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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

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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:

♥ Official online store
♥ StrawberryNET
♥ Store locator

Review by Sheridan, Bobbi convert by day, music quiz hostess by night!

Be well,

xoxo

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I was thinking about all the products that I’m using at the moment, so thought I’d do a little post so everyone can check out what my current faves are!

♥ Dermalogica Pre Cleanse – $65.50

Rubbing this peculiar oil type liquid over my face prior to jumping in the shower, is reported to be good for dissolving dirt, makeup and helping shift blackheads. The interesting part, is that when you go to wash it off, the oil magically turns into a milky emulsion and leaves no trace of oil AT ALL. This is a fantastic first step to removing makeup, and also good for days when you’ve been sweating up a storm and need some extra power in your cleansing routine.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant $83.50

Ah, hello hero product! I previously talked about Daily Microfoliant here, but this powdery dream has continued to keep a highly-coveted spot in my bathroom. If you can I’d suggest trying to source a sample of this stuff, it smooths out any bumps on my skin with ease and I find it helpful with minimising breakouts. I can definitely tell when I’ve not been using it, as my skin tend to break out a littler more (AKA, right now! Need to get back into it with regularity!)

♥ Ren Rose Wash – $46

This cleanser is so beautifully rosy scented, that it just feels like you’re doing something good for your skin when you use it. For a gel cleanser it’s pretty impressive, as it doesn’t dry out my skin. Enjoying this for those two reasons… I use it with:

♥ Clarisonic Mia – $149

I’m not sure what I did before this came along. When I use it, my skin congestion, tone and brightness is about 75% better. No word of a lie! At $149 it’s a bit of an investment, but oh-so-worth it. If you’re in Perth you can head down to Bella Hart in Subiaco for a free instore trial (very handy).

Any of these look good to you?

Be well,

xoxo

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Back when I was 14 and used to squeeze lemon in my hair for the sun-kissed look and tried mum’s facemasks out for size, slices of cool cucumber over the eyelids was the next step for ultimate beauty afternoons. I’m not sure the lemon or the anti-aging mask worked on my wee self, but the cucumbers always had a soothing element that did some good on puffy eyes.

When the Yes to Carrots range came on the market, I signed up for the Cucumber variety designed for sensitive skin. I’m always wary of rich and creamy products after a particularly nasty rash was encountered after a face cream trial – which means I always end up going for the “sensitive skin” products just in case.

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I’ve been using the Daily Gentle Cleanser ($14.95) and Daily Calming Moisturiser ($23.95) for a month now and have had great results.

To be fair, I’m in the latter stages of pregnancy and my skin has been pretty good to me since the second trimester so this has had a positive influence. However, the cleanser does a thorough job despite being “gentle” and there has been no residue on my facial towel while drying my face. The moisturiser is gorgeous and you only need a small amount as it goes far. The only issue is, I have to leave it longer than usual to put on my make up over the top in the morning as it doesn’t sink in as fast as my usual moisturiser. On the plus side, my skin feels hydrated all day long and I don’t see any flakiness after a day a made up face in an air-conditioned office. The sweet almond oil and aloe inclusions are supposed to provide a healthy glow and I do feel it provides a lovely, plump look once it’s settled in.

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I also got to try the Calming Body Wash ($12.95 for 500mL), which is so refreshing in the summer heat. It’s also not a particularly feminine smell so I’ve gone through it at an alarming rate and my husband smells suspiciously cucumbery upon exiting the bathroom each morning…

Have you ever tried any of the Yes to Carrots products?
Cucumbers over the eyes?
Love to hear your thoughts!

Written by Lisa O’Neill, slowing down a little more every day but still trying to keep the healthy glow alive!

Be well,

xoxo

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I felt really lucky to be selected to attend the Perth Online Media Media event (#POBM) as one of the writers of Wellness WA. As you may know I contribute by writing articles about things that I am most passionate about, that is; exercising around Perth, cooking delicious food and treats to make yourself feel good and look pretty.

After our gorgeous day of pampering, eating raw food from The Raw Kitchen and meeting all the lovely girls, I finally had time to delve into my massive goodie bag. There were so many amazing products to choose from but I managed to pick 5 favourites. Here’s why they made the cut:

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1. A’kin Instant Radiance Facial Masque

This product was first given to me by Annette to trial and before that I had never tried any A’kin products before. I love this 100% natural botanical product and how it takes no time at all for this product to take effect. Apply on face, leave for 5-10 minutes then rinse! The masque is light and if your skin is looking a bit tired and dehydrated then I recommend it, it brings instant results for me. I even took it with me in my travel beauty bag on my recent international trip for pick-me-ups after a long haul of flights.

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2. Palm Beach Coconut and Lime Candle

At the moment, I am currently obsessing over the range of Palm Beach candles. Actually before I received this sample, I had already bought myself the bigger version in Wild Peony. It makes my room smell like a fresh bunch of flowers. The coconut and lime scent is just as good. Perfect size to sit on my tiny bathroom bench, and I love showering with a gorgeous tropical fragrance in the air!

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3. Echolife Cold Pressed Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

For those of you who don’t use or own any form of serum, I recommend this organic cold pressed rosehip oil. I’ll admit though, I had never tried rosehip in the form of oil before receiving this sample. I tried it after cleansing and exfoliating, then I placed two drops in the palm of my hand and gently pressed it on my face before bedtime. When I woke up, my skin appeared more smooth and hydrated, a winner product and a new step in my beauty regime.

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4. OPI Samoan Sand

Big fan of OPI and their colour range, but I have to tip my hat off at them once more, Samoan Sand is the perfect colour for my skin tone. It’s the natural look without being too pink, and corporate enough to wear in the office. I feel like this is going to be one of my go to colours when I don’t know what to wear on my nails.

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5. Bobbi Brown Lipstick in Salmon

Ah, as a recent convert to Bobbi Brown, this colour is perfect for summer, otherwise described as a pale peach, it’s just that right amount of splash of colour to add to your outfit. I love the feel of their lipsticks that contain Vitamin E, C and bees wax, it doesn’t feel dry and the colour has incredible staying power.

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And last but not least, a snapshot of my beauty haul. (Flowers not included!) I’m sure I’ll have new favourites next week when I finish going through them all!

Reviews by Kelly-Anne, graphic designer & beach lover.