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Yours truly isn’t the biggest fan of music festivals, despite being a huge fan of music, the crowds, the craziness, the dirt, the heat and the standing for hours on end between bands you don’t-actually-want-to-see all leave me a grumpy mess about an hour in. But when you get to watch the band you came to see, then oh is it worth it.

I’ve long wished there was a way to make the bits I don’t like about festivals disappear… maybe get a massage or facial in between bands? A bit of a spruce up? Well kids this year Big Day Out goers are in luck because they’ve teamed up with the sweet smelling sugar doves at Lush and gone and made this happen!!!

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Think free face masks, massages, cool-down treatments and even bottles of their earthy smelling “Grass” shower gel for the washrooms. Pretty good. Even better is that these pamper sessions are FREE!!

So in between rocking out, jive on down (wrong era?) to the LUSH tent to chill out and get a little wellness into you while waiting for your fave band to play!

Check out www.bigdayout.com for more info on the event and let us know if you’re keen to check to get some festival style pampering!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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I have to share with you my latest lady crushes. It’s all well and good to admire actors and celebs and be jealous of their amazing wardrobe (note: they get 99% of it free), social life, boyfriend etcetera BUT why not admire those who are doing incredible things in the world of wellness, helping other people and basically showing us how amazing life can be?

Especially when they look amazing (a testament to the results gained from what they do) and are constantly putting positive energy back into the universe – getting a little hippie here!

ENTERRRR… my two latest yoga obsessions – Tara Stiles & Kathryn Budig!

1. Tara Stiles

Impossibly gorgeous and an ex-model, Tara has an approach to yoga which has been described as “unconventional” and she has received some criticisms for not sticking to the traditional style of any one yoga practice. She advocates yoga for EVERYONE and does away with sanskrit terms (eg. Savasana, Gomulkasana etc), instead choosing to use the simplest terminology such as “lower back” or “pigeon pose”.

Tara also has an incredibly interesting and frequently updated Youtube Channel, which I may have become slightly addicted to! She is gorgeous, but unintimidating in her videos, with her easygoing personality and “just one of the guys” vibe.

She founded the school Strala Yoga in New York and I would love, love, love to go there one day!

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2. Kathryn Budig

She’s been described as ‘yoga’s first supermodel’ and with gorgeous glowing skin, shiny blonde hair and a beaming smile it’s not hard to see why. But it’s Kathryn’s devotion to an outside cause that most impresses me.

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Poses for Paws is an initiative started by Budig and a friend, to raise money through yoga classes for dog shelters and organisations that help to find our gorgeous furry woofballs loving homes. Their current focus if the ‘Beagle Freedom Project’ (inspired by the love of her very own beagle).

Most people wouldn’t know this, but Beagle’s are one of the most popular choices for animal testing labs, due to their gentle and forgiving nature and non-aggressiveness towards lab techs (the same ones performing tests on them). Absolutely horrific stuff.

I recommend this video about the Beagle Freedom Project, it’s very interesting – prepare to weep a few tears, it makes me want to devote my life to saving these guys. They are so beautiful, and even after living in a lab cage for their whole lives they’re still willing to wag their tails, and seeing the dogs in the video run around on the grass for the first time is equal parts devastating and beautiful at the same time.

So, two beautiful yogis, both doing wonderful things – have you heard of either of these two ladies before?

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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I was thinking about all the products that I’m using at the moment, so thought I’d do a little post so everyone can check out what my current faves are!

♥ Dermalogica Pre Cleanse – $65.50

Rubbing this peculiar oil type liquid over my face prior to jumping in the shower, is reported to be good for dissolving dirt, makeup and helping shift blackheads. The interesting part, is that when you go to wash it off, the oil magically turns into a milky emulsion and leaves no trace of oil AT ALL. This is a fantastic first step to removing makeup, and also good for days when you’ve been sweating up a storm and need some extra power in your cleansing routine.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant $83.50

Ah, hello hero product! I previously talked about Daily Microfoliant here, but this powdery dream has continued to keep a highly-coveted spot in my bathroom. If you can I’d suggest trying to source a sample of this stuff, it smooths out any bumps on my skin with ease and I find it helpful with minimising breakouts. I can definitely tell when I’ve not been using it, as my skin tend to break out a littler more (AKA, right now! Need to get back into it with regularity!)

♥ Ren Rose Wash – $46

This cleanser is so beautifully rosy scented, that it just feels like you’re doing something good for your skin when you use it. For a gel cleanser it’s pretty impressive, as it doesn’t dry out my skin. Enjoying this for those two reasons… I use it with:

♥ Clarisonic Mia – $149

I’m not sure what I did before this came along. When I use it, my skin congestion, tone and brightness is about 75% better. No word of a lie! At $149 it’s a bit of an investment, but oh-so-worth it. If you’re in Perth you can head down to Bella Hart in Subiaco for a free instore trial (very handy).

Any of these look good to you?

Be well,

xoxo

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Back when I was 14 and used to squeeze lemon in my hair for the sun-kissed look and tried mum’s facemasks out for size, slices of cool cucumber over the eyelids was the next step for ultimate beauty afternoons. I’m not sure the lemon or the anti-aging mask worked on my wee self, but the cucumbers always had a soothing element that did some good on puffy eyes.

When the Yes to Carrots range came on the market, I signed up for the Cucumber variety designed for sensitive skin. I’m always wary of rich and creamy products after a particularly nasty rash was encountered after a face cream trial – which means I always end up going for the “sensitive skin” products just in case.

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I’ve been using the Daily Gentle Cleanser ($14.95) and Daily Calming Moisturiser ($23.95) for a month now and have had great results.

To be fair, I’m in the latter stages of pregnancy and my skin has been pretty good to me since the second trimester so this has had a positive influence. However, the cleanser does a thorough job despite being “gentle” and there has been no residue on my facial towel while drying my face. The moisturiser is gorgeous and you only need a small amount as it goes far. The only issue is, I have to leave it longer than usual to put on my make up over the top in the morning as it doesn’t sink in as fast as my usual moisturiser. On the plus side, my skin feels hydrated all day long and I don’t see any flakiness after a day a made up face in an air-conditioned office. The sweet almond oil and aloe inclusions are supposed to provide a healthy glow and I do feel it provides a lovely, plump look once it’s settled in.

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I also got to try the Calming Body Wash ($12.95 for 500mL), which is so refreshing in the summer heat. It’s also not a particularly feminine smell so I’ve gone through it at an alarming rate and my husband smells suspiciously cucumbery upon exiting the bathroom each morning…

Have you ever tried any of the Yes to Carrots products?
Cucumbers over the eyes?
Love to hear your thoughts!

Written by Lisa O’Neill, slowing down a little more every day but still trying to keep the healthy glow alive!

Be well,

xoxo

♥ All photos © Glennys Marsdon

I have to admit the thought of exploring the Stirling Farmers Market on a steamy thunderstorm induced morning, didn’t have me bouncing out of bed, still I’m quite partial to wandering around markets, and I’d heard a few good things about this one on the local grapevine.

Situated in the shadows of the Council building, it was a pleasure to drive straight into a car space, without having to tail a vegetable laden customer snaking their way back to their car. With parking for 350 cars the first signs were good for the growing market.

♥ Free range ‘Eggs by Ellah‘

Strolling around the stalls my gait resembled the limited trajectory of a chess pawn as I bounced from one shaded area to another. Thankfully the vibrant colours of the produce took my mind off the heat and the stall owners were quick to chat about their produce. I even overheard one arranging to personally deliver an order later in the day.

♥ Marchetti and Sons Roleystone, Fruit

The trays of apricots were gone by 9am, and the tomatoes selling quicker than they could be bagged. It was a delight to buy fruit that wasn’t already teetering around its use by date. Even more delightful was having the stall owner’s son carry larger orders to your car. You don’t find that at your local megastore.

Trays of ripe avocados

Moroccan spices

Tomatoes

Raw juices

Other stalls were equally enticing – artisan breads catering to a range of dietary needs, natural honey, local garlic, Moroccan spices, a multitude of mushrooms, flowers and an array of freshly squeezed juices, some thick enough to stand on their own, sans bottle.

Mushrooms

Organic bread from Abhi’s Bakery

Two years in the planning, the markets first opened on December 18th. Organised by the Karrinyup Rotary Club, all produce must be locally produced. The aim is to extend the range and possibly offer one stall free of charge to local clubs holding membership drives or community awareness programs.

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With my car boot full of produce I ended my morning sitting under a shady tree nibbling on a moist apple coconut slice, while watching crepes being cooked and hoping the markets get the community support they need to continue beyond the trial period of February 26th. I’m definitely going back next weekend if only for another piece of the apple slice, but first… does anyone know what I can do with a tray of avocados, two bags of tomatoes and six huge, crisp pink lady apples?

Stirling Farmers Market is located on Cedric Street, Stirling, Sundays 7.30 – 11.30 am until February 26th! It needs as much support as it can get to continue operating, so please check it out if you’re nearby (or even if you’re not!)

Review by Glennys, writer & farmers market advocate!

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

I’m 26 years old and am a freelance makeup artist, you can check out my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/GabriellaSidhuMakeUp and am also in my 3rd year of studying architecture at UWA. I love being creative!

Gabi at work

I have an amazing fiance and 2 gorgeous cats who act more like people! I have a pretty mixed background. I was born in Malaysia to an Irish mum (who spent a lot of her childhood in Kuwait) and an Indian/English Dad. We moved to Australia when I was 9.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine. (please include specifics about brands/products used)

It changes all the time but at the moment I am using:

1. MOKOSH Face Cleansing Powder (amazing Fremantle- based brand which is organic and fair trade) followed by
2. Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
3. Clarins Hydraquench Cooling Cream-Gel. (I use this in Summer and in Winter change to a thicker moisturiser)

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

I have an auto-immune disease called Lupus which prevents me from staying out in the sun for more than 5 minutes at a time (if I do I get dizzy, sick, nauseous and fatigued) so I tend to get spray-tans quite a bit! I go to Beaute in Paris in Gwelup.

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

My amazing hairdresser Sharon who now works from home and whom I’ve been seeing since I was 19. She is just amazing at hair and is so intuitive. My mum, sister, fiance, brother-in-law, 3 good friends, good friend’s mother and sister-in-law ALL go to her. I’m too selfish to give out her details because she is so busy already!!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

After going to Beauty College this summer, I now give myself manicures and pedicures which saves so much! I always make sure I take time out to do them and include a mask, exfoliation scrub and moisturiser. If anyone would like a mani or pedi I also do appointments so feel free to contact me!

♥ Moroccan Oil – RRP $49.50

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

1. The first one is actually a perfume! The Eau de Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez (Available from StrawberryNET for cheaps!). I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve purchased this!

2. St Tropez Bronzing Mousse and Face Tan (Can they count as one?). I’m not a tanorexic I promise, I just like to have a bit of colour. If anyone would like any hints for applying self tan:

♥ Wear gloves (I buy the bulk latex ones from the chemist)
♥ Make sure to exfoliate beforehand and don’t shave your legs (if you do) until AFTER you’ve applied the fake tan – for example the next morning. That way the tan doesn’t get into the hair follicle and you don’t have that “dotty” leg look!

3. Lastly, Moroccan Oil for my hair. I apply it to the tips everytime I wash my hair and it really does wonders for dryness and split ends.

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

Fake tan? Haha, I’m kidding!
They’re not really secret but drinking loads of water really does make you feel wonderful and your skin glows!
Getting regular massages also not only leaves you feeling amazing and relaxed but your skin looks great afterwards due to the increased circulation. I always get one where they use oils and try to leave the oil on for as long as possible afterwards so it soaks in and leaves the skin feeling moisturised and soft.

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

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go on a spa weekend! The kind where you have every type of beauty treatment imaginable, eat only clean, fresh, detoxing food and spend it with great friends.

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

It is about to change as I have just started an Ayurvedic diet but it is normally:

Breakfast: Swiss muesli with greek yoghurt, berries, honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. I drink a tall glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar added in the mornings. Sounds disgusting but you get used to it!

Lunch: Generally a sandwich with a protein either chicken or fish and veggies.

Afternoon Snack: A smoothie – either a green smoothie or if I’m feeling like something heavier I will use banana, almond milk, oats, honey, cinnamon, ginger or along those lines.

Dinner: Usually an asian meal like a stir-fry or a curry/dahl.

I also tend to have something sweet after dinner like chocolate. I have such a sweet tooth!

I finish my night off with a calming cup of chamomile tea which is the only tea/coffee I drink throughout the day I’ve just realised!

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I don’t have a specific routine but again due to my Lupus I have to take it quite easy as my joints are quite arthritic. I stick to low-impact stuff like yoga, walking, cycling and swimming. I just need to make sure I do some everyday.

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

As mentioned I’ve just started seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner so have been given some herbal concoctions to drink and oils to use externally so I can’t comment on how they work just yet! Up till now I have been taking Fish Oil and Glucosamine everyday (but have learnt that flaxseed oil would be a much better alternative for me), iron supplements, apple cider vinegar and valerian root, which helps allow you to have a good nights sleep.

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

Definitely a massage! Spending time with my fiance and cats also de-stresses me. I think being around people you love helps so much.

Thanks to Gabriella for taking the time to share her beauty & wellness routine with us! You can find her makeup services on Facebook!

Be well,

xoxo

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I felt really lucky to be selected to attend the Perth Online Media Media event (#POBM) as one of the writers of Wellness WA. As you may know I contribute by writing articles about things that I am most passionate about, that is; exercising around Perth, cooking delicious food and treats to make yourself feel good and look pretty.

After our gorgeous day of pampering, eating raw food from The Raw Kitchen and meeting all the lovely girls, I finally had time to delve into my massive goodie bag. There were so many amazing products to choose from but I managed to pick 5 favourites. Here’s why they made the cut:

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1. A’kin Instant Radiance Facial Masque

This product was first given to me by Annette to trial and before that I had never tried any A’kin products before. I love this 100% natural botanical product and how it takes no time at all for this product to take effect. Apply on face, leave for 5-10 minutes then rinse! The masque is light and if your skin is looking a bit tired and dehydrated then I recommend it, it brings instant results for me. I even took it with me in my travel beauty bag on my recent international trip for pick-me-ups after a long haul of flights.

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2. Palm Beach Coconut and Lime Candle

At the moment, I am currently obsessing over the range of Palm Beach candles. Actually before I received this sample, I had already bought myself the bigger version in Wild Peony. It makes my room smell like a fresh bunch of flowers. The coconut and lime scent is just as good. Perfect size to sit on my tiny bathroom bench, and I love showering with a gorgeous tropical fragrance in the air!

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3. Echolife Cold Pressed Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

For those of you who don’t use or own any form of serum, I recommend this organic cold pressed rosehip oil. I’ll admit though, I had never tried rosehip in the form of oil before receiving this sample. I tried it after cleansing and exfoliating, then I placed two drops in the palm of my hand and gently pressed it on my face before bedtime. When I woke up, my skin appeared more smooth and hydrated, a winner product and a new step in my beauty regime.

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4. OPI Samoan Sand

Big fan of OPI and their colour range, but I have to tip my hat off at them once more, Samoan Sand is the perfect colour for my skin tone. It’s the natural look without being too pink, and corporate enough to wear in the office. I feel like this is going to be one of my go to colours when I don’t know what to wear on my nails.

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5. Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Salmon

Ah, as a recent convert to Bobbi Brown, this colour is perfect for summer, otherwise described as a pale peach, it’s just that right amount of splash of colour to add to your outfit. I love the feel of their lipsticks that contain Vitamin E, C and bees wax, it doesn’t feel dry and the colour has incredible staying power.

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And last but not least, a snapshot of my beauty haul. (Flowers not included!) I’m sure I’ll have new favourites next week when I finish going through them all!

Reviews by Kelly-Anne, graphic designer & beach lover.

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I love trying new skincare and when the chance to try something that claims to be “Nature’s Botox Alternative” I got a little excited. Since turning the big 30 last year I’ve been more attentive to products with anti-ageing ingredients to keep me looking as young as possible!

The Lapurete range is said to target all signs of ageing including; expression lines, sagging skin, age spots, dryness, eye bags, dark circles, enlarged pores and UVA damage. Whilst I certainly don’t have all these skin concerns I figure prevention is better than a cure!

Okuru plant being harvested

The magic ingredient that Lapurete use is Okuru, a plant grown in Africa that has been used for centuries for it’s nutritional and healing benefits. Lapurete’s research has found that the peptides contained in the seeds can minimise expression lines in a similar way to Botox, without the need for injections!

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The Protective Day Crème that I trialed contains the Okuru plus Sweet Pea and Marine extracts to increase firmness and elasticity of the skin. The crème itself is light and pleasantly fragranced. It seemed to moisturise and hydrate my skin well without making me too oily. I would say it’s suitable for most skin types, except really oily. Whilst I don’t have any major skincare concerns such as fine lines and sagging I did find that after using daily it did seem to brighten my complexion, freshen and smooth my skin. The two bonuses for me were that it contained UVA defense (if you’re outside for long periods I would still wear a broad spectrum sunscreen!) and it had no nasty ingredients such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and petrochemicals (a super plus for me!).

The full set of Lapurete prodz

Whether it lived up to it’s claim of being “Natures Botox” I’m still not sure yet. Maybe I need to use it a little longer, or fingers crossed it’s because I don’t need botox yet. But I know that I would rather try a topical cream that costs way less than expensive and invasive needles first.

What would you rather do?

Check out the full Okuru range at www.lapurete.com.au and at major pharmacies.

RRP is $59.95.

Review by Hannah L, smoothie-ing her way to good health!

Be well,

xoxo

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When Annette first contacted me to tell me about Pure Poppet, a range of play make-up for children, I must admit I nearly jumped for joy.

With two young girls under the age of 8, make-up and face-painting are huge in my house and even though I know there are so many harmful chemicals in most over-the-counter cosmetics there are more times than I’d like to admit that I just give in to the “just let them have fun” …

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My girls’ eyes lit up from the moment they unwrapped the parcel, which I must say arrived in record time, especially considering it was the week of Christmas, the packaging is bright, colourful and everything a little girl could want for.

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Obviously they wanted to play around with it straight away and I needed little convincing, so armed with their make-up kit and a room full of dress ups they went to work on turning themselves into beautiful princesses.

The colours included in the kit were 5 little pots of powdered colour, purple, pink, blue, green and yellow – all bright and shimmery, application sponges, 2 lip balms and a floral water spray.

Being mineral make-up the powder was slightly messier than the traditional block make-up but nothing a dustpan and a broom couldn’t take care of.

The best thing about it (from a mum’s point of view) was how easy it was to remove that night, warm water and a facecloth and it was taken care of in less than a minute.

My only regret is that I forgot to take photos of the little princesses.

A week later we decided it was time for the face-painting test. As seasoned face-paintees I was slightly apprehensive that my skills would be mocked, or at the very least elicit looks of disappointment, so I spent the first five minutes explaining to my darling daughters that mummy is NOT a professional face-painter and it’s NOT going to look the way it does when they have their faces done by the proper face-painters. I was also very clear that only simple designs would be accepted.

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Thankfully my 8 year old requested suns and a flower and my four year old a caterpillar on one cheek and the butterfly it turns into on the other.

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With a little bit of water mixed with the powder the face-painting was much easier than I expected and smiles were experienced by all, my husband even asked if I was expanding into a new line of work!

It did wear off a little quicker than traditional face-paint, which in my opinion is actually a good thing. And again, the best part to me was the ease of removal.

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I also really like that the emphasis is on play and fun, rather than needing make-up to be pretty.

Price: The cost for the kit is $39.95 plus postage, which is great as these pots will last for ages. Available from the Pure Poppet website.

I’d love to know how you feel about the chemicals in your child’s play make-up, is it a big concern to you? Or do you think it’s not that big a deal?

Review by Chizelle S Salter, Mother of 3 beautiful girls, Writer and Hostess of Chizelle TV

Be well,

xoxo

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For someone who runs a website like this one, I really am quite abysmal at getting my hair cut and maintained to a pleasing standard. Massages, exercise classes, buying my lunch and restaurant dinners seem to drain the majority of my “extra money”, while my hair gets left being swooped up in a simple high pony tail day after day, only occasionally being privy to a hair straightener.

This year, I’m determined to make an extra effort to have “babe hair” more often than not, so with that in mind I headed down to Element Aveda Concept Salon in Subiaco for a cut, colour, blowdry & style AKA a complete overhaul. I had a 60′s themed night out planned too, so I was especially excited to have my hair styled.

When I phoned up to book the appointment I was a bit nervous, as I always am with hairdressers, but the guy who answered the phone was great and managed to book me in with Bree, the Creative Director for my whole sesh. Note to the uninitiated: seeing the Creative Director usually costs a bit of extra moolah, luckily for me it was worth it in this case!

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With my long scraggly mop in tow, I was greeted with cups of Aveda tea (so yummy once you get used to the unique taste!), hand massages and the signature “blue oil massage”. Bree and I decided to go with a chestnut colour, which has the gentlest of red tints to it, similar to my own hair colour but just a bit more oomph. Love the colour, but next time I think I will be a little more daring!

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For the cut, I wanted quite a bit off, but still a longish side fringe and the ability to make it a lil wavy. Check, check, check. Bree delivered all this and more and was fun to talk to. I ended up with an Alexa Chung-esque long bob with waves which I digged, and she even gave me a mini lesson on how to create GHD waves on my own… which I’ll try soon!

The whole experience was about 2 & 1/2 hours, and everyone was super friendly, I was kept hydrated and…THERE WAS A PUG IN THE SALON!

This certainly was a plus for me as I am wild about pups.

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I purchased the Aveda Brilliant Hair Spray ($39.95) which makes hair super shiny, gives a medium hold & contains black tea, certified organic chamomile, aloe and more! I found it kept my waves in well throughout a night of 60′s dancing!

So without further words…

Tah dah. New hair.

The total cost for my wash, cut, colour, blowdry/style & Brilliant Shine Hairspray was $265.

I will definitely be back!

Element Aveda Concept Salon
17 Rokeby Rd Subiaco WA 6008
(08) 9382 3004

Do you like the short hair or the long hair?! Love to hear your thoughts!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo