back to the health and beauty benefits of rose, of which there are many. Taken internally – as a tea or a tincture – rose is a mood-lifting, soothing antidepressant, useful during times of stress or hormonal fluctuations. Applied topically on the skin, rose is anti-inflammatory and calming; great for dry, sensitive or mature skins, or for those suffering from rosacea or acne.

There are two main types of rose used in skincare: rosa damascena or Bulgarian rose, which has a deep, potent aroma, and rosa centifolia, also known as Morrocan or cabbage rose, which has a light, sweet, clean scent. Rose essential oil is one of the most expensive there is, due to the fact that tens of thousands of rose blossoms, picked at dawn as they are unfolding, are required to yield just one ounce of the essential oil. The good news is that you only need a couple of drops to reap the rewards.

Rose oil is not to be confused with rosehip seed oil, which comes from the fruit of the rose plant and is rich in antioxidant vitamin C. Regular Bird’s Eye Viewers will know from this post that I’m currently trialling GOPO Joint Health, which is a rosehip supplement for healthy joints and reducing inflammation. I’ve been taking GOPO for a few weeks now, and as well as feeling better physically, my skin is looking much more radiant and imperfections improved. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Rosehip seed oil is great for scarring, pigmentation and skin imperfections as well as joints.

Convinced yet? Let’s cut to the chase! Here’s a round-up of…

My Current Top Five Rose-based Health and Beauty Buys

1. Armina Organic Rose Water, £10.90 for 100ml or £13.90 for 250ml, Ivy Bloom.

This 100% organic steam-distilled Bulgarian rose water available from Ivy Bloom is food grade; so pure it can be also used in cooking. I’m told it tastes good when added to a glass of bubbly too – but I’ll be saving it purely for cosmetic use. Either spray onto cotton wool and sweep over the face like a toner or spritz directly onto the face for a hydrating pick-me-up. Perfect for holidays or when flying, or just to rehydrate dry skin after a long winter in a centrally-heated atmosphere. The fragrance is divine, the quality evident. I’ve been using this twice a day after cleansing – a new staple in my daily beauty routine. 5/5 – love it!

2. Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil, Dr Botanicals, £49.90 30ml.

Following a generous spritz of the rosewater from Ivy Bloom, I like to apply a couple of drops of this facial oil by Dr Botanicals. Some oils can feel too heavy and greasy for daytime use, but this is surprisingly light in both texture and scent. Use before moisturiser or added to your day/night cream to protect, brighten and nourish skin. Rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C in an almond oil base, this oil is suitable for all skin types. (Contrary to popular belief, oils are also recommended for greasy skin as they balance sebum production). 4/5 – I love a more ‘rosy’ fragrance, but this lighter aroma will appeal to many. 

3. Whole Rose Buds by The Teamakers of London, via The Teatourist subscription box, £11 per month for a selection of 6 teas.

I’ve been receiving these boxes monthly from Teatourist for some time now, and it’s surprising just how many varieties of tea there actually are. These rosebuds from The Teamakers of London are both aesthetically pleasing and make a deliciously soothing yet uplifting tea. Simply put as many buds as you like into a mug, pour on boiling water and enjoy your Insta-worthy cuppa. Simples! 4/5 – love the flavour and simplicity, should probably have removed the flowers before drinking as I got a mouthful of petals. Extra point for prettiness.

4. Scentered Love Therapy Balm, £14.50.

100% natural. Apply this Scentered lip balm-style product to pulse points whenever you feel overwhelmed and in need of a hug. The Love aromatherapy balm combines top notes of clove and orange with rose, patchouli and cedarwood to create an elegant fragrance which smells amazing whilst restoring a sense of inner peace and balance. It’s been a crazy year for me so far – give me one for every handbag and pocket, pronto! 3/5 – love the convenient size, natural aroma and therapeutic benefits. Fragrance could have lasted slightly longer. Great for travel. 

5. Whittard’s English Rose tea bags, £5 for 25.

Whilst the loose rosebuds are an Instagrammer’s delight, you can sometimes find yourself with the odd bit of petal in your mouth as you sip on your brew. These Whittard’s English Rose teabags give a similar flavour but with the familiar convenience of a teabag. Best drunk with a scone, clotted cream and a generous spoonful of jam. 4/5 – similar flavour to the rosebuds. Not as pretty but more convenient in bag format. 

So there you have it! If your skin is in need of a radiance boost and your mood is equally as dull, it’s time to reach for the rose!

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (lifeabirdseyeview)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Everything’s Coming Up Roses appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.

You work hard, right? Hustling for the dollar, day in, day out; working your carefully manicured fingers to the bone. I hear ya, gurl! So you deserve a treat; I couldn’t agree more. Let’s think about that treat for a moment, make it real. What’ll it be: a shiny new make-up compact? A slinky dress? Some new perfume?

Let’s say you decide on a sexy new scent, something to drive your man wiiiild with desire this weekend. It’s Valentine’s Day soon, after all. Let’s run through that little shopping expedition together, shall we? Close your eyes for a moment. I know, I know, you’ll have to open them to read this. Just picture the scene in your mind’s eye then….

So you walk into that chic little boutique, the one with row upon row of expensive designer fragrances. How much do you think that shop-fit cost? Those sleek shelves, twinkling lights, gleaming gold and marble fixtures….

Ok, now go to the shelf. Pick up a bottle of perfume. Feel the weight of the smooth glass in your palm. Those heavy sculpted bottles don’t come cheap you know. Uh oh! Here comes the glamorous shop assistant, ready to list (rather breathlessly, you note) all the reasons why you simply Must. Not. Leave. without buying that fragrance. You eye her appraisingly as she rattles off the features and benefits of the product; expensive haircut, perfect makeup, nice shoes. You paid for those – last month, remember? When you spent half your wages in this very store and she got her bonus.

Right. She’s got you in her grip again. Try to avoid eye contact – she’ll suck you in. But…she does have a point. It is an intoxicating scent. And it’s been created by that famous fashion designer. And…and…and…

Hold on! Stop! Take your hand off your purse. Think about this, for a second. When you wear this fragrance, will anyone see the expensive bottle? Nope, that stays on your bathroom shelf. Will anyone see the triple-figure price tag/designer name/classy boutique? Nope, nein, non. Of course not. Will that glamorous assistant be sashaying down the street alongside you, holding that pricey bottle aloft so that everyone who sees you coming will be aware of your impeccable taste and bottomless bank account? Negative. The only thing that really matters when buying a perfume – or any item really – is the efficacy of the product: does it do what it says on the tin?

In the case of a fragrance, there are only really two main criteria, as I see it: a) does it smell amazing? And b) does it smell amazing for a decent amount of time?
All the rest: the packaging, the advertising, the pretty shop window…it’s all just FLUFF. Sure, it adds to the overall shopping experience. But is it essential to the enjoyment of the product? Of course not. If money is no object, go right ahead and buy your designer fragrance. Knock yourself out! I’m not knocking it; we all love a bit of luxury. But if you want to have money left over at the end of the month rather than the other way around, why not consider Parfen Perfumes?

The brand

Parfen Perfumes was founded in Bulgaria in 1996. The fragrances are completely cruelty-free and vegan, and the minimal, recyclable packaging makes them an ethical and environmentally friendly choice. These eaux de parfums, like so many top quality fragrances, use only the finest French essential oils. These oils are combined in huge vats, or amphoras, at a concentration of 22% for the women’s scent, 18% for men’s, then decanted into plain glass bottles and labelled with the fragrance number. The short video below explains it clearly. By saving money on expensive advertising, packaging and shops, the savings can be passed directly onto you. So you get to smell like a movie star without needing the salary of one. Capiche?

Having worked with luxury fragrances myself for many years, I have a particular interest in fragrance and was curious to know more. I was kindly gifted a set of fragrances to review and when my parcel arrived I couldn’t wait to tear it open and anoint myself in some exciting new scents. Sure enough, the packaging is simple (yet stylish) and although distributed widely across Europe, the only UK outlet is in Reading. So unless you happen to live in the vicinity, you’re going to have to buy it online. But how do you buy a fragrance without smelling it first? Well, there’s a 24/7 online chat facility on the website, where you can tell them your favourite designer scent and the knowledgeable staff can match it to one of the 300 in the collection. Or, if you prefer, you can order samples (25 spritzes per vial, £1.20 each) before you commit to a larger size. Easy peasy.

My choices

I was asked by the brand for a list of my favourite fragrances so that they could hand-pick some from the collection especially for me. The ones I listed were: Essence by Marc Jacobs, Sensuous by Estée Lauder and Peony and Blush Suede by Jo Malone. For men I listed The Scent by Hugo Boss, Wow by Joop and old school classic L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake. I was sent a selection of 30ml perfumes including Jasmine and Gardenia, Red Rose and Peony, Black Orchid and Lemon and Ginger. I also received Blackcurrant and Vanilla, Orange and Patchouli, Dark Oud and Pineapple and Birch samples.

The ingredients

The fragrances I received contain mouth-wateringly delicious essential oils such as…

Jasmine and Gardenia: Top notes of bergamot, jasmine, mandarin and orange. Heart notes: gardenia and orange blossom. Base notes: amber, cedar, sandalwood.

Red Rose and Peony: Top notes of freesia, lychee and peony. Heart notes: lily of the valley, magnolia and rose. Base notes: amber and cedar.

Black Orchid: Top notes of jasmine, gardenia, blackcurrant, lemon and bergamot. Heart notes: orchid, spicy notes, lotus flower. Base notes: vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, incense and amber.

Lemon and Ginger: Top notes of nutmeg, bay rose, peppermint, lemon, orange and grapefruit. Heart notes: jasmine, cedar, vetiver, ginger. Base notes: labdanum, patchouli, sandalwood, olibanum.

My favourite

So which is my favourite? Being the girly girl that I am, my current absolute daytime fave from the collection (I’m still working my way through wearing them all!) has to be Jasmine and Gardenia. For evenings I’m wearing the more mysterious Black Orchid. My partner is loving the Lemon and Ginger fragrance. There are also several unisex fragrances in the collection, should you be kind enough to share (hmm, maybe not!).

Staying power

At this concentration the scents are classified as eau de parfum, and will last on the skin for upto 12 hours. Top tip: fragrances last longer on moisturised rather than dry skin, so always apply moisturiser prior to use. If you don’t have time to slather cream on your entire body, just apply a plain or matching moisturising cream to the areas you’ll be spritzing the fragrance onto, so neck, wrists…or wherever you’d like to be kissed ;-). Oh and never rub your wrists together – you’ll crush the delicate notes of the fragrance.

The prices

The fragrances come in three sizes:

30ml: £15.90

50ml: £19.90

100ml: £26.90.

I know – bargain, right?!

(If you prefer a more luxe look, all fragrances can also be purchased in 100ml frosted bottles for £28.90).

So if you want to be able to extend your fragrance wardrobe, and your partner’s, and still be able to afford to actually go out somewhere smelling amazing this Valentine’s Day, choose Parfen Perfumes. The glossy assistant at the designer boutique won’t thank you…

…but your bank account will.

Parfen Perfumes: You know it makes scents. 

I was gifted the products by Parfen Perfumes UK in exchange for an honest review. If you would like to purchase the fragrances for yourself, you can do so via the website (links in text), or via the Amazon links above. Should you buy from Amazon I will receive a small commission (upto 10% of the purchase price) which goes towards the cost of running my blog. 

Since this article was written the UK website has added products to their range from Armina Bio as well as Parfen Perfumes, and as such has been rebranded as Ivy Bloom. The products I have reviewed remain exactly the same; the links will simply redirect to Ivy Bloom.

Follow Ivy Bloom on Facebook and Instagram.

Sam x

Fancy reading my back-story before you go any further? You can find my other blogs at:

www.costaricachica1.blogspot.com
www.samgoessolo.blogspot.com
www.mummymission.blogspot.com
www.worldwidewalsh.blogspot.com

Follow me:

Twitter: @SamanthaWalsh76 (Life:ABird’sEyeView)
Facebook: @lifeabirdseyeview
Instagram: @lifeabirdseyeview

The post Parfen Perfumes: Perfect! appeared first on Life: A Birds Eye View.