Product Reviews: Planet Eve Organics!

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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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Beauty and Wellbeing Routine: Ashlea Ingham, Model and Miss Universe Australia Contestant!

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

I am a full-time student currently in my last semester of a double degree in Communications and Commerce at UWA. For the past 4 years I have also done some part-time modeling to help see me through my university studies. Recently I took part in the Western Australian heats for the Australian Miss Universe Competition 2011 and have been selected as 1 of 6 finalists to represent Western Australia at the national finals in Melbourne later this year.

Most recently I was fortunate enough to be able to take part in the Royal Queensbury Corporate Boxing Challenge where I got to combine my love for boxercise with a fabulous cause- raising funds and sponsorship through my fight for Toybox International; a fundraiser for sick and disadvantaged children.

I am your typical active aussie girl; i love going to the beach, exercising, living a healthy lifestyle and spending time with my family and friends.

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I use the Clinique 3-step skin routine where i cleanse tone and moisturise everyday.
In the mornings before I apply any make-up I will always apply a sunscreen or moisturiser with UVA and UVB protection to my face and neck as I am naturally quite fair and the Australian sun is so strong! I sometimes find that sunscreen will sweat off in summer, however I have found that Ella Bache zinc foundation (Available online at StrawberryNET) is a good product that is long-lasting with good coverage.

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Being a blonde with long hair I find it essential to get good hair strengthening and softening treatments. I have found that Kerastase treatments work the best on me and I like to get them done whenever I get my hair done at the salon.

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

I have had a few hairdressers that I have tried in Perth however currently I am going to (and loving) Circles Of Subiaco Hair Salon. The team of hairdressers are all fabulous and I also love the vibe at the salon.

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

When I am at home and feel like I need a bit of TLC (on a student budget) I’ll opt to do my own manicures and pedicures. I think that looking after your hands and feet is really important and they are often overlooked even though they are a body part that we use on a daily basis! My grandma and mum have always stressed the importance of having nice looking nails so my favourite at home hand and nail treatment is Dr Lewinn’s hand and and foot scrub and cuticle oil. The hand polish leaves my hands and feet feeling silky smooth and cuticle treatments keeps the skin around my nails and nails looking nice 🙂

Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Pomegranate -$52

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

Stila Lip and cheek stain – This product reacts with the natural pigmentation on your skin and formulates a natural and complementary colour to your own skin tone. On me it gives a natural and healthy looking glow that i love!

Nars bronzer (in Laguna): Rather than expose my face to the sun, I will opt for a (fake) bronze look which I can achieve with this product. I have found of all the bronzers that I have tried, Laguna bronzer by Nars gives a really natural glowing look.


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

Eat healthy, regular exercise, drink lots of water and ALWAYS wear sunscreen! I am a firm believer of the saying ‘we are what we eat’! If you are putting bad things into your body this will reflect on the outside. Likewise if you maintain a healthy balance in your eating habits and lifestyle this will make you glow from the inside out.

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

I have never had a facial and would absolutely love to try it!

I think I have been put off by some people who have had bad experiences, not to mention the price. However I now have a friend who has regular facials who has recently explained to me the process and the benefits. I feel more confident and curious about trying one now.

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

A typical day of eating for me incorporates at least 3 good meals and in-between snacks.
I always start my day with a hearty breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day to me and my favourite and without it I can’t function. Most mornings I will have rolled oats with natural yoghurt and berries or I will make my own bircher with grated apple, nuts and cinnamon.

For lunch it is usually a good serving of protein such as chicken or tuna, with salad in a wrap or on wholegrain bread. If I am in a rush I also like to get sushi and miso soup.
The biggest habit that I try and maintain in my eating is to cut carbs out at night. Although occasionally I will enjoy gnocchi, pasta or share a pizza (I love Italian) I mostly eat fish such as salmon, chicken breast or lean cuts of beef, pork or lamb with salads, beans and steamed vegetables.

During the day I will snack on nuts, fruit, carrot sticks and muesli bars.
I limit myself to one coffee a day (usually soy as I have found that as blood type o I can be susceptible to bloating with dairy).

Although I eat quite healthily, my mum is a chef so I have been brought up around good food and do like to enjoy indulgences from time to time. If I am craving something I allow myself to have it. I love banana bread and dark chocolate!

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I am quite an active and busy person walking around campus when I am at uni and on my feet when I am at work. However I also always make time to exercise and schedule this in so I can stick to a good routine. I have always been a gym-goer, participating in a range of different classes and running.

However for my Miss Universe training i took part in 3-5 boxercise classes a week at ‘The Ring’ in Northbridge and 1-2 classes of pilates at the Pilates Fitness Institute of WA. If I’m feeling a bit tired I listen to my body and allow myself a rest. Ill either take the time to put my feet up or opt for a walk instead.

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

Currently I am not taking part in any alternative therapies, but I like to use natural remedies and supplements when I can.

I find that a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables will provide me with many of the nutrients I need, but just to make sure I take a Swisse Womans Ultivite everyday.

As I am very busy I will also take a Vitamin B supplement if I’m feeling more tired than usual. Recently I have been trying Acai berry puree because it is full of anti-oxidants and when I’m feeling stressed I’ll use Bach Flower Rescue Remedy drops.

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

To relax I cant go past a long hot bath or a massage. When I am feeling stressed having the ability to turn off and stop thinking about the things that are causing that stress makes me feel better. To do this i do stuff where i can lose myself – whether this is going for a walk along the beach, sitting down with a good book or going to have a coffee with a friend. Of course being organised by having a diary, eating healthy, doing exercise and getting enough sleep helps prevent the stress from developing in the first place.

Thank you for taking part in our interview Ashlea! Please leave any questions below!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews | 3 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Simone Kerr, International Model.

Simone Kerr

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

My name is Simone Kerr, I am from Bunbury WA, but I now live in Sydney with my boyfriend and cat. I work as a model and travel between Sydney and New York. I study Communications at uni by correspondence and am in the early stages of setting up my own business!

Invisible Zinc – Environmental Skin Protector (ESP) – $35

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

Twice a day I cleanse with Cetaphil and apply a retinaldehyde serum from Elixxr called Formula A. In the morning I use Invisible Zinc ESP moisturiser and at night Elixxr’s Hydro Intensive. I have very sensitive skin and it has taken me a long time to find what works for me and I think I have finally nailed it! (Ed: Unfortunately we couldn’t find any info on this mysterious ‘Elixxr’ range..!)

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

I have recently begun investing in monthly facials. My hectic work schedule means I am constantly bombarded with loads of product, thick makeup, abrasive prosthetics, shared cosmetic brushes and harsh removal processes. Having a monthly facial ensures all build up and bacteria under the skin is flushed out and the natural balance of oils is restored. Amy Erbacher from Amy Erbacher Beauty in Double Bay Sydney is the only person I go to because she tailors the facial to exactly what I need each month.

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

I haven’t ever had my hair done in Perth, actually! In Sydney I go to Headcase Hair in Paddington, they are the reason I can have long hair! If it weren’t for them I would have had to cut it all off from all the ironing, straightening, curling, teasing and tonging that my hair goes through every day!

Facial steaming

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Whenever I am in London or New York I like to hang my head over a steaming bowl of water and teatree oil and give myself a quick steam to purge all the pollution that has been absorbed during the day. When I remove my makeup at the end of the day the cotton pad is black and I get blemishes. Steaming helps to reduce this a little.

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

1. Paw Paw lip balm
2. MAC concealer
3. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara.

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

I try to take a ballet class two or three times a week. Keeps me fit and happy.

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

I have a lot of scarring from being a pimply teenager, I’d love to try laser resurfacing but I’m scared I’d burn my face off!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I don’t think your column is long enough, I’m such a piglet! Breakfast is usually Weetbix with a chopped up banana. Lunch is usually whatever catering is on set, it can be anything from sandwiches to amazing salads and pastas. Dinner is quite often tacos with my boyfriend (sounds silly, but our guacamole is so good that a local wine bar in Bondi has started selling it!). For snacks I like yoghurt , a juice with lots of veggies or chocolate. Any kind of chocolate and lots of it!

♥ Describe your workout routine / how you keep fit?

I take a lot of ballet classes. If I’m not too busy I will go everyday but when work is full on I can only make it two or three times a week. I also like Pilates reformer classes, I try to make at least two of these a week. I’m also pretty active, I attempt to surf with my boyfriend and we paddleboard a bit now.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements?

If so, discuss. I take an Active Womans Multivitamin but thats it. A yoga class here and there, but that’s so mainstream now I’m pretty sure it’s not considered “alternative”.

Thank you Simone for taking the time to fill out our questionnaire!

Be well,

xoxo

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Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Penni Towner, Aussie Bombshell.

Penni Towner, Aussie Bombshell!

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

My name is Penni Towner, Director (aka “Head Bombshell”) of Aussie Bombshell – self-confessed shopaholic and lover of French champagne.

♥ Moroccan Oil, RRP $49.50

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I am fairly low-maintenance when it comes to a beauty routine. As long as my skin is clean and well moisturised, and my hair has Moroccan Oil in it, I am happy!

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

When it comes to beauty treatments, there are TWO (sorry, couldn’t just have one) women in the industry that I can’t live without.

Alison Jade, Eyebrow Specialist in Cottesloe – the woman works wonders on any brows and people DO notice the difference!

For all other waxing and beauty treatments, Sam at Iconic Beauty in Subiaco (next to Boucla) is THE BEST. I always pop in for a Shellac manicure (if you haven’t been Shellac’d, hop to it!) and when I have a few hours to spare, the Collagen Facial is AMAZING! Sam is also super quick and great at waxing which is really important for busy girls (and boys).

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

I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair except Chesnie at La De Da in Shenton Park. I have tried nearly every recommended “blonde specialist” in Perth, but no-one compares to Chesnie. She gets it right first time, every time and just keeps getting better and better with her colour work!
Amelia who also works at the salon is great for blow waves and style ups. $30 blow waves also makes you want to go every week!

OPI Black Shatter Ltd Edn!

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Anything from the OPI range – a quick toe polish colour change is the perfect pick-me-up – a colour to suit every mood or moment. I just returned from Salon Melbourne where they were half price… so I bought 12 and got one free….Oops! 🙂

Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – $32 USD

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

1. Chanel Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover – This is my number one beauty product. Nothing is as quick and effective for getting rid of your eye make-up. Say goodbye to panda eyes! (Available online at StrawberryNET)

2. Nars Laguna Bronzer – gives your skin a beautiful, healthy shimmer and can be used both day and at night!

3. HD Mascara by Alison Jade – I have tried every mascara under the sun but I love this one. It has the tiniest brush I’ve ever seen, but gets right to the base, giving you full, dark lashes, with no clumping!

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

Exercise regularly, drink lots of water, get lots of sleep and stay out of the sun unless you have the right protection (slip, slop, slap, wrap!). Always treat your body with respect and think about how you want to be looking and feeling in 10, 20, 30 years’ time. Remember that your body is with you for life!

Power Plate

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

I really want to start Power Plate classes – I have done the research, there are just not enough hours in the day for me right now!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

For me, my first priority is ensuring that I have protein with every meal. Breakfast sets me up for the rest of my day and you will often find me at Cimbalino in Napoleon Street, Cottesloe, before work – I’m a scrambled eggs on gluten free toast and latte regular! Thanks Cimba!

I am terrible at planning my meals, but again, I try and focus on eating some sort of protein for lunch and dinner, and minimize my carb in-take, where possible. I also drink lots of green tea throughout the day which is full of anti-oxidants.

Unfortunately, I have quite a sweet tooth and chocolate is my weakness, although I think I’m getting better at not eating it! (haha)

Pilates!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I suffer from chronic back pain, so it is important to focus on building and maintaining my core strength. I try to get to a Pilates class with Donna Green at Cottesloe Sports Physiotherapy – trust me, SHE’S AMAZING!

Boxing is my favourite form of exercise, and although I’ve had some time off, I recently started training back at The Ring in Northbridge. It is such a great stress relief for me, as well as an intense cardio workout. Apart from boxing, The Ring have introduced Strength Classes which are an incredibly challenge, but I find that 90% of training in mental, and once you get into it, you feel great!

I also enjoy going for a long walk along the beachfront with my iPod cranked. I try to do that at least three times a week – it’s a great start to the morning.

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

I take Ginseng 8000mG tablets to retain mental alertness and ensure that I am focussed for the day. Magnesium is also really important for joint and muscle care, so I take this twice a day – very important to take this if you are doing some tough training sessions! At the moment my product of choice for this is Repairware’s GMC – its delicious!

Cott Beach

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

Spending quality time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I love sharing a laugh and a glass of wine over a meal with the amazing people in my life.

I love the beach. Whenever I’m stressed, I will go for a walk or a swim and lose myself in the ocean. The water is such an amazing colour, we are really lucky to live in WA!

Any questions for Penni, please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Interviews, Western Suburbs | 2 Comments »

Product Review: It’s a Kiehl’s Mega Party!

♥ Ain’t no party like a Kiehl’s club party! ♥

Kiehl’s. Since 1851. EIGTHTEEN FIFTY ONE. These guys have got looking after your face down to a fine art. So how are they helping the modern gal quash her skincare concerns? Let’s find out…

Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover – $36

I have a very real fear of getting things in my eye that will burn excessively, but recently I was involved with a project that meant I had to wear a lot of heavy eye makeup 6 nights a week and I knew that I was going to have to do something, nay USE something, to get it off. So I tried Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover with much hesitation and told those around me that if it hurt I would hurl the bottle out the nearest window with the intensity of a thousand suns.

Of course, my dear logical reader, there was no hurling. The lightweight formula doesn’t smell, doesn’t sting, doesn’t burn, doesn’t HURT. It seems completely free of the things that would lead to causing irritation in the eye or the delicate skin around the eye. Now you might be wondering with all this delicacy and cucumber and apricot kernel oil – does it actually work? You bet your eyes it does. A little on a tissue or cotton ball completely removes the make up from your eyelids and eye lashes. And in my case eyebrows as well (I told you it was HEAVY makeup).

I’m in ur makeup cupboard, testin ur productz.

And for those contact lens wearers – completely safe for you too. You can rest assured knowing its Ophthalmologist tested (see image above). This product easily does the job without causing any discomfort or pain.

Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion – $84.

This no pain, max results thing seems to be a reoccurring theme with the Kiehl’s crew, because I am in full-blown love with Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion. It’s a super duper exfoliator that you have complete control over. Squeeze out a small ‘nickel sized’ amount and apply it to your clean, damp skin in circular motions. Wait – if feels too rough! Then just go easier! Wait – I’ve had enough! Then just stop! See? You ARE in control. My skin felt cleaner, clearer, smoother and better without any makeup on it, which for me is always the benchmark of a product doing its job superbly.

I guess I really lost sight of how important exfoliation is after a bad Micro Dermabrasion experience at a salon. But not getting rid of the dead skin cells, product build up and other things that get in the way of good skin can contribute to bad skin no matter how much you cleanse it. I’m sorry I have neglected exfoliating my face for the past couple of years but it is back and boy oh boy it is great.

Kiehls’ Double Strength Wrinkle Filler (Available on Kiehl’s counters)

And finally we have the Kiehls’ Double Strength Wrinkle Filler, espousing to fill those wrinkles and lines you may wish weren’t there. Now, I’m a long way off from what is maybe the desired clientele of this product BUT I’m a smile-y kind of person, and continually creasing my face in the same place in the same way is starting to show.

Did this instantly fill my lines? No. Did it improve the condition of my skin in terms of elasticity and how moisturized and smooth it felt? Absolutely yes. Would I keep using it? Yes again. Because better skin condition of those areas that do get a work out (facially speaking) will surely lead to a reduced appearance of fine lines. And short of invasively having them filled with something from the inside, I think taking care of the outside is a smarter, safer and much more enjoyable bet. Good one Kiehls.

Reviews by Adriane Daff, dream babe extraordinaire.

Be well,

xoxo

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