Beauty and Wellbeing Routine: Elly Squire / Clara Cupcakes, Dancer for Sugar Blue Burlesque.

Beauty and Wellbeing Routine: Elly Squire / Clara Cupcakes, Dancer for Sugar Blue Burlesque.

First up tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Elly Squire but I tend to be better known as my stage moniker Clara Cupcakes. I perform with Sugar Blue Burlesque in shows all over WA. I also teach Hula Hooping at the Burlesque Academy. In my real person life (I couldn’t live like Clara Cupcakes – she’s an absolute drunken floozy!) I like to go lindy hopping, sew pretty clothes and bake cupcakes, mostly for the Retro Market. You can usually find me otherwise rehearsing like crazy for one of our shows!

Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

It’s complicated! My skin was always super easy care (just cleanse, tone, moisturise and the odd exfoliation) until I moved to Thailand. I don’t know if it was the weather or the pollution but my skin changed completely. It was both oily and dry at the same time and it got really rough and lumpy. I had to change my whole routine and all my products. I got rid of anything that had parabens and the like and just used the most natural products I could find. I have a separate day and night routines because I find my skin needs different things at different times of the day. I keep it really light and oil free during the day and put the oils back in at night. Sure my face feels a little sticky and oily when I go to bed but I wake up with the softest skin!

Burt’s Bees Radiance Creme RRP $39.95

In the mornings I use Coal Face by Lush to cleanse, rose water (which I just buy from my local market) to tone and then Burt’s Bees Daily Radiance Creme , plus arnica oil for my eyes. At night I use Burt’s Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream followed by my own tea tree toner blend and moisturize with a jojoba/vitamin e/ rose hip oil blend (that I also mix myself) and Burt’s Bee’s Carrot Nutritive Night Creme and Beeswax & Royal Jelly Eye Creme. It sounds like a lot but my skin thanks me for it!

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

I am obsessed with keeping my eyebrows groomed. I don’t really have a favourite place. I kind just go wherever is open and has a free appointment at the time.

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

I hadn’t had my hair cut for a good two years because of a terrible hairdressing fiasco that had let me somewhat bitter and vowing never to go back to anyone EVER. But I recently gave in had it all chopped off in New York at Pimps and Pinups (who were AMAZING by the way. Ask for Lizzy!). So I don’t have anyone here that I go to but I will definitely be going to Head Studio in the city for my maintenance. I have heard amazing things!

Olive Oil.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Avocado, coconut oil and jojoba oil hair mask that I make myself. It’s so easy to make great, natural treatments for yourself that don’t break the bank. I also like warm olive oil and salt as an all over body scrub.

Dr Feelgood by Benefit , RRP $53

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Dr Feelgood by Benefit – I wear this instead of foundation when I’m having a stretch of good skin days. It’s a super light balm that makes your skin look matte so you have that look of foundation without actually wearing it.

Jojoba and Arnica Oils – Jojoba oil has made a huge difference to my skin. It makes it glow, but not in an oily way. You can even use it on your hair. Just put two drops on your hands and run them though your locks. It makes it soft and shiny. Arnica is also a big favourite with me because I bruise like a week old peach and this helps get rid of the colour a little quicker. I also use it under my eyes in the morning to help get rid of dark circles.

Sleep Balm by Badger Balm – I used to be a troubled sleeper until I picked up a tin of this little miracle. I smell it and instantly feel more relaxed. It’s the best! I keep trying to give it to people. I think I’m starting to weird them out.

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

Cold peppermint tea in summer! It’s refreshing and helps you digest so you never feel bloated, which is the WORST in summer. Oh and always use an eye cream, no matter what age you are. It’s an investment in your skin you wont regret.

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

Acupuncture. I think it would make a difference to my horrible knee that keeps flaring up but I’m petrified of needles!

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Oh gosh, my eating habits are pretty terrible right now. I think I would scandalise everyone. But I do drink a tonne of water and herbal tea. That’s all I’ll admit right now!

Describe your fitness routine.

I don’t really have one to be honest. I used to do a lot of yoga but it started getting expensive and unfortunately other things came first. I do hula hoop a tonne which is not only fun but great for toning and strengthening your core. I also try and go lindy hopping once a week, although I have been failing at that pretty badly lately as well.

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

I have the knees of an 80 year old. I take glucosamine and fish oil to help so i’m not hobbling around everywhere. I also take a multivitamin. That’s about it really! As for therapies, well. I say get out there and dance. It’ll cure what ails you!

Any questions for Ms. Cupcakes?

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Gillian Campbell, Make-Up Artist and Stylist.

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Gillian Campbell, Make-Up Artist and Stylist.

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

I have recently moved back to Perth after spending the past year working in NYC, where I worked as a freelance make-up artist for film (worked with Cannes Film Festival Winner, Elodie Bouchez), in addition to managing the marketing department at fashion showroom APARAT.

Since moving back to Perth at the beginning of the year, I have resumed my career as a freelance makeup artist and worked on the Cloudstreet TV mini-series, several commercial campaigns (LotteryWest, The West Australian and Chevron), and have had editorial in SCOOP, The West Australian and Frankie. Although this keeps me relatively busy, I am also the Marketing Manager (Business Development) at HALO Lighting, an independent Architectural Design Lighting Consultancy that my Dad started in April this year.

Work tends to take up most of my time but I try to keep a balance, making sure I take the time to go to the beach, see my family and friends, and keep in touch with local exhibitions and gigs.


Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I try to keep things simple with my personal routine, as my days are usually pretty busy. I always cleanse morning and night with a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) as I have very sensitive skin and I moisturize with a hydrating cream (Ego QV cream).

I have tried several other products but I have hypersensitive skin and find base products without fragrance work best for me. I make sure I’ve always got Kiehl’s SPF 15 lip conditioner (Available at StrawberryNET) on hand as I often tend to work out on location and I use Giorgio Armani’s Hydra Glow Foundation as it also contains an SPF 15.

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

To be honest I find the beach to be my favourite beauty treatment. Salt water seems to work wonders on my skin and hair. I just make sure I have my SPF and sunglasses in tow.

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

Matthew Ingrahm at Head Office on Hay Street. Its all about the cut! Even in New York I found it hard to get a cut as good as his.

Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream – a mid price point $39 for an amazing product, which is great for dry skin. It can even be used on the lips!

Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

MAC Eye Lash Curler – I don’t leave the house without curling my lashes. It’s all about keeping what’s natural (skin, brows, lashes lips) looking fresh.

Maybelline Full and Soft Waterproof Mascara – you can layer this mascara and it remains soft and doesn’t crumble. Waterproof is always best to hold lashes that have been curled.

NARS Casino Bronzer
– For darker skin tones like mine this bronzer keeps the skin looking sun-kissed and ready for Summer (lighter skin tones would use NARS Laguna Bronzer).

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

Less is more! Nothing beats fresh healthy skin. Lots of water, SPF, and picking a cleanser and moisturizer that is right for your skin type will all help in the quest to feel great.

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

I’d love to go on a yoga retreat, but this requires time and research and my busy work schedule has been keeping me on my toes.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Eggs for breakfast are a must for me. I tend to drink a lot of water and steer clear from drinks that are high in sugar. Apart from that I tend to eat everything in moderation.

Describe your fitness routine.

I try to avoid driving where possible, so instead I walk or ride my bicycle. I also go dancing at least once a week.

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

No.

Event: Sodashi Night at Bodhi J Day Spa, Wembley.

Event: Sodashi Night at Bodhi J Day Spa, Wembley.

Megan Larsen, Sodashi Founder

The lovely people from Sodashi invited me along to their day spa meet and greet event at Bodhi J with Megan Larsen (founder) two weeks ago and I want to do a little re-cap because it was a gorgeous night!

Tickets to the event were $50, redeemable on product purchase, and included an array of mini-treatments, personal consultations with Megan herself, delicious snacks in the form of mini quiches and pumpkin soup shots, obligatory champers & juices, the chance to win a facial AND the best part of all… GOODIE BAGS!!!

I was lucky enough to experience two of the three mini-treatments on offer.

First up, in one of the most relaxing feeling spa rooms I’ve had the delight of experiencing, I had my chakras balanced!

The purpose of it is to balance out the energy centers in the body, apparently my heart chakra was out and I’m a bit lonely at the moment, oh no! After the balancing was done (which involved special oils and much ushering of bad energy away from my body), I instantly felt like bursting into tears!

It was really strange, I’ve had similar experiences before with energy therapy too so I think there is some weight to it, just need to experiment some more with it and see how I go!

Sodashi Chakra Balancing Kit RRP $330

The second treat I received was a lush mini foot-facial, which is a facial for the feet, not a facial done with feet! I’ve never actually had a pedicure (quelle horreur) and this was absolutely DIVINE! My feet felt so soft and relaxed afterwards, I’ve been missing out all these years!

From my mingling and chatting to the guests, it’s safe to say that the people who use Sodashi are in fact as lovely as the people that work there!

The prize was drawn and we all received our exciting Goodie Bags, which consisted of:

♥ 1 x full size Rejuvenating Face Mist – I love this product, it smells divine and feels so fresh on the skin, I have to say that sometimes I spritz it around my apartment because it smells so good!

♥ Travel size Eye & Lip Cleanser

♥ Travel size Enlivening Body Lotion

♥ $20 Bodhi J Spa Voucher.

Loved them all!

I left with balanced chakras, soft feet, a swag full of loot & a head full of knowledge about the brand. A very successful evening! I would recommend everyone to check out day spa events, as they are super informative and you usually recoup any cost in the form of samples, nibbles, drinks & treatments, so it’s totally worth it!

Have you ever been to a day spa event?

Had your chakras balanced?

Had a pumpkin soup shot? (T’was delish!)

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Weekly Wellness Trinkets!

Weekly Wellness Trinkets!

♥ ♥ ♥

Have a browse through our op-shop assortment of links, events and other bits ‘n pieces! As always, you can let me know if there’s something you think we should be sharing with everyone.

Sodashi Skin Care Workshop – Megan Larsen, the woman behind chemical-free skin care company Sodashi, will be hosting a skin care workshop at Bodhi J Health & Beauty Spa, Wembley on Wednesday 8 September from 6.30pm – 8.30pm.

Come along and get advice on the perfect Sodashi ritual for your skin and enjoy mini spa treatments and refreshments. Call Bodhi J Health & Beauty Spa on 9387 5152 to secure your ticket.

43 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Life – I need all of these!

Yasemin from PRIMPEDs Adore Beauty Must Haves – I love reading little lists like this 🙂

Sarah Wilson on Transcendental Meditation – this article inspired me to go down to the library and do some research on meditation. It led me to a really amazing book which you’ll find out more about soon!

Create your life handbook!

55 Ways to Get More Energy – a super cute article sent to me by the lovely Kelly. A lot of handy hints in here.

Yasemin from PRIMPED talks about colonic hydrotherapy – would you do it?!

Two Week Stress Less Plan! – ready, set, stress less!

Love yourself sick each morning – aka. “The benefits of writing HOLY SHIT YOU LOOK AMAZING on your bathroom mirror”.

Hope this bountiful list inspires you in some way! Make sure you send all your links to me for next weeks installment!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Birthday Wellness!

Birthday Wellness!

A big sleep-in started my birthday with a snoozy bang. I did wake up at 7am to rush into my housemates room and sleepily jibber about birthdays and she made it worthwhile by presenting me with two wonderful prizes!

Carmen Electra: Fit to Strip Vol. 2 (review coming very, I love it!) and STOTT PILATES: Sunrise Workout (also coming soon!). Yay! We’d both been meaning to get some workout DVD’s happening, so now we’ll be busting moves and stretching it out in the comfort of our own home!

After my gift receiving I fell back into bed til 11am and then made my favourite healthy breakfast: Honey porridge with sliced banana!

This stuff is really good for you too as it keeps blood sugar levels even throughout the day, so it’s a perfect brekky.

Backtracking a little… the night before I went to dinner at Galileo Buona Cucina, Shenton Park. Totally in love with this place now!

Bruschetta for starters (possibly the best I’ve ever had), pear nectar (!!!) and one of their signature dishes, artichoke ravioli for mains… such a fantastic birthday dinner!

Urban Spoon rating: Galileo Buona Cucina on Urbanspoon

My parents gave me something dorky I’d been wanting for a while, A WATER JUG! I’m going to use this to make my special Iced Green Tea – I make a big batch of this up and drink it throughout the week, I’ve found it really helps with glowing skin so I’m really excited to get back into this!

Back to my day though! I met up with my Mum and had a HUGE salad and detox juice (beetroot, carrot, apple, celery) from Edens Salad Bar in Subiaco, they were both delicious and the juice was enormous! I recommend.

Urban Spoon rating: Eden's Salad Bar on Urbanspoon

As my birthday treat to myself, I bought the latest Good Health magazine and some of the new Lindt Blueberry Intense chocolate – OH MY DELISH! As well as the blueberries, it also has little slivers of almonds, yum.

Another lovely gift I received, from Conor @ Hold the Beef was some Oxfam Unwrapped seeds, I found it really thoughtful and it made me smileeeeeee that my birthday inspired Conor to want to help someone else 😀

Throughout the day I slurped on green tea & rosehip tea to up the wellness quotient, and when it came time to get ready for my party, I used some Akin & Al’chemy prods to “gussy up”.

My locks were treated to [Al’chemy] Rice Aminos & Wheat Protein Intensive Moisture Shampoo and Avocado & Calendula Re-Moisturising Conditioner. These hair heroes are SLS free (a very good thing) and are devoid of many other nasties as well, so are great when you want to give your strands a break from the chemical torture they’re usually subjected to!

Post-shower I spritzed some ‘Cellular Brightening Mist’ on my face, I –LOVE- this stuff! It smells like lavender and feels cool & sparkly on the skin. I haven’t done any comparitive analysis pre and post spritzing but it makes me FEEL like my skin is brighter, so I’m sticking with it!

Seeing all my favourite people in one place that night ended my birthday on a high note, friends are critical to wellbeing and I was so happy that all my besties made it out to celebrate with me.

Love you all. Thanks for reading. Here’s to the next wellness filled year, hope you stick along for the ride!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo