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super ingredients in skincare

7 super ingredients in your skincare that are all the rage

In the pursuit of youthful skin, so many of us will buy into the ‘latest’ and ‘greatest’ skincare products and trends, especially when they promise to make you look 10 years younger! But with trends forever evolving and the multitude of skincare products out there, how are you supposed to differentiate between what actually works and what’ll likely be a passing fad?

When it comes to the search for skincare, and we’re talking skincare products that will really have a significant impact on your skin, a good way to start is by looking for specific skincare ingredients. For instance, if you are looking to brighten dull, sun damaged skin, skincare products formulated with Vitamin C should be your go-to. Worried about visible signs of ageing? It’s time to introduce retinol products into your daily skincare routine.

But Retinol and Vitamin C aren’t the only super skincare ingredients to look out for. There are in fact a total of 7 game-changing skincare ingredients that are all the rage right now and recommended by every beauty expert the world over! You’ve likely heard of them all before, in fact the majority have been around for many a year and are now perceived as cult favourites, but do you really know what it is they do?

Read on to learn all there is to know about the beauty industries leading skincare ingredients and why they should become a constant in your skin’s daily life too!

 

1. Retinol

Hailed as the Holy Grail of the skincare world, retinol counteracts ageing like no other!

A derivative of Vitamin A, this ‘superhero’ ingredient offers a multitude of benefits; From reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation, reducing large pores and clearing acne, retinol also has the ability to speed cell turnover making cells function like that of a child! Crazy right?

Perfect for those with sun damaged, dull and discoloured skin, those suffering from large pores and adult acne, or simply because ageing is a concern, we couldn’t recommend retinol more. But be sure to understand how and when to use it first.

Try Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Moisturiser, and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about

“This is the most beautiful cream I have ever used; light texture, non-greasy, non-shiny. Changes in my skin include smoothing of lines and crepe-skin areas, softening, hydrating and contouring, and reduced pigmentation. Some results were instantly visible and now after three weeks my skin just keeps improving. Now it appears luminous and more refined. It’s a surprise to see a brighter smoother complexion at my age, I am 60!” Annie

BeautyCollective - Pevonia - Micro-Retinol Moisturiser 

 

2. Hyaluronic Acid

Probably the most famous skincare ingredient of them all, and renowned as every beauty expert’s ‘must-have’, hyaluronic acid has the ability to instantly deliver supple, dewy skin. It binds moisture to skin cells to keep skin smooth, firm, plump, and undeniably radiant and thanks to its sponge-like effect, every molecule can hold 1,000 times its weight in water so when topically applied it’s like a burst of intense hydration to the skin. But this skincare ingredient doesn’t stop there, not only does it benefit those with dry, dehydrated skin, it’s also a must for anyone with signs of premature ageing.

So be sure you include this in your daily routine if you suffer from a dry, devitalised complexion or if you are simply in need of gentle anti-aging skincare. We are hands down in awe of Pevonia’s new Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum, featuring one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the skincare market!

“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

 

3. Glycolic Acid

If your skin is looking a tad dull and devitalised and you’re forever coveting that ‘insta-glow’, Glycolic Acid is your answer. This super acid is a type of natural exfoliant derived from sugar cane, which dissolves the ‘glue’ that holds dead skins cells together. As dead skin cells shed, the new smoother, brighter and younger looking skin underneath is revealed.

Made up of small molecules, it is also has the ability to penetrate deep within the skin, making it super effective for treating, blackheads, blemishes, oiliness, uneven texture, dullness and even fine lines!

So if you have normal, combination and oily skin that’s looking far from radiant, Glycolic acid will be your saving grace. Try Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream, we promise you won’t regret it!

“WOW, talk about overnight results! Minimizes my pores, smooths out my skin, and reduces redness. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to do all those things, but it’s been 2 months now since i’ve been using it every night and i LOVE this cream!” Sally O

 

4. Vitamin C

The best of the best when it comes to topical anti-oxidants, Vitamin C has been around for donkey’s years and for very good reason! Recommended by every beauty expert, this notorious glow-getter not only brightens skin, lessening hyperpigmentation, it also increases collagen production (which diminishes with age) and protects skin against pollution and sun damage by effectively neutralising free radicals (which can wreak havoc by harming healthy skin cells as well as promoting premature ageing – we are talking fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and more…)

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation or dark spots or skin is lacking life and needs some serious brightening, vitamin c should be your go-to. We can’t recommend enough the Pevonia Vitamin C Complexe, it’s a firm favourite of ours!

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

 

5. Collagen Peptides

Collagen is technically a protein which naturally occurs in our bodies giving our skin strength and elasticity, as well as working to replace dead skin cells. However as we age our natural collagen levels begin to decline and the more collagen we lose, the more fine lines and wrinkles appear. Scary hey? This is where topical skincare solutions are an absolute must. By applying skincare formulated with collagen peptides, you can stimulate the synthesis of new collagen production and minimise the appearance of ageing. Sound good? To keep skin soft, supple and free of fine lines we are forever in love with Pevonia’s no. 1 global best-seller, the Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream.

“I absolutely love this cream. It is a day cream and night cream and it helps with my puffiness, lines, blemishes, skin tone, you name it! Totally amazing.” Anna H

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Marine Collagen Cream

6. Caviar

Similar to retinol, caviar is a multi-tasking wonder ingredient! It works to enhance skin renewal and regeneration, it boosts collagen production and prevents the breakdown of  elastin (which both diminish with age), it helps protect skin against UV rays, locks in moisture to keep skin deeply nourished and plumped and it brightens skin and reduces inflammation at the same time too! In fact caviar is suitable for all skin types even ultra-sensitive and easily irritated skin because it is rich in omega-3, and ceramides – anti-inflammatories that play a great part in reducing redness while soothing troubled skin! So if you want to bring back vitality and life to ageing, tired, and depleted skin this should be a must-have ingredient in your skincare arsenal.

Try: Pevonia Myoxy Caviar Timeless Repair Cream. Drenched with potent actives to effectively counteract aging, this luxurious silky textured and easily absorbed cream provides outstanding rejuvenating results, smoothing wrinkles while increasing suppleness and oxygenation.

“The very best anti-aging cream I have ever used…and I’ve tried them all!!! The cream is so rich that just a little goes a very long way in making your skin smooth with diminished lines and a the bonus of a fresh glow!” Sarah D

Pevonia MyOxy Caviar Timeless Repair Cream

7. Niacinamide

Niacinamide or otherwise known as Vitamin B3, is the new kid on the block that everyone is raving about. This gentle ingredient when used topically can improve skin hydration by preventing evaporation of moisture from the skin. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, so it’s great for calming irritated and sensitive skin. What’s more it has the ability to improve skin tone and effectively fade dark spots, it can calm angry acne and it fights off harmful stressors such as UV rays, pollution, stress, lack of sleep, and other factors can all create free radicals that damage healthy skin cells. Oh and Niacinamide also improves the regulation of excess oil production, which can help minimise congestion and breakouts! What more could you ask?

Try: Vie Collection Vita B3 Concentrated Solution. This light, melting textured serum is like a shot for the skin that will visibly improve skin’s radiance in next to no time! We are talking brighter, happier, healthier skin! Plus with continued use this product will significantly decrease pigmentation while reinforcing the protective functions of the skin barrier for the optimal skin health.

“I love this serum! It’s become a staple in my skincare routine.  It has slowly and gently removed ALL the sunspots I had on my face from never using sunscreen in my younger years. My skin is also now so much more radiant after introducing it! I’m one very happy customer.” Lorna M

Beauty Collective - top 5 beauty buys five stars

The top 5 beauty buys we are raving about right now

It’s that time again! Time to tell you which products we, at Beauty Collective HQ, are loving right now! From the latest launches in skincare and makeup to the old favourites we’ve fallen for all over again, here are the team’s current top 5;

 

Pevonia Age Correction Collagen Christmas Gift Set

Jam packed with all my favourites, I can’t get enough of this limited-edition gift set which includes Pevonia’s global best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream (which has been my go-to all year round for 10 years now!) a Hydrating Cleanser, a Hydrating Toner and super hydrator Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum (and quite frankly no matter what your skin type Hyaluronic should be a go-to). So if you are worried about dehydration, and premature ageing this pack is perfect! I love it so much I’ve actually bought 3 of them for family members and with a 30% saving on this collection of Pevonia’s global best sellers what more could you ask for?

Jo Boyden, PR & Marketing Manager

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Age Correction Collagen Gift Set

ELES Sheet Masks

I’ve been doing a lot of travelling for work lately and these masks have become my go-to products (I also love to use them when I’m chilling at home watching Netflix!) Comprising of three different masks – anti-ageing, hydrating and soothing – they are quick and easy to apply and drenched in active ingredients for optimal results. My skin is definitely the better for them! I like to apply after I have cleansed and exfoliated my skin with the Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser – another simple and effective product to clean and remove dead cells quickly so my sheet masks work better.

Kellie Deveney, International Educator and Business Development Manager

ELES - Youth Recovery Sheet Mask

 

Pevonia De-Stress Escape Facial Gift Pack

This is the ultimate Christmas gift set, suitable for all skin types and such a special selection of products. I’m obsessed with the combination of cleanser and skin oil luxuriously massaged over the face and neck with the Jade facial roller. It feels like a little bit of day spa at home.

Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator

Phytomer Oligo 6 Concentrate

I’m really loving the new Oligo 6 Concentrate from Phytomer.  At the end of a busy day this super-light oil sinks into my skin and you can see the demineralizing and replenishing benefits each morning. Overall, my skin feels softer, calmer and much firmer.  I also love the subtle fresh aroma which is so soothing.

Liane Scior, Director of Education & Marketing

Phytomer - Oligo 6

ELES Brow Balm

The ELES Brow Balm is my new love! I have thin, sparse brows and the new ELES Brow Balm fills and defines my brows well. It doesn’t fade even when I spend the day outside on weekends which is really great! It’s creamy so it’s easy to apply but gives that semi matte finish which makes it look more natural. This is totally a must have this summer!

Elaine Palapag, Social Media Co-ordinator

 

Phytomer Cyfolia Organic Radiance Cleansing Cream

I’m usually a foaming gel cleanser person but I fell in love with this silky-smooth cleanser that not only cleans my skin but leaves it soft, plump and radiant too!  Oh and it also smells divine with spiced pink peppercorn and cedar wood.

May Scior, Operations Assistant

Beauty Collective - Cyfolia Radiance Cleansing Cream

Beauty Collective - multi-masking - woman applying mask on her face

When to use a facial mask and the best one for your skin

From clay masks to charcoal, sheet masks, to exfoliating masks, what used to be a facial indulgence has now become part of our everyday beauty routine and for very good reason, but when exactly should you be using a face mask though? Morning or night? Daily or weekly? We asked the experts for the lowdown on this vital skincare step. From why and when you should be using a face mask to the best ones for your skin, we have all the info you need to know.

 

What is a facial mask?

A face mask isn’t just an indulgent treat, it is key to tackling a multitude of skin concerns such as dehydration, acne, dryness, ageing and more! Face masks are specifically designed to be used intermittently to give your skin an instant boost but that’s not all! They offer a multitude of other benefits too.

 

What are the main benefits of using a face mask?

They are deep cleansing

Applying face masks offer many physical and therapeutic benefits, but first and foremost masks provide cleansing on a deep, deep level, benefiting the skin in multiple ways. Don’t get me wrong daily cleansing is an imperative part of your skincare routine, but applying a mask once or twice a week will take that process to a whole other level by removing any remaining makeup, excess oil, dead skin cells and other impurities that have sat on your skin’s surface, as well as beneath the upper layers of the epidermis.

They provide immediate results

While with most face masks you’ll need to leave it on for a little while, the results are instant and go way beyond the impact of your daily skincare routine! The right face mask can help hydrate skin, remove excess oils, improve the appearance of pores and more and after every application your skin will immerge tightened, toned, softer, smoother, and let’s not forget positively glowing!

They are pampering and therapeutic

Applying a face mask is a great excuse for a little ‘me time’. It will not only address your skins needs but also make you feel fabulous in little to no time! This is because a face mask can lift your spirit by stimulating your senses and allow you a moment (or few moments should I say!) of indulgent comfort. Ahhhhh.

They help all your other skincare products to better penetrate the skin for optimum results

Many of us will be religious when it comes to our daily skincare ritual but if you really want all your products to absorb into your skin both quickly and deeply than a face mask is a necessity. By using a mask regularly, it will assist in enabling all the amazing ingredients from your skincare to penetrate deep into your skin essentially making your products work harder and more effectively than ever before.

They are the perfect product for everyone to use no matter how sensitive or reactive your skin might be

This is because there is a mask for every skin type and concern. From dryness to inflammation, redness to acne, whatever your skin type there is the ideal mask to give your skin that instant boost it needs.

What are the different types of facial masks?

There is no one size fits all face mask, in fact there are six different types and are dependent on your skin type and concern.

Cream Masks

These are best for dry, dehydrated and ageing skin. They are formulated with nourishing ingredients to add much needed moisture and nutrients back into the skin. Skin appears plumper, brighter and younger looking after every use.

Gel Masks

The best choice for oily skin types, gel masks are lightweight. They minimise oil production and tighten the appearance of pores.

Clay Masks

These are great for those suffering from blemish or acne prone skin as they provide skin with a through deep cleanse effectively removing debris from clogged pores.

Warming Masks

These contain active ingredients that make the skin feel warm. Because they increase blood flow in the skin, skin may feel a tingling sensation and appear a little flushed after. They are best for skin that needs invigorating.

Exfoliating Masks

These are formulated with AHA’s and BHA’s to help remove dead skin cell build up. They can come in the form of a chemical peel or be made with fine particles such as jojoba granules. They help enhance the skin’s natural turnover process and render dull skin beautifully bright.

Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are different to every other type of mask in that they don’t come in a pot or tub but instead in a packet for single use. The ‘sheet’ is face-shaded (as in it features holes for your eyes, mouth and nose so it can completely cover your entire face) and is usually made of fiber, cotton, cellulose, or coconut pulp. Sheet masks are soaked in a liquid cocktail of hydrating, brightening or anti-ageing ingredients and work instantly on the skin boosting hydration and glow.

 

How often and when should you use a face mask?

We recommend adding a face mask to your skincare routine once or twice a week, morning or night, it just needs to come after your usual routine of cleansing and toning first as face masks are most beneficial when applied to clean skin free of impurities and excess oil. This way your skin is better equipped to absorb all the goodness of a face mask.

 

How should you apply a face mask?

This will alter slightly depending on the face mask you are using but generally speaking you should apply it evenly (no need to slather it on) all over your entire face. Don’t forget your neck and décolleté too! Like your face, these delicate areas also take on visible signs of ageing, often much earlier than the face because of their over exposure to the sun and environmental stress (let’s face it we don’t give our neck and décolleté nearly as much love as our faces, often a forgotten part of our skincare routine we don’t always apply sunscreen either!

 

How long should you leave a face mask on?

The general rule of thumb for the majority of face masks is 15 minutes. Sheet masks can be left on for up to 30 minutes, while certain gel masks can be left on as an overnight treatment to deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep.

 

How do you remove a face mask?

To remove your face mask use lukewarm water and either your fingers or a damp flannel or face cloth. Just be sure it’s clean and soft so it doesn’t irritate your skin.

 

What is the best face mask for your skin?

Prone to pesky pimples or all out acne?

A detoxifying charcoal mask will be your best bet! Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask is the perfect antidote for congested, dull skin. It neutralises pollutants, draws out impurities and leaves skin glowing with pure freshness!

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Pure Skin Charcoal Mask

Suffering from sensitive skin?

You will love soothing masks like Phytomer’s Accept Comfort Mask. It not only calms red, irritated skin but it strengthens it too! Healing is faster and it leaves your skin feeling beautifully hydrated and comfortable for days.

Skin is seriously parched

a super hydrating mask is for you! It’ll feel incredible as it brings the look of your complexion back to life, renewing, plumping, and smoothing your skin. Try Pevonia’s Ageless Skin Collagen Mask, it combats dehydration in just 10 minutes. The rich texture is a soothing balm as your skin literally drinks in the moisture leaving it both dewy and hydrated.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Ageless Skin Collagen Mask

Concerned about ageing?

An anti-ageing sheet mask like ELES Professional Strength Youth Recovery Sheet Mask should be your go-to. Infused with the best potent anti-ageing and antioxidant ingredients including collagen, hyaluronic and Niacinamide, this mask will help soften fine lines, refresh the skin and boost radiance almost instantaneously. Just one application will provide intense results like a complete facial treatment!

ELES - Youth Recovery Sheet Mask

You have a dull and devitalised complexion

To brighten a dull complexion, you’ll want a glow mask like Vie Collection’s Photo C Bright Radiance Mask which delivers radiant skin by morning! It is power packed with vitamin c, exfoliating papain, marine minerals and more and we promise after the very first application an incredibly radiant and brightened skin appearance will be revealed! If you want to look like you’ve had a looong, relaxing holiday? This is for you!

Photo C

You have oily skin and enlarged pores

You’ll want to use a mattifying mask pronto! Phytomer’s Oligopur Flawless skin mask reduces inflammation from breakouts and refines the pores for a mattified even, clear complexion!

And don’t forget! If you want to address more than one skin issue you can use multiple masks, applying them to the different areas of your face.

best eyeshadow tips for ageing eyes

The best eyeshadow tips for ageing eyes

If you’re worried about ageing eyes you might well have stopped wearing eyeshadow in fear it will only exacerbate your fine lines and wrinkles. The thing is eyeshadow and all eye makeup for that matter serves a very important purpose no matter what your age! It can add depth and dimension to your eyes making them appear larger, it can complement your eye colour or simply draw attention to the eyes! And most importantly it will bring back life to your ageing eye area! Genius! So instead of forgoing eyeshadow, you just need to alter how, and which type you use! To get the lowdown, we talked to the experts at BC! Keep scrolling as we countdown 10 of the best eyeshadow tips for mature women.

 

  1. Start with a good eye cream

It’s likely you’re doing this already, but if not, you’ll want (and need) the delicate skin around your eyes to be properly nourished! And we are talking both the eyelid and the undereye area! For a great eye cream for ageing eyes try Pevonia’s Age Correction Eye Contour. It’s formulated with Marine Collagen, Marine Elastin and Green Team which not only provide eyes with powerful anti-ageing benefits, it smooths, first and deeply nourishing the fragile eye zone too.

  1. Use a primer

As our skin ages, under-eye wrinkles and crows feet become more apparent – they are a fact of life for us all! A good primer however will help reduce their appearance while increasing the longevity of your eyeshadow! It’ll also prep your eyelids preventing eye makeup from creasing, feathering, smudging or smearing!

ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer

 

  1. Apply a good under-eye concealer

This will make eyes appear bigger and brighter in prep for your eyeshadow. Concealer isn’t just for brightening up your under eyes though. Prepping the eye with a concealer that’s about two shades lighter than your actual shade will make your eyeshadow more pigmented and in turn pop a lot more.

You’ll need to use one with has a hydrating formula as this will add additional nourishment to the eye area as well as prevent the concealer from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

Try ELES Cosmetics Dual Action Concealer.

ELES Dual Action Concealer

  1. Use a waterproof or long-lasting gel eyeliner

You don’t want to get to lunch time and find yourself with panda eyes! No sireee. By using a waterproof or long-lasting gel eyeliner, it’ll stay in place all day plus give eyes much needed depth and definition. Try ELES Cosmetics Superwear Gel Liner.

Beauty Collective - ELES Cosmetics - Superwear Gel Liner

  1. Line your eyes with a waterline liner

Eyes tend to look duller and tired with age. A waterline liner will open up your eyes instantly creating the illusion of bigger, brighter, more youthful looking eyes.

Simply apply your normal eyeliner to your top lash line then apply your waterline liner to the inner rim of your lower lash line. (We recommend ELES Cosmetics Waterline Liner). By doing so it’ll immediately open up your eyes as well as make the whites of your eyes look whiter. It works a treat I can vouch for that!

ELES Waterliner

  1. Opt for matte eyeshadow and go mineral

Eye shadow comes in many different colours and textures but for ageing eyes matte eyeshadows are the way to go.  Those with mature eyes might find matte eyeshadow more longwearing and less likely to fade on their skin. Your best bet is to stock up on mineral matte eyeshadows that are pigmented without emphasizing fine lines but also packed with antioxidant vitamins A, C & E to pamper lids with crease-proof perfection. Try ELES Cosmetics Mineral Matte Shadows. Better still try the ELES Build your own Shadow Palette, you get to select which ever 3 shades of mineral shadow shades you want! A trio of colours on your eyes is always better than one, they will make your eyes stand out more and can also increase their size and let’s face it bigger eyes are more youthful!

Build your own Shadow Palette

  1. Choose lighter eyeshadow shades

Opt for a lighter, natural eyeshadow shades rather than dark, smoky shades on your eyelids and around the eyes. Using neutral colours like shades of light browns, light pinks, beiges, or greys are best. Also add a light colour eyeshadow shade to the inner corner, lower lash line in outer corner, and the inner lid.

  1. Apply eye shadow correctly

Don’t take your base eyeshadow shade and simply plonk it on the centre of your lid. Using a small eyeshadow brush, start from the outer corner of the eyes and work inwards, so that the colour gets gradually lighter. This will help give your eyes a bigger, wide-eyed look.

  1. Finish with mascara

No matter your age, mascara will always be a go-to product. A good mascara (we are talking smudge-proof, waterproof, and long-lasting) adds volume and strengthens brittle lashes to keep them looking full and luscious. Fuller-looking lashes can also help to give a more youthful appearance to the eye area. However, it’s best not to wear mascara on the lower lashes as this can make your eyes look droopy as well as draw attention to dark circles and under eye wrinkles.

Beauty Collective - ELES - Lush Mascara

  1. Use a setting spray or powder

Finally, to prevent eyeshadow fallout (after all we want it to stay in place all day or night long!) use a setting spray or if setting sprays aren’t your thing, opt for a setting powder instead! Both work to lock your makeup in place. Try Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™