BHS Beauty and Health Specialist

My first facial for the year 2012! My husband and I celebrated our 5th anniversary (Jan 3) but decided to go on an all day date on Jan 7 Saturday. 
We began with Ice skating! (so much fun) , had lunch, had a facial/massage , dinner and a movie.


My husband has never tried a facial before so I thought its a good opportunity to do it together (otherwise do you think he will do it alone? no i didnt think so either.) I also wanted to check out a new facial salon in the area.


We went to BHS Beauty and Health Specialist Centre. It is 6 months new (and location is so convenient, very central Sydney CBD)


We both had a 100 minute pamper package (1 hour of Facial and 40 minutes massage) each. 

Ms. Wen Lin, owner of Beauty & Health Specialist, whom we had the pleasure of having a small chat with. Ms Lin is not only a certified Skin care therapist and practitioner, she also combines Chinese therapeutic and healing massage in her treatments (if the package you got includes massage)


I have to admit, I'm not used to the Chinese healing/remedial type of massage. In the beginning I almost yelped in pain. But Ms Lin explained what every pain point meant, and that every pain usually corresponded to toxin blockage in the body, and it also meant a problem or ailment in a different body part.  No pain no gain is definitely the term to remember when undergoing this type of massage. Everytime she unblocked a "toxic area", it definitely felt more and more comfortable. After the massage, my entire body felt lighter and my movements were definitely more sprightly. She explained that this type of massage heals all the accumulated stress our bodies bore throughout our everyday routine (work/bad seating habits, etc). 


We also came in after 2 and abit hours of ice skating, so our calves were abit sore. My husband and I both came out of the treatment walking as if we didnt do any skating in the morning. In fact I felt like I didnt do anything at all. Which was great because we still had a dinner and a movie date to follow after.


Now on to the facial.

Ms Lin uses the Dermalogica range for all her facials. BHS offers 7 types of customised Dermalogica Facial treatments: (information copied from the BHS website)


1. The Dermalogica Treatment (basic) -Includes professional double cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, masque, hydration and solar defense. Additional products and therapies may be added to target the individual needs of your skin.


2. AGE Smart Treatment (anti aging)- Combined vitamin and hydroxy acid exfoliation resurfaces and retexturises skin while energizing massage techniques release tension in the facial muscles and a specialized masque make this the ultimate skin therapy for prematurely-aging, dry or devitalized skin. Skin will be noticeably firmer, smoother and revived.


3. MEDI Bac Clearing Treatment (Acne prone skin) - This powerful treatment jump-starts acne clearing and helps prevent acne well beyond the treatment. We'll focus on deep-cleansing, purification and extractions to help clear current breakouts along with a soothing masque sytem that will detoxify the skin and soothe redness. Oil-free hydration and solar defense will leave the skin hydrated and control excess surface oil while keeping the skin protected.


4. Ultra Calming Treatment- Is your skin looking red and inflamed or feeling itchy? Settle in for our super-smoothing treatment that includes gentle cleansing, a calming masque and therapies that help instantly calm redness and reduce inflammation.


5. Men's Skin Treatment - While skin is the same, men's skin does have different needs and concerns. Target them with this treatment that focuses on deep cleansing, smoothing exfoliation, extractions and critical hydration for healthier skin and a fresh appearance.


6. Chroma White TrX treatment - Accelerate brightening, improve skin tone, enhance skin clarity and create a fresher,healthier appearance with this effective treatment. Powerful exfoliants smooth skin and slough off dulling surface cells, helping to minimise the appearance of sun and age spots. Botanical extracts help treat and prevent cellular discolouration for unsurpassed brightening and tonal balance. Intense moisturisation helps smooth fine dryness lines, improve barrier protection, nourish skin and shield against further environmental damage.


7. Microdermabrasion - Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment, therefore the client can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, no down time required. The most common, expected, and visible results a client will see after microdermabrasion treatment is obvious - a deep exfoliation that leaves the skin healthier and more refreshed. Microdermabrasion can be used to diminish the following conditions: sun damage, pigmentation, open and closed comedones, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and coarsely textured skin. The vacuum mechanism stimulates cell metabolism and circulation. Those who can not tolerate acids may be candidates for microdermabrasion. Treatment can be performed on most skin types and all skin colours.


For myself, I chose the AGE Smart Treatment.  These were the products used:

The AGE smart facial was definitely soothing. I loved the exfoliation treatment and the cooling mask. It lasted for an hour and I'm sure pretty sure I drifted in and out of sleep. The rejuvenating facial massage definitely made me feel more alive. All products/utensils and gadgets were clean and brand new. What would have made the treatment perfect is if all the steps were explained as they were being done.

My skin felt softer and noticeably brighter (not whiter). No extractions were done ( upon my request)

For my husband, I asked Ms Lin to do the Men's facial treatment. Here are the products she used:

It was a combination of the above products customised for his skin type. Now my husband is definitely not metrosexual at all and his only skin care regiment is shaving and sunblock. Because he probably has never exfoliated before, the effect on this facial on him was (for me anyway) very noticeable. His skin glowed and is so much smoother.

If you are a Dermalogica user or would like to try the range, you can pick up the products from BHS shop or you can order online from the BHS online shop website.

Their website contains almost all products needed for the above facials. Perfect if you are a facial therapist yourself or you would like to do some at home facials.

Ms Wen Lin and myself.

If you wish to experience a Demalogica customised facial, BHS is located at


Shop 5, 743-755 George Street, Sydney.

located in the Sydney CBD - less than 3 minutes walk from Central Train Station

Trading Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-7:00pm

Public Holiday: By appointment

Links:

BHS WEBSITE

BHS ONLINE SHOP

NEW YEAR!!! vamos 2012!

WHAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!!

We'd like to greet you all a thunderous (albeit late) welcome to the new year from down under.

We had loads of fun for New Year's Eve. Our mom had just left the day before (sniff) but we picked ourselves up right away and partied to welcome the coming year...2012...you. are. mine!

Do you make new years resolutions? I don't. I make resolutions when I see fit anytime of the year.

Do you have New Year's traditions? such as wearing polka dot clothing ( to symbolise money), or perhaps tossing out specific challenge coins  to usher in more blessings for the coming year?

You know what, I don't. I don't have any of these traditions to speak of. But what I had been enjoying very much since coming to Australia ( coming to 5 years now!) is watching magnificent fireworks every New Years Eve.

I used to get sad watching fireworks (feeling bittersweet because my Dad loved fireworks very much) but slowly I have been coming out of my doom and gloom shell and just learned to let go and have fun.

we spent the NYE at a friend's house party overlooking the harbour bridge. Same time last year, we were moshing it with the crowds!

And here's what I look forward to the most. Let me share our view of the fireworks (intro only) over the Sydney harbour bridge.

Again happy new year everyone! Here's to more whadventures!!!

Blue Mountains Hideaway Retreat

On the days leading up to Christmas, my mom, husband and I took a 3 day break to the Blue Mountains.
We stayed at this place:

The Blue Mountains Hideaway Retreat. It was a perfect 3 day getaway from the bustling city and urban life.
We had the largest room which on the ground floor--perfect location as the backdoor opens right up to the pool/garden area and the mountain view.

It was very much a quiet tranquil place. I particularly loved the breakfast area. All log furniture and wood setting, with natural light coming in.

Here's my mom and I at the facade of the place. Interesting logo they have

The weather was chilly when we were there so the pool wasn't used at all. But we did a lot of trekking/hiking and cave exploring in the 3 days we were there. I will write about it on a different post. My mom did very well for someone who is not used to that kind of lifestyle. A lot of huffing and puffing but by the time she got back to Sydney, her clothes fit a little looser. Yay!

We got it from our Momma

Since we had our mom over for the holidays, I wanted to do a standard mother-daughters face shot.
I wasn't able to make any video or tutorial for makeup on mature skin --admittedly I do not have much experience on this but I think I did a pretty good job on my mom!

Tacky as it may sound, I wanted us to have a matching something in the photo. We do not have any matching clothing or matching goulds pumps so...the next best thing...RED LIPS!




We are all wearing different shades and brands of red lipstick here. 

On Judy: Bombshell (by Sportsgirl)
On our mom: Ruby Woo (Mac) topped with Rimmel red lip gloss
On myself: NSFW- Not Safe for Work (OCD)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! I am definitely enjoying mine. Materially, none of us got any oohs-and-ahhs-inducing gadgets or expensive stuff. No 3 stone engagement rings But definitely I feel very rich and blessed with the gift of family! --This is the little family (plus one aunt who is far away) that I consider. I feel very fortunate that I get to spend the holidays with them. It's not too loud of a christmas celebration but its very intimate ( as I want it)

Our mom will only be here for a couple more days so I really treasure our time together. Nothing beats quality time with people you love.

Canada's Wonderland - Behemouth

Yoo Hoo-- another Non makeup related post! This goes way back in May unfortunately. We went to Canada's Wonderland in Toronto. We rode the Behemouth--the largest and fastest roller coaster in Canada.

OMG I am a huge fan of roller coasters (except the ones that go backward) and this is the first time I felt my insides going upside down and wanting to shoot out!

Imagine a braided metal hose and whipping it round and round--now imagine you are a tiny bug and you are clinging on to that metal hose--that'
s what going on the Behemouth feels like!

But that's the beauty of roller coasters--it goes up and down , it's scary, exciting, and thrilling--it goes real quick--its just like a wonderful world!

Camping Weekend

Since we started out Beauty and the Best I havent really included any non makeup/beauty related posts here. But of course our life doesnt just revolve around that. As I have said before, this is just a slice of a whole. It's just one of our many interests that we choose to show.

One of the things we like to do is go outdoors. Were fortunate to live in Australia where it is easy to just drive out on weekends and always have something and somewhere to do and go.

There are times we like to just chill out and play computer games and some kinect xbox , but nothing beats going outdoors and experiencing life for real, not just virtually. Most of us spend more than half of our lives in front of computers, social networking, blogging, etc. Yes its all about communicating and keeping in touch with people too but we should all remember life is about MAKING memories and living it, not just sharing/recording it. 

My husband's birthday came and went last November. We went on a one of a kind camp-out experience somewhere in Calga, NSW. 

This is a wildlife park that allows you to camp out with animals--AWESOME :)

As per usual, I made a video out of it. It's pretty long, but you can skip to the exciting parts:

1:30 - see TASMANIAN DEVILS in action fighting over a kangaroo leg!

3:33- well I wouldnt classify this as exciting but you get to see us when we wake up first thing in the morning- sans makeup or any other product. This is how we normally look like in real life. (not the made up faces on youtube!)

4:20- where I randomly run into an EMU (an Australian bird sort of like a small ostrich) on the way to breakfast and I try to negotiate with it on a one way path.

5:16- the cutest KANGAROO hiding under the breakfast table trying to sneak in some human food

5:47- my favourite part--playing with the DINGOS!!