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Jennifer Lawrence Oscars 2024 makeup look

How to achieve the best makeup look from the 2024 Oscars

March 14, 2024/in How to, Makeup /by Jo Boyden

From elegant updo’s and radiant skin, beautiful bold eyes and subtle nude lips, the 2024 Oscars dazzled not only with cinematic brilliance but also with show-stopping makeup looks that stole the spotlight.

Want to channel some red-carpet glamour yourself? Keep reading as we countdown 6 steps to recreate the best makeup look of the night – awarded to Jennifer Lawrence!

Like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lawrence bought winged liner back into business! Sporting thick liquid liner over a wash of perfectly blended taupe shadow, coupled with beautifully bronzed skin, impeccably groomed brows and a subtle nude lip, she was the epitome of Old School Hollywood Glamour, and here’s how you can be too!

Step 1 – Flawless base

Start by prepping your skin with a nourishing primer. Creating an extra layer between your skin and makeup, the primer will plump fine lines, blur imperfections and blemishes, smooth skin, and help makeup last all day without caking, creasing or the need for constant touch-ups. It’s often the forgotten step but Oh so important! Trust me.

Next to create Jennifers flawless base, use a soft matte, long-wearing foundation, we LOVE ELES Cosmetic’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation). Matte foundations provide a smooth finish, perfect to recreate Jennifer Lawrence’s look. Finish this step by concealing any blemishes or dark circles with a full-coverage concealer such as ELES Liquid Concealer.

Step 2 – Bronzed radiance

Now it’s time to enhance your features and add some colour to your face! Apply a bronzer to contour beneath your cheeks and jawline to “slim” the face (we recommend the ELES Mineral Sheer Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro as its Silky, mineral-enriched and imparts a natural radiance and youthful glow without streaking.) Then apply a little extra to your forehead to add that “sun-kissed” warmth. Finish by applying a touch of warm-toned blush to add a hint of colour to your cheeks.

Step 3 – Stand out eyes

Embrace old school glamour when it comes to your eyes by firstly applying a neutral eyeshadow across your lids. Next use a taupe or soft brown shade and blend softly above the crease of your eye lid, as well as beneath the lower lash line for a subtle smoky finish. Finally add your third shade (a deeper brown) to just below your brow bone. Try the ELES’s Build your own shadow palette and choose the shades that would work best for you. Next it’s time to amp up the drama with a jet-black liquid eyeliner, like ELES Felt Tip Liner, adding a winged effect. Finish with a coat of volumizing mascara for fluttery lashes.

Step 4 – Brows

Now it’s time to put some emphasise into your eyebrows. We recommend you use the ELES Brow Blender in Dark Taupe. With the spool end, brush the brows upwards, then using short soft strokes apply the pencil.

Step 5 – Subtle lips

Complete Jennifer Lawrences Oscars look with a soft, nude lip colour. Choose a hydrating formula for a plump pout. We adore the ELES Velvet Satin lipstick in Middlesex Street. Outline your lips with a nude lip liner such as the ELES Gel Lipliner in naked for added definition.

Step 6 – Final touches

Add a sweep of translucent powder to ensure longevity. A setting spray will add a natural dewiness or lock in your look too.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with these steps, adapting them to suit your unique features and personal style.

Look younger with makeup: 14 expert tips

March 8, 2024/in How to, Makeup /by Jo Boyden

Who says you can’t cheat a little on the ageing game with the magic of makeup? While skincare is essential for keeping skin healthy and happy, makeup can literally take years off your face in next to no time, you just need to know what and how to apply! Well we’ve put together our top makeup tips from the BC experts, 14 makeup tips that will have you looking younger in a matter of minutes! Keep reading as we count them down.

1. Start with a nourishing base, every time.

Before applying any makeup, you need to start with well-hydrated skin so don’t get lazy when it comes to your morning skincare routine. Start by making sure your face is perfectly cleansed, then apply your serum and moisturiser.

If you haven’t prepped your skin before applying your foundation, chances are your skin will look and feel dry. Plus makeup tends to stick to dry areas on the skin making it appear patchy. It’ll even seep into fine lines and wrinkles accentuating them!
For best results apply your moisturiser and wait five minutes for it to properly absorb in. Remember hydration really is the secret to plump, younger looking skin!

2. Arm yourself with a primer

Primers are often the forgotten step when it comes to makeup application but we are here to tell you that this underrated makeup staple is a necessity, especially when it comes to looking younger with makeup! Creating an extra layer between your skin and makeup, face primers are used to plump fine lines, blur impurities and blemishes, smooth skin, and help makeup last all day without caking, creasing or the need for constant touch-ups. They really are key to achieving smooth, flawless skin that’s perfectly prepped for your foundation!

Check out our favourite primers here.

3. Always opt for a dewy foundation

You might be a lover of powder foundations but if you want to create a more youthful and radiant complexion you need to consider ditching the matte finish. No matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them. Instead embrace dewy foundations, BB Creams or tinted moisturisers instead. They provide skin with natural coverage, SPF protection (which we all know is the main contributor to premature ageing) and a perfect subtle glow.

If your skin tends to be on the oily side, you can still use a little powder, but remember sparingly and just on your t-zone.

4. A good concealer will give you an instant eye lift

Concealer really is your best friend when it comes to looking younger! Used correctly, concealer can brighten a tired complexion, cover up any blemishes, conceal dark under-eye circles and have you looking bright-eyed in seconds! To look younger, you’re best to opt for a concealer packed with amazing anti-ageing and eye nurturing ingredients like ELES Dual Action Concealer and watch those ageing dark circles, puffiness, age spots and blemishes disappear in seconds!

Just be sure to choose the right shade for your skin and apply it correctly! For more on the best way to cover undereye dark circles click here.

5. Lift your lashes

As we age our lashes get thinner and shorter so it’s essential to add volume so they stand out! A lash lift with mascara is a powerful tool for defying the ageing process! Darkened and defined lashes open up our eyes, creating a refreshed, youthful and wide awake appearance.

Curling your lashes can work wonders too but be careful how you do so! For more information on the best mascara, mascara hacks and eye lash tips for mature women click here.

6. Play with eyeshadow shades

Eyeshadow isn’t an essential step but by adding a touch of shimmer to your lids can enhance eyes ageing eyes. Just be sure to opt for warm, neutral eyeshadows. Soft, earthy tones can create a subtle, age-defying effect.

7. Skip the heavy black eyeliner

If you use eyeliner, as many of us do, you’ll want to trade your harsh eyeliner for a softer approach. Use brown or grey liners for a more natural look that defines without weighing down your eyes.

8. Brighten eyes with a waterline eyeliner

Investing in a waterline eyeliner will be a game changer for tired eyes. All you need to do is line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create brighter, younger looking eyes.

9. Don’t forget your brows

Just as the hair on our heads can thin with age, so do our eyebrows! The thing is your brows can completely change how your face looks. Full, well-groomed brows are an instant youth-booster. If brow are thinning, fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder for a lifted, more defined look. But don’t overfill the front part of your brow though! This area should have soft hair that graduates into more density. If you overfill this area you can make your eye brows look way too harsh. Read more on how to create perfect brows.

10. Applying blush is a must

Believe us when we say a sweep of blush on the apples of your cheeks adds a youthful flush. Just be sure to apply it correctly – use a blush brush and lift colour upwards towards your temple from the apple of your cheek.

11. And don’t forget bronzer

Bronzer is your secret weapon for a youthful glow! Applied strategically, it adds warmth to your complexion, erasing signs of fatigue and dullness but instead mimicking a healthy, sun-kissed glow.

Just be careful when and where you apply it as dusting copious amounts of bronzer all over our nose, chin, cheeks and forehead can play up fine lines and large pores as the powder sinks into them. The best (and the most flattering!) way is to apply your bronzer is with a bronzer brush to the perimeter of your face in the shape of a number three. Start on your forehead near your temples and loop down to the tops of your cheekbones, then curve out and around again along your jaw.

12. Plump up those lips

As we age, many of us will experience a reduction in lip volume and thinning of the lips! So you’ll need to create the illusion of plumped lips with lipliner! A lipliner will define your lips and prevent feathering. For more on how to apply lip liner for fuller looking lips click here.

13. Using an illuminator can add luminosity to skin and help accentuate cheekbones

Finish your look with a subtle illuminator on the high points of your face – cheekbones, brow bones, and the tip of your nose.

14. Set your makeup with a finishing powder

A light dusting of translucent powder, finishing powder or even facial mist will set your makeup, preventing it from settling into fine lines. Remember, less is more in the powder department.

applying BB Cream on a woman's hand to test it

The BB Cream with all the benefits of the best skincare

March 1, 2024/in How To /by Jo Boyden

Many of us are guilty of spending a fortune on makeup and skincare products in the quest for healthier, more youthful skin, so imagine getting your hands one a BB Cream that quite literally does it all! And no I’m not saying you can do away with your daily skincare routine, after all cleansing your skin is the most important step! But I’m talking about a BB Cream that is your moisturiser, foundation, antioxidant, blue light and sun protection in one, and that’s packed to the brim with the very best ingredients anti-ageing skincare has to offer! Oh and it’s certified organic and vegan and made in Australia too! Interested to know more? Keep reading….

Firstly what is a BB Cream?

Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm, as otherwise known, BB Creams are your 3-in-one foundation. They offer all the benefits of a light-to-medium foundation (and sometimes fuller coverage as well) in a speedier formula that nourishes, corrects, and protects your skin too! Its smoother texture also allows BB Cream to function as a primer by evening out skin tone for flawless makeup application.

Why choose ELES Blue Light Radiant BB Cream 30?

The coverage, the texture, the SPF, the ingredients, honestly this BB Cream has it all!

It’s light, but buildable, perfect for all skin types, provides skin with a supple glowy, flawless finish which looks like you aren’t wearing makeup at all, and it not only provides skin with SPF 30 to protect it from the sun’s UV rays, but it also shields skin from Blue Light damage omitted from our screens too! Blue Light Damage if you don’t know has become a real problem, and just like the sun’s harmful rays, blue light from our devices is ageing our skin, every single day. Scary right? And let’s face it we all spend much of the day glued to devices!

But most importantly it’s the best of the best when it comes to skincare makeup thanks to its multitude of natural anti-ageing ingredients including the Kakadu Plum! Australia’s native superfruit thanks to its extraordinary composition of vitamins and antioxidants! Well known for their incredibly high vitamin content, Kakadu Plums contain over 3000mg of Vitamin C per 100g of fruit! That’s a vitamin C concentration 100 times higher than oranges! Crazy right? And when used in natural skincare products, this supercharged ingredient works to stimulate collagen production (essential for keeping the skin youthful), reduces fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and any scarring, and visibly brightens the skin. So when we say this BB Cream is radiance-inducing, we are not joking! We all know the benefits of vitamin C, but this powerhouse ingredient is highly praised for its skin brightening benefits.

Kakadu Plums also have an extremely rare antioxidant profile which means they are highly effective at detoxifying the skin and fighting off free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and sun exposure.

What’s more, Kakadu plum oil has long been sought after for its antifungal, antibacterial and deeply soothing properties. It has the ability to help reduce redness, inflammation and irritation, restoring the skin’s natural barrier while also encouraging elasticity and suppleness! This means this BB Cream really is ideal for all skin types!

The new Blue Light Radiant BB Cream from ELES Cosmetics really is a powerhouse! Multi-tasking, it is the perfect go-to for all you time-poor folk out there! So if you want to invest in one product that can really do it all, it’s this! I’ve been personally using this BB Cream for over 2 weeks now, and while I know Im biased and love so many of the products from Beauty Collective, this has become my new go-to. Get yours now! And thank me later!

Acne – your most asked questions answered by the BC experts

January 19, 2024/in Skin Concerns, Skincare /by Jo Boyden

From stress inducing activities (hello school holidays) to overindulging (another cheese platter anyone?) the December/January holiday season (or silly season as we like to call it!) are rife with potential triggers that can lead to acne flare ups! That’s why this time of year is when we, at BC, get inundated with your questions about acne.

Whether acne is something you’ve lived with for many years, or it’s decided to crop up now as an unwelcome adult guest, acne is one of the most common skin woes and we are here to help! We’ve listed the most frequently asked questions about acne and tapped into the wisdom of our skincare experts to get you the best possible answers. Keep scrolling to find out what they are…

Q: Why am I getting acne as an adult, I thought acne was for teenagers?

Sadly acne isn’t only reserved for awkward high school years. Several factors can contribute to acne in adults. These include;

hormonal changes: This often occurs during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause. Hormonal imbalances can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and breakouts.

Stress: High stress levels can wreak havoc on your skin. Stress triggers the release of certain hormones, such as cortisol, which can stimulate oil production and contribute to acne. Additionally, stress may lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits, like poor sleep and an imbalanced diet, which can further exacerbate skin issues.

Diet: While the link between specific foods and acne isn’t universally agreed upon, some people find that certain dietary factors such as high-glycemic foods and dairy products can impact their skin and increase the risk of acne.

Skincare and makeup products: The products you use on your skin could be a culprit. Some ingredients in skincare or makeup products may clog pores or irritate the skin, leading to breakouts. Ensure the products you are using are of good quality and are suitable for your specific skin type too!

Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as smog or certain chemicals, can contribute to skin issues. Additionally, humidity may increase the likelihood of acne. Not good news this time of year!

Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a role in your skin’s characteristics including its susceptibility to acne! If your parents or close relatives had acne, you might be more prone to it as well. Thanks parents!

Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that include acne. If you suspect your medication might be contributing to your acne, it’s best to have a chat with your GP.

Over-cleansing or products that are too harsh for your skin: Sometimes, the desire to combat acne can lead to over-cleansing or the use of products which you think will help but are in fact too harsh for your skin! This can strip the skin of its natural oils, prompting it to produce even more oil in response. More oil produced equals more breakouts!

Q: Can I blame overindulging in chocolate for my breakouts?

Sorry to all you chocoholics out there but the link between chocolate and acne isn’t actually crystal clear. It’s more about your overall diet, which does include sugar (and dairy too) so if you’ve been hitting the cheese board like me this silly season, or indulging in too many sweet treats, this definitely could be impacting your skin. Remember everything in moderation! And instead try to indulge in foods such as almonds, blueberries and avocados as they are among a range of foods which may help to reduce and prevent inflammation.

Q: How can I get rid of my pimples overnight?

Some spot treatments can work wonders at reducing, and in some cases eliminating, unwanted blemishes overnight. This is because they encourage rapid healing by controlling bacteria, reducing inflammation and diminishing the follicular accumulation of keratin.

For the most effective results look for spot treatments formulated with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. We highly recommend Phytomers Oligopur Blemish Target Gel as the best spot treatment! It targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimples and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion by morning.

Q: Can following a specific skincare routine really help my acne?

Absolutely! Consistency is key. A gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser, and targeted treatments can help keep acne at bay.

Also, don’t forget sunscreen – it’s like armour for your skin, yes even for those of us with acne! And I know it sounds counterintuitive, slathering sunscreen all over acne flareups but believe me when I say avoiding sunscreen can worsen the appearance of acne, and if the skin gets sunburnt, the symptoms of acne can be painfully exasperated.

Just be sure to choose your sunscreen wisely. Using the right sunscreen can prevent and heal acne, soothe the skin, keep dark spots and clogged pores at bay, all while protecting from harmful UV rays.

We love Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield.

Q: Can I wear makeup if I have acne prone skin?

Absolutely! But you must be careful with what you use! Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas. Mineral makeup can be a game-changer as it doesn’t contain any chemical nasties or additional oils, nor will it aggravate skin or clog pores. Genius! Here at BC from the staff to the experts we all love ELES Cosmetics Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. And for more translucent coverage the ELES Mineral Foundation Powder. Both products are perfect for those with skin sensitives, are free of any chemical nasties, provide effortless and natural coverage and most importantly will allow your skin to breathe freely (so no pore clogging in sight) plus you’ll feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all! What more could you ask for?

For more information on makeup for acne prone skin, including the best makeup tips click here.

My pimples really need popping, is it ok to do so?

No! Experts cringe at the thought of DIY extractions. Popping pimples can lead to scarring and more inflammation. Let it be, and consider a spot treatment instead.

Are all pimples the same?

Nope! From blackheads and whiteheads to cystic acne, the acne family can get a little confusing! And each type of pimple or acne requires a slightly different approach too! To understand more about the type of acne you could be suffering from click here.

Could stress and lack of sleep being affecting my skin?

Yes sir-eee. Lack of sleep and high stress levels can trigger hormonal imbalances leading to breakouts. Try to prioritise self-care, practice relaxation techniques and try to get to bed earlier if you can for ample beauty sleep. If you struggle with getting to sleep make sure you turn off devices an hour before bedtime and instead listen to some soothing sounds. We love listening to the ambient relaxation playlist on Spotify.