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A few weeks ago I got to spend some time at what I’m not afraid to say is the most elegantly decorated spa I’ve ever had the pleasure of being pampered in. And Vanity Box Skin Couture in Perth (the intersection of East Perth, Highgate & Maylands) isn’t just a pretty face, though their exquisite decor is the initial drawcard, it’s the warm welcome, ambiance and list of ‘little extras’ about a mile long that really impress. This is definitely your go-to if all out luxury and service is on the cards.

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My purpose for visiting Vanity Box was to spend an hour and a half with the gorgeous and delightfully friendly owner, Suzey, to road-test one of her ‘bespoke’ treatments. Basically this means that you book in for a certain amount of time, and in consultation with Suzey decide on the day what you most feel like having done. Genius! It makes sense to be guided by what your skin and body need at the time, and I’ve never come across a service like this before, so I was very excited to see what she would suggest for me.

The room I was in, stunning right?!

My afternoon of delights starts with some candle warmed berry tea, while the strains of classical music wash over me and the relaxation process begins…

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For someone so petite Suzey has strong hands, which are capable of tailoring the massage treatments to your liking, from tender butterfly kisses, all the way up to strong deep tissue work. My massage was a mixture of both, the preceding deep tissue working out all of my computer slouching sins, while the follow up gentle massage sent me to the brink of sleep. The classical music played during the second half of the massage transported me to a perfectly choreographed ballet, where her hands were the world renowned dancers, and my back the stage.

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The Priori Natureceuticals Coffeeberry Relaxing Yoga Treatment (75 mins) is said to be an intensely relaxing anti-ageing treatment that reduces tension and stress levels as well as brightening the skin. This is where the little extras really kicked in.

♥ My face was massaged extensively during the facial, which was a very enjoyable experience and is meant to help with relieving stress.

♥ I was brought a much appreciated hot water bottle (with plush covering) and a warmed eye bag as it was chilly that day, both of which I loved.

♥ While the face mask was setting I received the longest and most glorious arm massage ever. Divine.

♥ Post-facial I was offered a light mineral makeup application, I gratefully accepted as my skin has been playing up lately and the thought of going bare-faced was a little scary on that day

The second room at Vanity Box – so pretty, this one’s my fave!

With my bespoke treatments complete, relaxed muscles and brighter complexion in tow, I couldn’t help but think that Vanity Box has completely hit the nail on the head in terms of combining stunning surroundings, wonderful service and a sense of being welcome in those who visit.

This gorgeous spa is the definition of opulence – without the attitude.

Vanity Box Skin Couture
Dilhorn Manor
178 Claisebrook Road
Perth Western Australia 6000

t : +61 8 6468 6471
m : +61 433 133 573
e : info@vanitybox.net.au
w: vanitybox.net.au
price list: available here

Have you heard of this spa before? What do you think of the decor? And how about the sound of a yoga facial? Lets chat below!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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I had a birthday recently. Aside from the usual stuff, there was something extra special I wanted this year; I wanted the Customised Dermalogica Facial Treatment at Endota Day Spa and my Mum delivered. Good on you, Mum.

Now that we’re in the heart of winter my skin has just felt like a big old bag of rubbish. And short of removing my face and sending it on a one way trip to the tip, I sensed that I just needed some professional help, some guidance if you will, because sometimes when you are too close to the problem you start suggesting crazy things like removing your face.

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One of the best things about Endota is how you feel so transported, one minute you are amidst the hustle and bustle of Hay Street, the next you are cocooned in their plush surroundings, so lovely that make you feel like you are in a secluded wood cabin and the soft rumble of traffic could in fact be a nearby waterfall. Well, at the very least it’s like being in a super comfortable, nicely designed inner city apartment with good lighting. Upon my arrival I am greeted and sent through to the relaxation room where I chill out for a bit, all the while sipping on some rosehip tea served to me by my therapist for the day, Zowie. Cool name huh? I secretly made up that her parents are Bowie fans. I cannot back this up.

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Once I get settled, my eyes close, the super sonic light goes on and Zowie gets real with me about the state of my face. Now, this could’ve been a really scary experience. But I did feel really comfortable here, Endota was so cozy and calm…and Zowie was really clear and made me feel at ease. Plus she had GREAT skin. So that helped. And also, this is what I wanted. Some things that Zowie told me I already knew and some things were new discoveries, all of which informs what products she is going to use on me.

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My favorite products from the treatment were the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse, the Daily Microfoliant and the Intensive Eye Repair, all available in spa, on the Endota website or via Strawberry NET. These are the products I can definitely see myself using day to day. After the facial is over I walk away with a sheet detailing everything we discovered about my face with a list of the products Zowie used on me. They keep a copy at Endota so when I go back they know exactly what kind of beast they are dealing with. And let’s face it, that’s a good idea because I’m probably almost definitely going to lose that sheet.

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Would I go back for another facial? Most definitely…the massage technique in the facial was really good and Zowie was just so lovely. I would also go back for a massage because of how relaxing the experience was, and the whole place was just so beautiful and comfortable, it’s hard to believe they’ve been in there for such a short amount of time!

Thanks to the facial I now know where to start. You know how sometimes you know deep down what the problem is but you need someone else to tell you to sort of remember and start doing something about it? No? Just me? Probably. Anyway it’s really jump-started my skincare routine and if nothing else then I think that’s incredibly valuable. Also Endota stocks all the Dermalogica products that I loved from the facial, so…well, now I think I know what I’ll be asking for on my next birthday.

Do you like Dermalogia? Ever tried a facial of theirs? What about David Bowie, do you like him? Leave a comment below!

Review by Adriane Daff, theatrical princess and our latest Endota convert.

♥ Photos by Kelly-Anne

The moment I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! After what’s seemed like years, the amazing certified organic day spa franchise, endota, has finally made it to our West Australian shores with it’s flagship store on Hay Street in the city! *MEGA CHEERS*

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Nestled between Dick Smith & Guys Grooming, the new endota day spa offers an escape from hectic city life. Just ascend the staircase to your own personal nirvana, where the organic herbal tea flows like water and your most fantastic day spa dreams can be realised.

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Perth beauty media were invited to the launch last week, and treated to mini manis, massages, skin mapping & more, as we ducked in and out of rooms, discovering new treats within each.

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There’s something for everyone here, and before leaving this heavenly upstairs hideaway, I booked in for their signature endotarama mini-package ($135) – the organic treatment sampler: billabong footbath, half hour organic facial and half hour massage. In other words: pure bliss. It’s going to be exactly what I need after a string of late nights up doing assignments and generally stressing about my studies

And doesn’t a billabong footbath just sound incredible? I don’t even know what it is yet!

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So heaven is here, and to give us all a little extra reason to treat ourselves (not that we should need one!) endota have an extremely generous opening offer, with a free 30 minute facial with every 1 hour massage booked until the 31st of May!! You’d be mad not to give it a go!

endota day spa perth cbd
Level 1, 856 Hay St
Perth WA 6000

t: (08) 6181 9858
e: perthcbd@endota.com.au

endota is open 7 days (surcharge on Sundays & public holidays)

What do you think of the look of the new endota spa? I would love to hear your thoughts…and if you are keen to snap up any pampering treats for yourself!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for the chemical-free luxury skin care brand Sodashi. I studied Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations at Curtin University, Bentley and I was very lucky to be offered an opportunity with such a great company. I am also the editor for Creatures of Commonplace, a website devoted to current fashion and beauty trends.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

My beauty routine is a definite highlight for me because I use some of the most amazing products. Here goes:

1. Cleanser: I use the Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Sandalwood first thing in the morning. The cleanser is great to clean away any leftover residue from night products.

2. Exfoliate: I like to use Sodashi’s Rejuvenating Concentrate which is a liquid exfoliant made up of plant essences. You basically add 10 drops to a bowl of warm water, immerse your face cloth, rinse, and compress to the face. I love that it is so aromatic, almost like a mini aromatherapy session in your bathroom.

3. Boost: Next I apply my Sodashi Calming Skin Boost which is basically a leave on gel mask with amazing nutritional benefits for the skin. I leave it to deeply penetrate my skin while I brush my teeth. It also makes for a great primer before makeup!

4. Eye Lifting Gel: At the same time as the boost I apply my Sodashi Eye Lifting Gel which is great to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eye area. A life saver in the morning!

5. Moisturiser: Finally I apply my Calming Face and Neck Moisturiser by gently massaging it into my skin in an uplifting motion – it’s never too early to start practicing these anti-ageing techniques!

During the day at the office I have a bottle of Sodashi Calming Rose Mist and Burt’s Bees Lip Balm to keep my skin and lips hydrated.

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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I love going to Annasha Day Spa in Gooseberry Hill for a Sodashi Pure Radiance Facial or the Thermal Infusing Facial Treatment. It is such a beautiful getaway just 40 minutes outside Perth CBD.

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

I am absolutely in love with Lee Preston Hair in South Perth. They do an amazing job and I can always trust them to try new styles or colours. I have had major trust issues with hairdressers in the past, so going to Lee Preston makes it a very pleasant and stress free experience!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I always do my own manicure and pedicure. My favourite colours at the moment are the Butter London ‘The Full Monty’ and Chanel ‘Peridot.’

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Only three!?

♥ Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Sandalwood
♥ Rejuvenating Concentrate
♥ Calming Face and Neck Moisturiser (and Eye Lifting Gel).

ED: That’s 4!

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

I always find that I feel my best when I go to the gym regularly, drink lots of water and meditate daily.

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

It would be amazing to go on a wellness retreat.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast: A regular day would be a banana smoothie or All Bran with Almond and Honey.

Lunch: I usually take a boiled egg, crackers, a carrot and fruit, or if I manage to be organised in the morning a chicken wrap with avocado and cucumber. I LOVE Nudies and Emma and Toms juice and drink several cups of English Breakfast Tea a day.

Night time: I can be a little slack when it comes to nutritional value but we usually cook marinated chicken or roast chicken with vegetables. We also rarely have sweet biscuits, chocolate or icecream anywhere in the house otherwise it is too tempting! We always indulge in a once a week burger or Indian dinner (usually on the weekends).

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I usually try to get to the gym 3 times a week for an hour workout; 10mins warm up on the elliptical followed by 20mins of squats and weights and I usually finish with 20mins cardio (10mins on the bike and 10mins on the elliptical). I wind down with 10mins of stretching. I also like to get outside for a beach walk with friends.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I take 3 x a day HGC+ (horseradish, garlic and vitamin C), Olive Leaf and Elderberry and Pau D’arco (for cleansing and strengthening) and once a day Fish Oil.

At work we are very lucky to receive Bowen, Reflexology and Indian Head Massage’s once a month.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

I love to read, right now I am absorbed in Jessica Rudd’s books (Kevin Rudd’s daughter) and I occasionally go to my holiday house in Ledge Point to relax. We also meditate every day at work which is a great way to de-stress.

Thanks to lovely Ali for sharing her beauty & wellbeing routine with us!

If you have any questions or comments for Ali, share em below

Be well,

xoxo