Spa / Alternative Therapy Review: Detox Box (Infrared Sauna), Skin Deep Medi Spa, Perth.

♥ The Detox Box ♥

When I was offered the chance to try above contraption I was initially hesitant.

So you sit in a tiny wooden box, heat coming at you from all angles, with the intention of sweating? My claustrophobia, extreme dislike of heat and penchant towards hygiene were all quite adamant they wouldn’t be letting me step foot in this so called ‘Detox Box’.

Still, I somehow overcame these hurdles and found myself a few weeks ago dressed in my bathers, wrapped in a towel with a vague sense of anxiety about my impending 45 minute vacation to Sweatsville, population: me.

I was given a big bottle of water and told to drink as much as I needed, the temperature was able to be controlled from inside which was nice, and I found myself fiddling with the temps a bit to reach the ‘sweet spot’ of perfect heat for me. Left with a stack of old magazines (you can read in the sauna, because it’s a dry heat!), I settled in and adjusted to the heat.

At one point I turned it down because it felt too hot, but then I put it back up again because I found myself WANTING it hotter again! I drank the whole bottle of water, and found myself sweating mostly towards the end. It was a really unique and relaxing experience, I left feeling very calm and peaceful.

After the sauna you can have a shower and when I looked in the mirror at my skin, my face was glowing. I really feel like it did help to ‘detox’ me!

The Detox Box, or Infrared Sauna, comes with a long list of benefits, as well as a list of precautions:

♥ The equivalent of 30 mins exercise in one 45 minute session
♥ Sweats out toxins
♥ Promotes a feeling of wellbeing and relaxation

If you are pregnant, have any heart / circulatory issues, or are taking medication it’s advised to seek medical advice before jumping into a sauna.

This is going to be a real treat come winter, when you can cosy up in your own private warm cocoon. The best part is it’s only $35 for 40 minutes or so of sauna bliss!

After this treatment I had another omnilux session too 🙂

Location:

Skindeep Medi-Spa Perth
Shop 4 Central Park Building
777 Hay Street, Perth
Western Australia 6000
T. (08) 9226 2997

Have you ever had a dry sauna?

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Down to Earthy – Our Fave New Eco-Friendly Products!

Today we’re going to get a little bit hippie on you and suggest some of our new found favourite eco and earth lovin prods! Some of them smell like nature, some of them make sure our animal friends stay safe and some of them have a low environmental impact. They’re all winners in their own way… so throw on your hemp tee, grab some used-tire sandals and follow me into the wonderful world of earthy delights.

First stop, a firm fave for many years: LUSH! They use use fruit and veggies, essential oils, and synthetic ingredients (this means minimal animal harm!) in all products. All lush products are vegetarian! In addition to not using animal fats in their prods, they are also test on people, not bunnies 🙂

Lush Cosmetics – Grass Shower Gel RRP $9.95-$34.95

Flip the cap and take a whiff, showering with this will make anyone believe you’ve spent all day rolling around in a pile of freshly mown lawn clippings. The uplifting scent gets me going in the morning, and there’s also real wheatgrass in there, so it’s almost as good as gulping a shot of the bad tasting (butohsogoodforyou) stuff. Almost.

Hottie Massage Bar – RRP $9.95

Jojoba, cocoa butter, shea butter, vanilla absolute, black pepper and ginger oil are the ingredients that make this ultra melty massage bar so good for post-workout soreness. SUPER SENSITIVE SKINS BEWARE THOUGH! While I adored having this massaged onto me thanks to an obliging boyfriend, his super sensitive eczema prone skin had other ideas and unfortunately became irritated after using it. I also have sensitive skin and was fine, so if you’re unsure, maybe test some on your skin down at your local Lush shoppe and wait a day to see if you’re safe. I hope you are, because this is a real treat.

Body Shop Earth Lovers range

Coming in delectable flavours such as pear and lemongrass, fig and rosemary and my personal favourite apricot and basil, this new range by The Body Shop is made with 100% recyclable plastic bottle, no sulphates, parabens, colourants or soap AND the gel itself is 100% biodegradable! The gorgeous scents pack a punch and that makes this one of my favourite new ‘good for the Earth’ prods 🙂 At only $14.95 you could treat yourself to a couple as well.

Echolife Macrobiotic sea salt bath crystals!

I am enjoying these baths sooooo much lately, and given we are on the edge of Autumn-Winter, it feels so lovely to slip into a warm, steamy tub. I must admit, I don’t know too much about macrobiotics, but these salts claim to be an excellent way of absorbing all the minerals the sea contains in balance.

I am not kidding when I tell you that until Yesterday I hadn’t been to the ocean in about 2 years! If you’re like me and don’t get down to the beach often enough, or are unable to due to living nowhere near one, then I think a sea salt bath is the next best thing. Just writing about this is making me want to go turn on the taps… 🙂

Endota Organic Honey & Cinnamon Lip Balm – RRP $17

Now to some organic lip smackin’ goodness. This honey and cinnamon lip balm is iiiiiiincredible! Tastes like a chai tea for the lips, or honey cinnamon toast. Perfect for this weather we are currently having! This yummy critter can be found on my lips on a daily basis. I recommend! You can check out the scent for yourself in the city David Jones 🙂

That’s all for now my loves, if you have any suggestions for great eco products we should take a look at then leave a comment!

Happy rainy Tuesday!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Samantha Sample, Be Genki.

Sam ♥

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

I am wholeheartedly devoted to helping inform and inspire women (and men) about true natural health and beauty, whether it be via my website Be Naturally You or my body care range, Be Genki. I have a consuming love for the beach, countryside and nature. I absolutely adore animals. I choose to be vegan. I love traveling and constantly challenging myself and raising my level of consciousness.

Active Energised Organic Skincare

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Face care: about 6 months ago I came across a fab brand from the UK called AEOS (Active Energised Organic Skincare) that combines bio-dynamic and organic ingredients with the energies of liquid crystals and gems. I’ve been using their complete range morning and night. It is amazing! And will soon be available in Australia.

Body care: in the mornings I dry skin body brush, shower and apply Be Genki Body Oil all over.

In the evenings I spritz magnesium water all over my body.

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

I couldn’t live without swimming in the surf. Always leaves me looking and feeling more naturally beautiful. My favorite place to swim is … any of the surf beaches in Australia. We’re so spoilt for choice here.

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

Last time I popped in to Bkind Organic Beauty Bar in Subiaco I received the best advice from Jennifer who recommended John Masters Organics for my hair, and it has seriously made a difference.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Dry skin body brushing.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Be Genki Body Oils
2. AEOS Gentle Cleansing Lotion
3. AEOS Enriching Moisturiser.

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

Make the conscious choice every day to be fully present and engaged in your life; nourish your body and mind with wholesome organic produce and happy & healthy thoughts; and ALWAYS follow your heart which in turn fills you with joy.

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 acupuncture but am way too scared of needles. I know it doesn’t hurt, but the thought of needles stuck in me totally freaks me out.

A kale salad!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast: freshly squeezed organic juice: carrot, celery beetroot and ginger OR kale, cucumber, celery and parsley.
Snack: piece of spouted grain loaf with turmeric and nut spread
Lunch: big green salad and a protein smoothie packed with all that my body requires to function optimally.
Snack: coconut water and a piece of homemade raw chocolate (cacao, coconut oil, hazelnut oil, cacao butter and maca powder)
Dinner: miso soup with veggies.
I drink lots of herbal tea and water throughout the day

Describe your fitness routine.

I love to practice Zen Ki and Bikram yoga during the week; and on the weekends I love to start the day with an early morning jog on the beach followed by a swim in the surf.

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

I LOVE alternate therapies and am always trying out new or previously experienced ones. My one constant is that I get a deep tissue massage once a fortnight. I don’t take pills (supplements) but I do pack a lot of goodness in to my protein smoothie (all in their raw forms): udo’s omega 3-6-9 oil, chlorella, cacao, aloe vera juice, maca powder, camu camu powder, probiotics, hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, psyllium husks.

Pranamat Eco – $138.


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

My favourite way to relax/de-stress is laying on my Pranamat for an hour, deep tissue massage, or a soak in the bath with lights dimmed, natural scented Be Genki Candle burning, essential oil scented Be Genki Bath Oil, eyes closed and mindful breathing.

Please leave questions below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

Cheap / Free: Yoga Classes at Lululemon Enex100, Perth City.

Yoga for you and your mates! [Pic: National Geographic]

I’ve known about this amazing free opportunity for a while now, and sometimes I don’t even think about letting you all know because I imagine that everyone HAS TO ALREADY KNOW about it, because it is just so awesome!

So, were you aware you can take part in yoga, pilates, capoeira & running club classes in Perth, for the low low fee of… well, nothing? Quite literally the best deal in town.

With classes both morning and night, you can indulge in a little free ‘me time’ whether you’re a chirpy morning bird or more of an evening style bird… perhaps a kookaburra?

Lululemon Athletica is a fun shop that sells all the yoga and running gear you could ever want, and they mega-generously offer these aforementioned free classes at both their Perth city store and Cottesloe store!

I would like to share with you the upcoming free fitness timetable for the Perth / Enex100 store. All you need to bring down is your fine self and a bottle of water. They provide the yoga mats, props and instruction. LOVE IT!

Tuesday, April 12
Ashtanga Yoga with Ambasaddor Rob Schutze at 6pm.

Wednesday, April 13
Pilates with Patrick Renner at 7am

Run Club with Sean O’Neill at 5.30pm

Thursday, April 14
Vinyasa Yoga with Laila Mahmud at 6pm

Tuesday, April 19

Capoeria with Bantus Capoeira at 6pm

Wednesday, April 20

Pilates with Patrick Renner at 7am

Run Club with Sean O’Neill at 5.30pm

Thursday, April 21

Vinyasa Yoga with Sam Briatico at 6pm


Tuesday, April 26

Capoeria with Bantus Capoeira at 6pm


Wednesday, April 27

Pilates with Patrick Renner at 7am
Run Club with Sean O’Neill at 5.30pm


Thursday, April 28

Power E with Makita Gabriel at 6pm

And now for the explanations of what the above are, in case you’re wondering! 🙂

Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Our Ambassador Rob Schütze, who is leading those two weeks of Ashtanga Yoga, is one of the co-owners of The Yoga Space in West Perth. He is one of eleven Australians Authorised by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to teach Ashtanga Yoga. 

Vinyasa yoga
is one of the most commonly practised styles in the West. Sometimes referred to as “flow” yoga, the classes usually focus on breathing and movement which is almost dance-like.

Capoeira classes guarantee to have you doing this in your first lesson, ok I lie! But you could one day, and how cool does it look?!


Capoeira
 is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with some very limited Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power kicks and quick leg sweeps, with some ground and aerial acrobatics, knee, take-downs, elbows, punches and headbutts.

Power E founder Makita Gabriel will lead a class at lululemon on Thursday, April 21

Power E is a series of low impact energy workouts that energise the body, calms the mind and balances the emotions. Each workout has a specific exercise sequence to help build inner confidence, energy balance, strength, vitality and inner peace.

Enex100 is located @ 683-703 Hay Street Perth WA 6000.

Thinking of heading down? I would LOVE to hear of your experiences! I hope this information has been useful in keeping your wallet heavy!

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Courtney Therry, Makeup Artist & Mecca Cosmetica Sales Assistant.

Courtney (Ed: Check out that glowing skin!)

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

I am a twenty four year old student, make-up artist and wanna-be photographer. I am studying Arts Management at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, working part time at Mecca and Freelancing as a makeup artist anywhere! I am born and raised in Perth and currently live in Innaloo with my sister and my amazing Cavoodle, Osca.

Dr Brandt Detoxygen Experience – $115

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

My beauty routine changes all the time because my bathroom is overloading with skincare products from Mecca!

At the moment i’m using a foaming DG Skincare (formerly MD) foaming cleanser followed by Revive Sensitiff Cellular Repair Moisturiser (oil free) during the day.

At night I am using this Amazing DG retinol serum which is called Hydra Pure Radiance Renewal. It makes my skin feel like silk! Because my skin is particularly problematic I have been doing a Dr Brandt Detoxygen mask 3 times a week as well which I absolutely love. A daily Makeup routine includes a quick application of Hourglass Veil Foundation, a touch up of Nars Concealer in custard and a lather of Loreal Volume Million Lashes. Always set with Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation.

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

I cant live without manicures. I wasn’t blessed with naturally good nails so I find the sporadic manicure does wonders! I just go to my local down at Karrinyup shops!

Another fan in the long list of people who swear by this salon.

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

Although i am not precious with my hair at all, I am very fussy! Only two places- Head Studio (King St), and I always book in with either Shane or Marie, and Daniel Bromley Couture Hair (South Perth). They have not disappointed me yet!

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

A pedicure always makes me feel so polished and groomed!

Molecule 02 Fragrance – $240.

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Such a tough one as I am completely spoilt for choice… (after much thought) I would have to say:

Bumble and bumble hair powder
Molecule 02 fragranceEd: Interestingly, it is a nature identical scent to that of an excretion from the sperm whale, said to impart a fresh, mineral smoothness!
– Kiehls Creme de Corps Body Moisturiser – a cult favorite (Available at StrawberryNET)

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

Drinking water always helps, and having just enough (but not too much) sun.

Seaweed!

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

I would absolutely love to have a seaweed wrap. I would feel so pampered.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Two pieces of toast and a glass of orange juice. Toast always must have real butter and vegemite on it!

Lunch might be soup or rice paper rolls followed by a sweet treat (possibly Tim Tam double coat), a handful of almonds in the afternoon and a big dinner. (Followed by another sweet treat!) Dinners change all the time. Last night I made chilli con carne and that was delicious. As you have probably noticed I am not the healthiest eater!

Pup!! ♥

Describe your fitness routine.

I dont work out although I try to take Osca (above) for a walk every day.

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

No, but I would love to see a chinese herbalist. That is next on my agenda!

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

A face mask, a long hot shower, and a movie always do the trick! I love having massages to relax, but because I am so busy I rarely find the time during the day to make it happen.

Thanks Courtney! Any questions, leave them below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo