The beauty bits you need to know about before your wedding day

Well, your P.I.C. popped the question, now it's time to start planning one of the biggest days of your life. Truth be told I was the anti-bride which makes me the worst person in the entire world to ask about flowers, limos, and napkin holders or debate about mermaid-style versus ball gown. After all, I did wear black when we eloped, and if he asked me to marry him again we'd do it all the same way. But we're not here to talk about me today, today's all about Lori, who recently asked..

"I came across your blog whilst trying to find a one stop shop in Melbourne for all my beauty needs (getting married in nine months; waxing; rehabilitating brows and lashes). Your blog is really great, but I was wondering if you had any suggestions as to a place (ideally Melbourne CBD or eastern suburbs of Melbourne) that could take care of all of these?"

After a bit of back forth we pinned down Lori's budget (mid-range), Miss Fox is out of the question, unless of course you're looking to treat yo self. The atmosphere is great up there (they even have a bar with bubbles!), however, be prepared to drop some serious cash for this particular one stop shop. 

There's the elusive Made Beauty Space in Hawthorn, I've been itching to get into this place for ages, but they're always booked out. Scheduling issues aside, we're talking the whole enchilada here, facials, manis, pedis, waxing, the lot. Go ahead and book online in your onesie from the comfort of your own home.

If chains are your thing (not the gold kind), Endota Day Spa is another enticing option. I've only visited their location on Flinders Lane, and not once did it ever feel generic. Om-like, and a tad drool-inducing thanks to their massage options.

Before Romina (my brow saviour) relocated to the UK, I used to frequent Allure Skin and Body in Malvern. The ladies here will take care of you from head to toe, to boot they use two of my favourite skincare ranges, Dermaviduals and Aspect. 

I can't leave out Red Carpet Face Spa. Neelu kindly had me over for a facial back in April -- we took things slow with a facial cocktail and brow tint. Facials start at $65, not too shabby. Since writing my review, Neelu has since relocated to Edward Beale's Salon in Armadale.

If you don't mind doing a bit of trotting about, let's break things down a bit further..

Nails

Brows & Lash Lifting

  • Brow Theory in Armadale, Melbourne and Hawthorn - "Best Brows Ever." Would you believe me if I told you my brows looked like thin, horizontal question marks?
  • Allison Browning Therapies in Brunswick - a little exy, tho the before and after photos might lure you in
  • Lash and Brow Boudoir in Richmond - their salon menu is vast
  • Miss Brow Bar in Melbourne and South Melbourne - her website is too cute, that is all.

Waxing

I'm at a loss for waxing, I've only ever been to Miss Fox and surprisingly her price is fairly reasonable for this particular service.

Facials

The French Facialist in Prahran - my religion.

Makeup Artist

Cindy Siegemund is all peaches and cream with her glowing skin and flowing red mane. She makes makeup relatable, undaunting, and easy. Cindy is my makeup whisperer.

Finally, if you ever need help making your way around the beauty counters (a personal makeup shopper), there's me. I'll help you get in and out of Myer/David Jones/Mecca unscathed with things you'll actually use.

What about the bits, can't forget about those!

  • Always test out treatments well in advance, especially for those with sensitive skin. Say no-no to redness.
  • The same theory applies for waxing/brow threading, be sure to schedule your last session a week before the big day. 
  • Trial makeup at any of the beauty counters, oh, and ask for samples! The perk here is most of the counters will do your whole face for around $50, which can then be put toward purchasing makeup.

I think that covers it! Congratulations, Lori and best wishes. Let me know how you go.

 

//Photo Credit

The guinea pig diaries: Emjoi's PediSmooth Plus

No one likes snaggle toe, no one. With Winter and Spring in my rearview mirror, my feet have been barking for a little TLC. In between visits to French Pink I try to scrub my feet and keep them hydrated, but my frequent gym sessions often leave my feet parched! We're talking totally toe-up!

Cue Emjoi's PediSmooth Plus!

It's a handy little device with whirring bits and bobs and man does it smooth my soles! This contraption comes with two removable and washable rollers, a protective cover, brush and carry bag. For testing purposes I started off with the light pink roller (intended for coarse skin), whereas the white roller is grittier for tougher/drier feet. Baby steps, people!

Tips for use:

  • To start make sure your feet are both clean and dry.
  • Choose the appropriate roller for your feet's current state and insert it into the head of the device.
  • There are two speed options -- low and high. I opted for the low speed to start and then switched to the higher speed on a couple of trouble spots.
  • Once you've reached your desired results, wipe off your feet and sanitise the device.
  • Never submerge Emjoi's PediSmooth Plus in water unless you want to say bye bye to this goody.
  • Whilst the rollers are washable, it's suggested to rinse these babies off -- these can't be submerged in water either.
  • In terms of use, keep your hand moving, don't apply pressure and don't stay on one area for more than 2-3 seconds. PediSmooth Plus primarily needs guidance.

With the last point, it's not an attempt to scare you (and you shouldn't be), it's something to be mindful of when using.

PediSmooth Plus retails for $39.95 AUS and is perfect for people who want quick results with minimal work involved.

I'm sold!

*Beauty Directory and Emjoi provided me with a free PR sample in exchange for this review.  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

Show me your paws: Butter London's Rock Off

Having soft and pretty feet is important to me; my belief is if you look after them, your feet will love you in return. This sentiment is true for anything.  I'd also like to think my husband doesn't have a Barney Rubble on his hands - from a feet perspective I mean.  With Spring and Summer upon us, cute coloured toes are a must in my book. I try to get a proper pedicure every month; if a tight budget or timing is keeping you away from the nail salon, then give these tips and products a go.

  • Soak your feet or take a luke warm shower in order to soften and soothe your soles.
  • Use a scrub to get rid of any dry skin.
  • Dry your feet and apply a callus remover to any rough patches. I use Butter London's Rock Off in between salon visits. I noticed Butter London switched to a roll-on bottle; I recently purchased the old version with a dropper.
  • After three minutes or so, reach for a pumice stone or foot file and target your trouble spots.
  • Rinse off and dry your feet again.
  • Apply your moisturiser of choice.  I love The Body Shop's Hemp Foot Protector, this formula is perfect during those dry and cold winters.
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Mani/Pedi time - weekly nail review

Last Saturday I made my usual pitstop at French Pink; I was coming off of another bright week - hello Cheeky Chops!  With all of the assorted colours to choose from, I decided to go with a neutral pink for my nails a la Essie's Ballet Slippers and chose Bermuda Shorts for my toes.  Summer is defintely upon us in the southern hemisphere - my tootsies were hollering for something punchy and bright. I try to go a month plus between pedicures, but I have a feeling that's going to change with sandal weather at the here and now.  More often than not I inevitably end up stubbing my one of my toes, which ruins my pedi.  Case in point, Scott and I were running errands earlier today and I tripped on the stairs; my big toe was chipped and batterd.  Thankfully, I had a mani booked for today - Janice was happy to repair my oops and sent me on my merry way.