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Team BC’s go-to products this holiday season

December 9, 2022/in How To /by Jo Boyden

Whether you are working through the holiday season, taking time off to just be, or heading on a trip overseas, Beauty Collective have a multitude of beauty products that will perfectly suit your every need. But with so many options to choose from we thought we’d lend you a helping hand by asking a few of the BC head office team their go-to products for this upcoming holiday season. From best-selling skincare to multi-tasking make up products, there is something for everyone and every occasion. Enjoy!

Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist

This product is a dream and a must-have for any occasion! I am obsessed and use it religiously every morning after I cleanse and moisturise for that extra boost of hydration! But that’s not all! I also carry it with me wherever I go as it provides the perfect spritz to replenish tired, dry or tight skin, whether it be during the day when I’m in the office, after I’ve spent a few hours at the beach or on a long-haul flight overseas. I’ve also found it’s a fantastic setting spray to help makeup stay in place all day long (no more looking in the mirror mid-morning and seeing that my makeup has disappeared from my face!)

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.

Jo Boyden, PR & Marketing Manager

ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50+

With so many outdoor celebrations over the Christmas break I’ll be reaching for my favourite sun protection; the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50+. It’s super lightweight and full of great ingredients that prevent hyper-pigmentation and dehydration. It also gives me a bit of glow which is a bonus.

Liane Scior, Director of Education & Marketing

Phytomer Hydra continue 22h moisture flash Gel

I do a lot of flying for work and this has become my go-to to restore hydration in my skin before 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.

Kellie Deveney, International Educator and Business Development Manager

Medicalia SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield

This is one of my all-time favourite skin care products. It’s the one thing I make sure I am never without all year round and especially while travelling. Wearing a daily SPF is essential for me and the gorgeous tint lightly evens out my complexion enough to not need make up while on holidays. The blue light shield is an added bonus on my office days.

Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator

ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30

I love the convenience of this product and wear it whether I’m at the office or heading to the beach. It’s lightweight so you don’t feel like you are really wearing makeup at all, it provides my skin with a flawless, glowy finish, and it’s the ultimate multitasker as it couples as a moisturiser, sunscreen, primer and foundation! What more could you ask for?

May Scior, Operations Assistant

Vie Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Eyes and Lips

Removing “waterproof” makeup was really a feat until I discovered Vie Collection’s Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover for Eyes and Lips. We all know that only oil can remove waterproof makeup and this one has the power of three oils combined but without the grease. During the holiday season, I can layer my makeup to make it last all day or all night and I have absolutely no problem removing my makeup at all! I can easily remove and cleanse it without rubbing my skin. Absolutely zero skin irritation!

Elaine Palapag, Social Media Co-ordinator

How to get rid of acne: 5 steps to pimple free skin

September 29, 2022/in How To /by Jo Boyden

You might well have suffered from acne when you were younger, or perhaps you were just prone to the occasional pimple, but why oh why years later are you still getting these darn spots you might be wondering?

Acne, or ‘adult acne’ as it’s more commonly known once you approach or 40’s or 50’s, is actually a very common skin condition that affects not only teenagers but men and woman of all ages! In fact, there is no age limit! Why? Because acne, whether it presents as whiteheads, pimples, blackheads or cysts, occurs when your skin follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Something that is very easily done, but also something that can be prevented when you follow a few simple steps. So, if you are suddenly finding yourself with a face full of pimples, keep reading as we explain the best ways to get rid of them and how you can stay pimple free too!

Watch what you eat

As good a staple as it can be, dairy in your daily diet can sadly lead to an increase in acne breakouts. Try cutting it out to see if it could be causing your breakouts to occur. Also cut down on the amount of sugar and caffeine you consume!

Instead indulge in foods such as almonds, blueberries, avocados and kidney beans as they are among a range of foods which may help to reduce and prevent inflammation.

Stress less

Sounds easier said than done I know, we all have those days, weeks, months even where we are super stressed but said stress can lead to acne flare ups!

This is because stress-related hormone CRH can bind to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Excess oil production can then cause pimples. So, if you keep breaking out and just can’t understand why, stress might be to blame, so try to relax!

Try listening to relaxation music or meditate. Also, something as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath every evening can really help. Exercise is also imperative! While exercising will increase blood flow, helping nourish skin cells and keeping them vital, it has also been accountable for reducing stress-related acne.

Keep your phone clean! And your pillowcase too!

Yup, a sudden breakout can be from something as simple as your phone or pillowcase (well anything that touches your face really that could be hosts for harmful bacteria!) And anytime you hold your phone to your face or lie on your pillowcase you are spreading the bacteria to your skin. So, if you haven’t done so for a while, try sanitizing your phone screen and wash that pillowcase of yours more often, it could make a big difference to your skin.

Use mineral makeup

Makeup can be a real trigger for pesky pimples. Especially if it’s full of pore clogging ingredients and oils. If you have acne, you are likely going to want to try and conceal it without exacerbating the condition, this is where mineral makeup will become your best friend! Each product in the ELES Mineral Makeup range is free of skin irritants and pore clogging nasties and instead are rich in skin nourishing and nurturing ingredients that will not only allow skin to breathe freely but will help to improve its condition too!

Our favourite? The ELES best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. But if you love powder, the Mineral Powder Foundation is pretty outstanding too, especially if your skin is a little on the sensitive side.

Choose skincare wisely

You might well love your moisturiser but if it’s too rich for your skin it could well be doing more bad than good. Choosing skincare specifically designed to counteract acne is imperative. You want to make sure your products are formulated with acne-fighting ingredients including powerhouse salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This is because salicylic acid dissolves the bonds that hold dull, dead skin cells on the surface of the skin so the skin will gently shed, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath, while super ingredient Benzoyl peroxide is helpful for treating acne not only because it kills bacteria that contribute to acne, but because it helps prevent and clear out clogged pores too!

Try;

Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser

The key to fighting persistent breakouts is to find a high-impact cleansing product that will help to clear up your skin while thoroughly cleaning it.

Formulated with both lactic and salicylic acids to deeply penetrate pores, remove dead skin cells, and eliminate toxins, surface bacteria, and makeup, Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser is a must! It provides skin with a super gentle lather that won’t dry out the skin like some acne treatments do!

Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate

If you’re a sufferer of reactive, sensitive or acne prone skin a soothing serum could be your new go-to if it’s not already! Pevonia’s Soothing Propolis Concentrate is a beautiful rich gel-like serum with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties! It combines calming lavender, vetiver oil and a high concentration of healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France to desensitize, decongest, heal, strengthen, and really enrich skin! Outstanding stuff!

Pevonia Problematic Skincare Cream

You might be thinking that applying a moisturiser is counterintuitive if you have acne prone skin? After all you’d do everything in your power to keep oiliness away right? The thing is not all acne-prone skin is oily, in fact, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, basically any skin can be prone to breakouts as well! Whatever your skin, moisturising is an essential step in every skincare routine, after all they protect the skin’s barrier function and can even help soothe and prevent acne if done correctly.

The experts at BC can’t get enough of Pevonia’s Problematic Skincare Cream rich in Glycolic Acid. It works amazingly on problematic skin reducing overall breakouts while leaving your complexion soft, supple and pores clog-free!

Phytomer Oligopur Blemish Target Gel

When a pimple rears its head, a potent spot correction treatment will encourage rapid healing by controlling bacteria, reducing inflammation, and diminishing the follicular accumulation of keratin. Try Phytomer’s’ Oligopur Blemish Target Gel, it’s a phenomenal spot treatment which targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimple and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion.

beauty collective - treat dark spots - woman under the sun wearing a native hat

5 products to best treat dark spots

September 22, 2022/in How To /by Jo Boyden

We might well be lucky to live in a country known for its breathtaking beaches, beautiful bushland and endless summer sun (well the latter could be debatable right now!) but unfortunately growing up in Australia can reap havoc on our skin, and as we age hyperpigmentation can start to form.

Otherwise known as dark spots, age spots, sunspots and uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation is a very common skin condition, especially in warmer climates. Why? Because it is mainly triggered by overexposure to the sun. UV light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives our skin its colour. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, hyperpigmentation appears when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. What’s worse, these dark spots are then typically perceived as ‘aged skin’ and can in turn make you look 10 years older. Eek!

The phenomenon affects both men and women and can occur in all skin tones and types. Unfortunately, sun exposure isn’t the only trigger though! Other triggering factors include genetics, pregnancy, the use of photo-sensitizing products, medication, lifestyle choices, acne and scarring and hormonal changes!

So, what exactly is the solution? How do we prevent these dark spots from forming? Or if we are already suffering from hyperpigmentation what are the best treatments to get rid of it?

While there is no quick fix to eliminate this condition, there are definitely methods you can take to help dark spots fade.

Firstly though, wearing sunscreen daily, all year round is essential. Studies have shown that sunscreen by itself will not only help prevent dark spots from forming but can help in preventing the exacerbation of already existing hyperpigmentation.

Secondly during the year, especially at the change of season, it’s best to use skincare products that inhibit the overproduction of melanin. Ingredients such as vitamin c will do just this.

Finally, look for products specially designed to fade hyperpigmentation.

Here are our top 5 product recommendations;

Pevonia Vitamin C Complexe

While vitamin C has many benefits from boosting collagen to helping heal blemishes, it can also help reduce hyperpigmentation (and give your skin an all-out glow!)

Pevonia’s Vitamin C Complexe is formulated with both vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid that work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. And not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied, skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!

Phytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum

AHA’s such as glycolic, citric and lactic acids are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging and brightening skin and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck and chest.

Phytomer’s Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum is formulated with all three AHA’s (Glycolic, citric and lactic acids to visibly reduce the appearance of imperfections. The lightweight, refining face serum diminishes the appearance of uneven hyperpigmentation, acne and enlarged pores making skin appear younger and healthier.

Medicalia L-Retinol Smoothing Cream

Another go-to ingredient when it comes to fighting hyperpigmentation is retinol. Hailed as the ‘holy grail’ of the skincare world, the super-ingredient works by going deep beneath your skin, encouraging cell turnover and bringing healthier, newer skin cells to the surface!

Medicalia’s L-Retinol Smoothing Cream, is not only formulated with stabilized, deeply absorbing retinol (for optimized regeneration) but glycolic and lactic acids too! A must in the fight against hyperpigmentation this resurfacing and lightening cream fades dark spots, whilst rendering skin smoother and brighter with continued use. Just be sure to introduce it slowly and apply before bed. To learn more about retinol click here.

Phytomer Oligoforce Advanced Wrinkle & Dark Spot Correction Moisturising Serum

This product’s name says it all! It’s an outstanding serum with an oily consistency formulated with OLIGOMER^® (concentrated sea water) and blue micro-algae to target dark spots and wrinkles, two significant signs of ageing. It quite literally envelops the skin in light and delivers intense hydration. Day after day, skin is radiant, dark spots are diminished and wrinkles are smoothed away.

Vie Collection Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF 30

We all know wearing sunscreen daily is the best preventative when it comes to premature ageing and the formation of hyperpigmentation, but Vie Collection’s Mela White Protective Sunscreen is a true triple-action protective shield that preserves the youth of the skin with two high-tech ingredients that act against dark spots, free radicals and UV! Day after day, dark spots are less visible, skin is unified, smoothed and better protected.

MILIA: What are they and how do you get rid of them?

September 16, 2022/in How To /by Jo Boyden

UPDATED

If you’re currently experiencing small, whitish bumps on your face, mainly on your cheeks, nose or around your eye area, you could be suffering from milia.

Also known as ‘milk spots’ (although nothing to do with the amount of milk you’ve been consuming!), milia, while commonly associated with newborn babies, can frequently occur in adults too. They are often mistaken for whiteheads but are in fact keratin-filled cysts that form under the skin. Keratin? (You might be thinking since it’s likely you associate this protein with haircare) helps form our hair and nails but also makes up our skin’s outermost layer too! The problem is when keratin builds up, it hardens and becomes trapped which is when milia are formed.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps we can take to get rid of milia, as well as prevent them from returning too! Firstly, though it’s important to understand what causes milia as well as the two main types you could currently be experiencing.

What causes milia?

Your body naturally gets rid of dead skin cells by shedding them to make room for new cells to grow and take their place. When the dead skins cells don’t naturally expel, they can get trapped underneath the new cells, they then harden and turn into cysts.

What are the two main types of milia?

Primary Milia

These are small cysts that most commonly occur around the eye area due to skincare used in this area not penetrating properly. Unlike skin on the rest of the face, the eye area has limited blood circulation to filter excess oil – therefore eye creams need to be very lightweight and easily absorbed.

Primary milia can also be found on your forehead and cheeks.

Secondary Milia

Although they look similar to primary milia, secondary milia develops when something clogs the sweat ducts. This is usually caused by some kind of skin trauma or infection, (such as laser treatments or chemical peels or even cold sores), or contributing lifestyle factors, including lack of sleep, smoking, poor personal hygiene, using oil-based beauty products in excess, and long-term steroid use.

What are the best milia treatment options?

First up, forget squeezing. Remember milia are not whiteheads (although you shouldn’t squeeze any spots really!) they are instead stubborn cysts so squeezing (whether it be with your bare fingers, nails or any tools!) will only irritate and cause damage to the skin and without being able to remove the problem! Instead, you are best to wait it out (yes milia can simply disappear on their own but this can take TIME) or you can take the pro route – milia removal. This usually requires an incision, especially when the cysts are deep below the skin’s surface, typically, it’s a quick and painless in-clinic procedure. Depending on the dermatologist or skin expert, they should be able to get rid of the milia using a lancing tool or needle. They will gently flick up the outer most surface of skin freeing the milia and enabling it wiggle it out like a tiny chalk ball. Sounds horribly satisfying!

How can you prevent milia from returning?

As ever with skincare, prevention is better than cure (there’s no needles involved, for one), so try these suggestions if milia are a recurring concern for you.

Cleanse thoroughly every day

Removing your make-up thoroughly before bed is essential, and if you’re not already try double cleansing in the evenings, particularly if you wear heavy make-up and/or live in a polluted area. The first cleanse removes your make-up, SPF and sebum (use something like an oil cleanser to melt make-up, we recommend the ELES Transformation Oil Cleanser), and the second – which is where your facial massage comes into play – should remove any further impurities and treat the skin. We love Pevonia’s CleanRefresh Foaming Cleanser.

Exfoliate skin with the best acid exfoliators (formulated with AHA and BHA’s)

Regular exfoliation works wonders in preventing milia, in fact the most effective way to keep milia at bay is to encourage cell turn over! Look exfoliators formulated with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Apply at least three times a week, paying special attention to areas of milia. Try: Pevonia Glycocides Cream or Vie Collection Glyco 10 on freshly cleansed skin in the evening. You won’t be disappointed!

If you have sensitive skin, or prefer manual exfoliation, try using a gentle scrub a few times a week such as the Phytomer Marine Scrub or Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. This way you’ll keep the dead skin cell build-up at bay and your pores tight and clean.

Use a retinol cream

Retinol is also very helpful for both fighting and preventing milia. This form of vitamin A assists skin cell turn over, allowing the milia to surface and preventing the build-up of dead cells leading to the cysts in the first place. Try: Pevonia Micro Retinol Serum and Pevonia Micro Retinol Cream or Vie Collection Retinopur Fluid.

Choose your eye cream carefully

Skin under the eyes can be prone to puffiness if fluid builds up there, especially with aesthetic interventions which limit muscle movements [such as Botox] and lymph circulation. This, coupled with rich products loaded onto the thin skin with limited blood circulation is a recipe for clogging. Therefore, it’s vital to use lightweight eye creams, and ensure they penetrate effectively. Try: Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye Gel or Vie Collection Chrono Eyes puffiness dark circles.

Wear sunscreen religiously!

While this is already a must to reduce the risk of premature ageing, sun damage can also be a contributing factor of secondary milia. Also make sure you wear a hat, and sunglasses.

Consider making some lifestyle changes

Limit your intake of cholesterol-rich foods (meat, eggs, etc) and instead stock up on good sources of essential fatty acids such as oily fish, flax seeds, olive oil (unheated), avocados and linseeds. Incorporate vitamin D supplements into your daily routine and avoid heavy oil-based skincare or make-up products. Instead opt for mineral makeup which will allow skin to breath freely.

Posts

Watch what you eat

Stress less

Keep your phone clean! And your pillowcase too!

Use mineral makeup

Choose skincare wisely

UPDATED

What causes milia?

What are the two main types of milia?

Primary Milia

Secondary Milia

What are the best milia treatment options?

How can you prevent milia from returning?

Cleanse thoroughly every day

Exfoliate skin with the best acid exfoliators (formulated with AHA and BHA’s)

Use a retinol cream

Choose your eye cream carefully

Wear sunscreen religiously!

Consider making some lifestyle changes