My Frown Leaves Town and Microhydrodermabrasion for Flawless Skin

I have been getting Botox to my forehead frown lines for the past four years. I am careful to have enough to smooth out the lines without “freezing” my face!

As an instructor, I need some expression and it doesn’t appeal to me at all to look false or to fundamentally change my face.

I have a habit of raising my eyebrows and tensing my forehead constantly. If I’m lying in bed, I notice myself doing it before I go to sleep and first thing when I wake up. I do it when I’m at the computer, or reading, or focusing during a workout. It makes the world of difference to find myself NOT tensing and frowning without having to check in and force it!

It also makes me feel better about myself. I don’t feel any pressure from anyone else. I do it for me.

I am very fussy about who I allow to apply injections to my face. These days, a GP or the local beauty salon can advertise injectables with seemingly very little training or understanding of facial anatomy and biochemistry. Be warned – you want someone who has been practicing long enough to know their business, has a loyal clientele, proven qualifications, and someone who will explain to you what the process is, what the risks are, and what the time frame is around effects taking place then wearing off.

I go across Melbourne to Elwood to see Michael Clague at Facelove. Not only is he exceptionally skilled and experienced (conducting training on cosmetic injectables around Australia), but he is funny, friendly and genuinely loves his work. He understands that I don’t want to look frozen or like the sixth Kardashian sister! I just want to smooth out the forehead creases. I have 12 units of Botox, after which it takes about a week before I notice I’m not tensing and frowning.

Facelove is a small salon located on Glenhuntly Road. There is parking galore around the side streets and it is in a little haven back from the shops and upstairs. Unlike another centre I’ve been to, there is no video running that tells you all the things you could and should do to your face and body! There is a deep respect here for working with what you want and what you don’t want. Having said that, Michael has a portfolio of his work to give an indication of what results can be expected from treating different areas of the face whether with fillers or anti-wrinkle injections.

He is all about natural looking results. You can check out pictures of his clients and there’s also a guide that answers the most common questions.

If you’re more about skin treatments, Facelove also does IPLPhotorejuvenation, laser hair removal, and microhydrodermabrasion (SO SO SO GOOD! Joni B does it - see picture) .

The celebrities are all about their lips and one of the most popular treatments is lip augmentation. Mike insists on balance, symmetry and ensuring that there is no “overtreatment” and falsity about the look. There is a good indication of what to expect on the Facelove website. It’s not cheap, but it does last 9 – 12 months and if it makes you feel more confident and you’ve done your research and decided this is what you want, then make sure you book in with someone who you trust.

Now, I do have to admit I haven’t ever watched The Batchelor (which might make me the ONLY person in Melbourne!) but I know Facelove treat Joni and she is absolutely gorgeous so I’ll have what she’s having! As a major fan of microdermabrasion, my next appointment is the 7 step microdermabrasiontreatment 

Disclaimer! A doctor should always check that you are medically fit for this treatment.

You can book online 

Or call 1300 458 491

ABC of Skincare & Retinol for Acne, Wrinkles & Pigmentation

If you're serious about skincare, you are familiar with retinol. It's a form of Vitamin A that is used in both prescription and over-the-counter skincare products to alleviate acne and also to refine and plump ageing skin. It is found in high concentration in Accutane, which I did two rounds of as a teenager with terrible acne. It is a powerful ingredient and skin is highly sensitive to sunlight, tends to dry out easier and the lips need constant balm application.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. It completely cleared my skin.

For the past few years I have used a prescription Retinol (try Retin-A) but, through my strict research (Elle, Harper's, Vogue Paris, Vogue Italia, etc) I kept coming across a few dermatologist-recommended skincare brands using high-grade, proven ingredients.
So I had to have what the Italian, French and UK fashionistas are having, of course.
SkinCeuticals does two speeds of Retinol. Because I have been using a prescription retinol for so long, my skin is primed for the more powerful 1.0% formula. If you are new to retinol use, start with the less intense option (0.5% formula). Retinol has been proven to reduce acne, diminish wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. It is magic for clearing up blackheads and promotes collagen production for a more dewy, plumped appearance to the skin. Applied overnight, I use it three times a week. In this weather, I avoid direct sunlight and always apply SPF. Also, it is essential to avoid retinol if you are pregnant. This is true of any Vitamin A formula.

My current issue is uneven skintone. I'm naturally pale and for me, it's highly noticeable around my chin and jaw. So in combination with retinol, I'm using the Metacell Renewal B3. It sounds super scientific and promises to "re-clarify skin, reduce wrinkles, re-tighten surface elasticity, and even skin tone". I apply it 15 minutes before makeup in the morning and it leaves my skin smooth and primed for concealer. I have also used Medik8 Hydr8 B5 serum and it is awesome. You only need a few drops at a time. Worth every penny!

Since we've done Vitamin A and B, it's only fair to bring in the final factor. Vitamin C, when delivered in a highly stable and concentrated solution, is a powerful antioxidant. It protects against environmental damage (pollution, excess heating and cooling, dirt and grime) as well as repairing damage from sun exposure and pigmentation. I am a convert to Medik8 CE-Tetra. Medical grade Vitamin C and you only need a few drops at a time so it will last you for ages. Think of cost per use!

I highly recommend that your first port of call, before you consider clinical lasers or other interventions, is to invest in retinol and skincare that is suited to your skin (both the tone and texture). This might be pharmaceutical grade, like SkinCeuticals and Medik8, or it may be all-natural and organic. Do your research and only be satisfied with results that work for your skin. Some of the cheaper, supermarket ready skincare makes big promises but the concentration of vitamin A, B and C is just too low to have any effect. Be warned.
Full range of Medik8 and Skinceuticals available at FacialCo.

Get Nude - Not Rude

Makeup looks on the runway change from season to season. You only need to look at Riccardo Tisci's incredible lace face masks for Spring/Summer 2016 to see the latest magnificent manifestation of makeup artist Pat McGrath. She has previously done sequined and latex eyebrows, gothic, Victorian and punk rock inspired looks.
What doesn't change is that there will be designers who want to keep the makeup pared back to emphasise the clothes and the natural beauty and features of the models.
Your interpretation of the "nude" look is going to work along a spectrum, just as the shade "nude" is not a single pale, pink bottle of foundation anymore.
Makeup brands and artists recognise that there are a range of ethnicities and skin tones and textures to work with. Lancome is one of the best for doing foundations for dark skin.
Here are the essentials and if heavy contouring appeals to you, work that bronzer! Just avoid harsh lines. Blend. Blend. Blend.

• Take care of your skin. No amount of makeup can disguise super tired, blemished and flaky skin. A combination of supplements (silica, fish oil, flaxseed oil, zinc) and high quality, natural skincare is going to serve you well.
• Exfoliate. I love Aveda's Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant for sensitive skin. It is non abrasive so won't aggravate redness or dry skin. Exfoliating removes surface oil and dead skin cells to allow skin to breathe and be radiant.
• Spend on your base. By all means, stock up on $2 eyeshadow and glitter but think about the Cost Per Wear equation. This is going to cover your face MOST if not EVERY day! I am blemish-prone and also have dry skin. I need breathable coverage that will last through a sweaty yoga session followed by meetings and appointments. I swear by:

1. Dior Nude Air (gorgeous, light texture and fabulous coverage) @ David Jones
2. Dior Skin Forever Fluid (slightly heavier formula but great shades for my skin tone) @ David Jones
3. L'Oreal Lumi Magique (excellent coverage, radiant dewy finish) @ Priceline

• Use concealer. Even if you don't use foundation, a concealer magically revives sad, no-sleep skin. Just as you would match your foundation perfectly IN THE LIGHT to your face colour, make sure your concealer is a perfect match. Try:

1. Dior Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer @ Sephora

• If you are a lipstick junkie, like me, you will go crazy for a nude range that actually really flatters your face! No chalky, zombie lip effect here! I am totally addicted to Rimmel's Kate Moss line of nudes. Not only housed in peach coloured bullets, these shades can work alone or blended and they are beautiful.

1. Rimmel Kate Moss Nude Lasting Finish Lipsticks @ Priceline
   

The Good Oil on 3 Budget Buys for Banishing Blemishes, Laundry, Stress Free Sleep and Cleaning

It amazes me that not everyone has cottoned on to the wonders of this cheap, versatile supermarket buy. Eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oil are all super cheap, potent, easily available, NATURAL and multi-use.

If you only choose one oil - eucalyptus is your friend. I have a bottle that has lasted 6 months. I use eucalytus oil:

• to dab into my nostrils to prevent inflammation from dust pollens and cold/flu symptoms
• added to saline solution for a nasal spray
• dabbed on blemishes to reduce inflammation and blitz spots
• added to floor cleaner
• to wipe down bathroom surfaces
• to wash gym clothing - out, out damn germs!
• diluted as a spray for the yoga mat. Trust me.
• 

Then there are two more that will go the distance. They have multiple uses and because they are so potent, you'll use only a tiny amount at a time. This is going to be magic for your budget and your health. I use lavender oil:

• rubbed gently on my temples to relax
• spritzed on my pillow and bedding before sleep to de-stres
• added to boiling water for a facial steam (just hold a towel over your head!)
• added to fragrance-free, basic moisturisers for scent and anti-inflammatory properties
• massage oil for the muscles

Finally, though the smell takes me back to my teenage years, teatree oil dabbed on spots will blitz them. It's also great for cuts, abrasions and also for cleaning duties.

It's worth buying 3 at a time and saving around 15% - I order online at Bosisto's but these are also easily available at chemists, pharmacies and supermarkets.

#Snoopette : Cat Woods

I’m Cat Woods [@cat13gram] and I author Core Integrity With Cat, teach barre, do some freelance writing and editing, and I’m also doing my yoga teacher training at The Yoga Social in Melbourne CBD. I have been doing yoga for the past 15 years and it is the one thing that remains a constant passion in my life, besides writing, and I know I will never know everything or master every aspect of it. I love that. I will always be a student! Being a writer and a barre instructor means I am not confined to conservative fashion or beauty. That said, I don’t feel like myself with a full face of makeup or shunning makeup completely out of some idea of yoga Puritanism!

I had terrible acne as a teenager and went through two courses of Roaccutane. It cleared up my skin, but it made me extremely conscious of using products that genuinely hydrate, cleanse and nourish skin as opposed to stripping it of natural oils or clogging it and causing spots. My favourite brands for skincare are natural and I flit between using different ones from day to day and week to week. I love Kiehl’s toners and eye creams. Thalgo does great cleansers and serums. At the moment I’m using their Foaming Marine Cleanser (smells ocean fresh) and Hydra Marine Serum. I also love a weekly exfoliation with Goodness Every Week Facial Scrub. It’s a new range that is all about chia seeds. Smells fab and the pastel coloured packaging makes me smile.

I am all about a great sports massage, even though it’s so expensive, which is why I figure if I’m teaching and talking for work – why can’t I find a facial massage therapist? So I did my Google research and contacted the most highly rated Australian facialist, Jocelyn Petroni for her local recommendation. Jocelyn only works in New South Wales, but she said there was no other option than Valli Shubere if I wanted the ultimate facial massage. Valli operates from Herbario and has been doing herbal beauty and health for over 30 years. Valli, Marcel and herbalist Vito Cozza take traditional European Botanical Medicine and apply it to internal and beauty treatments. Unlike most, the herbal preparations are totally pure and potent. It is a little like being pummelled – I won’t kid you, it can hurt to have your cheeks and jawline massaged when you’re a typical tooth-grinder, but it is worth it for the glow you get later. Valli does nutritional assessments and programs too but I haven’t tried these.

I am all about nail colours since I am looking at my fingers and toes all the time as an instructor. I love OPI and Orly in particular. They have great colours and they are paraben, sulfate free with cute names. Especially loving the new Purple Palazzo Pants. I also love Orly Nailtrition as a paint-on treatment for broken, brittle nails that have seen too many colour changes and too much remover! It gives a really shiny, glossy finish too. I paint it on while I’m binge watching The Americans or Game of Thrones.

Daily, I wash and tone then after a few espressos, I apply L’Oreal Lumi Magique because it’s the perfect shade and it lasts through my workout and class without caking or dripping or clogging my pores. It is lightweight but it covers any redness.

I am all about the glow so I love Physicians Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls applied with a big brush. I’m an amateur but I know how to wield a brush when it comes to blusher and bronzer. Definitely not with a heavy hand! I don’t spend a lot on brushes. The Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection is available in chemists and beauty shops. It looks much more expensive than it really is! The Flat Contour Brush is my most used. It’s super soft and does triple duty on bronzer, blusher and highlighter.

I love Lancome Blush Subtil in tawny 011 Brun Roche as a bronzer. I sweep it from the top of my ear lobe under my cheekbones then apply a bit of blusher (Urban Decay Afterglow in Crush for true pink or the paler ballet pink of Youngblood Mineral Blush in Zin.

I love lip colours and I find them in my glovebox, my bathroom, my loungeroom, under the bed, in the kitchen, falling out of my iPad carry case... literally, I have lipsticks, lipliners and lipglosses everywhere. I’ve just discovered Bite Beauty from Canada. They do food-quality, all-natural lipsticks that are highly pigmented so they last through a lot of talking and coffee. My new addiction is Luminous Lipstick in Cassis, a deep fuschia.

I find that my eyes get red and sensitive if I wear much eye makeup beyond a simple slick of liner. I don’t make it a regular habit, but I do indulge in eyelash extensions a few times a year because it means I look glammed up without having to do anything! If I’m careful not to use oil-based cleansers and don’t fiddle with them, they last around 3 weeks. I am super fussy about where I get it done though because I don’t want any messing around near my eyeballs! I go to The Lash Beauty Bar in North Melbourne. Aniya started this tiny, gorgeous salon a few years back and has since introduced massage and facials. I had a massage there years ago that was wonderful, but now I’ll just go for lash extensions on the rare occasion. When I flutter them in the mirror, it reminds me of classic film actresses of the 1930s and 40s. theatre actresses and ballerinas.. That big, dramatic eyed flutter that says ‘I’m costumed and I’m bold. Bring on the stage.’

Onzie Ahimsa Tank Top

Having said that, I am not able to be anything or anyone other than entirely myself when I’m teaching. I don’t become any louder or stricter. It’s not a performance, after all. I am really fortunate to share my love and knowledge of pilates and body awareness, barre, dance and soon yoga too. I love it. I love doing it, I love researching and choreographing, practicing and correcting and empowering people to feel flexible, strong and balanced.

Since I spend every day in gym clothes, I have amassed a wardrobe of outfits that is like a rainbow of lycra. There are some $10 Kmart singlets in there but mostly it’s OmShanti , Onzie, and Mika Yogawear for leggings and crop tops.

Purusha People Leggings

I have also just discovered Purusha People for mermaid print, iridescent, highly original yoga pants and there’s also some amazing iridescent, very Australian Gothic “Black Opal” leggings at DivaFit.

Finally, my unruly and naturally curly (but mostly just frizzy) hair responds best to the Pureology brand. They don’t use sulphates, parabens, lots of preservatives and chemical ingredients. My poor scalp reacts to most products by getting dry, itchy and flaky. So I’m careful to stick to what I know works! My latest haircare addition is Pureology Serious ColourCare Strength cure Cleansing Conditioner– it leaves my hair soft and non-greasy or heavy. Smells divine.

Makeup Inspiration from the 2015 Runways

I used to love the runway shots of John Galliano for Dior. Alexander McQueen also sent some ethereal and alien looks storming down the catwalk too. Makeup artists like Val Garland and Pat McGrath created futuristic creatures that lived on imaginary underwater islands, or punk-cyber-goth bombshells with huge hair and glued on diamantes and lashes.
Now, short of the nightclubs, these looks aren't going to wash in everyday life, but be inspired to dare something different.

The beauty of makeup is you can transform - take on a role that is more confident, more daring, more adventurous than you feel. 

Then you can wipe it off and change again.
Here's my pick of the 2015 looks you can adopt and adapt.

Nanette Lepore did iridescent purple lips, spidery lashes and metallic gold nails. Try doing ONE of these things at a time. As a purple lover, my preference is daring the lilac lip. Go on! Maybelline Color Elixir in Vision in Violet. Try a gold shimmer from NYX (Roll On Shimmer in Almond).

The Givenchy runway shots were ubiquitous. Sure, it's extreme.

The Victorian Chola Gang looked tribal and dark and confronting, but editors swarmed to the images and the clothes were not lost beneath the styling. While in Barcelona, I noted gleefully that all the beautiful young things were tattooed and pierced. The once rare septum piercing was no longer confined to hippies or punks. And the
super small rings that merely glinted under lights were super chic. If you're not ready for the real thing, I recommend a faux septum piercing. I got mine
from Junylie on Etsy.

As ever, Chloe and Michael Kors runways gave us a youthful nude palette that emphasised flawless skin, blushed cheekbones and beige toned eyes and lips. Go for the super luxe foundation (Urban Decay Naked Skin) and then pick budget friendly NYX for the entire nude palette.

Depending on whether you're gothic pale or Naomi Campbell, your nude colours will fall within a spectrum of flattering shades. Go for peachy (NYX Lipstick in Snow Cap) through rose beige (Pops Explosif) and make a subtle statement with the NYX Love In Rio eyeshadow kit of three shimmery beige/brown options. Skip the eyeliner and emphasise the lashline with Over The Taupe eyeshadow. Blush is mandatory - hit the apple of your cheeks and trace up to the outer corners of your eyes. With a subtle brushstroke - we're not going for a warpaint look.

Need a bit of oomph to your lips? Put a subtle dot of Angel Food Cake Butter Gloss in the cupid's bow and in the centre of your lower lip to finish. The light-reflecting gloss will make your lips appear fuller and smoother.

Grapely Good in Dry July

Good news now that we are fully immersed in Dry July: you don't need red wine to get a good dose of powerful, grape-derived antioxidant Resveratrol. So all that bleating from wine merchants about how red wine is full of antioxidants and hey, have some dark chocolate with it too - please.

So what is this magical compound?

Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and also in peanuts and berries. It's a plant compound considered to be extremely high in antioxidants, which protect against environmental damage to the skin and body.
Some research has shown it to be highly effective for weight loss in obesity - but these are animal studies and are not definitive. It has also proven promising in protecting against heart disease and other age-related conditions including Alzheimer's and macular degeneration (eye disease).

The bottom line here is, regardless of whether it is going to prolong your life and ensure you are disease free - it IS a powerful antioxidant that nourishes from the inside out. It can only improve your heart function, skin clarity and collagen strength and early studies suggest it defends against tissue degradation - a key factor in arthritic pain.

Try Bioglan Resveratox

Try Swisse Grapeseed Ultiboost Grape Seed 12,000mg 60 tablets

Caffeine Buzz for Ultimate Performance....of your skincare

Coffee is a natural stimulant and a powerful antioxidant. This not only makes it the perfect pre-workout, pre-work kickstart, but also a wicked tonic for your skin and hair.

So, make an espresso and read on because caffeine will perk up your body and your complexion.

Caffeine constricts small blood vessels and reduces inflammation, making it perfect for minimising dark circles and fluid build-up under the eyes. 

Try Swisse Argan Anti-Aging Eye Cream (argan oil, vitamin K2 & caffeine). 

Keep in mind, eye creams offer temporary benefits so you need to question your diet and lifestyle for those dark circles and bags!

Those tightening and fluid-fighting agents will also do wonders for your skin. The Body Shop has a range that uses all natural ingredients – including caffeine – to nourish, firm and rejuvenate skin. Considering the nasty winter weather here, this is a shower must have for me.

With caffeine plus grapefruit and lemon essential oils, this also has an attached massage head for a super luxe at-home massage. Genius! Spa Fit Firming & Toning Gel-Cream Massager.

If you’re a self-tanner like me, you’ll need to regularly exfoliate to make sure you’re not looking flaky (you know what I’m talking about) – so you can either go the luxe version from Body Shop (zesty citrus scrub 100% natural-origin citrus ingredients) OR add your used coffee grinds to your existing bath or shower gel and not only reduce, reuse, recycle but glow with a natural “I am a DIY Skincare Master” knowledge!

Get along to my Facebook page to let me know if you use a caffeine spiked product that you love!

Organic, Natural Skincare and Ingredients that Cleanse and Nourish Skin

If I told you to stock up on chia seeds, blueberries, acai berries, papaya, pink grapefruit, you'd think I was giving you a list for the kitchen.
In fact, I'm giving you the essential nutrient rich ingredients for a skin regime that will bolster your natural cell turnover, collagen levels and give you a radiant complexion.

As a teenager, I had to courses of Accutane because of vicious acne. I am so careful and fussy about WHAT I use on my skin and having a routine. Every morning, my first move is to cleanse and if I've got time, apply a masque (Dermalogica Power Recovery is unbeatable). Drink coffee, remove masque. Toner (Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Toner is alcohol free so non drying).
Then the makeup, of course!

In the evening, same deal but I might exfoliate instead of the masque to make sure every speck of makeup and dust is out, out, out! I apply body moisturiser (wake up smelling like a blueberry smoothie AND shimmering!) before bed and also Eminence Pink Grapefruit serum to blitz any spots! I also use overnight repair time to apply a rich moisturiser OR a peel depending on whether my skin is dry or there's a spot developing. So it's either Eminence Firm Skin Acai Moisturiser or Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturising Serum.

I recognise that Eminence and Kiehl's are not budget buys - they're skinvestment purchases. So, if you're more dash than cash right now, there is an awesome range called Goodness out newly that is all about chia seeds! These babies are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and natural certified organic goodness for your skin. There's a whole range, but I'm loving the cleanser and moisturiser.

These are the particular products I use, but there's a mega range of all natural serums, cleansers, masques and more that will suit your particular needs...check out:
Eminence Organics, Kiehl's and Goodness.

Seasonal Skin - Weather Proof Your Face

Thanks for the not-so-warm welcome back Melbourne. I really do love this city, but it's a far cry from the sunny mornings of Barcelona and Paris, and my shivering limbs confirm this. While a good yoga session fixes my seasonal blues and a bit of hot yoga flow does wonders for a winter
workout, its my skin that needs extra nurturing. My ever-reliable favourite Dermalogica is my source of skincare and I'm updating my makeup with the new collection from MAC - you will want to the second you see the campaign too. It's crazily, madly MAC-ly addictive. I saw it first in the Paris MAC store, and it's just released in Australia. You will want it, I warn you. All of it!

Skin for the Shivery Season:

I have been using the Multivitamin Range for about 3 years since I discovered it via a facial in High Street, Northcote. It is brilliant on my early 30s skin, but also highly concentrated with vitamins and anti-ageing hyaluronic acid and peptides for 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. My beauty cabinet is always home to the MultiVitamin Power Serum and MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque (Best Quick Fix Ever). I have just introduced the AGE Smart MultiVitamin Thermafoliant for ultimate squeaky clean pores.
For the body? I'm a lavender scented oasis post workout shower, using Stress Relief Treatment Oil.
All products available at select salons and Dermalogica online.

Wash And Dry

The name Val Garland gets makeup artists very excited and if you love fashion photography and Vogue magazine as much as I do, you'll know the photographer Miles Aldridge is an icon. So the fact they are BOTH behind this latest MAC campaign should speak volumes on quality and superiority.  The Wash and Dry collection includes shimmery highlight beauty powders, highly pigmented colours from nude through to fiery reds as well as blushes and nail lacquers in the collectible and covetable colours MAC is famous for. I am blowing bubbles for Washteria nail lacquer!
All products available from JUNE 1 2015 at MAC counters and MAC online.
Follow Val Garland and MAC Cosmetics on Instagram for inspiration.

Beauty Goes Pop! Yazbukey Collaboration

How do you top a makeup collaboration with the most fashionable cat on the planet, Choupette Lagerfeld?
You team up with pop art, French fashionista Yazbukey to stamp her signature pop art lips all over your fabulous makeup and skin products. If you're Shu Uemura.

I love my makeup. I love my pop art and I love my limited edition so this is ticking every box for me. I got my hands on the fabulous Yazbukey for shu uemura lipstick in Yaz Red. Are you jealous? You can get your own as of May 2015.
Follow shu uemura on Facebook and shop it at David Jones

Yoga for Beautiful Skin, Great Digestion and Controlling Anxiety

Yoga alone won't give you glowing, unblemished skin but it definitely helps. A smooth, strong digestive system that is essential to your immune system and hormones working harmoniously is going to improve your overall energy, mood, health AND your skin, hair and nails.
Lastly, a healthy body and a body that is working to process nutrients, fight inflammation and infection, battle everyday environmental stress and enable great sleep and circulation is going to increase your ability to deal with psychological and emotional anxiety.

Here's what to do.

• Eat moderately. Eat what you like, but also consider that you need a balance of healthy fats (avocado, salmon, walnuts, seeds, sardines), protein (lean meat, tofu, soy, fish) and carbohydrates (fruit, vegetables, wholegrain oats, breads, brown rice, gummy bears).
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. This not only allows you to break down your food more thoroughly so that it can pass through the digestive system easily, but it also tells your brain that you are satisfying your appetite and gives you time to enjoy your food.
• Wait half an hour to an hour prior and before eating to gulp water, tea or coffee. It interferes with digestion and the absorption of vitamins and minerals from your food.
• Take a probiotic capsule daily. I prefer Naturopathica GastroHealth.

Yoga Twist for Digestion

Your yoga move for great digestion is any twisting move. This stimulates the gut, massaging the internal organs, and relieves some of the tension in your lower and mid-back, allowing you to breathe easier. Remember to extend up through the spine and don't slump while you twist!

Beautiful Skin needs cleansing, moisture, and most of all, exercise. This increases and improves circulation so that blood flows to the skin, renewing it with fresh blood flow, nutrients and increasing cell turnover so that dull skin can shed and refreshed, new skin cells can flourish.

• Use a sunscreen. If you exercise outdoors, a hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable if you want beautiful skin. It will also protect you from the majority of skin cancers. 
• Cleanse with gentle, targeted products. There are so many cruelty free, natural and gentle products on the market. I love Sanctum Organics - you'll find the details in the previous blog post!
• Avoid touching your face too much. Your fingers will distribute oil and dirt so if you can avoid resting your chin in your palms, do.

Downward Dog for Great Skin

Your yoga move for fabulous skin AND battling anxiety is downward dog. Strongly pushing your heels down, your palms and the pads of your fingers gives you a powerful foundation. Allowing the blood flow to circulate to your head increases your energy and stamina. Remember to keep your abs braced, your shoulders broad and drawn back to your hips and away from your earlobes. 

Breathe deeply through your nose right down your spinal column.

Exhale slowly.

Hold as long as you can then gently bend your knees, pull your bum back to your heels and stretch forward along the ground.

All Natural, Super Fresh Skincare

Following the recent nasty scare with frozen berries in Australia being discovered to contain bacteria causing Hepatitis A, with sickeningly unhygienic practices in the Chinese factories they are packaged in - it has been so much more important to ask HOW our products are made and WHAT is in them.

Just as we are sensitive and vulnerable to the ingredients in the food we eat (and anything else in or on it!), our skincare is also a major factor in the functioning and health of our body.

Skin is the largest organ of te body and up to 70% of what is lathered on it gets absorbed. Many skincare chemicals can effect the endocrine system, disrupting the optimal balance of hormones. A study in 2009 found that woman used over 500 chemicals a day on her skin - forget detoxing from wine, your liver is working overtime to detox your bathroom cabinet!

The answer is to use skincare that is as organic and natural as possible while still being really effective. Various ancient cultures have relied on the science of natural ingredients to cleanse, moisturise, heal, protect and colour their faces and bodies. Many cultures still do share their philosophy and knowledge of natural skincare. It is key in naturopathic and ayurvedic beauty practices.

Tristan Fahey founded the incredible Rubifresh skincare as an "all natural, high performance" range for Australian women. Our skin is regularly exposed to hot, dry sun but also the environmentally toxic office life of computer screens, harsh lighting, airconditioning at all hours and polluted city travel.

I have been using the:

Weekly Face Mask. Combined with water, this powder turns into a delicious-looking oatmeal paste with almonds, goat's milk, chia seeds, french clay and lavender. I leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash. My skin feels all smooth and soft for hours AND the couple of spots I had have shrunk in only two uses. Magic!

Body Scrub. Time to take off the remains of my fake tan requires heavy
duty scrubbing so I feel much better knowing the job is done with green clay, juniper, organic camellia seed oil and avocado oil. Raw sugar and fresh chia seeds combine with lime and spearmint to provide natural exfoliating action - happy body, happy environment.

Daily Face Scrub. I love, love, love this. Bright crimson with cranberry and mint, it takes off makeup in the evening or wakes up my skin in the morning. Be careful to wash the last traces of cranberry paste off if you don't want to look like you've been at a zombie party.

Cleansing Gel. Gentle but totally refreshing. Great for sensitive skin and for those days when scrubbing is not a great option. Highly recommended for skin both young through to older, less robust skin. Pump action bottle is great for travel!

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My Beauty Day

I am thrilled with how clear and glowing my skin is looking at the moment! So I had to share my current regime with you. Nothing super complex or fancy about it - just what works for me.

1. Wake up, wash face with Elemis Rosepetal Cleanser then 2. Apply Dermalogica PowerBright Pure Light SPF 50 mixed with 3. Dior Star Foundation. I love a little colour care of 4. Illamasqua blush in Naked Rose 5. NYX Cosmetics retractable lip liner...then in the evening again I wash with 6. Elemis Rosepetal Cleanser, apply 7. Elemis Resurfacing Mask for the super tingly and revitalising 8 minutes before 8. Dermalogica PowerBright C-12 serum and finally, my insurance against puffy eyes, 9. Lancome Hydra Zen Neurocalm Eye Cream