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Winter. Arch nemesis of the skin. Ruler of the dry patches. Creator of sensitivity. All round bad guy. Every winter it’s the same thing. I have a shower, cleanse my face and once im out my skin feels tight and sore. I then tone and moisturise only to still have the same symptoms. It’s a never ending battle and frankly I’m over it. However there is light at the end of the dry tunnel, a brand whose cape is blowing in the wind, a brand ready to step in and defeat winter…. its name, is Dermalogica.

I have been using three products from the Dermalogica range over the last two weeks. Using them in my daily (this is the key ladies, no slacking off!) routine has created the soft supple skin I yearn for in winter. I’m going to give you the hard out facts now, as I know I can lose some people when I start droning on about the technical side of skin care.

♥ Miracle Prod Number One: Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster.

This little sucker has wonderful ingredients in it like Raspberry, honey and flower extracts, all aimed at calming and soothing your skin. This little bottle of wonder is a concentrated, oil-free liquid, which you can pop onto your skin after toning and before moisturising. It’s kind of like a serum buuuuutt it’s not. Go easy on this one, only a few drops will do. After application my skin feels less tight and itchy. We are on our way to beating winter!

♥ Second wonderful product: Dermalogica Barrier Repair.

A waterless moisturiser that contains Oat and botanical actives, vitamins C, E and a million other wonderful ingredients. This moisturiser comes out of the tube clear, and goes on silky and matte. As its name suggests it forms a barrier between the big bad Winter and your skin. As it does have a matte finish, I like to pop a light weight moisturiser over the top.

♥ The third Winter fighting product: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque.

This mask is for extremely dehydrated and prematurely aging skin. Sounds drastic, but that dry feeling you get after the shower? That’s your skin prematurely aging. To combat this, the mask contains Evening Primrose Oil and vitamins A and B. I loved this mask, it’s thick, creamy and oh so nourishing. I also popped a little of the Soothing Booster on before applying it just to give it a helping hand.

So there you are, three wonderful products all assisting you in the fight against Winter skin. With these three powers combined, you WILL beat the Winter beast and come out with soft, glowing skin. Cue superhero music!

Just a side note:
*If you are worried about congesting your skin with these extra prodz, just pop a scrub into your shower routine twice a week and don’t forget to cleanse!

Review by Jacqui, blogger, makeup artist and winter skin sufferer!

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Just being told that a product is organic is really not enough these days, so when I’m told a product is Certified Organic and Cruelty Free, I tend to stand up and take notice. This is the case with Planet Eve Organics, yummy Australian-owned skincare products that live up to their name, with an abundance of natural ingredients.

I was lucky enough to trial the Facial Cleansing Oil, Luxe Body Creme and Super 5 Eye Firming Gel.

The cleansing oil is PERFECT for all skin types, which is a rarity. As someone with combination skin, I felt the smooth and nourishing cleanser was moisturising my cheeks, while my nose and chin didn’t have that oily feeling that makes you think you just washed your face with a margherita pizza. The perfect balance!

The Luxe Body Creme is exactly that – luxe. With the combination of rose, shea butter, jojoba and macadamia, I felt like I was treating my skin to the love it deserves. The first time I applied, I was aware of the strong smell, but this seemed to grow on me over the week. While it’s a lovely scent of rose, I’d put off use until the morning if you have a sexy significant-other staying in your bed and you haven’t quite hit the ‘long-term and in love’ phase of your relationship!

The Super 5 Eye Firming Gel was definitely my fav, with some excellent packaging bonuses. The gel comes like a pen, where you simply click the end to produce the gel and then gently roll the cooling ball around eyes. This allows the opportunity to massage the delicate eye area while revitalising and firming the skin. The Super 5 are incredible ingredients: Acai berry, gingko biloba, acacia, aloe and rose. This combination is both anti-ageing (you’re never too young to start thinking about this!) and ideal after a big night out (more to my benefit!). This product has already taken prime position in my handbag!

Let us know which products sound good to you?

Do you have any Certified Organic & Cruelty Free favourites?

Reviewed by Ellie Swift, part-time music industry participant and writer, full time product junkie.

Be well,

xoxo

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Choosing a treatment at a salon or spa, is like trying to choose what flavour you want at the icecream shop. They all look so yummy, and you know they’ll all make you happy (albeit tinged with possible slight regret in the case of icecream!), so you mentally ‘taste’ them all, licking your lips and thinking about the future experience…

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It’s scenes like these that make me contemplate a Personal Icecream Assistant!

These deliberations of the most fun kind are what I experienced when I was trying to pick a ‘Spa Retreat Package’ at Ella Bache in West Perth, who kindly allowed me to trial one for review.

In the end I decided on a Mind & Body Rebalance ($230) because, like most, it’s something I’m constantly in desperate need of!

The two-hour treatment includes a full body Hot Rocks Massage (a delicious alternative to regular massage as the weather cools down) and Shirodhara Therapy, which involves a stream of oil being poured over your third eye, located between the brows and up towards the hairline.

I’m all about options and customisable treatments, we’re all so different within ourselves on a day-to-day basis, let alone different from each other, that I believe spas and salons REALLY need to make their treatments as bespoke as possible in order to best cater for their clients. With that in mind, I was pleased to be offered the choice between scented and unscented massage. I went for the earthy smelling oils, but am also keen on a scent free massage too, depending on my mood.

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My therapist Maggie did a great job of making sure the rocks were never too hot. At times I thought she might have been a magician, making hot rocks appear out of thin air as I swear her hands never left my body to be able to pick one up!

The highlight of the hot rocks experience was… having my ears massaged! Not with rocks, and just ever so lightly, but I don’t think I’ve ever had that before and my gosh was it dreamy! My little ears must have had a bit of tension pent up in them because they adored the attention.

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Next up, the Shirodhara! But first, a word of warning:

Your hair is going to resemble an oil slick afterwards, plan on being plan-less to capitalise on the goodness of nourishing sesame oil. Your scalp will love it!

During this treatment, a ceramic container is positioned over your ‘third eye’ and oil streams out continuously. It’s a unique feeling, somewhat like a fish nibbling on your forehead! Afterwards I got to take a shower and wash away all the oil (I had somewhere to be!), which was much appreciated. They even provide a hair dryer for you, nice.

The only slight negative to my experience was that it was a little noisy on the Saturday I went in, which meant I couldn’t relax to the full extent that the treatment would have allowed me to. Regardless of that, I felt amazing for the next two days afterwards – very clear and calm.

Haven’t tried a hot rock massage or shirodhara treatment? I certainly recommend it!

Ella Bache West Perth

1260 Hay Street, WEST PERTH, Western Australia, 6005
Ph: (08) 9321 0560
E: ebspa@iinet.net.au

Ella Bache products are available online at StrawberryNET!

If you have tried either of these, or want to, leave a comment!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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In my elusive search for finding & making ‘me’ time, in order to reflect and just ‘be’ in a self inflicted hectic schedule of work, exercise, socialising & living life in general, I recently attended a 1 day ‘Learn to Meditate’ workshop at the Dharmapala Buddhist Centre in Fremantle accompanied by my ever so supportive Mum!

An avid Wellness devotee, I was well aware of the numerous benefits of mediation but required the 1-0-1 on ‘how to’ meditate. Being a visual learner by nature led me to seek out a local facilitated course, rather than ‘googling’ it & sifting my way through the vast array of information available on the net.

The workshop was facilitated by the Resident Teacher who provided an inspiring and entertaining guide to the essential practices of meditation, including stilling of the mind and contemplative meditation. The course provided the basic instructions needed to incorporate and establish a regular meditation practice into busy daily life.

A delicious vegetarian lunch, morning and afternoon tea were provided which consisted of an abundant assortment of fresh, healthy and re-energising foods.

At the end of the workshop I was inspired to make meditation a part of my daily routine. I’m not quite there yet, however writing this review has reignited my mission to do so! Research shows it takes 21 days to form a habit, so my goal for the next 3 weeks is to take 10 minutes out of my day to meditate, reflect and be grateful & make it a natural part of my daily routine long term.

I would definitely recommend attending the course if you’re seeking guided inspiration for your mediation practice or are just interested in finding out more about meditation in general. The centre volunteers were warm & welcoming and did I mention the food was amazing?!

p.s The course would make a great gift for a loved one.

Visit the Dharmapala Buddhist Centre / Meditation in Perth website for more information on the course structure & other courses available.

Review by Jasmin Chipper meditation rookie, busy expert.

Be well,

xoxo

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When was the last time you really fell in love, disappointment free? I fall in love over and over again when my will leads me towards the scenic hills landscape of Roleystone.

Where to? Genesis in the Hills; where the division between food and love is negligible.

You’ll know you are on your way to something special when the road starts winding and the still of nature starts to permeate.

The organic garden @ Genesis

You will be welcomed through a fairytale pathway which leads to the outdoor decking of this beautiful eatery, dressed with both lounge and formal style seating, naturally bathed in morning or afternoon sun. Inside the French doors; you will be greeted by a homely feeling that will bend your will, just enough. Yes, you’ll be staying, a little longer, than you usually would.

People are an essential ingredient to the overall effect of Genesis in the Hills. You will feel openly welcomed by Ita and Rivka, the women behind the concept, who, without fail, express a warmth that couples perfectly with winter chills and warm vegetarian food.

Genesis in the Hills is open Thursday to Sunday every week. 10:30-5pm on Thursday and 8:30-5pm Friday to Sunday, I adore mornings, simply because, a smile is a perfect way to meet the day. You can expect delectable cakes, quality coffees, elegant teas (like Persian rose and Sencha green) and simply scrumptious mains (vegetarian/vegan friendly).

Yum! ♥

I favour a spiced fruit and sweet potato cake with a soy cappuccino or raw juice with ginger, but I have pleasured in many other taste delights, from herbed sour dough breads to soups, salads and open sandwiches (unclose-able because they are so generous).

Aside from boasting incomparable coffee, food and atmosphere, they also host Art exhibitions throughout the year, which makes every visit to this location, a complete sensory experience. Unequalled, Genesis in the Hills is a love worth experiencing at least once. I guarantee it, but don’t hold me accountable if you become addicted! It is only natural. Enjoy!

Contact details:

Genesis in the Hills
124 Croyden Road
Roleystone WA 6111

Ph: 9397 7799

Genesis Facebook page
Web: http://www.genesisinthehills.com.au
The next up and coming event at Genesis in the Hills!

Review by Lavida Rose.

Be well,

xoxo