Dear readers: this may well be the Mecca for acrylics! Could this be where my search for the perfect nails ends?

Studio One

U2, 1004A Beaufort St, BEDFORD, WA, 6052

Ph: 9370 2000

What: Permanent French acrylic refills, after 6 weeks’ growth.

This salon came recommended by a friend who has other beauty treatments done here. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and found one of my very first nail techs, who’s now running her own salon. I’d been somewhat lax about booking in to have my refills so by the time I actually went to Studio One, my nails were looking the worse for wear. Emma, ever the consummate professional, was very diplomatic and made a lot of sympathetic noises, like how hard it must have been to wash my hair. (Other acrylic-lovers will know what that’s like when your nails start to lift. They catch in everything!). I felt right at ease.

Service

Between us we had managed to mix up our first appointment but Emma quickly found an alternative spot on what must have been a busy Saturday. The salon itself is comfortable, sunny and faces out onto Beaufort St. (If you’re peckish, there’s a fantastic Indian restaurant next door!). Emma is charming and personable, so there’s no shortage of conversation!

Nail form

The shape was spot on – square without sharp edges. The nails look like a sheet of glass – thin and flat. The proportion of pink to white was also exactly right; that is, about two-thirds pink to a third white. The curve of the crescent is oval – which takes some getting used to, if you’re used to a more round shape – but nevertheless effective.

Technique

The application of the acrylic and creation of the shape is all done with a brush. Electric drills and emery boards are used (your own board is kept in a separate envelope for hygiene). Gel was applied to create a glossy look.

Time

1 hour.

Cost

$70.00 for refills. That’s double the price of some salons. However the products are high quality and non-toxic. (If you haven’t already done so, it’s worth researching the various health risks of the cheaper products. Ultimately, you pay for what you get).

Overall Rating

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ + 1/2 a heart! (4.5)

Review by Bron, whittling down the nail salons til she finds the pinnacle of acrylics.

Be well,

xoxo

I received a gift voucher for a treatment of choice at Bodhi J Day Spa in Wembley as a birthday present. My friend has recently had the Indian Head Massage there and said it was excellent, however I felt like something more indulgent. I decided on a full body scrub, the Lemongrass Body Glow.

Bodhi J is a piece of paradise set unassumingly on Grantham street in Wembley. Entering into the foyer, I had no idea of the beautiful décor that was behind these doors.

I was led into a large room which had nice subdued lighting, two round spas and two tables. I felt like I had been transported to the finest day spa in Bali. The little touches the room like the frangipanis, the aromatherapy oils burning along with the dim lighting made you feel instantly calm. I was left to undress, given some lovely green disposable underwear and a sarong, and got ready for the treatment.

Laying face down I was asked to inhale a scent from aromatherapy oil to relax me. I was then given a firm soothing massage with a scented oil. My therapist knew what she was doing – long firm massage strokes on the back of my legs, at just the right pressure. After the oil, the lemongrass salt was rubbed into my body. The smell was amazing. Once my legs, back and shoulders were done, I turned over to have my stomach, the front of my legs and feet as well as my décolletage oiled, massaged and scrubbed.

Then it was time to be rinsed. I was expecting I would have to go to another room to shower, but the bed I was on was actually under a bath and I was rinsed off with a shower head that was attached to the wall. That part was a littler surreal – I felt like a big baby being hosed down, but none the less it was still all very professional.

The therapist left me to dry off and lie on the table next to me. I was then moisturised from neck to toe whilst getting a nice soothing massage at the same time . I got dressed and was then led to a waiting area. There was a herbal tea, some fruit and a chocolate were waiting for me. Here the therapist spoke to me about some of the products that were used on me during the treatment. They did have these for sale at the spa, but I was not felt at all pressured into buying something – I simply got an explanation and a price list and was left to enjoy my tea and strawberries in peace.

After that it was back to reality unfortunately. The whole process took just over an hour and a half and it was harsh to walk out of this beautiful oasis back onto old Grantham street.

Bodhi J is definitely worth a visit for absolute indulgence and an escape to paradise – if only for an hour.

Lemongrass Body Glow is $95 for 60 mins.

42C Grantham St (Cnr Nanson St)
Wembley
Western Australia 6014

Phone: (08) 9387 5152
Fax: (08) 9387 4548
Email: admin@bodhij.com.au

Review by Yvette Coyne.

Note: NouriShe is for ladies only, sorry boys!

This is a hard review for me to write, not because of the quality of massage. No, it was excellent. Not because I’ve sprained my arm playing doubles tennis over the weekend and am having trouble typing. No, I’m not cool enough to play tennis.

This is a hard review for me to write, because I know once the ‘secret is out’ that I’m going to have difficulty booking in for what could possibly be the highest quality cheap massage in Perth.

The only child in me wants to hide this from you all, proclaiming ‘MINE!’ and be smug in my secret knowledge of the best deal in town. My Mum always made me extra cookies to share though, and it’s with that memory that I’m overcoming all of my greedy instincts to share NouriShe Massage with you.

Referred to me by one of my contributors, I was immediately struck by what Helen from NouriShe was offering:

A relaxation massage, that’s up to 90 minutes in duration, for $50. Given that I’ve been paying $105 for an hour massage, it’s safe to say I was more than a little interested especially since it had come to me highly recommended from a friend of a friend.

Ever skeptical however, I recalled my only other experience with a home based masseuse. Eagles vs. Dockers match on the radio, long fake fingernails scratching down my back, awkward overly dark room.

NouriShe is nothing like this.

The massage room is warm and cosy, with small candles, flowers & classical style music playing from an iPod speaker. It’s also perfectly lit, just a little dim. A choice of two herbal teas awaits me as I fill out the consent form. I chose peppermint.

Helen explains everything thoroughly and goes through how the massage is going to unfold, it all sounds fine and I am feeling good.

Due to long hours at the computer & my ‘could be better’ posture, there are a lot of tender spots & knots in my back, shoulders and neck. Helen is proficient in deep tissue / remedial massage as well, so works on these areas for me when she comes across them. While this part of the massage was not the most relaxing, it’s necessary to keep the back/neck healthy and I was given advice to help prevent the problems in the future.

A few of the things that stand out for me about the experience…

♥ Quite a while was spent on massaging the area where the hip meets the lower back on each side, this felt divine and is a spot often skipped over by massage therapists in my experience.

♥ The pressure used was perfect for me, a firm but caring touch.

♥ Despite being located in a home, there were small touches such as a tiny lit candle & flowers in the bathroom that helped create the experience, I really liked this.

Overall I really enjoyed my massage at NouriShe and the price is a dream.

You can leave your love & adoration for sharing this beauty with you below.

Web: http://www.nourishe.com.au
E-mail: helen@nourishe.com.au
Phone: 0437 931 653
Location: NouriShe is located at Helen’s home in Claremont.

Appointments are available Tuesday – Saturday. Last appointment of the day is at 5.30pm.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

When offered the chance to experience a 90 minute indulgent massage involving hot ancient stones, Australian native botanicals & the opportunity to “leave my body’s energies dancing with joy” at Bodhi J Health + Beauty Spa, I reluctantly accepted

Bodhi J is located in Wembley, a short drive past the picturesque Herdsman Lake – driving past is a lovely precursor to a spa treatment.

Quick Warning: This review might get a bit lengthy, I had a lot of interesting (I hope!) observations about this particular spa that I’d like to share with you.

First up the welcome area is spacious, which immediately makes for a relaxed feel. There are a stack of neatly presented and CURRENT (A+, such a rarity in any setting) magazines to browse through whilst waiting & filling in the client form.

The treatment I’m having is called the “Li’tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage” and it lasts for 90 minutes (dreamy), here is the excerpt from the Bodhi J website:

These magical Ancient Primordial Stones from North Western Australia are integrated into a treatment that is aligned with the rhythmic Kodo body massage that is inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques which tone and re-align energy flow, enhancing mind and body balance and wellness. The therapist skilfully integrates the rocks with pressure points and spiralling movements that work to ground and uplift, leaving the body’s energies dancing with joy.

A quick bathroom stop before the treatment begins reveals a well thought out addition to the spa, large enough to accommodate any disabilities and complete with hand rails. That really struck me, as I haven’t seen such facilities in all spas I’ve been to – but why should feeling and looking good be limited only to the completely able bodied? It shouldn’t, so I really commend Bodhi J for being a spa suitable for those with disabilities.

Beginning with a ‘foot bath ritual’ where my feet are dipped into water (complete with floating orchids!) and massaged, I’m then asked to close my eyes and choose from 3 scented essential oils that are presented to my curious nose. The “Reharmonise Oil” was the one that sang to me.

Next, I was asked to choose 4 rocks (out of 9-ish) I felt drawn to, that I’d like to be used in my massage!

I love customisable treatments!

Rocks chosen, my therapist got down to business. As I lay on the bed, a ‘smoking ritual’ was performed – leaves were lit, which I then inhaled through the hole where the face rests in the massage bed, then the smoke was wafted over my body. Interesting experience!

The full body massage itself was great and the hot rocks were a real treat on a cool morning, although the room was heated to a very pleasant temperature.

A word of warning to the demure, this treatment involves the therapist massaging down the middle of and around the chest (ooh la la) so if you are uncomfortable with this perhaps mention it prior to commencement!

One of my favourite parts was when tiny warm stones were placed between each of my toes, it felt really unique & special. The head massage was also blissful.

Some products from the Li’Tya range

Other things of note:

♥ The Aboriginal music & light chanting played throughout the treatment set the mood.

♥ Mid-way through the treatment some grainy rocks were softly rubbed over my back and it felt amazing.

♥ There were tealight candles in the room (real, not fake).

♥ Bodhi J use iPods in all of their rooms, I thought this was really cool.

Afterwards I had some gorgeous fresh fruit (kiwi, strawberries & pineapple) & a delicious cup of caffeine free ‘Yulu Tea’ to complete the experience.

Highly, highly recommended! If you decide to go based on my review, let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me in the comments!

Li’tya Marta Kodo Rock Massage (90 min) $160

Contact Bodhi J Health + Beauty Spa

42C Grantham St (Cnr Nanson St)
Wembley, Western Australia 6014

Ph: (08) 9387 5152
Fax: (08) 9387 4548

Email: admin@bodhij.com.au

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥

Wellness WA loves supporting local beauty businesses, so when a sample pack arrived from Joi Pure, I was hopeful that the products would be great so that I could share them with you – luckily, they are, so come with me and we’ll have a little chat about this Brigadoon based skincare company!

First of all, I have to mention the packaging – glass pots & jars which are dark blue, helping to shield the inner ingredients from damaging sunlight. They’re also absolutely adorable and I feel calm just looking at them! It’s like there’s a little apothecary in my shower!

Secondly, the ethos behind the brand is very admirable. They’re a natural & organic aromatherapy based line that focuses on the healing qualities of essential oils.

My personal favourite product was the Gentle Facial Wash:

Key Ingredients:
Organic Almond Oil moisturises and cleanses., Aloe Vera soothes and heals., Castile Cleanser gently cleanses., Pure Essential Oils: Lemon,True Lavender,Bergamot Calabrian.

♥ I found it smelled really natural with a hint of ‘herbs’, but in a good way!
♥ Cleansed my combination / breakout prone skin well & without drying.
♥ Worked really well with the Kosmea Muslin Cloth (my current favourite!)

Their products are stocked nationally & internationally including Poland & New Zealand. It’s so inspiring to see W.A. based beauty businesses excelling, we have a lot to offer the world & Joi Pure is a shining example of that

Address:

JOI Pure
31 Tarbenian Way
Brigadoon
Western Australia 6069

Email: info@joipure.com

Website: http://www.joipure.com

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Welcome to April my darlings! To celebrate the changing of the seasons, the impending skin imperfections from copious egg devouring and just to spread some love to our fabulous readers, Wellness WA has teamed up with Ella Express to give away some very special prizes throughout April!

Entering is so easy!

♥ All you need to do, is visit the ELLA EXPRESS website.

♥ Pick your dream treatment from the list that you’d choose to put your $100 voucher towards! (so hard to choose!)

♥ Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address & your treatment choice!

♥ VOILA! You are in the running to win one of these indulgent vouchers!!

Only one entry per person, winners drawn at random on the 30th of April.

Ella Express has salons in the City, Joondalup, Warwick, Floreat, Whitford City & Dunsborough!

Enter now for your chance to win!!

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty school dropout…♥

There is nothing I love more than beauty treatments. Now, I don’t mean the unfortunate necessities of waxing, I’m talking about facials, pedicures, manicures, massage… the fun stuff! Treatments that make you feel amazing as well as look good.

The only problem is, they are pricey. When an average facial or treatment these days is around $70 – $150 it’s no wonder I have blocked pores, unkempt feet and problem cuticles!

But gather round girls (and boys!)… What if I told you a deluxe 90 minute facial cost only $40? Or a deluxe pedicure $35? How about a two hour pampering package for only $60?

Welcome to Central Tafe’s Beauty Therapy Skincare Clinic. A place for students to perfect their technique and gain practice to complete their qualifications.

After a week of frivolous spending, and in need of a little pampering I decided to give the Tafe beauty clinic a go. In the waiting room, I was asked to fill out a form outlining any medications I was on, what my current concerns with my skin are, current skin care regime etc. I saw some ladies come out and re-book straight away. One lady, who must be a regular, booked manicure & pedicure sessions for the next three months!

Now this is a no frills premises. Located in the Mount Lawley campus, the clinic is a large room, shared by all, separated by room dividers. There are change rooms to undress if needed and you are provided with a robe.

I had a deluxe facial which lasted around an hour. Even though there were other people in the room, everyone was super quiet, and so I didn’t find it hard to relax. The student I had was excellent. She explained everything, including all the products she was using and why, and what was about to happen. She used Dermalogica products on me – so you know they are being taught with good products.

I had a crème cleanser, a facial steaming procedure, a mask and a neck,shoulder and hand massage. The student I got said she was very interested in remedial massage and it showed. She had a very firm technique which was great. When she massaged my face it was obviously lighter – but perhaps a touch too firm for the face area.

All in all my experience was great and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. When I went to reception to pay it was filled with people re booking. So my advice is get in quick, as this clinic books up weeks in advance.

The Beauty Therapy Skin Care Clinic is located at the Mt Lawley Campus on the corner Lord and Harold Streets, Mt Lawley, in Room W202 (upstairs, West Wing).

The Clinic is open Friday 10:30am – 3:30pm and Saturday 9:30am – 12:00pm during term time only.

For further information and booking enquiries please
phone (08) 9427 3770.

Article by Yvette Coyne, helping your beauty dollar go further!