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Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on November 23, 2012
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The first taste of the summer sunshine tells us we’re getting to the pointy end of the year when we start to worry about how our cellulite will look in bathers and we begin ditching tights and boots in favour of cute sandals.
And if you’re like me, the first showing of leg after a long, cold winter might look something like this:
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Okay, maybe not that horrific. But many of us are familiar with our winter pedicures happening only when we can be brave enough to remove our bed socks.
For me, looking down at my freshly pedi’d feet makes me feel instantly more refined and less like a wild, spear-wielding cave woman. Painting my toenails has always been something I’ve done to relieve stress – there’s something about the methodology in achieving a perfect pedi and staring at the pop of nail colour as I paint it on brightens my mood no matter what kind of day I’m having. I’m a big fan of the home pedicure where I know every bit of equipment is hygienic on my tootsies, and I’m also a big fan of anything that makes my DIY pedi easier!
Now, I’ll save you some nausea by not showing you my “before” photos. Let’s just say my feet needed some lovin’ after months of being hidden inside socks, tights, boots and uggs. On a scale of “Fresh Feet” to “Wild, Spear-wielding Cave Woman”, I was probably at “Girl, That’s Nasty [Know What I’m Sayin’?]”.
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Enter Emjoi PediSmooth.
This cute little gadget removes the effort of manually scrubbing your feet with a pumice stone at the push of a button.
The battery-operated PediSmooth has a natural stone roller that spins really, really fast and buffs away coarse, old skin with no effort or pain. The device is comfortable to hold and the roller is big enough to cover a good area, but small enough to maneuver over the natural curvature of the foot. For $29.95, you get the PediSmooth, two white “extremely rough skin” rollers, a pink “rough skin” roller and a brush to remove the build up of er…dust?
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I find the PediSmooth does a good job at “polishing” feet. It definitely makes them smoother and you can see the difference after you’ve used it, but I find it works best if I use it after my foot file (*shudder*) to get ultra smooth and soft feet. That being said, I use the PediSmooth once a week just to keep things in check, and I’ve ignored the finer pink roller that is meant to be used for maintenance. All in all, it does a pretty decent job given the budget-friendly price tag, but my feet need a bit more oomph to get the results I like.
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After my feet are buffed and fresh, I work some body scrub into my feet to really make them sparkle. My favourite is Soap & Glory’s The Breakfast Scrub (RRP $18.95 at Kit Cosmetics). It’s constantly selling like hotcakes at Kit, and probably because it smells like hotcakes. Seriously. It’s like rubbing your feet with warm pancakes, doused in maple syrup and butter and garnished with a big cuddle. This fine sugar scrub leaves skin all over the body super smooth and it’s great for feet because it can get right between your toes but rinses off easily, with no residue.
I pat off my feet, pop on some foot balm (I’m currently using QV Feet Heel Balm – I also smother it on at night and slip on some cotton socks) and prep my nails for some colour. While I was in Kit, I picked up this awesome shade of pink for summer called Let Go. It’s so perfect to add a splash of colour without being too garish!
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The final result is a beach-worthy pedicure that will look smashing in sandals, all without the effort of those pesky pumice stones or buffers!
Emjoi Pedismooth is $29.95 and available through the Emjoi online store!
Tell me… what are your favourite DIY pedicure tricks and tips? Do you have a hero product to get your feet ready for exposure to the outside world? Leave a comment below!
Review by Gemma, our resident pedicure loving PR professional!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in At Home, Cheap / Free, Products, Reviews | 
3 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on November 22, 2012
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All my experiences of spray tanning are via my family, some of whom have made some dreadful orangey-choices regarding their colours. I myself have never done it. I’m a very, very translucent pale white, and it seemed impossible that it was something I could investigate and still fall into “pale” territory, and therefore it was with some trepidation I visited Megan at Shredded in Floreat for a layer of AVIVA City Collection tan, images of Snooki dancing in my brain.
The colour chosen was Hollywood, which was a gold spectrum. I’d erroneously believed that the three colours were shades – light, medium, dark – and thus learned they were actually spectrums on their own, the shade being chosen by the amount applied and how long it is left on the skin before being washed off. Hollywood was golden, Miami was bronzed and Vegas was chocolately/latte. Since I’m the pale type and I’d clarified that I only wanted to tone down the glow a little, I was advised to leave the product on for 30 minutes before washing off.
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I left Shredded sticky, smelling a bit like a barbeque and with seams of brown dye collecting on the inside of my elbows. After washing it off I was honestly surprised (because I’m a pessimist) at how even and seamless the tan was. I’d opted for the disposable g-string as opposed to my own underwear, and while it was awkward during the session (naked in paper underwear in front of a full length mirror and a stranger) I was glad once I saw the finished product. The untanned areas (i.e. two tiny strips over my hips) were startlingly white, which was my proof that it had taken. The tan was a subtle one, and not particularly obvious on my skin – my face looked paler than usual and I looked more toned than I otherwise would. The areas of my body that are usually glaringly translucent – inner elbows, boobs, collarbones – were all glossed over, bringing me back to a human colour and making me look less sick than I had previously.
Sadly it’s not intended to be a longterm fix – five days later and I’m more or less back to the shade I was, but for events and quick-fix spray tanning, this is a really nice option. Megan was really lovely and professional, and the process (while tickly) was very easy. If I were the Spring Races type, I daresay this would have been my first port of call – as it is I really enjoyed my brief stint of being handsomely (pale) golden.
The City Collection is $40 an application, cheaper for Shredded members. Give them a call on 9284 0144 for finer details!
Have you tried an AVIVA tan before? Where is your favourite place in Perth to get a spray tan? Leave a comment below!
Review by Suzanne from Don’t They Know Who I Am?
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Beauty Salon, Reviews, Western Suburbs | 2 Comments »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on November 20, 2012
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We are lucky to live in an age where so many of the world’s natural secrets have been revealed. With super foods, unique vitamins and minerals, an abundance of yoga and fitness possibilities, luxurious hair treatments and tasty facial scrubs we are now able to incorporate these secrets into our lives to help us become the best possible version of ourselves. Silica is a secret I’ll pass on to you. It is a scientifically researched ingredient for healthy skin, hair, nails and connective tissue and I was lucky enough to try it in many different forms over the past month.
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♥ QSilica Capsules (Vegetarian)
I started taking these capsules during a warm and wonderful trip to Bali. A month later my skin still feels smooth, with no blemishes and has a tanned glow. It is difficult to say whether this is completely due to the benefits of the QSilica capsules, or a little owing to my normal skin care routine, however I have definitely noticed that my skin is smoother and more resilient to the changing weather. In the hair and nails department I haven’t observed a drastic difference (this could be to only taking them for a month so far), but my nails and hair still feel healthy and strong (hair perhaps a little frizzy due to wind, but sadly Silica can’t fix this ladies!).
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♥ REHYDRATE Energising Facial Mist
I recommend this product as a must have this summer. The light energising facial mist contains silica and aloe vera to aid in calming the skin. I used this in Bali and it became part of my group’s routine to spray this on our faces as we collapsed in our seats after a long day and ordered a fresh mixed juice. Just like the juice it will help refresh and cool you down on a scorching day!
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♥ REPAIR Strengthening Hand and Nail Cream
This is a fantastic hand cream to smother on your hands at night and massage into your well-deserving cuticles.
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I found it perhaps a little too thick to use as an everyday hand cream as it left my hands feeling slightly sticky (only slightly!) but after I used it for the week my hands did feel smoother and cuticles much healthier.
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♥ REMOVE Makeup and Grime Cleansing Gel
This light gel was the perfect end to a long day and maximised the results of taking the Silica capsules for my skin! As I don’t wear a lot of make-up, this light gel worked wonders to cleanse, tone and freshen my skin leaving it feeling clean and smooth. After massaging in rose hip oil and settling down with a herbal tea (Spiced Red Fruits by The English Teashop is my current fav, tastes like hot jelly crystals) my skin has been the best it has in years.
Tell me… have you tried silica for skincare before? I would love to hear anyone else’s experience with this wonder mineral, so leave a comment below!
Written by Jade Jurewicz, new lululemon educator and summer daydreamer (bring back sunshine, mango smoothies and the beach!)
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Products, Reviews | Comments Off on Inner & Outer Beauty Review: Q-Silica Capsules, Face Mist, Hand Cream & Makeup and Grime Cleansing Gel!
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on November 19, 2012
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Christmas is less than SIX WEEKS away. You heard right, six weeks. How did this happen?! That’s right, with all the hard work, taking care of family & friends, busy social life and keeping up with Wellness WA (;)) the year has absolutely flown by with barely a chance to sit back and take a few centred breaths.
Bliss
That’s where Gwinganna comes in. Imagine waking up on the 25th of December to find a voucher for a 2, 3, 4 or 7 night ultimate spa and wellness retreat at one of Australia’s top spa and healing destinations – Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat. I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to go, this place is seriously the best wellness destination in Australia.
Fancy a little tai chi and yoga in the morning?
The 7 night detox program in particular gets me fired up, it’s described as “the Rolls Royce of lifestyle retreats is one of our most powerful options. Leave with whiter eyes, increased vitality and glowing skin.” Yes! How good would that be?!
Maybe a gorgeous bush walk is more you cup of (organic, fair trade) tea?
Gwinganna are offering a 20% discount off selected retreats in 2013 with their popular Christmas vouchers. Each retreat package at Gwinganna is fully inclusive and provides an opportunity to truly escape and recharge.
Or just relax in the infinity pool
Gwinganna’s packages include all certified organic meals and snacks, movement activities, lifestyle seminars, courtesy transfers from Gold Coast airport at set times and selected spa treatments or spa credit.
The Christmas vouchers are available for purchase until 21 December 2012, valid for stays from 20 January to 27 March 2013 and some conditions apply.
Phone 1800 219 272 or visit www.gwinganna.com for more details. And be sure to let me know if you are thinking of taking a trip over there, so I can live vicariously through you! 🙂
Tell me… would you like an amazing spa retreat for Christmas? Been naughty or nice this year? Leave a comment below!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Day Spa, Interstate/International, Other | 1 Comment »
Posted by Annette @ Wellness WA on November 16, 2012
♥ Minu Threading ♥
I have wanted to write an article about threading for a really long time. The first time it entered my mind was when I had first discovered threading. Amazed at the way my non-existent eyebrows looked after just one appointment, I thought to myself- I must spread the word– much like an old time explorer discovering new land (or so I like to think). A year on, and I’m still met with blank looks when I mention my luscious brows are threaded, and thus the desire to write the article has returned!
Threading is a hair removal technique originating from India and Central Asia.
Unlike plucking, which removes one hair at a time, threading removes an entire line of hair with the use of cotton, which leaves a cleaner, more precise shape. Eyebrow threading is also a lifesaver for those women who are allergic to wax or are taking medication for their skin. That’s as technical as I can get about threading; I think the best way to understand what it is, is to see it in action. And because I know you all love a good before and after, I’ve taken one for the team, and bared my naked brow for you all to see. Enjoy!
1. The dreaded before photo
2. Minu tending to my unruly brows
3. Holding the skin around the eye taught for Minu
6. I like to get a very dark and thick tint put on my brow, it helps define the shape!
7. Ahhhh back to my nice thick brows.
I have been visiting my threader, Minu, for nearly a year now. Minu has a salon at the Station Street Subiaco Markets on Friday Saturday and Sunday and then during the week she is based in the Innaloo shopping centre. Minu and her team are fast, gentle and listen to your eyebrow (and other beauty) needs. Eyebrow threading isn’t painless, and getting your top lip done hurts like the dickens, but the regrowth is finer, the damge to your skin is negligible, and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper then visiting the salon for a wax. If you still arent convinced don’t hesitate to pop down to the subiaco markets and see Minu and her team in action!
Tell us…Have you had your eyebrows threaded before? Have you had the pleasure of meeting Minu before? Leave a comment below with your experiences!
Minu’s salon can be found at Shop 11, 52 station street, Subiaco, Perth.
She also has a Facebook page!
Review by Jacqui Bradfield, Makeup artist, Croissant eater & threading obsess-ee!
Be well,
xoxo
Posted in Beauty Salon, Reviews, Western Suburbs | 7 Comments »
