Shopping Confessions Issue 4 September

SHOPPING CONFESSION Issue 4 September 2017

Label Crush FILLY BOO DRESS LIKE A CELEBRITY & never be seen in the same dress twice

Meet Health & Beauty Power Couple JONO & AMY MAREE

Our top picks for this summer’s

#musthave

accessory

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. contents

BEAUTY & STYLE

5

FOR HIM

6

NEW LABEL CRUSH

8

SUMMER TREND

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BEER BUDGET

TRIED & TESTED

10

DRESS LIKE A CELEB

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10

ASUS ZENBOOK 3

HOME

FEATURE BRANDS

4

14

EDIBLE BEAUTY

15

ULTIMATE EARS

16

HUSH PUPPIES

CANDLES

TURN TO PAGE 8 FOR this summer’s biggest trend

#COUPLEGOALS LIFESTYLE

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POWER COUPLE

WHAT WE’RE OBSESSED WITH THIS MONTH #scloves #clutchbag #style

#newlabel #scloves #fashion

#savethebox #campaign #awareness

@spliceboutique

@wildewillow

@savethebox

. editors letter

head to www.fillyboo.com to

GET THE COVER LOOK ‘Little Big Love’ mint $528

Dear Mikey, please forgive me for I have shopped again...

Spring has sprung and I couldn’t be happier. I’m not a winter person.

Lets get social QUEEN SHOPPER @SHOPCONFESSIONS SHOPPING CONFESSIONS @SHOPPINGCONFESSIONS

Boy, the sales overseas have been incredible. I have stocked up on a few summer goodies. That’s one of the great things about online shopping now; you can shop the great sales overseas without the price of an airline ticket.

Our latest label crush is perfect for Summer. Filly Boo is a stunning bohemian clothing label that took my breathe away, stunning flowing dresses, 70’s inspired overalls, skirts and tops that will all turn heads.

Speaking of summer, we show you our favourite #musthave accessory – the basket bag.

DUCHESS OF DESIGN @KNOWTHEROSE

We have some great go-to websites for men, where to go to organise the perfect kid’s birthday party and Maui & I give you some tips on how to pick the perfect doggy hotel.

Happy Shopping Kath x *product availability & pricing correct as at 4th September 2017*

. home

CANDLES Two little luxuries I love for the home are both candles and flowers.

It can create such a beautiful ambience.

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I’ve picked my top 12 candle brands, I’ll leave the scents to you, everyone has their own favourite. For me I love tropical and fruity scents.

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1. Inoko Timber candles $98.90 hardtofind. com.au 2. Jo Malone $88 jomalone.com.au 3.

Havana Candles $60 havanahome.com.au 4.

Alchemy Produx $65 alchemyprodux.com 5.

Island Trading Co $69 islandtradingco.com. au 6. Loo By Lou $39.95 templeandwebster. com.au 7. Hutwoods Candles $75 hardtofind. com.au 8. Ecoya $42.95 ecoya.com.au 9. Cire Trudun $135 scouthouse.com.au 10. Voluspa Candles $49.95 saison.com.au 11. Ortigia $65 luisaviaroma.com

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It can create such a beautiful ambience.

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. mens

MENS STYLE

Zennor Knot Cufflinks in Silver $35

3 blue label shirts $180

www.kjbeckett.com

www.mjbale.com

Leather diaries from $88 www.aspinaloflondon.com

S.C LOV ES

socks from $12 a month www.freshsockco.com

Carisbrooke Belts $130 ea www.thomaspink.com

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. style

New Label Crush FILLYBOO Have you ever come across a label and your heart skips a beat? Well it happened to me when I saw an image of Rocky Barnes in the most adorable overalls I have ever seen. Gotta love instagram.

I immediately jumped onto Filly Boo’s website and it was love at first site.

(Thanks for tagging Rocky). When discovering a new crush, the first thing I do before checking out their items is to check and see if they ship to Australia, so I don’t get disappointed.

Guess what not only do they ship to Australia they are an AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS. BOOM. For our readers who are international, they ship worldwide for FREE. Another BOOM. Each Fillyboo piece is folk–inspired and embroided by hand by highly skilled artisians. You can tell each piece is lovingly created. So much love and pride goes into each piece, makes be proud to wear it.

I have ordered my first piece and I’m sure it will not be my last.

FILLYBOO - ‘At The Heart Of It’ Pinafore Overalls – Ivory $372

JOIN THE FILLYBOO TRIBE HERE www.fillyboo.com @fillyboo

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FILLYBOO - ‘Little Bear’ - Hand Embroidered Maxi Dress - Pastel Jade

FILLYBOO - ‘WONDER YEARS’ SET - TOP & SKIRT - IVORY $434

#whatibought

FILLYBOO - ‘Georgies Girl Trapeze’ – Lavender $220

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. style

The Basket bag is this Summer’s biggest trend and I couldn’t be happier.

I have been a basket girl for ever. I have some baskets dating back to the 50’s. In my eyes, the basket bag has always been effortless and chic and will never date. The perfect Summer accessory.

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1. Nomad Backpack $140 surrenderthelabel.com 2. Made In Mada Eloise clutch $77 theiconic. com.au 3. Annie Clare basket $69.52 hardtofind. com.au 4. Hat Attack raffia pouchette $99 shopbop.com 5. Star Mela Jola Toucan on sale $68 bloomingdales.com 6. Made In Mada Alice bag $130 theiconic.com.au 7. Patricia Nash small basket bag on sale $139.40 macys.com 8. St Agni Hennie Market Bag $249 st-agni.com 9. Sophie Anderson Cinto striped bag on sale $187 matchesfashion.com 10. Can’t live without bamboo bag $119.95 swiish.com 11. Straw basket $85 freepeople.com 12. Dakota round basket bag $99 threeofsomething.com

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. style

CHAMPAGNE TASTE ON A BEER BUDGET

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SC TIP Sign up to your favourite

online stores to be the first to know when they have a crazy sale.

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1. Christopher Esber Dress WAS $1068 NOW $256. Shopbop.com had an extra 20% off sale items 2. Puma Satin sneakers WERE $148 NOW $82 bloomingdales.com 3. Teresa Embroided Fringe Skirt WAS $395US NOW $158US 4. Zacarias Creel wicker shoulder bag WAS $370 NOW $133 bloomingdales.com 5. Espadrilles WERE $278US NOW $100US johnnywas.com had an extra 40% off sale items

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. style

HOW TO DRESS LIKE A CELEBRITY and not be seen in the same dress twice

Many of us don’t have the budget to afford the latest designer fashions and accessories but it doesn’t mean we should miss out altogether.

You can still turn heads and look a million dollars without blowing the budget.

Whether it’s a formal, wedding, the races or you just want a taste of high fashion glamour you can.

You can now rent the latest fashion straight from the cat walks.

We all know that buying the latest Gucci or YSL bag can cost thousands, for that kind of

investment you would want to love it and use for a very long time. Or if you want to own your own piece of luxury this is a great way to try before you buy.

You have an event coming up, you don’t know what to wear, you have just seen the perfect dress on a socialite or a celebrity and when you track it down the price tag means you’ll be eating baked beans for the next 6 months.

Don’t panic you can rent instead of starving.

My go-to for dresses is yourcloset.com.au and designer bags stylesecret.com.au

HOW IT WORKS

JOIN

ITEM POSTED

With most of the sites you must join and become

You receive your item usually within 3 working

a member. This is generally free and you only

days. Now it’s time to enjoy

pay for what you borrow.

RETURN BROWSE THE COLLECTION

most of the companies provide you with a return

browse the collection and select the item you’d

post bag to return your item when the sad day

like to borrow. Then choose the time you would

arrives to hand it back. Good news is you don’t

like to borrow it for, the weekend, one week or

have to dry-clean the dress, it’s included in the

one month.

price of the rental.

AS THE PARTY SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING

RENT YOUR NEXT DRESS FROM

I DO RECOMMEND YOU BOOK IN ADVANCE SO

www.yourcloset.com.au

YOU ARE NOT DISAPPOINTED.

RENT YOUR BAG FROM www.stylesecret.com.au

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Alex Perry BUY $1600 RENT $249

Alex Perry BUY $1650 RENT $199

Dress the Population BUY $699 RENT $149

Elle Zeitoune BUY $310 RENT $99

Nicholas BUY $695 RENT $189

Nicholas BUY $750 RENT $169

Thurley BUY $650 RENT $149

Thurley BUY $999 RENT $229

Thurley BUY $599 RENT $159

Zimmerman BUY $495 RENT $159

YSL nude tassel satchel BUY $2345 RENT from $89

YSL croc embossed satchel BUY $3200 RENT from $99

Valentino Garavani Rockstud clutch BUY $2120 RENT from $35

Gucci soho shoulder bag BUY $1450 RENT from $85

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. tried & tested

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ASUS ZENBOOK

The first thing I noticed about the ASUS Zenbook 3 is how sexy it looked, never thought I would sexy to describe a laptop. It’s royal dark blue metal case, gold details and a gold backlight for the keyboard and not to mention the matching case make this this best-looking laptop EVER.

MY V

Looks are one thing; as they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Does it perform as good as it looks?

ER

DICT

I do work from a PC, but I do like to take a laptop with me when on the road, you never know when one of your appointments must reschedule; might not sound like a big deal but when your office is over an hour away from the city you need to be mobile so being able to work from my laptop anywhere anytime is a must.

Last month we went overseas and this was the perfect time to really test out the ASUS. Weighing in at just under 1kg and ultra-thin made it so easy checking through customs, I use to hate dragging my old laptop in and out of my bag, felt like a brick. So off to a great start.

While away both hubby and I used the ASUS ZenBook 3. I used it to write my stories, check emails & upload the days’ worth of

photos while hubby (who’s a finance broker) was using it for quoting, submitting applications and to edit his GoPro videos. I have never seen Mike so excited and into his videos like he was using the ZenBook, he loved it.

Other things we loved was the sound and the battery life of up to 9 hours and to recharge took no time at all & the speed and connection so powerful.

I’m not a tech person so I don’t understand all the spec stuff. I like to use a product and see if can make my job easier.

In this case the ASUS ZenBook 3 ticks all the boxes when it comes to style and performance. I really can’t fault it.

It’s the perfect tool for Work and Play.

www.asus.com.au

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. beauty

SO GOOD YOU CAN EAT IT

Let’s Turn Beauty Inside Out Edible Beauty Australia uses the highest quality pure, botanical and wildcrafted ingredients to create a range of beauty products that is both therapeutic and luxurious.

We pledge that our products are literally good enough, and safe enough to eat. They contain no ingredients that would not also enter your mouth. We believe that skincare should be therapeutic, luxurious and safe. Our edible beauty promise to you … If you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, we won’t put it in our products

Enter

SHOPPING20 at checkout to receive 20% discount.

Beautiful products for mum & bub.

WWW.EDIBLEBEAUTYAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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. brand love

Ultimate Ears

With WONDERBOOM, you can free your music from your phone and enjoy your music the way

S

it is meant to be heard,out loud.

EA M TR

&

SHA

Stream and share your music anytime, anywhere, with Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM, whether you’re partying by the pool, getting ready for a night out with friends or surviving that muddy, dusty summer festival. If it gets soaked, no worries. If it gets dirty, rinse it off.

WONDERBOOM: PINT SIZED SPEAKER WITH SURPRISINGLY BIG SOUND

RE

Meet the latest addition to the Ultimate Ears family of portable, seriously waterproof, go-anywhere speakers: the new Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM™, a pint-sized Bluetooth® speaker with huge personality and surprisingly big sound.

The super-portable WONDERBOOM delivers uncompromising sound quality with clear, crisp, non-stop sound, as well as big, beautiful bass.

What colour would you choose?

WONDERBOOM is available in six fresh colours: Stone (Grey), Phantom (Black), Fireball (Red), SubZero (Blue), Cashmere (Pink) and Lilac. RRP $129

WWW.ULTIMATEEARS.COM

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. brand love

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I SPENT THE DAY WITH THESE HUSH PUPPIES When it comes to shoes Hush Puppies wouldn’t usually be a brand that would spring to mind when I’m after a new pair; although I know the brand, I think I just assumed they were working shoes.

I was asked if I’d like to work with Hush Puppies, as you know unless I’ve tried a product out for myself and love it the answer is no.

Saydee Jade available in both

Before replying I checked out their website and was surprised.

How wrong was I? Hush Puppies aren’t just working shoes, they have evolved into some really fashionable footwear. How did I not know this?

After running around all day (just to give you an idea my fitness watch hit just over 18,000 steps), I got home not wanting to cut my legs off. No pain and received a few compliments.

The last stop of the day was a quick coffee and catch-up with a girlfriend Lib who jumped online and bought a pair (no joke).

I’m all about style without compromising on comfort and I think my feet are going to say yes.

black and white $139.95

Before I get too excited I picked a couple of pairs to try out. The Saydee Jade in black caught my eye, I liked the laser cut leather details and the Velcro adjustable strap at the back, the price affordable at $139.95.

I love the style of them but the comfort factor blew me away so much so I did a bit of research on their website and found that they have engineers that create specific elements to make them as comfy as possible.

Best way to road test my new Saydee’s is to wear them all day when I’m on the go. Just so you know, by the end of some days my legs, feet and sometimes my lower back can just ache.

Hush Puppies are more than just a shoe and selling over 17 million pairs a year in 150 countries across the world just goes to show they are doing something right.

Hush Puppies has retail stores in both Sydney and Melbourne or you can purchase online at www.hushpuppies.com.au In next month’s issue I’ll show you how I’ve styled them for different occasions.

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Holidays aren’t just for Mum and Dad CHOOSING YOUR PET’S HOME AWAY FROM HOME WHILE YOU’RE GONE CAN BE DIFFICULT ONE, owners must choose between friends, family, pet sitters or boarding kennels for pet care.

Most dog owners dread going away and leaving their dogs and some dogs don’t cope at all well with being confined to a kennel where they miss their cuddles, pats and walkies. x Is there sufficient ventilation, light and

For your pet’s welfare, and your own peace of mind, it is important you take the time to find the right boarding services for your pet’s needs. Where possible, contact at least two or three kennels in your area and ask questions. Once you have decided where you want to book make an appointment for you and your pet to visit the facility. I think this is very important; you don’t want to arrive at the kennel the day before you go on holidays to find that it’s not what you expected. Won’t be a good holiday for you or your pet.

A good boarding facility will answer yes to the following questions: x Is the accommodation safe, secure and

clean? x Is the staff friendly, caring and experienced?

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heating? x Do they insist that all vaccinations are up to

date? Including kennel cough? x What veterinary services are available? x Are cats housed away from dogs? x Can they cope with any special requirements

such as dietary, medication or grooming? x Are resting boards or bedding provided? x Do the dogs have enough play and exercise

time? x Is there enough room for cats to move

around comfortably? x Can I bring my pet’s special food and toys?

Still not sure here’s some tips to find the right accommodation: •

Research, research, research

•

Go in person, when you go and visit and they won’t let you past the front counter, this is not a good indication

If pets never leave the kennels..... It’s a prison.

Prices can vary depending on the type of care and facilities you are looking for.

SC TIP To find a kennel in your state

•

Ask lots of questions

ask your local vet.

•

Plan ahead. Don’t leave it till the last minute. A lot of the good boarding facilities are booked months in advance and you don’t want to be disappointed

A NOTE FROM MAUI

•

If you get a pet sitter tell your neighbours. The RSPCA receive a lot of phone calls from concerned neighbours about pets who they think have been left on their own.

What do avoid: A small, dark, almost totally enclosed area without, windows, door/hatch or exercise run is not a hotel or kennel, it’s a prison.

Nothing to look at except other barking dogs..... It’s a prison.

When mum and dad go away they leave me at Hanrob. I do miss them when they go but I am treated so well & given lots of cuddles by the staff, taken on walks and plenty of play time with other dogs; I’ve made so many friends.

I’m lucky that they book me into the luxury suite (I think this is guilt for leaving me) and being on medication twice a day and special food it gives them peace of mind knowing that I’m well looked after.

I always get a glowing report card at the end of my stay. I know how to work it.

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. lifestyle

#COUPLEGOALS

HEALTH & BEAUTY POWER COUPLE Picture courtesy of Richard Dobson for The Daily Telegraph

First impressions when Jono and Amy Maree walked through the door for our interview was adorable. One of the cutest couples I think I’ve ever met.

Jono & Amy Maree The couple who are engaged to be married early next year have a combined Instagram following in excess of 600k, have worked with some incredible brands and are in high demand. Amy has recently been away in the Maldives working on a project with Reebok.

Jono is in the fitness industry and has changed over 500 lives. In his 7 years of experience he has won PT twice in Australia and in 2015 won number 1 PT for Asia Pacific. All these achievement’s while still in his 20’s. Absolutely incredible.

Amy is a beauty vlogger and Instagram star. Her love of makeup from a young age has turned her into one of Australia’s most influential, self-taught beauty bloggers. After many requests on how to create her flawless looks Amy started a YouTube channel showing her step by step instructional videos and honest product reviews for all things beauty.

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Jono, you’ve created a 6-week programme called ‘Be a better you’ for only $39.99. That’s very affordable, so affordable it’s almost giving it away.

Jono: What we are trying to focus on is getting as many people behind it, one journey one community. We are about helping people be a better version of themselves, we are not about the money. I’m driven by helping people. When I get an email of someone signing up to our programme it’s a real wow moment. Our focus is to get people active. The programme focuses on exercise, health, mindset and community. It is all about balance.

Spring is here and everyone starts going into panic mode, if there was one thing you could suggest starting to improve activity what would it be?

Jono: set realistic goals, small goals not big ones.

Like going for a walk once a week then build from there.

Amy: totally agree with starting with small goals, you don’t want to say I want to lose 10kg in 2 weeks which is totally unrealistic not hit that goal then give up.

Me: I am so guilty of this so I’ll be setting realistic goals.

Amy what’s your favourite beauty look?

Amy: Golden bronze look. It suits everyone, I love that glow.

Favourite beauty finds.

Amy: that’s tough that’s like choosing a favourite child. The beauty industry has evolved so much, there’s so much innovation. I love trying new products.

I know this will be tough to answer but if you

could only use 1 product what would it be?

Amy: It would have to be a highlighter, always gives you a youthful and awake glow. The new Glow Highlighter from Estee Lauder is great and so is the one from Charlotte Tilbury.

What is your go-to active wear label?

Amy: Reebok Jono: Reebok & Nike Favourite place to shop Jono: Asos, their clearance sales are always great Amy: I love Net-a-porter You both get to work with incredible brands, who is a brand that you would love to work with?

Jono: Reebok for sure. It’s a label I have loved for years and I love their philosophy.

Amy: Without hesitation, Dior Beauty. I have been buying their products for years. My very first piece of makeup I saved up for and bought was a Dior Addict lip gloss and years later I’m still an Addict fan.

Last question, what 3 things can’t you live without?

Jono: Amy (Awwwww, see I told you they were adorable), Gym, Food Amy: of course Jono, Our dog Hugo, Inspiration.

FOLLOW JONO Instagram @jonocastanoacero Sign up for the 6 weeks ‘Be a Better You’ programme here

FOLLOW AMY Instagram @amymareecomber Watch Amy’s videos on YouTube here

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Kids Parties

When I was a kid I remember my birthdays consisted of fairy bread, chocolate crackles, lamb souvlaki, well I am Greek & I had to beg dad not to put a lamb on the spit, ice-cream birthday cake, pass the parcel and pin the tail on the donkey.

Birthday Parties usually stopped at 6th class then it was only when you became a teenager at 13, sweet 16, 18th followed by 21st birthday.

Nowadays kid’s birthday parties have become a competitive sport amongst parents. Only the best will do but it doesn’t have to cost a bomb.

Here are a few great party supply websites.

Pinkfrosting.com.au has everything you could possibly imagine for the perfect party. The site is extremely easy to navigate; with so many products available the site asks you ‘how do you want to shop’? You have the choice of themes, stationery or decorations then all your options become available.

Looking for entertainment? Get in touch with amazingkidsparties.com.au. Their website makes it easy to find the perfect entertainment for any age and or gender. So many fab ideas. I enquired about the toddler’s party and for 2 & ½ hours was under $300 and this is what’s included

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x

One or more entertainers- dressed in a bright and colourful outfit

x

Hoola hoop jumping

x

Ribbon twirling

x

Giant parachute activities

x

Bubble chasing

x

Jingle bells for dancing

x

Big picture story books with story time

x

Singalongs and toddler-friendly music

x

Face Painting

x

Balloon twisting

x

Invitations included (email PDF) when you book!

I really need to take my head out from under the rock, I had no idea we had so many choices especially when it comes to tableware for kid’s parties, talk about spoilt for choice.

Inviteme.com.au has the most beautiful collection of straws, cups, plates, napkins, tablecloths and cutlery. I’m personally in love with the straws, I don’t have young kids but I’m thinking of cocktail time in summer.

I WANT TO BE A KID AGAIN.

. kids

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. beauty

THE $12 FACELIFT THAT HAS

my friends in a spin

My friends crack me up, I have been receiving emails, phone calls and text messages asking if I’ve had work done.

The funniest email I got was ‘What the F have you done to your face? you look F$%&ing 21’. I roared with laughter when I read this.

The answer NO I haven’t.

BUT I have been using Eternal Essentials Elevate (EEE) for over 12 months. It is the bomb.

Just so you know I do get Botox in my forehead, it started with a few injections to help with my migraines and it has helped and I have started getting a few extra here and there but nothing ridiculous; I still want to have expression in my face. Just so we have all facts on the table. Don’t want to mislead you.

Back to the facelift. The difference in my skin since I’ve started using EEE is off the charts. It tightens, firms and tones your skin from the neck up & it helps remove dead skin cells leaving your complexion more refined and radiant. This is a product that does what it claims.

I use this product weekly and if I have an event to attend I will use it the night before.

The beauty of it is it’s so easy to use and it’s only $12 a treatment.

Mix the Activator Gel with the Elevating Powder.

Brush over your face (fan brush provided) I leave it on for about half an hour and you can really feel it tightening. Then with a warm face cloth take it off and massage the face cream that’s provided over your face. That’s it.

For a pack of treatments 10 treatment $117.95 that’s under $12 a treatment (currently on sale).

Now that’s the cheapest face lift ever. (pricing correct as at 5/9/2017) I would love to get your feedback.

GO ON GIVE IT A GO, YOU WILL THANK ME.

BUY IT HERE www.myperfectfacial.com.au

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Lets Get Social Queen Shopper kathy@shoppingconfessions.com.au

Duchess of Design www.knowtherose.com

For advertising, to be featured or competitions enquiries@shoppingconfessions.com.au

Pooch Report maui@shoppingconfessions.com.au

Collaboration’s benji@themgmt.com.au

Address PO Box 136, Newport Beach NSW 2106 Ph: 61 2 9974 3000

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