Since COVID-19 reared its ugly head, an estimated 20 million plastic sanitiser bottles have made their way to landfills or our oceans. Whilst it's of paramount importance to keep those mitts clean and germ-free, the increased reliance on single-use plastics is not particularly great news for the environment. Thankfully, there's hope – or should we say Hoap – it's hand hygiene, reimagined. more
Whilst a lot of skincare ranges are aesthetically pleasing, sometimes they don't get to the root of the problem. That's where tbh. skincare comes in. This science-first skincare line is formulated with a patented technology – XBIO – that effectively kills the acne-causing bacteria that lies within your skin. Stress breakouts sorted. more
Let’s just all agree that this year has been a pretty wild ride, which has probably (definitely) taken a toll on your soul and left your skin looking and feeling a little bit ordinary. The importance of carving out time for self care during times of increased stress cannot be understated – it’s not only good for your physical wellbeing but it’s imperative to keep your emotional and mental health in check. Sure, there are an abundance of day spas and salons within close proximity to your house but sometimes the very act of getting in the car and driving out of town for the day can be relaxing in itself. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some excellent day spas in Southeast Queensland and beyond so you can truly make a day (or night) of it – massages, facials, treatments, coffee, and most importantly, time to yourself – sounds pretty darn great to us! more
It is widely understood that fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world (the first is oil, just in case you were wondering) but what isn't as straight forward is where or how to start your conscious shopping journey. One of the reasons for this is that the term 'sustainable fashion' is inherently loaded and to borrow from the beloved green ogre Shrek, it's like an onion in that there are many layers. To help you navigate the minefield, retailer David Jones has joined the likes of Net-A-Porter and The Iconic to launch a platform dedicated to share the stories behind conscious brands and makers to make it easier than ever to shop better. more
Last week, we compiled five (hopefully) helpful ways to reduce the amount of plastic in your life. If you missed it, you can take a peek here and look, we don't want to rehash all of the grim details but the sad truth is that almost every piece of plastic ever created still exists in some form today. By 2050, reports indicate that the oceans could have more plastic than fish – let that sink in for a moment. Given its widespread use in literally every facet of life, reducing your plastic consumption can feel pretty overwhelming at the start – a feeling that Rachel Sebastian knows all too well. In fact, it was this exact sense of unease that motivated her to create Zilch – an online marketplace committed to turning your daily routine into a plastic-free one. more
Okay, so you've posted a black tile on your Instagram, but what now? Florence Nightingale said it best when she said "I think one's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results." Sharing or liking a post on social media or declaring #BlackLivesMatter is a start but it's not enough – it's time to turn intentions into impact and use your privilege to affect positive change. One small but tangible way you can do that is to support local businesses that are Indigenous owned and operated, or are in support of local Aboriginal communities in Australia. Over the next few weeks, we will bring you a range of businesses across categories including (and not limited to) Aboriginal art, apparel and jewellery so you can continue your commitment to listening, learning and supporting. Remember, we all have a long way to go to become anti-racist… more
The boutique barber business is booming with the advent of beard culture, the return of rockabilly and the mania of Movember. Stylish gentlemen are hitting the streets with sleek styles, carefully coiffed cuts and formidable facial hair. Male grooming is now a big thing, and barbers are more relevant than ever – it's never been easier to bridge the divide between rugged manliness and clean-cut class. The new crop of style-savvy scissor-smiths is a far cry from your father’s short-back-and-side specialist, and we’ve rounded up some of the big names in Brisbane’s barber scene. more
Do you remember when a cleanser, toner and moisturiser constituted a skincare routine? These days, we're conditioned to believe we need a complex 26-step regime of lotions and potions to treat every possible skin condition from pores to premature ageing. If you're feeling overwhelmed or are suffering from product fatigue, there's a new Australian skincare label that is pioneering a nifty two-step routine that is right up your alley. more
There are lots of examples of how society can change behaviours and improve livelihoods, so the tools already exist for how we minimise the impact of these issues and improve ocean health ...~ Dr. Chris Gillies more
We all know that plastic isn't so fantastic, but in Australia 5.3 million consumers – that is 27.1-percent of the population – purchase single-use plastic bottles on a weekly basis. Most of which, let's be honest, are destined for landfill, where it can take between 20 and 1000 years to degrade. If that makes you feel all of the things, you're not alone – but together we can make small changes that have a big impact. One of the easiest changes we can make is to switch to a shampoo bar from Shampoo With A Purpose once your current supply runs dry. more
It’s important to love the skin you’re in, but it can be difficult when that skin is dealing with cystic acne or hyperpigmentation. Sometimes we need a little extra help getting to the L-word stage with our complexions. Unfortunately, in the search for that help, we can quickly find ourselves buried in advice about ten-step skincare routines and bone-broth diets. It’s enough to bring on a breakout – not ideal. In an effort to save you all of that trouble, we’ve put together a few simple tips to help you get healthy, glowing skin. more
The time is fast approaching to show your dad how much he means to you. If Father’s Day has slipped your mind completely, get some last-minute inspiration for gifts for any dorky dad, proud pop and fantastic father. more
Despite their cringeworthy jokes and questionable footwear choices, we have a lot to thank our fathers for. If you’ve got a rad dad who deserves some attention this Father’s Day, we’ve got a gift idea for him. Whether he’s a total foodie, a bit of a dork or loves his outdoorsy stuff, we’ve found something for every kind of papa to enjoy come Sunday September 1. more
When it comes to the wonderful world of skincare, often we are bombarded with a huge number of supposedly essential products that add up to create a 37-step routine. Fair enough if that’s your jam, but for those of us who prefer to keep it simple, the search for a core range of products to keep us in check can seem very daunting. If you’ve been looking for a natural, low-maintenance routine to get into, the search is over – beloved eco store Biome has just launched its own in-house skincare range, and you’d best believe it’s the real deal. more
Real talk – skincare is amazing. The rise in self-care culture is frankly something we can very much get behind, especially when it promotes showing one of your most vital and hard done-by organs some love. One of the best ways you can show your skin that you appreciate it is by using the least harsh products possible – we’re talking natural, organic and cruelty-free. Not only is it good for you, but the environment wins too. Double happiness! To get you started, we’ve compiled five of our favourite natural skincare brands into a squeaky-clean list – so go forth and live your best life. more
When embarking on a shopping spree, it's only natural for your mind to immediately wander to the heart of Brisbane City. We don't blame you – it truly is the retail centre of town. When you know where to look, you can discover a treasure trove of boutique gems tucked away on one of the city's key promenades – Adelaide Street. If you've got some money burning a hole in your pocket and want to avoid the crowds of the mall, we've put together a quick hit-list of places perfect for a splurge. more
Us Queensland folk are generally very active – whether we're out there exercising, swimming at the beach or wading in a kiddie pool sipping spritzers, we like to spend a fair chunk of our time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen has been a routine drilled into us since we were all little tackers, but have you ever wondered about those big words that make up the ingredients list on your trusty tube of suncream? Well, Chris Matthews did ... and so begins the story of natural sunscreen brand Little Urchin. more
One of the finest scissor smiths in Brisbane has set up shop in one of the sharpest (and newest) food precincts. Tony’s Chop Shop Barbershop has moved from its grungy Fortitude Valley digs to a crisp new spot at Coorparoo Square, offering the classic treatments with a splash of sophistication. more
Whether you’re prepping for a big event or simply just want to treat yo’self, it’s very rare that you will find everything you need in the one place – the struggle of having a nail tech in New Farm when your tanner is in Taringa is real. For those in the know, Brooklyn Beauty Bar has long been the only spot that even comes close to rounding up the most crucial beauty services and delivering them with the highest standard of quality. Well, dear readers, prepare to jump for joy – the cult beauty destination’s James Street digs has added hair to its resume! more
We don’t mean to alarm you, but Father’s Day is this weekend. On Sunday September 3, dads all over the country will be showered with gifts of all kinds. If this realisation has caused a moderate amount of alarm, we urge you not to panic. Just because you may or may not have forgotten to get a present this year is no excuse to opt for a cop-out gift. You’ve still got a bit of time to put an order in for something special, and it just so happens we’ve got a handy list of gift ideas that don’t totally blow! At this stage these gifts might arrive a bit late, but trust us – they'll be worth it. No need to thank us, we’re just doing our duty. It’s the dads that deserve your thanks – they helped to give you the gift of life, after all. more
Last year the award-winning design firm Wrightson Stewart unveiled its men’s boutique, located in the heart of Fortitude Valley on Hynes Street. The WSworkshop team haven’t been idle since, recently unveiling a new addition to the space – RYAN.COM Barbershop and Supplies. Now gents can get outfitted and lined up in one visit – convenience we can easily get on board with. more