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

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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

Whatever Wednesdays: Veet's Easy Wax Electrical Roll-On Kit

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Waxing, it's not glamorous, but we compel ourselves to take on the challenge. To be honest, I've never waxed my legs; when I was 11-years-old I was handed a BIC razor and a bar of Ivory soap. I didn't know the ins and outs of shaving and I learned by doing and by cutting myself, a lot. With time and practice I moved onto the fancier Venus razor and even tried out Schick's Intuition. Shaving gets old after a while - however, the lack of shaving can come in handy during the winter - our lyrca tights manage to stay in place! About a month ago I was tasked with the challenge of trying out Veet's Easy Wax Electrical Roll-On Kit. The timing was impeccable [insert sarcasm here], because I just shaved and had to wait two weeks before I could even think about waxing. At this point I would like to profusely apologise to my personal trainer Casey who had to handle my legs at their hairiest.

So, what can you expect to find in your kit?

You'll also receive a cradle for your applicator to rest in, a power cord, one wax refill with roller attached and several wax strips.

Word to the wise: it takes about 30 minutes for the wax to heat up properly.

What do you need to do before waxing?  Well, I'm glad you asked.

  • Make sure your legs are dry and free of lotion.
  • Hairy leg(s), it's a must!  The hairs need to be at least 2-5 mm long.
  • A shot of vodka (optional).
  • One paracetamol (also optional).
  • An open mind.
  • Last, if at first you don't succeed, try, try, try, again.
1,2,3..

1,2,3..

Let's get started...

1. Apply the wax in a downward motion making sure to follow the direction in which your hair grows.

2. Press firmly and glide the roller down your leg; the wax will evenly flow from the applicator.

3. Grab a strip and place it directly on the wax you just applied.  Make sure you leave some room at the bottom of the strip to grab ahold of.

4. Rub the strip several times.

5. Pull your skin taut with one hand, then grab the strip with your free hand and pull the strip towards you. Work quickly in order to get the best results.

If you find errant wax on your legs, use the finishing wipes to clean it off - water won't work.

What did I take away from this experience?  Well, it wasn't perfect because I'm new at this and it further affirmed my impatience.  As for the hairs I missed during many passes, I shaved those off the next morning.  Since waxing my legs I've found that I don't have to shave as often as I did before and it provides me with five extras minutes to snooze-in.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Veet's Easy Wax Electrical Roll-On Kit:

  • $39.99 AUS

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

  • 8 out of 10 bags – once the hair on my legs grow back, I'll definitely give it another go.

Likelihood to purchase again:

  • The refill kit is pretty inexpensive (retails for $15.00 AUS) and will last approximately three waxing sessions.

*Beauty Directory and Veet

provided me with free full size samples in exchange for this review.  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

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