by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 27, 2011 | At Home, Products, Reviews
Hola amigos! I thought today I’d share with you some of the products that I’ve been using pretty religiously over the last few months. I’m very lucky to be able to try a whole host of different skincare and beauty products, however when I find something that I keep reaching for, I know I’m onto a winner.
These four products have been keeping my skin very clear and glowy recently, along with the supplements that my naturopath has prescribed me.
So here we go!
♥ Ren ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Cleanser
This cleanser is marvelous for combination skins like mine. A lot of the time when I see clay cleansers I think “Ack, too drying” but this isn’t the case with the Clearcalm, it’s very gentle. The 3 is in the product name because it’s meant to work on the three areas of breakout formation – excess sebum, buildup of dead cells and blemish causing bacteria. I’d have to say I agree! Am totally loving it and reccommend it whole-heartedly! Especially when used in conjuction with…
♥ Clarisonic Mia
As previously mentioned, I feel that this is the major reason my skin has been so good to me lately. Breakouts have SERIOUSLY diminished and my skin is smoother than it has been…well, forever. Used twice a day it has my skin beaming (be careful not to use it on any active pimples (the ones with any pus in them…!) though, as it can spread the bacteria and cause more zits. Once they’ve settled a bit it’s fine! The Clarisonic is also the perfect precurser to…
♥ Rosehip oil
I’m always raving about rosehip oil, it can do no wrong in my eyes! Once my skin is smooth and clear from the above two steps, I massage three drops of RHO into my skin at night (I prefer an SPF moisturiser during the day). It works it’s miracles overnight… and in the morning I wake up with even clearer and glowy-er skin. Seriously a miracle prod! It’s packed with vitamin c, and reduces scars, dryness, pimples and even works on oily skin. WHAT CAN’T IT DO? Well it can’t make you a green smoothie unfortunately, but I hear it’s in the pipeline.
♥ Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
When I want to mix things up a bit and give my skin a break from the Clarisonic, this is my go to. It’s a rice-based enzyme powder which you add water to, then apply to your face for some at-home microdermabrasion! It’s really helpful for brightening and smoothing the skin, and works particularly well on any breakout/blackhead prone areas due to the salicylic acid content (pimple kryptonite). It’s a cult beauty product the world over, and I love it too.
Flashbacks
♥ 90 Minute Gem Inspiration Massage @ Cove Spa – super dreamy, christmas is coming and this would make an AMAZING gift!
♥ Echolife Facial Mist Giveaway! – just in time for summer… get into our latest comp!
♥ Product Review: OPI Muppet Collection – Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang are waiting to hang out on your hands and toes.
♥ Restaurant Review: Yongs Green Food, Melbourne – Take a trip interstate to this incredible restaurant that’s worth the airfare in itself.
♥ Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Jade Jurewicz, Wellness WA Contributor – One of our most popular articles of ALL TIME! Find out why so many people want to read about Jade’s fabulous wellness routine.
Much love to everyone!
What are your favourite skincare heroes at the moment?
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 25, 2011 | Alternative Therapy, Day Spa, Massage, Reviews, South of River
♥
When I heard about the latest decadent offering from Cove Spa, the Gem Inspiration Massage, I knew we were going to become well acquainted. Before I delve into the review though, I need to issue you an important warning:
Do not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery under the influence of this massage treatment.
Ideally you’re going to want someone to chauffeur you home afterwards, so you can continue enjoying the deep state of relaxation that will inevitably envelop you throughout this spa journey. If you have to drive yourself home, as I did- breaking my own above rule, you’ll be amazed at your new-found tolerance for bad traffic, terrible drivers and long waits at traffic lights!
♥ ♥ ♥
Beautiful flowers in a garden next to Cove Spa 🙂
Locker with gown, shoes and choccie, to store your items in.
The Gem Inspiration Massage has its roots firmly grounded in all things healing and spiritual. As the name suggests, if you’re after some inspiration, this is the perfect place to start.
♥ Chakras – the purpose of this massage is to bring your chakras (7 energy wheels of the body) into balance, as an imbalance is said to cause mental and physical disease, as well as impaired wellbeing, eek!
♥ Choose your own adventure – I’m a giant big fan of customisable treatments, the ‘just for you’ vibe is pretty special, knowing you’re not getting the same treatment as every other person who comes in is a good feeling! I was asked to choose which round JOYA gemstone I most connected with (I chose amethyst for stress relief) and was also given the choice between scented or unscented oil (scented please!) and THEN given the chance to smell three different oil blends (I picked the meditation scent, mmm). Three customisable elements = three big ticks.
Choices, choices!
♥ The massage starts with deep inhalations of the meditation oil, which instantly calms me and sets the mood for whats to come. Throughout the massage, more gems are placed in my hands and between my toes, which is hopefully providing even more body balancing action!
♥ One thing to note about this massage is that it includes chest and stomach massage since the heart chakra is located there. Yup, you will be baring all for the therapist. If the idea of this makes you uncomfortable, just let your therapist know and she will focus on another area instead, but if you’re just a little nervous about it then why not throw your fears to the wayside and embrace doing something a little different?
♥ While I enjoyed the whole experience, the best part was the totally unique experience of the round silky gems being rolled and massaged across my body. If you can marry a massage, with the creamy smoothness of a Lindt lindor ball dissolving in your mouth, then that comes close to describing the amazing feeling.
Even more choices, a beautiful touch 🙂
♥ The last little treat was to be found in the form of some Louise L Hay “power cards”. I was asked to choose a card at random, which would then have an affirmation on it which would hopefully relate to my life! It did 😉
♥ The 90 minutes slipped by far too quickly and I was left wishing that the massage table was, in fact, a portal to another world (my own cozy bed). If a box of Lindt balls was to magically appear next to my bed too, well that would have been just perfect.
My massage was performed by Kate, one of the head massage therapists at Cove Spa, and I highly recommend her.
Cup o tea?
Waiting room @ Cove Spa.
Info
Gem Inspiration Massage is $175 for 90 minutes
Address: 47 Tate Street, South Perth, Western Australia 6151
Ph: 08 9367 1877
Web: Cove Spa
What do you think? Could you do with some chocolatey-esque crystals being massaged across your body?
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 23, 2011 | At Home, Products, Reviews
I have a philosophy that life’s problems can be somewhat softened by pretty, twinkling nails. Just try staying in a storm of a mood whilst shaking a sparkling fist of glitter! Superficial as this may sound, we are talking about nail polish, ladies. When I heard that O.P.I was releasing a new line in collaboration with The Muppets and their up-coming movie, I knew it was well and truly time to play the music and time the lights.
The collection features 6 bright sequined glittery lacquers, four metallic shades and 2 rich shades of burgundy red, each as vibrant and equally as loud as the Muppet characters they’re named after.
I chose Divine Swine, a rhapsodic sparkling pink lacquer, because secretly I am five and currently have an obsession with all things flamboyant. I also chose Pepe’s Purple Passion, a slightly less shimmery but still enthusiastic reddish mauve, just to feel a little more age appropriate. I probably wouldn’t wear these to work if you have a uniform code because your hands will probably look as though you’ve been strangling fairies. Save these sparkly delights for special occasions.
Divine Swine requires a solid undercoat. Otherwise you could just apply multiple layers of the sparkly stuff, but it probably won’t look as good. I used a soft pink so the glitter would take centre stage. Here are the results.
♥ Divine Swine
For those who aren’t ready to commit to Sparkle Motion, try one the more subtler lacquers. Pepe’s Purple Passion is a deep shade of red wine, infused with just the right amount of shimmer for the silly season.
♥ Pepe’s Purple Passion
Are you ever too old to glitterfy your life? Who is your favourite Muppets character?
Available now on Adore Beauty, and from select salons and David Jones late November.
RRP: $19.95
Review by Camilla Peffer.
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 22, 2011 | Dining, Food, Interstate/International
♥ Photo by wheresthebeef?
When I knew I was going to Melbourne I started researching raw restaurants, vegan restaurants and vegetarian places.
I was surprised to find that since I left there two years ago the raw food revolution hasn’t taken over, it’s barely crept in, or maybe I was looking in all the wrong places.
In saying that I must tell you right now before I explode – Yong Green Food surpassed all my expectations – it was fabulous!
My daughter and I arrived at about 8:30 on a Friday night and as we approached the restaurant we saw a huge group of people out the front, “Surely they’re not waiting to go in” I said to Candice. I haven’t had to line up for a very long time to get in somewhere and I wasn’t too thrilled about the prospect of lining up for food.
But they were.
So, the deal is no reservations, you turn up, go into the restaurant write your name and number down in the book by the drink cabinet and wait to be called.
The issue was there were five names before ours and we were starving!
Sadly by this stage we’d read the menu which looked absolutely fabulous so now we couldn’t go anywhere else.
♥
25 minutes later and it was our turn. The only issue then was how to decide what to eat. We wanted everything on the menu, followed by another serving of each.
♥ Nacho’s with chia chips
Lentil Hot Pot
Grilled Kingfish
We knew that we would be coming back at least one more time before I returned to Perth so we decided on the Raw Nachos – chia chips with cashew sour cream, guacamole and chili as an entree to share. Candice had the Lentil Hot Pot for main while I chose the Grilled King Fish.
The nachos were amazing, the chia chips were light, crisp and divine. Candice did say that she preferred my sour cream (there’s a girl who knows which side her bread’s buttered), but agreed that it was the best guacamole she’s ever tasted.
The Lentil Hot Pot was perfect, it was a bit of a chilly night in Melbourne (surprise, surprise) and the warmth of the dish was a perfect fit.
The Grilled King Fish was lovely too, and if I hadn’t tasted the Lentil Hot Pot first I would have been in heaven, ah the joys of coveting thy neighbours food.
Surprisingly neither of us had room for dessert so we left it at that.
The service was wonderful, our waitress was full of smiles, tips and advice. And we were planning our next meal before we even walked out the door.
The next time you’re in Melbourne you must drop into Yong Green Food and then go down the road to Neo Tokyo where you can pick up your new vegan handbag.
Service: 5 stars
Food: 5 stars
Price: 5 stars
Win win win!
Note: We went back there Saturday night and then again Tuesday night (only because we were in Ocean Grove Sun and Mon) and the food was even better!
Girl crush alert! Ruby Rose was at the table next to us on Saturday night. How gorgeous is she!
In the comment box below I’d love to know anywhere in Perth that serves Raw Vegan food, or just good old-fashioned vegetarian.
Yong’s Green Food
Address: 421 Brunswick Street Fitzroy
Phone: (03) 9417 3338
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Nov 21, 2011 | At Home, Interviews
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m Jade, my life is currently a jumble of PR and journalism assignments, audio book downloading, Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt obsessing, planning to start planning my wedding, reading some very serious literature (which could also be defined as chick lit) lusting over the bikini’s whilst working in Tigerlily and writing for Wellness WA!
The most amazing place in Leederville (Perhaps all of Perth!)
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I feel as though I was born without the make-up and beauty obsession that seems to be present in most women’s genes! My daily beauty routine is simple and I stick to a product once I find it works for me. I use Kora Organics face products, tinted moisturizer for the day as I rarely wear foundation and a thicker night cream before bed. Morning and night I apply Bio Oil to the small pimple scars on my face (it’s been a life saver following my small unwelcome stint of adult pimples last year!) and Rosehip oil has recently joined by beauty routine, it’s been fantastic so far.
Morning and night after my shower I lather myself in Natio ‘Wellness’ Body Lotion as it smells delicious, just like summer! Make-up wise I have a very simple routine; on top of my Kora tinted moisturizer I apply bronzer and mascara, Paw Paw on the lips during the day and for special occasions I love my Nars velvet matte lip pencil in Cruella, such a lush red (beware it is not boyfriend friendly, they should not be expecting any kisses after application!).
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Again, my lack of beauty obsession genes must be noted! However I get my waxing done by Alexandra at Vanilla Beauty in Highgate; our constant gossiping almost takes most of the pain out of waxing. Other than that I love ‘Jade time’ which can only be described as a few wonderful (and necessary) hours spent catching up on all of the girly things I’ve put off whilst writing essays and drinking too much coffee; at home hair treatments, face masks, nail painting, eyebrow plucking…. this list could go on for quite awhile!
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Unfortunately I’ve never had a hairdresser I’ve adored enough to stick with. After impulsively dying my hair black as a teenager it’s remained that similar shade until a hair dressing friend did an amazing balayage dye on it. I’m excited to have this color for summer, wearing it messy and ‘I just came back from the beach’ like (even on the sad days I can’t make it down for a dip).
♥
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Basically any product used during Jade Time. Most purchased at that illusive place where you discover you basically need everything on every shelf and spend far too much money- Priceline. I recommend a thick and nourishing hair treatment once a week, like the Pantene one I’m currently using, to leave in for a good hour whilst drinking red wine and watching Kids Masterchef (or your reality T.V of choice) to make your hair feel super smooth and healthy. Also this may sound rather odd (but it works I promise!) lather your feet in a thick moisturizer or body butter then wrap them in glad wrap and pop some socks on for around 15 minutes. It leaves your feet feeling soft and lets them know you appreciate them for holding you up all night in your new coral wedges!
♥
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
They would have to be Bio Oil, Kora tinted moisturizer and Rosehip Oil.
♥
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I’ve found balance is the best tip I could give for looking and feeling great! I discovered over my 23 years that this is the case with most aspects of my life, without balance there is that little, annoying feeling that something isn’t quite right! It’s an ongoing process to find that perfect balance between right and wrong, work and social life and the most important………. how many pieces of chocolate should be devoured on a Sunday night?
♥ Dark chocolate and raspberry cupcake at Mrs S in Maylands, delicious.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
I would love to go on a yoga retreat, such as one that Samudra in Dunsborough offers, I can’t begin to imagine how relaxed a few days of yoga, eating amazing fresh food and being in the fresh air would feel! I would also love to be treated to a full day at a lush day spa, no expenses spared. These however can only be achieved in the near future if I win lotto. In the meantime I’ve been meaning to try pilates and bikram yoga (I’ve been too lazy/scared to try both!).
♥ One of my favourite café’s
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, making room for necessary treat’s of course. I have an unhealthy obsession with porridge and muesli, I’m literally excited to wake up every morning to eat a big bowl of one of the two! I’ve been on the search for Perth’s best muesli for a while now, so far Boucla in Subiaco is winning. Most mornings I have porridge cooked on the stove with cinnamon, pear, sunflower seeds and honey. Throughout the morning 1 or 2 coffee’s is a must and some almonds or fruit. For lunch it’s usually a chicken salad or wrap and more nuts, fruit or muesli bar in the afternoon. Dinner can be an array of things!
♥ Bircher muesli on a recent trip to Melbourne.
My staple dinner ingredients consist of avocado, lentils, pumpkin, chicken, quinoa or Israeli cous cous, coriander or basil and I love rice noodles (not all together of course!). I love cooking and my favourite meals to cook at the moment would be chicken tagine’s with chickpeas and cous cous, fish or chicken with lots of mango salsa, big pots of dahl with roasted veggies or tasty summer salads. On lazy nights my partner and I have take away Japanese or one of the delicious ready-made meals from the Herdsman. I also love to go to the Subiaco farmers market on the weekend and browse the stalls with my little cup of bircher muesli or try new Perth café’s. On the ‘treat’ side I love frozen yogurt or icecream, dark chocolate, Flipside burgers or anything smothered in honey (or even honey on a teaspoon!).
♥ My friend and I stretching for the City to Surf
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
Being a poor uni student a gym membership unfortunately doesn’t make it into my budget. However I am a huge fan of walking for both fitness and to avoid public transport. I walk home around 3 days a week from work, the 40 minute journey becomes even more of a work-out whilst wearing my small-heeled Tony Bianco boots! Walking dates with friends is always a nice way to spend time catching up, especially when frozen yogurt is waiting at the end. I jog around a park near my house then power walk to Mooba to get coffee around 3 mornings a week too. After my first beach visit in forever last week I’ve also been inspired to start yoga or pilates class, starting next week I promise!
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
Once upon a time I spent days googling vitamins in hope to find that miracle supplement that would leave me feeling like I’d just finished a yoga class then snacked on a fresh, organic salad filled with every possible super food known to man. However after purchasing a mixture of vitamins in which I thought would offer me this utopia feeling, after 2 weeks I began to forget taking them and after a month they were pushed to the back of my bathroom cabinet (I am yet to discover the miracle supplement).
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
I’m lucky in that my partner is one of the most relaxed people I’ve ever met, so I’m hoping that a little bit of his talent has rubbed off on me (although X-Box is not my idea of relaxation). I enjoy taking relaxing walks to get coffee at Louie Baxter’s or smoothies at the Subiaco weekend markets (with extra honey!), reading a book or lying down on the couch and watching whatever series I’m currently addicted to. I also enjoy writing for myself when I can, without deadlines or expectations. For the past few years I’ve been trying to write a novel however don’t expect to see it on shelves anytime soon, I’m still only 20 pages in! I’ve also found it beneficial to keep a positive outlook on life, taking a few spare minutes each day to take a few deep breaths and put things in perspective- this is very necessary during the last weeks of the uni semester believe me!
Thanks Jade! We love having you as a writer @ Wellness WA. Read more of Jade’s articles here!
Be well,
xoxo
