Beauty Collective - protect skin from skin pollution

How to protect your skin from pollution

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We all know that the sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on our skin, but are we all aware of how damaging pollution can be too? We’re talking everything from soot, dust or smoke to even smaller specs, which cannot be seen by the naked eye!

If you’ve ever suffered from dull, devitalised skin, blotchiness and breakouts, discolouration, inflammation and premature ageing even, chances are it could be the result of pollution, and if you live in an urban area like me, there is sadly no escaping it! The good news however, is you can take many measures to protect your skin from it, keep reading as we reveal them all.

 

  1. Smart Cleansing

I’m certain when I say we all cleanse our skin daily, but cleansing your skin properly (not aggressively) each night is an essential when it comes to protecting your skin from pollution. While pollutants can be like cell munching monsters that stick to the skin like velcro, a great cleanser, used gently will help remove them and still maintain your skin’s natural barrier. And the great news is there are cleansers that have been designed specifically to target pollution. They thoroughly remove dirt, grime, makeup, pollution and impurities, but do not strip the skin like harsher cleansers can.

Consider a double cleansing routine too if your wear makeup everyday, starting with an oil-based cleanser followed by Phytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream. Formulated with depolluting armeria maritima, an anti-pollution marine sugar and oligomer (seawater concentrate rich in minerals and trace elements), it cleanses, purifies, and invigorates the skin with a beautifully fresh, clean feeling.

  1. Effective exfoliation

Just cleansing your face is likely not enough to remove all the polluting particles once they have entered your pores which is why you need a good exfoliating cleanser too! Cue award winning product Phytomer CITYLIFE Ultra Cleansing Flash Peel.  This is the first of its kind, a pollution defence deep cleanser. Power packed with a high concentration of exfoliating enzymes, it leaves the skin healthy, purified, smooth, soft and with an incredible glow. Love.

Phytomer - CITYLIFE Ultra Cleansing Flash Peel 125ml

  1. Skin barrier boost

Your skin has its own protective barrier, but it could use some reinforcements. Look for an added boost of hydration and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and niacinamide, in the form of a serum or concentrate. These superheros fight off free radicals and help further repair skin damage caused by pollution.

Try Phytomer Oligo 6 Marine Concentrate with Vitamins, Prebiotic Complex and Trace Elements which includes vitamins C, E, B and B3, Phytomer’s marine prebiotic complex and OLIGOMER®, to effectively help fight free radicals on the skins surface. This moisturising gel really is the perfect antidote for tired, dull complexions. You’ll love the way it rebalances, hydrates and boosts lacklustre skin (as well as protecting it of course!)

Phytomer - Oligo 6

  1. Sun protection

Never, ever underestimate the power of sunscreen! Sunscreen not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also acts as a protective barrier against pollution. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and wear it daily, even on cloudy days!

 

  1. Face Mask

Treat yourself to a detoxifying face mask once or twice a week. Your skin will thank you for it! Clay masks, charcoal masks and masks with activated charcoal can help draw out impurities and pollutants from your pores. The face mask we can’t recommend more highly is Phytomer Radiance Reviving Mask with Clay. It combines 100% natural red and white clays, blue microalgae, red algae and a comprehensive depolluting complex of 3 marine sugars, and instantly unclogs pores and counters the effects of pollution (dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and a dull complexion!) Want your skin to look less tired and to recover its original radiance? Try this!

Beauty Collective - Phytomer - CITYLIFE Radiance Reviving Mask with Clay

  1. Hydrate, inside and out

When we talk about skin and hydration we aren’t just talking about moisturising, it’s about maintaining your skins natural barrier. You want to protect your skin as best you can! Remember to drink water like it’s going out of fashion and apply your moisturiser religiously as it can help in lock that much needed moisture as well as create a protective layer on your skin. Better still look for a moisturiser specifically formulated to combat the effects of pollution. We love Phytomer Citylife Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. With its Citysafe complex (a trio of anti-oxidant biotech marine sugars) and Oligomer, it literally sweeps away toxic micro-particles and repairs skin damage caused by pollution! Even better, its suitable for face and eyes, re-oxygenating tired, dull and dehydrated skin.

Beauty Collective - Phytomer - Citadine Citylife - Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream

  1. And finally, don’t skip on an antioxidant-rich diet!

Weve talked about antioxidants in your skincare, but a diet rich in antioxidants can also do wonders for your skin, especially if you’re living in an urban area.  Be sure to load up on colourful fruits and veggies, and add nuts and fatty fish into the equation too. These are the best foods to provide your body with the tools it needs to fight free radicals and repair skin damage!

So, the long and the short of it is pollution is bad, antioxidants are good and implementing these protective measures into your daily routine can help your skin stay healthy.

under eye crepiness

Top tips to improve under eye crepiness

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If like me, you’re in your 40’s (or older), you may have fallen victim to under eye crepiness – that undesirable loose, wrinkled skin that can make you look tired, but also older than you actually are!

This is because as we age the collagen and elastin levels in our skin starts to decline, as it does the delicate skin around our eyes (one of the first and most prevalent areas to show premature ageing) becomes dryer and thinner, and well crepey! Luckily all is not lost though! There are a number of steps you can take to improve its appearance, and we aren’t talking chemical peels, dermal fillers, laser and Botox, no siree, we are all about natural, non-intrusive alternatives. Keep reading as we reveal them all!

Firstly though, why might you be more susceptible to under eye crepiness?

The most common cause of fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin under your eyes is unfortunately ageing, which can of course be influenced by genetics (thank you Mum and Dad!) But other common contributing factors which may be possible to avoid include;

UV radiation – exposure to UV rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen leading to premature ageing, this is why it’s essential to protect our peepers! If you don’t wear sunnies every single day like you do your sunscreen, you should now!

Smoking – smoking exposures your skin to extra oxidative stress, in turn damaging its collagen and elastin. Smoking also constricts the blood vessels under your eyes by blocking circulation to your blood vessels and depriving your skin of necessary vitamin A.

Environmental factors – environmental factors, such as dry weather, wind, and pollution can all contribute to undereye ageing.

Pulling repetitive expressions – well I’m definitely guilty of this! Facial expressions, like smiling, frowning, and furrowing your brow, can cause fine lines to develop prematurely around your delicate eye area. Eek!

Even the way we sleep can have a negative impact on our eyes! What you might say? Yup, if you sleep with your face buried in your pillow (guilty as charged) you are likely to be more prone to premature fine lines, wrinkles and eye crepiness, than those that don’t! Aghhh.

How can you improve undereye crepiness?

Although crepey skin will not disappear overnight, it can be drastically improved with time, the right anti-aging products, as well as lifestyle changes. It can take weeks or even months to see results, but by following these top 10 tips you can bid adieu to that saggy, sullen, crepey skin under your eyes.

 

  1. Stay hydrated. All. The. Time.

Yes, you’ve heard it a million times before, drink all the water. Hydration is key my friends. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day (we’re talking 8 glasses minimum). When you drink water, it’s like giving your skin a drink from the inside out too (and that water has to nourish all your other vital organise too!

  1. Treat sunscreen like is your BFF

Never underestimate the power of sunscreen. Those harmful UV rays are a major contributor to premature aging. So, slather on that sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days. Your future self will thank you!

Not a huge fan of sunscreen? We get it. Soo many sunscreens feel greasy, don’t smell great or simply don’t sit well on our skin, and then there are those thick white sunscreens that look like a paste when applied too! That’s why we love the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. It’s not greasy but instead silky soft, the scent isn’t unpleasant, and it applies beautifully to my skin. And thanks to its formulation its helps nourish and restore skins luminosity too, not to mention it’s high SPF of 50!

ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50

 

  1. Invest in an eye cream rich in hyaluronic acid and use it day and night

Investing in a good quality eye cream that’s packed with hydrating and skin-loving ingredients including hyaluronic acid and peptides will do wonders for ageing eyes. Gently pat the product around your eyes morning and night for that extra boost of moisture and optimal results.

For more on the benefits of using hyaluronic acid under your eyes and our 3 favourite eye treatments click here.

 

  1. Add a gemstone facial roller to your daily beauty routine

The roller will, not only help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, when used correctly, it can dramatically reduce puffiness by moving excess fluid around your eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out the toxins too. Cool right? To find out more about the facial rollers and how to use them click here.

BC Amethyst Facial Roller

 

  1. Introduce tea time for your eyes

Tea isn’t just for drinking you know, it’s also good for soothing your eyes too! Try placing cold tea bags (caffeine free, herbal tea is best!) on your closed eyes for a few minutes. The tannins in tea can help tighten the skin and reduce puffiness too!

 

  1. Consider practicing eye massage

Light massage with your ring finger can improve bloody circulation and actually help your skin appear smoother. Remember gentle, gentle though as applying too much pressure to already thin, delicate skin can have the adverse effect!

  1. Give your eyes a rest from screen time

Increased time in front of your laptop and on your phone can reap havoc with your precious peepers. In fact, spending just two consecutive hours on a digital device can cause eyestrain or fatigue while overexposure to blue light also suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, therefore disrupting our normal sleep pattern. And we all know poor sleep can lead to premature ageing, especially around the delicate eye area!

 

  1. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Your overall health reflects on your skin, including the delicate eye area. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. And if you’re a smoker, consider kicking the habit – smoking accelerates skin aging like nobody’s business.

 

  1. Using gentle cleansing is a must

Be kind to your skin when you cleanse but also never skip on cleansing, it’s a must, just be sure to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. Harsh cleansers can contribute to dryness and crepiness. Try Medicalia’s Gentle Cleanser.

 

  1. Introduce cold compress magic

Incorporate cold compresses into your routine. Applying a cold, damp cloth or chilled spoons over your eyes for a few minutes can help reduce puffiness and refresh your skin.

 

  1. Keep skin hydrated

Invest in a good hydrating mist. A quick spritz throughout the day can give your skin the moisture it craves, helping to minimize crepiness. We love Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist. It’s one of my all time favourites.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™

  1. Make sure you get enough Zzzz’s

Beauty sleep is real people! After all it’s not dubbed beauty sleep for nothing! Make sure you’re getting enough restful sleep each night. Elevate your head slightly with an extra pillow to prevent fluid from pooling around your eyes, which can lead to puffiness and crepiness.

 

  1. Upgrade your pillow case

If you are one for sleeping with your face in the pillow, you might want to consider switching up your cotton pillowcase to a silk or satin alternative instead.

Silk has natural moisturising properties to retain moisture around the eyes. The dense weave of the silky-smooth fibres also keep moisture close to your skin, this extra moisture can help to reduce dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.

Just remember, Rome wasn’t built in day, and your under-eye skin won’t transform overnight either sadly (if only!) Be patient and be religious with these steps and you’ll be waking up to smoother, brighter and younger looking eyes soon!

Skin Blurring products - woman with flawless skin

The best makeup products to create photo filter inspired skin

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I love a good photo filter, they have the ability to shave years off my face! No more fine lines and wrinkles, just smooth flawless skin instead!  Well imagine being able to blur away those imperfections and create that soft-focus effect without using an app! Cue skin blurring makeup! That’s right, products that are actually formulated to give your skin that perfectly filtered look!

Skin blurring products contain innovative ingredients that create a soft, diffused effect on our skin. These ingredients, such as silicone form a breathable invisible barrier on your skin’s surface filling in fine lines, pores and imperfections. They essentially provide a ‘smoothing’ canvas for your makeup, just like a filter does for your photos. Read on as we reveal our favourite skin blurring makeup products. Use these and you’ll not need to add a filter again!

 

ELES Retexturizing Face Primer

Primer may not be part of your daily makeup routine, in fact primers are a product many of us will forgo, but if you want to optimize the effects of your makeup and ensure it lasts all day (or night), this step shouldn’t be skipped! And while makeup primers won’t enhance your skin quite like a bronzer, or conceal pesky pimples like a foundation, they are formulated to hide and blur imperfections! They are in fact touted as the photoshop of the makeup world! How they actually blur imperfections is down to two key ingredients: silicone particles which “fill in the gaps” on the surface of skin to even it out, and light-diffusing particles which scatter the light that hits the surface of the skin, creating an optical illusion that tricks the eye and makes pores and fine lines less visible. Sounds ideal right?

This why we love ELES Cosmetics ELES Retexturizing Face Primer. Not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Want to look like a filtered goodness, and have makeup last the distance, try this!

ELES Retexturizing Face Primer

 

ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation

For that filter-effect flawless finish you can achieve in photos, choosing the right foundation finish is key. A matte foundation is usually your best bet because it reflects less light, which makes pores less obvious and gives your skin a smoother look. It also cuts down on shine, so your makeup will look smooth and flawless as long as possible. We highly recommend ELES Cosmetics best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. It’s a silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation that glides on beautifully and sets to a soft, powder finish. Oh and it has broad spectrum sun protection too!

If your skin is very dry though you might want to opt for a dewier finish.

As well as choosing the right type of foundation for your skin, make sure you select the right colour too! For more information on how to choose the right foundation for your skin type click here.

ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light

While your primer will blur imperfections and your foundation will provide you with a flawless base, a finishing power will complete the soft filtered finish to your skin!

We love the ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light. It’s the compact of miracles I tell you and will totally transform your skin in seconds! It acts itself like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow”!

The microfine powder’s jet milled pigments bring a soft-focus finish for a blurring effect over imperfections and fine lines. The deeper tones in the powder enhance contours, while the highlight softly strobe and reflect away imperfections to make skin look professionally retouched and simply sublime every time! Incredibly light, it never gets chalky, weighs down the skin or even looks like your wearing powder, yet keeps any shine at bay. And all you have to do is apply your morning skincare, then simply brush a light layer all over your face with a makeup brush and watch your skin truly transform.

Vitamin C sources - orange lemon nectarine grapefruit slices - citrus

7 of the best ingredients to brighten your skin

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If you’re fed up with having a dull, lacklustre complexion, it might be time to change up your skincare routine. By introducing a few simple steps, you can take your skin from drab to radiant in next to no time! And no we aren’t talking makeup, even though you can achieve a ‘brighter glow’ with a good stick illuminator or power highlighter, it’s the ‘lit from within’ glow we are all after which can only truly be achieved by using the right skincare products, skincare products formulated with the best skin brightening ingredients that is!

From the infamous vitamin C to powerhouse retinol, keep reading as we countdown the best skincare ingredients to brighten your dull skin, 7 ingredients that will reduce dark spots, fade hyperpigmentation, clear pores, smooth skins surface and well, create an overall radiant complexion….

 

Vitamin C

This outstanding brightening ingredient is like a burst of sunshine for your skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radicals and prevents skin from developing photodamage and dark spots caused by sun exposure. It also evens out skin tone and promotes collagen production. This translates to a smoother, more radiant complexion that is free from dullness and discolouration. All hail Vitamin C!

Try: Pevonia C Complex – How can we describe a serum that smells like a fresh orange, is silkier than silk and once applied leaves your skin looking as though you’ve just returned from a tropical island holiday?  A bit over the top? Ok, maybe… but seriously, this is an addictive product and when applied beneath your regular moisturiser offers a vibrancy and luminosity rarely seen without a pound of makeup.  Many clients comment that it has in fact helped eliminate the need for foundation! Pretty serious claim but true nonetheless. It’s seriously good stuff! So if dullness and tiredness are your skin woes, try this glow getter! You won’t be disappointed.

 

Glycolic Acid

Don’t let the word ‘acid’ scare you. Glycolic acid is a water soluble AHA (otherwise known as alpha-hydroxy acid) derived from sugar cane! It’s a type of natural exfoliant which dissolves the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together, enabling them to be easily sloughed away revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath. And because of its small molecule size (glycolic acid actually has the smallest molecular size among all AHAs) it is able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin where it can help treat everything from fine lines to uneven texture, blemishes, and of course dullness!

Try: Pevonia Renewing Glycocides Cream – If your skin is looking a tad dull and devitalised and you’re forever coveting that ‘insta-glow’, this product is your answer! Formulated with most renowned AHA glycolic acid combined with hydration hero Hyaluronic Acid, this treatment cream works to dissolve dead skin cells, improving skin texture and diminishing fine lines too! Skin resurfaces soother, brighter and younger…seriously.

Pevonia Renewing Glycocides Cream

 

Retinol

If you’re searching for a way to turn back the clock and reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion, look no further than this holy grail anti-ageing wonder ingredient! A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol stimulates cell turnover, inhibits melanin production (which helps dimmish hyperpigmentation, dark spots and acne scars), boosts collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The results? Skin looks plump, firm and positively luminous!

Try: Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Line – this outstanding range of retinol products contains all-natural retinol, sourced from green leafy vegetables, paired with powerhouse duo Vitamin C and Vitamin E for optimal results! Each product in the range also utilizes a specialized technology to create micro-particles of retinol that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation and beautifully brighter skin.

Tip: Apply in the evening, always wear SPF the morning after application, and avoid layering with exfoliating acids and vitamin c.

Micro Retinol

Lactic Acid

Similarly to glycolic acid, lactic acid dissolves the upper layers of dead skin cells, kickstarting a process of renewal that means fresh new cells come to the surface and make skin appear brighter. Lactic acid has larger molecules than glycolic acid, so doesn’t penetrate as deeply and is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Try: Phytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum

This lightweight, refining face serum formulated with a powerful AHA formulation, visibly reduces the appearances of imperfections.  It diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots, making your skin appear younger, brighter and healthier!

Phytomer - Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum 30ml

 

Enzymes

When it comes to exfoliation, papaya enzymes are the gentle giants (so if you have sensitive skin this is the way to go!) They provide skin with a very gentle form of exfoliation as they don’t adjust the skin’s pH. Enzymes literally dissolve dead skin cells by breaking down the keratin protein in the upper layers of your skin, revealing brighter skin underneath. It’s like a mini day spa for your face!

Try: Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream– There’s something so wholesome about this peeling cream that smells so delicious you could eat it!  Papaya and Pineapple have been selected for their enzyme peeling action, in other words, an action that gently digests away the dead skin cells instead of abrading or burning them off.  So it’s gentle, really gentle, and it’s effective too!  Nothing makes skin feel cleaner, lighter or more purified than this jar of goodness and it’s easy to use; simply apply a thin layer on cleansed skin, wet the fingertips with warm water, this will help to “wake up” the enzymes, then leave them to do their thing for 5-10 minutes, then rinse away.  What you are left with is skin that looks reborn and with a lustrous sheen.

Pevonia - Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream

Hyaluronic Acid

Bright skin doesn’t just mean saying goodbye to dark spots – it’s also about having plump, hydrated skin that looks youthful and alive. Hyaluronic acid is a master at retaining moisture, giving your skin that dewy, healthy glow that turns heads.

Try: Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic acid vitamin mask containing a cocktail of vitamins and hyaluronic acid, this sensational mask reveals hydrated skin and a radiant complexion. With each application, skin is visibly smoothed and plumped.

Beauty Collective - Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid VItamin Mask

Niacinamide

If you’re dealing with pesky dark spots, redness, or an uneven skin tone, niacinamide might just become your new best friend. This B-vitamin helps regulate sebum production, soothes inflammation, and minimizes the appearance of pores. The result? Clearer, more even skin that’s positively glowing.

Try: ELES Hydrating and Brightening Sheet Mask – if you’re dealing with dryness, dehydration, discolouration and dullness and could do with an instant pick-me-up, as well as boost of hydration, a sheet mask that contains nourishing and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin c or niacinamide is the way to go! We can’t get enough of this sheet mask by ELES Cosmetics, it plumps the skin from within, radically reducing moisture loss, plus extra bonus it helps to prevent hyperpigmentation and give your skin a fabulous, healthy glow.

Remember, achieving bright, glowing skin isn’t an overnight process. Consistency is key, so introduce these ingredients into your skincare routine gradually and listen to your skin’s needs. Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, dullness, or simply want to enhance your natural radiance, these 7 outstanding ingredients will have you covered!