As an ex-model, a television presenter and a health fanatic, Erika Heynatz knows a thing or two about looking good. Heynatz was recently named the Australian ambassador for Power Plate, a workout machine that uses vibration technology to make for faster fitness results (click here for more info, or to locate a Power Plate gym near you). Here, she shares her top body and beauty tips.

What do you like about Power Plate?

“Its convenience and its capacity to recruit a number of muscle groups simultaneously, thus maximizing the workout. I think it has intensified the toning part of my workout and the focus stretching and relaxation is definitely beneficial. My strength, circulation and metabolism have definitely bumped up a gear since I’ve been using it.”

What other exercise do you do?

“Yoga, running, spin, and weight training.” (more…)

It’s hard to advise you without knowing what your breakouts actually look like and exactly what your doctor has prescribed … I’m guessing that may be the oral contraceptive and an antibiotic treatment (whether internal or external). If your acne is of the very inflamed or cystic variety, you could now ask for a referral to a derm, who could discuss the option of a course of roaccutane, which basically shuts down over-productive oil glands. (more…)

It’s a well known phenomenon that a groom often doesn’t recognise the woman in white walking toward him. What with all those weeks of boot-camping and dieting, not to mention that mountain of curls on her head or the newly contoured cheekbones. But in these days of botox on every corner, the situation is apparently only becoming more common. An article in yesterday’s Sun-Herald reported on the trend for ‘per-nup nip and tuck’. One surgeon said he sees ten brides-to-be per week, who ask for botox, lipo or even a boob job.

I guess it’s not surprising, seeing as women are getting married later in life, that they might want to smooth out their forehead and feel a little more camera-ready. And all those dress fittings and seating plans do take their toll on the face. (Tip: don’t get botox done the week before, make it a month earlier, to look naturally calm, not a frozen petrified version of your old self). Okay, and I understand the lipo bit. I mean, you’re probably spending your honeymoon in a bikini on a beach the whole time. Or more to the point, in bed. (But surely, hasn’t he seen it all by now?) (more…)

Okay sure, it’s not like you should eat pizza every day. But it may not be as bad as you think, at least when it comes to eating for your skin. (The butt: another matter altogether). Read on for more recipes to a younger, glowier complexion …

Antioxidants. These skin-loving wonders fight the free radicals that cause inflammation and break down our skin’s support structure. Colour indicates the presence of antioxidants so eat a rainbow of foods. Leafy greens and berries are particularly potent, and also provide a good dose of vitamin C, which plays a key part in collagen production and capillary strengthening. (more…)