OPI Gelcolor Review!

After the undeniable sucess of Shellac's soak off gel polish system, OPI has followed suit, releasing their own version of Shallac in the famous OPI shades we've all come to know and love over the years.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Shellac or gel polish systems, they basically are special polishes that are cured under a UV or LED light, and can last up to 3 weeks maintaining their shine- without the chipping and peeling of ordinary polish.

I persoanlly find that working in the beauty industry, I rarely will get 3 weeks out of any kind of nail enhancement, due to my hands constantly being used/ in water/ in product etc. I would imagine this would also be the case for those of you working in the hospitality/ nursing sectors too. I will probably get 2 weeks out of mine, and considering what I put my hands through- I'm really impressed by this system. 

I've used a few others in the past including Artistic Nails and Shellac, however the OPI range seems to outlast its competition.  One thing I can't stress enough though, is that longevity with these kind of products will vary depending on what you are doing, the oiliness of your nailbed prior to application, and the skill of the therapist applying the gels. 

So far I've tried "OPI Ink", which is a gorgeous "galaxy" like deep purple hue, and "Lourve Me Lourve Me Not" which is a deep maroon-ish purple hue. (I don't usually wear purples but I'm liking these colours going into winter.) 

Opi Gelcolor in "Ink" (Courtesy of my beautiful friend Caroline)

Opi Gelcolor in "Lourve me lourve me not"

The best thing about the gel systems that are popping up in salons is the price. A standard manicure in Melbourne can cost anywhere between $15 and $50, I've found that the average price of this long-wearing polish alternative is around $35 - bargain if you ask me!

Bye Bye Breakouts!

One of the most common questions people ask me is "What is the best way to treat acne?". I have worked in a pharmacy setting, a popular cosmetic retailer and now in a skin and body clinic, despite how different these environments are- I have always noticed that breakouts are potentially the biggest skin-care concern for most people. I think that is because it effects a vast range of people, from adolecents all the way through to the hormonal breakouts women go through in their 50s.

Aspect's "Jungle Brew" Serum- My skin saviour! 

For a long time I had a problem with acne. No matter what I tried, nothing would work and I would get increasingly frustrated to no avail.  After years of trying popular treatments such as Proactiv, Benzac (Benzyl Peroxide), Eryacne (medicated topical prescription) and even Roacutaine (very strong acnemedication that gave me the worst side effects ever.), I finally found something that worked for me.

I have been using two ranges of skincare called Aspect and Cosmedix, who are supplied by Advanced Skin Technology here in Australia. The ranges are cosmeceuticals, meaning they are far more technologically advanced than your usual cosmetic ranges.

From the Advanced Skin Technology website:

" Aspect

A Skincare Revolution.

A modern and superior skincare range for all ages. Aspect is an Australian made and owned condition specific cosmeceutical range.

Aspect contains chirally corrected active ingredients in the highest concentrations and is sourced from the world's most advanced pharmaceutical and bio-technology companies and uses where possible certified organic ingredients free of pesticides, parabens, perfumes and dyes. In-clinic performance evaluation of each formula has been carried out to ensure efficacy. Aspect contains a complete home care and chemical peel component. The Aspect range has been developed for men and women who want an effective skin care regime. 

The comprehensive Aspect range is:

• Formulated with the highest concentrations of pure naturally-derived botanicals and high octane cosmeceutical correctives.
• Formulated with certified organic non-genetically modified ingredients wherever possible.
• Chirally correct and optically pure activesfor maximum clinical results without unnecessary irritation or trauma.
• Free of propylene glycol.
• Free of mineral oils and other petrochemicals.      
• Free of parabens and other harsh preservative systems.
• Free of artificial fragrances.
• Free of animal derived ingredients.
• Never tested on animals only people

Aspect is a protected brand not available in department stores or online. "

I initially didn't think to take photos of my skin for before and after shots, so unfortunately the initial photos I have were taken roughly 2-3 weeks after I had started using the skincare. Although it is hard for me to look back on my skin like this, I want to share these results with you incase somebody reading has gone through/ knows of someone who has similar concerns with their skin.

"before" - (2-3 weeks after first using products)

"during" - (after approx. 4 weeks of using products) 

"after" - my skin after about 8 weeks! (N.B I do have bronzer on in this photo) 

Now I only really experience breakouts of any kind if they are associated with my period, and will only really get one or two pimples on my chin (i.e last photo). 

I have done a course of "Jungle Brew" peels as well, which are a salicylic peel. I will do a seperate post on this in the future, but feel free to check out Mez from Domestic Divinity's experience here. 

I would thoroughly recommend that you get a skin analysis for yourself, as everyone's skin is different, however I am sure you are wondering exactly what I use, so here is my regieme. 

Morning: 

Cleanse- Aspect Purastat; 1 pump

Serum- Aspect Jungle Brew; 1 pump, mix with extreme B17

Serum- Aspect Extreme B17; 1 pump

Sunscreen- Aspect Envirostat; 1 pump, heat up in hands and pat all over face. 

(If wearing make-up)

Primer- Bodyography Clear liquid veil; 1 pump

Foundation- Bodyography Oil Free Natural Finish Foundation in 150; 1-2 pumps, applied with foundation brush.  

Night: 

Cleanse- Aspect Purastat; 1 pump

Serum- Aspect Exfol; 1 pump

Serum- Cosmedix Refine; 1 pump

Comprehensive descriptions of all these products can be found on the Advanced Skin Technology website at www.advancedskintechnology.com.au. 

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like any personal advice on your skin, feel free to contact me at beautyspot.melbourne@gmail.com.

Smooth Curves Skin and Body Clinic (also where I work), stock the Aspect range! We are always willing to have a chat with you about your skin!

For a FREE skin consultation, feel free to come by the clinic! Smooth Curves Skin and Body Clinic, 2A Wellington Parade, Williamstown, VIC. Call us on 9399 8988 to secure an appointment. 

Flower Children

It is SPRINGTIME very soon, my favourite season! To celebrate the florals and pastels, here are some inspirational finds from the web this month!

Absolutely loving tangerine for this season! Witchery has a gorgeous pleated dress, and at $129.95 this classic is at the top of my shopping list! Get it online now at witchery.com.au  or for all you DJ's lovers, head in to Bourke St for the whole collection. 

Also loving coloured skinny jeans (again!) especially when paired up with a cute blazer and heels! This look also looks great with a coloured blazer and plain jeans. Inspiration courtesy of madewell.tumblr.com !

 Asos have a great pair of high waisted mustard skinnies on sale at the moment!

Cheap Monday Jeans (Left and Centre) Hot Options by Target (right) only $38 wow!

For me, spring makeup is all about a statement lip. A pop of colour can brighten up your day in the strangest of ways! 

I'm loving my Bodyography Lip Slide, and have been using Skin Medica's TNS Lip Plump system on top for plumping action as well as a gorgeous glossy shine! 

A neutral look is also beautiful for spring, especially if you've got a lot of colour going on already! Try a subtle gold shadow with a nude gloss- Bodyography's "Shy" is gorgeous!

Coffee: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly; Five ways to kick the habit

Whether you're running for the train in the morning, catching up with friends on a Wednesday night or trying to put the finishing touches to an assignment at 3am, coffee is all around us. Coffee lovers will tell you that at the heart of our vibrant city are the coffee beans and baristas giving Melbourne its renouned cafe culture atmosphere- but what is coffee really doing to our bodies?

Drinking coffee is part of our culture. We use it as entertainment and a form of comfort, a staple in modern society. Because of this, many of us don’t understand the implications of drinking cups and cups of coffee each day. It is widely known that caffeine enhances alertness and concentration, but the negative effects are considered to be insignificant to the every day Australian. Let's look at the benefits of drinking coffee, and the potential health risks associated with habitual coffee consumption.

The Good

High-quality, organic coffee has been known to provide some health benefits. For example;

Organic coffee helps reduce oxidation, cell damage and premature aging due to its high quantity of antioxidants. These days, many skincare companies are using coffee extracts in their products claiming that the use of such products results in a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. An example of this can be seen with Priori Skincare's latest use of coffee in their CoffeeBerry range. 

Studies have shown that drinking coffee reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease and Type 2 Diabetes as well as having protective benefits agains liver cirrhosis, gallstones and kidney stones. Sounding like a miracle bean so far! 

The Bad

Alas, let's not forget the dangers of habitial coffee consumption. Caffine, as unaccepting as you may be, is a drug. It's an addictive stimulant that leaves you wanting more despite the highs and lows often experienced. Ever woken up in the morning, craving the first sip of your morning cuppa to drink yourself awake? Throughout the day, you are on the lookout for your next hit- you just don't function without your double shot latte. Skip past your coffee break and suffer the consenquences, let the withdrawal sink in. Headaches, nausea, mood swings, body aches and your nearest and dearest begging you to stop being such a pain in the ... as they run to the espresso machiene to save your relationship. 

What about the Ugly stuff, the adverse effects on your health long term. 

• Clinical studies have stated that consumption of coffee is associated with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as a cholesterol-raising effect in some of coffee's chemical compounds. 
• Blood vessels are effected by drinking coffee, making them constrict and dialate irradically.
• Coffee has also been linked to irregular heartbeats, blood pressure as well as influencing our nervous system.
• Studies have shown links between drinking coffee and urinary calcium excretion, making coffee a no go zone for those at risk to or effected by Osteoporosis.
• Insomnia and sleep disturbance can be attributed to coffee drinking.
• Drinking coffee dehydrates our bodies, depleting water reserves essential for bodily function.
• inhibited absorption of essential minerals like iron, magnesium and zinc as well as B vitamins. 

So now that you have the facts, will you take the first step to a healthier, less dependant you? Jess Ainscough of thewellnesswarrior.com gives us 5 tips to say goodbye to coffee for good!

"The more stress we have in our life, the more coffee we drink. It’s a vicious cycle. We need coffee to keep up with the pace of modern life, but coffee itself actually helps to create the nervous energy of this pace. Coffee wakes us up and gets us going, but over time this unnatural stimulation of our nerves creates stress levels that wreak havoc on our immune systems, our thyroid, and our adrenals." - Jess Ainscough; The Wellness Warrior

5 Tips to Kick Your Coffee Habit

How to Ease Out Of Your Coffee Addiction

Drinking coffee is a habit that should be gradually given up – especially if you rely on more than one cup each day. Caffeine withdrawal is not fun – for you or for those around you. Here are a few things you can do to help you kick the habit:

1. Just add water. As well as slowly reducing the amount of coffee you drink, you can help to crowd it out by drinking a lot more water throughout the day.

2. Switch to tea. Black tea still contains caffeine, but it is much less than coffee. Green tea and white tea are even better options.

3. Try dandelion and chicory root blend. This tea is a great coffee substitute as it looks like coffee and it still has a rich flavor. You can also add oat milk or almond milk if you prefer it creamy. This stuff is rich in minerals, provides energy and is also known for its detoxifying properties.

4. Try Teechino. This is a blend of roasted herbs, grains, fruits and nuts that makes a great caffeine-free coffee alternative. It has a similar aroma and taste to coffee and it can be brewed or used in a coffee machine. It is high in potassium and offers a natural energy boost.

5. Get plenty of rest. When you take coffee away, your body won’t know what’s hit it. Without that false energy, you will most likely feel tired and more lethargic than usual. Be gentle with yourself and honor your body with more sleep and rest.

Check out The Wellness Warrior on facebook!

Good Luck to everyone, and remember you have the power to choose every day. Choose to be the healthy, happy person you want to be!