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Every day when I wake up in the morning I grab some breakfast, have a shower and then commence my daily beauty routine.

If it’s a casual day I’ll apply moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation and lip gloss. If it’s a work day then my blush, lip liner, mascara and lipstick will also make an appearance, and being a makeup artist if I’m getting ready for a night on the town then my friend the makeup kit joins me.

Doesn’t seem like a big deal, considering it takes me on average little more than 10 minutes to complete this morning ritual, though you might be surprised when I tell you that the Australian woman absorbs approximately 2kg of chemicals into her body through the skin each year.

In an effort to look our best, some of us use up to 20 different products a day, I’m sure you’re thinking “no way”, but if you had a think about what your apply to your face and body everyday – and then also take into account reapplication throughout the day then 20 isn’t really an unrealistic number! And just to really add to the “yuk” factor – nine out of 10 people use products which are past their use by date!

So at this point I’m sure some of you might be saying “so what”? Well what you might not be aware of is that many of the products contain synthetic chemicals which have been linked to side effects ranging from skin irritation to premature ageing and even cancer.

Richard Bence, a biochemist who has spent three years researching conventional products, said: “We really need to start questioning the products we are putting on our skin and not just assume that the chemicals in them are safe. We have no idea what these chemicals do when they are mixed together, the effect could be much greater than the sum of the individual parts.”

I hear you saying well I apply it externally on my skin, it’s not like I’m eating the stuff! Well contrary to popular belief absorbing chemicals through the skin is actually more dangerous than swallowing them. The human body is pretty clever, when we ingest food and drink through our mouths, it kick starts digestion, saliva in the mouth contains enzymes that break down the chemicals, and then the stomach does it thing and so on. When you apply skincare, chemicals are absorbs through the skin and get straight in to your bloodstream, there is no protection.

Of course not all chemicals are detrimental to our health but some you might like to keep an eye out for are parabens (para-hydroxybenzoic acids) which are used in products including soap, shampoo, deodorant and baby lotion. Traces of parabens have been found in breast tumour samples, although its link to the development of the cancer is disputed. Sodium lauryl sulphate, used to help create lather in soaps, shampoo, shaving foam, toothpaste and bubble bath, can cause skin irritation. (Paul Stokes—The Daily Telegraph)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you need to throw out your favourite shade of lip gloss, do away with your magic foundation or leave your house make up free – I just ask that tomorrow morning when you start your daily beauty routine have a quick read of what’s in the product your using and ask yourself the question is there any ingredient contained in the product that you don’t want swimming around contaminating your blood?

Eleni Cardaci is the Founder of Safire Natural Skincare and is passionate about raising awareness about Health & Wellbeing. To find out more Eleni and Safire Natural Skincare visit http://www.safire.com.au

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There’s not too much more relaxing than a nice hot bath. Despite the fact that it has reached over 40 here in the past few days, I found myself craving one. LUCKY FOR ME, Today was a delightful 28 degrees & a soak was on the cards!

I’ve long been a fan of Epsom salts (otherwise known as Magnesium Sulfate), you know, that weird box of crystals in the dark blue box with white writing that exists in the back of the laundry cupboard? Maybe this is just in my house…!

Well, I’ve recently discovered that this curious box contains a great stress relieving treat. Magnesium has long been known to reduce aches & pains by relaxing the muscles & blood vessels in the body (WHO KNEW?). The reduction in stress / anxiety come from these same benefits, relaxed muscles = relaxed mind.

Apparently a very high proportion of us are deficient in magnesium, which is a mineral that helps control high blood pressure, relaxation & helps the blood circulate smoothly! For more info on this super important little morsel, check out the WH Foods website & find out what you can munch on to get more! One of my favourite sites for sure!

So, I’m making these a part of my weekly routine. Once or twice a week, an epsom bath for me! I find that with a cupful of salts & a nice long soak, a wave of calm washes over me.

Apparently epsom salts are also good for the garden in some way according to my Mother, so you can go wild getting dirty with seedlings, worms & Magnesium Sulfate, then wash it all away with the same box of joy! I’m no gardener I’m afraid so take no responsibility for any withered blooms!

Have you ever had an epsom salt bath? Ever even HEARD of epsom salts? Leave a comment!

Be well,

xoxo

Acrylic Nail Salons in the Eastern ‘Burbs.

I love having acrylic nails. I can’t help it. I am addicted to the shiny, neat way my hands look when they’re just done.

Due to domestic downsizing, I went without them for a year and I eventually learnt that I am simply not disciplined enough to sit in front of telly, dutifully filing, shaping, buffing and coating all ten of those little suckers when I can pay someone else to do it in half the time.

So around Christmastime, in a fit of desperation, I had a full set of French acrylics back on. Being an acrylic aficionada, I was significantly underwhelmed with the result (at a service that shall remain nameless). So began the searching for a decent salon that would tick all the boxes.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with acrylic nails, acrylics are mixed by a nail technician from powder to create an acrylic material which adheres to your natural nail, making it very tough and durable. Depending on your nail growth, the acrylic takes about 3-4 weeks to grow to the point where your nails need to be “rebalanced” or in-filled.

“Permanent French” refers to creating a “French” manicured-look by using a white powder for the tip, then a pink powder for the nail bed. Typically, nail technicians should have appropriate qualifications, and of course, you should aim to check that out.

Over the coming months, I will be road testing a few nail salons in the eastern metro area and then rating them according to five categories: service, technique (of the technician and tools used), the finished nail form (whether a natural look is created through the ratio of pink and white, the shape and the thickness of finished nails), time, cost, plus an overall star rating, out of 5

Now remember, this is based on my opinion and how I like my nails to look; your requirements may be different but hopefully this will give you some hints about where and what to try.

For the purposes of our road-test, I will be having French in-fills, every 4 weeks. (All in the name of science!)

Fantasy Nails

Shop 6, 1010 Beaufort St, Bedford.

What I had done: Permanent French acrylic refills, after 4 weeks’ growth.

Having been for a great, cheap pedicure at Fantasy Nails, I was hopeful that their acrylics would also fit the bill. I wasn’t disappointed. They actually seem to know something about nail health. The lovely tech noticed the red area below my old acrylic and commented that the nail bed had been damaged through the last tech filing too thin. (Needless to say, this was not at Fantasy Nails). This has left a line, visible through the new acrylic and that has to grow out. I thought this was just an unfortunate side-effect since I’d had this before and no one else had ever spotted it. Colour me impressed.

Service

I made an appointment for late on a Thursday afternoon, although you can just walk in. If they’re busy, you may need to wait. The atmosphere is friendly, but efficient. Sure, chatter away, if you like, or not. It’s not a requirement. I didn’t make any new BFFs but I was treated respectfully and with a smile.
Nail form

Perfect ratio of white to pink – the white started just slightly lower than it would on my natural nail so they will continue to look balanced for at least two weeks. Nails were shaped square-round, as requested – smooth with no sharp corners. Thickness was the only aspect that let the form down – I prefer my nails reed-thin and this takes more time – a couple of nails look a bit chunky when looking laterally, down the nail. But from the top (and particularly when waving the little darlings around), the form is spot on.

Technique

I thought I’d seen it all until my nail tech used the end of a tip to cut into the drying white acrylic to create the curve. The result is a very clean line between the white and the pink, following the natural curve and shape of your finger. Electric drills are used, along with emery boards and buffers. The big surprise was the buffing paste. Ordinarily, I have a gel coat over the acrylic to create a shiny, wet look. My tech advised me that the gel overcoat isn’t necessary and instead, used a pink buffing paste which gave the acrylic a far more natural sheen. The buffed finish is looks glossy and smart.

Time

Woah! Super-quick. I was in and out in 45 minutes.

Cost

Not the cheapest refills at $55 + $5 for one tip but worth it for the finish.

Overall rating

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4.5)

Fantasy Nails also operates in Subi and Booragoon. Also give the pedicure a go (the chairs are brill!).

Article by Bron: I am 39, married and a full-time health professional. Like most busy women, I work way too hard and struggle to make my own health a priority. But I’m beginning to understand that wellbeing is all about having a rich, full and balanced life. (It is possible to love food, drink good wine and feel healthy – it’s called “living”!). One area I’m passionate about is how our psychological and emotional health interconnects with our physical health, particularly the role of stress. So I really look forward to writing about the stuff that I’m curious about, or battle with, and hope that it answers questions for you too 🙂
Bron x
PS Oh, and at this age, I’m also learning that gravity wins, no matter what!

Miss Liv @ Disco Cantito!

The new year has well and truly started, the first weeks have flown by already!

I’m sure you’ve made a few resolutions about getting and keeping fit in the new year. It’s one of the best resolutions, helping not only with our appearance, but health, mind and body as well. Unfortunately, life gets busy and the idea of getting hot and sweaty, running nowhere on a treadmill with countless others is hardly a motivational one.

Staying interested is the key to keeping up the new regime and sticking to that new year’s resolution. So this year, why don’t you try something new to keep you feeling good about you?

Disco Cantito, run by Isobel Lyall in North Perth and Victoria Park has a very different approach to staying in shape.

They’re a non-profit organisation that work mainly with children to teach them through playing. While most classes are for children, the hidden gem is in their adult classes.

Run during the day on Wednesdays in Victoria Park and on Saturdays in North Perth, there are classes in hula hooping, aerials and acrobatics. You continuously improve on the previous weeks progress as your muscles and confidence develop. The great thing is, you don’t realise the magnitude of your work out until the next day, and the day after that…(!)

If you’re looking to increase your upper body strength, the aerials class is the perfect work out, it works on all the muscles that support the back and shoulders. It’s also a great option for people who find they slouch, or who slave over a computer during the week. Being a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday desk jockey, my posture was terrible and even after three classes there was a very noticeable difference. It’s easy to put aside the time when you see the kinds of tricks you can do on the trapeze. Learning to climb up and down the silks like P!nk did in her latest tour is another bonus. It’s worth going down to check out the classes, even just for a look. Casual rates are available for courses, but I’m sure once you’ve tried it you’ll be hooked (like me) on Disco Cantito!

DATE: Term 1 Commences February 9

TIME: 10.00am – 4.30pm

LOCATION: North Perth Classes @ The Chapel Space, 117 Angove St North Perth
Vic Park Classes @ Leisure Life Centre, Kent St, East Victoria Park

COST: Varies depending on the course

BOOKING: Call Isobel on 0408 626 941.

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle.

MORE INFORMATION: Check out Disco Cantito on Facebook or email disco.cantito@gmail.com

Review by Liv Bambola ♥

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Tucked away in the Ballajura Shopping Centre is the Omega Skin Spa. The closed front door makes for a small and unassuming facade but once you walk in you forget the outside world altogether.

I booked my appointment for a Thursday afternoon, there were plans to go to the beach, so a bikini wax was in order. I called up first thing and made the booking for later that afternoon. It was a routine appointment and even though I arrived early, I wasn’t kept waiting. It was all straightforward, in and out in under half an hour. I have been to a few different spots for bikini lines and Brazilians and I’m not sure what the difference is but I found this one a lot less painful.

The staff are friendly and polite, and the salon has that relaxing ambiance to help you feel at ease. The music in the main entrance filters through to the treatment rooms, as do the voices. However the rooms for relaxation and massages are further back, away from the noise of the outside world. All in all it’s a lovely spot and I do think it will become my regular. The fact that it’s in a more suburban area means you’re not paying ridiculous prices and you don’t have to wait as long for an appointment.

Omega Skin Spa have something for everyone. If you’re wanting to indulge, make the most of the full body relaxation treatments, massage, exfoliations, soaks or Dermologica Treatment Facials. Perhaps if you’re just looking to look and feel good you can take advantage of the tanning, manicures, pedicures or waxing to get you ready for summer. They also do Bio Sculpture Gel Nails and make up for special occasions.

Omega Skin Spa

37 Ballajura City,
cnr Illawarra & Kingfisher Dr,
Ballajura 6066

Telephone: 9249 4957

Email: omega@amnet.net.au

Website: http://www.omegaskinspa.com.au/

Opening Hours :

Monday – Closed
Tues – 9:00 – 5:30
Weds – 9:00 – 5:30
Thurs – 10:00 – 7:00
Fri – 9:00 – 5:30
Sat – 9:00 – 4:00
Sun – Closed

Written by Liv, who is my lovely North of the River correspondent! You can expect many exciting articles from her coming up, including circus exercise, dietitians & more!

Been to this beauty salon? Leave a comment and let us know what you thought!

Be well,

xoxo