by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 4, 2011 | Cheap / Free, Reviews
Aspirin. For myself and I’m sure, readers, this is synonymous with pain relief. However, there is a growing trend of using it in an entirely different way – as a face mask!
Aspirin is less commonly known as acetylsalicylic acid, a derivative of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a key component of various products used in the treatment of skin-related issues, including acne. Increasingly, budget beauty babes and home DIYers are using aspirin as a cheap, at-home face mask. Online beauty forums are filled with testimonials proclaiming the benefits of the ‘Aspirin Face Mask’ to combat redness, acne, pimples, oily skin and large pores, though there is some debate as to whether the mask works as a manual or chemical exfoliant.
As I have quite oily skin that has the tendency to break out a bit, with large pores and patches of rough skin on my nose and chin (I sound hideous! It’s not too bad 🙂 ), I decided to try it out for myself.
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From the internet, most people use 2 – 6 tablets per mask. I used 4 and crushed them to a fine powder in baking paper, using a small hammer. A few ‘bits’ were remaining in mine, and it made application slightly difficult.
Next, I mixed in about 5 drops of water. The amount depends on how runny you want your mask to be. Keep in mind that if it is too liquid or too dry, application will be tricky.
Mixy mixy.
The reviews advised using mixers such as water, aloe vera, honey, rose hip oil, witch hazel and cleansers such as Cetaphil. I decided to slather half my face with just aspirin and water and the other half with aspirin, water and about 4 drops of honey. I found that the mixture with honey was a LOT easier to apply – it was much less gritty and foamy and had more of a soft, gel texture.
Aspirin face!
After about 20 minutes, I washed off the mask with warm water. To me, there wasn’t any real difference between the two sides of my face. My skin was extremely smooth and soft – I couldn’t get over how silky it felt! The rough patches on my chin and nose were significantly reduced (although not gone completely) and while I couldn’t see any difference in pore size, my skin was definitely less oily. It is enough of a difference that I will definitely be using it again in the future.
The Nitty Gritty
Cost:
24 Pack Aspro Clear from Coles = $3.58 (4 tablets per mask = $0.60 per mask)
Honey – cheapest = approx. $0.65 per 100g (many, many uses per bottle)
Pros:
♥ cheap as chips (possibly cheaper, depending on any penchant for gourmet chips!)
♥ instant results
♥ fun fizzing sensation during application
Cons:
♥ slightly time consuming and a bit fiddly
♥ the water and aspirin mixture was a bit difficult to apply
♥ was a tad sticky, due to the honey and the saccharin sodium (I think)
♥ may not be ideal if you have dry or sensitive skin
Recommended Usage:
I would recommend that you only use this mask once a week at most. It was granular and slightly abrasive, so probably not great if you have sensitive skin unless you crush the tablets up VERY finely. In addition, some reports on the Internet stated that it is possible to build up a tolerance to the chemical properties of the mask.
Rating:
3.5 / 5
Review by Cassandra, beauty lover on a student budget and soon to be regional (Pilbara) correspondent!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 2, 2011 | Products
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And I think I’m in love. It was a quick courting period, I’m usually not that… well, easy.
Having been contacted by the lovely PR folk for Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, I rather shamefully admitted that I had not yet tried mineral makeup. Cue gasps.
I’ve always wanted to, it just seemed a little daunting to step out of my snuggly comfort zone and try something new… it turns out I wish I had sooner!
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Yesterday afternoon I found myself down at Skin Resus in Floreat, having my mineral makeup done by the loveliest of all girls. I went from wearing no makeup and feeling a little self conscious (not even concealer!) to having a HEAP of people complimenting the makeup on how it looked when it was finished. Very happy!
The best thing about the Jane Iredale makeup (and mineral makeup in general) that I’ve discovered so far, is the number of different powder shades available. As someone who has skin that is incredibly hard to find a match for, this is pretty exciting for me.
I will share a bit more about my favourites at a later date, but will end on this note…
If you haven’t tried mineral makeup yet, DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR!
There’s a reason that everyone bangs on about it so much!
Have you tried mineral makeup yet? I would love to hear your thoughts on your favourite brands and experiences.
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jul 1, 2011 | Inner City, Products, Reviews
KIT COFFEE BODY SCRUB (250G) RRP: $32.95
KIT Cosmetics have recently combined two of my favourite luxuries (& regular rituals) coffee & exfoliation = B – L – I – S – S !
If you’re anything like me & can’t bear to contemplate the day ahead until you’ve had your regular, must have, daily ritual morning coffee you’ll absolutely love KIT Cosmetic’s new trio of products inspired by Sensory Lab’s S1 Champion Blend. Featuring a freshly roasted coffee bean scent to literally awaken your senses, the range includes a Coffee Body Wash, Scrub and a delicious Coffee-Scented Soy Candle.
I was lucky enough to sample the scrub – thank you KIT Cosmetics!
As well as caffeine, the scrub features Vitamin E, organic jojoba and grapeseed oil, native Australian Botanicals and Australian sugar – a definite recipe for invigorating goodness. A welcome new addition to my morning beauty routine the scrub is not only a stimulating exfoliant, it also left my skin feeling ridiculously silky smooth & soft. As a coffee lover, I love waking up to the freshly roasted coffee bean scent!
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It is a well known fact that caffeine has positive effects on the mood such as increasing alertness and boosting feelings of energy and general well being & when combined as an exfoliant the positive effects are twice as beneficial. Who knew coffee was so versatile – genius!
Caffeine fix + invigoration + silky soft smooth skin all in one = P- E – R – F – E – C – T start to the day.
I definitely recommend a trip to your nearest KIT Cosmetics and adding this luxurious product to your beauty routine for an invigorating caffeinated kick start to your day.
Review by Jasmin, invigoration junkie and lover of silky smooth soft skin.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 28, 2011 | Alternative Therapy, Day Spa, Dining, Exercise, Food, Massage, North of River, Organic, Reviews
A day at a day spa… the scene was set with a perfect, blue-skied, almost winter day with a latte, Johnny Cash bellowing poetry on the speakers and my GPS pointing me in the wrong direction.
When heading out to the dreamy wonderland of Brookleigh – don’t trust your Sat Nav, people! Fortunately, I knew Brookleigh was next to Belvoir Amphitheatre and a lot closer than the GPS suggested. And it’s a problem the owners of Brookleigh have dealt with a lot, so get your directions clear before you hit the road unless you want a 45-minute detour.
So, back to the blue skies, latte and Johnny Cash… I arrived feeling pretty peaced-out and ready to relax. I met the wellness consultant and personal trainer, Rachel and owner Nikki on arrival and was impressed by how healthy they both looked. Both had glowing skin, very fit bodies and huge smiles… these were happy people and I was ready to discover the secret to their sunshine.
A Brookleigh horse
My day began with a personal training session with Rachel. We jogged past the beautiful horse stables (Brookleigh started out as an equestrian centre and still is an Olympic training venue), the chateau where the spa resides and guests stay and a “roundabout” which is a gorgeous, meditation-style garden.
Roundabout
We kept on joggin’ past all of these beauties and out the back of the property where an “obstacle course” awaits. It’s also an equestrian training area but nicely doubles as a people fitness area too. The jumps were utilised as push up, dip and sit up stations while a trotting area was used for some punishing sprints (it was here the heart rate monitor I had to wear really betrayed me, sounding like a hideous alarm going off as if warning everyone I was about to drop dead).
After the PT workout, we stretched by the small lake where Brookleigh hosts weddings every weekend throughout October to May. You can see why, with a quaint gazebo overlooking the lake which is perfect for the ceremony to take place. Huge trees, the neighing of horses and the surrounding paddocks combine to make you feel as though you are far, far from civilisation.
Next up was the spa treatment. I met with the lovely consultant, Lisa, and discussed facial options and confessed my skin woes. Breakouts in certain areas were plaguing me and I definitely needed help. I was treated to a lime sugar exfoliation to start, which sloughed off any dead skin on my legs. Despite Lisa warning me it might hurt a little as the sugar did its job, the scrubbing felt just right and my skin was glowing by the time it finished. The smell of lime was delicious. The massage was next and thankfully Lisa applied just the right pressure for the knots in my muscles to be erased while sending me into a state of utter bliss. Despite trying very hard not to, I also fell asleep in the later stages but I guess it’s a sign of ultimate relaxation so I tried not to beat myself up about it too much.
Guinot Facial @ Brookleigh.
The facial did wonders for my skin. Brookleigh has either Guinot or the local, organic range Joi Pure. Despite trialling Joi Pure previously and knowing it was delicious, my skin was in need for something a little stronger and Guinot was enlisted. I had the classic facial and Lisa used a peel around the troubled areas to break up the congestion. Despite my skin glowing afterwards, it was also a tad red and it wasn’t until a couple of days later that I really noticed the benefits. My skin really cleared up and it totally confirmed what I’d suspected all along… I need to be getting regular facials.
To complete the day spa package, I had lunch at Stewart’s Restaurant which is also a part of Brookleigh. Stewart’s is one of the best restaurants in the Swan Valley and has plenty of healthy options to complement the day spas and health retreats that are on offer. I had the salmon with roasted beetroot and pumpkin with a lemon sauce and holy yum, it was sensational. And post-meal, I felt as though my body was being further nourished rather than overly-full like you might at many of the wineries boasting first class restaurants in the area.
Urban Spoon restaurant rating: 
Nikki and Rachel mentioned the three and five-day health retreats now on offer and I think they sound fabulous. Half a day out at Brookleigh and I felt rejuvenated and as though I’d been much further from Perth than the 45-minute drive it was.
If you’re looking for a girls’ weekend (classy hens’ weekends would be perfect there), doing something for your health or simply a getaway from the daily grind without travelling too far, Brookleigh is the place you’re looking for.
Check out their website to see enticing pics and more info, call (08) 9296 0018 or email Nikki or Rachel on info@brookleigh.com.au.
Brookleigh is located at 1235 Great Northern Highway,
Upper Swan in the Swan Valley.
Article by Lisa O’neill, Freelance Journalist and Brookleigh’s newest devotee!
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jun 26, 2011 | Interviews, Wellness Tips, Western Suburbs
Belinda Hart!
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi, I am Belinda Hart. I founded Bella Hart – Beauty Emporium just over three years ago with the ambition of creating a comfortable environment for women to purchase cosmetics, skincare and fragrances. I have always loved beauty products but had always found it very uncomfortable and somewhat frustrating shopping in Department stores as the Beauty Advisors could only sell the brand they represented. In our store we can genuinely recommend the products that we think are best suited to your individual needs across all the brands we sell.
I am just about to have my first baby due in a few months, so life as I know is about to significantly change. I also have a new puppy arriving, which I am equally excited about.
The much loved skincare miracle: Clarisonic.
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I cant live without my Clarisonic, it is an electronic cleanser for the face and it cleanses your skin so effectively and leaves your skin feeling so soft and clean. I religiously use this every morning and night and even travel with it.
I have to confess I am a bit of a skincare junkie so I use a fair few products, it seems complicated but doesn’t take me more than a few minutes.
In the morning I use Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C, Hydrating B5 Gel and Eye Balm, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30, then Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer before applying my foundation. In the evening I use Skinceuticals Retinol every 2nd night and alternate with Skin Firming Cream and every night the eye balm. I exfoliate once a week with the Dermalogica Agesmart thermofoliant and then use one of the Apivita express treatment masks, whichever one I think my skin needs at the particular time.
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Once a month the New York facial from Bella Hart (where else…), it delivers immediate results and leaves my skin glowing. Its has the works a peel, Microdermabrasion and Vitamin C mask.
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♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Circles in Subiaco, they always do a fabulous job and are always up to date with the latest trends and product developments.
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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
The Apivita Express Masks. I love that they target every skin concern you could ever have so however your skin is feeling there is something to rectify your concern and they are just $6.90 for about four applications.
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
– Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturizer (with this your skin is always glowing)
– Lancome Virtuose Mascara
– Clarisonic cleanser.
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I think everyone in Australia should be protecting their skin with some form of topical Vitamin C. The benefits are significant, it promotes collagen production, its an antioxidant and protects the cells from damage, lightens pigmentation and overall gives your skin radiance.
Vitamin A or Retinol is also another secret weapon in preventing ageing and keeping the skin looking at its optimum. I have also seen great results with this reducing my pore size.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
Hypoxi is intriguing me at the moment, particularly appealing for after I have had my baby, it is supposed to be amazing for toning, which I am sure will be high on the agenda.
♥ yum!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
Not a good question for me at the moment with being pregnant and all, my eating has been very odd to say the least and not in the least bit typical. Lots of “chicken in a biscuit”, banana smoothies and big cravings for seafood.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
Prior to pregnancy I loved my RPM cycling and Pump classes but in the last few months I have had to modify that to Pregnancy pilates and walking. Cant wait to crank back up my exercise regime once the baby is born.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
I do try and once a month have a reflexology treatment with the most amazing therapist, I feel incredibly alive after it.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
Reading magazines and being anywhere surrounded by water, ideally on a boat.
Thanks for sharing your beauty and wellbeing with us Belinda, follow the link to find out more about Bella Hart Beauty Emporium.
Be well,
xoxo
