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Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on March 8, 2011
Lovely Sarah.
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I spend most of my days working with independent artists at Performing Lines WA doing all kinds of things – directing photoshoots, editing grant applications, organising press, marketing shows, designing flyers, managing events and documenting lots of creative developments or artworks. I also just curated my first major show at PICA last year called Rounds and co-published a book.
I really love cooking and spending time at local farmers markets. I just started a website called Organic Hunter that documents recipes, produce, cafes, markets, juicing and general thoughts about everything organic in Western Australia.
I can also fold my thumb behind my index finger.
Trilogy Cream Cleanser – RRP $36.95
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I have a very simple routine. I wash my face with water, or if I can be bothered, Trilogy Cream Cleanser followed by Trilogy moisturiser. I use Trilogy body wash daily and depending on my mood, I might use Australian Bush Flower Woman Essence. If I go to the beach I’ll use Wotnot 30+ organic sunscreen.
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Because I work in an office during the week I am starting to get some serious back and neck problems. I just started getting regular deep tissue / remedial massages by my friend Nisha Ariyaratne who is studying Mind-Body Medicine at the Life Academy. Nisha uses Native West Australian Flower Essences instead of oils, which work vibrationally to help move stress and blockages. She is the best!
Aveda Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Rory at emm Aveda Concept Salon. emm salon only uses Aveda products, a company who live by organic and plant-based ingredients. They also start the session by offering a free de-stress massage using Aveda’s Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate which has this amazing ability to calm your mind and body. Powerful stuff.
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
Delicious honeyface – cleansing scrub and then Elixir raw jarrah honey facemask.
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
1. Trilogy body wash
2. Biologika Lemon Kiss Deodorant
3. Aveda’s Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate (unavailable to buy online, but you can find it at any Aveda Salon.)
Delicious lookin’ juices made by Sarah.
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
I exercise daily, even if it’s walking an hour to and from work. I juice like crazy because it makes me feel like gold in the morning. I don’t eat red meat or poultry and I tend to only eat organic food. I drink lots of water, I sleep at least 8 hours a day and I don’t wear makeup.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
Shiatsu massage.
Salad & juice made by Sarah.
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I grew up with a family full of foodies so I tend to base my day around cooking and eating. I probably spend more time than your average person preparing food everyday because I only like to eat organic produce. My most typical day consists of…
Morning – Freshly squeezed vegetable & fruit juice (I use an OSCAR VitalMax juicer), eggs and soldiers (still as good as when you were a child).
Morning tea – Coffee (from Lowdown) & fruit salad (always with raspberries)
Lunch – I usually make a salad in the morning or take left over’s from dinner. The past two days I have eaten a salad with: Greens, sprouts, grilled carrots + zucchini + eggplant, toasted pine nuts, goats cheese, balsamic dressing
Afternoon Tea – Fruit and usually some kind of cake or dark chocolate (because I crave sugar all the time)
Dinner – Fish with some kind of salad concoction.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
Walking an hour a day. Or if I make it to the gym I will ride for 15 minutes, go on the cross trainer for 30 minutes, and do 10 minutes weights and 10 minutes stretching.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
Not anything on a daily basis. I might use tissue salts or flower essences.
Augusta.
♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?
If I can – I will go straight down south to Augusta and walk in the bush or swim lots. If not – massage or watch classic TV series which don’t make me think too hard.
Thanks Sarah, check out Organic Hunter for more chemical free love.
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Alternative Therapy, Food, Interviews, Organic | 
2 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on March 6, 2011
♥
Fed up with the way many products and brands in the beauty world were either overpriced, poorly formulated, marketed in a misleading way or all three, Perth chemist, businesswoman and mother Bridget Black decided to take matters into her own hands.
Her chemistry background provided the foundation for her to create her own range of beauty products. Her absolute commitment to ethical practice means no ingredients used by the business are tested on animals and she tracks carbon footprint for everything from manufacture to distribution, as well as crediting $2 for the return of every piece of BB packaging.
I was lucky enough to be treated to a deluxe facial at Bridget’s flagship Mt Lawley boutique.
Reception / store area.
The fit-out is gorgeous. Considering the namesake of the business, black is the obvious choice, but it’s complemented with lots of bright white, chandeliers and make-up style light-bulbs around the mirrors.
I don’t know about you, but the moment I always fear most with a new beautician is the one where that lamp with the all-knowing light hangs over your face and tells of the multitude of sins: drinking too much alcohol and too little water, smoking (not that I do), spending too much time in the sun (driving a soft-top in summer doesn’t help); eating poorly or whatever other vice you have or temptation you give in to. Luckily, it appears all that drinking water and diligent application of sunscreen paid off and my skin, is, happily, free of premature aging and sun damage.
Temily, the therapist I had on the day, was an absolute professional.
After leaving me to tuck myself into the plush (black) blankets, she ran through my own skincare routine with me, having read the client details I had filled in on arrival.
The lush treatment room.
One of my pet hates is pushy therapists who try to sell you products while you’re having a treatment. Ditto for hairdressers trying to upsell serums, conditioners etc at the till.
I’m all for being informed, knowing what the therapist is using and the features and benefits, but it’s a fine line between informing a client and peddling products and Temily straddled it perfectly. It was an incredibly relaxing and soothing treatment, but also one where I felt informed and safe every step of the way, also another really important factor with a new therapist. Temily made me feel like just for that hour, there was no more important place to be than right where I was.
The jojoba buffing beads were one of my favourite products. I’ve used them since I had the facial, and have really never felt my skin so clean and clear of debris and dead skin cells.
Bridget Black Eye Gel, 30ml – RRP $35
The eye gel also felt beautiful on my skin and appeared to really make the skin around my eyes tighter and more soft and supple. The moisturiser for normal to oily skin, which is what I’ve got, was the perfect weight and I wasn’t left feeling at all greasy on a hot Perth summer morning.
One of the most delightful parts of the facial was the arm and leg exfoliation. Having a choice of scents added a personal touch, and vanilla, which is my all-time favourite, was one of them. Being able to select, when filling in client info, what level of massage you like is just one of the services that makes the Bridget Black experience more personal and far better than the average beauty salon encounter.
I left the salon feeling pampered, spoiled and like I’d been treated with products that had truly done my skin good.
The deluxe facial goes for 1 hour and costs $75.
Bridget runs a second store on St George’s Terrace in the CBD.
Follow Bridget’s movements on Facebook or on her website.
Have you tried Bridget Black, or any other local Perth brands before? Let us know in the comments!
Review by Athanae Lucev, a freelance journalist and writer with a keen eye for a pretty bargain.
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Beauty Salon, Inner City, North of River, Products, Reviews | 1 Comment »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on March 3, 2011
The whole beGenki Serenity range!
When the beGenki Serenity products arrived in the mail, I squeezed my eyes shut and planned, in my near future, a night in the bath with lights dimmed, candles lit and Jack Johnson softly playing in the background. Finding a night off to relax was just what I needed! So why, oh why, am I two weeks post-daydream wondering what happened to this night of serene perfection?
♥
Before you get mad at me and think “how hard is it to fit in one hour of peace” and I bullet point the thousand reasons that make me busy, I’d like to share an epiphany:
People relax in different ways.
I was beating myself up for not having a bath because they are the grand dame of the relaxation world, when I realized most days I find a way to chill out that doen’t find me a wrinkled, sweet-smelling seal impersonator by the end.
Prior to revealing my top five tips for stress relief, I must tell you about the lovely beGenki products I had the opportunity to try. The brand advocates wellness on a physical, emotional and spiritual level and to be “genki” is to be happy, healthy, positive and in harmony with oneself on all levels.
Serenity Bath & Shower Oil – RRP $34.
The two products I tried were from the Serenity range, the bath and shower oil and the body oil. The bath and shower oil was sampled in the shower after a swim session which left my poor skin gasping for moisture. The bergamot essential oil was the most dominant which gave it a refreshing and very slightly masculine scent to me. Rubbing the oils into my legs and arms was like a quick massage pre-shower and the smell and rub did provide a calming effect. However, after the shower I found the moisturising aspect of the oils couldn’t quite handle my dry skin and I still needed to slather on Benefit’s Bathina cream (current favourite moisturizer).
Bathina by Benefit – a diversion from beGenki, but also a lovely prod!
The body oil was sensational, much lighter than other massage oils I have used in the past and I didn’t feel like a grease burger once my husband gave up on the shoulder knots. The finish was more like a moisturizer and my skin loved it. Now, I just need to convince the husband to have another shot just to make sure it was as good as I remember!
So once I was moisturized and massaged and a ball of love and serenity, I thought about what truly relaxed me.
Here are my top five ways to jump out of the rat race;
1. Create a soulful playlist on your iPod, lie on the couch and stare out the window for 15 minutes. Music has long been proven to have therapeutic qualities and when the day has been too much, it helps me zone out. My current favourite is The Black Keys’ new album, Brother which is so soulful you’ll forget all your worries.
2. Get into the kitchen and bake something amazing… this isn’t for everyone, but put me in a kitchen with an apron, butter, flour and sugar and I’ll emerge singing a happy song. Fill your house with delicious smells (no candle or perfume has the same effect), dish out a slice of something wonderful for people you love and of course, you must lick the bowl.
3. Stretch out those overworked limbs. I love exercising and my body sometimes complains, so throw out your favourite beach towel in the backyard and run through a few key stretches (hamstrings, back, calves, shoulders and hip flexors are a good start) to relax your body and allow it to recuperate from daily stresses.
He’s showing us how the downward dog is done!
4. Get thee in the downward dog position. Focused breathing, stretching and meditation time at the end… there just doesn’t seem to be a better way to calm the mind and body than a yoga class. They do make the wallet squirm though, so if you’re strapped for cash, head to Lululemon in Perth or Cottesloe for free classes. Visit in-store or check their website http://www.lululemon.com for more details.
5. Book yourself in for a pedicure. Putting your feet up and having them rubbed at the same time is the ultimate stress reliever for this busy girl. I switch my phone off, the massage chair on and allow the pedicurist to work her magic on my trotters before walking out a new gal.
beGenki can be purchased online at: http://www.begenkishop.com
Review by Lisa O’Neill, a freelance journalist and part-time triathlete who loves to squeeze in as much pampering as possible in her free time.
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Products, Reviews, Wellness Tips | Comments Off on Product Review: beGenki Serenity Range.
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on February 25, 2011
♥
I’m not a facial girl by nature. If I have time, cash, and feel like treating myself then I am all over a full body massage. So when I was given a gift certificate for a facial for Xmas, I was hoping I could exchange it for something more my style.
The voucher was for Be Ba Beau in Highgate. A quick Google and I learned that they do not have a website (which always frustrates me), so I couldn’t see the price list for treatments and possible other options. After a few phone calls, messages, and finally a trip down to the actual salon – I had a hard copy of my options as well as the knowledge that the Beauty part of the hairdressers is a separate business- Beauty by Rayne, though the treatments take place by Rayne in the same super cute house as her Mum’s salon.
My previous hatred of facials is only based on 2 experiences to be fair. The first one in London where for the full hour the therapist repeatedly put various smelling stuff on and then immediately off of my face and then in China at a crazy 24 hour spa which was just wholly bizarre in so many ways (email me and I will tell you why) and was a waste of my face’s time.
The anatomy of microdermabrasion.
Rayne listened to my facial concerns and suggested the microdermabrasion was the way to go, as it would be effective in reducing some of my zillions of newly acquired Perth freckles!! I had never heard of this sort of thing and thought that a voucher was a great time to do something I would not usually go for, especially when it would be of great benefit.
Now, there were a few teething problems booking in for my treatment, so when the day finally came I was excited to finally get in there!!
The facial itself was brilliant and worth the initial hassle. It contained all of the nice rituals that one would expect (exfoliation, face and neck massage, hot towel and mask) all done by Rayne who is gorgeous and so good at what she does. The best bit was the actual microdermabrasion which is “a mechanical medium for exfoliation along with adjustable suction to remove away the outermost layer of dead skin cells”. It is a non-invasive procedure and wasn’t painful, nor pleasurable but boy did I see results quickly.
The exfoliation part has evolved from rocks, stones and shells, to crystals, particle-free diamond tips and particle-free bristle tips. Rayne uses a machine with diamond tips as she feels it goes deeper than most, without being too abrasive, she likes to go as deep as she can to decrease the amount of times a client has to come in for treatments. I was told that 1-2 more times would be most effective at this stage for me to really get at those pesky freckles but then I wouldn’t need constant treatments as my skin is in quite good shape.
A lot of women get it every week or fortnight and apparently it is very good for wrinkle reduction, as well as freckles.
This is a different kind of ‘freckle reduction’ hehe..
In terms of my own results… it worked a treat. My husband noticed immediately (a great feat in itself) and my skin looked like it had done during a Canadian winter!! I will now be staying out of the sun religiously and get top ups once in a while as a treat. I think it is not only great for older ladies as wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation, but also for us fairer sun babies who are sick of too many dark freckles and sun spots. I can think of a few friends with weddings coming up that may be interested too.
Rayne also informed me that they are in the process of getting a website up too, hooray!!
(But for now you can check out their Facebook if you are interested)
Microdermabrasion and decolletage and full facial: $130.
Be Ba beau Hair and Beauty
455 Beaufort Street, Highgate, 6003
Ph: 93282888
Review by Sarah Devlin, my personal trainer of choice and super cute freckly gal.
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Beauty Salon, North of River, Reviews | 2 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on February 24, 2011
Kate Bevilaqua!
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
– Completed a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education at UWA followed by a Diploma of Education
– Began teaching PE and Health to year 8 – 12s at Christ Church my first year out and remained there for 8 years
– During that time I played netball and was determined to take that as far as I could despite the constant reminders that I was too short!
– During my netball off season my cousin Wesley convinced me to try a triathlon as a means to keep fit!
– Eventually enjoyed triathlon so much more and quit netball! The culmination of 3 different sports, swimming, cycling and running keeps it interesting and it also has a great social/community feel about it!
– After a few years of short course racing, my coach eventually convinced me to give an Ironman a go and after qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman, my first 2 attempts and finishing 3rd as an amateur at the World Champs I obtained my Pro license and have not looked back since!
– 4 years later I have quit my job and am a full time professional triathlete who spends 6 months of the year in Perth, and the other 6 months in Boise, Idaho in the USA
– Most recently I finally won my first Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia and it will be a moment I will never ever forget!!
Invisible Zinc 4 Hour Waterproof Sunscreen SPF30+
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
– First thing in the morning I am usually swimming biking or running, I will never leave the house without moisturiser, followed by Zinc on my face and lip balm on my lips.
– Zinc I either use Invisible Zinc or the skin coloured Sun Zapper Zinc stick you can get in Coles. It is perfect for those long, long days out in the sun.
– Moisturiser I use L’oreal day cream with suncream and an age perfect night cream.
– Lip Balm, every type of Blistex you will find in my drawer.
– Cause of all the swimming I have a leave in oil treatment for my hair because I don’t like to wash it every day!! I love to use Moroccan Oil.
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Massage (if you can call this a beauty treatment!) Once a week! My masseuse, Mark Eden, definitely knows how to keep me going strong! But otherwise i recently had a facial with my mother which I hadn’t done in years and was amazed how great my skin felt afterwards. Would like to make this a regular part of my beauty routine!
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
I have a local hairdresser, Avant Garde in South Perth that I have been going to for years and it is so easy when they know you and your hair and I don’t have to always explain why my hair is in such bad condition after all the swimming and sweaty training! I can just sit there and relax and she knows exactly what I want!
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
A good facial mask or scrub! Once every week or 10 days! Gets rid of that dead skin and makes my face feel fresh again at least for a little while! I use Anew Clinical Micro – exfoliant.
So many to love!
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
– Blistex Lip Balm
– Sun Zapper Zinc Stick
– Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Sleep!! I think sleep is highly underrated! Let’s be honest! How great do we feel and look (no bags under the eyes!) when we have a good night’s sleep! Lucky for me sneaking in an afternoon nap is something I try and do as much as can!
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
Bikram yoga, I have heard so much about it but haven’t found the time yet to do it! Definitely on the “to do” list!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
I will usually eat a couple of pieces of toast with peanut butter before swimming training in the morning. This lasts a few hours and by the time I get home I am ready for my real breakfast of oatmeal with cinnamon, blueberries, banana, and maybe some more peanut butter and almond milk. This fills me up for the rest of the morning and I don’t need to snack. Lunch is usually a roll/sandwich of chicken or egg and salad. Otherwise sushi is also a popular choice. After snack varies between an apple, yoghurt, muesli/protein bar depending what is on the training schedule. Dinner is a protein (chicken, steak and salmon are my favourites) and salad or vegetables.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
Well fitness is my life so there is not a day that goes by (well very few anyway!) when I am not swimming, cycling or running! I usually have a day off every 10 days and a sleep in is absolute bliss!! Generally I will swim 6 times a week, run 5 times a week and cycle 4 or 5 times a week. If I am feeling up to it and try and get some core and strength work in but if I am tired they are the sessions that I will skip for a nap instead!
Fish oil!
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
Besides massage I am strong believer in Acupuncture/dry needling. I will have a session every couple of weeks if time permits to get rid of that tension in certain areas. With all the exercise and training I do I have been taking iron supplements to help prevent feeling too fatigued but also religiously take garlic and fish oil tablets so I don’t get sick!!
Thanks so much to Kate for taking time out of her very busy schedule to share her routine with us! Please leave any questions and comments below.
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Exercise, Interviews | Comments Off on Beauty & Wellbeing Review: Kate Bevilaqua, Professional Triathlete!
