by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 9, 2012 | Products, Reviews
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On the 8th of January our fearless leader and Wellness WA wunderkind, Annette, organized the very first Perth Online Beauty Media meeting of minds and faces at Djurra Day Spa in Fremantle. And what a day it was. Massages, foot treatments and raw pizza from the Raw Kitchen Fremantle (14/36 South Terrace) that was so unbelievably good that I would consider moving down there just to be closer to it. I’m pretty sure Annette has a photo somewhere of me that looks like I am inhaling my slice. WHAT A WHACKY GAL! (ED: Yup, I do!)
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The POBM was a wonderful day of chatting to like minded ladies about all things beauty…you probably gathered as much…so let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Everyone that attended was the lucky recipient of not one but TWO gift bags filled to the brim with products to try. So now that a couple of weeks have passed and I have been able to steadily make my way through everything I woke up this morning and felt something coming on…can you feel it too? That’s right it’s time for a TOP FIVE COUNTDOWN.
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5. Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear
I usually give sunscreen related products and moisturizers pretty high scores but don’t think that I am just phoning this one in on account of the SPF, which in this product is a 30+ by the way. The Invisible Zinc tinted daywear is my number 5 because I have never owned a tinted moisturizer before, let alone a tinted sunscreen. I just didn’t see the point. I mean I was right into the coloured zinc as a kid but unfortunately time, society and a small sense of dignity have told me to grow out of that. So what is the point?
Well here’s three points for you, one- the sun protection, two- the dewy appearance that it gives your skin with just a hint of tint, which I just love because you may not be a runway model but dewy skin sure makes you feel like one and three – if you use it in place of your normal moisturizer in the morning then you will never forget to put sunscreen on. And how about this… BONUS point 4- the anti ageing properties of this product will help to keep you looking fresh faced for longer.
Available from David Jones, Myer, Priceline, Terry White and all good pharmacies.
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4. Foltene Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatment – $27.95
This was one of the products from our mega beauty product swap, and is an odd choice for me. Largely due to the fact that I am still not sure that you can actually grow more eyelashes and eyebrows on top of what nature gave you, I just don’t understand the science behind it, surely DNA plays a role here or something? Beakers, Bunsen Burners, periodic tables, lab coats?…I don’t know. What I do know is that you condition your hair to keep that healthy so you can grow it long without it breaking off, or shriveling up, ergo the same basic principle can apply to your eyebrows and eyelashes. And that’s why this product is my number 4. It is very easy to apply because it’s just like a clear mascara wand, use it after you’ve washed your face at night and let the conditioning begin. The best unexpected benefit of this product is that when you use the wand on your eyebrows it actually holds them in place a bit which makes them look neater and a better shape which we all know is ultimately more flattering to your entire face. Bravo Foltene.
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3 &2. Aveda Colour Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner
After I washed and conditioned my hair with these Aveda products one of my housemates came home and said ‘what smells so good in here?’, we did a quick checklist, new perfume? No. Just cooked something? No. Just cleaned something? No…waitahotminute- yes, it’s my new shampoo and conditioner! The lovely smell that lingered in my house followed me around for days after (in my hair of course) causing compliments from friends and strangers alike. It just really does smell that damn good. Which makes sense when you consider the ingredients- green tea, grape seed, rosea root, pine bark, orange peel and jojoba seed oil. Because my hair is quite long now (I feel like I manage to drop this achievement into every review I do these days) I am all about conditioner, and the Aveda really steps up to the job on this one, my ends felt smooth and silky like I had just had a trim. Perfection. The only thing I can’t comment on is the ‘colour conserve’ factor because I don’t have coloured hair. If any of you with coloured ‘do’s give it a go please let me know how it fares!
Available at Djurra Day Spa, go in and see what other great hair and beauty services they offer!
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1. Franc Serum Intensive Skin Rescue – $72
Why have I never heard of Franc? A West Australian business based in Darlington and founded by Chantal Vanderhaeghen who has made a strong commitment to only using botanical ingredients in her products. This means no sodium laurel sulfate and no artificial colours, fragrances, chemicals or additives. I should’ve been on top of this ages ago! Oh Franc why did we take so long to find each other?!
Dewy skin, anyone?
I love serums, I love putting them on before bed and waking up in the morning with (sorry here’s those words again) nice fresh and dewy skin. I guess I just like the hydration factor. It feels good knowing you are putting a carefully formulated recipe of macadamia oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, carrot oil, rosehip oil, evening primrose oil and vitamin E on your face and not much else! My skin has felt really great lately and I’m sure using this every night has had a big role in that. Franc deserves this number one spot. I hope we meet again. Well done.
What do you think of my top 5 picks?!
Review by Adriane Daff, with sweet smelling hair, dewy skin and better eyelashes – thanks to POBM!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 8, 2012 | At Home, Beauty Salon, Reviews, Western Suburbs
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I have trouble finding good waxers. My skin is super sensitive and generally responds terribly to wax rollers. One time my underarms got incredibly burnt from a therapist trying to use a wax roller on them (very bad idea), another time I was told my legs were ‘really really hairy’ by a waxer I’d never met before (they were, but I didn’t need them to remind me!) and a lot of the time there are hairs left over and my skin comes out looking red-raw. All this and the privilege of paying upwards of $50 for the experience.
So I’m excited to let you know that I’ve finnnnalllllllly found a place that has everything a sensitive-legged gal could want in a waxing salon and it’s only $30 for a full-leg wax!!!
I came across ‘Just Beautiful Skin’ by Kylie Morellini on a notice board down at my local shops. I hadn’t had any great ‘at home salon’ experiences before, but something compelled me to email Kylie and book in for a wax. Probably the amazing price and convenient location.
Here’s the reasons it gets a big smiling tick of approval from me:
♥ Ambience
Stepping into Kylie’s little home salon is like going on a summer holiday. It feels like a mini beach house in there, and as I was staring up at the white, wooden paneled ceiling I found myself contemplating taking a dip in the ocean, then grabbing an icecream.
♥ Best wax rollers, ever
As mentioned above, I had all but resigned myself to never letting a wax roller touch me again. This time I was shocked – the wax rolled on smoothly and not too hot, and was taken off easily by the strip, along with my leg hairs and minimal pain. I couldn’t believe it! Very impressed.
♥ Thorough
Kylie was extremely thorough in making sure she hadn’t missed any rogue bits of hair, which was much appreciated.
♥ Friendly and caring
Just what you want in a beauty therapist, I found her lovely, super easy to get along with and she even advised me not to get my bikini line waxed, which I had asked for, as I’d previously been having IPL done and it would ‘reset’ all the hairs and I’d have to start again. Eeeek! So, so glad she let me know.
♥ Mild waxing redness
My legs are always going to be a little red after waxing, it’s a fact I’ve resigned myself to. This time though, they were the least red they’ve been in a looooooong time, it was really exciting for me! 😉
♥ The price
$30 for a full leg wax. And with such good service, Cannot. Beat. It.
You can email or call Kylie from Just Beautiful Skin to book an appointment, her salon is located in Shenton Park.
Email: kyl_morellini@hotmail.com
Ph: 0404 183 467.
Where is your favourite place to get your legs waxed in Perth?!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 7, 2012 | Makeup, Products, Reviews
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I’ve been wearing make-up for many years. Oh yes, MANY years. I’m now in my 30’s (and unfortunately after a recent birthday, can no longer say early 30’s either) and I believe I have found the cosmetic product which kicks the bottoms of pretty much everything else on the market.
Bobbi Brown’s concealer has been life-changing. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true! I’ve been wearing concealer under my eyes for a few years now because owing to my delightful grandmother and in turn my delightful mother, I am begrudgingly carrying on the family trait of having dark circles under my eyes.
Without concealer I can look like I’ve been bashed in a dark alley. They’re a total drag. Enter Bobbi Brown.
Hi Bobbi!
I found it the old-fashioned way. Googling. I was looking for a concealer specifically for dark shadows under the eyes and I found this name popping up everywhere. It was being dubbed ‘the best concealer for dark under eye circles’ and it even featured on Oprah. Yes. Exactly, what I thought – it must be good if Oprah likes it. I watched a video from Oprah’s show which demonstrated how it is applied and the amazing results it achieves. I was sold instantly so I called up the Bobbi Brown bar in David Jones and organised a time to go in for a colour test.
Firstly you get the Corrector ($46) which camouflages the dark circles, then once you’ve got those sorted, you get the correct shade of Concealer and Powder ($60) to go over the top. It’s all a magical process of brushing, patting and blending and once it’s on, it takes years off your face! They have stacks of different shades for the Corrector, Concealer and Powder so you really need to have a Bobbi Brown make-up artist help you get the correct shades for your skin. Watch this video – Bobbi Brown explains it better than I do!
So these little palettes in my make-up bag have now proven to be my most-used cosmetics and (sorry foundation, mascara, eye-shadows, gloss etc) my most-loved also. I’ve already converted several friends and they agree. So go on, I dare you to try it and prove me wrong. Bet you can’t!
You can purchase Bobbi Brown at the following places:
♥ Store locator
Review by Sheridan, Bobbi convert by day, music quiz hostess by night!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 6, 2012 | Interviews
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a professional fashion illustrator. I studied Fine Arts for two years then Fashion and Textile Design for three, both at the Western Australian School of Art and Design. I have illustrated for Linney’s, Chatswood Chase, Aurellio Costarella, ELLERY, Joveeba and Urban Walkabout with lots of exciting things coming up this year.
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I recently had the chance to try a soon-to-be released skin care brand called Ni6 (Ed: Can’t find a website up as yet…!). So I use their cleanser and female specific moisturizer now daily and have never had better skin.
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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
I go to see Esther at Esther CE (cultured eyebrows) every 5 weeks to get my brows pampered. I have a strong cowlick in one and a scar running through the other and Esther has done wonders, I now look human! I have to brush them everyday with her specially developed brush so I guess that is part of my every day routine too.
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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Head Studio on King St! It’s such a great experience each time I go, a beautiful and relaxing environment. I also love the illustrations they have on their walls by one of my favorite Aussie illustrators Rebecca Wetzler.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Pedicures in the sun in the backyard! I work in a shoe shop on the weekend so it a good idea to have nice feet to show off the shoes. I do a foot scrub, a cuticle clean and then a paint and polish.
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
1. Clinique High Impact Mascara, so I don’t scratch my eyes out – Available from StrawberryNET for $23 AUD!
2. David Jones brand Vitamin E Creamy Cleanser, super gentle
3. Benefit Brow Zings Brow Shaping Kit, to tame my crazy brows
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Water water water! Clears my skin, cleanses my body and is my instant headache cure. I drink over 2 liters a day. No product will ever have the same benefits as water.
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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 have bright pink hair! Charlotte Free is my favorite model of the season and she has the best fluro colour hair. But I’m not sure I would take the plunge due to time/money/fear!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Yoghurt in the morning, salad for luch and a meat dish for dinner. I snack during the day and usually have something sitting next to me while I’m drawing which kind of limits the food to portability and non-drippyness (so my work doesn’t get ruined!). My boyfriend is a wonderful cook so I always eat well!
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♥ Describe your fitness routine.
I swim about 2km 5 days a week at the local pool. I love it! It’s the only type of exercise I enjoy. I do special sets written out for me by a good friend who also happens to be one of the coaches for the Australian Olympic Swimming Team.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
No but I was discussing with a friend today how we would like to try Iridology, the iris analysis treatment. That would be really interesting to me.
♥ Some of Pippa’s gorgeous artwork
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
My favorite way to relax is with friends. I spend most of the day alone in my studio working so I really enjoy catching up with friends for a coffee or a drink out somewhere it’s an instant way to make me happy and reminds me that there is life outside my house!
Thanks so much to the lovely Pippa for stopping by for a chat! You can find out more about her work @ pippasworkablefixative.blogspot.com
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 4, 2012 | Events, Massage, Other
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Yours truly isn’t the biggest fan of music festivals, despite being a huge fan of music, the crowds, the craziness, the dirt, the heat and the standing for hours on end between bands you don’t-actually-want-to-see all leave me a grumpy mess about an hour in. But when you get to watch the band you came to see, then oh is it worth it.
I’ve long wished there was a way to make the bits I don’t like about festivals disappear… maybe get a massage or facial in between bands? A bit of a spruce up? Well kids this year Big Day Out goers are in luck because they’ve teamed up with the sweet smelling sugar doves at Lush and gone and made this happen!!!
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Think free face masks, massages, cool-down treatments and even bottles of their earthy smelling “Grass” shower gel for the washrooms. Pretty good. Even better is that these pamper sessions are FREE!!
So in between rocking out, jive on down (wrong era?) to the LUSH tent to chill out and get a little wellness into you while waiting for your fave band to play!
Check out www.bigdayout.com for more info on the event and let us know if you’re keen to check to get some festival style pampering!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
