Mar 16, 2015 | Beauty News
As the mother of an almost-teen boy, I am so excited about this week’s announcement. Finally!! Organic skin care for boys! Please welcome Alpine Beginnings’ latest product addition; 808 Dude!
Expanding my product range to include teenage (and tweenage) boys has been on my ‘to do’ list for a long time, and now it’s finally a reality. 808 Dude skincare products are entirely Australian made, and derived from natural and organic ingredients, with no nasty chemicals. They evolved from another mother’s desire to provide her own son with healthy skincare options and to help boost his shaky teen self esteem. Teenage girls are not the only ones who suffer problems with confidence and self-image during those transitional, hormone-riddled years; of course boys are similarly affected. And in these days of social media and digital everything, self-image propaganda is just as prevalent for boys as it is for girls.
By teaching our boys the importance of hygiene and skincare, we can help them to put their best face to the world as they deal with the challenges of their age. The confidence you feel from thinking you look good will always shine through, so that you WILL look good, no matter what. And that’s a huge moral booster.
808 Dude products are simple – boys wouldn’t go for them otherwise. The range includes Zit Free Face Wash, No More Stinky Pits Deoderant, and 808 Dude Shampoo & Body Wash in one. Because they contain only natural and organic ingredients, no nasty chemicals, you’re not exposing your son to the toxins found in mainstream products. 808 Dude products also use only natural fragrances, so the scent of your adolescent won’t sour like synthetic fragrances can.
However, before recommending any product, I prefer to meet with clients (and sons) to assess their skin, and discuss their concerns and help them to understand how easy and essential good skincare is. So to talk about skincare for teenage boys, please contact Elisa
The 808 Dude products now available at Alpine Beginnings include*:
Zit Free Face Wash
This no-brainer zit free face wash is all you need to keep skin healthy and clear. Guarana and Ginseng botanicals are rich in minerals, antioxidants and have antibacterial properties. They help keep skin-balanced so pimples don’t have an environment to flourish. The healing properties of witch hazel and chamomile extract, coriander oil, rosemary and patchouli essential oils combine with the powerful immortelle essential oil with its pain reducing, calming, anti-inflammatory and healing qualities. Together, these ingredients rid the skin of any spots, heal scars and stop further outbreaks.
No More Stinky Pits Deoderant
You don’t need a heat wave to get stinky pits. Sport, a walk, stress… it will happen so do us all a favor: stop repelling people and use the 808 Dude deodorant – it’s aluminium free so it’s safe and it smells really good – the way a man should smell.
This quick drying all organic and natural deodorant provides a healthy choice for teen’s underarm pits. The carefully selected organic essential oils of Bergamot, Cypress, Petitgrain, Mandarin, Geranium, Cardamom and Sandalwood all containing either antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, or anti-fungal properties. These work alongside Zinc Gluconate, Bergamot and Balsam oils to kill the bacteria that cause the stinky pits. Aloe Vera soothes and heals the skin. The result is a deodorant with a sweet, woody up-lifting scent that actually works!
Dude Shampoo & Body Wash
Lanky or greasy hair isn’t cool and smelly bodies are a turnoff. Get with the program, shower daily and get on with being the dude that you know you are!
The 808 Dude “no brainer” Shampoo & Body Wash makes it real easy to wash yourself from head to toe. One product does everything! It contains a range of essential oils including bergamot, grapefruit, patchouli, lime, mandarin orange, cedarwood, rosemary and coriander, as well as organic aloe vera, ginseng and guarana extracts.
Much love,
Elisa xxx
*product descriptions from www.808dude.com
Jan 28, 2015 | Beauty News
Happy New Year to all of my gorgeous clients! I hope you found time to relax with your loved ones over the holiday period. My family and I were lucky enough to spend Christmas and New Years in Bali. We had a wonderful time; the boys enjoyed their activities, and I had great fun indulging in two of my favourite past-times…. relaxing and shopping! And of course, an important part of relaxation is being absolutely and utterly pampered. All in the name of research, of course!
All jokes aside, we can learn a lot from Balinese beauty therapy techniques. In such a beautiful place, where relaxation is on everybody’s agenda, the Balinese have become artists. I wanted to improve my massage techniques, and in particular focus on massage associated with facials and beauty therapy, so I attended a traditional Balinese massage course and had a number of Ayurvedic facial treatments (oh the things we do for work!). The traditional Shirodara involves an intense scalp massag e followed by flowing essential oils onto the third eye. The goal is to create harmony and balance within the body’s shakras. The technique soothes and invigorates the senses and the mind, it definitely worked on me!
At the Thalasso Spa, I found the contrast between traditional Balinese massage and French style massage to be very interesting. I have to say, I loved the strong, flowing style of the French massage; working across and along the muscles, and I think this has great applicability to calf and feet massages during pedicures.
In the hot Balinese climate, facials were a must to cool and nourish the skin. One facial I experienced even used iced cubes directly on the skin, it was freezing but also very invigorating! I chose facials which used organic products, and found some wonderful oils to bring home with me.
I am now incorporating elements of what I learned in my own treatments, particularly my facials which all include a deluxe scalp massage as well as neck and shoulder treatment. Relaxation is such an important part of skin revival and overall well-being. Massage is also an essential component of my Deluxe Pedicures and Manicures, in which a simple beautifying step becomes a decadent, pampering experience.
I have expanded my product line to include Alila Living Signature and Reviving essential oils, available only during treatments. These Balinese oils are coconut oil-based, free from parabens, sodium laurel sulphate, petrochemicals, synthetic substances and any artificial colours or fragrances. I love them!
The Alila Living Signature massage oil is a soothing blend of lavender, lemongrass and ylang ylang, creating the perfect antidote to tiredness and tension.
The Alila Living Reviving massage oil combines lemon, rosemary and petitgrain to deliver a refreshing experience that will leave you energised and renewed.
I also now have a limited edition of the Therapy Spa Seriously Soothing serum available for purchase. Therapy serums are completely free of artificial chemicals and preservatives, chemical scents or other unnatural substances and are sourced from organic ingredients. The Seriously Soothing serum makes a fantastic boost to your daily beauty regime. It can be used in addition to your usual daily moisturiser to add a significant lift to dehydrated or stressed skin, and is a must in our harsh climate.
The Seriously Soothing serum comes in a convenient handbag-sized vial, and at only $20 is the perfect solution for a moisture boost on the run or as one of your travel essentials.
Elisa xx
Nov 23, 2014 | Beauty News
The days are longer, the air is warmer, summer is almost here! And yet the streets are full of blinding white legs and pale skin. Yikes! We are all very cancer conscious these days, and nobody wants to burn like a lobster. Not to mention the horrible ageing affects this has on the skin. But it is nice to head out to lunch with friends, and not have to wear sunglasses for anything except the sun. These days there are some fantastic alternatives so you don’t have to put yourself at risk of skin cancer, expose yourself to harmful chemicals, or look orange and streaky like your child’s first painting.
At Alpine Beginnings, I stock a gorgeous range of spray tanning and self-tanning products from Sunescape. Sunescape is an Australian owned and produced company, based in Bondi. Unlike other tanning products, Sunescape is alcohol and paraben free, and bursting with nourishing and moisturizing oils. It uses coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, kiwi seed extract, avocado oil, vitamin C and vitamin E to repair, soften and rejuvenate skin. All of which enhances your new bronze glow. I never step outside without my Sunescape tan. It is the best on the market for preventing that horrible ‘orange’ look, streaky or patchy colouration, and dry flakey skin that some products cause.
Spray tanning is the most effective way of obtaining an even, all-over colour. At Alpine Beginnings I have a dedicated spray-tanning room to keep you looking as though you’ve just stepped off the plane from a holiday in the Maldives. Three levels of tan are available using Sunescape products:
“Weekend in Bondi” This tan gives a subtle boost to those with pale skin, and is the perfect way to ease back into flattering summer outfits after a long, snowy winter. It is perfect for brides, bridesmaids and those who are nervous about trying their first ever spray tan.
“Week in Fiji” A shade darker, this tan is suitable for most skin tones and is the most popular choice of clients. You will look naturally bronzed, and feel confident as you step out in your new favourite summer dress or don the swimming costume for a lakeside splash.
“Month in Maui” Who wouldn’t like to spend a month in Maui?! People will wonder if you’ve managed to squeeze a tropical holiday into your busy schedule. This tan is ideal for those tanning aficionados who want a deeper colour for summer. It’s also great as preparation for a weekend down the coast or catching up with those always-tanned Queensland relatives over Christmas.
If you prefer to apply a sunless tan in the comfort and privacy of your own home, I also have a range of take-home Sunescape products available.
Hydrating Self-Tan Mousse – Available in the three Sunescape tanning levels, “Weekend in Bondi”, “Week in Fiji” or “Month in Maui”
Hydrating Gradual Tan Extender – Great on its own as a daily tan builder, or to help extend and maintain your spray tan from Alpine Beginnings
Hydrating Body Butter – A rich moisturizer to improve the look of your skin, and extend the life of your spray tan from Alpine Beginnings
Self Tan Applicator Mitt – For streak free application, reusable. Ensures your hands are unstained.
Tan Removal Mitt – Gently exfoliates and cleanses, great for removal of any skincare products as well as your tan.
Hydrating Shower Gel – Highly recommended to extend and maintain your tan. Contains no sodium laurel sulphate or soap products to provide a natural and moisture-packed cleansing experience.
Self-Tan at Home Pack – Perfect to get you started on your self-tanning adventure or as a fantastic Aussie Christmas gift idea. Contains Self-Tanning Mousse (Week in Fiji or Month in Maui), Hydrating Body Butter, Hydrating Shower Gel, Self-Tan Application Mitt.
When applying tanning products at home, remember these tips to get the best result:
- Before you tan: Prepare your skin. Exfoliate, but no waxing or shaving 24 hours prior
- Day of tanning: do not moisturise or wear deodorant (tans works best on dry, unperfumed skin), wear loose comfortable dark clothing to avoid rubbing tan off.Do not shower, exercise vigorously, sweat or get wet for at least 2 hours after tanning
- After tanning: avoid waxing as it will remove the tan. To lengthen the duration of your tan, avoid soaps and shampoos that contain sodium laurel sulfate (SLS). Also avoid long hot showers or baths and prolonged swimming. Keep skin well nourished by using Sunescape Body Butter and moisturise morning and night to maintain the best results from your tan.
Spray tanning options are listed below. Book now to get your summer tan or purchase these fabulous Sunescape products. Remember, Alpine Beginnings is closing on the 10th December for the Christmas period.
Sunescape Full Body Tan $40
Dry Brush Exfoliate and Tan $50
Arms and Legs Only $25
See you in the Sun!
Elisa xx
Jul 4, 2014 | Beauty News, Events
Makeup and Bubbles Evening – June 2014
Winter is here! Snow is falling! You can feel the energy building as the mountains turn white and the air turns crisp. This is always our busiest time of year in the Snowy Mountains. And to celebrate the start of the ski season, I recently held a “Makeup and Bubbles” evening at Alpine Beginnings. The idea was to spend a fun evening sharing tips and tricks on how to apply makeup to suit your individual complexion. The response was overwhelming, and I have to say I was worried we wouldn’t fit everyone in! But it was a great night. We covered the basics of skincare, how to use products like primer and concealer, how to choose the right foundation, and the best eye makeup for your colouring. We also talked about lips, eyebrows, blush, a product review (I use mainly MAC products when doing bride and special occasion makeup), and of course all the latest gossip from around town.
The guests had so many questions, and were so enthusiastic about each topic, that we ended up taking far longer than the 2 hours I had originally planned. But nobody minded! Especially not with the champagne flowing. I think everybody learnt something from the night, and went away with a renewed appreciation of their own beauty. For example, one of the ladies never wore mascara, but was converted when I demonstrated how easy fibre lash extension mascara is. Another guest was dubious when I suggested purple as the ideal colour for her eyes, but understood why once she tried it out (and everyone else told her how great she looked).
The evening was so popular, that I will be holding another Makeup and Bubbles evening later in the year. In the meantime, here are some fun photos from the night.
It really was wonderful to see everyone looking so gorgeous and having so much fun!
I hope to see your beautiful faces on the ski slopes or around town!
Love,
Elisa xx
Jun 3, 2014 | Beauty News
I was asked recently to contribute to the Snow Graffitti blog, to give some insight into why people choose to have winter weddings (why wouldn’t you!? What could be more beautiful?) and beauty tips for skincare and makeup in a winter setting. You can see the final blogs at www.snowgraffiti.com.au. In conducting the research for those articles, I asked some of my brides for input. They gave me far more than I could use at the time, so I thought I would share a bit more of what Alpine Beginnings brides are saying here….
Diana said… “First I had my make-up trial with Elisa. This woman is amazing. She is so very nice that we felt comfortable with her instantly. It felt like we had been friends for years. She listened to what I wanted and then suggested techniques that she uses from her experience. I walked away in amazement that the makeup was exactly what I wanted. We spent that day running around and 7 hours later, the makeup still looked great.
On the actual wedding day, Elisa arrived at our room early and fitted in so comfortably with my family and friends…Our guests have nothing but great things to say about our wedding. My mum says all the time it was a truly magical white wedding. Our guests were surprised how everything was planned and thought everything was beautiful.”
Louise wrote …“My wedding make up was amazing, covering all my blemishes and never once showing off a cold red nose. Elisa and the team from Alpine Beginnings went to an amazing effort and not only made me look my best, but all my 4 bridesmaids and my mum as well. Elisa became part of the wedding party and nothing was too hard, the makeup was flawless and lasted all day.”
Jacqui told us… “Just wanted to say a HUGE thanks for doing such a great job on everyones makeup yesterday. Everyone looked amazing and the makeup stayed on really well (it’s actually still on most people!)”
Thankyou ladies, for your kind words. I feel privileged to have been part of your special day.
Much love,
Elisa
