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Monday, December 24, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Christmas Countdown: 'you' time at the Spa at Mollies
I was very happy to hear that the Spa at Mollies in Tweed
Street, Herne Bay is under new management, and that the new team is headed by a
woman that I’ve since learned is a bit of a New Zealand beauty industry legend
– Sam.
I’ve always loved a trip to Mollies for its ease of parking
and discrete location – no chance of bumping into any walking to your car
post-facial on one of Herne Bay’s prettiest back streets – and now the spa
offering is equally as exciting.
As well as offering an extensive Spa menu using products
from Thalgo, St Tropez, Sparitual, Lilash and the like, Sam has launched a new
concept called “Mollies Time”, which I experienced a couple of weeks ago and
absolutely loved the idea of.
You are essentially buying dedicated treatment time of
either 1 hour for $150.00, 1.5 hours for $225.00 or 2 hours for $290.00, during
which you and your therapist will determine what you need most on the day. This
could include traditional treatments and massages ranging from specialised
facials, tinting, waxing, tanning, manicure, petite pedi and other packages,
which can be customised to suit your individual needs at the time of your
appointment. It can be a combination of all or some of the items on the menu
and means you are never left, being looked after from top to toe ensuring true
relaxation and value for money.
In my 1.5 hours I experienced everything from a beautiful
back massage to a facial, brow tint and shape and nail and cuticle treatment,
emerging feeling like a million bucks. You can also do group bookings of this
time if you have something – or someone – to celebrate, and they will take care
of your every whim. Their team of lovely and very affable expert therapists
will work with your group so that you all enjoy a play day at the Spa, trying a
little of whatever you might fancy!
Reservations at Spa at Mollies Auckland are essential, so
give them a bell on (09) 376 3489 and buy some time to enjoy for someone you
love this Christmas!
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Thursday, December 20, 2012
Christmas Countdown: Karen Murrell's pretty Christmas Lips Gift Packs
“I think that lipsticks are like flowers, they have an
instant feel good factor that will brighten anyone’s Christmas day,” says Karen
Murrell, Creative Director of Karen Murrell Lipsticks, and I couldn’t agree
more. Karen’s lipsticks have even more to feel good about than most as well,
being hailed as the ultimate ‘vegetarian lipsticks’ as the range has no animal
based materials or testing. Instead, they contain Avocado Oil (to provide
moisture, nourishment and hydration), Cinnamon, Evening Primrose Oil (rich in
Omega 6 to soothe and moisturise), and Carnauba Wax; renowned for its high
melting point, ensuring they are hard wearing in even the roughest handbag.
She has also released two very cute Limited Edition
Christmas Lips Gift Packs especially for the silly season, containing two lipsticks
and a Karen Murrell Moisture Stick – a handbag beauty essential for long summer
days at the beach.
Gift pack one (above) is made up of Red Shimmer (a true fiery red)
and Carnation Mist (a pretty pink), whilst gift pack two has the warm and
gorgeous Coral Dawn and flattering neutral Cordovan Natural.
Karen Murrell Limited Edition Christmas Lips Gift Packs have
an RRP of $49.90 and are available right now. Get in there!
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Beauty news: Eco Tan arrives in New Zealand...
When I first heard about new Australian
tanning product brand Eco Tan I must admit I became pretty damn excited, and
then after a little more research, even more so! And now it’s available in New
Zealand I’m pretty damn ecstatic!
Eco Tan founder, Sonya Driver is one rather
inspirational woman. She developed the range after her sister was diagnosed
with melanoma – thankfully caught the in time – and the pair began getting
regular spray tans. They loved the feeling of having a golden glow, but
despaired about the amount of synthetics and toxic ingredients that lie in many
popular products. Sonya consequently threw herself into creating a true organic
tanning range from her Gold Coast kitchen and eventually, the range known as
Eco Tan was born.
It is the first of its kind, made with 100
per cent natural ingredients, 70 per cent of which are certified organic. The warm,
golden colour comes from cacao (chocolate) and the active ingredient is Eco
Cert Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a certified natural non-toxic type of sugar. And since launching just over a year ago
Eco Tan has made Australian history by becoming the first and only tanning
company to be certified organic by the Organic food chain – definitely no mean
feat!
Having played with the products a little I
can honestly say that they are thus far pretty impressive. As aforementioned,
the colour is made from cacao so there are no green or orange tones, and there
is no tell tale, “wet dog” self tan odour to give the game away. The signature product
is also an organic nourishing moisturiser that dries quickly, and with its
colourless lotion it means there are no staining sheets and clothing. Hurrah!
It goes without saying that there are no
parabens in the Eco Tan formula, and also no Propylene Glycol, an ingredient
that often pops up in popular ranges. It’s actually a common anti-freeze (brake
fluid) and has a bad rap sheet too long to mention. In a nutshell it is a petrol
chemical that penetrates the skin and can weaken protein and cellular
structure. The EPA considers PG so toxic that it requires workers to wear
protective gloves, clothing and goggles and to dispose of any PG solutions by
burying them in the ground.
But enough bad news, here are the goodies
you’ll find in the Eco Tan collection, and hopefully their professional spray
tans will be popping up here soon too:
Organic Invisible tan – a certified
Organic Tan with no hidden nasties than comes in the form of a luxe moisturiser
that gives you a long lasting chocolate tan within hours.
Organic Winter Skin - the Winner
of the 2012 Shop Till You Drop ‘Genius Award’, this is a gradual tan with a
yummy rose scent. I’ve just started using it and so far, so awesome!
Extreme Exfoliant Glove – a soft but
effective glove that is perfect for pre tanning and post-tan removal that can
be used without products and just rinsed and hung in the shower. Genius.
To find out more have a read here... I definitely recommend that you check this
baby out!
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas countdown: a trip to Jo Malone’s fragrant wonderland
No Christmas countdown
would be complete without a shout out to the wonderful Jo Malone, whose stores
and fragrances fill me with utter delight every time!
As well as being
purveyors of simply beautiful, luxurious fragrances, Jo Malone is also the
place to go for a very special experiential treat – one I experienced earlier
this year at their Britomart, Auckland store. They offer complimentary
personalised Fragrance Combining consultations all year round at their in-store
Tasting Bar, which include a luxurious hand and arm massage and fragrance
samples. It’s the perfect introduction to the brand for those who haven’t
experienced its unabashed gorgeousness, as well as a treat for their customers
and a chance to explore the possibilities of fragrance combination. The combos I discovered in just under an hour were inspired and totally original - it was like walking out with a wardrobe of new scents, just by playing with my existing favourites! The store
can host up to three customers at a time at the Tasting Bar (bookings
essential) – making it the perfect outing when celebrating a birthday or
special occasion – and also offer parties of up to 15 a private evening in the
store complete with canapés and champagne upon arrangement. To say the whole process
would be a true treat would definitely be an understatement – these need to be
experienced to be believed!
But back to the seasonal
tip - their Christmas gift options are always coveted, and early 2013 will also
see the launch of Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne (a very popular Limited
Edition which is returning permanently) and English Pear & Freesia Body
& Hand Lotion, so gift vouchers are also a brilliant idea. I think I can
safely say that no Jo Malone gift was ever unappreciated - so get in there and
get shopping!
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Tuesday, December 18, 2012
In love with: Bobbi Brown Extra Hand Cream
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to official opening of tiny beauty powerhouse Bobbi Brown’s Australasian flagship store (above), which sits very pretty amongst Britmart’s Pavilions.
It’s the most gorgeous site to behold, and once you’re over the threshold you feel like a kid in a candy store – there is seriously so much makeup magic at every turn that you just want to get stuck in and never leave! I’m still trying to make time to go back to have an official session with Senior Artist Sarahlee at the very cool brow bar as I’m in dire need of some help in that area at the moment, but that’s a whole other story…
I’ve also been playing with the brand’s new Extra Hand Cream, which was launched in time for the Northern Hemisphere winter but is destined to be used by me all year round.
Formulated with Bobbi’s Extra Repair Complex and superior emollients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil, the new release helps diminish the signs of aging and provides intensive, long-lasting moisture to the skin. It was specially developed to target key concerns by helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, with Yeast Extract and Licorice Extract helping even and brighten skin tone and lessen the appearance of discolorations. It also strengthens hands’ natural moisture barrier and reduces the appearance of thin, crepey skin. Amazing!
Oh and last but not least, it’s scented with a unique blend of essential oils – Geranium, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Chamomile, and Bitter Orange – that mean that it smells delicious, while making the hands feel exceptionally soft, smooth and healthy.
Sound like a bit of you? Well what are you waiting for? This baby is on counter now!
Christmas countdown: BLISS Reflexology goodness
Voted The Best Massage in the annual Best of Auckland
campaign run by Metro magazine for the second year in a row, BLISS Reflexology
is one of my absolute favourite beauty destinations.
BLISS – which has branches
in the central city, Newmarket and Takapuna - offers the ancient Chinese art of
reflexology and deeply relaxing traditional massage, and I pop in as often as
my wallet allows for the former, which is one of my ultimate ‘self love’ gifts.
For those that have never
experienced it – shame on you! - reflexology is a natural therapy working on
the principle that different areas of the feet and hands are related to
different areas of the body and helps to restore and maintain the body's
natural equilibrium and encourage healing. Following illness, stress, injury or
disease, it is in a state of "imbalance", and vital energy pathways
are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology
treats the whole person, not just the symptoms of disease, and it can be used
to address everything from anxiety to depression, digestive disorders and
sinusitis.
After a reflexology session you generally should feel extremely
relaxed, and your sleep may be improved and any physical symptoms that you may
have been feeling may subside. And there is frequently a sensation of 'walking
on air' on leaving, together with the lightness of spirit that this feeling
brings. How good is that?
And as well as offering the
above they also have therapists who specialise in the aforementioned Traditional
Body Massage and Chinese Traditional Pedicure
(which I love), and a Japanese
Stone Spa on site that has to be experienced to be believed.
For Christmas they are
offering a “buy four get one free" voucher deal, so I highly
recommend you race in and grab some for yourself or a loved one. A Bliss
voucher will never go unused, I promise!!!
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Monday, December 17, 2012
Why you need: Aroha Healing's Reiki facial
Considering the fact that she has an extensive background in
beauty and skincare and that I’ve been seeing her for massage and Reiki for
over a year, it’s actually amazing that it took me until now to have a facial
with Rosanna Marks at Aroha Healing. And boy, after an hour on that table all I
could think about was what I had been missing!
She uses in the main products by Phyt’s, a brand name that I
first became familiar with after journeying to Gwinganna Health Retreat in the
rainforest above Australia’s Gold Coast. They are Certified Organic facial products
from France and smell incredible – the sensorial experience of a facial using
Phyt’s is a joy in itself.
The brand was created in 1972 by its founder, Jean-Paul
Llopart, a French Naturopath and Biologist. He set about developing a unique
and original concept in perfect harmony with his ecological and ethical
philosophy, but dedicated solely to beauty. The philosophy of Phyt’s is simple
and natural: their products cater to a modern holistic need that prefers
natural skincare methods, and demands outstanding results. Phyt’s products
contain herbs, fruits and vegetables in very high percentages; therefore they
infuse significant organic active ingredients straight into your skin. They
also use ecological and environmental manufacturing practices, and can only be
found at locations around the world that are in line with that modus operandi.
In 2003 they became Certified Organic with the COSMEBIO
Label by ECOCERT. To be certified with this logo, a manufacturer must adhere to
the highest standards developed by ECOCERT. This means that each product must
use a minimum of 95 per cent or more certified organic plant ingredients in
their manufacture, and only observe Ecological and Environmental manufacturing
practices. They also must have complete traceability of the finished organic
cosmetic and its raw materials, which is no easy task. Amazingly, Phyt's goes
beyond this certification and insists 100 per cent of all ingredients are of
natural origin, making for some pretty powerful products that my skin just
loves!
But back to Rosanna’s facial work, which is just that little
bit different from much of what is available out there. It involves not only a
deeply relaxing facial contouring treatment that leaves your skin glowing, but
also works on your head as well.
All of Rosanna’s Aroha Healing facial therapy treatments
incorporate the healing energy of Reiki to promote healthy, balanced and
rejuvenated skin. If you haven’t experienced it before, Reiki is a
spiritual healing art form. It is subtle yet powerful form of energy
healing that leaves you with an energized, healing, soothing inner warmth and
glow – and is exactly what most of us need in our lives in my humble opinion. I
always feel like I’ve had a solid 10 hours sleep after a session, so for that
to be added to a facial is utter bliss! The idea is to open the upper chakras
(energy centres) and heal and clear your headspace while the Phyt’s products do
their stuff.
Rosanna used the Phyt’s Cleansing Creme on my skin followed
by a liberal application of their delicious smelling Orange Toner, then used
organic rosehip oil to give my entire face a lovely long massage. Once that was
complete Phyt’s Masque M2 – a soothing mask for dry skin – was left one for a
while to do its work, and then cleansed off before their ultra hydrating Creme
Ylang was used to seal the deal.
“I view the whole idea of most facials as just following a
routine or a structure,” Rosanna says to me as I leave, “and I prefer to work
holistically so like to think of it more as a feeling. So many women who come
to see me for facials are so in their headspace that I felt my approach needed
to be more healing, and it seemed that the massage was always their favourite
part of the whole experience.” She adds that she likes to think, “I’ve created
a perfect mix of all of that”, and I for one couldn’t agree more.
Learn more about Rosanna and what she does here.
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Christmas Countdown: Ecoya’s beautiful new Madison Jar
As well as releasing some very ‘seasonally influenced’
beautiful new candles in the form of the Christmas Three City Limited Edition
collection and a Caramelised Fig fruity blend, ECOYA have even more gifting
ideas now available for holidays with the introduction of the gorgeous Madison
Jar.
Beyond luxe to look at, the soy wax Madison is housed within
an elegant and refined glass jar and sealed with a shining silver lid. It gives
you an amazing burn time of up to 80 hours, and comes packaged in a cleverly
designed box with the signature ECOYA Pantone hues.
The Madison Jar is available in ECOYA’s six signature
fragrances as well as three new limited edition fragrances that have to be
sniffed to be believed: Mimosa & White Nectarine, Pomelo & Cocoa Butter
and Coconut & Elderflower, which was released as a Limited Edition candle
in early 2012 and after great reviews has made a triumphant comeback.
I’ve been burning the beautiful Mimosa & White Nectarine
by day and definitely plan on getting a Pomelo & Cocoa Butter (above) for after the
sun goes down – I haven’t smelled it yet but it sounds like the scent of summer
all wrapped up in one fragrant beauty!
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Friday, December 14, 2012
Why you need: FaceWorks' ultra rich Moisture Serum
Dr. Teresa Cattin - who I’d heard about for years before
meeting her, and always in rather glowing terms – is in my opinion New
Zealand’s best cosmetic physician, and a top-notch woman to boot. A Medical
Practitioner (MSc, MBBCh, FRNZCGP, FNZCAM) and a member of the Appearance
Medicine Society of Australasia, she is also the owner of FaceWorks Clinic in
Albany, Auckland, and creator of the stellar skincare range of the same name.
As well as being president of the New Zealand College of
Appearance Medicine, Teresa is a national trainer in Botox Cosmetic and
Juvéderm, training other doctors in New Zealand and Australia. Needless to say,
she is a clearly a woman who knows who stuff when it comes to needles and
ant-ageing, and recently travelled to the likes of India – and soon to Paris –
to share her incredible wealth of knowledge.
Teresa has said that “there is no doubt that the results of
any treatment that you chose to have, be it Botox or a Juvéderm will be greatly
improved if the skin is healthy and well cared for”, and around 14 years ago
she developed the FaceWorks range of skincare products with that in mind. Made
in New Zealand and designed specifically for our harsh climate, FaceWorks is a
firm favourite with beauty editors and has a loyal following amongst women and
men wanting an effective and affordable cosmeceutical skin care range purchase.
An incredible product from the range that I’ve just begun
using is FaceWorks’ Moisture Serum, an intense rehydration treatment for dry
skin that utilises the excellent hydration properties of pure squalane (derived
from Spanish Olives). Rose hip oil
(10%) aids the repair of skin damaged by sun and wind while the potent antioxidant properties of vitamin E (1800 units)
help reduce the signs of premature ageing. To say it’s a bit of a powerhouse
for dry, dehydrated skin would be putting it mildly, and the fact that it is preservative-free
is an added bonus.
My skin has been pretty damn parched post-radiation therapy
and just applying this sparingly to my face and neck every evening has elicited
some amazing results. Fine lines and dryness, be gone! If your skin needs a
little extra something then I highly recommend this baby, which you can
purchase from Teresa’s website here.
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Christmas countdown: the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardine
Yes, it was just a week ago that I had a Christmas
Countdown featuring champagne but by Jove I’m going to do it again! One can
never have too much champagne, right?
This time I’m shining the seasonal
spotlight on Veuve Clicquot, a champagne name I’m always very partial to and
enjoyed in its sassy rose form at the opening of the first Bobbi Brown store in
Australasia last week.
For Christmas the legendary house is
offering a humorous take on their signature drop in the form of a gift box that
mixes quirky design with a clever reference to their rich history – and isn’t
she pretty?
The Ponsardine Giftbox is a clever conversation
starter as it begins with a tongue-in-cheek reference to the family name
Ponsardine. Veuve Clicquot has revisited the family crest of Barbe Nicole
Ponsardine, Madame Clicquot, the woman charged with guiding the modern success
of the company. Born into a family with a penchant for wit, Madame Clicquot’s
father was named a baron of the Empire by Napoleon I in 1813 and honoured with
a Coat of Arms. In choosing this symbol, Nicolas Ponsardine took a satirical
twist on his name, selecting a coat of arms that depicted a bridge (“Pont” in
French) beneath a sardine.
Pon(t)Sardin(e)
The Ponsardine giftbox thus takes its
styling cues from that of a sardine tin, with a cute twist and pop tab opening –
and it’s reusable!
She’s available at Glengarry stores in the
North Island and Ballantynes in the South at a RRP of $79.99,
so pop in a grab one or two for your favourites this summer.
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Thursday, December 13, 2012
In love with: Chanel’s Paris-Edinburgh Métiers d’Art Show makeup
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It goes without saying that the makeup look that Peter
Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup designed for the label’s recent Paris-Edinburgh
Métiers d’Art Show would be beyond amazing, but I always love to hear more
about his technique, product choices and general inspiration.
“A soft, fresh look with a subtle edge,” is what he named as
the goal for the uniquely beautiful look, with a focus that “lies on both the skin
and eyes. I wanted the fresh, crisp glow of a pure skin and an eye that stands
out without overtaking the look.”
Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld asked for a look that would
complement the hair, “avoiding it to become too ‘costume’”, and the end result was both fresh faced and unashamedly on
trend.
For the base Philips used Vitalumière Éclat or Mat Lumière,
depending on the models’ own skin. Preparation was also key, as when applying
makeup in rough weather conditions, it’s important to use a good moisturiser –
in this case Hydra Beauty. He added that he needed to use a foundation that
would “hold and cover enough to stand in this cold, windy outdoor environment”,
and he added just the right amount of Joues Contraste "Rose Initial"
to create a luminous peach/pink blush that looks like the girls were just back
from an hour or two walking on the moors.
On the eyes he used Les 4 Ombres "Raffinement" to
do some soft shading and highlighting, “and I used no mascara, to keep a
fragility in the look”. He added a touch of edginess by applying a black line
under the eye and on the outer upper corners to create a look that he says is “between
a dancer’s makeup and a punk”. By combining a beige Crayon Khôl
"Clair" and the "Noir Intense" Stylo Yeux Waterproof he
also kept the fragility delicately in place.
On the nails he used a dark blue/violet with a touch of
sparkle called "Taboo" that I seriously want right now, and to finish
the look put a sheer layer of Lèvres Scintillantes "Plaisir" on the
lips.
Beautiful huh? And surprisingly wearable come the cooler
months.
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Christmas countdown: East Day Spa instant gift certificates
Every year we all have the best of intentions when it comes
to Christmas gift buying, anticipating having the list ticked off at least
three weeks’ in advance of the day and extra time available for all of the
‘finishing touches’. And yet every year - without fail – every person know
seems to be racing around like a red-faced, headless chook come Christmas Eve,
tears in their eyes and credit card straining painfully at the seams!
Online shopping and vouchers do make things a whole lot
easier however, and the very clever types at East Day Spa have launched a new
instant online voucher service that is the perfect combination of the two!
The new service means that customers purchasing gift
certificates via the website can have a pdf voucher delivered instantly to
their inbox – or someone else’s – absolutely free of charge. No more pulling up
outside and running screaming in, no chasing couriers that have gone missing…
just easy, quick smart shopping from the comfort of your own desk. How amazing
is that? Not to mention the incredible line up of treatments and beauty lines
you can purchase using their vouchers, which are amongst the best in the
country.
East Day Spa gift certificates can be purchased in any
value, and even include a space to write a special message to the recipient if
you like. They are available from all East Day Spas – Auckland, Wellington and Melbourne
– and you can still buy a physical voucher via their website to be couriered to
you if you so wish.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up gift certificates for
your nearest and dearest here.
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Christmas countdown: the Living Light candle collection
I first became aware of the Living Light candle range
several years ago, when it was quite hard to find but well worth the effort. I
instantly fell in love with the very gift-able collection, which is sitting
pretty here as a high point on my Christmas Countdown for 2012.
For starters Living Light candles are New Zealand-made, as
well as all-natural plant, beeswax and soy-based and completely luxurious –
clicks all round! And now they are a heck of a lot more accessible too, with a
brand-new online shopping website and reportedly stunning new flagship store in
Auckland’s Takapuna that I’m yet to poke my nose into.
There are lots of options to choose from if you’re looking
for a Christmas gift for the scented candle-lover in your life as well, from
the Bell Lantern (crafted from the top of a recycled wine bottle) to the
Granite Rose (a beautifully handcrafted candle that burns out through its
petals) and the Mini Globe Lantern, which emits a soft glow when the tea light
is burning and is also floatable, making it perfect if you love a candlelit
bath like me.
As the signature range, their Granite Pillars are long burning,
soot-free and have great fragrance throw, and are my pick for on the outdoor
Christmas table once the sky starts to dim.
And last but not least - for the eco lover in your life you
can’t go past the Living Light New'd range, which combines recycling with
sustainability. The New'd Soy in Recycled Wine Bottle boasts 100 per cent soy
wax in recycled wine bottles, and is available in four gorgeous fragrances and
three shades of recycled glass.
Check out the full range of Living Light candles at www.livinglight.co.nz
or pay a visit to the beautiful new flagship store at 60B Hurstmere Road,
Takapuna, Auckland. I know I will be very soon!
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012
In love: Vede & Crede's Facial cleansing tonic
A while back now I had an – extended – rave about my
discovery of Vede & Crede facial serums, which I’ve recommended to all in
sundry ever since.
A boutique New Zealand beauty company, Vede & Crede
Skincare calls itself a “gorgeous, sensual, organic skincare range”, and its
formulas feature highly prized, time-tested botanical ingredients, essential
oils and perfumes from Morocco, the Middle East and Ayurvedic India. It’s
definitely different and definitely a joy to use, being high performance and
luxurious to boot.
Literally translated, Vede & Crede is Latin for
"see and believe", and their reason for being is to create and
celebrate luxurious, organic and botanical skincare that positively impacts
your appearance, lifts your spirit, is gorgeous to use and benefits the
grass-roots, local communities from whom they source most of their ingredients.
Hallelujah to that. The company use far greater quantities of argan oil than
most, and it is premium certified organic, virgin, cold-pressed argan oil that
they quality test in a laboratory. This is blended with virgin, cold-pressed,
certified organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil that has even higher levels of these
compounds plus extra antioxidants that are proving so important in the fight
against ageing.
But aside from these wonderful serums they also offer a Facial
Cleansing Tonic, which is also beautiful to use and deliciously different. It’s
a delicate formula created using French Rosewater, Date and Red Sandalwood
Extract, Soapnut extract and a tiny amount of preservative allowed under the
organic schedule. It’s a super light, refreshing cleanser that you simply spray
on to cleanse, and I’m loving using it in the morning to freshen my skin up after
sleep. Apparently it will even remove light makeup, although I’m more of a
double-cleanse-before-bed kind of girl.
If you haven’t tried Vede & Crede yet you can have a wee
taste of what they do by picking up a travel-sized pack of their four products (above).
It includes Soothing facial serum, Nourishing facial serum, Replenishing facial
serum and this wondrous Facial Cleansing tonic, and I highly recommend that you
do!
Have a look at their website for stockists here.
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Christmas countdown: three treats from Orchid Boutique
If anyone knows had to add a bit of sauciness and style to
the sill season it’s Hayley Mowday, the founder of Orchid Boutique, an online
business she describes as New Zealand's first "seduction boutique".
The mother of two launched Orchid just over a year ago, with
a clever idea and a strong head for business thanks to a background in the
beauty industry here and overseas, including time as marketing director for Jo
Malone in London. Her edit is pretty perfect too, from phthalate-free, medical-grade
silicon toys to the most beautiful Parisian lingerie and Ines de Castilho
stick-on tattoos.
Hayley also runs parties and blogs using an alter ego called
Orchid du Bois, and has always maintained that it’s “about the tease, not the
sleaze."
I asked her for some picks for the holiday season whereby
one can "take pride in being the cause of his torment, and she gave me the
following gift ideas:
“The following from Orchid Boutique would be my three
favourite picks for a naughty weekend or seductive break:
YesForLov Weekend Kit $60
Because you always forget something when you go away this
little black box contains everything you really need for a sexy and playful
tryst. It includes Titillating Massage Oil, a cherry flavoured Body Pencil,
Excitement Gel, Intimate Moisturising Lubricant and a Black Satin Blindfold or Restraint.
Maison Close Le Sublime Eye Mask $70
Hide seductively behind this exquisite lace eye mask and
unleash your inner seductress or sexy alter ego. Accessorise with a playful
whip or crop to live out your dominant fantasies.
LELO Flickering Touch Massage Candle $60
Once lit, not only does the warm liquid create a spine
tingling sensation when it is poured straight from the candle but you are
guaranteed a sensual massage and fabulous smelling sheets. Choose from three
delicious fragrances; Snow Pear & Cedarwood, Vanilla & Creme De Cacao
and Black Pepper & Pomegranate.”
So there you go, Happy Christmas indeed! For more ideas have a wee peek here.
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Monday, December 10, 2012
Christmas Countdown: Summer Savers at Lucy & the Powder Room
It goes without saying that beauty haven Lucy & The
Powder Room always do a wonderful line in seasonal packages and promotions, and
they are also constantly on the lookout for clever new product lines and making
conscious choices for the good of their clients and the planet.
They also do a damn fine pamper when you need it most, and
the lead up to Christmas is the perfect time to get in there and submit to
their therapists’ healing hands. It’s lucky then that they have just launched
two new 75 minute “Summer Savers” in the form of a Face Saver and a Body Saver.
I popped in last week to the Takapuna Powder Room to
experience the former with the wonderful Hannah E., a package that kicks off
with a super powered skin treatment using Osmosis products. Focusing
specifically on pigmentation, the plan is to safeguard against aging and give
your skin a much deserved boost using key ingredients such as Vitamin C and the
powerful ceutical booster Vital Skin Nutrition, a customised combination that
left my skin absolutely glowing. Next, Hannah applied the finishing touches – a
blue-black lash tint “to enhance the sparkle in your eyes”, and an application
of Coola Mineral Matte finish SPF, an incredible product that I have raved
about many times in the past. She also applied a little of the new Osmosis
Colour mineral make up, which I have to confess that I didn’t even know
existed! It seems like a clever little collection that does wonders for the
skin so I hope to be able to have a play with it one days soon.
I have the sort of hair that doesn’t work well with a facial
(the one time when bangs are a curse), but Hannah whipped me upstairs to the Stephen
Marr salon see the always-affable and preternaturally stylish Trish, who
transformed my greasy locks into a stellar updo in less than ten minutes flat!
Face AND hair officially saved!
The other Summer Saver focuses on the neck down,
specifically “tan and toes”. You start with their new Medi Pedi then experience
their brand new one hour organic spray tan, which sounds seriously amazing.
Lucy’s talented team of experts will select the most natural of tones for your
skin type and carefully apply – it takes just 15 minutes to spray and dry, and
you can shower within the hour (or two if you want a deeper tan).
The Summer Face Saver and Body Saver both come with a great
price tag of $100 (value $160), or if you’re just in the market for a tan
mention Ms Helene when you book and get it for $50 instead of $65!
To book your Summer Face or Body Saver Package or a tan, call
Takapuna 09 488 0585 or Newmarket 09 524 6702. You definitely won't regret it!
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Friday, December 7, 2012
What a steal: Sukin Wellbeing Body Oil
I love a good body oil,
and one that is at an absolute steal of a price is even better! It’s the
perfect thing to keep on hand at any time of year, in particular when the cold
starts to hit or – at the opposite end of the seasonal spectrum – when you’ve
seen a little too much sun and your skin really needs a drink.
Sukin have just released a
limited edition Wellbeing Body Oil, which is a 100 per cent natural and
luxurious blend of botanical oils helps to “soothe skin and balance the mind”…
sounds like exactly what I need this silly season!
Its yummy formula includes
a combination of Rosehip oil that offers the skin an instant hit of hydration,
while antioxidant rich Marula seed oil is in there to soothe and improve skin
texture. Also included is Soybean oil (rich in EFA's for deep skin conditioning),
along with calendula flower extract, which is rich in beta-carotene
to soothe and help regenerate damaged skin. This sounds like the
perfect after sun treatment to me, and one I’m hoping to bust out once we
actually get some sun.
Suitable for the body or
the face, you can use it for massage or as bath oil, post shaving or waxing and
as a hand or foot treatment as it leaves no oily residue.
Oh and here’s the ‘steal’
bit: Sukin Limited Edition Wellbeing Body Oil has an RRP of $28.99 for 100ml,
which given the luxurious mix of oils makes it a damn good buy.
To locate you nearest
stockist call toll free on 0800 118 311 or visit www.sukinorganics.com
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Christmas Countdown: Moët & Chandon limited edition Rosé Impérial
A celebration just isn’t a celebration – in my humble
opinion – without a glass or two of champagne, and if you’re going to pop a
cork then I think it should be a stellar one! They don’t come much more sparkly
than a bottle of Moët & Chandon, whose new limited edition Rosé Impérial
has sassy, very cheeky Christmas cheer written all over it.
Rosé Impérial is available by the bottle exclusively at Auckland’s
Britomart Country Club, and there are all sorts of reasons to add one to your
evening. Moët has partnered with renowned Portuguese graffiti artist-slash-club-mogul
André Saraiva - aka Monsieur André aka Monsieur A - to create a fun pink bottle
featuring the ever-stylish Andre’s own graffiti art and trademark
character. It also gives you the perfect amount of space to customise the
bottle with a personal message for that special someone, which makes it a must
on my Christmas Countdown! Each bottle purchased is served with a special Moët
Pink Rosé pen, ready to adorn the bottle with a personal message – how
seriously fabulous is that?
You can also go online at www.moet.com/rose
or with the Moët Pink Rosé app for a super interactive experience with André as
he helps you create and share your own breed of romantic gesture or ultimate
“love mark”. So pink… so luxe… and just beautiful!
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
Christmas giveaway: a natruél gift pack from Mossop’s
Mossop’s is a family-owned honey company
based in New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Plenty that happens to have some great
little Christmas gift ideas on offer this silly season. From various wrapped
gift sets of their delicious naturally-processed honeys (like their Gourmet
gift pack, which contains Pohutukawa, Honey & Ginger and Honey &
Chocolate flavoured honeys) to beauty options for products created using some
very special ingredients, they are definitely worth checking out at www.mossops.co.nz.
One of my picks is a gift set of Mossop’s
own 100 per cent natural honey-based skincare range natruél, which nourishes
and feeds skin with a cocktail of UMF manuka honey, rewarewa honey, extra
virgin olive oil and cold pressed flaxseed oil – products developed by Mossop’s
after they saw the amazing nourishing, healing effects that UMF Manuka honey
has on skin.
natruél’s “lip, face, body” range contains
either manuka honey or rewarewa honey. The lip balm, honey mask, and hand &
body lotion are made up of unique ingredients to help maintain healthier lips,
moisturise your face, and nourish your body.
The natruél lip,
face, body gift pack is a chance to sample all three items from the range, or
buy it for someone special as it comes in a prettily wrapped gift box.
I have one to give away to one lucky person
out there, just email me your name and delivery address to helene@mshelene.com
before this Monday, December 10 at 5pm and you’re in the draw!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Why you need: Original & Mineral in your life
I’ve been a huge fan of Australian
all-natural haircare brand O&M – Original and Mineral – for quite a few
years now, and urge you to check it out. They are true pioneers when it comes
to creating hair products that care for your body and the planet, as well as
actually bloody working – a surprisingly rare combination! I was introduced to
the brand by Lucy Marr when I was pregnant with my son Wolf and looking to
truly steer clear of anything with an ingredient list that read like a science
project, and O&M was the brand she held up as being the best in the
business. The O&M product range has been available at selected salons
across Australia, the US and New Zealand for some time now, and is proudly free
of sulphates, parabens, MIT, phthlates, Triclosan and Proplene Gycol. The range
also contains a UVA protectant, helping to keep hair healthy and happy. Even
their award winning packaging is both recyclable and ridiculously good-looking,
and their product list is growing by the day.
It has always been a little hard to track
down in New Zealand though… until now! After a new distribution deal was
struck, Original & Mineral is now available at top salons nationwide -
including Servilles and Stephen Marr – so more of their good-looking, great
feeling love can get out there. O&M has developed a cult following with
celebrities like Miranda Kerr, Rachel Zoe and Cameron Diaz over the years, as
well as with fashion designers such as Bianca Spender, Samantha Wills and
Camilla with good reason – the stuff really works.
Two of their products I haven’t tried but
am keen to get my hands on are the Seven Day Miracle - an intense moisture
masque for damaged hair – and Frizzy Logic (pictured), which uses a unique blend of native
Australian ingredients like cold-pressed certified organic Argan Oil and
Macadamia Oil to calm and smooth your hair, protect it from humidity, and add
shine. A great duo for the Great Humid New Zealand summer if ever there was
one!
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