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Beauty Collective - top-rated beauty buys

Calm and conceal ultra-sensitive skin with these top-rated beauty buys

February 25, 2022/in How To /by Jo Boyden

If you’re prone to sensitive skin or simply suffering from sudden skin irritabilities, you wouldn’t be alone. When it comes to sensitive skin there can, unfortunately, be many internal and external factors that are triggers, so it’s a good idea to look at your lifestyle as well as rethink your skincare routine. By opting for natural products formulated with soothing, calming and nurturing ingredients such as chamomile, calendula, aloe, lavender, propolis and more, you can overcome common skin sensitivities, and we are here to share 5 products that’ll help you do so. Products the BC experts swear by but also the ones loved by BC customers too.

Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate

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 discoloration, dullness, fine lines, acne and skin sensitivities!

For a truly nurturing, soothing serum Pevonia’s antibacterial Soothing Propolis Concentrate 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.

“I have problems with adult acne as well as having sensitive skin. This product helped calm my skin down as well as reduce my acne and made my skin feel really soft again.” Laura L

Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes

Sensitive skin still needs exfoliation, but you should approach with caution! You want to avoid scrubbing or using mechanical methods of exfoliation as these will only irritate your skin further and can lead to additional redness. Instead use natural enzyme exfoliators. Enzymes are a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as they provide a gentle way to both exfoliate and brighten.

Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes is the ideal gentle exfoliant for even the most sensitive skin. It is a seriously soft, silky and subtly scented and it eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever!), encouraging cell turnover and revealing a refined skin texture and luminous youthful complexion! The velvety vegetable-based formula also contains vitamin E to neutralize damaging free radicals.

“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can’t use those exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs…this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It’s the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sarah R

Pevonia Sensitive Skin starter pack

When your skin is sensitive and reacts to anything and everything, you really need a skincare solution that will gently soothe, calm and property desensitize! Pevonia’s Sensitive Skin starter pack contains not one, but three skincare essentials: Pevonia’s bestselling Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream, Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Sensitive Skin Lotion! The trio calm and control hypersensitivity. Skin nurturing ingredients including propolis, calendula and aloe alleviate and harmoniously correct skin’s blotchiness and irritability.

“I have super sensitive skin and these products have a beautiful calming, hydrating effect on my skin.” Tania T

ELES Mineral Powder Foundation

Even if you are suffering from skin sensitivities, you’ll still likely want to wear makeup especially if you want to conceal any blemishes! The thing is many makeup products can exacerbate an already irritated complexion so you’re best to keep things simple (less is more) and opt for mineral makeup! Mineral makeup is free of irritants like talc and chemical dyes (making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation, itching, dryness, and redness). It allows your skin to breath freely and won’t clog it up with chemicals and artificial colours, perfumes, or preservatives! Phew.

As a sufferer of want for a better word ‘flushed skin’ I personally LOVE the best-selling ELES Mineral Powder Foundation! It’s one of my all-time favourites. It’s one of the most natural-looking, if not THE most natural-looking foundations I have in fact ever tried and being in the industry for 20 years I’ve tried many! It contains zero chemical nasties, instead, it’s packed with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, can be used as a buildable foundation from natural sheer to polished opaque (dependant on what you need) and it’s highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, working wonders at camouflaging facial redness while protecting skin against ultraviolet damage too!

“This is the first powder I have tried which has not had a drying effect on my skin. It is so gentle and comforting on my sensitive skin, leaving a soft silky veil over my face. It is also the most natural looking foundation I have ever tried. Coverage can be built with ease and creates the illusion of naturally flawless skin. I don’t think I could ever use another powder again, definitely a convert.” Katherine B

ELES Luminous CC Cream 20

If it’s facial redness which you are prone to, using a colour corrector can be a game-changer! Rather than covering up the redness with a thick layer of concealer followed by your foundation, a colour corrector will help visually correct redness and even out skin tone too! Using a colour corrector with UV protection will also help shield your sensitive skin from exposure that can aggravate it!

The ELES Luminous CC Cream SPF 20 is outstanding. It’s a lightweight, oil-free, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection that really does multi-task like no other! And while it’s technically not a foundation, the full coverage pigments cover redness—be it from rosacea, pimples, irritation, you name it—so well that you very well may be able to get away without wearing any other makeup. What’s more it’s multi-mineral complex helps to condition skin and provide antioxidant protection, while Hydra-Extend provides instant, long term moisture retention and 72 hour hydration, reducing TEWL and strengthening skins barrier function!

“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

9 beauty products that will totally transform your skin

February 25, 2022/in How To /by Jo Boyden

We are all on the quest for beauty products that’ll not only work wonders for our skin but have visible results in next to no time! These are the holy-grail picks that we, and you swear by, why? Because they have the ability totally transform our skin. If a product has made it onto this list, you can bet it’s an A* beauty buy…

The multi-tasking ‘essential’ moisturiser

Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser

When it comes to reducing the visible signs of ageing, retinol is the “super-ingredient” every beauty professional hails as the holy grail of the skincare world. Why? Because it 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! So it’s no surprise that Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser is recommended by many beauty experts as the anti-ageing go-to. Formulated with Retinol, Hyaluronic, Squalane, and Marine Collagen, it deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms! And for even better results you can couple with the Micro-Retinol Essential Serum!

“This is the most beautiful cream I have ever used; light texture, non greasy, non shiny. Changes in my skin are an increased 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. I am 60 and tried this after other brands became ineffective. Now my skin appears luminous and more refined. So, I am going to purchase the whole range. Its a surprise to see a brighter smoother complexion at my age.” – Annie

To learn more about the benefits of retinol, how and when to use it, click here.

The skin smoothing serum

Pevonia Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum

Unfortunately, as we age, our production of collagen (which keeps skin firm), elastin (which keeps skin supple) and hyaluronic acid (which keeps skin hydrated) decreases! This unique de-ageing serum features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Escutox^® (Hibiscus Esculentus extract which relaxes harsh wrinkles similar to that of Botox), to deliver immediate skin soothing results and deep hydration. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, apply it to a tired, lacklustre complexion for an instantly brighter, plumper and firmer face! You won’t be disappointed!

“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!!” – Marie C

The formidable face oil

Pevonia De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil

If your skin is dry, you’ll really benefit from using facial oils as your barrier. Pevonia’s De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil is the ultimate barrier warrior featuring a blend of premium and delicate natural oils including safflower, squalane, lavender, chamomile, grapefruit and rose to instantaneously deliver intense hydration while soothing, calming, relaxing, brightening and protecting the skin barrier for ongoing optimal skin health!

“I love this face oil! I’ve been using it for a month now as a night-time treatment for my dull, dry skin and the results next morning are fantastic! Smoother, plumper, brighter skin! The scent is also heavenly and definitely transports me into a relaxed state of mind. Such amazing stuff!” – Amy K

The age-defying serum

Phytomer Oligoforce Advanced Wrinkle and Dark Spot Correction Moisturizing Serum

This micro-emulsion contains two active flagship marine ingredients; Oligomer concentrated sea water and Marine Eternal Blue Micro-Algae which effectively targets dark spots and wrinkles. It’s dewy texture, combining all the comfort of an oil and the effectiveness of a serum, envelops the skin in light and delivers intense hydration. Day after day skin is radiant, dark spots are diminished and wrinkles are smoothed away.

“This is a beautiful product. I have only been using it for about 1 week but already I see an big improvement. I will definitely buy this again and highly recommend.” – Leanore A

The exfoliating treatment cream

Pevonia Enzymo Spherides peeling cream

Pineapple and Papaya enzymes eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells, sebum, and toxins as you work this exfoliating treatment cream into your skin. Apply to cleansed skin and leave for 5 minutes then massage with warm wet fingertips to release the skin brightening enzymes. Your skin will emerge fresher and brighter than ever before (and we mean that!)

“You should see my skin after using this for only 1 week! The redness has completely toned down, I haven’t had 1 new spot and the bumps are smaller and some almost gone! The Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream is a miracle treatment, I will never, ever stray again. I am absolutely over the moon :)” – Shelley

The wrinkle fighting face cream

Vie Collection Time Control Deep Wrinkles EGF Cream

Inspired by the professional benefits of EGF (Epidermal growth factor) injections to combat deep wrinkles, loss of elasticity and devitalization, this deeply nourishing cream – formulated with powerful cosmetic ingredients including EGF-like peptides and pro-collagen peptides – visibly reverses lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, lack of density and sagging of the face.

“I have been using this firming cream for a month now and I can honestly say it has reduced the appearance of even my deepest wrinkles! I was even asked if I’d had botox the other day! Winning!” – Anne K

The deeply nourishing night treatment

Vitaminic Concentrate

This phenomenal soothing, silky, antioxidant oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma is worth it’s weight in gold! It’s fast absorbing and radically combats premature ageing, dehydration and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you will wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin by morning.

“This is one of my all-time favourite products. I wear it as part of my night-time skincare ritual, it feels (and smells) amazing when I apply it and I wake up to soft, radiant skin every morning!” – Zoe B

The foundation, primer and sunscreen in one

ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30

Your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen and foundation in one, the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream SPF 30 is a multi-tasking wonder, suitable for all skin types! A big call I know, but it’s not BC’s best-seller for nothing!

This BB Cream primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! What’s more, you’ll feel as though you aren’t even wearing makeup, no easy feat for a foundation or any product with SPF for that matter!

“This is hands down the best BB Cream I have ever used, and I have tried a fair few in my time! It really does make my blemished skin appear flawless and luminous in seconds!” – Jo B

The skin Illuminator

ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light

Looking for that miracle makeup item that takes minimal effort on your part but can transform your skin in seconds? This is it! Your bronzer, highlighter and foundation powder combined into one clever compact, the ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light acts like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow” in seconds! The microfine powder’s jet milled pigments bring a soft-focus finish for a blurring effect over imperfections and fine lines. Incredibly light, it never gets chalky, weighs down the skin or even looks like your wearing powder, yet keeps any shine at bay. And all you have to do is apply your morning skincare, then simply dust a light layer all over your face with a makeup brush and watch your skin truly transform.

“I recently purchased this beautiful product and use it over my SPF with no foundation. it gives my skin a beautiful healthy luminosity without the look of shimmer. It looks like my skin only better. it is perfect for me as in the Summer months I avoid foundations as they just melt off my skin.” – Christina

Want radiant skin? 8 glow-inducing skin saviours you’ll want to get your hands on

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

I’m pretty sure when I say there isn’t a single woman out there who doesn’t want to achieve healthy, radiant skin on the daily. And while makeup can indeed work miracles from concealing pesky pimples to faking sun kissed skin, it won’t give you that constant fresh, healthy glow that the right skincare can! That’s right, to truly master radiant skin you need to make sure you incorporate glow inducing skin saviours into your daily routine and below are six the team at BC (and our customers!) can’t get enough of all year round!

THE CLEANSER

Phytomer Cyfolia Radiance Cleansing Cream

This rich, velvety cleansing cream formulated with organic orange water, oligomer, organic vegetal oils and cyfolia algae, literally melts on contact with your skin to gently cleanse and remove makeup, oil and impurities!

Organic Orange water delivers vitamin C for skin radiance and optimal glow while Cyfolia Algae enhances the glow by providing a reflective effect! Like a burst of radiance to the complexion, skin is soft, supple and glowing after every cleanse!

“I love this new cleanser from Phytomer. I’ve been using it for a few months now and can say my skin is definitely softer and more radiant after use and I love the scent too.” Sarah M

THE EXFOLIATOR

Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

This is THE perfect all-rounder exfoliator for all skin types. A creamy, granular, exfoliating cream that gently polishes away dry, dead skin cells to reveal instant radiance and softer, smoother skin too! It reduces pore size with regular use, it’s perfect to use in the shower in the mornings and is so gentle you can use it every day if you please! (Although exfoliating is generally recommended 1-2 times weekly!) You can thank us later!

“I love this exfoliator, my skin always feels so smooth and hydrated after using it. It also makes my skin look a lot brighter.” Oreilly P

THE SERUM

Pevonia “C” Complexe with Oxyzomes

Vitamin C, hyaluronic and Oxygen work together in this amazing product to enliven dull skin leaving it visibly brighter and more youthful after every single application! It’s a truly powerful anti-oxidant that not only delivers immediate luminosity but protects the skin from premature skin ageing too! Yesss! Oh and if smells and feels amazing too!

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

THE MOISTURISER

Phytomer Hydra continue radiance energising cream

Thanks to its beautifully lightweight texture, this radiance cream helps keep that outer layer of skin perfectly nourished without feeling too heavy. Rich in vitamins, it revitalizes, activates your skin’s cellular activity to promote natural regrowth, hydrates, softens and smooths skin for a radiant youthful appearance.

“I am in love with this product, it’s become my go-to moisturiser this summer since it’s silky and light yet keeps my skin moisturised all day long! It has a lovely subtle scent, and the products name definitely reflects the results – it’s energising and radiance inducing that’s for sure!” JoJo B

THE EYE CREAM

Lumafirm Lift & Glow Eye Contour

This powerhouse product reveals instant results to the delicate eye zone. it contains a Pevonia exclusive collection of the latest high-tech cosmetic ingredients to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles, diminish dark circles, ease puffiness and brighten the eye area!

“Excellent product really lifting the eye area and creating glow throughout the day.” Maria D

THE FACE OIL

Phytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil

You can brighten, hydrate and restore your skin’s natural lustre with this soothing and replenishing dry oil! Perfectly lightweight, it absorbs into your skin quickly to create a velvety finish without leaving a greasy residue. And it adds a protective barrier over the skin to retain moisture and prevent tight, dry-feeling skin too!

“I love this product it makes my skin feel soft and subtle and gives it a beautiful glow. I suffer from redness, and this helps to soothe my skin. Amazing product.” Jenni

THE MASK/TREATMENT CREAM

Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream

Apply to cleansed skin and leave for 5 minutes then massage with warm wet fingertips to release the skin brightening enzymes. Your skin will emerge fresher and brighter than ever before (no jokes!) and what’s more it smells so good you’ll want to eat it too! (but don’t of course….)

“Absolutely the best product on the market. Perfect for all skin types and ages. Truly amazing. It’s gentle and effective, skin is left bright and soft.” Lisa W

THE NIGHT CREAM

Pevonia Micro Retinol Essential Moisturizer

This light and gentle moisturiser increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen and elastin production (essential for youthful, plump skin), fades hyperpigmentation and helps skin stay hydrated and glowing without irritation. It’s a multi-tasking wonder!

You should introduce it slowly though and at night. This is because Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product. To find out more about retinol and this Pevonia’s Micro Retinol range click here.

“This is the most beautiful cream I have ever used; light texture, non greasy, non shiny. Changes in my skin are an increased 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. It appears luminous and more refined. So, I am going to purchase the whole range. It’s a surprise to see a brighter smoother complexion at my age. (60)” Annie

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

5 miracle masks for instant results as recommended by the BC Pros

February 4, 2022/in How To /by Jo Boyden

As the temperature increases and humidity levels rise, our pores tend to dilate making it easy for dirt and oil to get trapped and, as we all know, that can lead to unwanted and unsightly blemishes! Eek! While exfoliating skin once or twice weekly will of course help, applying a face mask can be a game-changer for your complexion too! They are a must-have tool in any beauty arsenal and the perfect addition in summer to plump and even out skin.

In fact, face masks offer immediate gratification for a multitude of skin conditions from dryness to inflammation, redness to acne and dependant on your skin type, the BC experts highly recommend the following 5 masks, so read on as we reveal which would be the right one for you…

Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask

Prone to acne in the summer? 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!

Pevonia Ageless Skin Collagen Mask

For dry, beach-worn, or irritated skin, a super hydrating mask feels 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.

Phytomer’s Accept Comfort 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.

Vie Collection Photo C Bright Radiance Mask

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!

Phytomer Oligopur Flawless skin mask

If you are prone to 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 if you want to address more than one skin issue you can use multiple masks, applying them to the different areas of your face. Give your skin that instant boost it needs!