by Annette @ Wellness WA | Sep 4, 2012 | Beauty Salon, Inner City, North of River, Organic, Products, Reviews
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My skincare routine has really been ramping up lately. I’ve started a course of LED light treatments at mi:skn (15 minutes of blue light to kill acne bacteria, then 15 minutes of red light to rejuvenate the skin and get the blood flowing), have been seeing a lovely naturopath, Marnie Downer, for the past 6 weeks who has prescribed me some hormone balancing herbal remedies (more on this to come!), have been drinking copious amounts of green juices and water – and am about to get back into exercise in a serious manner by way of a new personal trainer!!
The next step was to try something I’d been wanting to experience for a long time – microdermabrasion! Buoyed by all the positive reviews our other contributors have had (check ’em out here, here and here!), I was super excited to try hydradermabrasion – which is microdermabrasion, with a h20 twist!
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My experience started with a deluxe treat, a 90 minute ‘Retreat for One‘ that was my gift for starting a new full-time job last month. This is one of my all time favourite pamper sessions, I recommend it to everyone.
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But back to the facial: it starts with an orchid filled, dimly lit room. My head resting on one of the comfiest pillows of all time, with another pillow under my knees and a deliciously cosy blanket – no chance of getting chilly here!
I have combination skin, so my face is cleansed with the Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Lime (this is the one I use at home too) to balance it out.
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Next, the microdermabrasion machine comes out to play, it’s kind of like the tube at the dentist which sucks up your saliva, but with a little abrasive brush on the tube so the dead skin cells are brushed off then sucked up like magic. The second part of the process is where the hydro comes in, it feels a bit like a cats rough tongue as the tiny stream of high-pressured water is applied and then sucked up, flushing the pores clean with pure water.
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At this point I touched my skin and it felt SMOOTH. Smoother than I have ever felt it. I didn’t have too long to think about that though, as the Sodashi Recovery Boost was applied, along with a calming mask to reduce any redness (which was minimal). My scalp was then whisked to heaven with a dreamy massage… at this point I was struggling to stay awake, and as the hot towels enveloped my face to take off the mask, I felt like snuggling into the bed and staying there all day.
♥ The Bodhi J Relaxation Lounge
Unluckily for me there were other people with much deserved pamper time waiting for their time in the gorgeous room, so with a hydrating Sodashi serum applied, I dragged myself out of there and into the comfortable relaxation lounge for a cup of mint & chamomile tea, a strawberry and some reflection on the blissful 2.5 hours (including my retreat for one) that had just passed.
The verdict? My skin LOVED the hydrodermabrasion. 24 hours+ later, it’s still feeling super smooth. My chin is prone to some pimples, and it hasn’t cleared those up, but the rest of my skin is looking great and I’ll definitely be adding microdermabrasion to my skin maintenance routine 4-5 times a year.
The Hydrodermabrasion treatment is valued at $140 and was provided complimentary for review, read our review policy here!
Find out more about Bodhi J Health + Beauty spa on their website.
Have you tried microdermabrasion before? What about hydrodermabrasion? I’d love to hear anyone elses experience with either of these treatments!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Sep 3, 2012 | Exercise, Reviews, South of River
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There’s most certainly a right and wrong way to go about Bikram Yoga. I learnt this the hard way. My first session I turned up in my standard gym gear = long yoga pants, a t-shirt and a leotard thing (so I can bend this way and that and not have my belly fall out), and realised my mistake as soon as I entered the studio. The vast majority of the 30-ish attendees were wearing what I first thought were bikinis, but turned out to be Bikram-intended gym gear. These people had the right idea. Before I’d even started, I had condensation dripping from my eyelashes.
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And there’s definitely a learning curve. The three sessions I went to followed a pattern – I would arrive, enter the room and be freshly shocked at HOW warm Bikram yoga is (40 C), lie down on my mat and start to feel like I was adjusting and this might be okay – then the instructor would enter and we’d start moving. I lasted 40 minutes in my first session, overdressed and not hydrated enough, and drove home bewildered and drenched.
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My second attempt was far better. I wore as little as I was able and attended an evening class, meaning I had a whole afternoon to get hydrated enough in preparation, which made a big difference. I left the room twice to pace around in the air conditioning before heading back in, but I still stayed until the end of the 90 minute session. I considered this progress, and decided to give it a third shot to see if I could top that effort.
Third session was exhilarating. I didn’t leave the room, though I did sit sweating on my mat to recover every once and a while. But I still stayed for 90 minutes and emerged sweaty and victorious at the end, feeling like I’d proved to myself that I could adjust to what felt like an insurmountably difficult physical challenge.
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And the end result is fantastic. Once you’ve rehydrated (and I deeply recommend the Chi Coconut Water available at the front desk) you feel godlike. You’re energised, ultra limber and have all those good aches that tell you you’ve done well.
My particular Bikram was at the newly opened Bikram Yoga Victoria Park – and I had three different instructors over that session. The circuit of poses was identical each day, which was a small mercy since there was a collective boneless relief when we moved to the second half of the session (the stuff on the floor). Our instructors all wore headsets and talked continuously through the 90 minute class. Granted, they weren’t doing the full exercise that we were, but they were still demonstrating, wandering between people and fixing postures. It struck me as incredibly exhausting. There must have been some serious tolerance build up in that.
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Ultimately I had a really positive experience – I feel like I was worked hard and got results, and the staff were professional and friendly. I’m even considering some of those Bikram bikini things. I’m a sucker for nice new gym gear.
♥ There are even showers you can use before/after class!
Bikram Yoga Victoria Park has a rather awesome beginner’s deal that I’d recommend: Ten days of unlimited Bikram for $20!
I spread my three sessions over five days, and the amount of improvement I felt just in those three sessions drives home for me that it really is something that needs to be done in bursts, multiple sessions in close proximity. Karen, the vibrant and ultra-fit Studio Director confirmed as much by very gently suggesting I come back for the third class, and I’m glad I did. (She also clarified for me that I was not, in fact, drowning in my own sweat, but in an ungodly amount of condensation. This is very reassuring). Can I also suggest that you remove all makeup before heading in there? I finished a session looking like I’d emerged from a screening of The Notebook.
Bikram Yoga Victoria Park
Unit 1, 345 Shepperton Road
East Victoria Park, Perth
Ph: (08) 9470 5700
E: info@bikramvicparkperth.com.au
Have you tried Bikram Yoga before, or want to? Does the idea of heat-based exercise excite or scare you? Lets chat in the comments!
Review by Suzanne from Don’t They Know Who I Am?
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Aug 28, 2012 | Interviews, Wellness Tips
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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m the owner and operator of Vanity Box Skin Couture Perth, a Hollywood Regency inspired, appointment only salon that specialises in bespoke face and body treatment sessions. I’ve always been passionate about all things beauty related so it was no surprise I would become a beauty therapist. I love my job! I get to make women feel like a million dollars after they have a treatment. It’s such a joy, I am really lucky, and it’s a dream come true that I now have my own salon!
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
Ok where do I start! Being an owner of a beauty salon I have an endless choice of products and always like to mix it up so my skin keeps improving. At the moment I’m loving Priori CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals as it’s the first and only natural skincare brand to deliver “Cosmeceutical” results designed for the eco-concious, earth friendly consumer.
At the moment every Morning and night I cleanse my skin with Priori Revitalizing Cleanser which is a 99.2 % natural formula fortified with CoffeeBerry extract, natures most potent antioxidants to fight free radicals and the causes of skin aging.
After Cleansing Morning and night I apply a small amount of Priori CoffeeBerry Brightening Facial Complex which helps reduce the appearance of an uneven skin tone in a natural way.
I then apply a small amount of Priori CoffeeBerry Radiance Eye Serum around the delicate eye area to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Almost done! I then apply a small amount of Priori Coffeeberry Day Complex in the day and Coffeeberry Night Complex at night.
Lastly if it’s in the day I apply my 30+ True Solutions cream and Touch of Priori Coffeeberry 25+ minerals to protect my skin from the harsh environment.
All Priori products are available in salon.
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favorite place to have it done?
My most favorite treatment is the Priori WOW Facial. It’s a Priori facial using the Idebenone products that honestly makes you look as if you’ve had a mini facelift without the surgery! My favorite place to have it done is the W Retreat Seminyak Bali where my Fiancé and I got engaged, it’s the most amazing place ever!
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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I’ve been seeing Anita Green the owner of Salon 44 in Claremont for years. I trust her with my hair as she always listens to what I want and always gets my cut, color or blow-dry perfect every time.
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♥ Favorite budget / at home beauty treatment?
My favourite at home beauty treatment is Dry Body Brushing with my Elemis cactus bristle brush. Its so stimulating and great for combating dry skin and cellulite!
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
Oooh this ones hard there’s so many!
♥ First one is my NARS orgasm blush
♥ Second is my NARS sheer glow foundation in Barcelona
♥ Third is my NARS Niagara lipstick
As you can see I’m a lover of NARS! It’s amazing makeup!
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
My secret is lots of sleep and water and a monthly facial (at the moment I’m having the Priori Coffeeberry Yoga Facial). Totes Amazing!!!
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♥ 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 a short stay wellness retreat at the ISIKA Spa at the Burswood Entertainment Complex where a personalized itinerary is developed based on your desired health outcomes and incorporates spa treatments, fitness programmes and water therapy.
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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I try and follow the Paleo diet as much as I can as it is based on how our ancestors used to eat and as our Paleothic ancestors had virtually no ailments or diseases I try and eat this way!
My day starts with a glass of water with a drop of apple cider vinegar followed by a green smoothie.
An hour later I have an egg and bacon muffin. It’s basically a muffin with no bad carbohydrates. All you do is line a muffin tray with bacon,break an egg in the middle sprinkle with organic cheese and chives and bake for around 10 minutes.
For lunch I usually make a tuna salad or have organic soup that I make the night before.
Dinner is usually a recipe chosen out of my favorite book ‘The Green Grocer’ by Leanne Kitchen. It’s a great book that teaches you to respect the source. And eating as well as you can by developing your knowledge of the ingredients that form the basis of the meals you set on your table.
One night a week I have cheat night in which I have what ever I feel like for dinner followed by dessert of some sort.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
My fitness routine consists of two training sessions in the gym with Elizabeth Rose from ‘Life with Elizabeth Rose’. Elizabeth has created for me a weight, strength & resistance training program which consists of a variety of exercises using dumbbells, a swissball and different equipment in the gym to shape my body.
Three days a week I go to Bobbi’s Pole Studio Perth to do two pole classes and a splits and flex class which is a Yoga/Pilates/Dance class rolled into 1!!!
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I start each morning with a green smoothie followed by a couple of spirulina and iron tablets.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
To de-stress I like to book a massage, my favorite is deep tissue as I get a lot of knots from massaging other people.
If you have any questions for Suzey, please leave them below! 🙂
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Aug 27, 2012 | Products, Reviews, Wellness Tips
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Vanessa Megan Anti-Ageing Serum
After stumbling across the econest.blogspot.com.au, I have become increasingly obsessed with natural skincare. The past few weeks have seen me slowly replace my old products in favour of natural and chemical free alternatives! One product I’m currently crushing on is Vanessa Megan’s Kakadu Plum Anti-ageing Serum. Natural and organic, the serum is full of vitamin C and a super hydrating marine algae. Both ingredients help with evening out skin tone, elasticity and reduce sagging. The serum is silky smooth, non greasy and easy to apply, whooop! Read more about it here!
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♥ Raw Cacao Butter Buttons
Another natural product I am currently fixated on (and using in every way possible) are these organic raw cacao butter buttons I found at the Fremantle Markets last weekend. Traditionally used in the kitchen for baking or chocolate making, I’ve been using these little babies in the bathroom instead!
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Popping a handful, about 8, buttons into a hot bath makes for a heavenly bathing experience! Bonus- not only do you get out feeling extra hydrated and smooth, but also smelling like delicious chocolatey goodness 😀 YUMM! These can also be used in the shower. Run under hot water and when semi melted you can rub them all over your skin!
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♥ English Tea Shop Teas
I have a slight obsession with tea… and by slight I mean MASSIVE :p Needless to say I couldn’t contain my excitement after spotting this new range of teas at my local grocer. The range boasts both organic and fair-trade varieties and priced at $5 for a box of 20 bags is an absolute bargain! My favourite is the rooibos with a teaspoon of Natvia. A delicious guilt free sweet treat for any time of day 🙂
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♥ Hungry For Change
I’ve lent my copy of this DVD out to so many people that a friend had to write a ‘this belongs to’ tag on the inside cover! The film explores a simple and common sense approach to healthy eating and will change the way you think about food forever. The film also explores the concept of eating for beauty- a topic that will be of interest to all! Check it out at http://www.hungryforchange.tv
♥ Healthy Food Blogs
The mouth-watering photos on this blog (http://wholepromise.blogspot.com.au/) will make you want to make every single recipe (I’ve already bookmarked half, not kidding!) Drool then carry on. Nough said.
This weeks crushes are brought to you courtesy of Kavisha.
What are you crushing on this week? Leave a comment below!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Aug 24, 2012 | Alternative Therapy, Beauty Salon, North of River, Reviews
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The Diamond Flower Peel system at Willow Advanced Beauty Therapy in Jindalee is a first for Perth, and the buzz that it’s generated is considerable. As something of a microdermabrasion novice (I’ve had it done, without really knowing what it was), it took me a little puzzling to clarify the difference between regular microdermabrasion and DFPS – in layman’s terms, the material that comes in contact with the skin is organically sourced, thus gentler, and comes in three options: Lavender for sensitive skin, Rose for older or dehydrated skin, and Tea Tree for oily or acne prone skin.
Lauren (my ultra friendly beautician and proprietor) recommended Lavender for my oily, sensitive skin – she also explained that depending on my skins response to this session, we could switch to Tea Tree in a later session.
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The options are based on more than scent, though – the small, airborne particles in the microdermabrasion handset are also derived from the plant chosen, meaning that everything going on your face is naturally derived – and hygienic, the particles are ejected and collected in a waste chamber on the machine.
The treatment commences much like a normal facial – a deep cleanse, toning, light exfoliation, then the microdermabrasion. Lauren used a tool that was similar to a narrow air chamber with a suction nozzle on the end – the idea being that a circle of skin is gently sucked into the air chamber, where the flying particles within remove the dead layer of skin and polish the new layer beneath. Afterwards Lauren put a mask on me, massaged me (I’ve had shoulder massages and hand massages, but I had NO IDEA arm massages were so good) and applied serum, eye cream and moisturiser. It’s roughly a one hour session, in a low-lit room, under a heated blanket. And yes, it was just as awesome as it sounds.
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We’d ascertained fairly early that I was far more touch-sensitive than product sensitive, so I emerged rather pink – but my skin felt really plump and refreshed, and I was extremely mellow all the way home. You really can’t overestimate the wellbeing you get from just an hour of being tended to – massage, facial, whatever. Once my skin had paled back out, over the next few days I noticed how easily makeup slid on and stayed put, and how much more easily it removed. My face felt and looked – tighter, and had more of an even tone than it usually does.
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Microdermabrasion traditionally takes place over a set number of courses, and I can only imagine the results after a full six. This is a process I’d absolutely be happy to do a full row set of when my skins looking dull – beyond brightening and lifting the skin, it’s a full on sensory luxury. Visit Lauren in the Jindalee clinic for a similarly blissed out experience.
Lauren has also extended a Microdermabrasion special to Wellness WA readers – book in for a six-session run and pay $540, a hefty saving of $210
Add a product infusion treatment to the procedure and pay $700, saving $380. This is good stuff, kids. Give them a call on 9562 7362 and tell em Wellness WA sent you.
Review by Suzanne from Don’t They Know Who I Am?
Do you like the look of this treatment? Fancy having some flowers on your face? Let us know in the comments below!
Be well,
xoxo
