Belinda Hart!

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

Hi, I am Belinda Hart. I founded Bella Hart – Beauty Emporium just over three years ago with the ambition of creating a comfortable environment for women to purchase cosmetics, skincare and fragrances. I have always loved beauty products but had always found it very uncomfortable and somewhat frustrating shopping in Department stores as the Beauty Advisors could only sell the brand they represented. In our store we can genuinely recommend the products that we think are best suited to your individual needs across all the brands we sell.

I am just about to have my first baby due in a few months, so life as I know is about to significantly change. I also have a new puppy arriving, which I am equally excited about.

The much loved skincare miracle: Clarisonic.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I cant live without my Clarisonic, it is an electronic cleanser for the face and it cleanses your skin so effectively and leaves your skin feeling so soft and clean. I religiously use this every morning and night and even travel with it.

I have to confess I am a bit of a skincare junkie so I use a fair few products, it seems complicated but doesn’t take me more than a few minutes.

In the morning I use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C, Hydrating B5 Gel and Eye Balm, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30, then Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer before applying my foundation. In the evening I use Skinceuticals Retinol every 2nd night and alternate with Skin Firming Cream and every night the eye balm. I exfoliate once a week with the Dermalogica Agesmart thermofoliant and then use one of the Apivita express treatment masks, whichever one I think my skin needs at the particular time.

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

Once a month the New York facial from Bella Hart (where else…), it delivers immediate results and leaves my skin glowing. Its has the works a peel, Microdermabrasion and Vitamin C mask.

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

Circles in Subiaco, they always do a fabulous job and are always up to date with the latest trends and product developments.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

The Apivita Express Masks. I love that they target every skin concern you could ever have so however your skin is feeling there is something to rectify your concern and they are just $6.90 for about four applications.

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

– Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturizer (with this your skin is always glowing)
– Lancome Virtuose Mascara
– Clarisonic cleanser.

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

I think everyone in Australia should be protecting their skin with some form of topical Vitamin C. The benefits are significant, it promotes collagen production, its an antioxidant and protects the cells from damage, lightens pigmentation and overall gives your skin radiance.

Vitamin A or Retinol is also another secret weapon in preventing ageing and keeping the skin looking at its optimum. I have also seen great results with this reducing my pore size.

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

Hypoxi is intriguing me at the moment, particularly appealing for after I have had my baby, it is supposed to be amazing for toning, which I am sure will be high on the agenda.

♥ yum!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Not a good question for me at the moment with being pregnant and all, my eating has been very odd to say the least and not in the least bit typical. Lots of “chicken in a biscuit”, banana smoothies and big cravings for seafood.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

Prior to pregnancy I loved my RPM cycling and Pump classes but in the last few months I have had to modify that to Pregnancy pilates and walking. Cant wait to crank back up my exercise regime once the baby is born.

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

I do try and once a month have a reflexology treatment with the most amazing therapist, I feel incredibly alive after it.

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

Reading magazines and being anywhere surrounded by water, ideally on a boat.

Thanks for sharing your beauty and wellbeing with us Belinda, follow the link to find out more about Bella Hart Beauty Emporium.

Be well,

xoxo

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I’m pregnant!!

Don’t get me wrong – we love hearing them from friends, then it’s all shrieks, hugs, and tears. But there’s one person we simply do not want to hear it from, and I’m pretty sure I can speak for the whole sisterhood here…your hairdresser.

Years of unflattering cuts, tragic colours, and massively botched home attempts, litters a rite of passage to be endured until you find, THE ONE. So when your hairdresser enthusiastically declares her impending motherhood, I understand that it takes all your strength not to pick up the buzz razor and fashion a reverse Mohawk through the centre of her perfectly sculpted bob.

Word of warning, if you’re a hairdresser about to make a life changing announcement, please don’t be offended if your clients don’t share your enthusiasm, it’s just that we know our life is about to become ruled by our fickle follicles.

When my last hairdresser drifted off into oblivion, I found myself skulking back to a major corporate salon I’d used years ago in the nineties, Maurice Mead Subiaco.

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Perhaps it was a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder but I was thrilled with the service. Not only were the magazines post World War II, I was given a cup of tea and placed in front of a television showing the latest fashions, then given a head massage to die for. The act of hair washing reached a whole new level when, lying back on a black leather vibrating massage chair, the apprentice worked his magic for a good 15 minutes, all the while checking on my personal level of pressure, bliss. Numb beyond belief I watched on as my stylist, Ailsa, retrieved my card and identified the colours that had worked best for me in the past then listened to what I wanted. Not only that, she checked regularly to make sure I was happy. In the end I left the salon relaxed and feeling very special. While it was a lot dearer than my previous stylist, I’d almost pay double just for the head massage, but don’t tell them that.

Maurice Meade Subiaco
9/127 Rokeby Road, SUBIACO WA 6008
Salon is located on Barker Rd

PH: (08) 9381 6447
Web: http://www.mauricemeade.com.au

Review by Glennys Marsdon – author, blogger, consumer behaviourist who’s spent a lifetime researching why we do what we do, but still hasn’t worked out Hollywood tap.

Be well,

xoxo

Penni Towner, Aussie Bombshell!

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

My name is Penni Towner, Director (aka “Head Bombshell”) of Aussie Bombshell – self-confessed shopaholic and lover of French champagne.

♥ Moroccan Oil, RRP $49.50

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I am fairly low-maintenance when it comes to a beauty routine. As long as my skin is clean and well moisturised, and my hair has Moroccan Oil in it, I am happy!

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

When it comes to beauty treatments, there are TWO (sorry, couldn’t just have one) women in the industry that I can’t live without.

Alison Jade, Eyebrow Specialist in Cottesloe – the woman works wonders on any brows and people DO notice the difference!

For all other waxing and beauty treatments, Sam at Iconic Beauty in Subiaco (next to Boucla) is THE BEST. I always pop in for a Shellac manicure (if you haven’t been Shellac’d, hop to it!) and when I have a few hours to spare, the Collagen Facial is AMAZING! Sam is also super quick and great at waxing which is really important for busy girls (and boys).

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

I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair except Chesnie at La De Da in Shenton Park. I have tried nearly every recommended “blonde specialist” in Perth, but no-one compares to Chesnie. She gets it right first time, every time and just keeps getting better and better with her colour work!
Amelia who also works at the salon is great for blow waves and style ups. $30 blow waves also makes you want to go every week!

OPI Black Shatter Ltd Edn!

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Anything from the OPI range – a quick toe polish colour change is the perfect pick-me-up – a colour to suit every mood or moment. I just returned from Salon Melbourne where they were half price… so I bought 12 and got one free….Oops! 🙂

Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – $32 USD

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

1. Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – This is my number one beauty product. Nothing is as quick and effective for getting rid of your eye make-up. Say goodbye to panda eyes! (Available online at StrawberryNET)

2. Nars Laguna Bronzer – gives your skin a beautiful, healthy shimmer and can be used both day and at night!

3. HD Mascara by Alison Jade – I have tried every mascara under the sun but I love this one. It has the tiniest brush I’ve ever seen, but gets right to the base, giving you full, dark lashes, with no clumping!

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

Exercise regularly, drink lots of water, get lots of sleep and stay out of the sun unless you have the right protection (slip, slop, slap, wrap!). Always treat your body with respect and think about how you want to be looking and feeling in 10, 20, 30 years’ time. Remember that your body is with you for life!

Power Plate

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

I really want to start Power Plate classes – I have done the research, there are just not enough hours in the day for me right now!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

For me, my first priority is ensuring that I have protein with every meal. Breakfast sets me up for the rest of my day and you will often find me at Cimbalino in Napoleon Street, Cottesloe, before work – I’m a scrambled eggs on gluten free toast and latte regular! Thanks Cimba!

I am terrible at planning my meals, but again, I try and focus on eating some sort of protein for lunch and dinner, and minimize my carb in-take, where possible. I also drink lots of green tea throughout the day which is full of anti-oxidants.

Unfortunately, I have quite a sweet tooth and chocolate is my weakness, although I think I’m getting better at not eating it! (haha)

Pilates!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I suffer from chronic back pain, so it is important to focus on building and maintaining my core strength. I try to get to a Pilates class with Donna Green at Cottesloe Sports Physiotherapy – trust me, SHE’S AMAZING!

Boxing is my favourite form of exercise, and although I’ve had some time off, I recently started training back at The Ring in Northbridge. It is such a great stress relief for me, as well as an intense cardio workout. Apart from boxing, The Ring have introduced Strength Classes which are an incredibly challenge, but I find that 90% of training in mental, and once you get into it, you feel great!

I also enjoy going for a long walk along the beachfront with my iPod cranked. I try to do that at least three times a week – it’s a great start to the morning.

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

I take Ginseng 8000mG tablets to retain mental alertness and ensure that I am focussed for the day. Magnesium is also really important for joint and muscle care, so I take this twice a day – very important to take this if you are doing some tough training sessions! At the moment my product of choice for this is Repairware’s GMC – its delicious!

Cott Beach

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

Spending quality time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I love sharing a laugh and a glass of wine over a meal with the amazing people in my life.

I love the beach. Whenever I’m stressed, I will go for a walk or a swim and lose myself in the ocean. The water is such an amazing colour, we are really lucky to live in WA!

Any questions for Penni, please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

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Despite what you may think, it’s not every day that I get to treat myself to a spa package. I made a promise with myself that when Wellness WA reached 1,000 fans on Facebook, I would book in for a bit of pampering, and lucky for me that milestone came around a couple of weeks ago – double yay! (We are now at 1,060!!!)

My treatment of choice was the ‘Retreat for One’ at Bodhi J which included a half hour of luxurious relaxation in the geisha spa (complete with fruit, choccie & champagne or juice) and then a full body aromatherapy massage afterwards… $125 for this hour and a half of bliss feels so worth it.

I love Bodhi J. I always have a great time there, the staff are a delight and all seem to be experts at their craft (making you feel amazing). Add in the little extras like fresh frangipani flowers, up to date magazines and their preference for organic product ranges and you’ve got yourself a huge winner.

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The geisha spa was divine and came complete with the expected warm, bubbly goodness as well as some Li’tya dead-sea mud, which is far more appealing than it sounds! The spa is also recommended to be experienced au naturale (!!).

After spa time was over (sad face), it was onto the next course… massage (happy face). Again, personalised treatments add that special touch and my body was most drawn to the ‘uplift’ aromatherapy oil on the day.

This treatment would be even more incredible in Winter, as I was pretty warm after the spa and it lasted throughout the massage.

The treatment room I was in had two spas and two massage tables, which makes it perfectly suited for a romantic treat or a spa day with a close friend, (or a complete stranger if you like, who am I to judge!)

My ‘Retreat for One‘ was well worth it at $125, and hopefully I can hit another milestone soon so I can book in again for some more relaxing me time 🙂

Have I made you want a retreat? I am making myself want another one just re-reading over this!

Contact Bodhi J

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

ph: (08) 9387 5152
fax: (08) 9387 4548

admin@bodhij.com.au

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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From the outside, it’s not clear whether the Jurlique Store in the newly developed Claremont Quarter provides treatments or not. It’s a cute little shop, which evokes a sense of being atop a snowy Swiss mountain, nestled in a wooden lodge. Only instead of hot chocolate and moose-heads, you’re surrounded by all the organic, biodynamic Australian-made skincare you could ever need! It’s a good feeling.

Jurlique, Claremont Quarter store.

Luckily for you (and me), this quaint little space does indeed provide treatments and they are indulgent ones at that. Here you wont find any of your standard waxing fare, but what you will find is an incredible array of facial and body treatments that will have your mind abuzz with confusion as to which one to pick!

I chose the Jurlique Aromatherapy Facial which is described as:

“This classic facial provides holistic benefits essential for radiant healthy skin. Using aromatherapy preparations, this cleansing and relaxing facial is personalised to suit your skin’s individual rebalancing needs. An uplifting sensory experience of natural skin care and total pampering.”

The treatment room.

Both the girls at the Claremont Quarter store were lovely and welcoming! I filled in a card, was asked a lot of questions about my skin and then taken into the treatment room for the fun to begin…

I should mention that they were playing really good music, cue Death Cab for Cutie, The Album Leaf and more soft folky sounds.

Lemon-Lime Hydrating Essence – $45.

I love personalised treatments, from a choice of three scents I chose this one, Lemon-Lime. Yum. This hydrating essence is compressed onto the face with hot towels, complete bliss, and apparently it plumps up the dead skin cells and makes it easier for them to be exfoliated off!

Balancing Cleansing Lotion – $45.

It should really be called a face-neck-chest-ial, as all three of these areas are joining in the party, starting with the cleanse.

Next comes one of the best bits of getting a facial…. the steamer!

My face is steamed for about 5 minutes to open up the pores and then a mask is applied (although I forgot which one, oh dear!)

While it dries my arms are exfoliated, massaged and moisturised, I could get used to this.

Some soft hot towels later and my face is bare again, ready to be introduced to the final products to complete my experience…

Herbal Recovery Eye Cream – $52.

♥ (Above) Applied under the eyes, this cream helps to de-puff and reduce dark circles!
♥ Balancing Day Cream – an everyday moisturiser that smells great.
♥ Herbal Recovery Gel – this is a potent little mix of good for you anti-aging ingredients, I found it made my skin pretty sticky afterwards though, so beware!

♥ Love Balm! ♥

Last but not least this super-cute balm is applied to my lips. My therapist offered me some tea and water, and then sadly it was time to leave.

To check out the other treatments available on the menu, head here.

I loved my treatment and the staff were super sweet, make sure you head down to Claremont Quarter soon – it is incredible! When you’re finished with Jurlique you can duck over to the T2 shop across the road as well – for a post-spa tea! Can’t beat it 🙂

The aromatherapy facial is $105 and takes 60 minutes.

Contact the Claremont Quarter girls on: 08 9284 2325

I received this facial gratis, but as always would like to remind you that we will only write about something if we loved it and think you’d love it too. This one made the cut!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo