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Beauty Collective - party ready look

Party ready makeup – get the look

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It’s that time of the year again – the silly season as we like to call it! The season of fun and festivities, and, of course, Christmas get togethers and parties!

To look your best, and stand out from the crowd of course! You’ll need to nail that party ready makeup look, we are talking skin that glows and eyes that shimmer and pop. Want to achieve our go-to look? Keep reading for the ultimate step by step guide.

 

Step 1. Pre party prep

Before we jump into creating the perfect party ready makeup look, let’s talk skin prep. You’ll need to thoroughly cleanse your skin first with your choice of cleanser, next apply your much-loved moisturiser, (make sure you let it soak in) then it’s time to prime. Think of it as the canvas for your masterpiece. A smooth base will ensure your makeup lasts all day or all night long!

Step 2. Apply your foundation

Now it’s time for your makeup! Starting with foundation. Not sure which foundation to use. Click here for the best foundation for your skin type.

For skin that glows we love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint. Work a small amount into your fingertips to warm the product and press into the skin all over the face, keep patting and pressing until the product is evenly dispersed then lightly blend into the face with your fingers until you have an even coverage.

Beauty Collective - Mineral Sheer Tint

If you are more of a matte lover though (but still want to achieve a radiant base), we highly recommend the ELES Foundation Stick or Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation.ELES Cosmetics Mineral Makeup Liquid Powder Foundation

Step 3: Touch up skin where necessary with a concealer

You’ll want to use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles you may have. Apply a small amount to areas where needed or under eyes with fingertips or a small concealer brush gently blending. Try ELES Dual Action Concealer my personal secret weapon for concealing dark under eyes.

ELES Dual Action Concealer

Step 4: Set with Powder

Once you’ve finished applying your base it’s a good idea to set the products with a translucent setting powder like ELES Mineral Powder Foundation to prevent shine.

ELES - Mineral Powder Foundation

Step 5: Bronzer and Blush

Now it’s time for you to add some colour!

We are loving the ELES Party Ready Makeup Palette! It really is perfect for creating a party ready look.  It features a bronzer, blush and two shimmer eyeshadow shades.

Firstly take your bronzer to add contour to your face. Using a large fluffy powder brush apply to the cheekbones, under the jawline and along the perimeter of the forehead, blend well for a natural sun kissed look. Follow with the Blush, applying it to the apples of your cheeks for that beautifully flushed finish.

ELES - Party Ready Palette - LIMITED EDITION

Step 6: Highlight

For a truly lit from within look, this is a step you won’t want to miss! Highlighter can also be used to accentuate and “lift” bone structure. It’s amazing!

Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid’s bow. We recommend the ELES Stick Illuminator.

ELES Stick Illuminator

Step 7: All about the eyes

Now it’s time to accentuate those eyes. You’ll want to take the ELES Party Ready Palette again using the two shimmer shadows.

Firstly apply the pinky/peach shade all over the eyelid. Next, apply the gold shade on the base of your eyelid carefully blending up towards the eye crease and below the lower lash line to create a natural smoky eye. Finish by applying a little of this shade to the inner corners of your eyes with your fingertip.

Step 8: Add eyeliner for definition

Eyeliner shapes and defines eyes and makes eyelashes look thicker. Take a bronze shade eye liner and apply it to the upper lash line as well as a little to your bottom waterline. This will help eyes to pop. We love ELES Superwear Gel Liner in Baroque. It is super smooth and longwearing so stays put all day long without smudging! Just what you need from an eyeliner!

 

Step 9: Finish with lashings of mascara

And finally to finish off the eyes, apply several coats of Lush Mascara in Black to the top and bottom lashes.  Work from the base of the lashes wiggling the wand slowly up the lashes for extra volume.

ELES Lush Mascara

Step 10: Define your brows

For some, your eyebrows can be an afterthought, but by defining and shaping them you can completely transform your face and give the appearance of an instant eye lift too! Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil like the ELES Precision Brow Pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. Next, define and ‘lift’ brows by using a white eyeliner as a brow highlighter. Line below and above your eyebrows and smudge it out with a sponge or fingertip. You can also opt to use a highlighter if you don’t have a white liner on hand. Read more on how to create the perfect brows.

ELES Precision Brow Pencil

Step 11: Complete the look by focusing on your lips

To complete the look, it’s time to focus on your lips. Apply lipstick to the lips with a lip brush to create definition in the outer edges, blot the lips with tissue, then reapply from the tube directly to the lips.  Blot again for a soft matte finish. Use a lipstick colour of your choice, one that complements your overall look. Bold or neutral shades can work depending on your preference. You can add a little gloss too as desired.  And voila! You’re ready to shine!

sensitive skin skincare and makeup routine

Sensitive skin? The best skincare and makeup routine for you

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If you’re one of many with sensitive skin, you’ll understand the struggle when it comes to finding the perfect skincare and makeup routine that won’t lead to redness, inflammation, and discomfort.

Sensitive skin requires a gentle approach, and a carefully curated daily routine with products designed to calm, soothe and protect can help you achieve that coveted healthy glow without irritation. Keep reading as we discuss the best skincare and makeup routine, specifically tailored just for your sensitive skin.

 

Skincare routine for sensitive skin

  1. Identify your skin concerns

First things first, understanding your specific skin concerns is crucial for tailoring your skincare routine. Sensitive skin can manifest in various ways, including dryness, redness, itchiness, and irritation.

  1. Know your triggers

Specific ingredients and environmental factors can trigger skin sensitivity. Everything from fragrances and preservatives in soaps, beauty products and laundry detergents to the cold, sun and wind can cause skin irritation.  Learn to know which are your triggers.

To learn more about why you could be suffering from sensitive skin click here.

  1. Always choose gentle products with calming ingredients

Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic products to minimize the risk of irritation. And always check the ingredients. You want your skincare products to be formulated with ingredients that soothe and nourish sensitive skin, such as aloe vera, chamomile, calendula and ceramides. These natural extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sensitive skin and reduce redness.

  1. Gentle Cleansing

Now it’s time to start your routine! Begin with your gentle cleanser designed for sensitive skin, which means it’ll be free from alcohol and harsh ingredients. Remember cleansing should be a soothing experience, not one that leaves your skin feeling tight and irritated!

Try: Medicalia Gentle cleanser. Formulated with a unique natural blend of soothing Green Tea, Chamomile, and Oat Amino Acids, it beautifully cleanses skin both thoroughly and gently while preserving the skin barrier and reducing symptoms of inflammation too!

“This cleanser is perfect for my super sensitive skin. Love it. Have been using for years.” JaneMedicalia Gentle Cleanser

  1. Hydration is key

Keeping your skin well hydrated is crucial for sensitive skin (as it is with all skin types!) Just be sure to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that provides optimal hydration without clogging pores.

Try: Phytomer Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream. It’s an outstanding comforting cream with a beautifully light consistency which literally rescues skin by strengthening its protective barrier.  It soothes, calms and comforts skin, conveniently remedying red patches.

“I LOVE this cream. It feels wonderful when applied and I’ve noticed how much smoother and more radiant my sensitive skin is. Highly recommend!” Jo GPhytomer Douceur Restorative Shield Cream

  1. Don’t forget your soothing serum

Serums are essential in any skincare routine because they deliver vital active ingredients to the dermis quickly. Think of a serum as the secret weapon for treating skin issues like discolouration, dullness, fine lines, acne and of course skin sensitivities!

Try: Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate. For a truly nurturing, soothing serum this should be your go-to. It literally bathes skin in calming lavender and healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France, decongesting, enriching, alleviating and strengthening fragile skin.

“Truly Amazing. I knew this was the best healing treatment for my face when I ran out of it for a couple of weeks, something I’ll never do again. Keeps my ultra-sensitive complexion creamy and cool. Love Propolis — and it smells divine!” Susanna VPevonia - Soothing Propolis Concentrate

Formulations that include hyaluronic acid can also be game-changing as it attracts and retains moisture keeping skin nourished, plum, soothed and supple.

Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum

“I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Mary C

Pevonia - Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum

  1. Wear sunscreen every. single. day

Protecting your sensitive skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is imperative so sun protection is non-negotiable, especially since UV rays can exacerbate sensitivity leading to redness and irritation.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and you’re best to go for physical sunscreens like zinc or titanium dioxide. Fragrance-free formulas and those that are free of ingredients like phthalates and parabens will also reduce your exposure to formulas that might irritate your skin. Be sure to reapply if you are outside for a long period of time!

Try: Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield.

“Love this product it gives all day sun protection doesn’t mark clothing and gives my skin a healthy glow I’m hooked!” Jan C

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield

  1. Exfoliate skin but don’t over-exfoliate!

Exfoliation is essential, even for those of us with sensitive skin. This is because exfoliating can promote cell regeneration, unclog pores and improve skin texture. The problem is, that exfoliation can come with risks of irritation, inflammation and dryness, so it is essential to choose the right exfoliators!

Then there is also the issue of over-exfoliation, which can strip the skin’s natural barrier leading to increased sensitivity. So if you have sensitive skin, start by limiting its use to only once a week and use a gentle exfoliator with mild exfoliating agents like fruit acids or enzymes.

For more on exfoliation and sensitive skin and what to do click here.

Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant

  1. Stay consistent

And finally, consistency is key when it comes to caring for your sensitive skin.  Once you’ve found what works, stick to it and daily.

Aside from your skincare routine, there are also other things you can do to help calm your sensitive skin. Stress less, sleep more and watch what you eat. Certain foods and drinks can contribute to your skin’s sensitivities. Limit spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, and feast on a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin health from within.

 

Makeup tips for sensitive skin

Now you’ve got your skincare routine down pat, it’s time to master your makeup!

  1. Check ingredients

As with your skincare routine, make sure you opt for “non-comedogenic” makeup to prevent pore-clogging and potential breakouts. You’ll also want to invest in fragrance free formulas as artificial scents can be a common trigger for sensitivity. Mineral Makeup is best.

  1. Clean makeup brushes regularly

We all know dirty brushes can harbour bacteria which in turn can further irritate already irritated skin! Make sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly!

To learn more about how often you should clean and replace your makeup brushes click here.

  1. Less is more

Yes, we want to conceal sensitive skin whether it be facial redness or unwanted blemishes, but just remember less is always more!

Simply minimise the number of makeup layers you apply to your face to reduce the risk of irritation and if you’re suffering from facial redness, try using a multi-tasking CC cream.

Unlike tinted moisturisers, foundations and even BB Creams, these miracle formulas are colour correcting.  So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover the 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 if any at all.  In fact, men can and do use CC Creams to even out their skin tone as it doesn’t look like makeup.

Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20, you’ll be so glad you did!

“I’m loving my new CC Cream! I was recommended it by a friend as I suffer from facial redness and sensitive skin and this product does an amazing job at colour correcting so the redness is beautifully concealed but my skin feels calm with a nice natural glow at the same time. Would highly recommend it.” Sarah M

ELES - CC Cream 20

If colour correction isn’t something you need make sure you go for a breathable, lightweight liquid formula.

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

ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation

“The 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, its completely non-irritating, and doesn’t clog my skin.” Lucy G

  1. Patch test

It’s always a good idea to patch test any new makeup products when it comes to sensitive or reactive skin, before applying all over your face!

  1. Remove makeup before bed

And finally, always remember to remove your makeup before bed no matter how lazy you might be feeling! Use a gentle, fragrance-free makeup remover or micellar water. Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, so it needs to be free of any pore clogging dirt and grime!

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.