by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 31, 2012 | Beauty Salon, Day Spa, Inner City, Massage, Reviews
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A few weeks ago I got to spend some time at what I'm not afraid to say is the most elegantly decorated spa I've ever had the pleasure of being pampered in. And Vanity Box Skin Couture in Perth (the intersection of East Perth, Highgate & Maylands) isn't just a pretty face, though their exquisite decor is the initial drawcard, it's the warm welcome, ambiance and list of 'little extras' about a mile long that really impress. This is definitely your go-to if all out luxury and service is on the cards.
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My purpose for visiting Vanity Box was to spend an hour and a half with the gorgeous and delightfully friendly owner, Suzey, to road-test one of her 'bespoke' treatments. Basically this means that you book in for a certain amount of time, and in consultation with Suzey decide on the day what you most feel like having done. Genius! It makes sense to be guided by what your skin and body need at the time, and I've never come across a service like this before, so I was very excited to see what she would suggest for me.
The room I was in, stunning right?!
My afternoon of delights starts with some candle warmed berry tea, while the strains of classical music wash over me and the relaxation process begins…
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For someone so petite Suzey has strong hands, which are capable of tailoring the massage treatments to your liking, from tender butterfly kisses, all the way up to strong deep tissue work. My massage was a mixture of both, the preceding deep tissue working out all of my computer slouching sins, while the follow up gentle massage sent me to the brink of sleep. The classical music played during the second half of the massage transported me to a perfectly choreographed ballet, where her hands were the world renowned dancers, and my back the stage.
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The Priori Natureceuticals Coffeeberry Relaxing Yoga Treatment (75 mins) is said to be an intensely relaxing anti-ageing treatment that reduces tension and stress levels as well as brightening the skin. This is where the little extras really kicked in.
♥ My face was massaged extensively during the facial, which was a very enjoyable experience and is meant to help with relieving stress.
♥ I was brought a much appreciated hot water bottle (with plush covering) and a warmed eye bag as it was chilly that day, both of which I loved.
♥ While the face mask was setting I received the longest and most glorious arm massage ever. Divine.
♥ Post-facial I was offered a light mineral makeup application, I gratefully accepted as my skin has been playing up lately and the thought of going bare-faced was a little scary on that day 😉
The second room at Vanity Box – so pretty, this one's my fave!
With my bespoke treatments complete, relaxed muscles and brighter complexion in tow, I couldn't help but think that Vanity Box has completely hit the nail on the head in terms of combining stunning surroundings, wonderful service and a sense of being welcome in those who visit.
This gorgeous spa is the definition of opulence – without the attitude.
Vanity Box Skin Couture
Dilhorn Manor
178 Claisebrook Road
Perth Western Australia 6000
t : +61 8 6468 6471
m : +61 433 133 573
e : info@vanitybox.net.au
w: vanitybox.net.au
price list: available here
Have you heard of this spa before? What do you think of the decor? And how about the sound of a yoga facial? Lets chat below!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 30, 2012 | Alternative Therapy, Interstate/International, Interviews, Wellness Tips
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am the founder of Live Healthy Simply – A source of inspiration for everything related to food, cooking & healthy living. I started the blog on a bit of a whim last November and I’m very humbled that people aside from my Mum are actually reading it! I’m also in the processes of opening up an online health food store www.shophealthy.com.au & will start studying nutrition next year.
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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
In the morning I cleanse my face using Akin facial cleanser and apply Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream
In the evening I cleanse my face then apply Antipodes Rosehip Oil to my face and neck and apply Akin Rejuvenating Eye Cream under my eyes. I use Antipodes hand cream on my hands. For a body scrub I love Scented Holistic Skincare’s Coconut Sea Salt Scrub – it smells so yummy! I try to remember to exfoliate once a week on my face and body and use my Antipodes Clay Mask. My mum makes her own cosmetics and I use her body butter and exfoliant.
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I love massages! I couldn’t live without them! I love Thai & Chinese massage the best – I find regular massages in beauty salons are too gentle, I prefer my massages to be firm.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I’ve never been to Perth (I would love to go!) and I’m on the look out for a good hairdresser in Sydney…Any suggestions would be very welcomed!
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
It would have to be my DIY hair treatment – I use coconut oil to keep the ends of my hair moisturised. It works really well and is much cheaper than buying expensive treatments.
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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
– butter LONDON nail polish in red
– Adorn Mineral Cosmetics mascara
– Arbonne Foundation Powder
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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Eat & drink lots of veggies! I have recently started juicing and the difference it has made to my skin is unbelievable! It’s so much more glowy and healthy looking. I also make sure I drink 2 litres of purified water per day.
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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 fish pedicure! I’m really ticklish so I’m sure how much I would enjoy it but it certainty would be an experience!
♥ Cacao Powder
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
For breakfast I have a smoothie with pea protein, oat milk, raw cacao powder, carob, chia seeds and acai berry powder.
Lunch is usually a salad of greens, tomato, nuts, chickpeas, kale chips and roasted veggies. Dinner is some kind of stir-fry, curry, pasta, veggie pattie, soup or salad.
I snack on nuts, fresh juices and raw vegan treats that involve lots of raw cacao powder – I LOVE chocolate!
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I’m getting married in September so like all brides I’ve significantly stepped it up in the exercise department! At the moment I’m exercising five times per week when before I use to exercise three to four times per week. I do a mixture of yoga, core work, weights and cardio.
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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I take spirulina, B vitamins, chlorophyll and zinc. I try to remember to take them everyday day, but it doesn’t always happen!
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
I love soaking in a bath with Epsom salts and reading a good book, pure bliss!
We hope you enjoyed Jessica’s routine! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below! 🙂
Find out more about the great work she is doing…
Web:Â http://www.livehealthysimply.com
Facebook:Â http://www.facebook.com/LiveHealthySimply
Twitter:Â https://twitter.com/LiveHealthyJess
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/LiveHealthyJess
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/LiveHealthySimply
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 27, 2012 | Day Spa, Inner City, Products, Reviews
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I had a birthday recently. Aside from the usual stuff, there was something extra special I wanted this year; I wanted the Customised Dermalogica Facial Treatment at Endota Day Spa and my Mum delivered. Good on you, Mum.
Now that we're in the heart of winter my skin has just felt like a big old bag of rubbish. And short of removing my face and sending it on a one way trip to the tip, I sensed that I just needed some professional help, some guidance if you will, because sometimes when you are too close to the problem you start suggesting crazy things like removing your face.
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One of the best things about Endota is how you feel so transported, one minute you are amidst the hustle and bustle of Hay Street, the next you are cocooned in their plush surroundings, so lovely that make you feel like you are in a secluded wood cabin and the soft rumble of traffic could in fact be a nearby waterfall. Well, at the very least it’s like being in a super comfortable, nicely designed inner city apartment with good lighting. Upon my arrival I am greeted and sent through to the relaxation room where I chill out for a bit, all the while sipping on some rosehip tea served to me by my therapist for the day, Zowie. Cool name huh? I secretly made up that her parents are Bowie fans. I cannot back this up.
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Once I get settled, my eyes close, the super sonic light goes on and Zowie gets real with me about the state of my face. Now, this could’ve been a really scary experience. But I did feel really comfortable here, Endota was so cozy and calm…and Zowie was really clear and made me feel at ease. Plus she had GREAT skin. So that helped. And also, this is what I wanted. Some things that Zowie told me I already knew and some things were new discoveries, all of which informs what products she is going to use on me.
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My favorite products from the treatment were the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse, the Daily Microfoliant and the Intensive Eye Repair, all available in spa, on the Endota website or via Strawberry NET. These are the products I can definitely see myself using day to day. After the facial is over I walk away with a sheet detailing everything we discovered about my face with a list of the products Zowie used on me. They keep a copy at Endota so when I go back they know exactly what kind of beast they are dealing with. And let’s face it, that’s a good idea because I’m probably almost definitely going to lose that sheet.
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Would I go back for another facial? Most definitely…the massage technique in the facial was really good and Zowie was just so lovely. I would also go back for a massage because of how relaxing the experience was, and the whole place was just so beautiful and comfortable, it’s hard to believe they’ve been in there for such a short amount of time!
Thanks to the facial I now know where to start. You know how sometimes you know deep down what the problem is but you need someone else to tell you to sort of remember and start doing something about it? No? Just me? Probably. Anyway it’s really jump-started my skincare routine and if nothing else then I think that's incredibly valuable. Also Endota stocks all the Dermalogica products that I loved from the facial, so…well, now I think I know what I’ll be asking for on my next birthday.
Do you like Dermalogia? Ever tried a facial of theirs? What about David Bowie, do you like him? Leave a comment below!
Review by Adriane Daff, theatrical princess and our latest Endota convert.
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 25, 2012 | Other, Products
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The competition has been drawn, and our lucky winner is LAUREN COLEMAN!
Here's who she chose – “Jessica Alba all the way. The up dos and the down dos as well as the weekend bed head dos, she always looks tops.”
Well done Lauren! Your prize will be making it’s way to you shortly!!! Thanks to everyone else who entered, and stay tuned for a brand new competition on Monday! XO
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What do Katy Perry and Wellness WA have in common? We're both a little bit crazy, and we're both in love with the brand new ghd AIR hairdryer.
“Prepare to be blown away!”
Did you know that ghd stands for “good hair day”? Neither did I til earlier in the year, I was shocked and amazed when I found out! Good hair days are most certainly on the cards with ghd’s first foray into the hairdryer realm.
I was offered the opportunity to either review one of these supermodel hairdryers, OR run a competition to give one away. I'm all about the love, and I like to give thanks to our amazing, wonderful, smart, witty, gorgeous (I could go on!) readers every chance I can get, so one lucky reader will be swanning about with Katy Perry-esque hair very soon!
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The ghd AIR is valued at $199, to be in with a chance to win this stunning piece of hair equipment – all you have to do is be a fan of Wellness WA on Facebook or Twitter, and answer the following question in the comment section below this post:
Who is your number one hair crush?
Simple as that! The winner will be drawn on the 1st of August, and soon after that will have the most covetable hair in town!
Good luck & thanks for your support!
To find out more about the ghd AIR Hairdryer, check out the ghd website, for updates and information about ghd news, visit their Facebook page!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 24, 2012 | Exercise, Reviews
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I LOVE water, especially Perth’s incredible beaches and beautiful river. However I have to admit, unless it’s 40°C outside, immersing myself in water (aka swimming) is not something I enjoy THAT much. I blame it on a terrifying swimming teacher I had to endure during school swimming lessons. I think this is what enticed me into trying Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) – I’m able to enjoy the visual feast of our water without getting too wet or needing a skippers ticket!
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Before I even tried SUP I was in love with it, and my first paddle in Dunsborough enforced this love fest. Virtually anyone can SUP, you don’t need to be athletic or have the balance of a tight rope walker. Everyone seems to think that it’s much harder to balance on the board than it actually is, and I can assure you that after a couple of minutes of getting used to the feeling, you’ll be SUPing away in no time! It’s often recommended that you start out on your knees to get a feel for it, and have an initial short lesson so you can paddle like a pro. I much prefer SUP to kayaking as you have a birds eye view of what’s going on in the water, it’s more peaceful because you don’t have paddles splashing around your face and it’s less stressful on your back.
SUP can be a fantastic total body workout that you’ll actually love doing. Who does exercise that they hate anymore?! SUP improves your balance and coordination, and can be as much of a cardio workout as you want it to be. Heart pumping or peaceful? You set the pace. It tightens and tones your back, shoulders and legs, and works your core big time. What’s more, you don’t even realize that you’re working out, as you’re either enjoying the beautiful view or trying to keep up with a pod of dolphins! My boyfriend and I once spent an hour watching a mother and her babies fish and play – AMAZING. If you want to take SUP to the next level you can join in on a SUP group fitness class, try out some SUP yoga, enter a SUP race or catch some waves, which I’m told is a little easier than normal surfing.
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On a beautiful flat day SUP is incredibly calming – being in the middle of an expanse of glassy water does that to you. It’s a great way to take some time for yourself and get in touch with nature. Our sunny and calm winter days are fantastic for trying SUP out, so rug up, wetsuit or jumper depending on your level of confidence/balance, and give it a go!
My Hot SUP Tips:
♥ Check the wind! Unless you’re after a KILLER workout, paddling in the wind is a bit of a nightmare. If you’re going out for a long time make sure you have a way of getting back to your car if the wind gets up.
♥ If you’re considering buying a board buy the lightest one you can afford – it makes getting it on and off your car a breeze, and you’ll be more likely to SUP often.
♥ If you’re traveling, try and scope out a SUP tour – it’s a fun and healthy way of exploring a new area (deserts not applicable!).
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SUP hire and lessons in Perth
♥ http://www.elementalsup.com.au
♥ http://www.standuppaddleperth.com
♥ http://www.standupaddiction.com.au
♥ http://standuppaddle.com.au
♥ http://www.sossurf.com.au
Do you like the look of Stand Up Paddle Boarding? Any questions please let me know in the comments! 🙂
Review by Emma Smyth, wellness lover, model, SUP fanatic and blogger over at @ This Sparkly Life!
Be well,
xoxo
