by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 28, 2011 | Events, Inner City, Products, Reviews
♥
Let me share some of my New Years Resolutions with you:
♥ Call or catch up with Mum and Dad once a week
♥ Try Omnilux and microdermabrasion
♥ Call my friends on their birthdays
♥ Finally learn, ONCE AND FOR ALL, how to apply makeup with at least a 1% degree of skill!
Last Saturday I turned up at Bella Hart in Subiaco in order to work on that final point. With my notoriously hard to match skin tone and eyes that I was certain just couldn’t ‘do’ eye makeup, the ‘Flawless and Minimalist‘ makeup workshop had found itself a tricky participant, but I was also hopeful my woes would turn out to be no match for the makeup experts.
The start of the class. The cute thing, which you can’t see very well here, is the cups! They have hearts on them š I thought it was a nice touch.
The workshops go for 2 hours, from 9:30am-11:30am, usually on a Saturday, and there were 6 of us workshop-ees in total, a mixed bunch – all with very different skintones and colourings, as well as one main makeup artist & her model / assistant.
Dani (makeup model / assistant) and Rachael, who ran the event showing us how to achieve an easy day look. I’d also like to note here that Rachael’s makeup was gorgeous, when she came up and greeted me at the start I was very impressed with how good it looked.
Armed with our sheet to write down the products we used and liked, an array of brushes, a personal mirror & our eyes and ears to watch and learn, we worked through each area of the face
As a makeup novice, I feel like I learned a lot!
Some of the highlights include:
♥ Finding a makeup shade that gives a bit more coverage than I would usually use, but looks great in photos. (Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation in Porcelain Ivory (yep, I’m a ghostie!)
♥ Finding out you can apply primer using a foundation brush.
♥ BECCA Fine Loose Finishing Powder in Sesame. Winner.
The BECCA powder in question!
I did struggle with the eye makeup section of the class, as I literally have only the most minimal skill in that department. Another member of staff who wasn’t involved in the workshop came over and helped me by doing a great look on me with eyeshadow – unfortunately it wasn’t the one that everyone else was learning, and I have no idea how to replicate it, so I’m still lacking the basic eyeshadow skills.
Half the group!
The other half. (sorry about the pics!)
Overall I would recommend this master class for sure! It was a bit rushed towards the end so it would be nice if there was an extra half hour or additional staff member on hand to help out with the workshop, but all in all it was a success and I left with some new tools under my beauty belt.
I think the best thing about the workshops are the range of products available to try – because there is a wide range of makeup brands, you’re not going to get forced into a ‘not quite good enough’ shade like you might if you attended a brand-specific event.
I did laugh though, because the minimalist look that we did on ourselves was actually WAY more makeup than I would usually use – even for going out at night as I don’t tend to wear a lot of makeup!
I will be attending and reviewing another three workshops being run by Bella Hart in the coming months, so please stay tuned for more photos and reviews š
I was invited by Bella Hart to attend the workshops.
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 27, 2011 | North of River, Other
♥ April Rose does the makeup for Little Gracie ♥
It’s always a great sign when your makeup artist has beautiful makeup. It also helps if they’re stylish and sweet, too!
Professional makeup artist (in training!) Jacqui Bradfield aka April Rose Makeup (and blogger at Don’t you know April Rose?) is creating a strong portfolio of work, before she’s even graduated.
Working on campaigns for up and coming Perth based fashion labels, as well as turning her family and friends into model look-a-likes, Jacqui has decided to turn her hand to doing YOUR makeup!
Jacqui herself!
Another Little Gracie makeup creation by Jacqui.
And click here to see the transformation of her little sister!
You can win your very own makeup sesh with Jacqui by entering her competition! Basically all you need to do is head over to the April Rose Makeup Facebook page, press like, and then you are entered in the draw.
The competition closes on 20 March 2011.
Good luck!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 25, 2011 | Beauty Salon, North of River, Reviews
♥
Iām not a facial girl by nature. If I have time, cash, and feel like treating myself then I am all over a full body massage. So when I was given a gift certificate for a facial for Xmas, I was hoping I could exchange it for something more my style.
The voucher was for Be Ba Beau in Highgate. A quick Google and I learned that they do not have a website (which always frustrates me), so I couldnāt see the price list for treatments and possible other options. After a few phone calls, messages, and finally a trip down to the actual salon – I had a hard copy of my options as well as the knowledge that the Beauty part of the hairdressers is a separate business- Beauty by Rayne, though the treatments take place by Rayne in the same super cute house as her Mumās salon.
My previous hatred of facials is only based on 2 experiences to be fair. The first one in London where for the full hour the therapist repeatedly put various smelling stuff on and then immediately off of my face and then in China at a crazy 24 hour spa which was just wholly bizarre in so many ways (email me and I will tell you why) and was a waste of my faceās time.
The anatomy of microdermabrasion.
Rayne listened to my facial concerns and suggested the microdermabrasion was the way to go, as it would be effective in reducing some of my zillions of newly acquired Perth freckles!! I had never heard of this sort of thing and thought that a voucher was a great time to do something I would not usually go for, especially when it would be of great benefit.
Now, there were a few teething problems booking in for my treatment, so when the day finally came I was excited to finally get in there!!
The facial itself was brilliant and worth the initial hassle. It contained all of the nice rituals that one would expect (exfoliation, face and neck massage, hot towel and mask) all done by Rayne who is gorgeous and so good at what she does. The best bit was the actual microdermabrasion which is āa mechanical medium for exfoliation along with adjustable suction to remove away the outermost layer of dead skin cellsā. It is a non-invasive procedure and wasnāt painful, nor pleasurable but boy did I see results quickly.
The exfoliation part has evolved from rocks, stones and shells, to crystals, particle-free diamond tips and particle-free bristle tips. Rayne uses a machine with diamond tips as she feels it goes deeper than most, without being too abrasive, she likes to go as deep as she can to decrease the amount of times a client has to come in for treatments. I was told that 1-2 more times would be most effective at this stage for me to really get at those pesky freckles but then I wouldnāt need constant treatments as my skin is in quite good shape.
A lot of women get it every week or fortnight and apparently it is very good for wrinkle reduction, as well as freckles.
This is a different kind of ‘freckle reduction’ hehe..
In terms of my own results… it worked a treat. My husband noticed immediately (a great feat in itself) and my skin looked like it had done during a Canadian winter!! I will now be staying out of the sun religiously and get top ups once in a while as a treat. I think it is not only great for older ladies as wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation, but also for us fairer sun babies who are sick of too many dark freckles and sun spots. I can think of a few friends with weddings coming up that may be interested too.
Rayne also informed me that they are in the process of getting a website up too, hooray!!
(But for now you can check out their Facebook if you are interested)
Microdermabrasion and decolletage and full facial: $130.
Be Ba beau Hair and Beauty
455 Beaufort Street, Highgate, 6003
Ph: 93282888
Review by Sarah Devlin, my personal trainer of choice and super cute freckly gal.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 24, 2011 | Exercise, Interviews
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
– Completed a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education at UWA followed by a Diploma of Education
– Began teaching PE and Health to year 8 – 12s at Christ Church my first year out and remained there for 8 years
– During that time I played netball and was determined to take that as far as I could despite the constant reminders that I was too short!
– During my netball off season my cousin Wesley convinced me to try a triathlon as a means to keep fit!
– Eventually enjoyed triathlon so much more and quit netball! The culmination of 3 different sports, swimming, cycling and running keeps it interesting and it also has a great social/community feel about it!
– After a few years of short course racing, my coach eventually convinced me to give an Ironman a go and after qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman, my first 2 attempts and finishing 3rd as an amateur at the World Champs I obtained my Pro license and have not looked back since!
– 4 years later I have quit my job and am a full time professional triathlete who spends 6 months of the year in Perth, and the other 6 months in Boise, Idaho in the USA
– Most recently I finally won my first Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia and it will be a moment I will never ever forget!!
Invisible Zinc 4 Hour Waterproof Sunscreen SPF30+
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
– First thing in the morning I am usually swimming biking or running, I will never leave the house without moisturiser, followed by Zinc on my face and lip balm on my lips.
– Zinc I either use Invisible Zinc or the skin coloured Sun Zapper Zinc stick you can get in Coles. It is perfect for those long, long days out in the sun.
– Moisturiser I use L’oreal day cream with suncream and an age perfect night cream.
– Lip Balm, every type of Blistex you will find in my drawer.
– Cause of all the swimming I have a leave in oil treatment for my hair because I don’t like to wash it every day!! I love to use Moroccan Oil.
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Massage (if you can call this a beauty treatment!) Once a week! My masseuse, Mark Eden, definitely knows how to keep me going strong! But otherwise i recently had a facial with my mother which I hadn’t done in years and was amazed how great my skin felt afterwards. Would like to make this a regular part of my beauty routine!
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I have a local hairdresser, Avant Garde in South Perth that I have been going to for years and it is so easy when they know you and your hair and I don’t have to always explain why my hair is in such bad condition after all the swimming and sweaty training! I can just sit there and relax and she knows exactly what I want!
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
A good facial mask or scrub! Once every week or 10 days! Gets rid of that dead skin and makes my face feel fresh again at least for a little while! I use Anew Clinical Micro – exfoliant.
So many to love!
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
– Blistex Lip Balm
– Sun Zapper Zinc Stick
– Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Sleep!! I think sleep is highly underrated! Letās be honest! How great do we feel and look (no bags under the eyes!) when we have a good nightās sleep! Lucky for me sneaking in an afternoon nap is something I try and do as much as can!
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
Bikram yoga, I have heard so much about it but haven’t found the time yet to do it! Definitely on the āto doā list!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I will usually eat a couple of pieces of toast with peanut butter before swimming training in the morning. This lasts a few hours and by the time I get home I am ready for my real breakfast of oatmeal with cinnamon, blueberries, banana, and maybe some more peanut butter and almond milk. This fills me up for the rest of the morning and I don’t need to snack. Lunch is usually a roll/sandwich of chicken or egg and salad. Otherwise sushi is also a popular choice. After snack varies between an apple, yoghurt, muesli/protein bar depending what is on the training schedule. Dinner is a protein (chicken, steak and salmon are my favourites) and salad or vegetables.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
Well fitness is my life so there is not a day that goes by (well very few anyway!) when I am not swimming, cycling or running! I usually have a day off every 10 days and a sleep in is absolute bliss!! Generally I will swim 6 times a week, run 5 times a week and cycle 4 or 5 times a week. If I am feeling up to it and try and get some core and strength work in but if I am tired they are the sessions that I will skip for a nap instead!
Fish oil!
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
Besides massage I am strong believer in Acupuncture/dry needling. I will have a session every couple of weeks if time permits to get rid of that tension in certain areas. With all the exercise and training I do I have been taking iron supplements to help prevent feeling too fatigued but also religiously take garlic and fish oil tablets so I don’t get sick!!
Thanks so much to Kate for taking time out of her very busy schedule to share her routine with us! Please leave any questions and comments below.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Feb 23, 2011 | Products
♥
I recently bought a nail polish from a petrol station. The colour was āgelatiā, I thought it looked āfunā and āstrikingā so I bought it, got it home, painted away and within about 4 hours it was starting to chip off and by the end of the next day ā¦ gone completely. Moral of the story: donāt buy nail polish from a petrol station no matter how āstrikingā or āfunā you think it might be.
Now if I had used my common sense (woah Adriane, not so fast!) and actually thought about this most impulsive of all buys I wouldāve realized my folly. Alas, I did not. In fact the words I used to describe my old mate gelati would best be saved for OPIās new nail polish out on the market, Black Shatter. Now as the name suggests my gelati and OPIās Black Shatter are both going to give you a cracked, āshatteredā finish on your nailsā¦the difference being gelatiās is unintentional.
The effect of Black Shatter over nail polishes in the ‘Katy Perry for OPI’ range
With OPIās Black Shatter you simply paint a thin layer of the black varnish over whatever colour your nails happen to be painted and then THROUGH THE MAGICAL PROPERTIES OF NAIL POLISH, watch the black coat shatter and crack as it dries revealing your original nail varnish colour poking through to say hello. And the best news? You obviously get to choose what colour is underneath so you can make the look as individual as you like. Will little bits of nail polish flake off? No you goose, stop thinking ācheap, flaky nail polishā and start thinking ācool nail polish effectā. But I guess you could apply a top coat if you were really worried about it.
Still confused? Itās kind of like when as a kid you took a piece of paper, crayoned the whole thing in a bunch of different colours and then coloured black over the top of all that and then took a tooth pick and drew a picture of your family. YEP EXACTLY THE SAME AND JUST AS GOOD (minus the need for a toothpick).
If you want a striking and fun look why not give this a go. OPI are the reference point when it comes to nail polish so you could say they have this pretty well down pat, and my senses tell me that this Black Shatter of theirs is going to be a hit.
Ms. Perry gets her nail on.
Ed’s note: Creates a leopard print look in the blink of an eye, two parts sassy to one part pretty – it’s no wonder K-Perry is the muse for this unique little number!
Available online at Adore Beauty or your best bet to get this seriously limited edition gem in stores will probably be David Jones.
Review by Adriane Daff, not afraid to buy cosmetics at petrol stations. Winner.
Be well,
xoxo
