There’s something about polka dots that emanates a timeless, chic yet playful look. You can never go wrong with a polka dot dress. The polka dot pattern has always been one of my favourite prints.
Feeling like a Spanish señorita in Mallorca and definitely feeling the Island vibes with this gorgeous and flowing dress. I love how this dress perfectly flows with the Island breeze of Spain.
BRUSSELS
BRUGGE
Belgium is a historic country, often referred to as the capital of Europe. It is well known for its architecture, medieval towns, delicious chocolates, waffles, mussels and beer.
Being my first time in Belgium, I was very excited about exploring Brussels and Brugge.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and it is a charming city full of culture and history. The centre of Brussels is where you will a lot of the sights and attractions. The main attraction is the Grand Place, located in the central square. You will admire the Guild-houses in the Flemish baroque style. I also discovered that Tin Tin (comics) actually originated from Belgium. As an art student, I was also fascinated with the Baroque and Flemish artists, so it was very exciting to be able to visit their origins.
Besides all the stunning art and architecture, Brussels is lined with numerous chocolate and bon bon shops – and waffle houses! Get ready to eat some scrumptious waffles, chocolates and of course Belgium beer.
From Brussels you can do a day trip to Brugge, it’s only one hour on the train and definitely worth the trip.
Brugge is a stunning city that looks like a fairytale illustration. The Flemish city is picturesque, quaint and can easily be explored in couple of hours. The city is often referred to as Venice of the North due to it’s canals, thus you can take a boat ride and discover more of the city from the water. Walking around the cobble streets and lanes, you will be in awe of the almshouses, the architecture and historical churches.
I had the best hot chocolate in Brugge, in one of the most oldest and historic chocolate houses – called The Old Chocolate House. You know the hot chocolate is good when locals are drinking it. There are also gourmet waffles houses where you can indulge in a variety of waffles and flavours.
I loved discovering Brussels and Brugge, such charming and interesting cities to visit. I’d recommend 1-2 days for Brussels and day trip to Brugge.
There is nothing better than a detox face masque session in the luxury of your own home. We all have our skincare rituals – one of my favourite at-home spa day rituals is using a clay based masque to pamper, nourish and detox my skin. My favourite way to do this is with my Claytox Detox Face Masque.
Claytox is an Australian skincare company specialising in natural, organic, handmade and vegan face masques. All the masques are ethically sourced and always made without the use any additives and chemicals, making Claytox Masques truly natural and pure.
The masque is made out of Alumina Silicate (Sea Clay), which is packed full of natural occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, bromide, potassium and sulphate. These minerals have unique properties allowing the skin to fight off free radicals, promote cell renewal, repair skin cells, balance moisture and soothe the skin.
It comes in a pack that includes a silicone bowl, spoon and bamboo brush for easy application. The clay masques must be mixed in the silicon bowl (provided) so it doesn’t interfere or react with the natural clay. Mixing the clay with metal can counteract the natural properties of the masque. You can also mix the clay with your favourite face mists, yoghurt and honey for extra nourishment.
During the week I make sure I set some time aside to do my face masque ritual. Having oily, congested and skin prone to breakouts, masking is a very important step that helps purify and heal my skin. Alumni Silicate being such a gentle and nutrient dense ingredient allows my skin to receive a deep yet gentle cleanse without stripping or drying it off.
I felt in love with this product straight away. After my first use the results were amazing. My skin looked refreshed and more vibrant, giving it a beautiful glow. In addition, it can also be used on your body as a gentle exfoliant, whilst helping the reduction of cellulite. It works as a great spot or t-zone treatment to target those stubborn blackheads or pimples. Immediately after the first use I noticed that my pores were more refined as it cleans all the debris and oil from them.
I highly recommend the Claytox Detox Face Masque, not only for its results but also for the relaxing spa ritual in the comfort of your own home.
MEET THE MAKER: BORN AGAIN BODY
I had the opportunity to meet with Jess, the founder of Born Again Body. We spent the day at the beach, soaking up the sunshine and moisturising ourselves with her refreshing and unique Skin Tonic.
The motivation behind Born Again Body came while Jess was living in Bali and experienced how basically every body lotion and cream she applied simply melted or glided off because of the hot and humid conditions. After lots of research and development she created a very unique solution, a hydrating skin tonic, which has all the moisturising benefits and withstands heat and humidity – conditioning your skin.
Spending the day with Jess in the sun and heat, I was able to experience the benefits of the tonic first hand. The product feels absolutely AMAZING – fresh, light and hydrating. I really like that this moisturiser is a tonic and not a cream – and can be applied within seconds. Although originally designed for hot summer conditions, it can be effortlessly and used all year round.
Enjoy the interview below.
After living in Bali, your idea for Born Again Body was born. Has the lifestyle and culture in Bali influenced Born Again Body?
Bali was such a special, uplifting and life-changing time for me. The simple lifestyle, complex culture and yet beautiful landscape all had a huge impact and influence on the direction of Born Again Body. While I was living there I found it so hard to look after my skin, particularly living under the harsh sun. Most of the products I found were either full of toxic ingredients or were too thick and greasy for the humid climate. Having spent most of my days outdoors I needed a product that was lightweight, non-greasy and preferably natural. It had to complement this kind of active lifestyle. For me, being outdoors and in nature is so important; it re-energizes and inspires me. Which has become the ethos behind the Born Again Body brand and the essence I’ve tried to capture in our signature product.
How important are the ingredients you have chosen for the Hydrating Skin Tonic?
The ingredients I chose for the Hydrating Skint Tonic have been carefully thought out and researched. I didn’t want to jump on the latest beauty bandwagon, I didn’t want to use the latest beauty craze ingredient. I wanted to use trusted, reliable and natural ingredients that actually work and have stood the test of time. Hence why some of the main active ingredients include aloe vera, cucumber seed oil, vitamin E, rose oil, green tea and jojoba oil. This combination not only performs so well together but each individual ingredient plays its own important role in hydrating and replenishing the skin.
What is your approach to beauty?
Less is more. As I’ve gotten older I wear less makeup because it makes me feel more confident, I’m less concerned about other people’s opinions of me and I want my skin care products to be super simple and no fuss. You also start to become more comfortable in your own skin and accepting of your “flaws”. What you think are your flaws are actually so beautiful and unique and what makes you different.
The Hydrating Skin Tonic is such a unique product. What is your favourite way to use it?
I love the simplicity of it. Like I said I’m all about products that are no fuss and are easy to integrate into your lifestyle. Through the colder months I’ve been spritzing it on my face during the day for extra hydration. And then during the warmer months I love the ease of jumping out of the shower, spraying it all over my body and within a minute my skin is nourished, hydrated and feeling smooth without that greasy feeling.
What is your beauty routine?
A beauty routine to me encompasses not only looking after what’s on the outside but also what’s on the inside. It’s about taking care of your body as well as your mind and heart. Every day I make sure I get up and move in some way; a walk along the beach, a hot yoga class or just stepping outside to get some fresh air. Plenty of sleep and staying hydrated also does wonders for the health of your skin. And the good ol’ cleanse, tone and moisturise has been a faithful routine of mine since I was quite young.
I have wanted to try Votary for a while and was so excited when I finally got my hands on two of their cult beauty products. The Rose Geranium and Apricot Cleansing Oil and the Votary Intense Night Oil.
Votary are a luxe British brand, famous for their oil cleansers and face oils. The products in the Votary line are cold pressed natural oils that have been extracted from plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables and seeds. No fillers just pure plant based ingredients.
I have been using the Rose Geranium and Apricot Cleansing Oil, as my cleanser for over a month. I immediately fell in love after my first cleanse, it really is an effective oil cleanser that works so well on all skin types, especially oily/congested skin like mine.
I pump the oil into the palm of my hands, I take a moment to inhale the soft aroma. As I inhale the scent of fresh apricots with the subtle hints of rose, I feel an immediate sense of relaxation and apply the oil to my skin. I love oil cleansing in the evenings (maybe because I have more time), I find it’s a great way cleanse all the daily impurities and pollution that have built up during the day on my skin. It’s also a really great way to end the day by connecting with the ritual of applying the cleanser, delicately massaging it and removing it with a hot towel.
It’s a beautiful oil cleanser, that gives a great deep and nourishing cleanse. It is a great product to try if you’re new to oil cleansers or need an oil cleanser that suits skin on the more oilier or nomination side. The grape seed, apricot kernel, rose geranium and chamomile oils provide the skin, with anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antiseptic and essential fatty acids (omega-6).
Votary’s Intense Night Oil, is AMAZING! This is the most luxurious face oil/night treatment I have used that is clean and plant based. It contains Retinoid (Vitamin A) in an oil-soluble form and is a great natural alternative to the harsh retinol products that are on the market. Retinoid aids in renewing skin and helps with pigmentation/dark spots. It also stimulates collagen production and new blood vessels in the skin.
Packed with active plant botanicals like rose-hip oil, avocado oil, paracress, tomato seed oil and rose. These ingredients work simultaneously with the retinoid to provide antioxidants, help improve elasticity and the tone of skin as well aiding in the regeneration of skin. I have loved using this as an evening treatment, I can definitely feel the active botanicals working on my skin. I have seen a notable difference in some pigmentation I have, it has also improved my issues with congestion. I can also see how it has helped with the overall tone of my skin as well. I love the results and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a clean, active product.
MEET THE MAKER: YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE
I recently had the opportunity to meet Joe and Greg, the founders of Youth To The People. We spent the day drinking green juices, talking about superfoods, pressed juices, California and the inspiration behind their skincare. If you’re not familiar with the brand or you’re a huge fan (like me), you will definitely appreciate Youth to the People’s nature meets science approach to skincare. Read the full interview below.
How has the Californian lifestyle influenced YTTP?
The Californian lifestyle has been a big influence to YTTP, growing up in California we live active and healthy lifestyles. We have always been interested in a healthy lifestyle, our families were taking vitamins in the 70’s and 80’s and making natural skincare. Growing up in California has been a big part of YTTP, we enjoy the natural our surrounding and draw inspiration from the healthy lifestyle.
Green superfoods are keys ingredients in your products, how important are they to your line?
Prior to launching YTTP, we had a strong interest in superfoods and cold pressed juices. Green superfoods contain large amounts of antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins and phytonutrients. Knowing the health benefits of drinking cold pressed juices, we thought how great they would work topically on skin.
We were consuming our green juices daily and wanted our skincare to have the same benefits as our diets. Working with our chemist and getting an extract that would be ideal in skincare, we were able to build a line of products that provide a great source of antioxidants, whilst helping fight free radicals and preventing signs of ageing. All the things we love in our pressed juices, but being able to apply the benefits to your skin.
One of the more unique ingredients in your products is ALFALFA. Can you tell us more about it?
Alfalfa is used in the YTTP products as it contains high amounts of chlorophyll, being such a great detoxifier we use a lot of this in our skincare. Our cleanser contains alfalfa for this reason and it also gives it the green colour (naturally). We wanted an ingredient that is rich in antioxidants, calming on the skin and helps with the detoxification process and helps remove the daily build up of toxins and pollution. Knowing how important chlorophyll is internally, we wanted to apply this topically.
Your grandmother created skincare, how has she inspired YTTP?
Our grandmother launched her skincare line in 1979, she wanted to create her own line of products after seeing the various skincare trends in Europe. She created a botanical based line, as it was more effective for the skin. We grew up around the business and learnt about skincare, in the last five years we thought how can we create a skincare line that utilised our grandmothers creative ideas and experience, as well as our inspiration from drinking green juices/superfoods. Having our grandmothers industry experience and growing up in the skincare industry has really helped us make quality skincare, our aim is to create quality products that make a difference.
What are your grandmothers tips on skincare?
Our grandmother believes in creating quality and effective products that work for everyone. One of her tips is education, educate yourself about the products and ingredients you’re using, are they going to help with your skin goals. Our grandmother really believes in the importance of ingredients, educating yourself about ingredients and picking the correct products for your skin.
What is your hero product from the line?
Our hero product is the Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Age Prevention Cleanser and the Kale + Spinach Hyaluronic Acid Age Prevention Face Cream. It’s packed with so many great superfoods that help detoxify your skin as well as providing skin with an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and hydration. The cleanser is our hero product, it was one of the first products we launched. We wanted to create a product that was a cleanser and toner in one, to help simplify the beauty routine as well creating a comfortable pH balance for skin. The Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Age Prevention Cleanser is our favourite hero product that multitasks and suits all skin types.
MEET THE BEAUTY ARCHIVE
I’ve always had a fascination with Scandinavian design and it was not a surprise that I found myself drawn to The Beauty Archive. This brand offers more than just lip products, the simplicity and modern style of each product creates a slow and beautiful ritual of self care. The Beauty Archive has become one of my favourite organic, green beauty brands.
1. Where does your interest in slow beauty come from?
My interest in the slow beauty movement sprung out of a need of change. Influenced by my work experiences, I value its holistic approach on beauty and self-care. I have practiced psychotherapy for several years and seen a trend of young adults struggling with mental illness due to higher demands and the up speed pace of society today. We are supposed to be better, do more and faster. I truly believe we need to slow down. Working in the beauty industry I am aware of the impact fast beauty has on our environment and how the products we daily feed our skin affect long-term health. I see slow beauty as a practice, of making informed decisions and first and foremost taking time to take care.
2. How has the Scandinavian culture influenced your lip products?
Scandinavian culture I think emerges from living close to nature. It somehow allows us to be present and to perceive without overstimulation. My aim is to create makeup staples that enhance natural beauty and individuality. In my lip products you can also see contemporary and minimalistic elements, a part of a Scandinavian effortless aesthetics. My wish is for people wearing my makeup to embrace their inner and outer beauty and to feel empowered by it.
3. How important are the ingredients you choose for your formulations?
The ingredients are of most importance. I guess you can call me a perfectionist when it comes to my products. I want them to perform well but never at the expense of our animals or nature. The sustainable perspective of slow beauty is about conscious choices and in my products you will not find ingredients that isn’t natural in its origin, organically produced and vegan. Not using animal derived ingredients is something I care deeply about hence some of the pigments in my red shades are made of tiny amounts of synthetic colorants. My aim is for my products to be enjoyed by everyone. This is also why I have chosen not to add scents in my formulations.
4. What are your favourite shades from the line?
Every shade in my collection is designed with a vision in mind and made to complement each other, individual style preferences and occasions. But if I were to choose, the first product would have to be Wedding Cake lip balm. It is the perfect overnight treatment for dry lips and I never go to sleep without it. It was also the very first product I developed so it is close to my heart. As for my tinted lippies, I think I would go for I Do! and Timeless. I Do! being a subtle, yet buildable, everyday peachy pink tint and Timeless, my to-go-to matte red lip cream which I love wearing with a clean base and just some black mascara. The runner up to I Do! is Bridesmaid’s Blush, which I love and use a lot on both lips and cheeks.
5. What is your hero beauty product?
My personal hero product(s) would have to be skincare. With a clean and moisturized skin you set the best start for any makeup to perform its best. A mild cleanser, a face mist and a moisturizing face cream is a great start. If choosing a hero makeup product though, it would be a multi-tasking concealer. A good concealer covers and at the same time enhances what you want the eye to focus on. There are a variety of nice green beauty concealers out there, some which preferably can be worn as a light overall base. If speaking of a hero product from my own line it will be up to the wearer to decide.
6. What are three things you do, to keep your skin healthy?
Since passing 30, self-care and practicing inner balance has become more important for my skin to stay healthy. I spend more ‘me time’ today than I did in my 20’s and this gives me time to relax and reload. Drinking water, preferably with a touch of lemon and evening green teas help the cleansing process and having a sensible stomach, I try to eat balanced and regularly. Personally, I have seen a positive result in my skin since switching dairy products to vegan alternatives. Right now I’ve got a thing for coconut beverages! Lastly, I try to spend time in the open air with my family and pursuing physical activities I find joyful at the moment.
Beauty subscription boxes are all the rage at the moment, they are a great way to try new brands and products. Not all boxes are the same, why? Well some are just full of fillers and crappy samples you just don’t need!
Boxwalla is not your average subscription box, you won’t get fillers or samples you’re never going to use. Boxwalla is a carefully curated, well thought out and offers you a variety of products you are definitely going to LOVE! It starts with their box, it is made from cotton handmade paper. Making it a tree free box, it’s also made by a small family owned company in India who have been making tree free paper for generations. The Boxwalla box is designed to be reused and is 100% recyclable.
They have a few boxes: there is the film box, food box, book box and the the beauty box. The BEAUTY BOX, has a great variety of niche and effective green beauty brands. This month the Boxwalla beauty box unveiled three gorgeous products from Earthwise Beauty.
One of the many great things BOXWALLA does, is introducing you to some really amazing brands that are passionate about crafting their creations. Meet Earthwise Beauty, organic skincare products that are healing, unrefined, unique and potent: Nap in the meadow, Farizad’s veil and the Ruby facial oil.
I tried and recommend following beautiful ritual to protect, heal and nourish your skin:
Firstly start with the Nap in the meadow, an aloe base face serum. It’s refreshing herbaceous scent is simply calming. It is lovingly made with the purest essences and essential oils that help hydrate and heal skin. Once applied you can instantly see it clears your complexion. Then it can be layered perfectly with the Ruby facial oil. The scent of this oil is absolutely divine – think tropical guava and fresh florals. The gorgeous aroma is highly addictive – you will want to apply this everyday! Optionally this face oil can be effortlessly mixed with Farizad’s veil, a zinc oxide powder, to create your own natural, non-toxic and non-nano particle sunscreen (30 SPF). All three products were designed to complement each other. The serum and oil are suited for all skin types – in particular for oily skin, like mine. They are absorbed with ease and help regenerate and rejuvenate your skin.
Thank you BOXWALLA for introducing me to these lovely skin treats from Earthwisebeauty.
Here is a sneak peak of the AUGUST BOXWALLA featuring Odacité Skincare and Henna Organics.
Nimbus & Co. – DETOX + SWEAT
If you’re into your health and wellness, or looking for a great way to detox, you are going to love Nimbus & Co.
Nimbus & Co. is Sydney’s first exclusive infrared sauna and wellness studio. They also offer various alternative therapies to help keep you healthy and relaxed. Located in Bondi Beach, this tranquil studio is one of my favourite ways to relax and get my sweat on!
I have always been interested in the benefits of infrared light, so I didn’t hesitate to try the infrared sauna for myself. Infrared saunas are not like traditional saunas (often quite unbearable) they work quite differently and offer better benefits for your body.
Infrared saunas operate with infrared heat, the heat (bearable and comfortable) raises your bodies core temperature and aids in the release of toxins and chemicals. This is why we literally sweat it all out! The heat also penetrates deep into soft tissue and muscles, allowing the body to heal and repair more effectively. The more you sweat the more you allow your body to detoxify and heal.
The benefits of infrared saunas include:
•boosting your immune system
•weight loss, you can burn up to 600 calories in a session
•relaxation and stress reduction
•aches and pains
•skin health
•detoxifying
This is one of the best sweat sessions you can have (without exercising), all whilst in the comfort of your own private room. The saunas at Nimbus & Co. offer you privacy (you don’t have to sweat in a communal sauna) you can unwind in your own little room, each sauna helps you track your (sweat) session, you can also watch Netflix or listen to music. An easy and comfortable way to help rejuvenate your mind and body.
Interview with BOTANICAL SIGNATURE
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Asako, the maker of the lovely BOTANICAL SIGNATURE products. This interview was a first where we met in person and spent the afternoon drinking tea and discussing the BOTANICAL SIGNATURE’S Japanese cultural influences, beauty tips and living a healthy lifestyle.
How did Botanical Signature start?
After finishing my study of medical Aromatherapy, I came to question the types of unhealthy ingredients used in our everyday products. My focus then turned to creating more organic and safe products for everyone, which led to testing recipes and holding skincare workshops, where my two-square kitchen became the lab.
Have you always been interested in a natural and healthy lifestyle?
I have always had a passion for health, beauty, and living with a holistic approach. Practicing Yoga has been a huge influence for me not only because of the physical practice, but provides insight for living in flow and in balance through our healthy diet, our exercise and even our communication with others. Moderation is a key aspect of this. ‘Balance’ is very important to me.
What are some of the Japanese influences we see in Botanical Signature products?
BOTANICAL SIGNATURE reflects a lifestyle of modern simplicity and quality. Our brand concept is based on infusing comfort and a sense of calm, and bringing a timeless beauty in our busy lifestyle. Our principles of respecting and living in nature were essential when developing the best way to represent the concept of our organic products, and the nature inspired brand. It was a perfect match to select washi paper for our brand, as it is ethical and made of 100% organic plant-based material. The making of washi paper is a unique traditional process, all hand crafted with care, using the techniques inherited from the ancient Japan, and it connects to my heritage. With BOTANICAL SIGNATURE, we are exploring the possibilities when East and West philosophies meet, and by bringing handcrafted Japanese details in a whole new direction and using the representation of culture in our packaging, this is perhaps rare in the modern skincare industry.
What are your favourite skincare tips?
I give my face a simple cleanse first thing in the morning to remove all the excess from the night before. This helps to clean up the pores but also helps to absorb the following skincare routine. After rinsing, place a few drops of the Brightening Face Oil Serum [vitamin C] on to the palm and then massage it thoroughly on to the face and neck. Give the skin a break for a minute or two before moving to the next step. It sounds a bit fussy, but once you get into a routine, this will help make sure you aren’t overloading your skin.
What is your favourite Botanical Signature product(s)?
BOTANICAL SIGNATURE products are designed for people who are passionate about enhancing their own natural beauty for the long-term with an honest mind by using ingredients free from chemicals, synthetic fragrance and color, and use 100% no animal testing. All this has been achieved by keeping of our products are made simple with pure botanical extracts and delivered the best quality products. This is one of my favorite aspects of creation. I also enjoy creating the experience when opening such as the ‘cocooning’ washi wrapped skincare or our herbal tea packaging, which is inspired by traditional firecracker with a hint of childhood memories. I treasure an experience for our customers as if they are opening a delicate gift.
THESPOTBEAUTY 