Summer; It’s the festival season. If you plan in advance, you could almost spend every weekend between now and March and some gathering of musicians or another. The heat, the smells, the crowds, the questionable sound quality, tall people, people who spend $160 on a ticket to a festival just to be seen there, don’t know any acts, and then plonk a further $180 down on drinks in the alcohol enclosure, blissfully unaware that they deprived a music buff of a ticket to this now sold out venture, the queues for the “toilets” so long they’re visible from space… I do it every year, and against all expectations, I love it.

Until a few years ago, festivals in Australia were overwhelmingly single day affairs. With Southbound, and July’s Splendour In The Grass, we’re moving towards a multi-day, european model.

That means camping. If you thought the smells were bad at a one day event…

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Anyone with a decent amount of hair will look like Bob Marley’s more unkempt sibling after three days of rolling around in the filth, listening to indie bands warble about how no one likes them and eating that weird vegetarian savoury cake nonsense from the Hare Krishna food van. And the only person at a three day festival who has access to a shower and shampoo is Florence Welch. And you are not Florence Welch. We’ve been over this.

Enter Batiste Dry Shampoo. As a man, I regard the idea that shampoo can be dry and dispensed from a can in the same way that the Spanish Inquisition regarded Galileo. But it works.

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Letting my head reach a two day level of urban greasiness (equivalent to 0.42 Southbounds) I sprayed at the roots all over, then brushed it through. The effect was instant, leaving a fresh scent, eating grease, and even adding back a bit of life and volume. It’s not a long term solution to hair issues, and I have definite concerns about how long one can keep spraying one’s head instead of showering. But if you’re at a festival, or you’ve just gotten up after 2 hours of sleep, having crawled back to the hotel from the bar, and you’re now running late for day 2 of your business conference (hey, we’ve all been there. Well, I have), then you’ll want some freshness in a can. It’s perfect for this summer.

- Mark 

Endota is one of those brands you can’t help but love, due in large part to their commitment to loving the environment and loving yourself.  Their whole philosophy is inspiring, and that’s why I was excited to test their Glycolic Polishing Mask (RRP $70 for 100mL), which promised to ‘reveal a radiant complexion’.  It didn’t disappoint.

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A small amount of the delightfully-scented mask rubbed circularly into my face and neck proved a calming experience in itself.  The mask is very finely granulated and feels natural, which is always a plus for products you’re going to keep on your face for a while. The idea with the mask is to gently massage onto skin, leave for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off. The first two times I used the mask, I got distracted and washed it off after about 30 minutes.  With other, chemically-heavy masks, this may result in a tingling or burning sensation, but the Endota Glycolic Polishing Mask just stayed put until I was ready.  Again, calm.

Once rinsed off, my face was plump and glowing.  It’s definitely something I’ll use before an event, or failing that, at least once a week.  A little on the expensive side for a mask, I think the limited need for use, plus the ethos you get via packaging and brand support, makes it worth the splurge.

They say: ‘Shea butter and aloe vera nourish and rebalance skin’s ph.  Clays detoxify by absorbing impurities, controlling excess oil and renewing your skin from deep within, leaving skin glowing with vitality. Jojoba oil beads offer effective, gentle exfoliation.’  And I agree.

Quietly, I can’t wait to head to an Endota Spa in Sydney and test the Glycolic Polishing Mask in the hands of a spa therapist. It’s added to my to-do list!

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So the first month of the new year is almost over – how are you going with those resolutions?  Did you promise to tone up in 2012, or shake that winter weight you never lost after July last year?  I did, and I’ve slowly been dropping the cms off my waist thanks to a harder exercise regime that has me training for the SMH half-marathon (now I’ve written it down, I must do it, no?) and swapping heavy breakfasts for Body for Women protein shakes post-work out.

Me in May. Hopefully.

The Body for Women shakes (RRP$34.95), in particular the Vanilla Creme one I’ve been using for the past few months, taste delicious.  They blend extremely well with water and soy or rice milk, though I prefer to mix mine with cow’s milk to feel fuller for longer.  Creamy enough in texture to make you feel full, I’ve noticed results in my body shape from changing to the shakes.  Most notably, I feel leaner and more toned.  While I’ve been exercising more, also, I do attribute some of the success to these shakes.  And if nothing else, the shakes are a good source of protein for me, a vegetarian.

Protein is important in your diet because it helps burn fat more efficiently, improves skin tone and strengthens your hair and nails. If you’re not a meat eater like me, it’s a good supplement. If you aren’t a vego, it’s a nice way to get the protein without the carbs and animal fats found in meats.  Either way, win win.

Body for Women devised a healthy eating plan for those non-vegetarians to help kick-start their weight loss. So if you’re not yet making dents in your resolutions for this year, perhaps give this a try…

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I also tried the Body for Women Lo Carb Bites, but wasn’t such a fan of the heavy, dusty texture.  The taste was tolerable and you definitely feel full after just one or two, but the texture was a bit too much for me.

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Tell me - 

What was your fitness-based resolution for this year?

Are you on your way to achieving it?

Night time has never been so fun!  Bathing Beauty Organic Apothecary have just released one of my new favourite products and it comes with a fun name and even more fun tube.  The Hurraw! Moon Night Treatment Balm (RRP $9.50) smells delicious and comes in an oval lip balm tube that makes winding it up and down a helluva lot of fun.

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Super creamy and rich, this organic balm doesn’t have me licking my lips due to nasty chemicals (a sad side-effect of the popular Lucas’ Paw Paw ointment) because I’m smelling my lips instead.  Vanilla and Peru Balsam helps me nod off to sleep, while the Chamomile gets to work throughout the eight hours I’m getting some shut-eye (I lie, but damn I wish it were that long…).

The balm also contains oils of avocado, rosehip seed, meadowfoam seed, argan, almond, coconut, jojoba, olive, and castor, plus cacao butter and candelilla wax.  All in all, it’s a cacophony of delicious natural ingredients that work together to create this lip balm – specifically designed for night, when our lips can be driest – that I am truly, madly in love with.

Shop for it online at Bathing Beauty, now.

Join us on Facebook!

Last year was a huge year for Coveted Canvas.  We increased our Facebook followers by hundreds as more and more beauty lovers joined the conversation.  We won an award from beautyheaven for our blog post on epilating.  We made friends from blogs in Australia and overseas.  And we grew the Coveted Canvas community in Western Australia, where it all began. But what you may not know is I’m learning as the site grows and grows, and it’s only fair for me to pass on my knowledge to Coveted Canvas’ loyal readers – it’s why I started the site after all.

So, without further ado, here’s the top beauty tip I learned in 2011…

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Before I saw Zoë do this in a video, I would apply my concealer under the eye in one straight line and roughly blend it in.  While this got the job done, you may say (will say) it was a half-assed job.  The trick to Zoë’s upside-down arrow concealer application is the light reflecting off the protruding cheekbones and up into the eye, creating the very definition of luminous eyes.

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(1) Bare faced, this is a ‘before’ shot.  I’m not wearing any makeup whatsoever, and you can see sallow grey bags under my eyes and in the corners of each eye, close to the nose.

(2) Apply the concealer in an upside-down triangle.  I’ve used Garnier Nutritionist Roll-on Anti-dark circles concealer, which has a big ball for application and so isn’t as smooth a straight-line as Zoë’s YSL Touche Eclat. Think of them as ‘Luxe to Less’, if you like. The Garnier is available from your local Coles, while you’ll need to hit David Jones or Myer for some YSL luminosity.

(3) Pat in the concealer.  Never rub, or you’ll get horrid fine lines and saggy bits where your youthful eyes should be.

(4) Result!  Eyes ‘POP’, the skin appears softer, and the reflection from concealer on the cheekbone makes my eyes appear whiter.  It’s not a huge difference, but it is noticeable, particularly in natural light.

Here’s a cartoon-y type pic of how to apply the concealer…

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So there you have it – the best tip I learned in 2011, thanks to Ms Foster, passed on to my beauties at Coveted Canvas!

What’s the best beauty tip YOU learned last year?

Do you also harbour a massive girl crush on Ms Foster?

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting 17 other Perth-based online beauty writers at the Perth Online Beauty Meet (POBM), organised by my delightful friend Annette from Wellness WA.  The event was designed as an opportunity for us to network, be spoilt and have the bonding and sharing experiences we so often see the Eastern States-based bloggers take part in (from afar, of course).

(photo supplied)

The event was held at Aveda spa Djurra in Fremantle, which was hands-down the best spa space I’ve ever seen. A converted warehouse and heritage building, the walls are partially rendered and partially bare brick – a nice metaphor for the roughness you may feel entering, but calm and smooth environment you take with you.  We had the chance to trial Blue Oil massages (given to all Djurra hair clients) and foot scrubs (a perk of having a Djurra massage), which left us buzzing with calm energy in time to listen to guest speaker and naturopath Adele Plumridge.

Zinc Test

Adele had us swirl some Zinc in our mouths for 10 seconds to see if our Zinc levels were low.  Mine were okay, luckily, as Zinc is great for your skin!   You know what else is good for your skin?  Being healthy from the inside-out.  The Raw Kitchen in Fremantle sent us all into food heaven with their raw pizza and desserts, while Emma and Toms juices satisfied our thirst for antioxidants.

Yummy Food from The Raw Kitchen

All the girls were great, and we’ll even be profiling a special few on Coveted Canvas in the near future, so keep an eye out for that!

The goody bags we got at the end were epic, and will require months to review, but no fret – we’ll do it (just for you).  A huge thanks to Annette for organising, and to all the lovely ladies for being great company.  Xx

Djurra X Aveda

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Spa Room

Which Do You Need To Work On?

Emma and Tom's For Healthy Skin

Our Product Swap Table

•••

By Tammi Ireland

Perth is a pretty amazing place to live.  We have up and coming clubs and small bars (hat tips to Bivouac, La Cholita, Mrs Brown), a growing art scene (Venn, Zekka – it’s all you), amazing fashion talent (emerging with thanks to Jacqui Brown, Perth Fashion Festival, Zara Bryson, et al), and the most amazing coastline and weather in Australia (kudos Mother Nature).  And woven into all of those is the Perth beauty scene.  These are the salons, surgeries, and specialists ensuring Perth people are looking as hot as they possibly could.  Here we choose the best of 2011:

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THE HAIR SALON

Head Studio, King Street

Regular readers of Coveted Canvas would know of my loyalty to this place, and it’s for good reason.  The minute you walk in the heavy glass door you’re treated with respect as an equal by some of the coolest kids in the city.

The high ceilings, amazing and yet slightly-haunted vintage decor is unique to salons, while little touches – such as the complimentary head and neck massages before treatment, classic movies playing at the basins, or killer iced tea in summer – add to your experience.  They are a little more expensive than other Perth salons, but the experience is 100 per cent worth it.

My balayage journey began with my first visit to Head Studio, and I’ve since not trusted anyone with my hair.  The service and atmosphere will have you walking out their doors with shit-hot hair, and running to the nearest tattoo bar for some ink to rival theirs.  Be sure to check out POP downstairs if you’re after a mani, pedi, spray tan or makeup for a special occasion.

Special thanks to Rach for the killer cuts, chats, and tips on what’s hot in both Perth and in MAC make-up; Fleur for getting the colour I want right every time, and making me once again want to try orange lipstick; and Mark for the warm welcomes, basketball chats, and perfect soy lattes on early morning visits.

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THE SKIN SPECIALIST

Skyn, Nedlands

Clinical in feel with a touch of elegance, Skyn is the ultimate place for all your serious beauty treatments.  I’ve had a few facials there in my time and not once have I been disappointed.

The staff are knowledgeable and willing to sit and chat with you about all your concerns before launching into a treatment.  They use the most up-to-date technologies and stock skin care brands they believe in.

The Skyn Optimal Hydration Facial Treatment changed my life.  Again, a little on the expensive side, but the results are so that you don’t need to return on a regular basis.  Worth a visit for the consultation, at least.

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THE NATUROPATH

Jodi Duval, Fremantle

When seeing a naturopath for the first time, it’s important you feel comfortable that they practice what they preach and my God, Jodi looked like she lived a healthy life.  Glowing like no illuminator could fake, Jodi has a heart of gold and was incredibly helpful and sweet when guiding me toward a healthier lifestyle in 2011.

What started as an emotionally-stressful and very nutritionally unhealthy year turned itself around as I made conscious choices urged on by Jodi to eat closer to the source, do things I wanted to do, and be outdoors more.  Things like this seem simple to some, but every now and then you need somebody else to tell you why they’re important.

The herbal supplements Jodi put me on suited me perfectly and Tammi at January 1, 2011 was a different Tammi to the one four days ago.  Her services are priced well, she’s genuine, easy to get along with, but still takes no bullshit from her patients.  Book an appointment today.

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THE SUPPLY STORE

Bella Hart Beauty Emporium, Subiaco

Like a Sephora for Perth, Bella Hart are the fragrance experts of this city.  Have a fragrance you struggle to find?  They’ll source it.  All the on-the-floor staff are makeup artists and so know their stuff when it comes to products.

A calm place to try different foundations without going from counter to counter, the sales team have no need to sell a certain product and so are honest about what suits you.  They run special masterclasses to help you perfect the smokey eye or makeup for the older woman, or simply drop in to see what they can teach you on the spot.

Stocking brands such as Becca, Napoleon, Dior, Clinique, Clarins, Lancome, SkinCeauticals, UltraCeauticals and Dermalogica, they’ve got something for everyone. Whether you’re after natural products or ones with some serious scientific backing, Bella Hart has it all.

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Thanks to all mentioned, for keeping us beautiful in 2011. 

T x

* Head Studio photo by Jesse O'Brien.

Happy New Year, beauties! Another year gone and it’s time to reflect on what we want for 2012.  Hopefully you’ll all have nursed your New Year’s Eve hangovers away by now and have a pen handy because it’s time to make our New Year’s Resolutions.

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Some people I know don’t believe in resolutions, saying they only lead to guilt and disappointment when you can’t check them off at the end of the year.  However, I think having goals are a great way to ensure you stay focussed on what was once – at a moment of downtime – important to you.  I write a few resolutions every year; some I know I could keep, and others I know will require a bit more effort to tick off my list once December rolls around.  But you know what? Having harder resolutions on your list makes you feel ace when you accomplish them.  Exceeding people’s expectations are great, but exceeding your own expectations?  Wow!

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So what are my resolutions for this year?  Let’s break them into categories…

BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS

• Remove my makeup with pre-cleanser and cleanser every night.
• Apply sunscreen over my whole body every day (not just my face and neck).
• Use Rosehip Oil religiously.
• Master the hair donut.
• Master luscious, Lauren Conrad waves.

HEALTH RESOLUTIONS

• Eat more greens, especially in smoothie form.
• Limit pre-packaged foods in a huge way.
• Run the Sydney SMH Half-Marathon in May (21.1 kms, woah!).
• Drink water like it’s going out of fashion.

THE FUN STUFF

• Get back into Ballroom Dancing in a big, big way.
• Learn to surf.
• Buy some roller skates.
• Kick some serious career goals.
• KEEP HAVING FUN WITH NEW AND OLD FRIENDS!

Tell me, beauties, what are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2012?

Another year over, and a massive party to celebrate the new one – 2012 – a huge year for me, you, and everyone we know. Let’s bring it in with a bang!  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Need some inspiration for parties tonight?  Here are our top five favourite looks…

THE RED LIP

Sophistication. Sex. Smouldering.

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THE WINGED EYE

Classy. Fun. Clean.

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THE BRIGHT LIP

Fun. Summery. Kooky.

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THE NATURAL ENHANCEMENT

Fresh. Sensual. Classy.

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THE GLITTER EYE

Party. Crazy. Bold.

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Whichever look you choose, be sure to rock it with your head held high and a fierce expression.

Happy New Year from all at Coveted Canvas!

Xx

Drumroll please…

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Burt’s Bees Sugar Scrub

(in Honey & Shea)

Exfoliation and moisturiser all in one natural, delicious-scented product.  We love.

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