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You’ve been told to invest in an eye cream, but you aren’t quite sure why you should fork out the extra dollars. After all, do you really need to use a separate cream for your eyes? Will your moisturiser not suffice? The short answer? Not necessarily. If all you are looking for is a little hydration around your eyes, then some gentle facial moisturisers can be perfectly suitable. But if you want to target something more specific (think dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, dryness or crepey-looking skin) that's when a dedicated eye treatment can really earn its place in your skincare routine! So, is your moisturiser enough or would your eyes benefit from something more targeted? Keep reading as we explain the difference, what to look for and how to choose the right option for your eyes.  Can you use your face moisturiser around your eyes? Yes, but it depends on the moisturiser! Not every facial moisturiser is designed to be applied so close to the eyes. The skin here is thinner and more delicate than much of the rest of your face, which can make it more prone to dryness and irritation. It's also constantly moving every time we smile, squint and blink, which is one of the reasons fine lines can become noticeable here relatively early! Your facial moisturiser may also contain active ingredients or fragrance that the rest of your face tolerates perfectly well, but your eye area doesn't. The easiest rule? Check the directions on your moisturiser. If it says to avoid the eye area, avoid it. And if it causes stinging, watering or irritation, that's a pretty good indication it doesn't belong there! Which ingredients are suitable around your eyes (and what should you avoid)? If you're using a facial moisturiser around your eyes, gentle hydrating and skin-supporting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, peptides and squalane can all be useful. But remember, it's the overall formulation that matters. A moisturiser isn't automatically suitable for your eyes simply because it contains hyaluronic acid or peptides. It's also worth being a little more careful with stronger actives. High-strength retinol, exfoliating acids and heavily fragranced formulas may irritate the delicate eye area, particularly if the product wasn't formulated to be used there. That doesn't mean ingredients such as retinol are off limits around your eyes though. Far from it! If fine lines and visible signs of ageing are a concern, retinol can be useful, but look for an eye treatment specifically formulated for this delicate area rather than taking your usual facial retinol right up to your eyes! Try Pevonia’s Evolutive Eye Cream. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and retinyl palmitate (which is a gentler, more stable vitamin A derivative) so perfect for the delicate, yet ageing eye area! It not only deeply hydrates, brightens and firms the skin, it also actively reduces fine lines and crepiness! So, what does an eye cream actually do differently? Eye creams, gels and serums are specifically formulated for the delicate eye area and, importantly, can target concerns your everyday facial moisturiser may not address. The key is choosing one according to your needs. Rather than simply reaching for an eye cream labelled ‘anti-ageing’, think about what you'd actually like to improve. Is it dryness? Puffiness? Dark circles? Fine lines? Or perhaps a combination of a few? If dryness and dehydration are your main concerns, an eye treatment rich in hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients including squalane, shea butter and vitamin e, can help replenish moisture and plump the appearance of fine dehydration lines. Want to know more? Here are 6 Reasons Why You Should Use Hyaluronic Acid Under Your Eyes For fine lines, loss of firmness and crepey-looking skin, look for targeted ingredients such as peptides, antioxidants, collagen-supporting ingredients and eye-friendly forms of vitamin A to help smooth and improve the appearance of ageing skin. Here are our expert approved eyes creams for ageing eyes, if you’re not sure where to start. If it's puffiness and tired looking eyes you’re looking to improve, ingredients such as caffeine, Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and targeted botanical extracts like Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, can help refresh the eye area and improve the appearance of tired, puffy eyes. And then there are dark circles. These are a little more complicated because they can have several different causes, including genetics, pigmentation, visible blood vessels and hollowness beneath the eyes. Lack of sleep certainly doesn't help either! For the best recommendations on how to treat your under eyes bags, dark circles and puffiness, click here. So, do you really need an eye cream? If your moisturiser is gentle, suitable for use around the eyes and all you're looking for is a little extra hydration, it may be perfectly adequate. But if there's something specific you'd like to improve, whether that's puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, dryness or crepey-looking skin, that's when a targeted eye treatment really comes into its own. Rather than expecting your everyday moisturiser to do everything, you can choose a formula specifically designed for the delicate eye area and the concerns you actually want to address. And if you're going to add another step to your skincare routine, we think that's a pretty good reason to do it!

Your favourite cleanser is from one skincare brand, the serum your friend raved about (and you recently bought) is from another, and then there's your trusty moisturiser you've been using for years from yet another! But have you ever wondered whether you'd actually get better results if everything in your routine came from the same brand? Or is mixing and matching products from different brands perfectly fine? Skincare ranges are often designed to be used together, so does mixing things up mean you're missing out on something? Or is it simply a case of choosing the products that work best for your skin, regardless of the name on the bottle? There's certainly no rule that says your entire skincare routine needs to come from one brand. But there can be benefits to using products from the same range, and a few important things to consider when combining them with other products. So, does a perfectly matching bathroom shelf really equal better skin? Keep reading as we look at when it makes sense to stick with one range and when choosing from different brands might actually work better for you.   Do skincare products work better when they're from the same brand? A cleanser, serum and moisturiser don't automatically become more effective because they share the same logo. What matters more is whether the products are right for your skin and whether their ingredients and formulations work well together. That said, there can be advantages to using products that have been developed as part of the same collection for a very good reason! Skincare brands will often create collections around a particular skin type or concern, with complementary formulations designed to form a complete routine. That can make choosing your products much easier, particularly if you're trying to address something specific such as sensitivity, dehydration, pigmentation or signs of ageing. So rather than thinking one brand = better, it can be more useful to think about whether a particular collection makes sense for your skin.   When using products from the same collection makes sense If you have a particular skin concern you want to focus on, this is where using several products from the same collection can work really well. Pevonia's RS2 Collection, for example, has been created specifically for sensitive, redness-prone skin. So rather than choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin from one range, a serum for redness from another and then trying to find a moisturiser to work alongside them, you can build your routine using products that have all been developed specifically to target that concern. The same applies if ageing is your main concern. Pevonia's Power Repair Collection offers a complete range of products for mature skin, while the Micro-Retinol Collection is ideal if you're looking for a more intensive approach to smoothing, resurfacing and improving the visible signs of ageing. Of course, that doesn't mean you need to use every product in the collection! You might love the cleanser, serum and moisturiser but prefer an eye cream or mask from another brand. It's simply about finding the combination of products that works best for your skin!   Why mixing skincare brands can work just as well Sometimes the best routine for your skin won't come neatly packaged within one brand and that's perfectly OK! You may love the way your Pevonia cleanser leaves your skin feeling, find that a Phytomer moisturiser gives you exactly the hydration you need and prefer a targeted VIE Collection serum for a particular concern (I'm testament to this!). So why give up a product that works brilliantly for your skin simply because the label doesn't match the bottle next to it? Mixing brands also allows you to build a much more personalised routine. Your skin may be dry and experiencing pigmentation, for example, or sensitive but also showing signs of ageing. One collection won't necessarily address everything you want it to. This is where introducing more targeted products, such as serums or masks, can really help tailor your routine to what your skin actually needs. Sometimes one carefully chosen product is all your routine is missing.   What actually matters when mixing skincare brands? It's less about “can I use brand A with brand B?” and more about whether the actual products and ingredients you're using work well together! There are a few things worth keeping in mind: Active ingredients. You need to be careful about layering several high-strength actives simply because they're in different products. Retinoids, exfoliating acids and other intensive ingredients can all be fantastic for your skin, but using too many at once can quickly lead to irritation! Duplication. It's surprisingly easy to double up without realising it! If your cleanser contains exfoliating acids and you're following it with an exfoliating toner and then an active serum, your skin may be getting far more than you intended. Different brands don't necessarily mean different ingredients. Your skin type and concerns. This should always come first. Choose products because they address what your skin needs, rather than because they're trending or your friend swears by them (yes, even that serum we mentioned earlier!). Texture and layering. Products still need to be applied in the right order, regardless of which brand they're from. As a general rule, lighter, water-based products such as serums go on before richer creams and oils, with SPF always the final step in your morning routine. How your skin responds. If you're adding something new, particularly an active product, introduce it gradually rather than changing three or four things at once. If your skin suddenly becomes irritated or congested, it'll be much easier to work out which product might be responsible. Ultimately, what's inside the bottles matters far more than whether the bottles match!  Can you mix natural and cosmeceutical skincare? Absolutely! This is another area where you might think you need to choose one or the other, but you really don't! You may love natural, botanical and marine-based skincare for your everyday cleanser and moisturiser but want something more targeted when it comes to treating a particular skin concern. For example, you could build the nourishing foundation of your routine around Pevonia's botanical and marine formulations, then introduce a targeted VIE Collection or Medicalia product when you want to address concerns such as pigmentation, skin texture or more advanced signs of ageing. The same principles apply, though. Don't focus purely on whether something is labelled natural, cosmeceutical or dermaceutical. Look at the actual formulation, the active ingredients you're already using and how the products work together. And if you're introducing something more intensive, particularly retinol or exfoliating acids, take it slowly. Avoid adding several strong actives at once and give your skin time to adjust.   One brand or several, what's best for your skin? There really is no prize for having a perfectly matching bathroom shelf! If you love the simplicity of using a complete collection that's been developed for your particular skin type or concern, there are definite benefits to building your routine that way. You know the products have been created to work well together and are all focused on addressing the same skin concerns. But if your perfect cleanser comes from one brand, your favourite serum from another and the moisturiser your skin loves is from somewhere else, there's absolutely no reason to change them simply to make your routine match. In fact, choosing products from different brands can sometimes help you create a routine that's much more tailored to your individual skin’s needs! Ultimately, your skincare routine doesn't need to match. It needs to make sense. Choose products that work well together and address your individual skin concerns, regardless of the name on the bottle.

Spring has sprung! (About time too!) But does the arrival of warmer weather mean your skincare routine needs to change too? Should you be doing anything differently to prepare your skin for the warmer months ahead? And do you even need different skincare products for each season? The short answer is...sometimes. Just as your skin can change with age, hormones and lifestyle, it can also respond to changes in temperature, humidity, sun exposure, heating and air-conditioning. So it makes sense that the products your skin loved in the middle of winter might not feel quite right as we head into spring. But that doesn't mean you need an entirely new skincare routine every few months. For most of us, it's less about replacing everything in the bathroom cabinet and more about paying attention to what your skin needs and making a few simple adjustments when necessary. Your cleanser might stay exactly the same, for example, while your moisturiser suddenly feels too rich or you find you need a little more hydration and a little less facial oil. So, as we head into spring, let's look at what might be worth changing, what can stay exactly as it is and, most importantly, the signs that your skin might need something different.   Why can our skin change with the seasons? Your skin is constantly responding to the environment around you. During the cooler months, lower humidity, cold weather and indoor heating can contribute to moisture loss, leaving skin feeling drier, tighter or more sensitive. Then, as the weather warms up, increased humidity and perspiration can make richer products feel heavier, while more time outdoors means greater exposure to UV, heat and other environmental stressors. And let's not forget air-conditioning! Anyone who has spent a Sydney summer moving between 30-degree heat and an icy air-conditioned office knows that warmer weather doesn't necessarily mean your skin can't become dehydrated! The important thing is that everyone's skin will respond differently. So rather than changing your routine because the calendar tells you to, look at what your skin is telling you.   The signs your skincare routine might need an update You don't need to wait for a particular date to make a change. Instead, look out for things like your moisturiser suddenly feeling too rich or greasy, increased oiliness or congestion, skin feeling tight after cleansing, dry or flaky patches, increased sensitivity or redness and skin looking dull or feeling dehydrated If none of these sound familiar and your skin feels great? Carry on as you are!   Spring is here, so what might you need to change? Coming out of winter, one of the first things you may notice is that those richer creams and oils you loved during July and August are starting to feel like a little too much. If that's the case, try lightening your layers rather than stripping everything back! You could swap a particularly rich moisturiser for a lighter texture and use your facial oil (if you’ve been using one) only when you feel your skin craves it. Just be sure you don’t make the mistake of confusing lighter skincare with less hydration! Your skin still needs water, and warmer weather, sun exposure and air-conditioning can all contribute to dehydration. A lightweight hydrating serum is a great way to keep moisture levels topped up without adding heaviness. Try: Pevonia Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it delivers an intensive boost of hydration while helping skin look plumper, smoother and more radiant. It’s ideal when you want hydration without a heavy layer! Oh and it features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful duo of marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract to deliver long-lasting hydration and skin smoothing results! Yes! Spring is also a good time to take another look at your morning routine. If you aren't already using an antioxidant serum, adding one can help support skin against the environmental stressors we're exposed to every day. Try: Vie Collection Vita C Concentrated Solution. Formulated with 10% stabilised Vitamin C, this lightweight serum helps brighten dull, lacklustre skin, even skin tone and protect against environmental damage. It’s perfect for giving your complexion a fresh spring boost! Do you need to change your active ingredients? Usually, no. If you're happily using retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or other active ingredients and your skin is responding well, there's no reason to stop simply because spring has arrived! What may need adjusting are the products you use around them. For example, if you use retinol and needed a rich moisturiser over winter to keep your skin comfortable, you may find you can move to something lighter as the weather warms up. The same goes for exfoliation. Don't automatically start exfoliating more because you want to get rid of “winter skin”. If your skin is looking dull, gentle exfoliation can certainly help remove dead surface cells and restore radiance, but more isn't necessarily better. Pay attention to your skin barrier. If your skin feels tight, sensitive or irritated, that's a sign to ease back, make sure you are using barrier repair skincare and exfoliate less not more! What should stay in your routine all year round? Some skincare essentials really don't need a seasonal timetable! Cleansing: A gentle cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean and comfortable can work beautifully year-round. Hydration: Dehydration isn't just a winter problem. If your skin is thirsty, keep your hydrating serum in the routine whatever the temperature. Moisturiser: You may want to change the texture, but your skin still needs support maintaining its moisture barrier. And then there's the big one... SPF isn't seasonal. We definitely all talk about sunscreen more as the weather warms up, but SPF shouldn't be something you rediscover every spring! UV exposure is present throughout the year, which means broad-spectrum sunscreen should remain the final step in your morning skincare routine whether it's January or July. What can change is the texture you prefer. As the weather gets warmer, you may find yourself reaching for a lighter sunscreen that sits comfortably under makeup and doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Not sure which SPF is right for you? Our guide to choosing the best sunscreen for your skin explains the difference between UVA and UVB, mineral and chemical sunscreens, SPF levels and what to look for when choosing your everyday protection. And if you're starting to think ahead to beach days and summer holidays, have a read of our complete sun care guide for some of our favourite sunscreens, along with pre- and post-sun essentials.   So, does your skincare routine need a seasonal update? Maybe, but don't change your skincare simply because the season has changed. Change it because your skin is telling you it needs something different. Some products may work beautifully for you all year round, while others might come and go as the weather changes. So as we head into spring, take a look at your routine and, more importantly, take a look at your skin! If it feels comfortable, balanced and happy with what you're using, there's no reason to change a thing. And if it doesn't? Sometimes one small adjustment is all it needs.