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Picture a scene: you and friend sitting around doing what you do and all of a sudden their phone goes 'buzzzzz buzzzzzzz' then a second later yours goes 'buzzzzzzz buzzzzzzz' and after reading you both look up and almost perfectly in synch say; 'is $49 for 10 yoga sessions a good deal?'

Has that happened to you? No? It will. Why? Because everyone's inboxes are filling up with DEALS DEALS DEALS! Quick as a wink.

So today I'm going deep for you guys, I'm seeking out the deal BEHIND THE DEAL. And my dealer of choice today, is Groupon. In the first instance it must be said, I know it seems a little overwhelming. I know it seems easier to just bin that email without opening it. But if you do look you may just stumble upon a shining shimmering splendid.

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So with that in mind and for the purposes of this article I decided to get myself a 24-piece Makeup Brush Set for $29. I had a choice of colour (black or pink) and the delivery was free. TWENTY NINE DOLLARS! PINK! FREE! !!! My choice was motivated by the fact that I have always gazed at makeup artists brush sets in giddy wonderment (in that clap your hands together and bob on the spot kind of way) and as previously mentioned on Wellness WA, I massively enjoy drawin' on me face.

To balance this out I also bought a 20 session pass to a gym for $49 (CBD Health Spa, a gym I like and where WE ARE LOVING that I don't have to buy a full year membership, aren't we guys?) so we are now looking at a product and a service. Range. I like it.

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The brushes are flipping marvellous. I really cannot believe how it worked out to a little over a dollar a brush because the quality of them is so good. No stray brush hairs coming loose and hanging onto your chin like you're growing the world's thinnest most disgusting beard and my makeup application game has gone up a notch or two- hey don't wanna brag…all in all I'm THRILLED. The only downer was that they literally took months to be delivered – like 3 months- but my unease about that has subsided since I use these brushes everyday and am so happy with them. Plus the delivery was free so maybe chill Adriane, gees.

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And the gym one? Um…well…you know…uhhh- that one was instantaneous as soon as I bought it and so there were no problems in THAT regard. Full access to the 24hr gym, all classes and even a couple of PT sessions. But I've only been about three times. I KNOW. But I've got three months to use that one so I'll just, you know, go every single day from now until the end of the year and then I will be the Queen of Groupon Success*. That's totally possible right?

If you've been ignoring those emails because they are annoying you in their multitude then downscale to the ones you are interested in (yes you can choose) and be in it to win it. You might end up with something useful for yourself or your loved ones.

What do you guys reckon? Have you got a good Groupon deal of late?

*Groupon never said they would MAKE me go, that has to come from within…is there a deal that could help with that?

Reviews by Adriane Daff. Make up enthusiast and world class gym procrastinator.

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Who likes drawing?

HAHA THAT’S A TRICK QUESTION- everyone loves drawing! I love drawing. And I love drawing on my face, that’s part of the reason why I love makeup so much. Because, if you feel like so inclined, it’s your way of showing the world that pink and green and red and freckles and glitter can co exist in a peaceful harmony of lines and lashes. Drawing on my own face satisfies some deep childhood, primal need.

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Some months ago I purchased Benefit’s High Beam Illuminator, which is a kind of pearly paint that you put on your face with a mini paint brush to make yourself look awesome. And I lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvve it (I’d put like a million vs in there if it wasn’t so obnoxious), oh my goodness I wear it practically every day.

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So imagine my giddy heights of excitement when I learnt that Benefit are now releasing another product which is the same principle of High Beam but in a pencil AND in a different color. Woah, woah, woah did you say PENCIL? Where do I sign up? Whereas High Beam gives you a Snow Queen chilling vibrancy, the new benefit High Brow Glow pencil gives you a champagne pink glow, like some sort of Studio 54 goddess. Yeahhhhhhhhh (with a million more hs). So here’s what I thought.

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The High Beam paint (lets call it that for ease) will always have a place in my makeup bag because of the doll-like non-greasy sheen it gives my skin. I usually use it on my brow bone, top my cheekbones and sometimes even the inner corners of my eyes.

The beauty of the new pencil is that you get a different color therefore a warmer look- I’m quite pale so the frostiness of High Beam works for me but I’m imagining when we came back into summer or for the more olive toned ladies amongst us, this new color in the High Beam Glow pencil, will be like all your Christmases have come in June.

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Also, being a pencil, I found I had greater precision and control, for example the pencil meant the inner corners of my eyes were a lot easier to get to. I also must point out, because this is kind of cool, you can use this nifty pencil on the sides of your nose and other places on your face for contouring!!! I don’t know a lot about contouring but I wish to know more, are you someone who knows a lot about this? Or would you like to know? Do you want your face to have the smooth plains and contours of the Swiss Alps? Yeah same. You should get the pencil.

Actually, can you get both? You should. Wonderful products that are not just for eyebrows, that have filled a big hole in my makeup routine, nice work benefit!

Available at Adore Beauty!

Also Check out Jade’s review of Benefit’s Watts Up illuminator on this very website, these guys have something for everyone!! <3
What do you think of the High Beam Illuminator and High Brow Glow Pencil? Do you like drawing? Lets talk about these things in the comments!

Review by Adriane Daff, glow enthusiast, drawing lover, excitable human being.

Be well,

xoxo

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When I think of the ingredients on my shopping list that make my senses a little bit excited, my mind wanders: the fantastic pop of colour carrots add to my summer salads, the unique flour alternatives such as rice flour to mix through home-made muffins or pancakes, and beetroot, which is messy, but oh-so delicious. So you can imagine my surprise when I heard these foods were in the Ere Perez natural cosmetics I was to review! Since they arrived on my door-step, the oh-so delicious products continue to make me that little bit more excited every day.

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♥ Natural Rosehip Oil Lipbar – $21.95

I love everything about this product. From the subtle, nude colour, to the way it just glides onto my lips, to the hydrating Rosehip Oil and SPF15 in it. I’ve been using it almost every day, and unlike a lot of lipsticks and glosses, it doesn’t leave my lips feeling dry afterwards, instead they feel nourished and fresh!

♥ Natural Beetroot Cheek and Lip Tint – $29.95

There isn’t much sexier than a flawless face and red lip, and whilst the flawless face may not always be achieved on a day to day basis (unless you’re a Kardashian) a good red lip definitly can be! The Beetroot Cheek and Lip tint is perfect for adding glamour to your lips, however be sure to use it fast, as the tint does begin to soak in immediately and can look blotchy if you don’t apply speedily!

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♥ Natural Almond Oil Mascara – $28.95

Whilst I do swear by my L’Oreal mascara, this one is nearly as impressive. It lengthens and separates the eyelashes wonderfully, and also has the added goodness of containing Almond Oil as an extra treat for the lashes.

♥ Natural Tinted Rice Powder – $37.95

I don’t like to wear a lot of make-up however a sweep of bronzer always makes an appearance and Ere Perez has a fabulous bronzer. The Tinted Rice Powder in Rose is perfect for women of all skin tones wanting to add a natural colour to their cheeks or eyes with a chemical-free product, did I mention it’s completely vegan too?!

♥ Natural Carrot Cheek and Lipbalm – $27.95

Small, compact and nourishing, the Natural Carrot Cheek and Lip Balm adds a little bit of uplifting colour to your lips or cheeks for busy days or wine filled nights. I think it’s the ideal product to have in all of your handbags or to give to girlfriends as gifts.

What do you think of these all vegan and natural products? Would you give something like ‘carrot balm’ a go?

Written by Jade, lover of all things rosehip, carrots and a good red lip!

Be well,

xoxo

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

I have been hairdressing for 19 years and a freelance makeup artist for 12 years. I started my own business 12 years ago. With the support of my amazing husband – I love doing lots of little projects in the beauty/fashion industry. I was a finalist for the AHFA’s Makeup Artist of the Year 2011, 2012 and April/May this year I will be heading to Sydney for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week with the Redken Session Stylist Support team. I will be starting at Channel 7 in May doing hair and makeup. I am also a mum to a 12, 3, and 22mth old.

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine. (please include specifics about brands/products used)

I cleanse with Cetaphil face wash morning and night, twice a week I use Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub and moisturize with Cetaphil Moisturiser or Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Creme. To remove my eye makeup I use Bioderma Crealine and for my lips I use Lucas’ papaw ointment.

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

Every couple of months I have a facial with Danne Montague-King products by a home based therapist. It was the only product/treatment that cleared up my adult acne.

♥ There’s a hairdresser in here too! [pic source]

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

The team at Distracted in Leederville. Besides having had the opportunity to work there, Mark and DJ are amazing at their craft.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

I use a teaspoon of Bicarb soda mixed with Cetaphil cleanser for a great face and body exfoliant.

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

Lucas’ papaw ointment (as a lip balm), concealer (loving Yves Saint Laurent, touché éclat), Semi permanent brow pen (for those perfect brows) and Lancome mascara (I know that’s 4, but couldn’t help myself)

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

Laughing out loud with family and friends.

Being grateful for at least one thing each day.

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

♥ Jhana Meditation Grove

Meditation retreat at the Jhana Meditation Retreat Centre, run by the Buddhist Society of WA

And any treatments at Annasha Day Spa in Gooseberry Hill.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Easter hasn’t been kind!

On a good day, I juice my own juice in the morning, muesli with rice milk, a piece of fruit, sandwich or Sumo Salad, either a vegetarian rice or pasta dinner. Lots of salad from my garden.. and trying to drink more water. My next purchase would be a Vita Mix to make green smoothies..

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I try to either walk or bike ride. I recently purchased a kiddie trailer for my bike, to bring my babies along for the ride.

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

Regular visits to the Chiropractor for well being. I take a pro biotic, flaxseed capsule and a multi vitamin.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

More sleep would be nice! Spending time in my veggie garden and going to meditation run by the Buddhist Monks.

Thanks for sharing Nicole! If you have any questions for Nicole, please leave them in the comments below! 🙂

Be well,

xoxo

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The start of the REAL autumn-y weather has put a spring in my step. I don’t know what it is, but my whole outlook changes when the cooler weather starts setting in. I feel happier, more content and like there are endless possibilities to be explored. It’s a fun time. Plus, there’s lots of tea to be consumed! I am planning on hitting up T2 very soon to pick up a whole bunch of new brews to keep me toasty over the winter.

I’ve been crushing on so many things lately, but these 5 are the cream of the crop! Hope you enjoy 🙂 x

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♥ Chantecaille Future Skin

Being of porcelain complexion is hard. HARD I TELLS YA! Finding a foundation shade that suits my skin tone perfectly often takes many trips to the shops and frequently ends in frustration.

I was once told by a makeup artist working at a Clarins counter that fewer lighter shades are sent to Australia because we’re generally more tanned than those in Europe or Asia. Interesting! But no good for ghosties like me.

Luckily I’ve found my new favourite in the form of Chantecaille Future Skin!! They have a a bit of a range of paler shades (5!) and the Porcelain one suits me perrrrrrfectly. Sometimes I like to pop in a little Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser if I need a bit more of a glow, but usually priming with rosehip oil after cleansing does the trick. Chantecaille Future Skin is $105 for 30g, so it’s a pricey peach, but worth it if you’re like me and find it tough to get a foundation match 🙂

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Kale Chips

What can I say but – AH-MAZE-ING. After hearing so much about this healthy crunchy, snacky alternative to potato chips, I decided to finally make some of my own. I’m so glad I did. There are so many benefits to eating kale (here are the top ten!) and it is soooo yummy steamed as well.

How to make kale chips:

♥ Tear kale off of stalk into small bite sized pieces and place into bowl
♥ Drizzle olive oil over the kale and massage into all the leaves so that they are all very lightly coated – you don’t want them dripping
♥ Arrange on baking tray, sprinkle with Caesar Salt
♥ Put into oven heated to 180 degrees celcius and cook for 12-15 minutes

ENJOY!!! A seriously yummy snack, and healthier than potato chips. I made a gigantic batch tonight and it’s official, I’m in love.

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Fab Iron

I’ve recently started taking these iron tablets as I’ve been feeling pretty tired. I know that my iron is low from the last time I had my blood levels checked, so hopefully this will keep me all iron-ed up along with the Floradix that I sometimes take too. Super easy to swallow and I like that it’s in vegecaps and 100% vegetarian and vegan suitable 🙂

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Noni Juice

I’d always been curious about this juice, since Miranda Kerr touts it as one of the reasons she is so healthy / ridiculously good looking, unfortunately I found the price quite expensive so never got around to trying it. Fast forward to last Thursday when I attended the Perth KORA Organics event (more on that to come soon) and we were lucky enough to receive a bottle of the purple grape flavoured noni juice!

Apparently this stuff is packed full of minerals and antioxidants and will neutralize free radicals like it aint no thang. I’ve been taking it for about a week now, so can’t really comment on the benefits yet, but it tastes pretty good so long as it’s mixed with water, and I don’t think it’s doing me any harm so I’m going to continue with it!

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♥ Be Asleep Pillow Spray

This relaxing sleep mist is different to most in that the prominent scent ISN’T lavender. Containing bergamot, cederwood atlas, lavender, roman chamomile, lemon and mandarin, it really does smell a little more citrusy but is incredibly relaxing at the same time. I’ve been spraying this all over my pillows every night and instantly feel calmer once I catch the first whiff. For extra relaxation you can spray some on your feet too!

Recommended for anyone who needs a little extra help falling asleep at night due to a stressful or busy lifestyle.

Extra: Naturlea, the company who produces the sleep spray, also hold product parties (all the prods are sublime) and for the month of April & June, if you book a party you get a FREE rosehip oil! Get in touch with Nyssa if you may be keen: nyssabowker@naturlea.com

I hope you guys have enjoyed my beauty and wellbeing crushes this week! I’d love to hear yours 🙂

Be well,

Annette

xoxo