Wellness-Infused Valentines Day Gifts for 2021!

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With 2021 shaping up to be a crazy little year already (hello snap lockdown, fires and floods), there’s never been a better time to prioritise love, self-care and

Whether you’re celebrating valentines, gal-entines, pal-entines or treat yourself to some Cristal-entines (?), this list of fun gifts will have you or your pressie recipient feeling the LOVE this February 14th. And while we agree that you should show yourself and your nearest and dearest love EVERY day of the year, we also think it’s nice to have a little space carved out in the calendar that’s dedicated solely to the L word.

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♥ La Loba Cliterally Amazing Clit Oil – $24

What better place to start on the day of love than right with your own body? Designed for people with clits, this lush oil smells like a delicious chai tea (seriously, the smell is amaze). Use the dropper to apply 1-2 drops to your (or someone else’s) body, wait a few minutes and then enjoy the warm, tingly sensations. Fun to use for self-pleasure, partner-pleasure – particularly oral sex – or just because, when I first bought this product from the cuties at Soft Yoga Perth, I would NOT stop raving about it to everyone that crossed my path. The obsession remains. Do yourself a big favour, at $24, it’s well worth the investment.

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♥ Couples Massage

People have been showing their love for one another by sharing the gift of massage for almost as long as time itself. There’s nothing quite like the post-incredible-massage haze and deep sense of relaxation, so it makes sense that we would want to gift this feeling to someone we care about!

If you want to take it up a level, a couples massage involves both of you being massaged at the same time in the same room by two separate massage therapists, so you can bond over the mutual relaxation you’re both experiencing!

Most couples massages will end with a cup of tea and some snacks in a cosy room to keep the bliss going just a little bit longer.

Our top recommendations are Endota Spa Perth CBD, Bigfoot Massage in Northbridge, Bodhi J, Como Shambhala in the city, and Crown Spa.

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♥ Peggy Sue’s Pink Vitamin C Serum

Your face shouldn’t miss out on the love this Val-day, and we think that one of the very best way to show your skin some TLC is with a natural Vitamin C serum – specifically this cute one from Peggy Sue!

Naturally coloured with dragonfruit extract, I’d say it’s pinkness compares to rose quartz, the Pink Vitamin C Serum is designed brighten, hydrate, and firm the skin. I can confirm that after using it my skin felt moisturised and not oily or sticky at all – which is ideal in a serum – and my daily facial sunscreen & makeup went on perfectly over the top.

Give the gift of glowing skin with this absolute babe of a product. Used daily, for at least two weeks, your skin will be feeling and looking its very best.

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♥ Higher Love by Jordanna Levin

This one is a great idea for your Gal-entines day or a night snuggled up at home on the couch with Uber Eats and a bottle of wine – introducing, Jordanna Levin and her make-your-heart-happy book, Higher Love.

A dating manual for the astrology-lovin’, crystal cleansing & soul-centred friends in your life – Jordanna promises to help you manifest more love in your life by upping your personal vibration to help attract the partner of your dreams.

And even if you’re already coupled up, you’ll enjoy this feel-good, self-love guidebook that will have you feeling more deeply connected to your heart.

Whatever you’re doing this Valentines / Galentines / Palentines / Icecream-in-bed-entines, we hope you enjoy showering yourself or someone else with love!

Be well,

xoxo

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Beauty & Wellness Routine with Grady Wulff, Presenter & Model.

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First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!

Hi! I am Grady Wulff. I recently graduated from the Graduate Diploma of Broadcasting at WAAPA/ECU Perth. I won the Fox Sports News award in my course that lead to a 3-month internship at FSN in Sydney where I relocated in February this year. I have worked in many different industries over the years from events, to technology, fashion and more, having also completed a Marketing and Advertising degree. I am a very bubbly, outgoing person who loves to keep myself overly busy (have a problem with saying no to things). I love to keep fit and am always looking to challenge myself in new ways.

What time do you wake up most days and how many hours of sleep do you aim for?

I like to wake up at 6am to make the most of my days. It has been difficult to maintain this of late as I have been working night shift, however I am trying to get back onto this routine now that I have moved to Melbourne. I am guilty of running off 5 hours sleep many times but I like to get at least 7 hours to make the most of my day and ensure I have adequate energy levels to get the most out of my days.

What’s your morning routine to set you up for a great day?

I like to exercise first thing in the morning to start my day on the right note – I wake up and pop on my exercise kit and get out the door for either a 10km run or 15km walk. I follow this up with a lemon tea, water bottle, coffee and eggs or a banana.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I don’t eat a lot but I like to eat very healthy of late. I start my day with scrambled eggs with mushroom, goats cheese, onion, kale, or if I am in a rush just a banana and a coffee. For lunch I like to have salads with some meat in summer and soups in winter. Dinners I like to explore my newfound love of cooking!

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Do you take any supplements, vitamins or special wellness elixirs? If so, we’d love to know!

I take Bioceuticals Armaforce and the JS Health Hair Vitamins every morning.

Do you have an evening wind-down ritual?

Have a bath, listen to a podcast (Serial, Cold Case Files, The Claremont Trial and the Teachers Pet are all my favourites!), and have a peppermint tea.

Best place to get a green juice or smoothie in your city?

I have just moved to Melbourne so am yet to try any green juices however I was introduced to Green Cup for acai bowls and boy oh boy am I addicted! In Perth my favourite green juice is from Yelo.

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What’s your fitness routine & favourite way to get sweaty and where’s your go-to?

I love to go for 10-15km walks and runs every day. I find running or walking is the best way to clear my mind and centralise my thought process. Exercise for me is more of a mental release than physical but I obviously love the feeling of satisfaction after a great workout. I also do Zoom workouts with my PT Aian from The Clubhouse in Perth – I love that i have found a trainer who pushes me and doesn’t tolerate my excuses for not pushing myself harder!

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If you could only wear one brand of activewear for the rest of your life it would be…

JAGGAD – I love the support and tight fit of their ranges. The leggings always have a pocket on the high waist band which is perfect for keys when running and the quality of the product is second to none.

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

I love getting Hydrafacials at Youth Lab in Perth. I haven’t had one in the three months I have been gone from Perth so I definitely miss them but they have set me up with the Ultraceuticals MD range as a replacement while I am away.

What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t got around to yet?

I would love to try the Ella Bache Instant Glow Mask that a lot of influencers post about on Instagram – I love the look of the mask and the results look incredible.

Are you into any woo-woo wellness trends? (think crystals, sageing, tarot cards etc)

I can’t say that I am but I am always willing to try new things!

You’ve got a big event in 7 days time that you need to look incredible for. What’s your plan of attack to look & feel your absolute best?

Great question! I up the amount of water I have everyday to ensure my skin is looking very well hydrated and I feel great, I increase the amount of sleep I get every night, if I am presenting I will be researching the topics I am to talk about everyday and ensure I am very well prepared for any question thrown at me, I increase my exercise for mental and physical well-being and I will make sure I have had a Hydrafacial in the lead up.

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If you could have the ultimate day of wellness & happiness in Melbourne / Perth what would it involve and where would you go?

I went to the Japanese Mountain Spa in Melbourne last year and promised myself to make it a yearly visit. It was the most surreal experience mixing both Japanese culture and tranquility in our own little isolated spa. I would recommend it to anyone.

My ultimate relaxation and day spa experience in Perth is definitely at the Crown Towers – I was fortunate enough to have the massage at the towers and the experience was second to none.

What’s your dream wellness vacay?

A week in the Maldives to completely relax and unwind – spending most days at a day spa and treating myself to the ultimate relaxation vacation. I would also like to do a yoga retreat in Bali – I have always wanted to escape the craziness of my daily life to just stop and spend a week focusing on myself through yoga.

And lastly… do you have any top secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Wake up everyday and read one positive affirmation! I know it sounds cliche but it really works. I always look to start my day on the right note mentally and physically. For the physical start to my day I always wake up and have lemon tea.

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My Three Favourite Cleansers this Winter.

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When the weather starts to get chilly, my skincare tends to need a bit of a switch up in order to prevent dry & flaky skin. And it has sure been cold and rainy the past few weeks!

I currently have three cleansers in my kit that I wanted to share with you because they are all FANTASTIC, and I use them in different ways depending on how my skin is behaving on any given day. I would love to hear what your favourite Autumn / Winter / cooler weather cleansers are, so please leave a comment below to let me know!

ESK Hydroxy Cleanser

ESK, or Evidence Skincare, is a results-based, cruelty-free skincare range and I am absolutely obsessed with their Hydroxy Cleanser.

I’ve never experimented much with Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (which are meant to be incredible for your skin, according to the likes of Zoe Foster-Blake and many others), and this cleanser contains both.

What does this mean exactly? Well, according to Adore Beauty, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are water-soluble, so they dissolve surface level dirt and some dead skin cells – revealing smoother skin below and assisting with reducing fine lines.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) on the other hand are oil-soluble so they can unclog pores (!!!) and assist with acne prone skin, making this cleanser a winner for many age groups.

Over a month or so this cleanser made my skin supppppper smooth, and dare I say it – better than ever? I use the ESK cleanser every evening and every second morning to dissolve away any dirt, makeup, pore gunk & dead skin cells and it is honestly working wonders – I think it may be the best cleanser I’ve ever used.

Highly, HIGHLY recommend giving this one a go if your skin is dull, ageing, or acne prone.

The Hydroxy Cleanser is $45 direct from the ESK website.

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Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser

I’ve been using this one for a while now, and its yummy fruity scent is always welcome when I pop the cap. Packed full of kiwi fruit, Manuka honey, and grape extracts, this certified organic cleanser is more suited to oily skin types, and I tend to use it every second morning when I want to give my skin a more gentle cleanse or if I’m feeling a bit oily.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a light, gentle, organic cleanser that is non-stripping and suitable for oilier skin types.

Available from Adore Beauty for $35.50.

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House of Immortelle Gentle Cleansing Oil

Oil cleansers are all the rage at the moment, they feel amazing on the skin, are especially good in winter, and – most importantly – they deliver fantastic results.

My current favourite is this Gentle Cleansing Oil which has a grapeseed & almond oil base. I call this bad boy in when my skin REALLY needs some extra nourishing, or if I have a full face of makeup to take off.

The best way to describe it is that it really feels like you are nourishing each and every cell when you massage it into your face. Dirt, oils & makeup are all magically dissolved by the oil, and when you wipe it off with a face washer / flannel you’re left with ultra soft, beaming skin.

My favourite mini ritual on a Sunday evening is a deep oil cleanse, followed by the ESK cleanser, and finished off with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Serum to lock it all in. It’s a bit of a pick and mix routine, but one I currently swear by!

The Gentle Cleansing Oil is available from the House of Immortelle website for $29.98.

Looking forward to hearing what your favourite cool weather cleansers are!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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Beauty & Wellness Routine with Sarah Hamilton, Founder of Sand & Sky + Bellabox.

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First up, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and what you do!

I’m Sarah, I grew up in Geelong with 4 siblings (including a twin sister) and have 2 kids of my own – 3 if you include our dog Gilchrist.

My background in beauty started with Bellabox, Australia’s leading beauty box. Like most people my sister, Emily, and I were obsessed with discovering new products. Testing and retesting products to find what we loved and what genuinely worked became our passion, so we founded a business where we able to bring this to all the beauty junkies out there.

Not long after, Emily and I created Sand & Sky, and the iconic Australian Pink Clay mask was born. We knew we wanted to showcase Australia to the rest of the world and highlight our incredible botanical ingredients. Oh, and I’m the co-founder and Managing Director of both brands!

What time do you wake up most days and how many hours of sleep do you aim for?

Most days I’m up at 6am and I aim for 8 hours sleep. Although I’ll settle for a solid 6!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Banana and latte, pre exercise, then fruit and toast with avocado and vegemite for breakfast. Salad and a protein for lunch, and whatever I am given for dinner as I don’t cook! Finally, at least one bottle of kombucha!

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Tell us about your daily beauty routine! What are your non-negotiables for looking and feeling your best?

Definitely Sand & Sky Australian Emu Apple Dreamy Glow Drops, a good coat of mascara, Olaplex for my hair and then Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Mask as an overnight spot treatment to wake up blemish-less.

Do you take any supplements, vitamins or special wellness elixirs? If so, we’d love to know!

I try to have WelleCo Super Greens every day and anything by The Beauty Chef. I get hay fever and I think garlic is the answer to all ills, so I take horseradish and garlic tablets daily.

Best place to get a green juice or smoothie in Melbourne?

Laneway Greens.

Favourite farmers market or healthy place to shop?

I’m still a sucker for Whole Foods Market.

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If you could only wear one brand of activewear for the rest of your life it would be…

Nimble Activewear.

What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t got around to yet?

Well being activity that I can’t make happen is a monthly body massage and exfoliation.

Thanks to Sarah for taking the time to share her routine!

Be well,

xoxo

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My Favourite Skincare Product of 2020 So Far.

♥ Check out that PUMP!

I don’t think I’ve ever been excited about a pump before. A pumpkin spice latte, sure, but a pump on a beauty product? No.

Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is the owner of this much-heralded – by me – pump, and the product itself is a triple threat as it’s an insanely nourishing oil that’s suitable for body, face AND hair, plus is shark-friendly and 100% vegan.

The pump is the perfect size for your finger to press, and delicate enough to allow precise distribution of this nourishing oil. Seriously, this bad boy is ergonomic. I honestly feel like thousands of hours have gone into the creation of this DREAM PUMP. I’m going to stop ranting about it now, because it’s honestly getting a little weird, but suffice to say once this bottle runs out I Will Most Definitely Be using it for any other oils that I have that happen to be housed in inferior packaging.

Pumps aside, the other thing I love about this oil is that there are no preservatives, it’s 100% squalane, and at 100ml it’s extremely generously sized so you can go bananas and not scrimp on slathering your face and body with it.

Many forms of squalane are derived from shark livers, yes really, and as someone who tries to live a cruelty free life to the best of my ability I have absolutely NO interest in that, and hopefully you feel the same way. Biossance claims to save over 2 million sharks per year via their sugarcane-derived method of squalane extraction and frankly I’m here for it.

I like to use this product in the evening post-cleansing and exfoliating. I spend some time slowly massaging it into my face after a warm shower, then massage my breasts, hands, elbows, feet (pop on some socks after for extra benefit) and any other dry spots. Due to how lightweight this oil is a little goes a long way, which makes it even better value for money. And did I mention the glow? How could I not. You’ll wake up in the morning with perfectly plump, hydrated skin – and knowing it’s from a product that’s 100% natural will only make you even happier about it.

For me, this oil is now a must-have in my nightly routine. Find it online at sephora.com.au for $50 AUD.

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