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Beauty Collective - Beauty Essentials

5 skincare essentials for glowing spring skin

Halfway through spring but your skin isn’t looking it’s best? Want to achieve that healthy spring glow but not sure where to start? We’ve got you! Unfortunately, with spring comes a change in our skin thanks to an increase in temperature, sun exposure and humidity levels so it’s important to up the ante when it comes to your skincare! Below are five of our favourite beauty buys to achieve your healthiest skin this spring! We promise you’ll love them too!

 

Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Many people avoid exfoliation during the winter months because they feel it can dry out their skin, but as the weather warms up and the humidity increases, it’s a good time to exfoliate at least once a week if not more, to brighten a dull lacklustre complexion. A good weekly exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells and reveal a fresh glowy complexion instead! For the perfect all-rounder exfoliator for all skin types we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile, it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single use!

To learn all about the beautifying benefits of exfoliation and which other exfoliators might be best for your skin this spring click here.

Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser blog

 

Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream

As the weather continues to warm up, it’s time to be rid of our richer creams and reach for a lightweight moisturiser instead! Something that will absorb quickly and keep pores clear. And remember even oily skin needs daily moisturising! Why? Because without daily hydration it can produce even more oil to compensate!

I highly suggest you give Phytomer’s Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream a go! Perfect for all skin types, it’s a beautifully light yet deeply nourishing cream that provides skin with that ‘invigorating boost’ for fresh, moisturized skin all day long. Rich in hyaluronic and vitamins, it really will transform skin from lacklustre to soft, supple, and visibly radiant.

Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream

 

ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50

We get it, no one likes slathering on sunscreen, but it is THE most important step in your daily routine, and we don’t need to remind you why! Sunscreen IS essential all year round, but with more time out and about in spring, it really is time to find that SPF favourite and use it religiously.

My personal go-to in spring is ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. It’s lovely and light (none of this thick white greasy emulsion!) plus not only does it protect skin against the sun’s harmful rays, it also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots, all whilst calming and brightening your complexion too!

ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50

 

Pevonia “C” Complexe

In the warmer months, when the sun is shining, UVB radiation is at its strongest, so it’s important to not only prioritise SPF but Vitamin C in our skincare too! Vitamin C when applied topically not only boosts our skin’s natural tolerance to the sun, but it is able to help control the formation of pigmentation as well as significantly lightening its appearance too! So make sure you are armed with a great vitamin C serum or cream. I can’t speak more highly of Pevonia’s “C” Complexe with Oxyzomes. The citrus scent is divine and just two pumps equals radiant looking skin instantaneously. Oh and it feels a-mazing too thanks to it’s combination of vitamin c and hydrating powerhouse hyaluronic which quite literally drenches skin with repairing antioxidants. Heaven.

Pevonia C Complexe

 

Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream

Don’t forget a good night-time ritual that includes a nurturing night-time cream! Looking after your skin before bed will have a profound effect by morning. My go-to for spring is Phytomer’s beautiful silky, lightweight Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream. It literally cocoons my skin in nourishing hydration and really does restore youthful vitality by morning. One of my personal all time favourites!

Phytomer - Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream

Beauty Collective - Rejuvenate your skin this spring

Rejuvenate your skin. The 7 beautifying benefits of exfoliating

With spring well and truly underway and lockdown over, it’s time to get serious about our skin! We all know the importance of daily cleansing and how much of a necessity moisturising both morning and night is but are we all aware of the numerous benefits of exfoliation, an essential step in our skincare routine but sadly one, that not all of us stick to!

It doesn’t matter if you suffer from sensitive skin, a dry complexion or if you’re prone to acne, a good weekly exfoliation is vital! Not only because it’ll get rid of dead surface skin cells but because it’ll also improve the effectiveness of your regular skincare routine so you can experience glowing skin faster! You just need to know which exfoliators are best for your skin type and how often to use them. But first we are here to tell you about 7 benefits of exfoliation, and why you need to make sure it’s part of your regular routine from now one!

 

  1. Exfoliating will give your skin back its radiance!

As we age our cell turnover slows down and dead skin cells sitting on our skin’s surface can give us a dull, devitalized complexion! Exfoliating is THE one step in your skincare routine that effectively removes this layer of dead skin, restoring your healthy, vibrant glow. It’s that simple!

 

  1. It smooths your skin tone and texture

If you are prone to bumpy skin or dry patches you need to get scrubbing! Exfoliation helps to smooth the skin beautifully and will even out uneven tone and texture for a baby soft complexion!

 

  1. It will enable your moisturiser and serum to better penetrate your skin for optimum results

There is little point in splurging on fancy face creams and superlative serums if they are simply going to sit on the surface of your skin! Applying your skincare to a surface of dead skin cells (yuck) is ineffective, that’s because ingredients only work if they can get deep down into the dermis. Often people with dry skin tend to gravitate towards rich, heavy moisturisers not realising that the dryness they feel is in fact a layer of dead skin preventing their moisturiser from absorbing! Regular exfoliating will ensure you are reaping the benefits of your regular skincare routine. So get scrubbing people.

 

  1. It will unblock pores reducing the chances of pimples!

If we don’t exfoliate and in turn remove the dead cells sitting on our skin’s surface, in time, our pores can become blocked, which often leads to a breakout, acne or oily skin, even if you aren’t usually susceptible to those skincare conditions!

 

  1. Your makeup won’t be able to sit smoothly on your skin without it

Yup. Exfoliating creates a clean, smooth canvas so applying your makeup becomes a breeze, this is because it helps your foundation glide on smoothly instead of sitting atop flaky skin. Plus without that clear canvas, they’ll be no way of avoiding that nasty patchy look!

 

  1. It boosts circulation making skin glow!

Exfoliation can also help detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage by removing toxins as well as dead skin cells. The results, a beautiful instant, rosy flush.

 

  1. It stimulates collagen production

Exfoliating also helps stimulate collagen synthesis to improve the skin’s texture, integrity, and keep the skin looking plump, tight, and young! Yes, it’s THAT important!

 

What exactly is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. Our bodies actually naturally shed some of these dead cells by itself, but as we age the cycle of new cells to dead cells slows down significantly, therefore speeding up this cycle with weekly exfoliation is paramount to keeping skin young and healthy.

There are two types of exfoliation methods – physical and chemical. They share the same goals – clearing dead skin cells, helping speed cell turnover, and leaving skin brighter and smoother – but while acids and skin peels are forms of chemical exfoliation, facial scrubs are forms of physical.

 

How often should I exfoliate?

Just once or twice a week depending on your skin type will suffice. As much as exfoliating is good for our skin, over-exfoliating—either by doing it too often or by using an exfoliant that’s too harsh or doesn’t agree with our skin—can lead to adverse reactions such as redness, peeling, and flaking. Just be sure to listen to your skin!

 

What is the best exfoliator for my skin type?

With so many exfoliators on the market, it’s hard to know where to begin. Finding one to suit your skin can be tricky but paramount to your skin’s health! Below we’ve listed four of our favourites (and that of our customers!) dependant on your skin type.

 

BLEMISH PRONE SKIN

To fight those pesky pimples We LOVE Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Jojoba Seed Extract and Grapefruit oil, it provides gentle but effective exfoliating action to open and clear pores, combatting acne-causing bacteria!

BEST CLEANSER EVER! I’ve tried so many cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or a mix of both to help my blemished skin but they are all too drying. This cleanser is by far the best I have ever found. It thoroughly cleans my skin of all makeup and impurities and my skin feels so smooth afterwards. This is a winner!” Shelley

Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser

 

SENSITIVE /ROSACEA PRONE SKIN

If you are a sufferer of sensitive skin, we highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes.  It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.

“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can’t use 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

Phytomer's Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes 

DRY, DULL SKIN

If your complexion is dry, dull or devitalized, I’d highly recommend investing in Phytomer’s Cyfolia Radiance Exfoliating Cream! It is amazing and does exactly what the name says! It gently exfoliates skin to reveal a truly radiant complexion! It features two organic exfoliants – argan kernels and pomegranate seeds, as well as Algae, Oligomer and Orange water that work together to immediately clear away rough and dull skin for a visibly softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single application.

“I love this product. It does wonders for my dehydrated, dull skin! It has a beautiful texture, is not harsh at all and the results speak for themselves. My skin is so soft and almost glowy after I use it. LOVE” Tina R

Beauty Collective - CYFOLIA ORGANIC Radiance Exfoliating Cream

 

ALL SKIN TYPES

No matter what your skin type if you are a fan of enzyme exfoliators over physical scrubs you are going to fall in love with Pevonia’s Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream. This little beauty (a mini facial in a jar as I call it!) does wonders for the skin. And no don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently and effectively eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins and it’s so easy to use! Simply apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, wet your fingertips with warm water (this will help to ‘wake up’ the enzymes) and work the peeling cream with gentle massage movements into skin, leave on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse away. Nothing makes skin feel cleaner, softer, smoother and brighter than this jar of goodness!! Trust me.

“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

Pevonia - Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream

SHOP ALL EXFOLIATORS.

Beauty Collective - Prep your skin this spring

Prep your skin this spring: 5 body products to firm, tone, smooth and sooth

I have to admit when it comes to keeping up with my body buffing, exfoliating and moisturising routine I’ve been a little lazy of late! But with lockdown nearing an end for many, and the days heating up thanks to spring, it’s now time to dust off those cobwebs and start prepping our bodies for the warmer months ahead!

If like me, that smooth, supple skin you once donned has been replaced with dry, scaley, lumpy and lacklustre skin, eek! Worry not! With a little bit of dedication and a few of our favourite firming and smoothing beauty buys, you’ll have your skin back to its former glory in a matter of weeks! Promise! Just make sure you up the exercise and water intake too!

 

  1. Silky skin body scrub

Oh, how I love me an indulgent body scrub and this most certainly is no exception! One of my favourite body products for a number of years now, Pevonia’s Silky Skin Body Scrub does exactly that – gives you seriously silky skin, no jokes! Oh, and its subtle scent is divine thanks to its key ingredients Chamomile, Rosemary, Lemon and Sage.

Apply it to wet skin (use warm water) and gently massage all over the body in a circular motion. Then rinse and cleanse thoroughly with a gentle shower gel. By exfoliating the skin, it will eliminate any dead skin cells as well as dry flaky skin, making way for that silky smooth skin everytime.

Pevonia Silky Skin Body Scrub

 

  1. NEW Pevonia Crepe-No-More Body Cream

This latest innovation from Pevonia is a necessity for anyone wanting to achieve truly smooth, supple skin. Rich in superfood Longan Fruit, anti-inflammatory actives, plant-based antioxidants, hydrating powerhouse Hyaluronic Acid, firming Marine Collagen and nourishing Shea Butter! it will both firm and tighten the look of skin (yup!) reduce any crepiness and fat accumulations, all while deeply hydrating your skin. Honestly, after every use my skin feels super soft, supple but also looks visibly radiant and I’ve noticed how much firmer it feels in just a few weeks of use!

What I will say though is for the best results apply both morning and night and use in unison with dry body brushing – I’m a huge advocate! Just a few minutes each day will stimulate blood flow and circulation, detoxify as well as assist in firming your skin. If you haven’t tried body brushing no worries! Simply brush your body in upward movements towards your heart and then jump in the shower (or bath!) to wash off any excess dead skin cells. Then apply your Crepe-No-More Body Cream to put the moisture back into your skin! Voila!

Oh and if you purchase Pevonia’s Crepe-No-More Body Cream in the month of October, the kind folk at BC will give you a Body Brush for FREE! Go on give it a go and thank me later!

  1. Phytomer Celluli Attack Concentrate

This is my faithful go-to every spring and for good reason! It really is an intensive treatment for cellulite and when used religiously every morning for a minimum of a month you will see results! While it can’t eliminate cellulite completely (can any product really do that) it can and will improve your skin texture significantly.

Phytomer - Celluli Attack

 

  1. Phytomer Celluli Night Coach Intensive Cellulite Sleeping Mask

I love the name of this product and of course the product itself! While Celluli Attack is a liquid consistency, this mask is a light soothing gel formulation which instantly melts into your skin as soon as you apply! It literally ‘coaches’ your skin while you sleep, working deep into the dermis to eliminate fat. Night after Night it visibly improves the appearance of ‘orange peel’ skin (or cellulite dimpling as you might better know!)

What’s more for a limited time these two outstanding anti-cellulite products (Celluli Attack and Cellui Night Coach) come together in one duo gift set to provide an intensive two step program for day and night!

Beauty Collective - Phytomer - Limited Edition Slimming & Cellulite Duo Gift Set

  1. Phytomer Sun Radiance Self-Tanning Cream

If you’ve neglected to exfoliate, moisturise and buff your body over the winter months I’m betting that your skin hasn’t had a tan for a while either. With the pins making an appearance once again it’s time to get your glow on with a good self-tanner! Just be sure to steer clear of spray and mousse self-tans though as these can be slightly drying for the skin. Instead, try a nourishing self-tanning cream like Phytomer’s Sun Radiance. Its white satin texture makes it so easy to apply without leaving any streaks, it quickly absorbs into the skin and within a few hours, you’ll have the most perfect long-lasting natural tan! Result.

Phytomer Sun Radiance Self-Tanning Cream

Beauty Collective - reduce Pimple overnight

10 steps to radically reduce pimples overnight

Dealing with spots can be frustrating. Just as you think you’ve beaten those blemishes, along pops up more! Well, it is possible to radically reduce their appearance overnight, you just need to follow these 10 simple steps, according to the experts at BC.

 

Use a warm compress then pop ice on your pimple

Apply a warm compress to the problem area or steam your face to bring your blemish to the surface. Then use a cold compress or ice, as this will help to decrease inflammation, reducing redness, size and visibility of the spot.

 

Don’t pick that pimple

As tempting as it can be, and I’m sure we’ve all been there, you should never, ever pick at your pimple as this will only do damage to your skin. Why? Because it can spread the area of bacteria, creating more blemishes and trauma to your skin, which in turn leads to inflammation, infection, and potentially even scarring. Picking your pimple can also result in it taking much longer than usual for it to disappear, rather than overnight like you are wanting!

Watch what you eat

Sadly, there are particular foods that can exacerbate blemishes so if you want your spots to do one, make sure you eliminate them from your diet! Avoid cow’s milk and whey protein as they can be known to aggravate acne and try to stick to a low sugar diet as yes sadly that chocolate bar or delicious cupcake can be a cause of a sudden breakout.

Make sure your skincare features the following blemish fighting ingredients

While there are 3 key ingredients to look out for when searching for that overnight miracle product;

  • Benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria.
  • Salicylic acid to help exfoliate and unclog pores
  • Retinol to help boost cell turnover, prompting cells to shed and preventing them from clogging.

If you are prone to blemishes and you want to keep them under control, you really need to be armed with skincare featuring 6 key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinol, Charcoal/Clay and Hyaluronic Acid. For more information on the benefits and effects of these ingredients and the best products to use click here.

And use a good spot treatment for those pop-up pimples!

While there is no way to get rid of a pimple in 5 minutes you can see huge improvements in a matter of hours by immediately treating it with a topical spot treatment rich in Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid is very potent when it comes to getting rid of blemishes. By applying this spot attacking ingredient directly to the problem area, immediately removes excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, meaning it effectively unclogs pores while simultaneously reducing any infection, swelling and redness.

The team at BC can’t recommend the following skin saviours enough.

 

Medicalia spot treatment

This potent professional-grade targeted treatment diminishes follicular build-up, controls bacteria, and reduces inflammation with noticeable improvement in skin healing. It infuses skin with high performing ingredients including; Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid Mucor Meihei, Phytic Acid, and Sea Whip to effectively control, combat, and clear blemishes and acne lesions. What’s more it effectively decreases the risk of scarring and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

“This product is fantastic – have used this on random spots which appear and they always go away after using this product for a couple of days in a row. Highly recommended!” Natasha M

Beauty Collective - Medicalia Spot Treatment

 

Phytomer Oligopur Blemish Target Gel

This blemish treatment gel dries and corrects, targeting blemishes with precision. It rapidly improves the skin’s appearance, significantly reducing spots overnight.

“This is an amazing blemish gel! I’m 37 and still get a few monthly breakouts. The Phytomer Blemish Gel works almost overnight, or over the course of the day as you can apply it over make up without worrying that it will show or mess up your foundation or powder. It doesn’t dry you out and absorbs quickly.” Leanne

Beauty Collective - Phytomer Blemish Target Gel

 

Pevonia SpaTeen Blemish-B-Gone

Combining both organic Benzoyl Peroxide with organic Salicylic Acid, this spot treatment radically heals blemishes while counteracting bacteria, as well as preventing future breakouts. Phew.

This is the BEST spot treatment that I have ever tried. I use it once at night and once in the morning. It totally took care of my breakouts. I can carry it in my bag with no problems, and it is easy to use. I’m hooked!” Ella W

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Blemish B-Gone

 

Tie your hair back

Keep your hair off your face as the natural oil from your hair can touch your face and worsen the pimple.

 

Make sure you remove your makeup at the end of the day!

Whether you’re prone to the odd spot or suffer from all out acne, you’ll soon see that sleeping with a face full of makeup can result in a bigger breakout of blemishes. Eek! Makeup, unfortunately, clogs pores, and when your pores are blocked, your skin can’t breathe, and therefore it can’t regenerate. The oil in your pores builds-up and transform itself into spots. Fact. So make sure you always remove your makeup before bed with a good makeup remover!

We love Vie Collection’s Micellar Water. It literally purifies, conditions and cleanses your complexion in one easy step thoroughly removing makeup from your lips, eyes and face.

Vie Collection - Micellar Water

“All makeup removal products I have purchased, has always broke me out. So this is just what I was looking for. This product does leave your facial area’s feeling well hydrated, nourished, and well cleansed” Sophia

For more information on sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin, click here.

 

And do use a blemish busting cleanser before bed

Don’t ignore the power of a good cleanser formulated with some of the 6 key ingredients. Using your cleanser religiously will not only treat the pimples you do have, but prevent future emergencies. We highly recommend thoroughly cleansing your skin with one of these blemish busting cleansers, before zapping that zit with your spot treatment.

 

Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser

Exfoliating cleansers are perfect for blemish prone skin, as they help reduce breakouts by removing excess dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser combines Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid with Jojoba, Soapwort, Triclosan and Grapefruit Oil, to gently exfoliate skin’s surface as well as deeply penetrate the pores, decreasing microbe growth and calming inflammation.

“I bought this product after being “prescribed” it by my beauty therapist for my mild adult acne. Firstly, the scent is light and non-intrusive, which is a huge plus. I also like that it contains both manual (small grains) chemical (citric acid) exfoliating properties. It helps to make my skin feel clean, smooth and prepared for moisturising. After a week or so I noticed a HUGE improvement in my breakouts.” Leah

Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser

 

Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser

In general, foaming cleansers are also great for oily and acne-prone skin, specifically because of their pore penetrating capabilities. If you want to get rid of blemishes or excess oil/sebum fast, you need a cleanser that can go deep in your pores and get rid of the debris without too much effort. We LOVE Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser. Specifically created for those with breakout prone and sensitive/oily skin, it’s formulated with both Salicylic and Lactic acids (so we know that’s a good thing!) Its potent foaming suds work very quickly to eliminate surface bacteria, toxins, impurities and makeup while combatting inflammation too!

“I have used this cleanser for over 15 years now and it is just awesome! I used to suffer from acne and this cleanser helped no end and without drying my skin out!” Bec

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Clarifying Cleanser

 

Change your pillowcase

I know we all change our pillowcases but do we do it frequently enough? Keeping your pillowcase clean and we are talking about changing it every 3-4 days, is a top beauty secret! This is because they have a build-up of oils, dirt, and sweat from daily use (yuck) which means they can harbor bacteria and in turn become a breeding ground for blemishes, as well as exacerbating them!

 

Go to bed in a relaxed state and get your 8-9 hours of beauty sleep!

I’ve said this many a time and for good reason. Stress and lack of sleep induce the hormone cortisol, which triggers our skin to produce more sebum or oil. This increase of oil can then clog pores and in turn not only exacerbate the blemish you are wanting gone by morning but can also lead to even more breakouts.

And yes, we know what we are saying isn’t as simple as it sounds, especially when many of us are dealing with work, kids, home-schooling, and lockdown, but from personal experience, I do highly recommend having a relaxing mineral bath before bed. Little instantly reduces stress quite like it. I LOVE Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath. It’s a lightly foaming, ultra-relaxing fragranced bath enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater – to strengthen and restore the skin while releasing all pent-up tension in the body. Amazing stuff right?

Beauty Collective - Phytomer - Oligomer® Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath

Then either meditating for a few minutes, I love the Calm app, OR playing soothing sounds. This can have a profound effect on your mental state, significantly reducing stress and leading to blissful slumber.