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Thursday, June 20, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
All about: Spring FootSpa Queenstown’s Bliss wedding packages
I’m a huge fan of Spring
FootSpa Queenstown after visiting there last year, and also a huge fan of
US-based spa brand Bliss whose products I lust after on a very regular basis.
Every time I visit the States I try and get along to a Bliss spa for a
treatment (the San Francisco location is my fave), and have always lamented the fact that they aren’t available in New
Zealand - until now.
In a wonderful
meeting of beauty minds, Spring FootSpa Queenstown are now offering new menu of
wedding packages, which is made up of some very special treatments courtesy of
Bliss. The Bliss brand prides itself on advances in skin and body treatments
that deliver real results, and Spring FootSpa is the first spa to bring Bliss
treatments to New Zealand, and also have a wide range of Bliss retail products
for sale.
The five decadent
new packages are custom designed for preparing brides-to-be, grooms-to-be,
bridesmaids and mothers of the bride for the big day. Spring FootSpa’s expert
wedding spa planners have put together the packages to ensure the whole bridal
party sparkles. They include Aisles Ahead, The Prenup
(for him or her), Perfectly Groomed, M.O.B. Mentality
and All Maid Up. And for your special day, the spa is also
offering 20% off the regular retail price of the treatment packages.
Spring FootSpa -
and East Day Spa - owner Ina Bajaj says that her favourite treatment is the
complexion-reviving Bliss Instant Radiance Oxygen Facial, which features a
resurfacing peel, oxygen wrap, extractions, massage, and finishes with Bliss’s
famous Triple Oxygen Cream face and eye mask. A series of six of these facials
is reportedly the perfect way to ensure smooth, glowing skin on your big day, and
it sounds like pure heaven to me - the woman most definitely knows her stuff!
The full line up
is:
Aisles Ahead - $456.00 ($570.00 value)
A series of six one hour Bliss
Instant Radiance Oxygen Facials, approximately one facial every month.
This complexion-reviving facial starts with a resurfacing peel, followed by an
oxygen wrap, the necessary extractions, facial massage and Bliss's famed face
freshening Triple Oxygen Cream, face and eye mask. It's like a breath of fresh
air for your face - literally.
The Prenup (for
her) - $244.00 ($305.00 value)
Signature Spring
Pod Massage - Either full body
or concentrated on a particularly achy area, they combine long flowing strokes,
rhythmic movements and yogic stretches for a marvelous muscle release.
Bliss Hot Almond
and Milk Pedicure - Milk
(or, specifically, lactic acid) does a pedi good in this hour-long
sole-spoiling treatment. Following an intensive dry-buffing, feet are softened
in steamed whole milk and mega-moisturising almond oil, then sublimely scrubbed
and taken to the pinnacle of ‘pedicure’ with punctilious preening polishing.
Shellac Manicure
with French Polish - Like
any quality polish application, the Shellac system features a base coat, colour
coat and top coat. Together with a UV Lamp, they comprise the breakthrough in
resilient colour that remains flawless for two weeks, dries instantly and
removes in 10 minutes.
Brazilian Wax
(under six weeks)
The Prenup (for
him) - $166.40 ($208.00 value)
Signature Spring
Pod Massage - Either full body
or concentrated on a particularly achy area, combining long flowing strokes,
rhythmic movements and yogic stretches for a marvelous muscle release.
The MANicure - Ideal for hard working hands. Nails are tidied
and cleaned for a well-groomed, spotless appearance.
Full Back Wax
Perfectly Groomed -
$188.00 ($235.00 value)
Bliss The Youth As
We Know It Pod Facial - Their
ultimate anti-aging treatment targeting tone, elasticity, volume, fine lines
and wrinkles - all the way to your décolleté. Includes a gentle but effective
peel, extractions and a high tech soothing mask. Also suits sensitive skin.
The MANicure - Ideal for hard working hands. Nails are tidied
and cleaned for a well-groomed, spotless appearance.
The Sole Man
Pedicure - Men’s pedicure
with callus remover add-on treatment.
Brow Grooming
M.O.B. (Mother of
the Bride) Mentality - $192.00 ($240.00 value)
Bliss The Youth As
We Know It Facial - Their
ultimate anti-aging treatment targeting tone, elasticity, volume, fine lines
and wrinkles - all the way to your décolleté. Includes a gentle but effective
peel, extractions and a high tech soothing mask. Also suits sensitive skin.
Shellac Manicure - Like any quality polish application, the
Shellac system features a base coat, colour coat and top coat. Together with a
UV Lamp, they comprise the breakthrough in resilient colour that remains
flawless for two weeks, dries instantly and removes in 10 minutes.
Bliss Hot Almond
and Milk Pedicure - Milk
(or, specifically, lactic acid) does a pedi good in this hour-long
sole-spoiling treatment. Following an intensive dry-buffing, feet are softened
in steamed whole milk and mega-moisturising almond oil, then sublimely-scrubbed
and taken to the pinnacle of ‘pedicure’ with punctilious preening polishing.
All ‘Maid’ Up -
$96.00 ($120.00 value)
Shellac Manicure - Like any quality polish application, the
Shellac system features a base coat, colour coat and top coat. Together with a
UV Lamp, they comprise the breakthrough in resilient colour that remains
flawless for two weeks, dries instantly and removes in 10 minutes.
Spring Pedicure - Warm sugar scrub infused with exotic oils buff
away old, dull skin on the feet. Nails are shaped; cuticles cared for, and then
experience a taste of East massage and nail polish. Heels may be buffed if you
wish, as time allows.
To find out more of book for any of the above, visit here.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Love it: Good Green Stuff
Choosing supplements can be confusing – there are 1000′s
to choose from, so many brands, take once a day, twice a day, pill form, liquid
form, gel or powder form… all with different claims of how they can help our
bodies and brains function better, work faster and (fingers crossed) last us
that much longer. How do we know that what we are taking is going to help us
though - let alone be actually good for us?
At the moment people seem to be mad for anything “green”,
with almost every supplement company known to man offering a variation of
“green powder,” which is basically a powder made with dried grass, dried grass
juices or dried vegetables and occasionally, algae. Most of these powder are designed
to make your body more alkaline and give you nutrition you can't find elsewhere,
because despite our best intentions it’s often hard to stick to a flawless diet
every day of our lives, and it’s nice to know there is someone out there
watching our backs!
I found out about New Zealand made Good Green Stuff
from Julia Matthews of the blog juliaandlibby.com that she writes with her
sister, and thus far I am loving it. Behind it is local naturopath and author Cliff
Harvey, who formulated Good Green Stuff along with renowned Naturopath and
Nutritionist Kira Sutherland. They like to call it “nutritional insurance”, and
treat it as a green superfood that effectively replaces a
multi-vitamin/multi-mineral as it’s super blend of all your essential nutrients
in one place. Good Green Stuff comes in powder form and you
can mix it just with water (the blend of fruits combined with added
stevia, pineapple juice and vanilla mean it is pretty palatable), with milk or throw
it in a smoothie - my favourite option. One of the best things about Good Green
Stuff is that it is alkalising. When your body is more acidic, it is more
susceptible to disease and illness, and alkalising the body can help keep
things in check.
So... get your greens the easy way - you need this little baby in your life, so get to it! You can grab some here.
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Monday, June 17, 2013
All about: the NEW Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
When you’re a product that hasn’t
been messed with in 45 years AND created by a company as scientifically backed
as Clinique, you know you’re doing something right and that it’s not complacency
that still has you looking and feeling exactly the same as you did all those
years ago. And when you’re universally loved by millions of women around the
globe, why fix what isn’t broken?
Well in the case of Clinique’s
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, it was just its time. And the “fix”
has been six and a half years in the planning, and completed with some serious
consideration in mind. The iconic lotion has been dermatologist-reformulated to
deliver even more dramatically different results, as in a 54 per cent
improvement in skin’s barrier strength in 8 weeks without changing the famously
silky texture.
Clinique scientists work closely
with Clinique’s guiding dermatologists Dr. David and Dr. Catherine Orentreich,
the son and daughter of the celebrated dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich who
worked with esteemed magazine editor, Carol Phillips and the Lauder family to
develop Clinique in 1968. Dr. David and Dr. Catherine run the Orentreich
Medical Group in the same Fifth Avenue offices that their father practiced, and
see patients of all ethnicities, skin concerns, skin types and ages from around
the world. “Patients were coming in more and more with manifestations they
described as redness, itching, burning, breakouts, dryness, dullness…in other
words; unhealthy skin. The dermatologists attribute these symptoms to one
thing: a weakened barrier,” says Pardo. Skin sensitivity can be the result of
everything from environmental aggressors to climate change and travel, as well
as lack of sleep, a poor diet and coping with the stresses of daily life. All of these culprits take a toll on
the skin. As a leader in treating
dermatological concerns, Clinique felt a responsibility to address the skin’s
barrier to counteract all of the above, as well as boost the moisture levels of
the iconic DDML.
The Barrier Strengthening Complex
in the new DDDM+ is a blend of sunflower seed cake, barley extract and cucumber
extract that helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, imparting resilience and
resistance to environmental stresses. The new moisturising ingredients are Hyaluronic
Acid, Glycerin (a well known humectant that attracts moisture to skin) and Urea,
a naturally occurring component in the production of skin’s own natural
moisturizing factor (NMF). NMF ingredients mimic the function of healthy skin.
“You can have the best
moisturizer in the world but if your barrier is not intact - moisture
evaporates,” says Pardo. “The two actions, moisturizing and barrier repair go
hand in hand.”
So, for its fans, how does
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ feel in relation to the original?
From my few days trialing it - pretty much exactly the same, which is what you
want! Hydration levels are definitely up though, with the initial boost that
comes with application lasting well on into the eve. And last but not least -
the new formula is the same size at 125ml, but retails for just $69.00. Yep,
that’s a price decrease - unheard of!
So get your excited pants at the
ready - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ will be landing August 2013
at Clinique counters nationwide.
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Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Love it: Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Mega Plush Mascara
As a contact lens wearer, many mascara formulas that sound
amazing prove to be the bane of my life. They certainly curl/plump/lengthen and
pretty much everything bar doing the dishes, but this can come with flaking
which isn’t ideal when you’re dealing with lenses and trying to keep things as
sparkly and clean as possible.
So, when I was at a launch yesterday for Maybelline New
York’s latest and greatest for release in July, the product that really caught
my eye - quite literally - was the Volum’ Express Mega Plush Mascara, which is
a clever little wonder with a really rather reasonable RRP of $23.99.
Maybelline New York is famous for their mascara, and for the
innovation and thought that goes into each release. This new baby is the
world’s first gel-mousse mascara – great news for those that can’t tolerate the
flakes. With a unique formula that contains 40 per cent less wax, Mega Plush conjures
up maximum volume without the downside of dry and hard waxes - as in no brittle
or flaking lashes. It also has a flexible stem brush - their biggest yet - that
absorbs shock to caress lashes for massive volume, and I couldn’t wait to give
it a go.
Over 24 hours later I am officially in love with this little
tube of goodness, pretty much only taking it off to sleep! It is definitely a
new favourite and one that is highly recommended - come July get in there
and grab one fast!
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Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Giveaway: Pureology Highlight Stylist duo
I was already a huge fan of the Pureology range of shampoos and
conditioners when they launched their Colour Stylist styling collection, and fell
equally in love with it too. This autumn they are introducing two new
blonde-specific styling products to the mix, which is great news as I’ve just
had a bunch of cheeky highlights put back in!
Called the Highlight Stylist range (leading me to believe that it will
grow in number pretty soon), it is enriched with a lightweight texture and
highlight enhancers to create natural-looking hair with reflective shine and
long-lasting multi-tonal colour. It replaces lost lipids and protein to
strengthen and hydrate the hair follicle using the likes of porosity fillers olive, apricot, and jojoba oils to reduce
light and deliver shine and
natural food grade Red algae extract for lightweight touchable texture over the
entire hair surface without dulling, mattifying or weighing it down.
The first product is the Highlight Stylist Bodifying Luminator, which
is a lightweight foam texturiser that boosts body and shine from root to tip
without weighing down finer hair types. You just scrunch it into damp hair
before styling for some serious body and even more serious shine - too easy.
The second offering is the Sea-Kissed Texturiser, which is a
non-stripping, salt-free tousle spray that boosts shine as it strengthens the
hair fibre. It can be layered for as little or as much texture as desired
without any weight or stickiness. Simply spray on to wet or dry hair and style
as usual.
I have one set of the Pureology Highlight Stylist range to give away,
valued at more than $75.00. To enter just email your name
and courier delivery address to helene@mshelene.com
before 5pm next Wednesday, June 19 and you’re in the draw!
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Love it: Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser
As I have raved about many a time, I’m a sucker for a
beautiful cleanser. I’m a huge fan of Antipodes’ offerings in particular, and
use their Butter cleanser almost religiously during the winter evenings when my
skin needs a ton of hydration and love.
So, I was VERY excited to hear news of their new addition to
the Antipodes cleansing range, and even more effervescent when a sample arrived
in the post!
Known as Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser, it is a core component
of the New Zealand-made, internationally adored brand’s Sensitive Skincare
Collection, which was created especially for those who suffer from sensitive or
sensitised skin conditions, due to genetic or environmental reasons.
The soft and delicious, fully organic cleanser utilises a
selection of New Zealand’s unique natural ingredients to do its job, such as
manuka flower and award-winning Waiwera artesian spring mineral water. Add to
that marigold flower, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and as an astringent, a
blend of nutrient-rich avocado oil and Vinanza Oxifend - a super-antioxidant
sourced from sun-drenched pinot noir grape seed kernels - and you have a
soothing treat for anyone with skin that needs a little extra TLC.
It is also a joy to use, with a creamy, luxurious texture
and no need to use loads to get a result - although feel free to, it’s that
good!
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Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Love it: Weleda Refreshing Citrus Bath Milk
Yesterday I was all about starting the day
right with a luscious shower blend… today I’m all about baths - long, warm,
deliciously fragranced ones! The reason is Weleda’s Refreshing Citrus Bath Milk,
which is a reason to keep soaking if ever there was one.
Weleda Refreshing Citrus Bath Milk can also
apparently be used as a refreshing pick-me-up at any time of the day by adding
a few drops onto a moistened face flannel and either dabbing or wiping it
gently over your face. I think this would be the perfect pick-me-up post-flight
in particular - and a bath is always top of my list when I check into a hotel,
no matter what time of day it is!
Weleda Citrus Refreshing Bath Milk has an RRP
of $29.50 for a 200ml bottle and is in store now.
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Monday, June 10, 2013
What a steal: the new Dr. Hauschka Body Wash range
When you choose to use Dr. Hauschka products you are given
the opportunity to go beyond beauty and depart on an aromatic journey - the
fragrances of their formulas are just that delicious and evocative.
The beautiful Body Moisturizer range that they launched last
year was the most perfect example of that, and the newly formulated Body Wash collection
that has just hit the stores takes that feeling one step further - and into the
shower!
Wake up each morning and choose to begin with one of the
following:
* Lavender Sandalwood Calming Body Wash - soothes and relaxes
* Rose Nurturing Body Wash - harmonises and nourishes
* Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Wash - firms and refreshes
* Almond Soothing Body Wash - calms and balances
Creamy, soft and soap-free, they are ideal for fragrance
layering with Dr. Hauschka Body Moisturisers and/or Body Oils, and now come in
a sleek new 200ml bottle. All have an RRP of $29.00, which to me is a major
steal given their amazing qualities and credentials - they were created by Jörg
Zimmermann, perfumer for Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, and are independently
certified to NATRUE and/or BDIH standards.
At the moment I’m using Almond, which Zimmerman describes as
“delicate and floral”, and evocative of “the early days of spring, when the
radiant blue sky shimmers above a sea of delicate pink blossoms that appear to
dance in the mild air. The idea represented by the composition with almond is
the chiffon-like transparency of a pink rose.” He used bergamot, ylang-ylang
and rose to interpret this floral chord, whilst a balsamic base of tonka bean
and vanilla “sweeps us away to a sumptuous oriental palace and awakens memories
of sweet, pleasurable indulgences.” Totally divine, really… and the perfect way to start the day.
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