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Beauty Product Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence!

After having my facial at Endota, I started thinking about a lot of steps I skip in my skincare routine. Because I MISBEHAVE and sometimes don’t do the right thing by skin. However, I do enjoy complaining about it, loudly, and on the Internet.

In the facial I had my therapist use a toner on me, ok no big surprise there. But I had slacked off in that department. And I feel really bad that I slacked off because I had a bottle of SK-II sitting on the shelf at home waiting for me. (Bracing myself for the backlash here) This product has CULT STATUS and I can’t believe I hadn’t started using it sooner…but you see there was one problem…

SK-II is the kind of product your boyfriend looks at and says ‘what’s that bottle of water for?’ and you say ‘ITS NOT A BOTTLE OF WATER YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THE SECRET WONDERS OF BEING A WOMAN‘ but inside…I did not know what to do with this bottle of water. There were no instructions in English, only a few lines on the back of the bottle in Japanese…(and my year 9 level understanding of this language was not going to cut it). So I turned to the Vogue Forum, which is where I go when I have any of life’s big questions, and don’t-you-know-it those Voguers knew what the heck was up. Use it like a toner GUYS!

I learnt a little more than this though, such as, you can put about 5 drops into your palm and apply it to your face with your hands or put it on a cotton wool ball and apply it that way. Apparently if you want the product to last longer…go for the hands. I also learnt that you could keep it cool in the fridge for an added indulgence. Sweet!

The secret ingredient is….Cate Blanchett…HAHA- just kidding gang, although I think her perfect face sure helps sales, but really the secret ingredient is Pitera. After much research into yeast our friends over at SK II discovered that it was Pitera that was keeping the Japanese sake brewers hands so soft and supple, and they thought we better chuck this on our faces quick smart.

And honest to goodness it is good. I use it as a toner (as we by now have well and truly ascertained) before applying a moisturizer and have been using it twice a day (I rub the leftovers into my hands like Mr. Burns to get the most out of every drop) and I have really noticed some truly great results. The product is supposed to target; firmness, wrinkles and spots but I have seen a dramatic difference in the texture of my skin. Like, a serious difference.

My skin was so dry it was like a crusty salt lake and (ready for this visual image) this bottle of water has restored the moisture and texture of my face back into a bountiful ocean (salt lake > water > ocean). It just feels so smooth and re-hydrated. It fits in perfectly with the rest of my skincare regime and I really enjoy using it. It is expensive but I also do really think it’s worth giving a go, even if it is only once because I haven’t spoken to one person yet who has had a negative experience.

Actually, if any of our readers have, leave a comment…I honestly would love to hear your thoughts because, I know for me, this innocuous looking bottle of water has given my skin a winter resurrection! Rejoice!

So do tell, have you tried SK-II Facial Treatment Essence?

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is available in David Jones & online at Adore Beauty!

Review by Adriane Daff.

Be well,

xoxo

Day Spa Review: Customised Dermalogica Facial Treatment at Endota Day Spa, Perth CBD.

buying steroids

I had a birthday recently. Aside from the usual stuff, there was something extra special I wanted this year; I wanted the Customised Dermalogica Facial Treatment at Endota Day Spa and my Mum delivered. Good on you, Mum.

Now that we're in the heart of winter my skin has just felt like a big old bag of rubbish. And short of removing my face and sending it on a one way trip to the tip, I sensed that I just needed some professional help, some guidance if you will, because sometimes when you are too close to the problem you start suggesting crazy things like removing your face.

One of the best things about Endota is how you feel so transported, one minute you are amidst the hustle and bustle of Hay Street, the next you are cocooned in their plush surroundings, so lovely that make you feel like you are in a secluded wood cabin and the soft rumble of traffic could in fact be a nearby waterfall. Well, at the very least it's like being in a super comfortable, nicely designed inner city apartment with good lighting. Upon my arrival I am greeted and sent through to the relaxation room where I chill out for a bit, all the while sipping on some rosehip tea served to me by my therapist for the day, Zowie. Cool name huh? I secretly made up that her parents are Bowie fans. I cannot back this up.

Once I get settled, my eyes close, the super sonic light goes on and Zowie gets real with me about the state of my face. Now, this could've been a really scary experience. But I did feel really comfortable here, Endota was so cozy and calm…and Zowie was really clear and made me feel at ease. Plus she had GREAT skin. So that helped. And also, this is what I wanted. Some things that Zowie told me I already knew and some things were new discoveries, all of which informs what products she is going to use on me.

My favorite products from the treatment were the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse, the Daily Microfoliant and the Intensive Eye Repair, all available in spa, on the Endota website or via Strawberry NET. These are the products I can definitely see myself using day to day. After the facial is over I walk away with a sheet detailing everything we discovered about my face with a list of the products Zowie used on me. They keep a copy at Endota so when I go back they know exactly what kind of beast they are dealing with. And let's face it, that's a good idea because I'm probably almost definitely going to lose that sheet.

Would I go back for another facial? Most definitely…the massage technique in the facial was really good and Zowie was just so lovely. I would also go back for a massage because of how relaxing the experience was, and the whole place was just so beautiful and comfortable, it's hard to believe they've been in there for such a short amount of time!

Thanks to the facial I now know where to start. You know how sometimes you know deep down what the problem is but you need someone else to tell you to sort of remember and start doing something about it? No? Just me? Probably. Anyway it's really jump-started my skincare routine and if nothing else then I think that's incredibly valuable. Also Endota stocks all the Dermalogica products that I loved from the facial, so…well, now I think I know what I'll be asking for on my next birthday.

Do you like Dermalogia? Ever tried a facial of theirs? What about David Bowie, do you like him? Leave a comment below!

Review by Adriane Daff, theatrical princess and our latest Endota convert.

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A Few Weeks in the Wellness Life: Puppies, Green Smoothies, Kale Flowers & More!

Take a look at some of the things that have been keeping my wellbeing buzzing the past few weeks! Starting with the gorgeous roast veggies with olive oil above… I just love the colours, and they were deeeeee-licious!

Yummy grilled mushroom, tomato, haloumi, rocket and spinach stack with pesto & some delicious soy sauce type thing! Washed down with a green smoothie – it is of course still Green July!

Speaking of Green July, here’s a yummy smoothie I prepared a few days ago. I’ve just started getting into smoothies with lemon, apple, greens and UDO’s Oil in them and am LOVING the combo!

I had the opportunity to check out Vanity Box Skin Couture this weekend just past, and let me tell you – it is incredible! I’ll be giving you an in-depth look at this one-of-a-kind salon in the next few weeks, but let it be known this place is in a class of its own! Check out the website for some stunning visuals!

I have cute writers! The lovely Adriane sipping on an Eden’s Green Smoothie. These are the best, and she is pretty good too.

My boyfriend is sweet and bought me kale flowers after we had an argument, they are so pretty!

MORE Green Smoothie goodness, I’m a bit obsessed at the moment, in case you couldn’t tell ;)!

One of my all time favourite combos. Magnesium bath salts and a relaxing bath oil. Ulllllltimate bliss. I’ve found that I’m having way more baths than usual at the moment due to the cold weather, anyone else?!

And last but not least, my little houndly obsession for a few weeks – this pup was in the office I’m interning at for a while, and I was in love. Unfortunately now she is gone, but too cute not to post a pic.

Thanks for reading 🙂 If you have any questions be sure to let me know!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty Product Review: Benefit High Beam Illuminator and High Brow Glow Pencil!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

How to Detox Your Hair, Get Rid of Chemicals and Boost Your Health!

Detox. Even the word doesn’t sound fun. I think it’s the presence of the letter x. X, tox, toxic. I understand the etymology but it sounds like it’s going to hurt. But what about a HAIR detox? Now that’s something I could get behind…that sounds painless? I was interested so decided to get some more info from The Purist Company’s in-house Botanical Chemist Annabelle Personeni.

Her four simple suggestions will detox the hell out of your hair and it wont hurt you (or the planet) one little bit!

While silicones might give you hair like this in the short term, in the long run your hair will suffer.

Cut out the silicones

Silicones are like fast food to the hair, a quick fix with immediate results. Often found in hair styling serums, silicone based products don’t actually treat or nourish the hair. Used long term, product can build up, weighing hair down.

BEWARE! Silicones can be found in most “nourishing” shampoos, in almost every conditioner and serum. Products containing silicone may also be listed under its synonyms (i.e. Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane). If there is a cone or silane at the end of an ingredient, it is likely to contain silicones.

Invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner

To nourish the hair and scalp, switch your silicone based conditioner to a natural conditioner. Using a natural conditioner will “re-boost” your hair with the nutrients and proteins it needs to look shiny and healthy. A deep cleansing shampoo will aid in removing product build up.

Try: Al’chemy Lemongrass Shampoo, Vanessa Megan Tangerine & Geranium Shampoo or (for fine haired ladies) Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo & Body Wash.

If it is too difficult to part with your current styling regime, try reducing the use of silicones by choosing a natural based shampoo and conditioner but keep your silicone-based serum for a while. Then, slowly reduce the use of the serum and switch to a leave on natural hair conditioner.

Try: Al’chemy Leave in conditioner

Make good use of the basics

Break the habit of over washing: Wash hair with a gentle shampoo once every few days as using shampoo daily can strip hair of its natural oils while over stimulating the production of sebum. Those who perspire a lot from physical activity or weather may still rinse hair daily if necessary as perspiration is freely washed off with pure water.
To get the most out of your conditioner, rinse it out in two steps as it enhances the deposition of natural conditioning ingredients. Apply conditioner as usual and but rinse with only ½ cup of water first, followed by a full rinse. Doing so will break down the emulsions, releasing more nutrients to the hair.

Try: Al’chemy Jojoba Light Conditioner, Vanessa Megan Ylang & Lemon Myrtle Conditioner or Dr Hauschka Neem Hair Lotion.

Read your labels

Healthy hair will benefit from products that are free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, ethoxylated and petrochemical cleansers, silicones, phthalates, mineral oils, DEA and artificial colours. If you come across an unfamiliar ingredient, sites like www.skindeep.org are a great resource for ingredient profiles and its safety ratings.

♥ Just at first!

Thanks Annabelle! And, let me finish off by saying don’t be scared about switching to organic hair care brands! It won’t fall out! It might feel a little straw like for the first few washes but that’s just your hair adjusting back to its NATURAL state and (guess what) DETOX-ing all that silicone out of your hair and out of your life.

Then your hair will return to the lustrous bouncy state of a young maiden who cares for goats and lives in the mountains. Yodel! Stick with it beauties…

More information about Al’chemy products available at www.purist.com

More information about all other products listed, available at Peachy Clean.

Be well,

Adriane

xoxo