Beauty Review: New Wella System Professional Range

Do you remember that a little while ago I asked if anyone wanted to review a new hair care range? Well, the lovely Narelle and Sarah put their hands and helped me review the Wella System Professional range.

Billed as taking hair care to a new level, this range is specifically designed to match individual hair needs and is based on five years of intensive research. But, how did it stack up?

Wella System Professional Shine Define Shampoo

Let me introduce you to Narelle...

The Shine Define Shampoo was actually quite good, as my hair needs all the help it can get! It was really smooth when I put it through my hair, smelt great and actually did make my hair shiny. Very easy to use. So, I'll be using this shampoo in conjunction with my other shampoo etc.

Narelle gave it 4 out of 5.

Wella System Professional Volumize Mask

This is Sarah...

I have really fine hair (which is also a bit damaged after many months of sun and hair dye) so I'll happily try any product that adds some volume. While the texture of the Volumize Mask left a little to be desired, it stayed firmly on my head with no drips to be found and rinsed out easily. I had low expectations but I definitely noticed a change to the thickness of my hair straight away and chose to leave my hair out for most of the day as it felt nicer and seemed to hang better (I always wear my hair up so it was nice to have it out for once). Sadly It was only temporary as once I washed my hair again a day later, it was back to limpville. Still, I was impressed to notice any difference at all.

Overall, Sarah gave this product 3 out of 5.

Wella System Professional Colour Save Conditioner

And lastly, I tried the Color Save Conditioner...

The downside of dying my hair red is that it requires a lot of maintenance as the colour tends to fade pretty quickly. So, I'm always on the look out for the holy grail - a product that will help protect my colour. Having trialled the Colour Save Conditioner during Summer when my colour normally takes a beating (out in sun a lot, heaps of swimming in chlorine) I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to protect the vibrancy of my colour a bit longer and I was about to stretch out the time between dye-jobs.

I gave it 4 out of 5.

So, have you tried this range?

Or have you made any other hair care discoveries that have made a big difference to your locks?

Do share!

The Wella System Professional range is available online from Beauty Heaven.

Who Embodies Being a Woman in 2011?

Nivea has just announced that from May they will team up with Rihanna to celebrate their centennial.

Sure, it was commercially sound to get Ri Ri on board (afterall, she is currently touring and has a strong social media network of in excess of 30 million) but I think Nivea should be congratulated on choosing someone who is an authentic portrayal of womanhood in the 21st century.

Rihanna has worked relentlessly to carve out a successful career and also found the Believe Foundation, she has a bold style that is individual and unapologetic and has a confidence in her own sexuality. Flick through any glossy and you'll be hard pressed to find another pop culture icon who ticks all these boxes and is such an empowering spokesperson for a skincare brand.

I'm interested to hear what you have to say though - As far as pop culture icons go, who do you think embodies being a woman in 2011?

Trend Spotter: Nails

London-based Sophy Robson is the nail artist extraordinaire who sets and makes trends. I was looking through her work at recent fashion shows and wondered which of these looks you see taking off:

Leather Look Nails

Image: Sophy Robson

Luxury leather brand, Loewe, asked Robson to create nail extensions that matched their mahogany leather jackets. To achieve this look she used a custom-made matte brown and black trench tip. Looks pretty amazing, doesn't it? Plus, makeup by legendary Pat McGrath completed the glamourous look.

The 'V' Gap

Image: Sophy Robson

For Antonio Beradi's show, Robson created a 'V' gap manicure in petrol blue black. Maybe this look will become this season's reverse manicure?

Perfectly Manicured Loval Shape

Image: Sophy Robson

Riffing on fashion's return to ladylike glamour, Robson created a perfectly manicure loval (long and oval) nail shape for Giles. This is an update on the squoval (short and oval) shape that has dominated recent seasons.

So...which of these trends do you like the most? Will you be trying any of them out?

Your Opinion for Free Product!

Image: We Heart It

One of the perks of this wee blog is that I am occasionally sent product to trial and review. I'm always upfront and say that I'll only ever write about something that I believe in and am totally smitten about - so sometimes these products make it onto Checks and Spots and sometimes they don't.

Over the weekend I was thinking that I should get you in on the action. I'd love you to test some of these products and share your opinion on Checks and Spots.

So, who wants to get the ball rolling and be a guest reviewer for a new salon-quality range of hair products that aren't yet instore? I'll trial one of the products, but I'd also love to hear from two more people. Specifically:

• someone with fine hair
• someone who needs a bit of extra shine

Just leave a comment below and tell me which product you'd like to review. First in, best dressed...or should I say...best tressed!

Note: Offer only available to Australian readers. Sorry!

Be Genki

Image: We Heart It

I like brands that take the road less travelled - like Be Genki. With most beauty products there is a lot of fluff and not much substance. Be Genki on the other hand takes a holistic view and advocates wellness on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. After all, 'genki' is Japanese for being happy, healthy, positive and in harmony.

What initially piqued my interested was that their products are made from GM-free natural ingredients and contain no synthetic colours, fillers, fragrances, parabens, mineral oils or petrochemicals.Hallelujah! It's their attitude though that has held my curiosity.

Image: Be Genki

In fact, all summer I have been using the Be Genki Face Mist. Every time I pick it up and see the label it makes me think about what actually makes me happy. For me, it's all about love. It's being with the people I love. It's spending time doing the things I love. And it's my love of newness - new ideas, new people, new opinions, new experiences.

Interestingly, Dr Timothy Sharp from The Happiness Institute suggests there are some general principles for being happy, including:

• being clear about your goals
• living healthy
• being positive but realistic
• fostering key relationships
• using your strengths
• enjoying the moment

So, my friends - the million dollar question is, what makes you genki?

Trend Spotter: Golden Globes 2011

More casual than the Oscars, fashion and makeup at the Golden Globes tends to play ahead on the style curve. Here's a wrap-up of four key trends that I spotted on yesterday's red carpet.

The Long and Short of It

Images: Style.com

If ever you needed proof that long-sleeved gowns aren't just for the mother-of-the-bride, Anne Hathaway's Armani Prive dress is it. Leading the charge of covered up beauties, Anne's dress was at once of-the-moment and also Dynasty retro-esque.

It's Easy Being Green

Images: Style.com

This year, the red carpet was a sea of emerald green. Even Angelina ditched her usual sombre uniform of black on black, for a long, lean, green Versace number.

Going Nude

Images: Vogue

From Eva to Halle, most of the A-list ditched a classic red lip for 'barely there' nude hues. Pairing natural lip colours with luminous skin; a hint of blush and sultry, smoky eyes resulted in a more understated look than is usually spotted during award's season.

The Big Bang Theory

Images: Vogue

Getting a head start on 2011's hair cut du jour was Sandra Bullock and Olivia Wilde. Sporting blunt, eyebrow grazing fringes (or depending on where you're from - bangs!) they made a strong, sophisticated statement.

What did you think of this year's Golden Globes? What were the red carpet hits and misses?

The Aromatherapy Co Winner!

Drumroll please! The winner of the The Aromatherapy Co pamper pack is Two Tuesdays.

A huge, heartfelt thanks to everyone that played along - especially all the new Checks and Spots followers!

Beautiful Boy: Andrej Pejic

Image: Models.com

It seems that in 2011 we'll continue to see the rise and rise of Serbian-Australian model, Andrej Pejic.

His long platinum locks, angular cheekbones and full pout first had everyone saying, 'Hey, dude looks like a lady!' at the Paris mens shows in June. Since then he has booked editorials in Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris, and appeared in Jean Paul Gaultier's SS11 campaign. Yesterday WWD also reported that Pejic has just wrapped up shooting Marc by Marc Jacobs' SS11 campaign.

In just a few short months, Pejic has swiftly challenged concepts of beauty - both male and female - and extreme androgyny.

What's your take on the 'femiman' look? Constructively controversial and challenging? Or just cross-dressing?

Ps: Don't forget to enter my decadent Pamper Pack giveaway from The Aromatherapy Co!

The Aromatherapy Co Giveaway!

Image: Living and Giving

After my interview with Sarah Townsend, the inspiring founder of The Aromatherapy Co, she offered me a decadent Pamper Pack to giveaway to you dear readers. Hoorah!

Containing a Bath & Shower Gel and Hand & Body Lotion in Sarah's favourite scent (Orange and Jasmine), plus a Loofah Sponge - this sweet Pack is the perfect pampering indulgence.

For your chance to win:

1. If you're not already, become a Checks and Spots follower by signing up on the right-of-screen; and
2. Leave a comment below.

Entries are open to all and close at midnight Wednesday 22 December 2010 (AEDT). I'll then draw the winner randomly and contact you by email.

Interview: Founder of The Aromatherapy Co, Sarah Townsend

The Aromatherapy Co's 'Cotton' range is my favourite. I love the combination of kraft paper and doily motif in fresh tones.

It probably comes as no surprise that given the time of year, I've been shopping up a storm. One brand that keeps popping up on my travels is The Aromatherapy Co.

Initially it was the packaging that made me notice. But when I dug a little deeper, I realised that beauty is more than skin (or should I say label!) deep for The Aromatherapy Co. All of their home fragrance and body care products are natural and free from nasties like parabens, artificial fragrances, sodium laurel sulphate and mineral oil. Plus, they are ardently against animal testing and 85% of their packaging is recyclable - which earns double brownie points in my book!

In the quest to find out even more about The Aromatherapy Co, I tracked down their founder and director, Sarah Townsend to see what makes her tick and how she turned a passion for natural therapies into a booming brand.

Sarah Townsend, founder and director of The Aromatherapy Co.

My fascination with aromatherapy began when...when I was a child and I spent many hours in the garden gathering any herbs and flowers I could find. I'd then blend them to make all sorts of potions. Later on I studied famous herbalists and their practices to see how amazing nature is and all it has to offer.

I’m inspired by...my children

My top aromatherapy tip is...sleeping is a very big problem for many of us (including myself) and therefore I always have lavender essential oil and our relaxing blend beside the bed. I find a few drops on the pillow works wonders to send me into a deep restful sleep. Also tea tree oils is a must-have in your first aid kit, it really is a little miracle healer and can be used in so many ways as it is a natural disinfectant and great for dry skin.

I thought ‘someone pinch me’ when...Everyday I thank the universe for my family and friends, I am truly blessed.

The only way to juggle a young family and thriving business is...to be very organized and be surrounded by a fantastic support unit.

My favourite essential blend is...orange and jasmine. It is so revitalizing and regenerating for your skin and it always reminds me of summer holidays.

If I could turn back the clock...I would have stayed at home longer when my girls were babies as they grow so fast.

The 'Aroma Gardener' range.

I’m passionate about...the environment. We use recyclable materials in all our packaging and have done so for many years.

Most people don’t know that I...have a amazing father who has inspired and mentored me and is my best friend.

My favourite holiday destination...is our holiday house on an island in Auckland. It is my solace and where I do a lot of designing and creating.

My hope for 2011 is that...that the world starts taking global warming very seriously and starts making the difference that is so needed.

My golden rule is...always give back more that you take!

Psst! Make sure you check back in tomorrow as I have a deliciously decadent giveaway from The Aromatherapy Co up for grabs...

What's Your Beauty Maintenance Routine?

Image: We Heart It

When it comes to all things beauty related, the older I get the more low maintenance I become. Anything that cuts out an unnecessary step is right up my alley!

Whilst it might seem awfully mundane, one little discovery that has been saving me effort in the personal grooming department is the Venus Spa Breeze razor. They say it's the first disposable razor with built-in shave gel bars. I say that it does a damn fine job of getting rid of peach fuzz on my pins, makes shaving cream redundant and the White Tea scent smells a treat. Oh, and you can pick it up at the supermarket...which is handy since I seem to spend half my life there!

It also got me thinking though about my beauty maintenance routine:

• I dye my hair red and get it trimmed every 8 weeks. Before I had a baby, this used to be every 4 weeks, but I certainly don't have the luxury of time anymore!
• Every 6 or so weeks I get my brows shaped. In between I tweeze every few days.
• I have this weird superstition that if I don't shave my legs before going out for a night on the tiles, then I'm simply not properly put together. So my legs are religiously shaved on Saturday nights....and if I remember, they might get a quick going over during the week!
• I get a full-on-the-works facial twice a year.
• Whenever I get out of the shower , I slap on a truckload of the Bloom Organics Hydrating Body Lotion.
• I exfoliate once a week with Ren's Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask and moisturise morning and night with their Vita-Mineral Radiant Day Cream.
• Forget manis, I don't have the time or patience to wait for them to dry. I do give myself a little pedi every other week though.

So, what's your beauty maintenance routine? When I see mine written down in black and white, it made me realise that even though I think I'm pretty low maintenance, a lot of time is actually put into keeping up appearances!

Interview: Brow Queen, Sharon-Lee Clarke

My brow pin-up gal - Camilla Belle!

Image: Elle

Eyebrows are proof that it's always the little things that count. When they are shaped well they'll frame and illuminate your eyes and contour your cheekbones - in fact, to say they're a surgery-free facelift is no understatement. But when bad brows, happen to good girls, not only are they awfully distracting, but they can make you look older, and your eyes appear puffy and tired.

With more than twenty years experience creating brows that wow, Sharon-Lee Clarke is known as Australia's original and leading eyebrow artist. Her eyebrow ethos? Using a wax and tweeze method, Sharon-Lee shapes brows to suit each individual face rather than surrender to the latest trend.

Recently I caught up with Sharon-Lee to find out about all things brow related and what makes this tweezer artist tick....

Sharon-Lee Clarke

My interest in brows started...with my own and then those of my friends and family (all of which were guinea pigs for me whilst I was training). Beyond that it just became the very first feature I noticed on everyone and I developed a very critical eye for them.

I’d love to shape the brows of... oh sooooo many! Julia Roberts, Guy Sebastian, Julian McMahon and Oprah.

My most memorable job was... there have been so many. Rob Lowe was exciting purely because I had a crush on him as a teenager (who didn’t?!). Meryl Streep is just lovely as were Paul and Linda Hogan.

A well-shaped brow will... make or break a look. On a bad hair day you can throw your hair back into a pony tail. Bad brows remain bad brows. A fabulous brow pushes the focus onto your eyes. Brows should never be the standout feature of a face.

The most common brow blunder that I see is... hands down, over plucking.

I’m always being asked... make me look like Megan Fox! It’s amazing how many women come in with clippings of her.

Sharon-Lee's newly opened Emporium where you can enjoy the full gamut of indulgent beauty treatements including, brow shaping, lash tinting and extensions, manicures and pedicures - all with a glass of Champagne in hand no less!

My hidden talent is... cooking.

My beauty philosophy is....keep it simple. Source the right products and the right specialists in each field (facials-hair-nails-tanning-massages) that you can consistently rely on.

My ultimate luxury is...a massage. I just don’t do them enough. I keep promising I’ll make the time to take one weekly but I just don’t do it....maybe next year.

On my bedside table you’ll find... fresh flowers, a book or two I threaten to read but never do, a water decanter and a glass of wine – and the remote.

I’m happiest when... I’m working or in the kitchen.

My golden rule is...stress is the enemy. Laugh – a lot.

Emporium

1 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW

T: (02) 9360 5124

Sharon-Lee also regularly has pop-up brow salons in other states. Call (02) 9360 5124 to find out when the next one will be near you.