Tammi Ireland, Coveted Canvas.

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

I’m a mag-loving, journalist working in newspapers full-time while also free-lancing for other newspapers and online sites. Thus, my ‘fluffy’ writing had to be directed elsewhere, so I founded Coveted Canvas in March 2010. It’s a beauty website with tips and tricks, product and salon reviews, trend reports, holistic tips, competitions and more. I put all the info I’ve learnt from years working in the modelling industry and behind the scenes at mag shoots onto the web for girls like me who love experimenting with their look.

In my spare time, I write letters to myself, read books, watch Mad Men and sample Perth’s restaurants.

Bloom Organics Rosehip Oil

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Reviewing countless products means no day is the same. That being said there are some steadfast rules I stick to. I cleanse with Dermalogica’s Pre Cleanse twice (once to remove impurities, once to actually cleanse), followed by scrubbing my face and neck with their Daily Microfoliant. If I skip this step, my skin is really dull – the movement of exfoliation brings blood to the surface. Next I’ll apply a serum or moisturiser (always with SPF), depending on my plans for the day and follow with makeup.

At night I either repeat the Pre-Cleanse process or remove makeup with WotNot wipes (amazing!) before applying Bloom Organics Rosehip Oil over my face and neck, and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye to prevent premature wrinkles. Vaseline keeps my lips from drying out during sleep.

♥ Hidden Valley ♥

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

Working six and a half days a week means I don’t get to the salon that much, which makes me extremely sad. When I do, it’s more a time-saving thing than an experience. Eyebrow waxing at Lovely Lady in Midland is great for those weeks I just can’t be bothered plucking my own brows.

That being said, I actually had my very first professional massage in June at Hidden Valley Eco Retreat, which was amazing. I’ve got vouchers for those on every one of my distributed Christmas lists.

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

Head Studio in King Street. I used to get around when it came to hairdressers but the guys at Head Studio were great when I went in to get balayage and a new style. There’s nothing more reassuring than having your stylist listen to your wants before they take to your hair with scissors! Plus the salon’s décor and coffee alone, is worth going back for.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

An at-home manicure. When I went to LA last December, I stocked up on OPI nail polishes (they’re only $7 there!) so I’m quite enjoying working my way through them all. A slick of colour on your nails can completely change your mood.

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

1. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (see above)

2. Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara for everyday because I can easily take it off and wake up without looking like a panda

3. Burt’s Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açai Berry to keep my lips hydrated under the office aircon.

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

Not really secret, but I like to drink a lot of water and use concealer religiously. I can definitely feel the difference when I eat better, too, so I try to avoid bad foods and (recently) caffeine.

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

There are so many! When I started Coveted Canvas, I had no idea about some of the amazing treatments out there.

I would love to say goodbye to unwanted hair permanently with laser removal but find it hard to justify the price, I want to try meditation and more yoga, and after reading your Sodashi Chakra balance review I’d like to try that too.

ED: Check out our IPL/SPL review!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

No day’s the same but I always like a high-fibre breakfast with a few glasses of water to kick off the day. I try to eat a healthy lunch – salad roll or left-over stir-fry – but the problems come in around 3.30pm when I’ve been at my desk all day. Here I’ll have endless amounts of tea to get me through to dinner. Usually that’s protein and veggies. I snack on cashews, summer fruits and some health bars throughout.

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

It’s definitely not as good as I’d like it to be! I try and do some stretching or yoga in the morning to get my blood pumping, then walk throughout the day where I can (parking the car far from the office entrance, for example). I recently tried Zumba and plan on doing that a lot more.

Otherwise, I try to walk and use the family Ab-Swing and rower where possible. If I had more time, I would be all over the Bikram yoga and salsa dancing again. Sadly, I just can’t find time to get to the classes.

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

When I’ve had a few hard days, I’ll pop a women’s multivitamin and if I’m feeling iffy, I’ll try Inner Health Plus but really I prefer to just ride it out and get the nutrients from my diet. I’m a big believer in mind over matter and that if you think you’re well, you’ll be well.

Thanks Tammi 🙂

If anyone has any comments or questions please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo