New Cult Product: OPI Black Shatter, Limited Edition.

I recently bought a nail polish from a petrol station. The colour was ‘gelati’, I thought it looked ‘fun’ and ‘striking’ so I bought it, got it home, painted away and within about 4 hours it was starting to chip off and by the end of the next day … gone completely. Moral of the story: don’t buy nail polish from a petrol station no matter how ‘striking’ or ‘fun’ you think it might be.

Now if I had used my common sense (woah Adriane, not so fast!) and actually thought about this most impulsive of all buys I would’ve realized my folly. Alas, I did not. In fact the words I used to describe my old mate gelati would best be saved for OPI’s new nail polish out on the market, Black Shatter. Now as the name suggests my gelati and OPI’s Black Shatter are both going to give you a cracked, ‘shattered’ finish on your nails…the difference being gelati’s is unintentional.

The effect of Black Shatter over nail polishes in the ‘Katy Perry for OPI’ range

With OPI’s Black Shatter you simply paint a thin layer of the black varnish over whatever colour your nails happen to be painted and then THROUGH THE MAGICAL PROPERTIES OF NAIL POLISH, watch the black coat shatter and crack as it dries revealing your original nail varnish colour poking through to say hello. And the best news? You obviously get to choose what colour is underneath so you can make the look as individual as you like. Will little bits of nail polish flake off? No you goose, stop thinking ‘cheap, flaky nail polish’ and start thinking ‘cool nail polish effect’. But I guess you could apply a top coat if you were really worried about it.

Still confused? It’s kind of like when as a kid you took a piece of paper, crayoned the whole thing in a bunch of different colours and then coloured black over the top of all that and then took a tooth pick and drew a picture of your family. YEP EXACTLY THE SAME AND JUST AS GOOD (minus the need for a toothpick).

If you want a striking and fun look why not give this a go. OPI are the reference point when it comes to nail polish so you could say they have this pretty well down pat, and my senses tell me that this Black Shatter of theirs is going to be a hit.

Ms. Perry gets her nail on.

Ed’s note: Creates a leopard print look in the blink of an eye, two parts sassy to one part pretty – it’s no wonder K-Perry is the muse for this unique little number!

Available online at Adore Beauty or your best bet to get this seriously limited edition gem in stores will probably be David Jones.

Review by Adriane Daff, not afraid to buy cosmetics at petrol stations. Winner.

Be well,

xoxo

Win Win Win: Alison Jade Cosmetics Prize Packs, Valued at $260 each.

Two lucky duck winners will be receiving this enviable kit of high quality mineral make-up from Alison Jade Cosmetics, RRP $260! (Colours / shades may vary slightly to those shown above).

‘For years, Alison has devoted herself to building a formidable reputation as an attentive, creative make-up artist and as a talented eyebrow specialist. Working with a living, breathing canvas requires sensitivity, attention to detail and great care, and Alison prides herself on creating the best look for every customer.

With this strong commitment to beauty, artistry and quality in mind, Alison has launched a new mineral make-up range designed to bring out the best in every skin type, giving every individual a clean, fresh look and feel. Sourced from nature and fused with science to protect, correct and beautify skin without irritation, Alison Jade Cosmetics provide a natural, chemical-free beauty solution.’

And we are here to let two of you win the following from the sure-to-be-a-cult range:

Lipgloss
Eyeshadow
Bronzer
Eyeliner
Mascara
Primer

Models wearing Alison Jade make-up.

The prize will be a mix of all the most popular sellers and the competition is open Australia wide this time, so that everyone has the opportunity to experience this new Western Australian brand!

To enter, leave a comment telling us why you’d like to win. Simple as that!

Our favourite two answers will be chosen in two weeks time… good luck! xo

Be well,

Annette & Alison Jade

xoxo

Organic Fruit and Vegetable Boxes in Perth: Organic ‘n Green Review!

Me with ma veggies.

Welcome to the best thing ever for people who want a very easy way to be a LOT healthier! I don’t know about you, but as much as I love going to the supermarket, I feel overwhelmed when I walk into the fresh fruit and veggie section. What should I get? What am I going to need this week? Which is freshest? How many chemicals have been sprayed onto these? Are common questions that attack me…

$45 boxes of organic fruit n veg from Organic n Green (based in Wanneroo) solve all my woes:

1. They deliver! $45 + delivery fee.

2. It’s kinda like your Mum has come round and said “Here dear, this is what is good for you that you should be eating this week”, so I then plan meals accordingly without having to deliberate over what to get at the shops.

3. We’ve ordered three times so far and the variety is huge! They pick the best, freshest stuff each day and send it off to you in a reusable foam box with frozen cooler bottle.

4. Certified organic! No pesticides & chemicals entering your body.

5. Great value. in the last box we got 43 pieces of fruit n veg, which works out to be a little under $1.50 per item. Considering that some of the items are big sweet potatoes, half a pineapple, avocadoes, and bunches of asparagus, this is awesome!

6. With each order, the value just keeps becoming more apparent. The 2nd order we received 48 items, and the most recent was 52! Excellent! Naturally there will be variation depending on what’s been supplied, but I really feel like it’s 300% worth it.

7. You can let them know what stuff you’re not so keen on, and they take it into account when creating your box o goodies.

Veggie box day is better than Christmas for me, I’m a huge dork so I get really excited when opening the carton and seeing what goodies will be entering my world that week.

Photo by Organic n Green.


Here’s what I’ve received in the three orders undertaken
:

♥ Numero Uno ♥ 6 x Silverbeet stalks, 1/2 white cabbage, head of broccoli, 3 x onions, 2 x zucchini, 1 x garlic, 4 x ‘real looking’ carrots, 2 x asparagus bunches, 2 x avocados, 5 x tomatoes (roma + regular), 2 x sweet potato, 3 x kiwi fruit, 2 x mangoes, 2 x bananas, 4 x plums, 1/2 a pineapple.

♥ Two ♥ 1/2 red cabbage, 1 x bag mixed lettuces, 2 x corns, 3 x tomatoes, 3 x small cucumbers, 2 x onions, 4 x carrots, 4 x potatoes, 1 x broccoli, 1 x red capsicum, 3 x beetroot, small bag of green beans, 2 x avocados, 2 x peaches, 2 x kiwi fruit, 4 x plums, 3 x apricots, 2 x mangoes, 2 x oranges.

♥ Three ♥ Bag of baby spinach, 2 x Nashi pears, 2 x plums, 2 x bananas, 1/2 white cabbage, 1 x broccoli, 3 x apples, 5 x tomatoes, 1 x green capsicum, 1 x 250gm strawberries, 1 x mango, 3 x baby eggplants, 1 x zucchini, 1 x large ginger, 1 x large corn, small bag of green beans, 2 x kiwi fruit, 7 x baby carrots, 3 x beetroots, 7 x potatoes, 1 x sweet potato, 5 x onions, 2 x garlic.

PHEW!!!!

Organic n Green also provide a large variety of other organic produce.

This, along with personal training, yoga, massage and a good nights sleep, is one of my TOP TOP TOP tips for making yourself feel great and boosting your wellbeing.

I can’t rave about it highly enough, I’m a very happy customer! I will be trialling other organic fruit and vegetable box providers in Perth so that I can do a ‘comparative study’ 😉 and figure out the best one, but for now I’m loving these guys, their customer service is lovely to boot.

Organic n Green is owned by Tony and Alicia Lopez.

Contact: 0416 02 82 92
E-mail: sales@organicngreen.com.au

Be well,

xoxo

Budget Beauty Review: Napoleon Set Bath Products.

Sultry Shanghai Summer

Hello cash-crafty ladies and coin-savvy gents (yes boys, we hope you’re out there reading too!), budget beauty is back on Wellness WA.

Before I make a start here, a confession. I have never been to Shanghai. The closest I’ve been to making it to Morocco is probably Monaco (does Moroccan Oil count?) and this fiscally-challenged correspondent has certainly never ventured subcontinent. So I’m not sure how well qualified I am to assess these new destination-themed Napoleon Perdis bath products, on shelves in Target since October, but I’m taking on the challenge anyway!

The range includes bath salts, body washes, a spritz and a lotion. I was lucky enough to try three of them: the Shanghai Ginger body wash, Moroccan Citrus body lotion and Jaipur Jasmine bath salts.

Rather than The Orient, the Shanghai Ginger shower gel reminds me of a German gingerbread house. It’s a little bit sweet and spicy and the fragrance is a great warming wake-up . At night-time I’d use something a little more mellow though. It’s suitable for boys as well as girls, if you’re looking to cut cleansing costs in a household with lads too.

The Moroccan Citrus body lotion has a light orange fragrance but is by no means overpowering, and doesn’t clash with the shower gel if you are looking to use the products in conjunction with one another. It absorbs quickly and easily, contains no parabens or sodium lauryl sulfate and is seriously moisturising considering its weight.

Derived from the flowers of the jasmine shrub, the Jaipur Jasmine bath salt is at once delicate, evocative and calming. Believed to have astringent, anti-bacterial and anti-depressant qualities jasmine is a perfect bath ingredient and an excellent choice if you’ve got a half-hour to spare in a hot tub.

Priced between about $10 and $20, the range is a special treat for if you usually stick to the supermarket aisles when you’re shopping for the shower.

Available from Target stores nationally or online at Napoleon Perdis Set Cosmetics.

Review by Athanae Lucev, a freelance journalist and writer with a keen eye for a pretty bargain.

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Alison Jade, Brow Specialist & Director of Alison Jade Cosmetics.

♥ Alison Jade!

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

I am Alison Jade, Brow Specialist and Director of Alison Jade Cosmetics. Coffee and beauty product addict. Lover of online shopping and red wine.

Sodashi Eye and Lip Smoother 30ml, RRP $145.20

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

For someone who works in the beauty industry I am pretty relaxed! I never cleanse in the morning, I usually will wash my face with water. I always wear make up with SPF in it regardless of if I am going outside. At night I cleanse and put on Cosmedix Refine night cream and Sodashi Eye and Lip Smoother.

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

Spray Tanning! I love it I try to go once a week. My favourite is a new Perth brand Aussie Bombshell.

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

I am a total nutcase when it comes to my hair! I have been to every hairdresser in Perth I am sure of it! I go to a salon in Shenton Park called La De Da for my colour. It’s a small boutique salon and Chesnie always gets it right! Also, there is an awesome clothes shop next door which I go to (foils and all) so I am never bored when I go there. I then have it cut at Cision in Claremont. Fantastic place and by far the best blowdry you will ever get.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

DIY Body Scrub, cheap and super easy! Ground rice, hemp oil, geranium essential oil.

Moroccan Oil, RRP $49.50

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Moroccan Oil – this stuff should be worth its weight in GOLD!
2. Lucas’ Papaw Ointment.
3. DuWop Revolotion – moisturizer that contains SPF 15 sun protection along with bronzing pigment and subtle shimmer.

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

Eye drops and Illuminator! Plus lots of water. I always get bags under my eyes if I am dehydrated.

♥ Pilates in action.

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

Pilates! I have been dying to try it but haven’t had the time. I finally booked and have my first lesson in 2 weeks!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I will usually have eggs or muesli for breakfast. Lunch is either a salad or sandwich and dinner always lean meat and veges.

Describe your fitness routine.

I try to go to the gym for weights and strength at least twice per week. I have recently started swimming again and hoping to add pilates into the mix as well.

Fish oil.

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

I only take Fish Oil. If you can’t get the nutrients you need from the food you are eating then you should rethink your diet.

Alison Jade’s eyebrow salon is located:

Suite 3/525 Stirling Hwy
Cottesloe, Perth WA 6011

Ph: 08 9385 5544

Email: info@alisonjade.com.au

Any questions or comments? You know what to do! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo