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Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Lisa O’Neill, Wellness WA Contributor & New Mama.

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

I’m currently on maternity leave to the most beautiful baby girl in the world. I was a senior writer at Scoop Magazine before travelling the world and trying my hand as an executive assistant at a big mining/engineering company. Despite Mum being my number one title currently, I still freelance as a writer and my favourite topics are health and beauty.

On a personal level I love being fit, reading novels I just can’t put down, Lululemon, talking an afternoon away in a coffee shop and chocolate. In another life I loved travelling, triathlon and pink champagne – once Stella is old enough I hope to rekindle these past romances. I also have an adventure racing rockstar of a husband who I’m super proud of and always trying to keep up with…

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

– Every morning I start off washing my face with Yes to Cucumbers Daily Gentle Cleanser and scrub with Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant I tend towards sensitive skin products as I have a past history with dermatitis and if it rears up on your face, it’s not pretty!

– I moisturize with Kiehl’s Sodium PCA Oil-free moisturizer which I’ve used for years and just works with my skin. I got the dreaded “pregnancy mask” when pregnant with Stella (which has thankfully just about disappeared now) and it has made me really conscious of avoiding sun damage, so I now slap on Invisible Zinc’s Tinted Daywear (in medium) with SPF every morning. I was surprised that I don’t need to add any foundation, I love the natural glow this product provides.

– Brightening the eyes is a must as a new mum. I have firmly embraced the “fake it til you make it” slogan when it comes to looking awake. One of my best beauty buys was the Smashbox eyeliner selection from Kit. I use the Espresso to line my upper lashes and the gold (which is a creamy pale gold) on the inner corners to brighten them up.

– At night time, I cleanse and moisturise again and about three times a week I swap moisturiser for Sodashi Calming Serum to give any wrinkles the heave-ho or at least slow ’em down a little. Although the Sodashi is on the shelf at the moment as I’m trialling Black Chicken Remedies serum with a review on Wellness WA coming soon…!

– For hair, I’m continually trying new things but my current favourite is Tigi Bedhead Dumb Blonde shampoo and reconstructor. The passionfruit smell is delicious and it works wonders on my mop.

♥ Onyesha Spa

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

I have always been a total sucker for massage and if I told you my favourite place I’d have to kill you… he’s hard enough to get into as it is! But for the ultimate treat, I’d have to say the best of the best is Onyesha Spa which is a bit of a hike in Mariginiup (five minutes from Joondalup). This place is like a hidden oasis in such an odd location, but it’s really heavenly.

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

Hmmmm… I’m reluctant to supply this info as well as David and Vicki are sooo hard to get into but seeing as I’m super organised and book two months in advance now I can tell you. Just DON’T tell all your friends like I did, I still regret it! Hair Ambitions in Shenton Park is brilliant – David knows all the local goss and makes you feel like a superstar by the time he’s done.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Definitely a pedicure and manicure. There’s nothing like fabbing up a look with a bright pastel, fluorescent pink, deep red or pretty nude (this is my rotation!). Having polished nails lifts my mood big time and is the best way to update your look with current colour trends without forking out a packet on fashion.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Kit nail polish – two coats and it looks like a professional job. My favourite colour is Play Down, which always gets comments.

– Mascara – it’s the one thing I’ll do if I have only 30-seconds before walking out the door – give myself some semblance of eyes! My favourite is Becca Ultimate Mascara.

– I have always, always loved lip balm and my number one is Clinique Chubby Stick (despite the dubious name – male creator?) in watermelon, which gives a pretty pink tint to the lips.

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

Hmmm, it’s not really a secret – but exercise is definitely my happy drug. It keeps the body in check, it brings a smile to your face with the endorphins rush and it helps you sleep peacefully. People with a smile always look more beautiful too, don’t they? I’m not a subscriber to the pout phenomenon, that’s for sure!

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

I have always wanted to go a wellness retreat, like Golden Door over East or Injidup Spa Retreat down south. The thought of a week doing nothing but eat delicious healthy food, exercise, indulge in spa treatments and rest up sounds pretty much like the chocolate icing of the beauty world.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Being a breastfeeding mum, getting in plenty of protein and healthy carbs is a must so I’m always making sure I get enough of the good stuff. I have a bowl or yoghurt with berries and/or banana with a sprinkle of chia seeds and some sort of local muesli (latest is Samudra’s Hazelnut Cacao Muesli) and soon after a cup of green tea. One of my favourite times of the day is my morning latte. Stella loves coffee shops and all the noise often sends her off to sleep, so a skinny latte and a magazine at Milkd or Cimbalinos (my top two Perth coffee shops) is bliss.

Lunch is either a turkey, goat’s cheese and salad sandwich or a quinoa salad with feta and as many veggies as I can find.

Dinner is the most varied but we have salmon once a week, usually with sweet potato and greens. Sean makes his family recipe chicken satay (no jars of sauce for us thank you very much!) regularly, too.

I used to always have healthy snacks when I was working, but now I’m at home I nearly always bake something yummy on the weekend for a sweet treat. Breastfeeding burns up lots of calories and in the afternoon I’m ravenous, tired and in need of an energy boost! The most popular choice in our house is my lactation cookies (the secret ingredient is brewers yeast which you can find in most health food stores) and while they aid milk supply, they’re safe for non-mummies too. But you don’t have to tell your partner that!

And I always, always fit some chocolate into every day and my number one is Lindt Sea Salt, I always buy some if I can find it at the supermarket.

Describe your fitness routine.

Sigh, this used to be totally impressive! But now the thought of my old triathlon routine boggles my mind. My current routine is loads of fun though.

– Monday morning is mums and bubs yoga, although half the class is entertaining baby so not many vinyasas are achieved! To make up for it, Monday night I sprint out the door, once Stella is asleep, to Sh’bam class which is my “me time” and I love my 45-minutes of being silly while getting a good cardio workout.

– Wednesday I do a workout DVD at home while Stella cheers me on (thankfully she loves watching me work out… although it could have something to do with her getting baby massage straight after).

– Friday morning I go to a Pump/CxWorx class and Saturday lunch I join my mum for a Body Balance class.

All my classes are at Lords, which I can’t speak of highly enough. The instructors are the cream of the crop and the prices are much more reasonable than others in the area.
I also run once a week with a friend which involves more gossiping than puffing thank goodness!

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

I take Bioceuticals InNatal iron-free supplement (I have haemochromatosis, which means iron is something I have plenty of). I’ve found it to be a great prenatal, pregnancy and breastfeeding multi-vitamin.
I also take a high quality fish oil, Bioceuticals OmegaSure Liquid Fish Oil. It has an orange taste due to the orange essential oil which makes it palatable with no fishy after taste.

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

My favourite way to relax is going for a walk with my husband and Stella when he gets home from walk. Fresh air, a bit of exercise and talking about our day always makes me feel better if I’ve been housebound or not had much sleep the night before.

The other best way to de-stress is a big chinwag with my mum, who always has a positive perspective and tells me I’m doing a good job. When you have a tiny baby, you can only hope you’re doing a good job– there are no performance reviews, pay rises or human resources departments! However, Stella’s gummy smiles and chuckles are a pretty good currency.

Thanks Lisa! If you have any questions about Lisa’s routine, please leave them in the comments below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Crushes: Oxygen Facials, Vegan Cinnamon Chocolate & UDO’s Oil!

Gooooood mornin! I hope that your day has gotten off to a wonderful start, and you’re feeling fired up with feelings of positivity, calm and a deep sense of wellness. It’s time for one of my fave segments – beauty and wellbeing crushes! I absolutely love sharing my latest wellness finds and things that are firing me up (in a good way!). There’s a lot this week, so lets get started!!

Oxygen Facial at Cove Spa

“I can’t live without having a weekly Oxygen facial – Intraceuticals facials leave my skin glowing and radiant! When I want to look my best I find a body massage beforehand also works wonders.” – Miranda Kerr.

It was with this pinnacle of testimonials in mind that I headed to Cove Spa in South Perth for a 90 minute oxygen facial, because lets be real, who in their right mind doesn’t want skin like the gorgeous MK? My experience didn’t disappoint. While I can’t afford them every week, after 90 minutes of cleansing, facial massage, serums & having the oxygen applied to my face, my skin was looking a LOT glowier than it was before.

I also have to pay special tribute to my therapist, Melissa, who is one of the top two facialists that I’ve experienced in Perth. It was truly something special! Highly recommended! $195 for 1 hour 45 mins.

Cute Cloud Chopping Boards & Raw Vegan Cinnamon Chocolate

HOW CUTE IS THIS AMAZING NEW BREAD BOARD I JUST PICKED UP FROM MR SPARROW?!?! I am seriously in love, and if I’m being honest will probably not be using it to chop too many things on because it’s just SO cute! But it will be making appearances on the blog, so watch this space! It’s from Germany, and I had to wait 2+ months for it to be re-shipped, but I am in love.

The second excellent thing in this photo is the little block of raw, handmade, vegan, organic (phew) choccy from Pana Chocolate – who have just changed their name from Conscious Chocolate, thus the old wrapper. I was sent the brand new cinnamon flavour to test out and it’s delightful. If you love chocolate and are looking for a healthy alternative then this is your go to!

O&M Haircare

How cute are these milk-bottle-esque shampoo and conditioner containers from Original & Mineral (O&M)? Pretty darling if you ask me! They look very cute lined up in my shower. And also on my balcony, as above.

O&M claim to “reduce the chemical load” on your hair, and their products are free of many of the harsh chemicals found in traditional salon haircare. I tried the cutely named Maintain the Mane shamps n condish and really enjoyed them. They don’t leave my hair quite as silky smooth as your usual suspects, but that’s because there’s no silicon in them, which is what gives that shiny sleek look. I’ve found if I rub a couple of drops of jojoba oil in my hands then smooth over my hair and blowdry afterwards then my hair looks pretty darn good.

I’d definitely recommend O&M products for anyone interested in taking some steps towards more natural haircare!

New Lululemon Pants

I’m in love with my new yoga pants. I feel like a blue tiger cub when I wear them, and they are SO SO comfy. I also picked them up on sale, $69 down from about $99! WIN! 🙂

Sun Warrior Protein + UDO’s Oil

I’ve recently added these two nifty products to my smoothie routine and they are doing wonders!

UDO’s oil is a product that I’ve wanted to try for a loooooong time. It has the optimum blend of omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids that your body needs to be healthy, and my brain is always a little more switched on when I’m including a tablespoon of this stuff in my smoothie. It’s a lot more mellow tasting than just plain flaxseed oil on it’s own, too. Plus it has the added benefit of vitamin e + you can use it in a number of ways, including drizzling it on veggies (YUM!). This is my go-to health oil now.

I bought the Sun Warrior Protein in vanilla flavour, and it’s a great way to add a little sweetness to smoothies with tangy berries (such as raspberry) in them. It’s 100% raw & vegan, which is exciting, and since I’m currently on a bit of a fitness kick I feel like it’s a great way to add a bit of post-workout protein into my diet! It costs $70-75 for a 1kg bag, pricey, but it’s a pure product, so if you’re looking for the healthiest possible protein powder then this may well be it.

What are you crushing on wellness-wise this week?

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Jessica Nazarali, Wellness Blogger @ Live Healthy Simply.

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

I am the founder of Live Healthy Simply – A source of inspiration for everything related to food, cooking & healthy living. I started the blog on a bit of a whim last November and I'm very humbled that people aside from my Mum are actually reading it! I'm also in the processes of opening up an online health food store www.shophealthy.com.au & will start studying nutrition next year.

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

In the morning I cleanse my face using Akin facial cleanser and apply Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream

In the evening I cleanse my face then apply Antipodes Rosehip Oil to my face and neck and apply Akin Rejuvenating Eye Cream under my eyes. I use Antipodes hand cream on my hands. For a body scrub I love Scented Holistic Skincare's Coconut Sea Salt Scrub – it smells so yummy! I try to remember to exfoliate once a week on my face and body and use my Antipodes Clay Mask. My mum makes her own cosmetics and I use her body butter and exfoliant.

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

I love massages! I couldn’t live without them! I love Thai & Chinese massage the best – I find regular massages in beauty salons are too gentle, I prefer my massages to be firm.

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

I've never been to Perth (I would love to go!) and I'm on the look out for a good hairdresser in Sydney…Any suggestions would be very welcomed!

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

It would have to be my DIY hair treatment – I use coconut oil to keep the ends of my hair moisturised. It works really well and is much cheaper than buying expensive treatments.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

butter LONDON nail polish in red
Adorn Mineral Cosmetics mascara
Arbonne Foundation Powder

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

Eat & drink lots of veggies! I have recently started juicing and the difference it has made to my skin is unbelievable! It's so much more glowy and healthy looking. I also make sure I drink 2 litres of purified water per day.

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

I would love to try a fish pedicure! I'm really ticklish so I'm sure how much I would enjoy it but it certainty would be an experience!

♥ Cacao Powder

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

For breakfast I have a smoothie with pea protein, oat milk, raw cacao powder, carob, chia seeds and acai berry powder.

Lunch is usually a salad of greens, tomato, nuts, chickpeas, kale chips and roasted veggies. Dinner is some kind of stir-fry, curry, pasta, veggie pattie, soup or salad.

I snack on nuts, fresh juices and raw vegan treats that involve lots of raw cacao powder – I LOVE chocolate!

Describe your fitness routine.

I'm getting married in September so like all brides I've significantly stepped it up in the exercise department! At the moment I'm exercising five times per week when before I use to exercise three to four times per week. I do a mixture of yoga, core work, weights and cardio.

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

I take spirulina, B vitamins, chlorophyll and zinc. I try to remember to take them everyday day, but it doesn’t always happen!

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

I love soaking in a bath with Epsom salts and reading a good book, pure bliss!

We hope you enjoyed Jessica's routine! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below! 🙂

Find out more about the great work she is doing…

Webhttp://www.livehealthysimply.com
Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/LiveHealthySimply
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/LiveHealthyJess
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/LiveHealthyJess
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/LiveHealthySimply

Be well,

xoxo

Day Spa Review: Customised Dermalogica Facial Treatment at Endota Day Spa, Perth CBD.

buying steroids

I had a birthday recently. Aside from the usual stuff, there was something extra special I wanted this year; I wanted the Customised Dermalogica Facial Treatment at Endota Day Spa and my Mum delivered. Good on you, Mum.

Now that we're in the heart of winter my skin has just felt like a big old bag of rubbish. And short of removing my face and sending it on a one way trip to the tip, I sensed that I just needed some professional help, some guidance if you will, because sometimes when you are too close to the problem you start suggesting crazy things like removing your face.

One of the best things about Endota is how you feel so transported, one minute you are amidst the hustle and bustle of Hay Street, the next you are cocooned in their plush surroundings, so lovely that make you feel like you are in a secluded wood cabin and the soft rumble of traffic could in fact be a nearby waterfall. Well, at the very least it's like being in a super comfortable, nicely designed inner city apartment with good lighting. Upon my arrival I am greeted and sent through to the relaxation room where I chill out for a bit, all the while sipping on some rosehip tea served to me by my therapist for the day, Zowie. Cool name huh? I secretly made up that her parents are Bowie fans. I cannot back this up.

Once I get settled, my eyes close, the super sonic light goes on and Zowie gets real with me about the state of my face. Now, this could've been a really scary experience. But I did feel really comfortable here, Endota was so cozy and calm…and Zowie was really clear and made me feel at ease. Plus she had GREAT skin. So that helped. And also, this is what I wanted. Some things that Zowie told me I already knew and some things were new discoveries, all of which informs what products she is going to use on me.

My favorite products from the treatment were the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse, the Daily Microfoliant and the Intensive Eye Repair, all available in spa, on the Endota website or via Strawberry NET. These are the products I can definitely see myself using day to day. After the facial is over I walk away with a sheet detailing everything we discovered about my face with a list of the products Zowie used on me. They keep a copy at Endota so when I go back they know exactly what kind of beast they are dealing with. And let's face it, that's a good idea because I'm probably almost definitely going to lose that sheet.

Would I go back for another facial? Most definitely…the massage technique in the facial was really good and Zowie was just so lovely. I would also go back for a massage because of how relaxing the experience was, and the whole place was just so beautiful and comfortable, it's hard to believe they've been in there for such a short amount of time!

Thanks to the facial I now know where to start. You know how sometimes you know deep down what the problem is but you need someone else to tell you to sort of remember and start doing something about it? No? Just me? Probably. Anyway it's really jump-started my skincare routine and if nothing else then I think that's incredibly valuable. Also Endota stocks all the Dermalogica products that I loved from the facial, so…well, now I think I know what I'll be asking for on my next birthday.

Do you like Dermalogia? Ever tried a facial of theirs? What about David Bowie, do you like him? Leave a comment below!

Review by Adriane Daff, theatrical princess and our latest Endota convert.

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Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Claire Bevilacqua, Professional Surfer & Raw Foodist.

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

My name is Claire Bevilacqua I’m 29, and along with my partner Kylie we created Raw Ky foods. We have a line of foods that started from just the basic snacks & treats we make for ourselves being all vegan, gluten free and raw. From sharing with family and friends, the brand has grown and is feeding all those who taste it with the most highly nutritious hand made foods we can create.

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I am a professional surfer and I focus more on my inner health and fitness then outer beauty. I eat a mostly raw vegan diet, I am very active and I balance the intense action with light stretching. I use natural organic sunscreen on my face and for all other body needs I only use natural/unprocessed ingredients. From tooth paste to hair care its always 100% natural for me.

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

I love a strong massage and I love it done in Bali because its affordable and the Balinese people enjoy doing it.

Who do you trust with your hair in Perth?

Nobody, I have had a fear of cutting my hair since I was a child so I let my partner trim the ends once a year. I never dye my hair as I don’t like anything fake and I think natural suits me best. The Aussie sun seems to do a great job at giving me highlights.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Lathering pure coconut oil all over my body, smells good, tastes good and is healthy for you.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Coconut butter, Olive oil, Corrynnes natural soap.

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

Every morning I wake up and drink a litre of water with a spoonful of spirulina & chlorella powder. It has replaced caffeine, and alkalizes my body in the morning.

What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet?

I have just started to have some pigment change in my face skin and I would love to find out how to naturally remove the unwanted spots that seem to have appeared overnight.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I wake up drink a litre of water with the green powder, then i will have a plant fusion vegan protein smoothy or some Raw Ky granola. I will eat some salad with tempeh or raw pizza for dinner. Snack on dried fruits and nuts or some Raw Ky muesli bars & macaroons for a sweet treat. Some in season local fruit here and there. Then soup, zucchini pasta or a stir fry for dinner.

Describe your fitness routine.

I do what feels right in the moment. I surf almost every day for training from 1-5 hours depending on how good it is. I will run or bike if there are no waves. Stretch and use my foam roller in the afternoon, and chill out on the couch at night.

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

I believe in many forms of alternative medicine. I love acupuncture, massage, Osteopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, and so on. My favorite is healing with pure essential oils, the highest grade so you can ingest them daily.

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

I just love watching the ocean or sitting on the couch watching a movie with my lover. I zone out on the computer with Facebook and Instagram. My favorite way to detox and unwind is in a man made native American sweat lodge, on the dirt, it is incredible.