Working from home, I usually prescribe to the same daily uniform: yoga pants and an oversized, el-cheapo fleece hoody. Not exactly glamour. But the kind folk at The Facial Company approached Wellness WA to review their Skype live video consultation service, sending me into a panic because, my god, I may have to brush my hair and slap on a decent top.

However, there was no need to work myself into such a frenzy as founder and beauty expert Darren Clark instantly made me feel at ease via Skype video. After a couple of technical issues, Darren proceeded with the 20 minute consultation, asking me my skin concerns. I have combination skin and no major breakouts and just wanted to look at preventing future breakouts and wrinkles.

Darren also asked me what skin care I was using. My answer: not much, other than a basic pharmacy cleanser and whatever moisturiser sample I find at the bottom of my drawer. I half-expected the hard sell on products stocked on The Facial Company’s web store, but instead was given honest feedback – that the glycolic acid in my current cleanser is an excellent choice in preventing wrinkles (woohoo!). He also suggested a couple of moisturiser options to hydrate my skin and gave informative advice based on what he could see through the video, darkness under the eyes, most likely caused from sitting in front of a computer all day.

This could be you! Lying in bed, getting your skin assessed. You may have to turn on the light though!

Darren also told me about a success story – an older customer who was fed up with her skin woes, testing a heap of products over the years that never seemed to work. In a last bid attempt, she contacted The Facial Company for a 20 minute consultation. Taking Darren’s advice, she tried a few different products and was so impressed with the results that she booked another consultation. She is now truly on the quest for skin perfection that she never thought was possible.

Obviously the great advantage to this system is that you don’t even have to get out of your pjs to receive solid, professional advice. I can see this as a perfect solution to those beauty lovers out there that live in rural areas, or people that may not have access to a big range of skin care products. Also, it’s perfect for guys that want to get into a skin regime without feeling intimidated.

To book a Skype live video consultation, the process is very simple:

♥ Visit the website facialcompany.com.au and click on the Skype live consultations link.
♥ Fill out the form, selecting the date that suits you best and submit.
♥ Pay your $10 (redeemable for any online purchase).
♥ And voila! A team member from The Facial Company will confirm your appointment with you.

You’ll also need to make sure you have a microphone, a web cam, sound, internet access and Skype (which can be downloaded for free). Too easy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the service but I was really impressed with Darren’s feedback and he’s a lovely guy to boot.

Review by Jess – a chocolate doughnut loving, fashion stylist extraordinaire with an extreme penchant for olives.

Be well,

xoxo

A treasure-box of Sodashi goodies made its way to me many months ago and I haven’t stopped using the products since, so today I’m going to share the tiniest of rituals I like to indulge in and also quickly chat about the other bits I received.

Start with one pump worth of this creamy white cleanser in the palm of your hand, massage into the face with a bit of warm water and focus on any trouble spots as this is a great cleanser for those with acne prone-combination skin (like me!)

Use a muslin cloth or face washer to help get rid of any impurities / gently exfoliate the skin & rinse with warm water. I generally tend to do this step in the shower, but just make sure the water isn’t too hot or it will dry out your skin and irritate any pimples.

Rejuvenating Concentrate (RRP $65.30)

Next up, fill a basin / bowl with warm water and add 10 drops of Rejuvenating Concentrate, this stuff is magic for imparting radiance to the skin & it also helps with scarring and pigmentation! Zoe Foster is also a huge fan, can’t go wrong.

Soak a fresh muslin cloth / face cloth with the solution, squeeze out and apply to the skin. Repeat this step again & you’re ready to go!

So that’s my little ritual Depending on your skins current needs, you can then apply moisturiser if you wish, the one that is suitable for me (combination / acne prone skin) is the Balancing Face & Neck Moisturiser (RRP $109.30) and I really like it, not too heavy, not too sticky. Very nice for day time use!

The last of my goodies is the Blemish Treatment (RRP $101.20), this stuff is a bit sticky and squirts out of the bottle in a rush, so take care! I find it very calming for my pimples and it’s suitable for use under makeup as well, but I prefer to use it at night before bed so it can do its thing while I rest

I hope you enjoyed my little write-up! Do let me know if you have any questions about these products & I’ll do my best to help you out!

Be well,

xoxo

Do you ever have moments walking along the street, conversations with people or dreams where you are reminded of a product that you used to use ages ago, or your Mum used to use it, or you had heard about it’s release in America/Europe but it never came to Australia, and you are suddenly gripped with the very capitalist urge to own it either for the first time in your life or to own it once again and again and AGAIN? I do.

So what do you do if that product is nowhere to be found in Perth…if it’s discontinued or it was never here in the first place? Should you cut your losses? Should you say to yourself “well it’s JUST makeup” and move on to obsessing over more important things like boys and clothes, politics and world peace?

Hell.

No.

The answer is so simple you may even already know it, but just in case you don’t, why aren’t you using the INTERNET to achieve these dreams? Now websites such as http://www.strawberrynet.com and the like are pretty common knowledge to get good deals on current products from popular brands so let’s just assume the humble reader has this knowledge and move on to the discussion of your harder to find/discontinued product.

L’Oreal – Blush Delice in Strawberry Tart ♥

About two years ago (approx) L’Oreal stopped production on a few colors of their Blush Delice range. Anyone out there remember Strawberry Tart that perfect mix of baby pink and luminous wonderment? It was the best for a pale complexion and I really had a love affair with it from the moment of its release up until the dark, dark day that they stopped making it (for some stupid reason).

I went through the normal sort of feelings you go through after a relationship ends, sadness, rage, depression but goddamnit I was just not ready to give up on this little guy! So in a moment of desperation I typed into the google machine ‘shine+delice+blush+strawberry+tart+buy’ and guess what the first result was, ebay.com. OF COURSE! EBAY!

And guess what? I got two compacts of Strawberry Tart for $6 (plus $6 post and handling). I was hooked, I started looking up everything I had ever once loved, liked a lot, had a fling with- but for some reason or another had been taken away from me- and it was ALL there.

Clinique – Almost in Black Honey ♥

Remember that shade of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick that was re-released here a little while ago, sold out almost immediately and then was never added to their permanent roster of products, a little shade called Black Honey? Hm? Yep. It’s there. And it’s way cheap.

Now, sometimes going to the Australian version of eBay (ebay.com.au) is not going to cut it, so you need to go American and go to just plain old ebay.com – but it’s worth it; obviously they have far more options for the nostalgic shopper. However, shopping on the American website does have it’s downfalls. Namely- sometimes sellers will not ship to Australia. I have found in a couple of instances if you just ask them really nicely they will have no problem with it but sometimes they just flat out refuse.

Barry M Kohl Pencil

I encountered this when I was trying to buy a Barry M kohl eyeliner in black. I had owned one when I was living in London and had never used such a good eyeliner (never hard and scratchy on the eye, so soft, so glideable, so smudgeable) but I couldn’t get it in Australia. So I just stopped using eyeliner (it really was that good). Anyway, I found one on ebay.com but the seller wouldn’t ship it to me (seriously you cant put a pencil in an envelope and send it to me even when I’M PAYING FOR THE SHIPPING?!!!?!??!) So I just went back to the old google search and came across this website http://www.crushcosmetics.com.au which is actually an Australian website but stocks Barry M. Take that lazy eBay seller who wouldn’t ship to me. Take that indeed.

In summary, I guess I’m not telling any of you anything new here but I do hope that all of this might make you think about a product that you used to own and love so dearly and maybe will encourage you to go to the internet buy it, and reignite that love.

Article by dream make-up internet babe Adriane Daff.

Be well,

xoxo

I love wholefoods and the opportunity to buy in bulk! I’d long known my Northie friends were being well serviced by Angry Almond in Nedlands but I yearned for something a little closer to home… it’s hard living South of the River in Perth y’know!

The discovery of Loose Produce in Como therefore was like a birthday, Christmas, Easter & any other gift-receiving holiday that exists, all thrown at me in one glorious “HURRAH!”

The great thing about Loose Produce is the attention to detail that goes into presenting their many, many wares.

Nutritional information, origin & a detailed list of ingredients are presented on the majority of their products, so if you’re like me and read more backs of packets than books – you’ll be right at home.

Those with a naughty sweet tooth will be thrilled with over 50 choices of bulk lollies, while the slightly healthier sweet lovers among us will be happy with the wide range of dried fruits including blueberries & goji berries. Our baking friends will marvel at the loose cake mixtures, sprinkles and bread mixes available for sale!

Gluten-free products are well-signed as are organic options, with an “I’m organic!” sticker to help you navigate your way to chemical free wonderland.

A really novel setup they have going is the “Jar Exchange Program” whereby people with jars they no longer need can bring them down to the store and those who would like to use them to fill with produce can do so!

There’s a dedicated Asian section, pasta, herbs & spices, organic fruit & veg, organic meat and so much more… you’ll just have to go down there to check it all out!

The only thing I would change is quite nit-picky; as I’m a vegetarian I’d prefer that the cold meat (which is spread out across two fridges) be contained to one fridge so the other products that are sharing space with them have less chance of being contaminated by the meat. Aside from that, I love the whole place!

Loose Produce is a pantry organisers dream, little jars to pick up and fill with all manner of tasty delights.

When you take your presumably many choices to the counter, you’re met with Larabars, vegan cookies and more snacks than you can poke an organic stick at. Just try saying no.

LP also run a variety of workshops which you can browse on their website and often have reflexology and kinesiology experts visiting the store.

Loose Produce

2 Hobbs Avenue, Como
Western Australia 6152

Ph: 08 9474 9100
Fax: 08 9474 9100

Email: keryn@looseproduce.com

Be well,

xoxo

Peaches Geldof recently said that she wears bronzer to prevent her from looking ‘dead’ and whilst I don’t normally subscribe to what Bob’s daughter has to say about anything, on the matter of bronzer- I think the young lady has a point.

Bronzer is one of those products that I used to avoid like the plague- if not done correctly- bronzer can be so very very bad, and when you are on the paler side of life the thought of putting some kind of browny orangey colour on your bright white face is enough to make you keep your distance from it. Permanently.

But I have recently become convinced that bronzer would like to help me, that it would like to be my friend and I have come to realize that if done correctly this could be a very good thing for me and may even stop me from looking dead (right Peaches?!) So why the hell not? Let’s do it.

Now the selection out there is enough to make even the most hardened beauty shopper break into a cold sweat so for simplicity I have stuck to one brand (Nars) and have road tested three different forms of bronzing/illuminating- the powder, the illuminator and the cream stick.

1. The Powder

Nars Bronzing Powder (Laguna) RRP $72

The Good: You can just keep layering and layering and layering this stuff on because the pigment is so strong which means you can choose between subtlety or making it as dark as you desire.

The Bad: Application. Hard. For. Me. I couldn’t get it even or to look the same on both sides of my face so I decided to combat this by putting more and more on, and then blending it in to the rest of my skin was nothing short of an ordeal. I tried a smaller brush, a bigger brush, throwing the powder in the air and then walking through it, but I just couldn’t get it right.

The Ugly: If you are not utterly hopeless like me and have even only semi-decent application skills then this product will not be a problem for you at all and will bring you much joy and happiness. I, however, somehow managed to make myself look like this…

2. The Illuminator

Nars Illuminator (Orgasm) RRP $69

The Good: You’re thinking ‘hey this isn’t a bronzer’ and you’re right, you are, but for the purposes of this experiment I wanted to cover lots of different kinds (well three) and bronzer is SCARY to me, so I had to start with baby steps. Plus this product has been so highly anticipated that I wanted to get in on the action. I wanted in bad!

Now…was I expecting too much? I’ll admit I went to the Mecca store three days in a row before I could buy some (it was selling out at a record speed) so maybe having to wait made my expectations way high. And yeah ok, maybe I was expecting this product to miraculously turn me into a young Sophia Loren, so it would be unfair of me to feel like this was anti-climactic (har har har). But…

The Bad: They say you can use this over makeup or under make up and I imagined that it was going to be a highly versatile product in what really is an iconic shade but it just didn’t seem to make any noticeable difference to me. It’s like in an attempt to be multi purpose I just couldn’t make it serve even one purpose for me. It’s probably my own fault (ahem- my inability even to apply something as simple as a powder bronzer- ahem) but I just didn’t really know what to do with it. I tried applying it all over my face or just to certain areas but…frankly, I got no real pleasing results.

The Ugly: I need to do some homework. I either need help with this product or I think I better master the art of using a brush. Then I will go out and by some powder in the colour of Orgasm because it really is a great colour.

3. The Stick

Nars The Multiple (South Beach) RRP $89

The Good: Where have you been all my life you sweet, sweet multiple stick? (Maybe in South Beach?) This was love on first use. It’s foolproof, it’s the perfect size, you don’t need to use a brush (just rub it on in) AND it’s a really great colour. It’s the perfect mix of bronzer and illuminator so you don’t feel like you’ve had a bad fake tan applied to your face. Instead its subtle whilst still giving you a little bit of zing- just tipping you over from dead to very much alive and kickin’.

The Bad: Nothing.

The Ugly: See above.

You can get any of the products mentioned here at Mecca Cosmetica

Review by Adriane, fellow ghosty-faced make-up adorer and possible catalyst for my first bronzer purchase…gulp.

Be well,

xoxo

Thalgo Extreme Comfort Cream was first recommended to me by my sister who referred to it as a ‘miracle cream’. Now, I’m pretty cynical at the best of times (especially when I hear that overused ‘miracle’ word) but I’m a big fan of moisturizers and an even bigger fan of the discount that she was going to get me, so I gave it a shot. It retails for around $87 a pop, but you can get it for $65.25 (www.getprice.com.au) which you might think is pretty expensive for 50ml, HOWEVER, take it from me…it is definitely worth spending your hard earned on.

Allow me to go into more detail, this is one of those ‘a little goes a long way’ kind of products and from the very first time you use it you really do get the sense that the good people at Thalgo have packed as much stuff in there as possible. Now, what I refer to as ‘stuff’ Thalgo calls ‘Omega 3 and 6 and restructuring oils’ but you could tell me that ‘whales tears’ and ‘the sneeze of a wizard’ were in there and I would believe that too.

The point is the repairing ability of this product is like nothing else that I have ever used. It’s quite a thick cream (which I really like even thought I know that’s not to everyone’s taste) and it’s really hard working. For example if I have a month where I switch to a cheaper moisturizer and then switch back to the comfort cream I notice the difference in about two days. My skin feels more even in tone, is less prone to breakouts, is smoother, softer and better hydrated for a longer period of time… everything you want your skin to be.

Now – once when I was espousing the virtues of this moisturizer, a friend of mine had two very good arguments that may have crossed your mind, so I will recount this conversation for you now:

Her: What do you mean fewer breakouts? It’s not a cleanser…that’s impossible.

Me: Yeah but if I put it on first in the morning (under makeup) then it acts as a really good barrier between my skin and any makeup which stops my pores from clogging.

This has no scientific proof it just seems to make sense to me. And…

Her: I HATE thick moisturizers in the evening you feel all sticky before you go to bed and in the morning you look all shiny.

Me: Stop putting so much on.

Case closed. Seriously, try this stuff because the only thing it is missing is an SPF…and a wizard’s sneeze.

Web: http://www.thalgo.com.au

If you would like to go in and buy some Thalgo Extreme Comfort Cream in person you can get it at:

Le Beau Day Spa (Kardinya) Phone: (08) 9331 1122

Duncraig Beauty Centre (Marri Road, Duncraig) Phone: (08) 9447 8860

The Beauty Gallery (Woodvale) Phone: 08 9309 5677

Review by Adriane, 25, upcoming actress extraordinaire, likes plump skin & jam donuts.

Be well,

xoxo

Juice Beauty- The Organic Solution

Most of us know the benefits of eating organic food such as less exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals, but what about skincare? When you think that your skin absorbs up to 64% of what you put on it you probably want healthy ingredients in your skincare too. I’ve gradually been getting rid of as many nasty chemicals in my life, everything from cleaning products to shower gel has been changed and that’s when I stumbled upon a brand called “Juice Beauty”.

Juice Beauty was created in California by Karen Behnke a wellness entrepreneur whose mission was to create authentic organic beauty solutions to people worldwide. Juice Beauty contains no parabens, propylene, butylenes glycol, petroleum, sulphates, artificial dye and fragrances. What the brand does do, is contain is high grade certified organic ingredients, support local organic farmers, use solar power, and package its products using recyclable products and soy ink.

I’ve been using two products from the Juice Beauty range, the Cleansing Gel and the Nutrient Moisturiser.

The Cleansing Gel contains cherry and lemon juice both full of potent antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins A, B and C. This is combined with soothing sugar and coconut to gently remove impurities whilst protecting the skins natural barriers. This cleanser is suited to skins that are oily/combination, a great summer cleanser if you are prone to an oily T-zone like my skin. The cleanser has a light citrus smell which for some may take a little getting used to.

After cleansing I smooth on some Nutrient Moisturiser, a jar full of certified organic grape juice, vitamin rich carrot extract and nourishing essential fatty acids. This cream although designed for dry/mature skins actually works really well with my skin which is prone to dehydration in the cooler months. It’s rich in antioxidants and hyalauronic acid which nourishes and protects skin. Once warmed in hands and applied to skin, it is absorbed immediately for fresh, hydrated skin.

I only have one negative with Juice Beauty, it’s made in the US and not in Australia. Now if only I can find a comparable company in Australia! My search continues…

Reviewed by Hannah.

http://www.juicebeauty.com

Available at selected David Jones stores and online retailers.

Be well,

xoxo

Image from www.popcornboxes.net

Winter is the perfect time to get poppin. Picture this: snuggled up by the heater with a loved one, pet or solo (we don’t judge!), your favourite movie playing & the scent of popcorn wafting around your house like it’s your own private cinema. I’ve sold myself on it and I don’t even have a popcorn maker yet!

I was reminded of this old-fashioned, simple treat by a friend a few nights ago on a particularly frosty night. We made a huge bowl of FRESH fat-free popcorn, none of this microwave packet super oily, super salty business! Granted, we did add a smidgen of butter & a sprinkle of salt to taste, but it was a fairly pure experience. Sweet tooth’s could even use a light dusting of icing sugar, but you didn’t hear it from me!

The great thing about popcorn is that it really satisfies the desire for something crunchy, usually I would be very likely to reach for a packet of chips or biscuits, this is a much healthier alternative!

Here’s what you’re gonna need:

♥ Popcorn Maker

Crazy Popper or other popcorn maker! This one is the cheapest I could find at $49.95 RRP

♥ Popping Corn

This brand can be found at supermarkets, and is about $1.50 for 100 grams. Bargain.

♥ The desire for a healthy, tasty treat.

♥ A couple of minutes.

VOILA. So much better for you than chippies or chocolate!

My popcorn lovin’ girlfriend lamented to me that she wished someone would bottle the scent and sell it: lucky for her, the fragrance company Demeter has got it covered!

Popcorn Fragrance!!!

Get popping the next time a chilly night rolls around, and let me know if you do!

Be well,

Popcorn converted Annette.

xoxo

♥

I’m in a fit of excitement, a ‘Hissyfit‘ of excitement, over this range of sunscreen prods that are all Australian made, perfectly matched for beach bums like myself, but the great thing is, it doesn’t just work for the Summer months, it’s suitable during all seasons for dry skin too.

Ever wondered how to think AND look the part of a beach babe? The answer is Hissyfit’s ‘Saving Face’ tinted moisturiser. It comes in 6 different colours to match most skin tones, so it works as a foundation and sunscreen for your face. It is, as reviews have said, the ‘holy grail’ of make-up. It’s not just 15+ ladies, we’re talking 30+. It gives me the bronzed look and doesn’t look over-done. It feels great and doesn’t leave grease on my face.

Like many girls, I keep a hand cream in my bag for all those times I get dry, flaky skin on my hands. It’s “handy” for when I’m sitting on the beach towel ready to get my le tan on, or “handy” when I’m in the office. In fact, I can use it anytime, anywhere. With Hissyfit’s hand cream; appropriately named ‘Handy Work’ (not that I was hinting) it’s a cream and sunscreen in one and has the scent of orange mint. My paws feel soft and smell like orange tic tacs smooshed into a mint chocolate.

They also have something to soothe those aching sun-kissed/winter-y lips. ‘Lip Service’ contains shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin e, and I’m currently infatuated with the ‘clear’ shade; naturally gorgeous and plump lips. It also comes in 4 other adorable colours, berry, guava, plum & toffee, all yummy sounding and completely kissable by your dreamboat of choice.

Next up is the ‘Body Double’ bod moisturiser and sunscreen that I’m personally yet to try. Well, I’ve always wanted a body double doppleganger for those open-eyed sleeping boardroom meetings; but in this case, I think the guys at Hissyfit have solved my problem in another sense. This lotion in a bottle gives an extra layer of protection from the sun while hydrating the skin. And since alot of us are time-poor these days it makes sense to just slap on one lotion instead of applying two. The fragrance of vanilla, almond, orange & grapefruit sounds like it’ll turn you into scrumptious (cutie) pie.

“You should know by know you’re a goddess” (their motto) didn’t lure me to want to try these products, well flattery gets you everywhere really. But it’s not just flattery and packaging that had me at hello, it was the exceptionally high quality of the products that ‘Hissyfit’ have to offer, as I’ve found out!

Love it. My current favourite brand! x

Guest post by Kelly-Anne, self-confessed Hissyfit addict

Be well,

xoxo

There’s been something in the air where I work lately, it’s got everyone talking, sniffing and asking – what IS that smell?!

It’s my Endota Lavender & Alpine Pepper Hand Cream and I need to stop being so generous, because this baby is running out.

The Endota brand is making a name for itself in a big way over in the Eastern States as a chain of environmentally conscious spas that use certified organic, 100% natural products to keep our bodies looking beautiful in a safe manner.

Unfortunately for us West-siders, they haven’t yet made the trek over the great plain, but rest assured I’ll be e-mailing them to enquire “WHEN?!@#!@” as we can never have too many options for pampering, especially when it’s kind on the environment and our bodies!

So back to the hand cream:

♥ It smells phenomenal
♥ Luxurious to apply
♥ Absorbs quickly
♥ Will get you compliments galore as you glide around the office leaving a trail of olfactory delight

Endota Lavender + Alpine Pepper Hand Cream is my current favourite. All possibility of me sharing has gone, I’M SORRY FRIENDS.

Try this hand cream and you too can become obsessive & selfish, but at least you’ll have the finest hands in town.

Love it.

RRP $34 for 90ml. Available online and at David Jones stores.

Be well,

Annette

xoxo