In this feature CityNews speaks with Canberra’s beauty and health specialists who help to make their clients look and feel amazing.

Beauty isn’t only about looking good, it’s also about feeling good, and there’s nothing quite like some self-care to get you feeling beautiful, inside and out. 

Whether it’s a pamper session at the spa, or investing in proper footwear, Canberra has something for everyone. 

Supportive shoes that look good and feel good

“As the weather warms up, it’s time to swap out the winter wardrobe and bring on summer,” says Happy Fit Footwear founder Jane Earl.

“Before you pull out your thongs, remember, your feet are your foundation.” Jane is a podiatrist at ACT Podiatry and says they see so many problems that can be helped with proper footwear.

During covid lockdowns, Jane says they saw a spike in foot problems associated with a decreased dependence on enclosed (ie more supportive) footwear. 

“People were opting to potter around in thongs or go barefooted, and their feet didn’t like it,” she says.

“If your feet aren’t properly supported, they may start to tire and ache. This can lead to a number of common foot problems including plantar fasciitis and arch strain. 

“And it’s not only the feet that suffer. If your feet are poorly aligned or are rolling-in excessively, this can cause pain in the legs, knees, hips and lower back.”

Jane says Happy Fit Footwear specialise in good-quality, stylish and supportive footwear. 

“We want people to feel good about their feet, and the way they look,” she says. 

“We also cater to people who wear orthotics and those with tricky-to-find sizes. 

“Shoes make people happy, and it’s a shame that people with difficult feet aren’t always able to enjoy them.”

Happy Fit Footwear has just received a huge shipment of spring-summer styles, from Ara, as well as new seasons Ziera and Naot styles and, with more on its way, Jane says it’s a great time to visit.

Happy Fit Footwear, Shop 11, 11 Bougainville Street, Griffith and 10/146 Scollay Street, Greenway. Call 6176 3422 or visit happyfitfootwear.com.au

Everything that’s needed to feel pampered

Quintessence Nail and Beauty in Belconnen has everything needed to feel pampered with gift vouchers, skin care kits, gift sets, make-up sets, handmade earrings, candles, diffusers and more, says owner Alicia Fragopoulos.

“We are a one-stop beauty shop for all beauty needs,” she says.

“We provide waxing and tinting services, manicures and pedicures, massages, facials, tanning, laser hair removal, lash extensions, lash lifts, henna brows, brow lamination, teeth whitening and spa packages.”

Alicia says she loves the feeling of being pampered and relaxed, and purchased the business in 2016 to provide the same kind of escape for others.

“Every day brings different treatments, clients and conversations. It’s very rewarding to see clients leaving happy, fresh and relaxed,” she says.

“We are professional, caring and kind and enjoy making people look and feel good,” she says.

This spring, Alicia says they are offering rejuvenating spring facial experiences that reflect a holistic and naturopathic approach to skincare.

They also have a 10 per cent discount for seniors’ card holders on Tuesdays, she says. 

Quintessence nail and beauty, 2/9 Page Place, Page. Call 6278 5334, or visit beautysalonbelconnen.com.au

Body contouring experts expand services

Total Body Contouring in Franklin Street, Griffith, has expanded to the building next door, says owner Christy Christensen. 

Through this expansion, Christy says Total Body Contouring has now welcomed a qualified and experienced doctor, who is available for botox and other injectable treatments.

Injectable treatments include Bio-Regenerator (Rejuran) for face and neck, scar treatment, and periorbital rejuvenation, masseter reduction and facial slimming injections, and thread lift, a non-surgical procedure that uses threads under the skin to create a smoother appearance, says Christy.

She says dermal filler injections, anti-wrinkle injections and collagen stimulators are also on offer, done by the in-house doctor.

Alongside these new services, they have the Venus Viva, a non-surgical, skin resurfacing device that utilises NanoFractional radio frequency technology, facial lymphatic drainage massages, and Lumixa Skin Therapy, including skin normaliser, collagen booster and age control treatments.

“We have so much to offer for the next phase of growth and service offerings,” she says.

But, regular services are still available, says Christy, “and fat freezing is still only $320.”

Christy says Total Body Contouring is about building body confidence.

“We give a personalised experience and journey, everyone is different,” she says.

“First, we set up a consultation to make sure you get the right specialisation for your needs and wants.

“With industry certification for all our services, your safety comes first.”

Total Body Contouring, Shop 2 and 3/22 Franklin Street, Griffith. Call 6239 7347, or visit totalbodycontouring.com.au

Marina’s salon makes customers ‘feel and look good’

Marina Belibassakis opened her hair salon, Artistry M Hair, two years ago.

“I’ve been hairdressing for 20 years, freelancing for the past three years and it was just time to open up my own salon and do my own thing,” she says.

“This is my journey, this is a step into doing my own thing, control my own decisions and have more freedom and flexibility, which is the dream.

“It’s nice seeing your work walking around on people, and just making people feel and look good. I like meeting people from all walks of life and making and keeping those relationships.

“We do cuts and colours, and we’re good at it,” she says.

Marina has a freelancer working with her at Artistry M Hair.

“We’ve been working together for a while, Hair by Genevieve is her business name,” says Marina.

“We provide a safe environment, we’re professional, we do the best that we can and we love what we do, and we make it fun.

“We know what we’re doing, we’re making Artistry M Hair inviting and we’re approachable.”

Artistry M Hair, Shop 70/27 Wiseman Street, Macquarie. Call 5105 7304 or 0422 348694, or visit artistrymhair.com.au

Beautician feels ‘right at home’ in Queanbeyan

Owner of Deziner Beauty Louise McMahon says she’s felt right at home in the Queanbeyan community since first moving from Batemans Bay more than a decade ago.

“Everyone here is so bubbly and down to earth and really welcoming and really helped my business grow,” says Louise.

“With a passion for beauty, we team up to give the best beauty experience possible. We want to give the best we can back to the community.”

Louise, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, says she’s currently got a series of special deals available.

“Our facials are our signature treatment and we love transforming people’s faces, through facelifts and body contouring, make-up or waxing. 

“We can take 10 years off your skin with all the amazing treatments and products we have, including a non-surgical facelift.”

Deziner Beauty, Shop 16/18 Cassidy’s Arcade, 72 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 5792 or visit dezinerbeauty.com.au