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woman with sheet mask on her face

Everything you need to know about sheet masks

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If you’re not familiar with sheet masks or you simply haven’t had a chance to try one yet, you might be wondering what all the hype is about when it comes to this popular skincare trend. After all why not just stick to a traditional cream mask right? The thing is like all masks, sheet masks offer a multitude of benefits and are a great place to start if you are new to this vital step in your skincare routine. And no, sheet masks aren’t a new phenomenon, in fact they’ve been around for decades, but finally they are getting the wrap they deserve and for very good reason.

From what they are to their many benefits, keep reading as we reveal everything you need to know about sheet masks.

 

What are sheet masks?

Different to your traditional cream masks, sheet masks are single-use face masks made out of a thin, often cotton or paper-like material designed to fit over your face. The sheet is cut to fit the shape of your face (with holes for the eyes, nose and mouth) and is soaked in a serum or essence. These serums are typically packed with all kinds of beneficial ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and antioxidants, that are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin and provide a variety of benefits.

Why are sheet masks good?

Sheet masks are seriously good for your skin for a number of reasons, in fact they provide the perfect balance of skincare and pamper!

They are a great way to provide your skin with a big boost of hydration, nourishment and other skincare benefits. One of the great things about sheets masks is that they come in a number of formulations too – such as brightening and anti-ageing – so you can choose one that’s tailored to your specific skin concerns. The sheet itself also helps to lock in the moisture and active ingredients, allowing for better absorption and therefore effectiveness.

Another great thing about sheet masks is that they provide a relaxing and pampering experience, a weekly self-care ritual, which let’s face it we could all do with! This is because they literally force you to take some ‘me time’, a break from your daily routine to sit back and zone out for 15-20 minutes while the sheet does its thing to your skin! It’s like having a mini spa session in the comfort of your own home, who wouldn’t love that! And the end result? You feel better and your skin certainly looks it too!

Finally sheet masks are relatively affordable and incredibly easy and convenient to use (just open sachet, unfold the mask, apply it to your face and wait for it to work its magic!) They are also great for travel or on-the-go use as they’re lightweight (they come in single sachets) and take up very little space.

 

Are sheet masks right for your skin?

Sheet masks can be beneficial for all skin types but like with any skincare product its important to choose the right one for your specific skin concerns. If you have reactive or sensitive skin just be cautious and be mindful of the ingredients and avoid sheet masks that contain fragrances or essential oils which can be irritating to some sensitive skin.

Here are our top picks;

Sensitive skin

If your skin is on the sensitive side look for sheet masks enriched with soothing and cooling ingredients such as aloe, green tea, lavender, and tea tree to help nourish and calm your skin while reducing any inflammation.

We LOVE the ELES Calming and Soothing Sheet Mask

 

Ageing skin

If you have mature skin, opt for sheet masks that contain ingredients such as, collagen, peptides or retinol, which can help to improve skin texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Try the ELES Youth Recovery Sheet Mask Not only will it improve skin’s texture and help with tackling any premature lines and wrinkles, it also helps to brighten and even skin tone.

 

Dry, dull, discoloured skin

And if you’re dealing with dryness, dehydration, discolouration and dullness and could do with an instant pick-me-up, as well as boost of hydration, a sheet mask that contains nourishing and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin c or niacinamide is the way to go!

We highly recommend the ELES Hydrating and Brightening Sheet Mask, it’s fantastic! It plumps the skin from within, radically reducing moisture loss, plus extra bonus it helps to prevent hyperpigmentation and give your skin a fabulous, healthy glow.

How do you apply sheet masks?

Sheet masks are designed to fit over your face. Using one is pretty simple. Here are the steps;

  1. Start with clean, dry skin (best to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry before applying).
  2. Take the sheet mask out of its packaging and unfold it.
  3. Smooth it onto your face, making sure it’s lined up with your eyes, nose and mouth.
  4. Press the sheet mask onto your skin to make sure it’s adhering properly (you want all the ingredients to properly absorb into your skin).
  5. Relax for 15-20 minutes and let the mask work its magic. Enjoy the “me” time!
  6. Remove the sheet mask.
  7. Finally gently massage any remaining serum into the skin (this is often the case as sheet masks are literally drenched in product).

That’s it! Now reap in the benefits.

Happy masking!

woman checking her enlarged pores in front of a mirror

12 ways to shrink your enlarged pores

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Struggling with large pores? Hate the way they can make your skin look dull and lead to blackheads and acne too!? You’re not alone! In fact many of us struggle with this daily skin concern, especially those of us with oily or combination skin. The great news is, there are a number of ways you can shrink the appearance of pore size as well as improve the overall appearance of your skin! Keep reading as we reveal 10 tips for minimizing the size of those pesky pores of yours, and enjoy smoother, clearer skin.

Firstly though, why do you have enlarged pores?

 

There are actually a number of causes when it comes to enlarged pores. These include;

  1. Genetics

Some of us are more prone to having larger pores due to our genetics believe it or not (thanks parents!)

  1. Oily skin

Excess oil production can lead to clogged pores, making pores appear larger.

  1. Age

As we get older, our skin loses elasticity, which can cause pores to appear larger.

  1. Sun damage

Exposure to the sun can cause skin damage, including enlarged pores.

  1. Poor skincare habits

Not properly cleansing and exfoliating your skin can lead to buildup in your pores, causing them to enlarge.

  1. Hormonal changes

Fluctuations in hormones, can cause the skin to produce more oil, leading to larger pores.

 

How do you shrink enlarged pores?

  1. Keep your skin clean

Keeping your skin cleansed is crucial to preventing clogged pores. When pores are clogged, they may appear larger or darker in colour, and swelling or inflammation may start to develop – eek! Be sure to use a gentle cleanser depending on your skin type. For example if your skin is oily, it’s best to opt for foaming cleansers, if your skin tends to be on the sensitive side, there are some amazing sensitive skin cream cleansers for that too! Use your cleanser twice daily to remove any excess oil, dirt and debris from your face.

Remember harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing your pores to become larger!

  1. Make sure you have exfoliating products in your skincare routine

Exfoliators are imperative! Their main purpose is after all to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA’s) like salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid, and use one to two times a week to keep skin smooth and clear. We highly recommend Pevonia’s new ProCorrective Clear-Control Exfoliator. The name speaks for itself! It’s a superb dual-action cleanser and gentle exfoliant which literally clears skin by delivering a deep clearing of the pores, removing dead cells and surface impurities.

  1. Apply a clay mask weekly

We all love a mask, a step in your skincare routine which shouldn’t be missed for a number of reasons, but when it comes to shrinking the appearance of pores, clay masks are a must! They can effectively help absorb excess oil and tighten pores by penetrating the epidermis removing stubborn dirt and grime that’s got stuck deep within your pores.

Apply a clay mask once a week to help shrink your pores. We love Phytomer Radiance Reviving Mask with Clay. It combines 100% red and white clay with marine sugars and algae to instantly unclog pores as well as counteract dehydration, fatigue, dark spots and dull skin! Want visibly smaller, tighter pores, and radiant skin? This is a must!

Beauty Collective - Phytomer - CITYLIFE Radiance Reviving Mask with Clay

  1. Use a toner

Yes, we all cleanse our skin daily, we know that’s a rule of thumb, but how many of us actually tone our skin, after all what’s the point right? Well I’m here to tell you a toner can be a game changer, especially if you have enlarged pores or oily skin! A good toner can help remove any remaining dirt on your skin that your cleanser has missed and will also help tighten those pores of yours daily. We recommend Phytomer Oligomarine Flawless Skin Tonic.

  1. Introduce collagen into your skincare

Collagen, the elixir of youth! Or otherwise professionally known as the protein our bodies produce to keep skin young and plump! The thing is as we age, our bodies ability to produce collagen starts to diminish, this in turn makes our pores become looser and larger looking! Eek. By introducing collagen into your skincare routine you can replace loss collagen, which will in turn smooth and tighten the skin making pores appear smaller. And by introducing collagen skincare from an early age (we are talking 20’s – 30’s) you can actually help prevent larger-looking pores caused by the loss of collagen from forming!

Want to know why else you should introduce collagen into your skincare routine? Click here.

  1. Give retinol a go

Retinol, the wonder ingredient that really does it all! From reducing the appearance of large pores by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production, to combatting premature fine lines and wrinkles, it’s really something we should all look to introducing into our daily skincare ritual, especially if we are over 40! Just be sure to introduce your retinol cream slowly though. Use at night, once or twice a week and gradually increase to nightly. Remember it’s best not to use retinol cream in the morning because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays, plus sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product. Also remember while you are using a retinol cream to be diligent about applying your sunscreen in the day (well you should be wearing it daily anyway!)

To learn more about the many benefits of retinol click here.

  1. Wear sunscreen

Sun damage doesn’t only mean fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity, sun damage can also make pores appear larger. Protect your skin from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above, and use it daily!!

  1. Use a pore-minimizing primer

It can help you fill in your pores and create a smoother surface for your makeup.

Try ELES Cosmetics Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s a game changer for those with large pores! It’s oil-free, perfectly lightweight and seems to combat shine almost instantly. It contains a natural Dermat Complex which enables it to absorb oil and effectively reduce pore size in one hit Genius.

ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer

  1. Avoid heavy makeup

Yes, we all want to try and hide those pores, and while makeup might seem the only way, heavy foundations can actually clog your pores making them appear larger! Eek. When it comes to makeup opt for lighter, non-comedogenic products instead, and products ideal for combination to oily skin so it doesn’t slide off your face by mid-morning, revealing those enlarged pores we all love to hate! We can’t recommend mineral makeup enough. Packed with skin nurturing ingredients, mineral foundations enable skin to breath freely while concealing blemishes and large pores.

  1. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water believe it or not can reduce the appearance of pores! This is because hydrated skin equals plumped skin.

  1. Eat a healthy diet

A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods can help keep your skin healthy and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to enlarged pores.

  1. use a pore perfecting moisturiser

When it comes to large pores, the key is to choose a pore-minimizing moisturiser as they work by stimulating and plumping the collagen that surrounds pores.

Yes it’s a thing! If you aren’t already using one, you simply must now. Formulated to quite literally refine pores for a smoother, flawless complexion free of shine you won’t believe the results. Our go-to is Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Refine Cream. It’s a mattifying treatment cream which radically reduces oil production and pore size, while providing long-lasting hydration at the same time.

 

Just remember, keeping enlarged pores at bay requires a consistent skincare routine and healthy daily habits. By following these tips, you can (and will!) shrink those pores and improve the overall appearance of your skin in the process too!

mother's day gift - mother's day gift - woman holding a gift box, pulling the ribbon to open the gift

Mother’s Day gift ideas for your skincare loving Mum

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Mother’s Day is fast approaching so if you haven’t already, it’s high time to start thinking about that perfect gift for your special mum! This year, forget daggy PJs, boring kitchen ware and books that never get read, instead add some skincare loving to your mum’s cosmetics bag with one of these fabulous beauty buys….

 

  1. Phytomer Limited Edition Mother’s Day Youth and Glow Gift Set

Featuring Phytomer’s global anti-ageing cream, Skin Illumination Complexion Cream and Phytomer’s iconic creamy exfoliant Marine Scrub, this formidable duo work together to restore vitality and radiance to the skin. Used in unison, they instantly brighten skin tone and smooth wrinkles in just one month of use! Plus day by day dark spots diminish and skin appears visibly younger and more luminous. Now what mum wouldn’t want that, no matter their age!

  1. Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream

Don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! This outstanding peeling cream will do wonders for your mum’s skin! It’s like a mini facial in a jar! Combining natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes, it gently melts away impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins revealing silky soft, smooth and glowing skin instead! Simply apply it all over face like you would a face mask, wet your fingers with warm water and work the peeling cream gently, leave it for 2 minutes to let it work its magic, then remove! Voila gorgeous glowy, smooth, soft as a babies bottom skin!

Pevonia - Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream

 

  1. Pevonia Gemstone Facial Roller

If your mum already has her skincare favourites, why not up the ante and buy her a gorgeous Gemstone Facial roller instead? The ultimate facial massage tool made with semi-precious stones including jade, rose quartz and amethyst, can help boost blood circulation, ease tension in your face, and allow skin care products to absorb more effectively. To find out more about gemstone facial rollers, their benefits, and the various options click here.

BC Rose Quartz Facial Roller 

  1. Beauty Collective starter kits

You can also check out one of the many amazing starter kits for all skin types from Beauty Collective.

Pevonia Starter Pack - Discovery

Beauty Collective - Repair-damaged-skin

Damaged skin barrier? How to repair and take care of it

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If you’re suddenly suffering from dry, irritated and sensitive skin it’s possible your skin barrier could be compromised. Fear not though, a damaged skin barrier can happen to the best of us, even devout skincare enthusiasts! Thankfully it’s possible to fix a damaged skin barrier – as long as you know how! Keep reading as we talk all things skin barrier, from what it is, to how to fix it and the best tips and products to use.

 

Firstly though when exactly is your skin barrier?

Our skin barrier is the outermost layer of our skin. You could call it your ‘shield’ as it literally serves as a protective barrier against the outside world! Be it environmental toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances.

Technically knows as the stratum corneum, it’s a complex system of lipids, proteins and cells which not only protects your face from external aggressors but helps retain moisture in your skin keeping it hydrated and healthy too.

 

What causes a damaged skin barrier?

Unfortunately our skin barrier can be very fragile and several factors can compromise or damage it, these include;

  1. Harsh soaps and skincare products.

Using products that contain harsh chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier.

  1. Hot water

Yes, something as simple as washing your face with water that is too hot can strip the skin of its natural oils leading to dryness and skin sensitivities.

  1. Sun exposure

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can seriously damage the skin barrier and lead to premature ageing.

  1. Environmental pollutants

Everything from air pollution and cigarette smoke to the weather and blue light from our screens can cause havoc with our skin.

  1. Genetics

Some people are just more prone to skin barrier damage due to their genetics unfortunately, this doesn’t mean you are doomed, it just means you need to be more religious about looking after your skin and using specific skincare products to protect your skin barrier.

  1. Age

Our ceramide levels decrease significantly as we age so our skin’s ability to hold onto moisture eventually becomes compromised too.

 

What is the best way to repair your skin’s barrier?

If your skin barrier is damaged there are several things you can do to repair it including;

  1. Use gentle cleansers

Choose skincare products that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals. Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

  1. Avoid hot water

Always use lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your face.

  1. Make sure you moisturise morning and night

Use a moisturiser that is specifically formulated to repair the skin barrier. Look for products rich in ceramides (an essentially fatty molecule called a lipid which holds your skin cells together, without ceramides there is nothing to keep all those hydrating ingredients from evaporating from the skin!). We love Pevonia’s best selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. It rejuvenates skin cells while softening fine lines and wrinkles and replenishing vital nutrients.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Marine Collagen Cream

  1. Avoid harsh skincare products

Steer clear from products that contain alcohol, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals.

  1. Products your skin from the sun, every single day!

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will not only help repair your skin but protect it too and not just from damage to your skin’s barrier but premature ageing as well.

Vie Collection - Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF30

  1. Avoid smoking

Smoking can and will damage your skin’s barrier and lead to premature ageing.

  1. Use skincare products that help combat environmental damage on our skin

If you live in the city, try using products that have been carefully formulated to combat environmental damage. We love Phytomer’s CityLife Collection.

  1. Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can help support the skin barrier and keep it healthy!

  1. Stay hydrated

Having a damaged barrier often results in a dehydrated complexion from the skin’s deeper layers so it’s vital to replenish that lost moisture with lightweight serums formulated with hydration heroes like hyaluronic acid. Serums have the ability to penetrate deep into the skin layers, whereas moisturisers tend to hydrate the skin’s surface. We highly recommend Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist for that extra boost of moisture.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™Drinking plenty of water daily (8 glasses is the recommended amount) is essential too! It will not only help repair damaged skin but help maintain a healthy and hydrated skin barrier once repaired too!