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Hey guys, as some of you know I now write beauty pages for Xpress Magazine quarterly but was recently asked to do a fill in feature for the regular weekly issue. I decided to focus on the fact that beach and bathers weather is upon us and that it can be pretty scary!

If you’d like to download a copy of how it looks in the magazine you can do so: here (PDF version).

Otherwise read on for my top tips to beat the bikini body blues…

Summer is a comin, and with it, the promise of glorious sunny days and heat which can only be quelled by a trip down to the beach and a dip in the ocean followed by an icecream or bevvy. Sounds great right? You’ve picked out your adorable vintage inspired bikini online, stalked the postman for days and when it finally arrives somethings not quite right… suddenly you realise “I’M NOT READY FOR THIS NEAR NAKED PUBLIC DISPLAY OF FLESH!” and vow to spend summer indoors, dreaming of a snowy getaway.

But don’t give up hope just yet, if you’re in need of some guidance follow these tried and tested tips to beat the bikini body blues and reclaim the beach this summer!

IPL / SPL

Most people have heard of Intense Pulsed Light / Square Pulsed Light by now, but in a nut shell it’s a relatively quick and simple treatment that involves applying bursts of intense light to areas of the body to reduce hair growth (feels like a rubber band snapping on your skin, no worse than waxing).

It works incredibly well on bikini lines, legs and underarms and for those who are prone to ingrown hairs, is nothing short of miraculous (I used to be one of them and haven’t had an ingrown since)!

The real beauty of this treatment is in the freedom it allows you, with treatments every 6 weeks and a diminishing amount of hair each time, it gets easier and easier to slip into your bathers without any rogue hair worries. It works best on those with fair skin and dark hair, and is my number one tip for making summer easier.

There are plenty of places that offer these treatments, I’ve had great luck with: http://www.hairfree.com.au

Move Yourself

This one gets mentioned so much that it’s become more than a little redundant, there is a reason for the constant reminding though: IT WORKS! Exercising is the best way to burn calories and stress, plus get endorphins flowing around your body, all three of which will make you feel great and help you look good.

There are 54 million ways to get moving, from bikram yoga to bike riding, boxing to burlesque dancing – they will all help you get a toned tum and bum, plus improve your posture so that you stand up tall as you take your first tentative steps onto the sand this summer – just don’t burn your feet! Once you’re at the beach, you can even take it a step further by getting into some frisbee, beach volleyball, jogging along the shoreline with a pup… or you could take the unconventional approach and go for a swim.

Full Body Exfoliation

It’s time to put TLC’s “No Scrubs” out of your mind and allow yourself to enter the wonderful word of exfoliation. There’s something about having every inch of your body scrubbed that makes for feeling completely physically and mentally cleansed. It’s a great post-winter ritual that will leave your skin free of built up dead skin cells and able to get rid of toxins more efficiently. It will also make you look all smooth and glowy, which will help ease the pain of taking the majority of your clothes off. So make like a snake and shed that winter skin, you can have this done professionally at a day spa, purchase a cheap body scrub or make your own out of sugar and olive oil.

To (Fake) Tan or Not to (Fake) Tan…

So far we’re free of pesky hairs, feeling the benefits of exercising up a storm and have smooth glowing skin – so what next? The divisive topic of tan vs no tan of course!

Now I’m going to optimistically assume that everyone is onboard with me when I say: actual sun tanning is a Pretty Silly idea given we live in Australia and are unfortunately in peak hour public transport style proximity to our good friend the ozone hole, which means we are in the top four countries most at risk of skin cancer. So no sun baking okay? Yes? Great.

So now there are two choices: summery glow vs au naturale. Being of the more ghostly persuasion myself, I’m all for embracing the skin colour you born with. The advent of shows like Mad Men and all of those fancy historical films with beautiful “english rose” types has made being a fair skinned lass as equally acceptable on the beach as having naturally darker skin, so if you’re giving the colour of soy milk a run for its money then you can by all means EMBRACE IT without fear of social exclusion.

Both dark and pale skin needs to be covered up with cute hats, clothing when possible, protective sunglasses and lashings of sunscreen, or my favourite, Invisible Zinc.

If you can’t bear to get bare without a little extra colour confidence, then a spray tan is the best way to go. My pick is local brand Aussie Bombshell, who are currently taking the state (and Australia) by storm with their extremely natural looking sunless tans. You will still need to apply sunscreen though, no getting naughty and slacking off thanks. Yes miss.

These four suggestions should get you well on your way to bikini body confidence, all you need now is a warm day, your favourite beach and the all-clear from the lifeguard that there has been no shark sightings for quite some time. And that bevvy I mentioned earlier. Enjoy!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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Being Spanish, and suitably hairy (as my lineage implies) I am always on the look out for new and less painful forms of hair removal, and ever since I first heard about the exotic art of Threading, it has intrigued me. So whilst browsing through the Browne’s Every Woman Expo in Perth last weekend I took full advantage of the free demonstration being offered by Zubia’s Threading!

Now, before I start my review I have a little confession. This is hard to admit on a beauty and wellness website, but it’s vital to showcase just how good this treatment is. *deep breath* I haven’t waxed, plucked or touched by eyebrows for six months. *shudder* This was not a pretty sight.  

Being in the middle of an expo and in a line of about five other ladies, the environment was not really conducive to a soothing and relaxing mood that one normally expects from salons. However, I assume this would be very different when having an appointment in store. 

Sitting down in the chair, my technician went straight to work on cleaning up the tops of my brows, this I barely felt and was over in less than 2 mins. The next bit was a tad odd. In order to thread the arches, you’re required to place one hand above the top of your brow and one hand over your eye and pull the skin tight while your unwanted hairs are removed, just as quick and almost as painless as the tops!  

I was up out of the chair less than ten minutes later and completely overjoyed with my new brows, the technician not only removed all unwanted hair but completely reshaped them and opened my eyes up. There was absolutely no redness and I was ready to go! This was the most quick and pleasant hair removal experience I have ever had!

My new threaded brows!

“Threading uses a pure cotton thread that is twisted and skilfully manipulated to gently lift the hair off the follicle. The pain is far less than waxing and provides a more accurate shape. Unlike waxing, where you often find Houdini hair that dodge elimination, not a stray hair remains and you are left with a perfectly shaped brow.” – Scoop Magazine.

The main Pro’s I found with Threading as opposed to waxing and plucking are;

♥ Much, much, much, much, much less pain – the best I can describe is it’s like a light scratching/tickling
♥ Very, very, very, very, very minimal to no redness – YAY NO REDNESS!!!
♥ Superior lines and smoother contours – I’m guessing this is due to the thread being able to create a smoother line and more accurate shape 
♥ Super quick – I hadn’t had my brows done in 6 months and it still took less than 10 mins!
♥ The $19 price tag is pretty attractive too. 

Zubia’s Threading is located all over Perth and both walk-in and appointments are welcome, head to their website for all locations.

Review by L, your ultimate style icon and resident cat lady.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Free spray tans in Perth. Free spray tans in Perth. FREE SPRAY TANS IN PERTH!

I hope I have got your attention now! So I wanted to share with you this super cool secret that those who are already in the know will be cursing me for sharing. Sorry guys!

Aussie Bombshell is a fab new Perth based fake tan company who are responsible for tanning Sam and Renee from The Amazing Race Australia, but to my knowledge not the lovely ladies from Big W, (though I’m sure they would too!) as well as the Miss Universe Australia Perth girls! And many more notable devotees.

In order to be lucky enough to score a free spray tan, you just need to be a member of the Aussie Bombshell Facebook page, and be online when they announce their TRAINING TAN days, if you get in quick enough with a comment or phone call you can swoop yourself a spray tan from a trainee, which I hear should look just as fabulous as a regular one!

They’re only available on training days 🙂 If you would like to try an Aussie Bombshell tan without waiting for a Facebook announcement then check out their stockists page or phone Penni on 0408 123 245 for more details.

Hope you enjoy this little treat!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

♥ Lauren ♥

♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am 26 and have worked in the Beauty industry for 9 Years. In June 2010 I started my business “Beauty on the Grove”, which is a one stop hair and beauty shop. The business is combined with Setting Trends Hair studio in Parkwood. I love making people feel pampered and offer them plenty of time to relax so they don’t feel rushed out the door and there is absolutely no hard selling. I Love dancing with Friends, family summer holidays at Rottnest and spending time with my boyfriend Tim.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I use Oligodermie Skin Care which is based on various ingredients such as natural plant extracts, vitamins, essential oils, enzymes and marine algae.
I moisturize my whole body daily, cleanse/tone twice a day. Use eye cream, serum and moisturiser twice a day. During the week I exfoliate and mask once or twice a week. I also love to use Invisible Zinc and Youngblood Mineral Make up.

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I can’t go past a Hair treatment and Blow dry; it makes my hair feel so fresh and silky smooth. The personalised hair Alchemy Service by Wella combines two benefits in a unique treatment created by mixing a mask and an infusion related to individual hair needs. The girls at Setting Trends recommended it and now I am hooked!

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

The team of girls at Setting Trends Hair Studio know just what I like and are never harsh with my hair. They give the best scalp massages and totally relax me.

Mediterranean Charm

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

My favourite at home beauty treatment would be making sure my nails look glossy and tidy before the next day at work. I love to use OPI and China Glaze Polishes. At the moment I am wearing Mediterranean Charm by China Glaze.

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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Youngblood Mineral Foundation, It’s an ultra-fine, luxurious powder that creates a flawless coverage. It’s quick, easy and doesn’t feel like I am wearing make up.

2. Youngblood Ultimate Concealer, it’s great for under the eyes, as it has light reflecting minerals to hide imperfections and it also contains vitamins C and E.

3. Oligodermie Smoothing Body Lotion, it gives lasting nourishment and hydration to the skin, which regains its softness and flexibility. I apply it daily after a shower or bath.

♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Plenty of sleep! It makes you feel so refreshed for the day and keeps you looking younger. Facial massage I do regularly as its great for any puffiness, it stimulates the skins circulation, lymphatic system and relaxes the muscles. To top it off I feel fantastic when I have an Aviva Labs Spray Tan as it gives such a nice glow with out being over the top!




♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I have always thought about getting eyeliner tattooed as it looks great. I am just scared of the process and the pain…

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

A big breakfast is a must for me everyday to function properly. At the moment I enjoy multigrain Weetbix heated or cold, followed by some toast with home made strawberry jam.

Lunch is usually a salad wrap with chicken, ham or turkey.

Dinner is always different as I love to try new things. I enjoy Italian, Asian, Indian, spicy foods the list goes on….

During the day I am always snacking on oranges, nuts, muesli bars, chocolate, mums homemade cake or biscuits and all types of tea! I love my tea!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I am always on the go busy walking throughout the day in the salon and running errands. I try to do sit-ups, sometimes a work out DVD or go walking.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I regularly go and relax with some reflexology. It relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body
Every morning I take Swisse Women’s Green Ultivite it contains spirulina, green tea, pomegranate, olive leaf and St Marys thistle. All which are rich sources of green ingredients.

♥ How do you like to relax?

I de-stress with reflexology, going for a pedicure, chatting with a friend over cups of tea or playing with my niece and nephews who are very adorable!

Lauren Hartley
Beauty on the Grove
78 Vellgrove Avenue
PARKWOOD WA 6147

9354 8899
0423 149 655

Thanks Lauren for taking the time to share your beauty and wellbeing tips with us! If anyone has any questions, please leave them below! xo

Be well,

xoxo

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Every now and then we come across a new online resource that we love and are very excited to share with you!

My Spa Guide is a website dedicated to sharing reviews of day spas, Australia-wide, and you can join in the conversation! It provides a voice to the Spa Seekers of Australia, allowing you to share your spa experiences, good or bad, and to pass on spa recommendations to other Spa Seekers.

Sounds like a winner to us, and while you will of course continue to check out Wellness WA regularly, this could be a good addition to your researching needs – especially if you’re travelling interstate!

Let us know what you think of our new friends!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo