♥ Photo by Sarah Kate Dorman Photography

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

My name is Kristy Ellis and I am the WA and SA regional trainer for Mecca Cosmetica and Kit Cosmetics. I also have my own freelance makeup artistry business as well. I do weddings, special occasions, shoots and portrait sittings. I consider myself to be so lucky to have a job that makes women feel good about themselves. The person that once said to me that makeup is a superficial/fickle industry hasn’t has the opportunities I have to really make women feel amazing in their own skin. I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Oh good question!! My routine changes all the time with the launch of new and exciting products. But I always come back to Perricone MD. I use the Citrus Cleanser AM and PM.

My day-time serum is the Advanced Face Firming Activator (active ingredients are alpha lipoic acid and DMAE) and my night-time serum is the Concentrated Restorative Cream (active ingredient is vitamin C ester) I follow both with the Face Finishing Moisturiser and I use the Advanced Eye Area Therapy. This brand is amazing!

Twice a week I love to do a little facial by exfoliating and a mask double-up, I like to use something with a fruit acid first then follow it with something hydrating. Makeup changes everyday for me, mostly depending on how much time I have. But I do love a bright lipstick, my favourites are “Muse” by hourglass and “Schiap” by Nars.

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

I don’t get to go out and have treatments as much as I would like to but I would always pick to have a great body exfoliant and follow it with a massage. The one place that I will always go when travelling to Bali is a place called Jari Menari. It’s the most divine massage that you will ever have and the spa has relaxing and beautiful surrounds. They do a 4 hand massage there and it’s like nothing else! There is one in Seminyak and one in Nusa Dua. I really need to find somewhere to frequent in Perth! Suggestions????

ED: Bodhi J is my top pick for massage in Perth! 🙂

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

I go to see Michael O’Dowd at Lee Wallis in Claremont. The man is a genius. Last year when I wanted to lop all my (long) locks off to a short bob he did a gorgeous job. I loved it. He was really honest with me with advice and styling tips. I’m an absolute hair product junkie too, and he always suggests things that I love.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

When I want to really give my skin (body) a great scrub and still nourish it at the same time I like to mix sugar or sea salt and olive oil. You can always add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to make it a little more fragrant.

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

I get asked this all the time in my job, I don’t have children yet but I liken it to having to pick your favourite child!!!! But I believe that if you want your skin to stay looking young you need to protect it.

♥ 1 is the Mecca ‘To Save Face SPF’. Its lightweight, non-whitening and feels great on the skin, never oily.

♥ 2 is the Lip De-Luscious SPF 25 lip protectant. Every day we layer glosses on and head out in the sun, with the main ingredient in glosses being oil, essentially we’re baking our lips in the sun. I’m not at all saying that we shouldn’t wear our fav glosses, but start the day by protecting those gorgeous lips and keep this product with your skincare in the morning (and maybe one in your car and handbag!!!!) LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. My best friend had a little scare with a lip cancer last year, so I’m super passionate about this one! Oh did I mention it has hyaluronic spheres in it too so its plumping?!

♥ 3 is the Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara. It’s the best for volume, separation and it contains rosewater and Red Seaweed Extract to regenerate lashes. I have tried so many mascaras and I consistently come back to this one.

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

I don’t think it’s any massive secret but as hard as it is sometimes, a healthy diet with lots of fresh produce and doing exercise that I love is the best way for me to stay feeling great and de-stressed. As hard as it is to get out of bed early some days, I love to go down to Port beach for a walk or run and then a quick dip before work. I don’t have a dog, but I love to watch all the dogs on the beach having a great time too. It cheers me right up!

Omnilux Facial

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

I would love to go have an Omnilux Facial. I have heard that they are amazing for a energising, regenerating and plumping the skin. I also keep meaning to get myself to a Bikram yoga class too.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I have my ups and downs for sure but lately I have been reading books by James Duigan and following him on Twitter. It’s more of a lifestyle than a diet and his philosophy is all about being “clean and lean”. Lots of organic fresh produce and lean protein to help clean the body of toxicity levels (in a nutshell!!!). I’m not doing it 100% but where I can, I definitely try. He has the best breakfast recipes and being my favourite meal of the day so have been enjoying things like Buckwheat and Blueberry pancakes, Homemade Flaked Granola and Porridge with orange zest and cinnamon. Yum!!!!! Lunch is usually a salad I can grab on the run and dinner is fish, steak or chicken with veges or salad.

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I love to run! It’s a chance be on only in my own thoughts for a while and listen to music. I like to swim if I get a chance but I have just started doing a circuit class with my best friend at a little gym near my house called Fitness Results. Its full on but it’s the interval training that I need. I had set out to run the Perth Marathon this year after completed the City to Surf Half Marathon last year but time (and the extra motivation) has got away from me so I think that will go on the back burner for a bit. Maybe next year who knows? I’d love to do it in New York!!

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

I take alpha lipoic acid in a vitamin form. It’s a powerful anti-oxidant and is said to help with controlling blood sugar levels too. James Duigan (mentioned previously) has a website called bodyism.com and they do their own multi-vitamins and supplements that I take. His supplements are great and you can add them to a smoothie in the morning too.

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

Sunday morning breakfast for sure! I love to discover new and kooky little cafes with my lovely boyfriend, but if it had to be something on my own I’ll say magazines are my true vice!!! I spend so much on them but as cliche as it sounds I love to sit at home, put a good chick flick on in the background (usually something that I have seen 100 times over!!!!) cruise through the glossy pages checking out all the beautiful clothes, makeup and models. I find it really inspires me and I find it a great way to stay on-trend with what’s happening out there and it makes me get creative in trying to figure out a runway to realway solution!!!!

Thanks Kristy! If you have any questions for this makeup artist extraordinaire, please comment below! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

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I’ve read a lot of self-help books. They’re a not-so-secret pleasure of mine and I think they’re entirely under rated. I know a lot of people will march past the self-development section of the bookstore and laugh with scorn at the thought of guided self-improvement, but I’m pretty sure that when no one else is looking they tip-toe back and take a peek. And that’s okay.

It takes guts to admit that areas of your life need improving. So when you’re ready to take the leap, I’ll be waiting with a gold star for you. If you’re not quite there yet, then hear me out. Some self-help books are fluffy, self-indulgent tripe, but some are helpful at helping you pinpoint your erroneous zones with a powerful yet accessible message to get you back on that horse to Awesomeville. When Happiness Is Not Enough is one of the latter.

♥ Pleasure… or satisfaction? Definitely satisfaction!

One of the most important ideas author and psychologist Chris Skellett addresses first, is that we often think of pleasure and satisfaction as interchangeable. Do we take pleasure in our work? I’m sure many people do, but generally, we feel satisfied after a hard day’s work. I feel satisfied after I’ve spent an hour at the gym. But do I feel pleasure whilst I’m pounding the treadmill? Hell no!

Pleasure is short term, satisfaction is long term. And we need an equal balance of both. Even when I was reading the book, I had a goal in mind. Usually when I sit down to read a book, I try to get through 30 pages in one sitting rather than just enjoying the simple act of reading. Crazy, right? It’s much the same with other leisure activities, and I don’t believe I’m alone here. Overachievers will work hard, and play even harder. I really began to wonder if I actually enjoyed my hobbies.

When Happiness Is Not Enough shows you how the Pleasure/Achievement principle can be applied to all areas of your life, from work, to relationships, to family, to how to get the most out of leisure time. With equal emphasis on over-achievers and under-achievers, I found this book best read with small reflective breaks in between chapters to complete activities. If you feel like it’s high time you took your foot off the accelerator (or time to put your foot back on it), give this book a chance.

When Happiness Is Not Enough by Chris Skellett. Available from Amazon.com

Review by Camilla Peffer, Curator of Cunning Copy.

Be well,

xoxo

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There is something about the French – an attitude and a way of life that is so undeniably natural and effortless, a certain je ne sais quoi if you like.

Les femmes française (French women) have a lot to teach us Aussie lasses about their approach to beauty. The time I have spent in France and with French friends made me realize how little time they spend grooming. This is not to say they don’t put any effort in, they just don’t sweat the small stuff. Most let their hair air dry, wear little make up and generally engage in a healthy abandon we sometimes lack.

French women are adored all over the world for their elegant, chic and simplistic style and their coveted beauty, so it’s no wonder that the French produce some of the finest quality skincare and makeup brands in the world.

PHYT’S Naturo-Esthetique is one of these fine brands, specializing in certified organic skincare. The PHYT’S team have a passion for ecological sustainability and produce pure, chemical free therapeutic products that are not tested on animals. All PHYT’S products are certified by COSMEBIO – the Professional Association for Natural, Ecological and Organic Cosmetics. With products like this at their fingertips, its no wonder the French sport such unblemished, radiant complexions.

I was lucky enough to try out a few goodies from this gorgeous range of products and would highly recommend the following…

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♥ Activ’Peel Gentle Exfoliating Scrub – $38

I have un petit obsession with face scrubs. There is something about actually feeling the impurities lift from my face and feeling my skin refined and pores clear that rates highly with me when it comes to exfoliating. I’ve tried most exfoliants out there, but I absolutely loved this one! The smell (lemon oil, aloe vera, grapefruit oil, pansy oil and geranium oil), the texture and the refreshing feel afterwards: a glorious trio that make up the latest addition to my skincare regime.

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♥ Naturoderm Antiseptic – $31
I didn’t use this product as frequently as I used the others, mainly because it is for specific problems. When I did use it however, I found it was particularly effective on pimples – the St. Johns Wort ingredient helped to curb any of the bacteria spreading, while the sage and rose geranium helped to dry out and heal the spot. I am prone to breakouts and this antiseptic was great at stopping pimples in their tracks!

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♥ Shampooing Traitant – $36

This shampoo provided my hair with the exact amount of nourishment it was craving! After resolving to grow my balayage out (see, I am SO French!), I was on the hunt for some natural products to strengthen and restore my hair from it’s frazzled, dry and split end glory. The Phyt’s shampoo did just that, and my hair is now so much healthier and boasts a lovely natural shine. Infused with bitter orange and blackcurrant, it smells divine. I even had a couple of people tell me my hair smelt nice, which isn’t as weird as it sounds. And, it can be used daily…winner!

In Western Australia, only the residents of Bunbury have the luxury of receiving Phyt’s at Amanda’s Beauty, so head to the Phyt’s website to order online.

Review by Lucy, french skincare lovin’ lass.

Be well,

xoxo

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A couple of weeks ago, Renee from RENZ Pilates and I went along to a KORA Organics event held in South Perth. Renee writes for the KORA blog, and I of course have a keen interest in any beauty, health or wellness happenings around town! The table setting that greeted us at the event, skincare goodies and Noni juice!

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Noni shot, coconut water, regular water, organic champers!

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Wise words from Miranda, this was a big theme of the evening.

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The event started with us all toasting with a shot of Noni juice with Therese (Miranda’s mum)… it packs a strong antioxidant punch, but you can just tell it’s doing good things!

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A big part of the evening was learning and testing out all the products from the range, as well as conducting our own facial. Here’s Ren with one of the yummy KORA masks.

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Along with the drinks, skincare sampling and wise words from Therese Kerr, we were also fed. Dinner was an absolutely incredible quinoa and coconut curry, this picture really doesn’t do it justice – it was superb – and created by Miranda’s own chef Kate McAloon! I could have gladly eaten this meal 5 times a week, it was that good.

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To top off the curry, we had a very special healthy dessert created for us! With oats, walnuts, raspberries, yoghurt and mint. This was also delish, and Kate created one with just milk specially for me as they weren’t sure if the yoghurt had gelatin in it (not vegetarian). So sweet of her!

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Miranda’s Mum on the right, if you couldn’t guess!

I would completely recommend the KORA events to anyone who is interested in Miranda Kerr or organic skincare, you can find out more info on upcoming events on the KORA blog!

Would you liked to have gone? Let us know below!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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The start of the REAL autumn-y weather has put a spring in my step. I don’t know what it is, but my whole outlook changes when the cooler weather starts setting in. I feel happier, more content and like there are endless possibilities to be explored. It’s a fun time. Plus, there’s lots of tea to be consumed! I am planning on hitting up T2 very soon to pick up a whole bunch of new brews to keep me toasty over the winter.

I’ve been crushing on so many things lately, but these 5 are the cream of the crop! Hope you enjoy 🙂 x

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♥ Chantecaille Future Skin

Being of porcelain complexion is hard. HARD I TELLS YA! Finding a foundation shade that suits my skin tone perfectly often takes many trips to the shops and frequently ends in frustration.

I was once told by a makeup artist working at a Clarins counter that fewer lighter shades are sent to Australia because we’re generally more tanned than those in Europe or Asia. Interesting! But no good for ghosties like me.

Luckily I’ve found my new favourite in the form of Chantecaille Future Skin!! They have a a bit of a range of paler shades (5!) and the Porcelain one suits me perrrrrrfectly. Sometimes I like to pop in a little Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser if I need a bit more of a glow, but usually priming with rosehip oil after cleansing does the trick. Chantecaille Future Skin is $105 for 30g, so it’s a pricey peach, but worth it if you’re like me and find it tough to get a foundation match 🙂

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Kale Chips

What can I say but – AH-MAZE-ING. After hearing so much about this healthy crunchy, snacky alternative to potato chips, I decided to finally make some of my own. I’m so glad I did. There are so many benefits to eating kale (here are the top ten!) and it is soooo yummy steamed as well.

How to make kale chips:

♥ Tear kale off of stalk into small bite sized pieces and place into bowl
♥ Drizzle olive oil over the kale and massage into all the leaves so that they are all very lightly coated – you don’t want them dripping
♥ Arrange on baking tray, sprinkle with Caesar Salt
♥ Put into oven heated to 180 degrees celcius and cook for 12-15 minutes

ENJOY!!! A seriously yummy snack, and healthier than potato chips. I made a gigantic batch tonight and it’s official, I’m in love.

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Fab Iron

I’ve recently started taking these iron tablets as I’ve been feeling pretty tired. I know that my iron is low from the last time I had my blood levels checked, so hopefully this will keep me all iron-ed up along with the Floradix that I sometimes take too. Super easy to swallow and I like that it’s in vegecaps and 100% vegetarian and vegan suitable 🙂

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Noni Juice

I’d always been curious about this juice, since Miranda Kerr touts it as one of the reasons she is so healthy / ridiculously good looking, unfortunately I found the price quite expensive so never got around to trying it. Fast forward to last Thursday when I attended the Perth KORA Organics event (more on that to come soon) and we were lucky enough to receive a bottle of the purple grape flavoured noni juice!

Apparently this stuff is packed full of minerals and antioxidants and will neutralize free radicals like it aint no thang. I’ve been taking it for about a week now, so can’t really comment on the benefits yet, but it tastes pretty good so long as it’s mixed with water, and I don’t think it’s doing me any harm so I’m going to continue with it!

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♥ Be Asleep Pillow Spray

This relaxing sleep mist is different to most in that the prominent scent ISN’T lavender. Containing bergamot, cederwood atlas, lavender, roman chamomile, lemon and mandarin, it really does smell a little more citrusy but is incredibly relaxing at the same time. I’ve been spraying this all over my pillows every night and instantly feel calmer once I catch the first whiff. For extra relaxation you can spray some on your feet too!

Recommended for anyone who needs a little extra help falling asleep at night due to a stressful or busy lifestyle.

Extra: Naturlea, the company who produces the sleep spray, also hold product parties (all the prods are sublime) and for the month of April & June, if you book a party you get a FREE rosehip oil! Get in touch with Nyssa if you may be keen: nyssabowker@naturlea.com

I hope you guys have enjoyed my beauty and wellbeing crushes this week! I’d love to hear yours 🙂

Be well,

Annette

xoxo