Search Results

Salon Review: Eyebrow and Underarm Wax, Luxe Aveda Concept Salon, Booragoon.

Look, I know we’ve been banging on about the Luxe Aveda Concept Salon, Booragoon like our lives depend on it, but when you’re onto a good thing… can’t help but share the love, y’know?!

I decided to tame my scruffy brows last week as they were getting very upset with me and threatening to call Eyebrow Protective Services. My underarms were in a similarly dismal state as I’ve been growing them out in order to be able to wax ’em. Hate shaving. Love having smooth underarms for weeks on end.

A friendly phone convo later and I was booked in for that night. Upon arrival I was given an Aveda Comforting Tea, a warm, sweet licorice beverage, and told I’d either love it or hate it due to its strong taste! The jury is still out on this one, while I didn’t hate it, I’m not a big licorice fan.

The tea in question!

Once in the treatment room, which was pleasantly lit (not too bright, not too dark), my amiable therapist asked me how I wanted my brows (just a tidy up, thanks!) and got to work.

This salon uses hot wax for both the eyebrows & the underarms, which is a personal absolute must, my sensitive skin threatens to disown me if strip wax / a wax roller comes within 50 metres.

I’ve previously had my eyebrows burned at many salons and I have to confess I was initially a little worried, as she left the wax on my brows a considerable time longer than is usually appropriate for aforementioned sensitive skin. Not to worry however, the wax they are using must be very gentle as there was no post-wax trauma. Yay!

Plucking to remove any missed hairs is always appreciated and I was pleased with the attention to detail.

A bit of tinted moisturiser was applied to counter any mild redness, always a winner since no-one wants to walk around with their “Hay guys, whats up?! Just been waxed lol!” bare face on show to the world.

To the underarms we go! This was painful as I’d been shaving for a while between waxes, an absolute no-no if you want to minimise teeth gritting & cursing. That said though, I am a wholehearted advocate of underarm waxing. Do it, it will change your life!

My therapist was knowledgeable and answered many questions I had about Aveda products & gave me advice for the pesky beginnings of an ingrown hair that was casually hanging out under my arm (all fixed now thanks to her exfoliation suggestions).

After all this, I was given a scalp, shoulder, back & mini arm aromatherapy massage… I believe this is complimentary with all treatments. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Does your salon offer this type of freebie? If not you should seriously reconsider your loyalty as it ended my experience on a high-note and all I did was get some pretty standard waxing.

Aveda Blue Balancing Oil was inhaled during the mini-massage

When it came time to leave, I had an embarrassing incident where I realised I’d lost my ATM card & had no way of paying. The staff handled it with ease, looking after my purse as I ran to my car to search for it and happily taking a credit card payment over the phone (THANKS MUM) when that search proved fruitless.

I was also given a $20 voucher to use on my next treatment valued over $70 within the next 6-weeks, as a part of signing up as a new customer.

I really enjoyed my time here and my eyebrows & underarms are at peace with me once more.

Aveda products are available for purchase in-store, or online at StrawberryNET!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Hairdresser Review: Luxe Aveda Concept Salon, Garden City Shopping Centre.

My hair smells like rosemary and mint, but not because I’ve been rollin’ around in the vege patch. I’ve just come from an amazing experience at Luxe Aveda Concept Salon in the Garden City Shopping Centre.

I booked a hair appointment at the salon after hearing many raves. They use all Aveda products with their treatments; and their motto follows the art and science of pure flower and plant essences. Before going in, I let the staff know over the phone that I would be requiring a brand new head; a new colour, cut and style and blow-dry. An experience with my previous hairdresser from a salon that shall not be named, had scarred me almost 6 months ago, but I was ready to go back and face my fears and begin a relationship with a new hairdresser.

As soon as I sat down, I was asked to close my eyes and choose from four different scents in a bottle. As she lifted each scent up to my nostrils, I made a mental note to remember each scent as I wanted to pick the best one. I picked the one called ‘energy’. She placed a few drops in her palms and gave me a wonderful scalp and head massage- heavenly – and it was then I knew that I was on my way to star treatment. All of this, before the consultation.

They really took the time to really listen to what I wanted and gave me some advice to find out what was the best for my hair to give it a dose of healthy and a spoonful of shiny. I chose a sexy dark brown/black shade and said goodbye to my fading highlights and the transition from sunkissed summer to rich chocolate winter hair began.

As I sat in the chair for the dye process, I was given a tiny cup of the Aveda tea to drink that tasted like sweet licorice, a nice touch. 20 mins later and after waiting for the dye to do its thing, I was brought over to the sink where I received another head massage after a rosemary and mint shampoo. The same sensation when you place a mint in your mouth was all over my scalp and it was invigorating, I had never felt anything like it before. It felt tingly but in a good way, and lasted for 2 minutes. It was doing some brilliant things to my scalp let me tell you!

As for the hairstyle, they trimmed up my split ends and the layers at the back, also a few short layers at the front that really brings out the shape of my face. Then the blow-dry which gave my hair bounce and showed off my layers.

The result: A healthy head of hair and a fantastic experience with some tender lovin’ care from the Aveda ladies; muchos gracias, now I can say my dream of looking more like a dark-haired goddess came to fruition.

That’s not where it ends though; afterwards I was given a client file, yes my very own client file! And some tempting offers for when I collect points for each treatment I book. I also purchased 1 litre of the colour shampoo and conditioner to go with it to take some care of my hair when it’s off-duty.

All up for the colour, cut & style was $185, a reasonable price at any well-known salon, only this time I got the little extras that were well worth every penny. Service means everything, take note, other hairdressers, you have some fair competition here.

THANKS LADIES AT LUXE AVEDA CONCEPT, I’ll be seeing you in 6 weeks.

Aveda products are available for purchase in-salon, or online at StrawberryNET!

Reviewed by Kelly-Anne, waiting impatiently for her next tingly scalp experience!

Be well,

xoxo

My own journey to fitness & wellbeing.


I’ve long been the type of person to leave things until the last minute, am perpetually late, and disorganised would probably be my middle name if my parents could have seen into the future! Lucky for me, they couldn’t and I ended up with a more suitable “Kristen” instead of “Disorganised”.

This applies to many aspects of my life, including getting fit & healthy. I’ve put it off for SO LONG now. Sporadically taking up yoga classes for a term, not showing to half of them, joining the gym for a few months going 4 days a week then going cold turkey… I think a lot of people can relate to my inconsistencies.

Personally, I’ve no need to lose weight – I’m actually trying to put some on, but I’ve never been “FIT & HEALTHY” in that ideal way where flouncing up a flight of stairs comes easily, thieves need not take chase because I’d be worn out after the first two steps… you get the idea!

I also think there’s a fairly large misconception going around that thin = fit. I’ve always been thin, but unfit & still get incredulous looks when I talk about my exercise regime and frequently hear “But you don’t need to exercise!”.

However, I do! I really, really do! I decided this year was going to be the year that I really went for it and am going for fitness slowly but steadily by attending 2-3 yoga / body balance classes a week to start out. I feel so much more positive in general, I can feel my strength improving week by week (such a good feeling!) and I’m already noticing changes in the way my body looks & what it is capable of.

Everyone should work towards their own personal fitness & wellbeing goals, no matter what category you’re thrown into by the people around you “too skinny”, “too big”, “too old”.. ignore them and do what you need to do that is going to make you feel your best!

For me this means the aforementioned exercise classes, a massage once a month, spending as much time as possible with my gorgeous friends, connecting with like-minded people (that’s you!) & eating healthily to the best of my ability!

What are your own fitness & wellbeing goals? I’d love to hear!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty Salon Review: Tafe Beauty Skincare Clinic, Mt Lawley.

Beauty school dropout…♥

There is nothing I love more than beauty treatments. Now, I don’t mean the unfortunate necessities of waxing, I’m talking about facials, pedicures, manicures, massage… the fun stuff! Treatments that make you feel amazing as well as look good.

The only problem is, they are pricey. When an average facial or treatment these days is around $70 – $150 it’s no wonder I have blocked pores, unkempt feet and problem cuticles!

But gather round girls (and boys!)… What if I told you a deluxe 90 minute facial cost only $40? Or a deluxe pedicure $35? How about a two hour pampering package for only $60?

Welcome to Central Tafe’s Beauty Therapy Skincare Clinic. A place for students to perfect their technique and gain practice to complete their qualifications.

After a week of frivolous spending, and in need of a little pampering I decided to give the Tafe beauty clinic a go. In the waiting room, I was asked to fill out a form outlining any medications I was on, what my current concerns with my skin are, current skin care regime etc. I saw some ladies come out and re-book straight away. One lady, who must be a regular, booked manicure & pedicure sessions for the next three months!

Now this is a no frills premises. Located in the Mount Lawley campus, the clinic is a large room, shared by all, separated by room dividers. There are change rooms to undress if needed and you are provided with a robe.

I had a deluxe Dermalogica facial which lasted around an hour. Even though there were other people in the room, everyone was super quiet, and so I didn’t find it hard to relax. The student I had was excellent. She explained everything, including all the products she was using and why, and what was about to happen. She used Dermalogica products on me – so you know they are being taught with good products.

Dermalogica Facial Mapping.

I had a crème cleanser, a facial steaming procedure, a mask and a neck,shoulder and hand massage. The student I got said she was very interested in remedial massage and it showed. She had a very firm technique which was great. When she massaged my face it was obviously lighter – but perhaps a touch too firm for the face area.

All in all my experience was great and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. When I went to reception to pay it was filled with people re booking. So my advice is get in quick, as this clinic books up weeks in advance.

The Beauty Therapy Skin Care Clinic is located at the Mt Lawley Campus on the corner Lord and Harold Streets, Mt Lawley, in Room W202 (upstairs, West Wing).

The Clinic is open Friday 10:30am – 3:30pm and Saturday 9:30am – 12:00pm during term time only.

For further information and booking enquiries please
phone (08) 9427 3770.

More information about Dermalogica products can be found here .

Article by Yvette Coyne, helping your beauty dollar go further!

WA VIP Card Launch = Extravagant Weekend!

Saturday night saw the launch of the WA VIP Card at The George in the CBD.

Wellness WA is working hand in hand with the card, we are in charge of getting all of the excellent beauty, health & wellbeing businesses on board the card so that they can provide a discount to our members! E-mail beauty@wavipcard.com.au for more information if you are interested! Also, mention Wellness WA if you purchase a card and it will help us all out!

So back to the night in question, with nothing to wear I had to run out and pick up a new dress (Cue!) and heels which set me back a bit. And then the make-up and hair, oh dear!

I picked up some Bloom nailpolish in 2 shades: Amber & Edie ($29.95 for two)

“Amber”

This is the one I chose for the evening, the Bloom polish has really stayed on my nails and I’m impressed with the consistency and look of it. There is also a BAJILLION colours to select from, so I do recommend you check em out in Myer!

Post-shopping I ventured over to my monthly massage @ Cove Spa to unwind but I had a dilemma… shonky eyebrows! This just wouldn’t do for the evening ahead so I asked / pleaded nicely and the girls accommodated me easily and I had a tidy up before the massage, which was lovely as usual. Yay!

Then it was time to sort out a wash & blow dry for my dirty, messy hair (charming, I know). I tried 3 places before actually getting in somewhere, Saturday afternoon is big for hair appointments – who knew?! Well, I probably should have!

I wasn’t 100% impressed with the service I received at the particular salon, the woman was very off with the fairies and didn’t seem to be paying that much attention to what she was doing. However it WAS late in the day, they were very busy and I was lucky to actually get an appointment… plus the result turned out okay so I dealt with it, but try not to get myself into a situation where I’d have to go there again!

After that it was time to nap & then get ready. The night was lovely and we drank champagne with strawberries and blueberries to up the “Wellness Factor” ;), watched Bob Evans rock out a little and had prom photos taken!

Today is porridge, watermelon & green tea for breakfast & a yoga class Tonight to help work out the weekends alcoholic sins.

How was your weekend?! Any beauty treats? I’d love to hear about it!

Be well,

xoxo