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The first share house I ever lived in, in North Perth (I was 19) always had one or more bottles of the original Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion in the shared bathroom. We were four broke girls and it was our favourite, affordable moisturiser go-to. It was hassle-free to use (pump pack), slid on easy, kept our legs shiny and smooth during all that dancing at summer parties, and made us smell like chocolate (reeled in all the boys!).

That was six years ago – these days, I demand more from my body moisturisers than just ‘make my legs not dry’ and ‘smell nice’ (although I still demand this!). Now I’m moving into my late twenties, I also want: ‘make skin tighter‘, ‘smooth out dimpled skin’, ‘prevent potential stretch marks’. It seems Palmer’s must somehow know this, because they’ve taken the familiar, reliable, affordable moisturiser I know and love and added in Vitamin E, Collagen, and Elastin, to make Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula – Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks.

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I have been using this all-over lightweight lotion for about a month now, once post-morning shower and again before I go to bed – on my thighs, butt, abdomen and chest. I don’t have any severe stretch marks, so I’m mainly using this product to increase my skin’s elasticity and prevent potential stretchmarks – as us smart ladies know that prevention is better than cure (for the record, stretchmarks can come not just from pregnancy, but from weight loss/gain, bodybuilding, running with an unsupportive bra, even teenagers can get them from growth spurts – read about them here!).

The results are in, and my skin legs and stomach feel hydrated, smooth and firm, and the light stretchmarking I did have on my inner thighs has almost completely disappeared.

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I love the traditional cocoa scent, but there’s also a fragrance free version (if you’re a mum-to-be with a heightened sensitivity to scent, this is handy), as well as Vitamin A (retinol) free, and contains Shea Butter (as well as the cocoa butter), which soothes, tones and moisturises (can’t have enough of these three things going on, seriously). There is also a more concentrated lotion for problem areas). At about $10-$14, depending on where you shop, this moisturiser has refound its place as a staple in my bathroom.

The lotion is available at most supermarkets and chemists, check this full list of stockists for specifics.

Have you used the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter range before? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on chocolate scented skin and what products you’ve found helpful for stretchmarks!

Review by Thousands Perth City Guide editor Danielle Marsland, who likes to keep legs dance-party ready at all times

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I like the idea of health-conscious cafes, but I don’t like the ‘judgy’ vibes some of them have. You go there happy to slurp up vege soup and crunch raw things, but while you’re doing it you also want to be able to chat to your mate about how you stayed up all night and drank a buttload of red wine, without having to deal with the ‘you should really cut back on the booze and try to get more sleep’ glares from your fellow diners (yes, you can say all that in a facial expression).

The better cafes are ones that put an emphasis on healthy eating, and healthy product purchases, but acknowledge that lifestyle enjoyment comes in many forms. Yelo Café really hits the bullseye in this regard: at Yelo, vegan wraps and green juices sit alongside giant slabs of chocolate brownies and strong creamy coffees, and nobody gets their goat up about which combo you choose.

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Formerly the Bennion Street Café, Yelo is right on Trigg Beach; its clientele are mostly local, and often hit Yelo post surf/power walk (there’s always a few doggehs out front!). That said, the surfers are mixed in with more urban yo-pros: it’s a real diverse clientele. Yelo’s ‘Clean Carparks’ fruit and veg juice is a healthy favourite, Yelo also do acai smoothies, and have a fridge full of coconut water (including fresh young coconut), fruit juices and organic sodas.

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Their coffee is made from Fiori beans and Bannister Downs milk and served in a BioCup: it’s the best for miles around (there’s two coffee machines on the go so you get it quick, too).

Hydration choices aside, the best thing about Yelo is their wholesome, fresh, home-made menu of ‘snacks’. Favourites reel: the Vegan wrap, the gluten-free spinach and mushroom frittata, the oatbran muffins, the gluten-free macaroon slice and the bircher museli, but there’s also plenty of breakfast wraps, tuna patties, croissants, sandwiches and sweet treats on offer: many of which are vegan, or gluten free.

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Take in the sprawling ocean views while you wait for your order: or be tempted by Yelo’s ‘provedore’ section, curated with wellness in mind: for sale are healthy cereal boxes, Yogi Bliss trail mixes, Serenade Organic Skincare, Abhi’s Bread, Ecoya soy candles, surf wax and plenty of other goodies.

Yelo is located at 331 West Coast Drive, Trigg.
Contact: 9447 9441 or email yelo@bigpond.com

By Thousands Perth City Guide editor Danielle Marsland, who, in the words of Donovan, is just mad about Yelo.

Be well,

xoxo