On Friday the 2nd of October a new era in The Facial Company was born.  Due to the leading success of its online store, The Facial Company’s dreams came into fruition as they opened its very first concept store in Brisbane.  Customers living in Brisbane will now be able to experience this luxurious new getaway and have the wonderful staff provide a professional customer service experience.

The creation of The Facial Company’s concept store offers its clients a new way to purchase skincare and makeup.  You can now visit the store and feel comfortable using the new 'skin station' whilst receiving a range of customized, professional treatments using the products you know and love.  Why not make a day of it and get yourself pampered in one of the deluxe treatment rooms.

I traveled to Brisbane for the big event and caught up with Tamminee, the winner of The Facial Company’s recent online competition, and her mother Marilyn, who both traveled from NSW to enjoy the night.  We arrived just before 6pm, and were offered champagne on arrival.  Darren then gave us a tour of the store, which I must say looks outstanding.  The displays are set up so that products are easy to find and testers are available to try before you buy.  The deluxe treatment rooms are luxurious and the gorgeous Ecoya candles provide the perfect tranquil ambience to the fragrant filled rooms wafting with a relaxing aroma.

By 6.30pm, all of the guests had arrived and we then enjoyed getting to know each other while talking about the one thing we all have in common, the love of everything beautiful.  It was great to see many of the different companies being represented together in the one place.  They were all present to offer support and congratulations to Darren and his team for reaching this great milestone.  The launch of the concept store was a huge success and an enjoyable night was had by all, with plenty of nibbles and probably a bit too much champagne for me, LOL.

Towards the end of the evening, Darren gave a wonderful speech sharing his ambitions with us all, and it was inspiring just to be a part of the celebration of his dream becoming a reality.  Michelle the owner of Alpha-H was also on hand to deliver a speech, she was so proud of Darren and the team for achieving this goal.  Over the last couple of years, she has become Darren’s mentor and general support, offering advice and helpful insight along the journey to success.

At the end of the night, all of the guests were treated to a couple of generous gift bags filled with delightful goodies to pamper us with.  It was a great way to end such a good night.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Darren and the team, while also thanking him for giving me the privilege to come along for the ride.

Click here for the trading hours and treatment menu of the new store.

Luv Mel xxx

I was scouring through my handbag last night trying to find my keys amongst the contents, when I started thinking, do I really need all of this STUFF with me every day?  Most of us lug our lives around in our bags, which are becoming heavier and larger now than ever before.  If your expanding bag has worn a crease in your shoulder, and it’s so overfilled that it takes you forever to find your keys, it’s time for a handbag overhaul.  It is time to clear out all the useless, unnecessary clutter, that you have acquired over the past days and weeks.

Organisation is the key!  Empty the contents out to reveal all that unwanted junk and clutter.
Next, you decide which should be essential and non-essential items and cull everything that is unnecessary.  Once you have done this, it will be much easier to de-clutter on a regular basis.
I have found an easy solution; I like to sort everything into plastic zip-lock bags.  It's like an internal filing system and makes it so much easier when transferring things from bag to bag.

Essential items are likely to include a wallet, make-up bag, keys, phone and notebook.  We are also often reluctant to leave the house without our basics like deodorant, brush, mascara and lip balm.
Keep cosmetics in a small make-up bag inside your handbag and just include the bare essentials for the day.  This usually means what is required for touchups of your lipstick, foundation, blusher etc when needed, rather than mountains of extras.  It is not necessary to carry your whole make up bag around with you, although I do find it hard to leave anything in that department behind!  Then you have to maintain it by not allowing your bag to eventually become cluttered again.  

I have managed to narrow down the contents in my bag, and it is a vast improvement of its former self.  It is awesome to finally see the rear end of all of those paper dockets!

Here is an inventory of the things I dote on, in my handbag...

Lip Balm/Gloss - Shizen Stick Conditioning Balm and Bare Minerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss
Bronzer - Glo Minerals Glo Sheer Tint Base Bronzing Gel
Mascara - Bare Minerals Big Tease Mascara
Pressed Powder/Concealer - Glo Minerals Matte Finishing Powder and Glo Minerals Brightener Highlight Concealer
Refresher Wipes - Dermalogica mediBac Skin Purifying Wipes
Sunscreen - Invisible Zinc Face & Body Sunscreen SPF30+
Hand Cream - Simplicite Nourishing Hand and Nail Creme
Blotting Papers – Glo Minerals Blotting Papers
Deodorant/Body Spray - Dermalogica Environmental Control Deodorant and Evoke Body Spray
Compact Mirror – Chanel Miroir Double Facettes Mirror Duo
Hair Brush – Lady Jane Compact Purse Size Brush
Grooming Kit - Manicare 4 Piece Grooming Set
Hand Sanitizer – Surya Organic Moisturising Hand Sanitizer

Other essentials
Day Planner or Notebook and Pen
Keys (House/car etc)
Purse/Wallet
Mobile Phone
Sunglasses
Mints/Gum - SweetBreath Mints
Water Bottle
…and in my case disposable nappies, baby wipes, various little toys, snacks and baby bottles (The joys of having two toddlers, LOL)

A good tip is to invest in some minis; compact/travel sized beauty essentials, they are convenient and take up less space in your bag, and most of your favourite brands now stock them.

Love Mel xxx

With the current economic situation, most of us simply cannot spend as much money on skincare products as we used to or would like to.  We are constantly discouraged by the price tag and we end up searching for cheaper alternatives.  Good quality products are generally expensive as they contain higher quantities of state of the art active ingredients and the latest research has been carried out on the products to ensure your skin gets maximum benefit and results from these ingredients.

Personally, I do not like to compromise for low-cost substitutes as they are generally cheap for a reason, with the majority of ingredients in these products containing fillers such as water and other cost cutting chemicals.  The companies negotiate on the grade of ingredients, reformulating them until a low cost alternative is found.  This is how they keep their prices so low and affordable compared to that of professional brands in such a competitive industry.

When it comes to choosing skincare products the main factor you should consider is the quality of the ingredients.  You will find the best products are the ones that contain superior ingredients, and the best skincare brand is the one that offers these up market products at a price you can afford.

You should not need to spend your entire bank account on your skin care regime.  I have discovered that you can actually have healthy, glowing skin using top-notch skincare without having to spend a fortune.  The good news is there are still high-end skincare products available to us at very reasonable prices.  By purchasing your skincare online at The Facial Company, you can receive special offers and guaranteed prices plus the advantage of returns if needed.  Purchase a number of items at once and you can also benefit from free delivery.

Here is a rundown of some of the best affordable skin care products for the budget conscious.

Under $40

Cleansers
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 250ml
Ultraceuticals Gentle Cleansing Gel
Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser
Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser
 
Exfoliators
Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14%
Simplicite Exfoliating Face Treatment
ASAP Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Toners
Rejuvi Skin Refreshener
Y Natural 401 Glow Organic Toner
Simplicite Flower Water Toning Lotion Normal/Dry 125ml

Moisturisers
Simplicite Damask Rose Day Creme
Skinstitut Moisture Defense Oily Skin
ASAP Daily Moisturiser Plus Sunscreen SPF30+

Masks
Rejuvi Purifying Mask
Alpha-H Purifying Clay Mask
Alpha-H Soothing & Calming Mask

Lip and Eye Care
ASAP Advanced Eye Repair
Dermalogica Age Smart Renewal Lip Complex
Simplicite Instant Help Eye Gel  

Treat and Repair
Skinstitut Even Blend Serum
Dermalogica Medibac Concealing Spot Treatment
Simplicite Rosewood Face Oil

Budget Buys – Under $30

ASAP Clearskin Gel
Shizen Rose Hydrating Mist
Alpha-H Harmony Infusion
ASAP Soothing Gel 50ml
Y Natural 503 Balance Certified Organic Jojoba
Dermalogica Climate Control Lip Treatment
Shizen Lip Gloss Conditioner
The Lip Scrub By Sara Happ - Almond Creme
Murad Soothing Skin And Lip Care
Dermalogica Medibac Skin Purifying Wipes
Alpha-H Phase Three Clearing Gel
Murad Acne Spot Treatment
Ultraceuticals Ultra Balancing Skin Mist

Now you see it is possible – you can have professional skin care at an affordable price and be well on the way to healthy, glowing skin without breaking the bank! 

To achieve the best results, you should use only the best products, as it is a worthwhile investment for perfect skin!

Mel

After filling out a skin questionnaire regarding my skin type, the skincare products I use, any skin concerns I might have and so on, I was then ushered into the tranquil treatment room.  The room itself was so peaceful and relaxing, with some beautifully scented Ecoya candles burning which just added to the complete overall serene environment.  It features a comfortable chair that reclines to a lying down position with the touch of a button.  The aesthetician studies your skin and not only recommends the appropriate facial but also suggests a complete skin care routine with products suited to each individual’s skin type, which are also stocked in the store so that you may purchase and start your skincare routine immediately at home.

The senior therapist professionally talked me through the products and procedure as we went along.  Firstly, I changed into my plush robe and lay down so that she could examine my skin.  Soon after, the ultimate pampering began with a thorough cleanse.  This was a double cleanse that focused solely on cleaning my skin.  The Alpha- H Balancing Cleanser she used was just so luxurious.  I also received a professional strength enzyme (papaya & pineapple) based exfoliant, which was ever so gentle, after advising me I do not need to manually exfoliate my skin.  Instead, I should use a chemical exfoliant (a product with glycolic or lactic acid, for example) which removes the surface layer of dead skin just as effectively as manual exfoliants, without the potential irritation from the abrasive scrub particles found in the latter. 

Next was the application of a Vitamin C serum, which until now I had not used before.  The therapist acquainted me with the Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum, whilst we discussed the importance of introducing this product into my current skincare regime.  An advanced hydration facial massage followed.  This massage helps blood circulation and relaxes our facial muscles.  I was so relaxed during this stage of the facial, that I nearly dozed off!!  The relaxation continued while the Vitamin C Infusion Treatment Mask was applied and left to set on my face.  During this time, she massaged my hands; this was ever so amazing, just pure bliss.  She then easily removed the mask by peeling it off.  My skin was then treated to a soothing moisturiser, Alpha-H Advanced Hydration Cream to which a few drops of Alpha-H Age Delay Facial Oil were added as a corrective and preventative measure. 

Concluding with a product application that was specifically addressing my skin concerns, the Alpha-H Age Delay Intensive Eye & Lip Treatment.  Lastly, we discussed the most important step of my skincare which is implementing sunscreen, to which Alpha-H Ultra Protector SPF30+ was the ideal selection.

Soothing, nourishing and relaxing would be the best words to describe my experience.  

After my ultimate pamper session, I had a wonderful looking face that seemed to look and feel younger.  The experience of Alpha- H products and realizing the effects they can have on my skin were priceless.  In the mirror, my face looked smooth, had a velvety softness while being completely hydrated with no inflammation, no irritation - just the healthy glow I'd been hoping for.  Even days after the treatment my complexion has appeared brighter and clearer than usual.  It was an invaluable experience and to know that I am now making the right choices for my skincare range and routine that will benefit my skin immensely.
 
I highly recommend the experience at The Facial Company to anyone in the Brisbane area, your skin will truly thank you for it!  Enjoy a range of customized personal treatments with facials starting for as little as $45, click here to view the treatment menu and make an appointment today.

Mel