Vacation in Phuket

I'm back everyone!

I had an incredible time in Phuket, Thailand and would definitely recommend it as a great holiday destination. Here are a few pics which don't even come close to describing the beauty in Thailand.

Specific things I recommend include:

1. Staying at Merlin Beach Resort -

The staff were super friendly and so accommodating, the facilities are equivalent to a 5 star resort and the room-maids place your towels in the shape of animals! It doesn't get any better than that!

I'd definitely recommend their spa in which I got a a full body polish + massage and manicure. My skin and muscles came out feeling amazing! And for such a reasonable price too!

The pool-bar is a definite must while visiting, its always playing great music and the staff are so fun!
http://www.merlinphuket.com/merlinbeach/index.html

2. Going on an Elephant Trekking tour -
This was probably the biggest highlight of my trip. It was a half day tour in the rain forest where you experienced Thai culture first hand AND got to ride elephants! The website for the tour is www.siamsafari.com and I highly recommend tour guide "Joy" who was an absolute pleasure to have leading us through the forest. If I ever return to Phuket I'm going on the trek again.

3. Get on a Phang Nga speedboat tour -
This was a serendipitous find. Our initial tour was cancelled due to high-tide/weather conditions and so we were on the hunt for another tour to James Bond Island. We found this tour on the Internet which turned out to be surprisingly brilliant. The weather was perfect and because we visited bay's with rock surrounding, the boats were somewhat protected from the weather anyway. They took us to secluded beaches and small lagoonas where we were able to get onto canoes to get closer looks. It was beautiful.
www.andamanspeedboat.com

4. Shop at Patong Beach/town markets -
This was certainly an experience. There were hundreds of small stalls selling (mostly) knock off designer bags, watches, sunglasses, clothes, shoes and much more. At times this was slightly overwhelming but was also very fun. The key here is to keep bartering friendly and always with a smile on your face. Don't expect exceptional quality as you do get what you pay for. The experience is worth more than any material purchase!

5. Get a Fish Spa -
Supposedly these little fish eat the dead skin and debris off your feet to leave them feeling smooth. I can't say I experienced these benefits fully because I didn't last the whole 15 minutes. To say I was grossed out would probably be an understatement. It felt like hundreds of nano sized suction pieces attaching to your feet. But if you're going to Thailand, its a definite once in a life time experience.

I cannot say enough good things about Thailand and its people. I felt so welcomed and looked after on holiday that I cannot wait to visit again. Unfortunately it's back to work and reality for now.

Stay tuned for a Duty Free shopping post with reviews on new beauty products!

xoxo
Beauty Doc

Sweetest Present

Hey Everyone,

So this isn't really beauty related but, I just had to show you all what my little brother got me for my birthday this year. Its such a thoughtful, innovative present and I absolutely love it! It was handcrafted and ordered from www.1minime.com

Last post before vacation! Bring on the beach!

xo
Beauty Doc

Travel Series: Whats in my makeup travel bag

Hey Everyone,

Here is my final post in the Travel Series; contents of my makeup bag! I am someone that doesn't wear makeup everyday, however since I will be on vacation, which means lots of fine dining (lol), partying and excessive picture taking; I will certainly be wearing make up more frequently. The products I will be taking with me are my truly tried and tested items. They are no-fuss and more importantly no-mess products.

Lets get straight to it.

1. Random sample sized body moisturiser  (Nivea) - This isn't really a makeup item, but its something I'll carry with me on outdoor excursions to keep my skin hydrated (along with sunscreen).

2. Elf bronzer compact - In medicine the word for when you use something (usually a drug) for something other than what it was originally intended for is "Off-label". Well I will be using the elf bronzer "Off-Label." I don't particularly like the actual powdery/chalky bronzer powder but I love the large compact mirror it has in it. This will be used for doing makeup on-the-go.

3. Perfume - I'm taking my Dior travel sized Le Parfums. These are nice to travel with because they don't take up a lot of space and if you lose/break one of them, its not a huge loss.

4. Utensils - eyelash curler and tweezers.

5. Moroccan Oil - this is more hair product than make-up but hey, it fits in my bag. It makes my hair super soft and smell nice. But I have a feeling with the level of humidity in our destination, no amount of oil will be able to tame the crazy hair-mess that will appear.

5. Mac eyeshadows: "Woodwinked" and "Bronze" are favourites in my collection because they're neutral, metallic and very complimentary to tanned skin.

6. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup - I will probably not be using this very much because of how hot it will be and the potential to look like a melting plastic doll in that instance. But its there for reassurance. In case you're wondering I wear the colour 40 Beige.

7. Concealer - Mac Select Moisture cover is my main under-eye concealer I will be taking; but once again, I don't know how much I will be using this because its consistency is not great for sweaty skin, but its pretty good on the eye lids as an eye shadow primer instead. The YSL Touche Eclat will definitely be my "concealer" of choice instead. I say "concealer" because its actually a high-lighter and doesn't cover up a whole lot (e.g. Blemishes). But boy when you put this on under your eyes, it looks like you came out of an 8 hour luxury spa.

8. Lipsticks: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Ravissante is my favourite reddish-orange matte lipstick and goes with me everywhere. I am taking the Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick in Coral Crush as a bright alternative.

9. Blushes: Mac Peaches is my powder blush of choice. Mac Something Special and Bobbi Brown Cabo Coral are the Creme blushes that I prefer. I presume I will be reaching for powder rather than cream blushes because of the humidity.

10. Mascara and Eyeliner - My trusty Black Track Fluidline Gel Eyeliner by mac will be coming with, along with Mac Smolder Eye Kohl for when I want a smokey look. Covergirl Lashblast Mascara delivers volume to my sparse lashes and Loreal Telescopic delivers the length. To be honest I probably wont even wear mascara based on all the water activities we will be doing. Maybe its time to invest in a waterproof version?

11. Makeup brushes - eyeliner, eyeshadow and blush brush. I apply my foundation with my hands so wont need a foundation brush.

12. Other random stuff that fits in my bag: Spray tan (because you don't want to be pasty on day 1 of the vacation hehe) and Lucas Paw Paw ointment for pretty much ANYTHING (chapped lips, dry patches of skin, sunburn, glossy eyelids etc).

Somehow all of that fits into this one zip up bag, the design of which I love:

One last thing. Since this is my final in the Travel Series posts I thought I would add in a extra. This is my "Important stuff travel wallet" which I highly recommend using. Its a wallet that has separate compartments for cash, passport, travel documents, cheques etc. Its convenient and very cute! Thank you to one of my girlfriends from whom this was a birthday gift, perfect timing!







I hope you all enjoyed this Travel Series and I managed to give you all some idea's for your own travels. I will be returning to the world of blogging after my vacation!

Let me know if there is anything you have seen in these posts that you would like a more in-depth review on or if you have any questions.

Bon Voyage

xoxo
Beauty Doc

Travel Series: Whats in my medical travel kit

Hey Everyone,

As a follow on to the previous post I thought I would show you whats in my medical travel kit.

1. Insect repellent (body and environment): This is a must if your travelling to tropical or warm climates. Staying away from the outdoors during sunset (when mosquito's are most active) is almost impossible while on holiday so having a quality insect repellent for your skin is handy.

2. Sunscreen: I have used Neutrogena SPF 85+ for the last 5 years with no complaints. Although sunscreens may say they are waterproof its important to apply after being in water anyway.

3. Hand-sanitiser - cant have enough of this stuff

4. Electral powder sachets - this is a powder that is full of electrolytes and all you need to do is mix one sachet with about 200mls of water. This is useful if you end up with diarrhoea or vomiting and need to replenish your electrolytes.

5. Soov Gel - this is a moisturising, partial local anaesthetic and partial soothing gel that you can use if you do end up with insect bites. It prevents you from scratching the shizz out of your skin and then ending up with infections/scars.

6. First aid kit - you can buy or make your own. Mine just has essentials including sterile gloves, bandages, cleansing wipes and scissors.

7. Imodium - this is Loperamide which is a medication that you can use to reduce diarrhoea. Be careful though because sometimes letting the diarrhoea flow is whats best for your bowels in the long run. This medication can cause you to turn the other way and become constipated so its important to read the instructions carefully when using.

8. Gauze and chlorhexidine wash - this is if you end up with cuts/scrapes you have an antiseptic to wash with. Detoll does the trick too.

9. Eurax cream for itch - this is another cream like Soov that is useful if you end up with lots of insect bites. As you can tell, like everything in my life, I like to have options.

10. Pupil torch - this is not because I'm anticipating the worst and thinking I will need to assess my friends pupils because they end up unconscious. This is just a torch I keep with me at all times in case we ever need some light.

11. More Kleenex and Time Of Month essentials.

Other items to consider:

• Vaccinations - I think these are important to have up to date. If your a youngin (born in the late 80's) in NZ, you're likely to have had most of the essentials. Note though that certain vaccines require boosters every  5-20 years. It's worth talking to your doctor before you head off to make sure you are covered.
• Antibiotics - I  always feel safer having a stash of these on me just in case I get a cold, wound infection, sinusitis, infected eczema etc. But then again, if your unwell enough to potentially require antibiotics you should be seeking medical advice in the country you are in so they can provide you a script for the appropriate antibiotics. 
•  Inhalers - if your an asthmatic I cant stress enough how important inhalers are. You never know how your lungs will react to a new climate and so its important to have some on you even if just for prophylaxis.
•  Antihistamines- again if you have hay-fever its worth taking some Loratadine or equivalent because your immune system may go bonkers in a foreign climate. 

So there you have my medical kit. It may seem over-kill for some and that's probably due to a mixture of my profession and my paranoia. I like to think its better to be prepared than be sorry, but each to their own. If I don't end up using a lot of this stuff I may even discard some of it on the way back because of weight limitations.

Hope you found this post a little bit useful. Let me know if there's anything I should be adding to the kit.

xo

Beauty Doc

Disclaimer: These are just ideas and items I chose to carry with me, obviously this is not my medical opinion. If you are planning to travel and need medical advice regarding medications/vaccinations please see your family doctor.

Travel Series: Whats in my on-flight cosmetic bag

Hi Everyone,

I'm heading off overseas to a lovely warm tropical location in about a weeks time. Cant wait to leave this dreadful winter!

I thought I would show you what skincare and hygiene products I will be travelling with, to give you all ideas for your own travels.

The title of the post is somewhat deceiving because for one thing I don't actually carry a cosmetic bag. It is a clear pouch. This is important because it saves you having to open up everything in your bag at security checks. If its not already in a clear pouch, they will give you one anyway. Secondly, I don't actually carry cosmetics onto the flight (except for stuff I have bought duty free - stay tuned for that exciting post). I tend to only carry a few skin care items. Wearing makeup on flight is not only unnecessary but can be damaging to your skin, causing breakouts and dryness due to the environmental temperature and humidity changes.

So onto my pouch:

1. Hand Sanitiser: this is a necessity no matter where you are going. Airports, aeroplanes and public bathrooms are great breeding grounds for bacteria. Its inconvenient and sometimes impossible to go to the lavatory every time you want to wash your hands before touching your face/eating/applying creams. So carrying a sanitiser is highly recommended.

2. Kleenex tissues: You never know when you might need some Kleenex for sinuses, allergies or that tear-jerker-rom-com you watch on-flight.

3. Time of Month Essentials - enough said.

4. Moisturiser: The one I am choosing to fly with me is the Vitamin E Moisture Cream by The Body Shop. I have not had a chance to use it very much yet. But I have heard great things about it. Qualities that an in flight-moisturiser needs are: hydrating, less than 100mls container, can use for face and hands and non-offensive smelling to other passengers. I think the Vitamin E Cream has all of these properties. I will keep you posted on what I think of it.

Note: I may purchase the Origins Drink up 10 minute mask at the airport in which case I will be using this instead of a moisturiser.

5. Eye cream: My under-eyes have a tendency to become very dry in air conditioned environments, particularly flights. So a basic eye cream that is moisturising is key. The one I am taking is the Rebe eye cream with olive leaf extract. Its nothing fancy, just does the job and is one of my many products I need to use up.

6. Lip Balm: Like my under-eyes, my lips are just as likely to flake out. Nivea is my tried and tested balm of choice. I have used it for the last 10 years and like a great pair of jeans, nothing compares.

7. White Glo Flossing sticks: I had some of these lying around my drawers so I thought I would take them with. I will be relying on the airline to provide a toothbrush, otherwise plan B includes a lot of gum.

8. Hair ties and bobby pins: self explanatory.

Other tips

•  If you have samples or testers, on-flight is a great time to test them out as they will be tidy to travel with. Be careful though, because if you have sensitive skin, on flight may not be the best time to test out a skin care product for the first time in case you end up with severe allergies or breakouts.
• A face mask is a great idea, particularly for night time and long haul flights. Only thing is to ensure they are moisturising masks rather than "deep cleaning" or "mattifying" masks. The air on a plane, due to pressure and air-conditioning is hugely drying, so keeping skin as hydrated as possible is key.
• If you cant bare to go out in public without a bit of eye makeup, keeping baby wipes or makeup wipes in your hand bag is useful.
• If you have an expensive moisturiser or face serum that is in a bottle >100mls and you want to use it on-flight, decanting it into a small sample container or travel container (that you can pick up from any department store) is always an option. 

Let me know if there is anything else that you would recommend I carry that I may have forgotten!

Stay tuned for further travel series posts, including my medical kit and makeup bag contents.

xo

Beauty Doc

Diminishing Cellulite? Plus Mini Forme Spa Review

Hi everyone,

I have personally had cellulite since I was 13.  in that time it has increased and decreased in appearance depending on my weight, fitness level and diet. While I have not yet seen a *cure* for cellulite (although technically it is not a disease, and 90% of post-pubertal women have it); from what I have read and personal experience, it can be diminished

Cellulite is due to factors including:
1. Genetics - probably the largest contributor
2. Distribution and size of fat cells
3. Age
4. Hormones

Now of the above 4 factors, we can only change one of them and that is the size of fat cells. Basically in order to diminish the appearance of cellulite you need to:
1. Reduce fat intake in diet
2. Exercise to promote blood circulation
3. Massage cellulitic areas to improve lymphatic circulation

I went to a spa about 2 weeks ago with some girlfriends for a "body polish" which in layman terminology is a full body exfoliation. Let me tell you...It was HEAVEN. I came out of it feeling so refreshed and my skin was amazingly smooth. My girlfriends felt much the same. They used some sort of cocunutty-lime-yummy-smelling granular scrub and exfoliated my arms, legs, back and decolletage then rubbed in some even better smelling moisturising cream.

The lady who did my body polish was very helpful and advised me that doing a dry body brush every day before showering can leave your skin looking smooth consistently AND it can even help with cellulite.

So, almost religiously I have been doing the dry body brushing daily. It has certainly improved my skin texture on my upper and lower limbs and acts as an exfoliant. I don't know if its just this (or the fact that I have attempted to improve my diet and started Pilate's again) but I feel my cellulite appearance has decreased on my buttocks/back thighs. Can you say PLACEBO! I know, but still I will continue to use this brush because *I think* it works.

FYI - I went to www.formespa.co.nz. Their staff were so very friendly and knowledgeable. The whole experience has made me look forward to future visits to them.

If all else fails, you can always learn to live with your cellulite. Or try liposuction.

xo
Beauty Doc

PS: This is not my medical opinion, this is just my own personal experience. I have never researched or studied Cellulite.  See your family doctor for legit medical advice.

PPS: If you would like further information on cellulite, one of my favourite websites for dermatological conditions is www.dermnetnz.org Its always fun looking up random conditions and seeing gross pictures. *Maybe thats just me?*

Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle Hobo Review

Hi everyone,

So I recently received my package from www.shopbop.com and boy was I excited! I had ordered the Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle Hobo Bag and since its has come, I have not stopped using it/loving it/admiring it. I have used it everyday whether its for work or play and can safely say it will be a staple in my wardrobe for a very long time.

Functionality:
I love versatility in a bag and that's exactly what the Too Hot To Handle delivers. You can wear it up to 4 different ways
- As a Cross-body bag with the long strap
- On one shoulder with the long strap
- On the elbow with the small strap
- On the shoulder with the small strap

Size wise, this bag is perfect. Its large enough to hold EVERYTHING including, wallet, phone, keys, toiletries pouch, stethoscope, pager, file/folder, scarf, drink bottle etc etc. But at the same time its not so large that it looks like you've packed your entire life up and are travelling to the other side of the world. It also doesn't strain your shoulder/arm, even when full.

Aesthetics: 
This bag is beautiful, it works with pretty much any outfit due to its versatility and neutralness (I made that word up). Its got gold hardware which suits my skin tone and most of my clothing/jewelry. However I think on the Marc Jacobs website it comes in Electric blue and black with silver detailing and Green with gold detailing as well.

Quality: 
It's made from "genuine Italian calf leather", not the most animal friendly but certainly great quality.

Price:
It cost on shopbop.com USD$438; which on the website automatically converts to your local currency. Do note that the website says it delivers with "free shipping" however be careful because you still have to pay customs depending on your country's international importing policy. This "Import customs tax" is added to your total when you go to check out. It arrived within 7 days of purchase.

I highly recommend both the bag and the website. Leave me any questions if theres something I haven't answered.

PS: I have a feeling this blog is going to branch out from beauty related posts to randomness as this post clearly demonstrates! Stay tuned for more.

xx
Beauty Doc