Product Review: It’s a Kiehl’s Mega Party!

♥ Ain’t no party like a Kiehl’s club party! ♥

Kiehl’s. Since 1851. EIGTHTEEN FIFTY ONE. These guys have got looking after your face down to a fine art. So how are they helping the modern gal quash her skincare concerns? Let’s find out…

Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover – $36

I have a very real fear of getting things in my eye that will burn excessively, but recently I was involved with a project that meant I had to wear a lot of heavy eye makeup 6 nights a week and I knew that I was going to have to do something, nay USE something, to get it off. So I tried Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover with much hesitation and told those around me that if it hurt I would hurl the bottle out the nearest window with the intensity of a thousand suns.

Of course, my dear logical reader, there was no hurling. The lightweight formula doesn’t smell, doesn’t sting, doesn’t burn, doesn’t HURT. It seems completely free of the things that would lead to causing irritation in the eye or the delicate skin around the eye. Now you might be wondering with all this delicacy and cucumber and apricot kernel oil – does it actually work? You bet your eyes it does. A little on a tissue or cotton ball completely removes the make up from your eyelids and eye lashes. And in my case eyebrows as well (I told you it was HEAVY makeup).

I’m in ur makeup cupboard, testin ur productz.

And for those contact lens wearers – completely safe for you too. You can rest assured knowing its Ophthalmologist tested (see image above). This product easily does the job without causing any discomfort or pain.

Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion – $84.

This no pain, max results thing seems to be a reoccurring theme with the Kiehl’s crew, because I am in full-blown love with Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion. It’s a super duper exfoliator that you have complete control over. Squeeze out a small ‘nickel sized’ amount and apply it to your clean, damp skin in circular motions. Wait – if feels too rough! Then just go easier! Wait – I’ve had enough! Then just stop! See? You ARE in control. My skin felt cleaner, clearer, smoother and better without any makeup on it, which for me is always the benchmark of a product doing its job superbly.

I guess I really lost sight of how important exfoliation is after a bad Micro Dermabrasion experience at a salon. But not getting rid of the dead skin cells, product build up and other things that get in the way of good skin can contribute to bad skin no matter how much you cleanse it. I’m sorry I have neglected exfoliating my face for the past couple of years but it is back and boy oh boy it is great.

Kiehls’ Double Strength Wrinkle Filler (Available on Kiehl’s counters)

And finally we have the Kiehls’ Double Strength Wrinkle Filler, espousing to fill those wrinkles and lines you may wish weren’t there. Now, I’m a long way off from what is maybe the desired clientele of this product BUT I’m a smile-y kind of person, and continually creasing my face in the same place in the same way is starting to show.

Did this instantly fill my lines? No. Did it improve the condition of my skin in terms of elasticity and how moisturized and smooth it felt? Absolutely yes. Would I keep using it? Yes again. Because better skin condition of those areas that do get a work out (facially speaking) will surely lead to a reduced appearance of fine lines. And short of invasively having them filled with something from the inside, I think taking care of the outside is a smarter, safer and much more enjoyable bet. Good one Kiehls.

Reviews by Adriane Daff, dream babe extraordinaire.

Be well,

xoxo

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Dr Joe Kosterich, Medical Doctor, Author, Journalist & Tv Presenter.

Dr Joe Kosterich

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

I am a father, doctor, author, speaker and media commentator and TV presenter. I have a regular spot on 6PR Tuesday mornings after 10am news and publish a weekly newsletter from http://www.drjoe.net.au. In early April I’m doing a series of stories for Today Tonight.

JK Secret Triple Action Booster – RRP $69

Tell us about your daily beauty / wellness routine.

I get 8 hours sleep each night and will catch up on any deficit on the weekend. I eat mainly non processed food, but do not make this a religion. I use the JK Secret Cosmeceutics Triple Action Booster at night. Make sure that I laugh each day. Meditate a few days a week – aiming for everyday. Regular exercise.

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

I do like a good back massage at Subiaco Sports Massage Clinic.

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

Davilia at Floreat Forum. As a bloke I do value convenience. They are close to home, do a good job, you rarely have to wait long and it is not a rip off.

Favourite budget or at home beauty / wellness treatment?

Sounds lateral, but meditation helps de-stress so helps wellness and is free. I am not a purist of any one “school” I like the downloaded mediations from Deepak Chopra because they are easy. Davidji who is the head of mediation at Chopra reckons people make it too hard, and the key is slowing the mind with slow breathing. Using a mantra like “so… hum…” helps. The most important thing is to just do it and not get caught up in doing it “right”.

Your four, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Brooks running shoes
2. Downloaded meditations from Chopra.comEd’s note: I checked these out and they are fantastic!
3. Angry Almond at Subi Markets who sell raw nuts dried fruits and seeds (I make up my own little mix)
4. My home water filter.

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

Another lateral one, but enjoying what you do is vital. You feel and look better when you are happy and content!

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

Would like to do one of those one week retreats with massage meditation and juices no phone etc. Finding a whole week is the barrier.

Breaky.

Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast is two eggs scrambled and a piece of rye toast. Lunch varies. Typically some protein (meat or fish) with salad either by itself or in a roll and some fruit.

Mid afternoon some nuts and seeds and a little dried fruit (mixed up in a glad bag). Dinner varies eg Fish/chicken with veg and potatoes, or a curry with rice or pasta. Use olive oil. Minimise food with “numbers”. A few days a week I will have a small sweet treat and a glass of wine some nights. About 2.5 -3L water through the day.

Describe your fitness routine.

Two days running 6-8 km in 35-45 mins. I have 3 circuits, one is along the coast at City Beach in a loop from home, one is in Bold Park along the Zamia trail and the third is from City Beach down to Floreat Forum and back also in a loop. Two days weights in the gym with a trainer and some stretching.

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

I take a fish oil as I don’t always get 2.7 serves of fish each week. I take Juice Plus which is a fruit and veg concentrate (again getting the right amount 365 days a year is not always possible) and an antioxidant.

How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Meditation (10 -15 mins) helps. I love to run (or walk) along the beach. The ocean is very calming. Playing with my kids and laughing at stuff (cartoons, comedies) – you cant stress when you laugh.

You can find Dr Joe on Facebook & Twitter.

Any questions & comments please leave them below!

Be well,

xoxo

Weekly Wellness Wrap-Up!

Kit nails! ♥

Today I’d like to share with you the beauty and wellbeing bits n pieces that have made my week – hopefully you like them, please share your wellness wrap-up too if you like!

1. Got ma nails did for FREE at the Kit event in Enex100.

And I swear it’s one of the best manicures I’ve ever had! The new season free spirits edition colour is called ‘Play Down‘ (shown above). The girls at this event were the sweetest things and I hope that Kit run something like this again soon, it was great!


2. Raw Comedy State Final @ His Majesty’s Theatre.

16 comedians did battle last night with words and wit as their weapons, the winner (Tien Tran) is headed off to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to vie for the national title! Let me tell you, this event was fantastic. There were so many highlights I can’t even remember some of them, but I would go again in a heartbeat, laughing is also AMAZING for your wellbeing, didyaknow?

3. Super mild sunscreen for the face in the form of QV Moisturising Day Cream with SPF 30+.

I’m having a bit of a love affair with this guy, after being told off by my beauty therapist for not wearing sunscreen on my face each day. My skin is a bit sensitive and prone to breaking out, so I needed something mild, non-clogging but effective, I also didn’t want that whole white-mask business that some sunscreens try and get away with.

This stuff RULZ! It has almost no smell, is non-greasy, non-sticky, is a great base for make up and ticks all of the above boxes as well. Best of all it is only $15.99 from pharmacies/Priceline!!! It has moved swiftly up the ranks to must have product in my bathroom.

4. Retreat for one at Bodhi J Day Spa.

Last Monday I treated myself to a spa day. It was fantastic. Review to come in the next few days!

5. T2 Spi Chai Tea!

I avoid caffeine where I can (but I do love my choccy!) and as a huge lover of chai tea have been searching for a decaff alternative for a while now. In T2 the other day, I stumbled upon Spi Chai, which is exactly what I’ve been wishing for!

Ingredients: Star anise, cardamon seeds/pods, liquorice root, cinnamon, ginger, jasmine, cloves, rose petals.

It’s a beautiful blend which is soothing & mildly warming, perfect as we’re waving goodbye to Summer (finally). I have mine with Vitasoy soy milk & a squeeze ‘o honey. It doesn’t make the water really dark (coz there’s no actual tea in it unlike regular chai) but the flavour is still strong and delicious. Do try it!

What have you been doing this week to up your wellness quotient?

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty Salon Review: Aromatherapy Facial at Jurlique, Claremont Quarter.

From the outside, it’s not clear whether the Jurlique Store in the newly developed Claremont Quarter provides treatments or not. It’s a cute little shop, which evokes a sense of being atop a snowy Swiss mountain, nestled in a wooden lodge. Only instead of hot chocolate and moose-heads, you’re surrounded by all the organic, biodynamic Australian-made skincare you could ever need! It’s a good feeling.

Jurlique, Claremont Quarter store.

Luckily for you (and me), this quaint little space does indeed provide treatments and they are indulgent ones at that. Here you wont find any of your standard waxing fare, but what you will find is an incredible array of facial and body treatments that will have your mind abuzz with confusion as to which one to pick!

I chose the Jurlique Aromatherapy Facial which is described as:

“This classic facial provides holistic benefits essential for radiant healthy skin. Using aromatherapy preparations, this cleansing and relaxing facial is personalised to suit your skin’s individual rebalancing needs. An uplifting sensory experience of natural skin care and total pampering.”


The treatment room.

Both the girls at the Claremont Quarter store were lovely and welcoming! I filled in a card, was asked a lot of questions about my skin and then taken into the treatment room for the fun to begin…

I should mention that they were playing really good music, cue Death Cab for Cutie, The Album Leaf and more soft folky sounds.

Lemon-Lime Hydrating Essence – $45.

I love personalised treatments, from a choice of three scents I chose this one, Lemon-Lime. Yum. This hydrating essence is compressed onto the face with hot towels, complete bliss, and apparently it plumps up the dead skin cells and makes it easier for them to be exfoliated off!

Balancing Cleansing Lotion – $45.

It should really be called a face-neck-chest-ial, as all three of these areas are joining in the party, starting with the cleanse.

Next comes one of the best bits of getting a facial…. the steamer!

My face is steamed for about 5 minutes to open up the pores and then a mask is applied (although I forgot which one, oh dear!)

While it dries my arms are exfoliated, massaged and moisturised, I could get used to this.

Some soft hot towels later and my face is bare again, ready to be introduced to the final products to complete my experience…

Herbal Recovery Eye Cream – $52.

♥ (Above) Applied under the eyes, this cream helps to de-puff and reduce dark circles!
Balancing Day Cream – an everyday moisturiser that smells great.
Herbal Recovery Gel – this is a potent little mix of good for you anti-aging ingredients, I found it made my skin pretty sticky afterwards though, so beware!

Love Balm!

Last but not least this super-cute balm is applied to my lips. My therapist offered me some tea and water, and then sadly it was time to leave.

To check out the other treatments available on the menu, head here.

I loved my treatment and the staff were super sweet, make sure you head down to Claremont Quarter soon – it is incredible! When you’re finished with Jurlique you can duck over to the T2 shop across the road as well – for a post-spa tea! Can’t beat it 🙂

The aromatherapy facial is $105 and takes 60 minutes.

Contact the Claremont Quarter girls on: 08 9284 2325

I received this facial gratis, but as always would like to remind you that we will only write about something if we loved it and think you’d love it too. This one made the cut!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Beauty Salon Review: Deluxe Facial at Bridget Black, Mount Lawley.


Fed up with the way many products and brands in the beauty world were either overpriced, poorly formulated, marketed in a misleading way or all three, Perth chemist, businesswoman and mother Bridget Black decided to take matters into her own hands.

Her chemistry background provided the foundation for her to create her own range of beauty products. Her absolute commitment to ethical practice means no ingredients used by the business are tested on animals and she tracks carbon footprint for everything from manufacture to distribution, as well as crediting $2 for the return of every piece of BB packaging.

I was lucky enough to be treated to a deluxe facial at Bridget’s flagship Mt Lawley boutique.

Reception / store area.

The fit-out is gorgeous. Considering the namesake of the business, black is the obvious choice, but it’s complemented with lots of bright white, chandeliers and make-up style light-bulbs around the mirrors.

I don’t know about you, but the moment I always fear most with a new beautician is the one where that lamp with the all-knowing light hangs over your face and tells of the multitude of sins: drinking too much alcohol and too little water, smoking (not that I do), spending too much time in the sun (driving a soft-top in summer doesn’t help); eating poorly or whatever other vice you have or temptation you give in to. Luckily, it appears all that drinking water and diligent application of sunscreen paid off and my skin, is, happily, free of premature aging and sun damage.

Temily, the therapist I had on the day, was an absolute professional.

After leaving me to tuck myself into the plush (black) blankets, she ran through my own skincare routine with me, having read the client details I had filled in on arrival.

The lush treatment room.

One of my pet hates is pushy therapists who try to sell you products while you’re having a treatment. Ditto for hairdressers trying to upsell serums, conditioners etc at the till.
I’m all for being informed, knowing what the therapist is using and the features and benefits, but it’s a fine line between informing a client and peddling products and Temily straddled it perfectly. It was an incredibly relaxing and soothing treatment, but also one where I felt informed and safe every step of the way, also another really important factor with a new therapist. Temily made me feel like just for that hour, there was no more important place to be than right where I was.

The jojoba buffing beads were one of my favourite products. I’ve used them since I had the facial, and have really never felt my skin so clean and clear of debris and dead skin cells.

Bridget Black Eye Gel, 30ml – RRP $35

The eye gel also felt beautiful on my skin and appeared to really make the skin around my eyes tighter and more soft and supple. The moisturiser for normal to oily skin, which is what I’ve got, was the perfect weight and I wasn’t left feeling at all greasy on a hot Perth summer morning.

One of the most delightful parts of the facial was the arm and leg exfoliation. Having a choice of scents added a personal touch, and vanilla, which is my all-time favourite, was one of them. Being able to select, when filling in client info, what level of massage you like is just one of the services that makes the Bridget Black experience more personal and far better than the average beauty salon encounter.

I left the salon feeling pampered, spoiled and like I’d been treated with products that had truly done my skin good.

The deluxe facial goes for 1 hour and costs $75.

Bridget runs a second store on St George’s Terrace in the CBD.
 
Follow Bridget’s movements on Facebook or on her website.

Have you tried Bridget Black, or any other local Perth brands before? Let us know in the comments!

Review by Athanae Lucev, a freelance journalist and writer with a keen eye for a pretty bargain.

Be well,

xoxo