Sharyn's Beauty & Wellbeing

Another great question: Too many people ask:

How will I know if I have nail fungus

Understanding Nail Fungus: What you should know.

Many people experience changes in their nails as they age, but not all changes are caused by fungus. In the salon, I often see clients unsure about what’s normal and what needs attention — so here’s a simple, educational guide.

What nail fungus typically looks like

• Yellow, brown or cloudy discolouration
• Thickened nail plate that feels harder or bulkier
• Crumbly or flaky edges when trimming
• Distorted shape or a nail that begins to lift
• Rough, uneven texture that wasn’t there before

These are the most common signs of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection).

What isn’t fungus

Many nail changes mimic fungus but have different causes:

• Vertical ridges — normal ageing
• Splits or cracks — usually trauma
• Green/black staining — often bacterial (pseudomonas)
• Pitting or lifting — can be related to psoriasis
• Red, swollen skin around the nail — usually bacterial (paronychia)

Why proper diagnosis matters

Fungal nails can look similar to other conditions.

A GP or podiatrist can confirm the cause with a simple nail clipping or scraping. This ensures the right treatment — because fungal infections often require consistent, long‑term care.

When to seek medical advice

• The nail is becoming thicker, painful or misshapen
• Multiple nails are affected
• You have diabetes or circulation issues
• The nail is lifting significantly
• Over‑the‑counter treatments haven’t helped

A gentle reminder

Nail fungus is extremely common and nothing to feel embarrassed about. Early attention makes treatment easier, and I’m always here to help guide you if you’re unsure.

Hydration Isn’t Just for Your Skin — It’s for Your Intimate Health Too

As we move through menopause, our body’s natural hydration shifts — and that includes the delicate skin in our most intimate areas.

When estrogen levels drop, the tissue can become thinner, drier, and more fragile, leading to discomfort, itching, or irritation.

Just as we nourish our face and body with moisture, our intimate skin deserves the same care and respect.

Hydration here isn’t about beauty — it’s about comfort, confidence, and wellbeing.

Gentle options like vaginal moisturisers or low‑dose vaginal estrogen can help restore softness and elasticity, bringing back that feeling of ease and balance.

It’s a small step that can make a big difference in how you feel every day.

If you’ve noticed dryness or irritation, speak with your GP — there are safe, effective ways to help your body feel hydrated again.

You deserve comfort at every age.

Arms Matter — Especially in Summer

As we head into the warmer months, our arms become one of the most visible parts of our body — sleeveless tops, light dresses, sunny days, and that effortless summer confidence.

And here’s the truth: strong arms make everything feel easier and look better.

For senior ladies, keeping the arms toned isn’t just about appearance. It’s about:

Feeling steady and supported

Protecting shoulders and joints

Improving posture

Staying independent and capable

Boosting circulation and bone strength

And yes… looking fabulous in those summer outfits

The best part is how simple it can be.

Just a few gentle exercises — curls, kickbacks, presses, wall push‑ups — done 2–3 times a week can reshape the arms, lift the shoulders, and give that beautiful toned look that makes sleeveless dressing feel effortless.

Strong arms aren’t about age.

They’re about confidence, elegance, and taking care of yourself.

You can purchase weight on Amazon, buy at Target or Kmart or Rebel Sport. Or just hold a couple of cans of soup.

Another alternative is to join me on a Wednesday morning at 8.30 online with Danni (Australian College of Classical Yoga) and do the Yoga with weights class. I did it this morning, felt great, actually my exercise regime has increased quite a bit, nothing like seeing some reward for your effort. Thanks Danni.

Summer outfits, lower neck lines .......

Caring for the Neck & Décolletage at Home

OR Upgrade to the Face/neck/Decolletage Facial - $145

The neck and chest often reveal our age before the face does — the skin here is thinner, more delicate, and exposed to years of sun.

If you’re not including the neck and décolletage in your salon facial, it’s so important to give these areas a little extra love at home.
A few simple steps make a world of difference:

Apply your serum and moisturiser down the neck and across the chest.

✨ Use gentle upward strokes — never tug or pull.
✨ Protect daily with SPF, even under clothing.
✨ A warm cloth cleanse and light massage once or twice a week.

Your face doesn’t stop at the jawline — and neither should your care.

And for those who’d like a deeper salon treatment, you can add the neck and décolletage upgrade for just $20. (It also includes collagen under eye treatment pads)

Soft, consistent attention keeps everything looking smooth, hydrated and beautifully confident.

It’s always up to you how you care for your skin. My role is simply to advise you on the best options, explain what each area needs, and help you make choices that keep your skin looking its most beautiful.

I made this last night - Easy

But you could make it for your Friday night dinner

Served with Potato home cooked chips, Broccolini and Beans.

The Yoghurt sauce is a real winner.

If you were to invest in just one serum in your 60s, make it a hyaluronic acid serum.

Not fancy, not complicated — just deeply hydrating, barrier‑supporting, and beautifully compatible with every skin type.

Why this one matters most:

Hydration is the foundation of mature skin — when it’s well‑hydrated, everything else works better.

It plumps and softens fine lines, giving that fresh, cushioned look.

It’s gentle and calming for skin that’s becoming thinner and more reactive.

It layers under everything — sunscreen, moisturiser, makeup, LED, microcurrent.

It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t need to be expensive to deliver results.

Think of hyaluronic acid as the daily drink of water your skin can’t produce on its own anymore. When used consistently, it helps the skin look calmer, smoother, and more radiant — even before adding anything else.

💧 A little something just for my beauty followers

I’ve been able to source the La Roche‑Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Serum for a bulk order price of $45 each, and I wanted to pass this directly on to my beautiful clients.

If you’d love to start adding this remarkable serum into your routine, please message me directly.

Limited stock — just a small batch available.

Add a bit of spice to your life - We all love lamb cutlets
this is a simple and delicious way to cook them.

Spicy Kashmiri Lamb Cutlets

A cosy, flavour‑packed favourite from my kitchen

You’ll need:

6 lamb cutlets

1 tbsp GF soy

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Kashmiri mirch

1 tsp chilli jam

2 cloves garlic, crushed

½ tsp honey

½–1 tsp lemon zest

Salt + pepper

Squeeze of lemon

Method:
Mix all marinade ingredients.

Coat lamb cutlets and rest 20 mins (or up to 3 hours).

Pan‑sear on medium‑high, 2–3 mins each side.

Brush with leftover marinade in the final minute.

Rest 3 mins before serving.

The flavour:
Warm spice, gentle sweetness, bright citrus…
And that beautiful natural lamb flavour shining through.

Another great question : Joan

I am wondering if I need to add a toner into my skin care routine, not sure what they do or even when to use it. Can you advise.

Joan, thanks for asking, this is isn’t “just an extra step”. Toners/ Hydrosols are treatment waters that calm the skin, restore balance after cleansing, and help your serums and moisturisers absorb more effectively.

I have two beautiful options from Warbotanicals.

🍊 Organic Orange Hydrosol
Fresh, uplifting and perfect for combination or sensitive skin.
Helps brighten, balance and gently refresh the skin — especially in the morning.

🌹 Organic Rose Otto Hydrosol
Deeply soothing for dry, mature or reactive skin.
Calms redness, supports the skin barrier and feels beautifully comforting.

Benefits of hydrosol

Calm sensitivity

Add a layer of hydration

Support the skin’s natural pH

Prep the skin for serums

Can be used anytime for a refreshing, calming mist

When to use

Morning or night after cleansing, before serums, after makeup, or anytime your skin needs a gentle boost.

Other uses

Cooling mist during hot flushes, soothing eye compress, travel hydration, calming pillow spray.

Joan, I do recommend using a toner/hydrosol especially for mature skin, of course it's up to you, however your skin will feel the difference.

Warbotanicals