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I was recently treated to an ultra-luxe facial by the lovely ladies at Revive Day Spa in Mount Hawthorn, using the crème de la crème of Dermalogica products matched specifically to my skin concerns.

I arrived a bit early and chilled out with a herbal tea in Revive’s lounge area before my therapist, Kelly, came to collect me.

♥ Revive Day Spa Foyer

Revive is super clean and sanitary, without feeling hospital-like. There was just the right amount of pretty scent perfuming the room and the music was at a good volume with a playlist of easy-listening tunes. Hey, first impressions are important!!

I explained to Kelly that I had easily upset combination skin. I also had a ton of breakouts around my chin and cheeks that I wanted to magically erase. She took a closer look at my skin under a magnifying glass and suggested I try Dermalogica’s UltraCalming range along with products from the AGE smart range to gently resurface my skin and balance its pH levels.

♥ Dermalogica Products

My facial started with a gentle steam to open up my pores. The AGE smart MultiVitamin Thermofoliant, a heat-activated exfoliant with salicylic acid, was then applied to gently dissolve dead skin cells. I could feel a bit of tingling around the more sensitive areas of my face, but it wasn’t uncomfortable and if anything, a sure sign the product was doing its thing!

The UltraCalming Cleanser was very gentle and followed by the MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque, which gave my skin a generous helping of antioxidants to boost its tone and re-hydrate the drier areas of my face. I was delighted when Kelly asked me if I would mind if she gave me a hand and foot massage while the masque was on – it was so relaxing that I very nearly fell asleep.

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After a spritz of the UltraCalming Mist to calm my redness and sensitivity, Kelly massaged the UltraCalming Serum Concentrate into my skin. The serum is said to work below the surface to help minimise irritation.

Finally, my skin was re-hydrated with the UltraCalming Ultra Sensitive Tint spf30 to protect my skin from the bright sun outside while providing some light coverage. My eye area is quite dry, so Kelly used the very moisturising AGE Smart Multivitamin Power Firm eye cream.

I was left to unwind and come ever-so-close to falling asleep again, before getting ready to face the real world with a brand new, glowing complexion!

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Kelly explained that I’d see some more break-outs in the coming days due to the products she’d used drawing out the impurities. She was spot on (pun intended) and my skin did purge for about a week, but I’ve seen a huge improvement since then. This is also thanks to some Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel samples Kelly gave me. The product works wonders in reducing redness and making the recovery process quick when break-outs strike and went straight onto my Christmas wish list after only two uses!

Overall, the facial provided me with a great idea of which Dermalogica products work well with my skin and the team at Revive were incredibly informative about what each product was designed to do. While I haven’t got the budget to overhaul my entire skincare routine with Dermalogica products, the Revive ladies were very helpful in explaining which products would make the most difference in my current routine.

Reviewed by Gemma Clark, a pale, sensitive and fair-haired skincare junkie.

Be well,

xoxo

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Picture a scene: you and friend sitting around doing what you do and all of a sudden their phone goes 'buzzzzz buzzzzzzz' then a second later yours goes 'buzzzzzzz buzzzzzzz' and after reading you both look up and almost perfectly in synch say; 'is $49 for 10 yoga sessions a good deal?'

Has that happened to you? No? It will. Why? Because everyone's inboxes are filling up with DEALS DEALS DEALS! Quick as a wink.

So today I'm going deep for you guys, I'm seeking out the deal BEHIND THE DEAL. And my dealer of choice today, is Groupon. In the first instance it must be said, I know it seems a little overwhelming. I know it seems easier to just bin that email without opening it. But if you do look you may just stumble upon a shining shimmering splendid.

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So with that in mind and for the purposes of this article I decided to get myself a 24-piece Makeup Brush Set for $29. I had a choice of colour (black or pink) and the delivery was free. TWENTY NINE DOLLARS! PINK! FREE! !!! My choice was motivated by the fact that I have always gazed at makeup artists brush sets in giddy wonderment (in that clap your hands together and bob on the spot kind of way) and as previously mentioned on Wellness WA, I massively enjoy drawin' on me face.

To balance this out I also bought a 20 session pass to a gym for $49 (CBD Health Spa, a gym I like and where WE ARE LOVING that I don't have to buy a full year membership, aren't we guys?) so we are now looking at a product and a service. Range. I like it.

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The brushes are flipping marvellous. I really cannot believe how it worked out to a little over a dollar a brush because the quality of them is so good. No stray brush hairs coming loose and hanging onto your chin like you're growing the world's thinnest most disgusting beard and my makeup application game has gone up a notch or two- hey don't wanna brag…all in all I'm THRILLED. The only downer was that they literally took months to be delivered – like 3 months- but my unease about that has subsided since I use these brushes everyday and am so happy with them. Plus the delivery was free so maybe chill Adriane, gees.

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And the gym one? Um…well…you know…uhhh- that one was instantaneous as soon as I bought it and so there were no problems in THAT regard. Full access to the 24hr gym, all classes and even a couple of PT sessions. But I've only been about three times. I KNOW. But I've got three months to use that one so I'll just, you know, go every single day from now until the end of the year and then I will be the Queen of Groupon Success*. That's totally possible right?

If you've been ignoring those emails because they are annoying you in their multitude then downscale to the ones you are interested in (yes you can choose) and be in it to win it. You might end up with something useful for yourself or your loved ones.

What do you guys reckon? Have you got a good Groupon deal of late?

*Groupon never said they would MAKE me go, that has to come from within…is there a deal that could help with that?

Reviews by Adriane Daff. Make up enthusiast and world class gym procrastinator.

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There’s not much better than melting into a warm bath after a tough day. Taking 30 minutes to allow the muscles & mind to unwind is one of my favourite ways to de-stress. I’ve made it my mission to trial lots of beautiful bath goodies for a while now, and want to share my absolute favourite picks for saying “see yah!” to stress and muscle tension. I’d love to hear your top picks too, so leave a note below with any favourites you think I should check out! 🙂

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♥ Lula Detox Bath Salts

This ones a newie in my collection, and it’s a firm favourite for a few reasons. First up, the amazing ingredients! The blend contains sea salt, magnesium (ultra-relaxing), botanicals & is infused with organic essential oils – rosemary, geranium, clary sage & lime with green tea. YUM. The salts smell absolutely divine, and the best part is the little bits of green tea & petals that float around in the bath with you. I choose this bath when I’ve had a few too many treats and on Sunday evenings to prepare for the week ahead. $24.95 from the Lula web store, comes with a cute little wooden scoop too!

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♥ Be Genki Bath Oils

Be still my beating heart! The Be Genki Tranquility Bath Oil is a LONG TIME favourite of mine, and the one I reach for most frequently. 5-10 pumps of this little hero + some epsom salts, see below, into a running bath is one of my top saviours for a day/week/month gone bad. There are three other blends in the range, Serenity, Vitality & Sensuality. I love a bath with Vitality after an epic personal training session or post-work-pre-going out when you need an extra jolt of energy to face your social life.

I have to admit I haven’t tried the Sensuality one yet, but based on the effectiveness of the other three I’d warn against using this before dinner with the folks or a long day of work meetings!

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♥ Echolife Magnesium Bath Crystals

Another all time favourite and an addition in almost all baths undertaken. These naturally harvested magical crystals are scientifically proven reduce anxiety, tension & stress due to their magnesium content, which is a mineral many of us are deficient in. Magnesium is said to keep the heart rhythm steady, bones strong & to normalise blood pressure.

We can naturally get enough magnesium by eating plenty of leafy greens, nuts, beans & whole grain cereals. Still, many people are deficient, and a magnesium bath is a quick way to replenish our stores & feel blissfully relaxed at the same time. A++. Available through the Echolife online store, & good health shops.

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♥ Faulding Epsom Salts

In an ideal world an unlimited supply of the natural Echolife salts would be on hand, this isn’t always possible, so in a pinch or when the budget is tight I grab a box of cheap & cheerful Faulding Epsom Salts. You’ve probably seen these around, maybe your parents always had a box in the back of the cupboard like mine did?

Regardless, if you want all the benefits of a relaxing magnesium bath on the cheap – this is your go to. 1/2 a cup to a cup in a warm bath will take you a good deal of the way to cloud 9 for under $10. As these salts are created chemically, I prefer the naturally harvested ones above when I can – but am happy to use these when needed! Available from most supermarkets & chemists.

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♥ Dr Hauschka Lemon Bath

Although lemon isn’t a scent regularly associated with relaxation, this fresh & citrusy bath from Dr Hauschka has a very calming and refreshing effect on me. Perfect for post gym relaxation! Available from Peachy Clean for $29.95, a little goes a long way so this is a bargain!

Bonus Tip:

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To boost the wellness of your bathing experience even more, fix an alkalising glass of chlorophyll & water before you jump in the tub, and sip on it when you get thirsty. You’ll be relaxing and improving your health at the same time. Multi-tasking at it’s finest!

What are your favourite bath products for relaxation? Let me know in the comments below!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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Samudra, the Wellness jewel of the South West region, is offering a holiday special on all of its weekend retreats for 2013: Receive 20% off if you book you and a friend or loved one by 31 December 2012!

These transformative weekend retreats are the perfect opportunity for a quick get away to refresh and restore your body, mind and heart – and who doesn’t need that at this time of year?! All whilst gaining insights into making healthy changes in your life. You will participate in daily yoga classes, where Samudra’s highly qualified yoga teachers will help you develop a practice to take home.

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You will also learn meditation and yogic breathing techniques to help calm the mind, discover how to use nature’s seasonal elements to enhance your diet and lifestyle regime, and take part in live-food demonstrations and other retreat specific talks. All this whilst being nourished with fresh and flavourful organic plant-based meals served from Samudra’s award winning café. You can choose from an array of holistic and inspiring retreat themes, including Yoga & Vitality, Women’s Wellness, Seasonal Detoxing, Yoga & Surfing, Yoga & Ayurveda and Yoga & Sustainable Living.

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Located in the heart of Dunsborough, Samudra is only a two and a half hour drive from Perth… but in just two days your life as you know it will be changed!

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You will feel renewed and inspired, and will re-enter your day-to-day routine with more enthusiasm, joy and vitality. What a perfect gift to share with a friend or loved one this holiday season!! Visit www.samudra.com.au or call 08 9779 9977 for more details and bookings.

This is a sponsored post, which helps us to keep helping you!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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♥ REN Jojoba Microbead Purifying Facial Polish

Say hello to the REN Jojoba Microbead Purifying Facial Polish, a new staple in my skincare regime. REN prides itself on the philosophy of Performance, Purity and Pleasure. The formulation of all REN products are 100% plant and mineral derived and are free from synthetic ingredients*. Not to mention they look, smell and feel amazing! Using these products is an experience in itself.

The exfoliant in question is part of their sensitive skincare range and is laced with glycerides from jojoba oil that gently exfoliate and prompt cell renewal; and anthocyans from beeswax that keep it from being too abrasive and rough on your skin.

It has a divine minty feel to it too, leaving skin feeling fresh, purified and so damn smooth!

This facial polish will set you back about $40, but lasts for a while because you really only need to use it a few times a week. REN is available at all Mecca Cosmetica stores and from the Mecca Cosmetica website.

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♥ T2 – Buddhas Tears Tea

I am a firm believer in a “nice cup of tea”, and think there is no better way to achieve this than to make a ritual out of your tea drinking. Stop what you are doing, boil the kettle, get out a pretty cup, use your best tea, sit and unwind.

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Being a big green tea drinker, I'm always looking for different types of green tea to mix up my “ritual”. Buddha's Tears from T2 defines the tea experience for me. The tea is a light blend of unopened white pekoe buds and green tea leaves that have been hand rolled into little balls. Buddha's Tears are best prepared about 3 or 4 at a time (in your loveliest tea cup) in water at 80°C. As the leaves unfurl, they dance about in the water and release a fragrant jasmine green tea flavour. This is more of a lighter tea, very gentle and calming, and best enjoyed in the afternoon or evening to relax.

&hearts

Buddha's Tears are a more expensive way to drink green tea (100g at T2 costs $45) but they are very long lasting, and can be brewed several times.

* No Buddhas were harmed in the production of this tea.

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♥ Grown Facial Masque

Get your paws on the most energising and purifying face mask and prep that skin for summer! This clay based “masque” is fortified with wheatgerm, gingko and cranberry to detoxify and deeply purify the skin. Teeny tiny clay particles act to draw out impurities and remove dead skin cells whilst the wheatgerm works to restore skin elasticity and produce a firmer skin tone.

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I've only ever had wheatgerm sprinkled on my morning muesli or in a smoothie, but never really considered it an addition to my skincare. Due to being rich in vitamins A, E & D and essential fatty acids, wheatgerm helps to increase absorption of active ingredients into the skin's cells and carry oxygen to the skin's surface to enable the formation of healthy new cells. Source.

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The Grown Facial Masque is lovely and light, and doesn't set like concrete on your face like some other heavier masks. The slightly granular texture makes for a great exfoliant when you rinse it off too! I have started prepping my skin for summer and using twice a week, followed by my Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist and Herbal Recovery Gel.

This beauty will cost you $39.95 and you can find it online and stocked in most chemists, as well as David Jones.

Review by Lucy A.

What are you crushing on this week? Share the crush-love below in the comments section!

Be well,

xoxo