by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jan 4, 2011 | Organic, Products, Reviews
When the opportunity to try some Weleda products came up I jumped at the chance. Having used several Weleda products in the past I was very keen to get them back into my life.
How do I love Weleda? Let me count the ways…
♥ Their philosophy – they believe in harmony between nature and human beings.
♥ The plant extracts and ingredients and grown using bio dynamic and organic methods.
♥ All formulations are free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colours & parabens.
♥ No animal testing!
This guy? Not harmed.
I had the chance to trial four Weleda products; Lavender Creamy Body Wash, Birch Body Exfoliant, Wild Rose Body Oil and Wild Rose Face Mask. The review of the Weleda products is split into two parts so read on to find out more about the Lavender Creamy Body Wash and Birch Body Scrub and stayed tuned for reviews on the Wild Rose products.
♥
One of my favourite scents is lavender; it’s very soothing and calming and I’ve been using lavender and lavender based products for a long time. It is perfect to use after a long busy day at work to help relax and de-stress.
I’ve been using the Lavender Creamy Body Wash at night, the scent is just divine and it is perfect to use after a long busy day at work to help relax and de-stress. Weleda uses organic lavender grown from Moldova in a fair trade agreement.
I found this body wash very gentle, didn’t strip my skin and it lathered well .The formulation as the name suggests is a lovely creamy consistency. The scent tended to linger for a while after I used it which was lovely.
♥
I’ve been on the lookout for a gentle body scrub for awhile. The last few ones that I tried have been quite rough and have even left nasty red scratch marks on my skin. Trying the Birch Body Scrub was a dream.
According the Weleda website Birch has been proven to be helpful to rid the body of toxins and help in the detoxifying process. The Birch Body Scrub uses natural plant wax pearls to gently but effectively exfoliate and smooth the skin. I noticed that my skin was smoother after just one use. The scrub is effective but not harsh at all. Tough areas like my elbows and knees are feeling softer. Even the scent is refreshing and uplifting. This is the perfect scrub to use in summer to get ready for all those skin baring party dresses! This scrub is a winner!
Have you tried Weleda products? What are your favs?
Review by Hannah-Lee.
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Jan 1, 2011 | Interviews
Tammi Ireland, Coveted Canvas.
♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m a mag-loving, journalist working in newspapers full-time while also free-lancing for other newspapers and online sites. Thus, my ‘fluffy’ writing had to be directed elsewhere, so I founded Coveted Canvas in March 2010. It’s a beauty website with tips and tricks, product and salon reviews, trend reports, holistic tips, competitions and more. I put all the info I’ve learnt from years working in the modelling industry and behind the scenes at mag shoots onto the web for girls like me who love experimenting with their look.
In my spare time, I write letters to myself, read books, watch Mad Men and sample Perth’s restaurants.
Bloom Organics Rosehip Oil
♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
Reviewing countless products means no day is the same. That being said there are some steadfast rules I stick to. I cleanse with Dermalogica’s Pre Cleanse twice (once to remove impurities, once to actually cleanse), followed by scrubbing my face and neck with their Daily Microfoliant. If I skip this step, my skin is really dull – the movement of exfoliation brings blood to the surface. Next I’ll apply a serum or moisturiser (always with SPF), depending on my plans for the day and follow with makeup.
At night I either repeat the Pre-Cleanse process or remove makeup with WotNot wipes (amazing!) before applying Bloom Organics Rosehip Oil over my face and neck, and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye to prevent premature wrinkles. Vaseline keeps my lips from drying out during sleep.
♥ Hidden Valley ♥
♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?
Working six and a half days a week means I don’t get to the salon that much, which makes me extremely sad. When I do, it’s more a time-saving thing than an experience. Eyebrow waxing at Lovely Lady in Midland is great for those weeks I just can’t be bothered plucking my own brows.
That being said, I actually had my very first professional massage in June at Hidden Valley Eco Retreat, which was amazing. I’ve got vouchers for those on every one of my distributed Christmas lists.
♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?
Head Studio in King Street. I used to get around when it came to hairdressers but the guys at Head Studio were great when I went in to get balayage and a new style. There’s nothing more reassuring than having your stylist listen to your wants before they take to your hair with scissors! Plus the salon’s décor and coffee alone, is worth going back for.
♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?
An at-home manicure. When I went to LA last December, I stocked up on OPI nail polishes (they’re only $7 there!) so I’m quite enjoying working my way through them all. A slick of colour on your nails can completely change your mood.
♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?
1. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (see above)
2. Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara for everyday because I can easily take it off and wake up without looking like a panda
3. Burt’s Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açai Berry to keep my lips hydrated under the office aircon.
♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?
Not really secret, but I like to drink a lot of water and use concealer religiously. I can definitely feel the difference when I eat better, too, so I try to avoid bad foods and (recently) caffeine.
♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)
There are so many! When I started Coveted Canvas, I had no idea about some of the amazing treatments out there.
I would love to say goodbye to unwanted hair permanently with laser removal but find it hard to justify the price, I want to try meditation and more yoga, and after reading your Sodashi Chakra balance review I’d like to try that too.
ED: Check out our IPL/SPL review!
♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.
No day’s the same but I always like a high-fibre breakfast with a few glasses of water to kick off the day. I try to eat a healthy lunch – salad roll or left-over stir-fry – but the problems come in around 3.30pm when I’ve been at my desk all day. Here I’ll have endless amounts of tea to get me through to dinner. Usually that’s protein and veggies. I snack on cashews, summer fruits and some health bars throughout.
♥ Describe your fitness routine.
It’s definitely not as good as I’d like it to be! I try and do some stretching or yoga in the morning to get my blood pumping, then walk throughout the day where I can (parking the car far from the office entrance, for example). I recently tried Zumba and plan on doing that a lot more.
Otherwise, I try to walk and use the family Ab-Swing and rower where possible. If I had more time, I would be all over the Bikram yoga and salsa dancing again. Sadly, I just can’t find time to get to the classes.
♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.
When I’ve had a few hard days, I’ll pop a women’s multivitamin and if I’m feeling iffy, I’ll try Inner Health Plus but really I prefer to just ride it out and get the nutrients from my diet. I’m a big believer in mind over matter and that if you think you’re well, you’ll be well.
Thanks Tammi 🙂
If anyone has any comments or questions please leave them below!
Be well,
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Dec 30, 2010 | Day Spa, Inner City, Products
♥ ♥ ♥
Woah woah woah! I literally just let out a “YES!” and clapped my hands with glee! You see, I’ve heard so much about these little pockets of bliss that are available to my Sydney, Melbourne & even Adelaide mates…tiny spa wonderlands where divine organic ingredients envelop you and you leave a changed person.
Okay okay, I haven’t tried it myself but this is what I’ve heard through my extensive reading of spa & beauty blogs from other states!
SO, the biggg news is (as I’m sure you can guess from the title) is that these bliss havens called Endota Spa’s will FINALLY be making their way to our West coast home!
David Jones city store will be the location of the first spa… and there will be more to come, they are currently offering franchising opportunities in these areas:
Territories available in greater Perth:
– Cannington
– Cottesloe
– Daglish
– Fremantle
– Innaloo
– Joondalup
– Mt Hawthorn
– Mt Lawley
– North Perth
– Perth CBD
– Scarborough
– Subiaco
– Warwick
territories available in regional WA:
– Mandurah
– Margaret River
I’ve also had the privilege of using the Endota Organic Rose Hip Oil and Honey & Rosehip mask of late and by golly, my skin is glowing! It’s like it just eats it up! There will be a proper review later, but I just wanted to give a bit of an idea as to why I’m excitedly raving like a lunatic.
So, to recap.
Endota Spas. Perth. 2011. Organic / Natural. Completely amazing. I will be first in line!
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Dec 28, 2010 | Products, Reviews
Wotnot Facial Wipes
If you’re anything like me and are in a constant mini-war with your face, fighting dry, sensitive spots one day and little breakouts the next, you’ll know how difficult it is to find a face wipe that settles down the battle zones.
Not to mention the difficultly in finding one that quickly removes your makeup before you fall into bed after a big night.
So the recipe for my dream facial wipe would go something like this…
♥ Doesn’t sting sensitive bits or aggravate breakouts.
♥ Doesn’t dry out and tighten the skin.
♥ Nourishing and calming.
♥ Takes off makeup in a flash.
++ Bonus points: Improves skin condition.
Almost impossible?
Enter our star and my new fav. product, Wotnot Facial Wipes!
This baby is a winner in my eyes because it does all of the above, contains heaps of organic goodies AND is environmentally friendly as it’s 100% biodegradable / compostable!
Why didn’t someone think of this before?!
So down to the nitty gritty…
♥ Contains: soothing organic aloe vera, organic sweet almond oil, organic rosehip oil, organic jojoba oil.
If you guys didn’t already know, those three oils are the who’s who of the “oils that are good for making your face healthy & pretty” scene. So get to know ’em!
♥ Does not contain: alcohol, chlorine, sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances, artificial preservatives, animal extracts and they are of course against animal testing. PHEW.
This guy wasn’t harmed during the making of these wipes! YAY!
This is all well and good, however we need performance as well as enviro-responsibility, and Wotnot wipes deliver on that front too.
It takes off my makeup in a flash and feels GREAT afterwards!
I love this product and won’t be giving it up anytime soon, it’s replaced my stinging wipes and now takes pride of place in my messy bathroom.
Wotnot Naturally Nurturing Facial Wipes are $11.95 for a pack of 25 wipes and available to buy online (with free shipping) at http://www.wotnot.com.au.
Be well,
Annette
xoxo
by Annette @ Wellness WA | Aug 3, 2010 | Cheap / Free, Products, Reviews
♥
My plan up until recently to do my bit for the environment and Climate Change, was to buy an electric car. When I had enough money. Oh, and when they were available to be bought. That was the plan. But recently, I’ve had the feeling that this probably wasn’t going to be enough and that I was probably going to have to rethink this plan, even though it was brilliant and foolproof (right?)
So what could I do? Get a worm farm? Make a compost bin? Live in a teepee? Probably. But it’s not really my style. I’m more of an electric car kind of gal. So what if I could take a small, little baby step towards doing something for the planet AND have this little step make me look lov-ver-ly. TELL. ME. MORE.
Enter the growing market of ‘green’ beauty products. Organic ingredients, recycled plastics all that jazz. Now, I’m not going to pretend like this area of the market is new, not by any stretch, but it is an area of the market that I have avoided up until recently. The idea of organic beauty products had me thinking of sandalwood and hemp and facemasks made out of porridge and dreadlocks and hippies and Fremantle (sorry!) I guess you could say I was a little biased and a lot not interested. So when I first started using Dr Bronner’s line of beauty products these poor, poor items were really starting on the back foot. I’m not saying I didn’t want them to work, I just didn’t expect them to. For the purposes of this review I road tested Dr Bronner’s Liquid Soap, Dr Bronner’s Shaving Gel, Dr Bronner’s Organic Lotion and Dr Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm.
Shaving Gel.
Let’s start with the shaving gel because this had the biggest hurdle to jump- if any of you reading this are related to/the friend of a beauty therapist (in my case my sister) you would have probably had it drummed into you that shaving your legs is EVIL and should be stopped at once. Now, if my sister is reading this I’M SORRY, but sometimes you are in a rush and you just need to shave your legs so you just do it and ok you feel bad about it 3 days after but those first two days the rush you get from that smoothness wow is there anything like it? So even though I am a waxer, I totally shaved my legs for this review. PUTTING MY BODY ON THE LINE. And this product- totally great. Smells amazing (not like shaving cream which I think doesn’t smell so great), is nice and thick so it creates a good barrier that wont make you cut the hell out of your legs, leaves them feeling great afterwards (and the next day) and seriously if you do shave your legs all the time, you have to have something like this. Don’t just think shower gel or shampoo/conditioner will do. It won’t. It doesn’t. Stop doing it. Get this stuff. The lemon lime smell was really nice. I highly recommend.
Peppermint Lotion
Now, the lotion. The plus was that it was quite light so you didn’t feel all sticky afterwards and rubs in really well (and those are two really big ticks in my book) the minus was that the peppermint fragrance got a bit too sickly for me (the good news though is that it comes in Lavender Coconut, Orange Lavender and Patchouli Lime something for every nose.)
Castille Soap
However, I also tried the Liquid Soap in Peppermint and that was just perfect. The peppermint gives your skin a real zing after you use it to wash your face so that’s one product where I think I would definitely prefer the peppermint preference. Now, while we are speaking of this soap- allow me to spend a second on it. This soap has EIGHTEEN uses. 1-8. I couldn’t even get through them all, and I tried. The face cleaning properties were enough for me (I’m not green enough yet to use it to wash my house or clothes), but knowing it has eighteen different uses makes me kind of impressed while I am using it.
Orange Ginger Lip Balm
And last, but certainly not least, the lip balm. Ah…lip balm. How I love thee. I don’t think I am lying when I say that I have tried nearly every single lip balm on the market. I just love them so. The Dr Bronner’s version I tried was the Orange Ginger flavour and it smelt really nice (not too sweet) so nice in fact it kind of made me feel like I was eating carrot cake every time I put it on. This was another bonus and surprise, surprise it did the job. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say it is just as good as Lucas papaw ointment. It doesn’t make your lips irritated and itchy afterwards like Carmex does to me or Lip Smackers (yeah ok I own ONE alright so don’t tease me it’s just one and I’m 90% sure it was a gift) and it doesn’t smell medical like Blistex. Tick tick and tick.
The last thing I need to bring up about all these products is the PRICE. The lip balm $2,99, Liquid soap $2.49, Lotion $9.99 and shaving gel $7.99!!! You guys, it’s so cheap!
I seriously am wondering how Dr Bronner even makes any money.
Ok so it doesn’t have the fanciest, sexiest packaging (although there’s something serious about it which I like) but does it matter when you can have these basic products for dirt-cheap and you can know exactly what is in them AND you can know you are helping the environment out a little?
Get yourselves to this website stat because you can get everything online (the company is American): I seriously can’t recommend the lip balm and the shaving gel enough. Don’t wait around for the electric car.
http://www.drbronner.com
NOTE: All these prices are in US dollars, but the exchange rate is so good at the moment, 0.911 as of today 03/08/2010 so you’re still getting a way good deal.
By Adriane, dream babe extraordinaire
