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sensitive skin skincare and makeup routine

The best makeup tips for sensitive skin

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If you suffer from sensitive skin, you’ll know that makeup can be somewhat of a challenge! After all you don’t want to spend your hard-earned dollars purchasing products that are only going to exacerbate your already compromised complexion!

Unfortunately when it comes to sensitive skin, choosing the right makeup products for your skin’s specific needs, as well as adopting gentle preparation and application techniques, are imperative! To help guide you, below we reveal the top 9 makeup tips for sensitive skin sufferers and the best makeup products for you to try too! Products that will both help conceal and sooth your sensitive skin without any irritation. Sound good? Keep reading!

 

  1. Understand your skin

Before you even consider your makeup, you need to really understand your skin. As well as being sensitive, is it dry? Oily? Combination perhaps? Do you have any specific skin conditions like rosacea or eczema? Are their certain ingredients that cause your skin to flair up? Understanding your skins unique needs will help you choose the right products.

  1. Check ingredients

When selecting makeup products for sensitive skin, read labels carefully. You want to avoid highly fragranced products which are very likely to cause a negative reaction with sensitive skin. Also avoid, drying alcohols, witch hazel, citrus and products that contain a high % of essential oils. Another problem can be preservatives, particularly methylisothiazolinone and methylcholorisothiazoline which are often used to replace parabens, these are known sensitisers when used in leave on products.

Instead look for terms like “fragrance-free” and “hypoallergenic”. This means that the makeup has been tested and proven to be less likely to cause irritation. Also check the label for ”non-comedogenic”. Non-comedogenic makeup is less likely to clog your pores, which can lead to breakouts.

Mineral makeup will be your because bet, because its fragrance-free, hypoallergic and non-comedogenic and it tends to be packed with soothing, skin loving ingredients instead of ingredients that can cause irritation.

  1. Choose the right shade

When it comes to choosing colours avoid products that are too yellow.  Red skin and yellow makeup = orange complexion.  Neutral shades are best for you and will help reduce the redness harmoniously.

  1. Patch test your products

Before applying any new product to your face we recommend patch testing first to check for any allergic reactions or irritation. Either apply the product on an area like the back of your wrist or by apply a very small amount to your jawline.

  1. Make sure your skin is properly prepped

Before diving into makeup, it’s imperative to start with a clean canvas. Use a gentle, sensitive skin cleanser to remove any impurities. Next, it’s time to moisturise. Sensitive skin can be on the dry side too, so it’s important to add nourishment. Opt for a moisturiser specifically designed to sooth and hydrate sensitive skin, this will lock in hydration and create a smooth base for the makeup to follow! We are loving Phytomer’s Douceur Marine Soothing Moisturising Cream. It is beautifully silky in texture, soothing on the skin and visibly reduces skin redness. What’s more, its deeply hydrating without feeling greasy or heavy.

Take only the size of a pea and pat the product into the skin to allow it to absorb slowly and naturally.  You should also add a sunscreen with high SPF for a layer of added protection, this will help prevent sun damage and premature skin ageing like fines lines and wrinkles. We recommend: ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50

ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50

  1. It’s time to prime

All hail the makeup primer! This product will really be your best friend. A makeup primer will not only help create longer lasting makeup, but it will create a barrier between your skin and makeup reducing the risk of irritation too! Choose a gentle formula. We love ELES Retexturizing Face Primer

ELES Retexturizing Face Primer

To learn more about primers and just how good they are click here.

  1. Go light

If you use foundation, go for a breathable, lightweight liquid formula.

We love the best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. It’s silky, mineral-enriched and provides skin with broad spectrum sun protection. It liquid formulated glides beautifully onto sensitive skin setting as a soft, powder finish, however it does not clog skin! Brilliant stuff.

Another option is to look for multi-tasking products that treat, conceal and even tone in one.  A tall ask?  Not when it comes to CC Creams! These miracle formulas are colour correcting.  So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover redness, the CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, subtly illuminating the skin.  This means less coverage is required, better for your sensitive skin! Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20, you’ll be so glad you did!

ELES - CC Cream 20

To add colour or depth to your skin, you can incorporate a blush or bronzer too. You’re best to just choose mineral formulations once again, but make sure you choose powder over cream base. Cream-based products can sometimes clog pores or cause unnecessary irritation.

  1. Less is always more

It’s better to start with a light layer of makeup and build up coverage as needed than to apply too much makeup at once. Too much makeup can irritate sensitive skin and clog your pores.

  1. Remove your makeup at the end of the day.

It’s imperative to remove any makeup from your skin at the end of the day. Leaving impurities in the skin while you sleep will lead to more sensitivity!  Allow your skin to perform its natural repair and regeneration at night by removing all your makeup and the day’s pollutants and you’ll wake up to a much calmer skin. While it may be tempting to coat your skin in rich and protective creams and oils, it’s better to drench it with lightweight moisture that will encourage better cell regeneration and protein rebuilding.

We adore Phytomer’s Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream. Perfectly silky and soothing it literally envelopes your skin in nourishment and comfort and helps boost your skin’s renewal as you sleep so you’ll wake up to calmer, plumper skin by morning. Obsessed.

Phytomer - Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream

Beauty Collective - flawless foundation

10 quick tips for mastering flawless foundation

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Ever wondered why some peoples skin looks soo darn perfect but no matter how hard you try yours never seems to have that same flawless finish, even though you’ve invested in a foundation that promised to deliver beautifully photo filtered skin? The thing is its not just about your foundation choice, it’s also about how you prep your skin, as well as apply your makeup too!

Keep reading as we reveal our top 10 tips for achieving that flawless makeup base every time – your secret weapon for a smooth, radiant complexion.

 

  1. Invest in quality

When it comes to foundation, quality matters. Its best to save your pennies and splurge on a reputable brand. High-quality foundations tend to have better coverage, longevity, and are less likely to clog pores and cause blemish breakouts!

 

  1. Choose the right type

From mineral to traditional formulations, matte foundation to tinted moisturiser, oil-free to liquid, powder to stick and more, there is a foundation out there for every skin type and need, but with so many options on the market, it’s not always easy knowing which is likely the best for you! Understanding your skin and its needs will help dictate what foundation type you should go for.  Oily skin? Your best to choose a matte foundation, skin feeling a little dehydrated and dry? Give a tinted moisturiser or BB Cream a go. And just to complicate matters there are traditional and mineral formulations too! For more information on choosing the right makeup base for your skin click here.

  1. Select the right shade

You’ve heard about this new foundation you really want to buy, but you’ve noticed there are numerous shades to pick from which definitely feels like a very daunting task! First things first, you want to choose a foundation shade that has the same undertones as your skin. Either ‘cool’ or ‘warm’. If you have a warm complexion go with a shade that has yellow undertones, if your complexion is on the cool side, a foundation with a pink undertone will be best (to tell which undertones your skin has, look at your veins on the back of your arms. People with blue or purplish-looking veins usually have cooler undertones. If your veins, on the other hand, look a greenish colour, then you have warm undertones.

Next select a couple of shades that you think are a close match to your skin colour. Forget testing them on your arm and test directly on the face instead, swiping the shades side-by-side down your cheek towards your jawline. The shade that seemingly disappears is the one you want!

  1. Prep your skin

Now you’ve chosen your foundation and shade, it’s time to get applying, but before you do it’s VERY important to remember that correct skincare preparation is key when it comes to mastering flawless foundation, why? Because it allows the product you’re applying to sit perfectly on your skin!

So first things first, you need to cleanse, tone and moisturise your face to ensure it is both hydrated and smooth. These steps not only help makeup application but also promotes healthy skin in the long run.

 

  1. It’s time to prime

Even though you might well have followed a rigorous skincare routine, your complexion can sometimes still be a little uneven, so a makeup primer is a must! A makeup primer provides the perfect base for seamless foundation application free of any patches! This is because a primers main job is to fill the open pores of your skin and smooth it in preparation for your foundation, it will also help your makeup to last longer!

Choose a primer that addresses your specific skin concerns, whether it’s hydration, mattifying, or colour-correcting. Our top picks include;

For dry to sensitive skin

If your skin is a little dry, opt for a multi-functional face primer that will keep makeup in place, while hydrating, firming and plumping the skin with a gentle blend of nourishing botanical oils. Try the 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

For combination to oily skin

If your skin tends to be on the oilier side, we recommend opting for the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking smooth and flawless! Genius!ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer

  1. Using the correct makeup tools are important too

Your fingers are great, but investing in the right makeup tools can take your foundation game to the next level. This is because the key to a truly flawless base is mastering the art of blending. Foundation that isn’t blended well can look heavy and imperfect.

Get yourself armed with a few good brushes and a Beauty Blender, they will help you achieve that much more desired airbrushed effect. Plus a beauty blender will enable you to reach every contour of your face. Try; ELES Pro-Blender Sponge

ELES Pro-Blender sponge

  1. Build up gradually

Less is always more when it comes to foundation. Start with a small amount and build it up gradually to avoid a cakey appearance. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s challenging to take off excess product once it’s applied.

 

  1. Conceal with care

While foundation does a great job of evening out your skin tone, it might not cover all imperfections entirely. Use a creamy, pigmented concealer to spot-treat blemishes, dark circles, and redness. Gently blend the concealer with a brush or beauty blender for a seamless finish.

  1. Set, set, set

Now it’s time to lock your masterpiece in place with a light dusting of translucent powder. This step helps control excess oil and keeps your foundation from budging throughout the day. Remember, moderation is key to avoiding a flat and powdery look.

Beauty Collective ELES - HD Translucent Powder

  1. Don’t forget your neck

Last but not least, always blend your foundation down your neck to ensure a seamless transition between your face and body.

 

BC 5 star reviews

These are the products with the most five-star reviews on BC

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From a tinted moisturiser to a brightening serum, a multi-tasking bb cream and more, these are the beauty products our customers are loving, and their five-star reviews prove it!

 

  1. ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

This silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A, C & E, provides skin with both antioxidant and SPF protection. It glides on to skin beautifully, setting to a soft, powder finish, leaving a truly flawless finish.

Reviewers love that it provides such a natural, flawless coverage that lasts all day too! Amazing results and good or your skin, what more could you ask?

Customer review;

“This foundation is heavenly! Every foundation I’ve ever tried has always been wrong for me, making me too oily, too dry, breakout, slide off my face, etc . Eles liquid to powder is PHENOMENAL. I will never try another foundation. The foundation smooths over your skin so easily, providing good medium coverage, evening out skin tone, completely non-irritating, and doesn’t clog my skin. The colour I have is such a perfect match for me – and I look like I’m wearing nothing at all when I have it on. It is also the most long lasting foundation I’ve ever found. I’ve used other powder minerals which are far too drying for me – this is not – it’s the perfect balance between controlling shine without drying.“ Lucy G

 

  1. Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream

This best-selling collagen cream rejuvenates skin cells while softening fine lines and wrinkles and replenishing vital nutrients.

Customer review:

“This is by far my favorite moisturizing cream. I received a sample of this with another Pevonia order and immediately purchased the full size. I have combination, acne-prone skin that leans toward the dryer side and can be quite sensitive to certain products. This cream never EVER irritates my skin, no matter how stressed or damaged it is. It is incredibly soothing and feels wonderful on. It is also quite hydrating without being greasy and absorbs into the skin really well. I’m able to use it morning and night with great results. My skin looks healthy and smooth thanks to this product!“ Sonya R

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Marine Collagen Cream

  1. ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30

A multi-tasking wonder cream, this best-selling BB with SPF 30, literally primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen and protect skin on contact, Genius!

Customer review:

“Absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my Face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.“ Krystle W

ELES BB Cream 30

  1. Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Creamy and gentle on the skin, this exfoliator will help unclog and diminish large pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, and brighten and even out your skin tone so it looks radiant and youthful. Reviewers love how gentle and effective it is with many seeing results within the first few uses!

Customer review:

“I love this cleanser! I have never been able to exfoliate with anything else as it has just been too harsh for my skin. This gentle exfoliating cleansers is exactly that! Leaves my skin feeling beautiful and soft and definitely makes a noticeable difference in my texture. I use once a week and it has been a game changer for my skin.“ Stacey Harrison

Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

  1. Pevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream

Formulated with some of the best natural ingredients to counteract dry skin including pear seed extract, hyaluronic acid, collagen, shea butter and squalane, this is a deeply nourishing and skin-smoothing cream which diminishes dry and flaky skin while combatting fine lines and wrinkles for a truly rejuvenated, hydrated appearance! Really!

Customer review:

“I’ve been a long-term user of this product, it’s amazing for my dry skin. Smooth, silky and leaves no residue, absorbs quickly and moisturizes skin pretty much all day. Absolutely love it!“ Marina P

Beauty Collective - Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream

  1. Pevonia Age Correction Firming Marine Elastin Cream

Formulated with Hyaluronic acid and elastin, this firming cream delivers powerful repairing and tightening benefits, visibly increasing moisture while improving elasticity.

Customer review:

“This cream is absolutely wonderful. It is the perfect combination of nourishing, moisturising and firming for my aging face while not being at all heavy. This is the third time I have purchased this product and am so glad I found it.“ Sheryl Harrison

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Age Correction Firming Marine Elastin Cream

  1. Pevonia RS2 Care Cream

Formulated with calming, skin-caring ingredients including Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, this beautifully textured, nourishing cream is soothing like ice on seriously sensitive skin. It provides skin with vaso constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to effectively reduce redness and inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associated with Rosacea. Reviewers love the great results for rosacea prone skin but also love its natural signature scent of French Rose. It’s one heavenly product so not hard to see why it’s loved by so many!

Customer review:

“I have paid out a lot of money on products for my rosacea- this time I have hit the jackpot! After years of frustration and not wanting to go down the laser path I have found this cream and I can truly say it has helped my skin. It is calmer with less redness and flare ups.“ Sharon E

Beauty Collective - Pevonia RS2 Care Cream

  1. Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser

Thanks to its outstanding combination of marine collagen, marine elastin, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this nourishing, creamy textured cleanser thoroughly removes skin impurities and excess oil without any residue, all whilst helping to preserve your skin’s moisture too!

Customer review:

“Beautiful product. A little goes a long way and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Lovely as a night time cleanser to wash away the day.“ Nicole W

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Power Repair Hydrating Cleanser

  1. Pevonia C Complex with Oxyzomes

The citrus scent is divine and just two pumps of this creamy serum equals radiant looking skin instantly. Oh, and it feels a-mazing too thanks to its combination of vitamin c and hydrating dynamo hyaluronic which quite literally drenches skin with repairing antioxidants.

Customer review:

“This is a beautiful serum. You only require two pumps and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment.“ Deborah W

  1. ELES Mineral Sheet Tint SPF 20

This lightweight, mineral-enriched, tinted cream is rich in Vitamins A & E and SPF to condition and protect skin. It imparts a sheet natural radiance, as it nourishes, moisturises and corrects skin.

Customer review:

“This is a beautiful sheer tinted moisturizer, with SPF. It looks and feels like skin. I love the Natural Glow. it is perfect for mature skin making it look a little dewy and more youthful.“ Christina

Beauty Collective - Mineral Sheer Tint

Skincare travel essentials

Skincare essentials for your next flight

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Whether you’re a frequent flyer or are about to set off on your next getaway since school holidays are nearly here, you’ll likely know that travelling can take a toll on your skin. Long flights, changing climates and recycled cabin air (eek) can leave your complexion looking dull and drab and your skin dehydrated. However if you arm yourself with the right skincare essentials in preparation for your next flight, you can save your skin and step off the plane looking as radiant as ever!  

Keep reading as we count down 6 skincare essentials that’ll keep your skin glowing even at 30,000 feet! 

 

  1. Water

Sure it might not be a skincare product as such but remember when it comes to looking after your skin on your next fight, the first and most crucial rule is to stay hydrated! Airplane cabins are notorious for their dry air which can sap the moisture from your skin like nothing else! So before you even board the plane make sure you’re well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and continue to do so throughout the flight!  

 

  1. Cleanser

As soon as you get settled into your seat it’s a good idea to start your skincare routine to ensure your skin is clean and ready to absorb moisture! After all keeping your skin clean and fresh is essential, even when you’re on the move. Invest in a travel-sized cleanser that fits snugly into your in-flight toiletry bag. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, whether it’s a cream, gel, or foam formula. Cleansing your face will remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup that can clog up skin on a long-haul flight!  

Try Pevonia CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. Suitable for all skin types (but especially recommended for that dry, parched skin travelling can leave us with) this cleanser is an oil cleanser, that feels like gel and when mixed with water transforms into a beautiful foaming lather that in turn delivers a truly luxurious cleansing experience! It’s lipid rich, alcohol-free and soap free. What more could you want! Nourishing and cleansing in one. 

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - CleanRefresh™ Foaming Oil Cleanser

 

Can’t be bothered to get out of your seat, then try Phytomer’s best selling Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion. No water needed! Simply apply this alcohol-free and infinitely gentle cleansing lotion with a cotton pad to remove the days makeup and grime and enjoy beautiful fresh, cleansed skin.  

If your favourite cleanser doesn’t come in travel size, you could try decanting it, or why not opt for a travel friendly kit instead? We are loving Pevonia’s range of travel friendly skincare kits.  

 

  1. Hydrating Serum

Applying a hydrating serum to your skin after cleansing will make a huge difference. Serums are lightweight, nourishing and help lock in moisture so no more moistures being sapped from your skin thanks to the cabin air! 

We recommend Phytomer Hydra continue 22h moisture flash Gel. If you do a lot of flying, this should become your go-to to restore hydration in skin both before, during and after flights.  

This beautiful light textured gel is like giving your skin its own glass of water to keep hydrated and the results are also immediate. 

Phytomer Hydra Continue 12H Moisturising Flash Gel 

  1. Multi-tasking moisturiser

Moisturising is the secret to keeping your skin plump and radiant throughout the flight. You don’t want anything too rich, instead opt for a moisturiser in a lightweight formula that will both hydrate and brighten your skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides and vitamin c to replenish moisture and keep your skin looking visibly radiant too. 

We are loving Phytomer’s Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream. It’s a beautifully nourishing but lightweight cream with a velvety finish. The products name definitely reflects the results, as this subtly scented moisturiser is both energising and radiance inducing that’s for sure! 

 

  1. Facial mist

On a long-haul flight believe me when I say a facial mist will become your new best friend. They are the perfect product (and travel companion!) to give your complexion a quick boost, replenishing tired, dry or tight skin within seconds, any time of day! 

We can’t get enough of Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist. As well as Hyaluronic Acid, it’s formulated with a blend of ultra-calming Chamomile, Aloe, Green Tea and aromatic essential oils, making this powerhouse product ideal for all skin types, especially dehydrated, irritated, and ageing skin! However should your skin be on the sensitive side, a little itchy or irritated even, it will work its magic to calm, nurture and alleviate too. Its soo good. 

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™

 

  1. Sheet Masks

Perfect for travel, sheet masks are a great way to provide your skin with a big boost of hydration, nourishment and other skincare benefits, plus they are so quick and easy to use (unlike most cream masks). 

We love ELES Sheet Masks. You can choose from a calming and soothing sheet mask, a hydrating and brightening sheet mask or if you are worried about ageing try the youth recovery sheet mask. You’ll love the way your skin laps up the moisture from the mask and leaves if feeling cool, calm, deeply nourished and visibly refreshed. 

Not familiar with sheet masks? For everything you need to know click here.