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Summer Refresher – Yes to Cucumbers Review!


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.

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.

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

Perth Market Review: Stirling Farmers Market, Cedric Street, Stirling.

♥ 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.


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!

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Gabriella Sidhu, Perth Makeup Artist.

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.

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!!

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.

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!

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

Perth Online Beauty Media – POBM – Kelly-Anne’s Picks!

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:

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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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