♥ First up tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Elly Squire but I tend to be better known as my stage moniker Clara Cupcakes. I perform with Sugar Blue Burlesque in shows all over WA. I also teach Hula Hooping at the Burlesque Academy. In my real person life (I couldn’t live like Clara Cupcakes – she’s an absolute drunken floozy!) I like to go lindy hopping, sew pretty clothes and bake cupcakes, mostly for the Retro Market. You can usually find me otherwise rehearsing like crazy for one of our shows!

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

It’s complicated! My skin was always super easy care (just cleanse, tone, moisturise and the odd exfoliation) until I moved to Thailand. I don’t know if it was the weather or the pollution but my skin changed completely. It was both oily and dry at the same time and it got really rough and lumpy. I had to change my whole routine and all my products. I got rid of anything that had parabens and the like and just used the most natural products I could find. I have a separate day and night routines because I find my skin needs different things at different times of the day. I keep it really light and oil free during the day and put the oils back in at night. Sure my face feels a little sticky and oily when I go to bed but I wake up with the softest skin!

Burt’s Bees Radiance Creme RRP $39.95

In the mornings I use Coal Face by Lush to cleanse, rose water (which I just buy from my local market) to tone and then Burt’s Bees Daily Radiance Creme , plus arnica oil for my eyes. At night I use Burt’s Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream followed by my own tea tree toner blend and moisturize with a jojoba/vitamin e/ rose hip oil blend (that I also mix myself) and Burt’s Bee’s Carrot Nutritive Night Creme and Beeswax & Royal Jelly Eye Creme. It sounds like a lot but my skin thanks me for it!

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

I am obsessed with keeping my eyebrows groomed. I don’t really have a favourite place. I kind just go wherever is open and has a free appointment at the time.

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

I hadn’t had my hair cut for a good two years because of a terrible hairdressing fiasco that had let me somewhat bitter and vowing never to go back to anyone EVER. But I recently gave in had it all chopped off in New York at Pimps and Pinups (who were AMAZING by the way. Ask for Lizzy!). So I don’t have anyone here that I go to but I will definitely be going to Head Studio in the city for my maintenance. I have heard amazing things!

Olive Oil.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Avocado, coconut oil and jojoba oil hair mask that I make myself. It’s so easy to make great, natural treatments for yourself that don’t break the bank. I also like warm olive oil and salt as an all over body scrub.

Dr Feelgood by Benefit , RRP $53

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

♥ Dr Feelgood by Benefit – I wear this instead of foundation when I’m having a stretch of good skin days. It’s a super light balm that makes your skin look matte so you have that look of foundation without actually wearing it.

♥ Jojoba and Arnica Oils – Jojoba oil has made a huge difference to my skin. It makes it glow, but not in an oily way. You can even use it on your hair. Just put two drops on your hands and run them though your locks. It makes it soft and shiny. Arnica is also a big favourite with me because I bruise like a week old peach and this helps get rid of the colour a little quicker. I also use it under my eyes in the morning to help get rid of dark circles.

♥ Sleep Balm by Badger Balm – I used to be a troubled sleeper until I picked up a tin of this little miracle. I smell it and instantly feel more relaxed. It’s the best! I keep trying to give it to people. I think I’m starting to weird them out.

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

Cold peppermint tea in summer! It’s refreshing and helps you digest so you never feel bloated, which is the WORST in summer. Oh and always use an eye cream, no matter what age you are. It’s an investment in your skin you wont regret.

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

Acupuncture. I think it would make a difference to my horrible knee that keeps flaring up but I’m petrified of needles!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Oh gosh, my eating habits are pretty terrible right now. I think I would scandalise everyone. But I do drink a tonne of water and herbal tea. That’s all I’ll admit right now!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I don’t really have one to be honest. I used to do a lot of yoga but it started getting expensive and unfortunately other things came first. I do hula hoop a tonne which is not only fun but great for toning and strengthening your core. I also try and go lindy hopping once a week, although I have been failing at that pretty badly lately as well.

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

I have the knees of an 80 year old. I take glucosamine and fish oil to help so i’m not hobbling around everywhere. I also take a multivitamin. That’s about it really! As for therapies, well. I say get out there and dance. It’ll cure what ails you!

Any questions for Ms. Cupcakes?

Be well,

xoxo

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

I have recently moved back to Perth after spending the past year working in NYC, where I worked as a freelance make-up artist for film (worked with Cannes Film Festival Winner, Elodie Bouchez), in addition to managing the marketing department at fashion showroom APARAT.

Since moving back to Perth at the beginning of the year, I have resumed my career as a freelance makeup artist and worked on the Cloudstreet TV mini-series, several commercial campaigns (LotteryWest, The West Australian and Chevron), and have had editorial in SCOOP, The West Australian and Frankie. Although this keeps me relatively busy, I am also the Marketing Manager (Business Development) at HALO Lighting, an independent Architectural Design Lighting Consultancy that my Dad started in April this year.

Work tends to take up most of my time but I try to keep a balance, making sure I take the time to go to the beach, see my family and friends, and keep in touch with local exhibitions and gigs.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I try to keep things simple with my personal routine, as my days are usually pretty busy. I always cleanse morning and night with a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) as I have very sensitive skin and I moisturize with a hydrating cream (Ego QV cream).

I have tried several other products but I have hypersensitive skin and find base products without fragrance work best for me. I make sure I’ve always got Kiehl’s SPF 15 lip conditioner (Available at StrawberryNET) on hand as I often tend to work out on location and I use Giorgio Armani’s Hydra Glow Foundation as it also contains an SPF 15.

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

To be honest I find the beach to be my favourite beauty treatment. Salt water seems to work wonders on my skin and hair. I just make sure I have my SPF and sunglasses in tow.

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

Matthew Ingrahm at Head Office on Hay Street. Its all about the cut! Even in New York I found it hard to get a cut as good as his.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream – a mid price point $39 for an amazing product, which is great for dry skin. It can even be used on the lips!

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

MAC Eye Lash Curler – I don’t leave the house without curling my lashes. It’s all about keeping what’s natural (skin, brows, lashes lips) looking fresh.

Maybelline Full and Soft Waterproof Mascara – you can layer this mascara and it remains soft and doesn’t crumble. Waterproof is always best to hold lashes that have been curled.

NARS Casino Bronzer – For darker skin tones like mine this bronzer keeps the skin looking sun-kissed and ready for Summer (lighter skin tones would use NARS Laguna Bronzer).

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

Less is more! Nothing beats fresh healthy skin. Lots of water, SPF, and picking a cleanser and moisturizer that is right for your skin type will all help in the quest to feel great.

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

I’d love to go on a yoga retreat, but this requires time and research and my busy work schedule has been keeping me on my toes.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Eggs for breakfast are a must for me. I tend to drink a lot of water and steer clear from drinks that are high in sugar. Apart from that I tend to eat everything in moderation.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I try to avoid driving where possible, so instead I walk or ride my bicycle. I also go dancing at least once a week.

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

No.

Hans Bruechle

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

I’m a 24 year old, youngest child of 8 who loves Guitar Hero and enjoys turning up to costume parties dressed inappropriately. I also draw and paint a lot and I’m starting up my own clothing label, I love to cook, and I do plenty of exercise in between epic Xbox sessions.

Painting by Hans

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

The secret to a classic, timeless beauty is your wake-up time. If you’re waking up before the crack of 10:30 then you’re not doing your face any favours. After that it’s a regulation shower (with shower gel not soap), shave, moisturize with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, do the hair, brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste and then maybe a nap cos you’ve just worked so hard on looking like you’ve just woken up.

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

As a guy I don’t really indulge in “beauty treatments” mostly because I feel uncomfortable and out-of-place in beauty salons. I feel like I should be talking with the other Mums about how school fees have just gone up again or whether Katy Perry really has had a boob job. But I do enjoy a haircut at Obsession in Gwelup pretty frequently. They’re all really nice people with good senses of humour and the artwork on the walls was done by me.

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

Again it’s Obsession in Gwelup. And I don’t know if “trust” is the right word because that implies that my hair is some sort of precious gift that must be handled with care and respect. Like virginity. I go to Obsession because they do really good haircuts and I like all the people who work there. It’s not even close to my house!

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I feel like I’m letting these questions down because, as a guy, my beauty regime focuses on 80% hair, 15% teeth and shaving, and 5% miscellaneous. But I am a fan of Palmers Cocoa Butter. Especially now cos as it heats up I’m at the beach all the time. Also sunscreen.

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

In all of life it’d have to be my limited edition Hannah Montana box set but in the self-beautification world it’s:

1. Redken “Rough Clay” hair product
2. Palmers Cocoa Butter moisturiser
3. Gillette Mach 3 shavers (although they are more expensive than buying a child from another country).

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

A lot of exercise and good food. And some sun! Not too much and don’t get burnt but just get out there and be active. I try and go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week and on the off days I swim – either in a pool at Melville Aquatic or in the ocean. Apart from that I do a bit of running, surfing, cycling, and kicking the footy around with mates.

As for food, don’t be a nazi about it (I can’t stand people who count calories and ration out portions of salad like it’s a horrifying school camp). But at the same time don’t go nuts on the fast food either. Eat fresh food that you cook yourself but still enjoy that quarter pounder at 4 in the morning when you’re tanked.

Hans getting his chest waxed. (Note: May actually be Steve Carell)

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

I’ve never had a manicure/pedicure. I don’t really want one but it was only thing I could think of that didn’t immediately freak me out. Come to think of it, I don’t think I could handle someone touching my feet like that. I actually got my chest waxed last week for a TV show and that definitely sucked. Think 40 Year Old Virgin but with me complaining like a little girl.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Fruit salad with yoghurt for breakfast (if I even wake up in time for breakfast…seriously), then normally some pasta or a big roll for lunch. I am actually a fan of Subway for lunch. And then for dinner I’ll cook something. Could be anything but I prefer pasta and rice dishes that fill me up and then I’ll have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

It’s fairly standard – I go to the gym during the middle of the day for about an hour (it is one of the benefits of not having a “proper” job) and do weights, but not a lot of cardio. Then in the evenings I’ll usually go for a run near my house and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I get up at 5 and swim a couple of k’s at Melville Aquatic Centre.

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

I’m not a big fan of alternative therapies – if you can’t fix it with a Panadol, it probably can’t be fixed – kind of attitude which I know is a bit dumb. And the only supplement I take is protein powder after I come back from the gym. I’m not fully into the whole world of protein and weight-gain supplements but I do use it. And that’s it. No multivitamins, or fish oil or rhinoceros testicle. That’s a thing, right?

Be well,

xoxo

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

I’m a stylist who makes one half of All Of The Above Creative and one third of Two Bucks ‘Til Wednesday. I love inventing stories, characters and adventures to give depth, intrigue and innovation to fashion photography. I’ve worked for publications such as The West Australian, Frankie Magazine and X-press Fashion, as well as for the Perth Fashion Festival (as the Fremantle event coordinator and stylist), Scene and Viviens modelling agencies, Pigeonhole, Two Bucks ’til Wednesday, Awoke on a Whale Heart, Paper Skye, Little Gracie and Lonely as a Cloud, among others. Check out my blog at http://anadventure.wordpress.com

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I wash my face with QV wash and moisturise with Cetaphil. I used to use more harsh cleansers, as I used to get bad breakouts, and never believed something as simple as QV could be ok, but my skin is better now than it’s ever been (this also might be just because I’m not a teenager any more, though…)

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

I’ve never had any sort of beauty treatment at a salon or spa or anything, actually.

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

I cut and dye my own hair as I’ve been a penniless student for the past four years! (this also might have something to do with my answer to the previous question!) Head Studio did mine for me a few years ago for a hair show and they are super brilliant, so if I was going to go anywhere I would go to Marie.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Ha, everything! Ok, this is probably terrible, but it works: putting a little dab of toothpaste on pimples over night! It totally works.

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

Batiste Dry Shampoo is my favourite thing ever. I have a fringe and fine hair and it keeps it fresh and voluminous… Plus, it smells pretty. Also, Papaw ointment and white eyeliner.

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

Drink lots of water! I drink a whole lot (maybe too much? Can you drink too much water?), but am bad because I buy bottled water. My next purchase will be one of those big re-usable bottles. I also usually go to be and wake up pretty early, and nearly always get 8-10 hours sleep a night.

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

I wouldn’t mind having a pedicure, but feet in general are pretty ugly things so I’d feel bad for the person doing it…

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I’ve always been a grazer, so I kind of eat constantly. For breakfast I normally have porridge, muesli or eggs on toast, and a banana, and always a large coffee (the real thing, never instant).

I then generally snack on things like biscuits and fruit and almonds throughout the morning, then maybe have something like sushi (if I’m on the road) or elaborate toasted sandwiches (if I’m at home) for lunch. And of course, the occasional McDonalds, because I’m not even going to lie; it’s frigging delicious.

Then again I generally snack all afternoon on perhaps strawberries, snow peas, chocolate and various other unhealthy things. I normally cook dinner for my family, things like delicious creamy pasta and veggie curries are my favourites and therefore the things I mostly make.

And I can’t live without dessert! Custard, cake or Tim Tams.

And actually, I just planted a veggie garden so am hoping to eat my own produce soon!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Um… incidental exercise?! Haha. My job involves lots and lots of running around all over the place and climbing stairs with loads of heavy bags of clothes and shoes and such, so that’s all I really do. I catch public transport wherever possible, which means I walk a fair bit I suppose.

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

Not really. I find one of the best things to do to clear my head when I’m stressed is to go op shopping. It calms me down, the music is ever too loud or shout-y and the little old ladies are generally the sweetest, most welcoming people around. Op shopping’s my therapy! But honestly, more than anything else; hanging out with my wonderful boyfriend and my three amazing best friends who make me immeasurably happy in every way.

Thanks Hannah, if anyone has any questions please leave a comment!

Be well,

xoxo

Jess

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

Perth born and bred, I am a freelance fashion writer and stylist. I fell into the industry quite accidentally, not really knowing what a stylist did, but I seem to get a continuous stream of work, so I must be doing something right! I’ve been doing this for just over five years and really love my job.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I use my holy grail of a cleanser, Neostrata Facial Cleanser every morning in the shower (this is really bad, right?) Then I moisturise with whatever free sample I found in a magazine or goody bag. As I get older, I’ve noticed my skin is much drier so not a day goes by where I don’t moisturise my legs and arms. Sunscreen is also a must, I’m really paranoid about wrinkles and getting older.

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

Without a doubt, I love facials, extra-super-long massage ones. I was pretty fortunate to have the best one ever done at the Bellagio Day Spa in Las Vegas a couple of years ago. Locally, I think Lotus Beauty in Kardinya is consistently the best. The girls don’t babble on when you’re trying to relax, they do a great job and use products that work well on my skin.

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

Julie Dowding at Wisp Salon in North Perth. I like that she is the only one that works in the salon, so I’m never passed onto five different apprentices (I can avoid answering what I’m doing on the weekend five times, excellent). Also, she has a delectable selection of herbal teas and occasionally opens on a Sunday for busy people, like me.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

A dance in my bedroom also gets my skin glowing.

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

Neostrata Facial Cleanser. Pelactiv Deep Cleanse. Vaseline.

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

When I exercise, cut out meat from my diet and am generally happy with how life’s going, I seem to get the most compliments. Funny, I spend so much money on products and I probably don’t really need them!

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

Bikram yoga. Oh no, wait, that sounds like torture! I guess I’ve always wanted to go on one of those weekend detox yoga retreats where you aren’t allowed to speak to anyone or carry a phone. That sounds like a dream to me.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I always start off with a healthy breakfast, but kind of go downhill from there.

During Summer, I’ll typically eat greek yoghurt with strawberries, blueberries and bircher muesli for brekkie.

With my job I’m often on the road, so I usually have to pick up lunch on the go. I’ll try to go for a salad or healthy wrap, but if I’m ravenous I won’t hesitate to grab a burger and icecream.

Dinner totally varies. Some days I’ll eat a huge Spanish dish that is force-fed by my mother, other days I’ll just have some grilled fish and vegies.

Throughout the day I’ll eat pretty much anything I crave, and at 3pm it’s usually Cherry Ripe or Spearmint Aero.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Recently, I’ve joined a ladies netball team with people that are much more skilled and competitive that I am. They yell at me to tell me I’ve gone the wrong way or am about to step over the line, but I’m grateful that at least I’m working up a sweat.

I also go for an hour walk/job at least twice a week just to clear my brain. Motown is my soundtrack.

I love Reformer Pilates and used to do it twice a week, but have got a bit slack (and poor) lately. I want to start up again really soon!

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

My chiropractor and good friend, Dr Li Chia Cheong, at Nervana is my saviour. She cracks my neck and back every week and I’ve noticed that I’ve been feeling much happier and less lethargic since seeing her.

Thanks Jess!

If you have any questions, please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo