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Beauty Collective - Beauty Essentials

5 beauty essentials to take on your upcoming holiday

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If like me you’re counting down the days till your much needed trip this upcoming holiday season, you’ll likely have started packing your bags! When it comes to beauty, we’ve got you covered. Instead of packing everything and the kitchen sink, opt for just 4 beauty essentials. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or exploring a bustling city, these travel-friendly must-haves will keep your skin protected and you looking fresh, flawless and photo ready day after day!

 

  1. SPF

As you jet off to sun-drenched destinations (whether it be hot or cold!), protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is paramount. Make sure to pack a high-quality sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. Look for a formula that suits your skin type and offers an SPF of 30 or higher, and don’t forget to apply it generously and frequently to protect your skin (we’re not just talking sunburn but premature ageing too!

Try: ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30.

Holidays are a great time to refine your makeup regimen to the bare essentials, but just slathering your skin in sunscreen might well not suffice! However a full face of foundation isn’t something any of us would want when we are spending days on the beach, relaxing by the pool or simply hanging out at home on staycation for that matter either! Cue a multi-tasking BB Cream! We LOVE ELES’s best-selling Age Defying BB Cream 30. Not only does it contain high factor SPF, but this tinted cream melts into the skin to cover blemishes for a unified dewy, and visibly radiant complexion too! What’s more, it has the added skincare benefits of hyaluronic, vitamin e, squalane and a multi-mineral complex too! Plus, it feels like you aren’t wearing makeup either! Amazing stuff.

The even better news is when you buy the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30 in June 2023, you’ll receive a FREE ELES Sheet Mask! Perfect for travel, sheet masks are a great way to provide your skin with a big boost of hydration, nourishment and other skincare benefits and they are so quick and easy to use (unlike most cream masks)

Choose from a calming and soothing sheet mask, a hydrating and brightening sheet mask or if you are worried about ageing try our youth recovery sheet mask.

Not familiar with sheet masks? For everything you need to know click here.

 

 

  1. Travel-Sized Cleanser

Keeping your skin clean and fresh is essential, even when you’re on the move. Invest in a travel-sized cleanser that fits snugly into your toiletry bag. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, whether it’s a cream, gel, or foam formula. Cleansing your face daily will remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated and ready for the day’s adventures!

Try: Pevonia Clean Refresh Foaming Oil Cleanser.

Suitable for all skin types (but especially recommended for that dry, parched skin travelling can leave us with) this cleanser is an oil cleanser, that feels like gel and when mixed with water transforms into a beautiful foaming lather that in turn delivers a truly luxurious cleansing experience! It’s lipid rich, alcohol-free and soap free. What more could you want! Nourishing and cleansing in one.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - CleanRefresh™ Foaming Oil Cleanser

  1. Multi-tasking moisturiser

 

Traveling can take a toll on your skin, causing dryness and dullness. To combat this, opt for a moisturiser that will both hydrate and brighten your skin. Choose a lightweight formula, and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides and vitamin c to replenish moisture and keep your skin looking visibly radiant too.

Try: Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream.

It’s a beautifully nourishing but lightweight cream with a velvety finish. The products name definitely reflects the results, as this subtly scented moisturiser is both energising and radiance inducing that’s for sure!

Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream

  1. Face & Eye compact

Less is More When it comes to makeup while traveling. Remember simplicity is key. Pack versatile products that can create various looks with minimal effort. Opt for a compact eye and face palette with neutral shades to effortlessly transition from day to night.

Try: ELES Cosmetics Custom Palette

Just as the name suggests this palette is fully customised which means you get to call the shots by selecting whichever product shades you want to insert, from a great selection outlined online. You need to pick a powder foundation, a blush and two eye shadows, all the products I live in (aside from my faithful mascara of course), and they come presented in a very sleek compact, perfect for on the go! What’s more the soft, powder formulas deliver rich, velvety, blendable colour that lasts all day and is good for your skin!

Beauty Collective - ELES - Custom Palette

 

  1. 4-in-1 facial mist to refresh skin any time of day

Whether you’ll be exploring your own city on a staycation, have a long-haul flight ahead of you, or intend to spend days by the beach, a facial mist will be your best friend. They are the perfect product (and travel companion!) to give your complexion a quick boost, replenishing tired, dry or tight skin within seconds, any time of day!

Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist

As well as Hyaluronic Acid, it’s formulated with a blend of ultra-calming Chamomile, Aloe, Green Tea and aromatic essential oils, making this powerhouse product ideal for all skin types, especially dehydrated, irritated, and ageing skin! However should your skin be on the sensitive side, a little itchy or irritated even, it will work its magic to calm, nurture and alleviate too.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™

Bon voyage!

makeup for mature skin

Makeup for the over 40’s: How to prep skin for a flawless finish

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As we age, our once smooth and plump skin starts to dramatically change, we experience loss of elasticity, increased dryness, fine lines and wrinkles and age spots. Some of us even become more prone to blemishes and breakouts (eek!) But this doesn’t mean we can’t rock a stunning makeup look like we once did! It just means we need to change tactics. Preparing mature skin for makeup requires a somewhat different approach to ensure we can still achieve that much desired flawless and radiance look! Read on as we talk skin prep for the over 40’s, including tips and techniques to help keep makeup looking natural and fresh all day long!

 

  1. Start skin prep with a thorough cleanse

Before you begin your makeup routine, it’s crucial that skin is cleansed thoroughly. You want to make sure any impurities, excess oil or residual makeup even, has been removed so that your makeup adheres to your skin better, and lasts longer! Look for a hydrating cleanser specifically designed to target ageing skin, or a gentle creamy cleanser if your skin tends to be on the more sensitive side.

We highly recommend Pevonia’s Hydrating Cleanser

N.B remember regular exfoliation is also important as it can help promote cell turnover and improve the texture of mature skin. Exfoliate once or twice weekly with a gentle exfoliating cleanser. If you have sensitive skin and wish to steer clear of physical exfoliators (exfoliators with the “bits” in them) try a chemical of enzyme exfoliator.

We can’t get enough of Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes

Phytomer's Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes

  1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

If we are talking makeup application for the over 50’s (over 40’s even) the most imperative step in prepping skin, is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! For that flawless makeup finish we all want to achieve, you need to create the perfect canvas, and you can’t do that if your skin is patchy and parched (which sadly is a thing as we age). Invest in a high-quality serum and moisturiser that will nourish and plumps the skin. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides and antioxidants to boost hydration and combat signs of ageing. Using a gemstone facial roller be extremely beneficial too.

Additionally, consider using a hydrating facial mist rich in hyaluronic acid to boost hydration levels throughout the day.

We love Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™

 

  1. Don’t forget your sunscreen

Next. it’s time for the sunscreen. No matter what your age, sunscreen is a non-negotiable! You can spend all the money in the world on skincare, but if you don’t use it in conjunction with sunscreen you may as well be pouring it down the drain!

A great option for sunscreen for mature skin is ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day protection SPF 50.

ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50

  1. Primer is a must

A primer can work wonders for mature skin by filling in fine lines and wrinkles, blurring imperfections, and ensuring longer-lasting makeup. In fact I’d safely save it will become your secret weapon when it comes to prepping mature skin for makeup. Look for a silicone-based primer that offers a smoothing effect without clogging pores. Apply it evenly to your face after moisturizing, focusing on areas prone to fine lines, such as around the eyes and mouth.

We LOVE ELES’s range of face primers. For mature skin we highly recommend ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer

ELES - Retexture Crème Face Primer

  1. Choose the Right Foundation

Choosing the right foundation for mature skin can make a world of difference. You might well be a fan of matte foundations, but generally heavy matte formulas can settle into creases, accentuating dry patches and fine lines! As we age it’s better to opt for lightweight, hydrating foundations with a dewy or satin finish. Additionally, consider using a colour-correcting foundation to counteract any redness or discoloration like ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 (which has the added bonus of sunscreen!

ELES - CC Cream 20

What’s more! For the month of June, when you purchase an ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 or best-selling Age-Defying BB Cream 30 you’ll receive a FREE Sheet Mask. Plus you get to choose from one of three sheet masks specifically designed to counteract ageing – Youth Recovery, Calming and Soothing or Hydrating and Brightening.

  1. Concealing and Highlighting

A good concealer will be your best friend when it comes to camouflaging dark circles, ages spots or any areas of your face that needs that little bit of extra coverage. To address these issues, choose a creamy, hydrating concealer and make sure it matches your skin tone. Apply it sparingly with a small brush or your fingertips, gently blending it into the skin. Make sure you avoid any excessive tugging or pulling, as it can exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles.

Try ELES Dual Action Concealer, you won’t be disappointed!

N.B For a youthful, lifted effect, apply a light-reflecting concealer or highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes, brow bone, and cheekbones.

ELES Dual Action Concealer

  1. Set Makeup with a Finishing Powder

To prolong the longevity of your makeup without sacrificing the dewy finish, lightly dust a translucent powder only on areas prone to excess oil, such as the T-zone. Avoid applying it to drier areas, as it can accentuate fine lines. Use a fluffy brush for a light application, ensuring your skin retains its natural radiance.

Try ELES NEW Translucent Powder

Beauty Collective ELES - HD Translucent Powder

  1. Always add colour for that youthful healthy glow

Another sign of ageing is a dull and uneven complexion! Cue the magic of a good blush and/or bronzer. Simple apply a subtle blush shade to the apples of your cheeks for that youthful flushed affect and lightly dust bronzer along your cheekbones and temples to add warmth and dimension.

Choose shades that complement your skin tone and always remember less is more!

ELES Cosmetics Mineral Makeup Baked Blush swatch

 

  1. Create mature eyes that pop

For your eyes, keep it simple and elegant. Use neutral eyeshadows that enhance your natural beauty. Avoid heavy or overly shimmery shadows, as they can emphasize creases. A soft, smudged eyeliner and a few coats of mascara will define your eyes without overpowering them. Also line the inner rim of your lower lash line or waterline as it’s otherwise known with a white pencil a waterline liner! (We recommend ELES’s Waterline liner). By doing so it’ll immediately open up your eyes as well as make the whites of your eyes look whiter (synonymous with younger looking eyes!)

For more on ageing eyes and the best tips and tricks to care for them click here.

ELES Waterliner

  1. Complete the look with luscious lips

As we age our lips loose their colour and get thinner and dryer too! so you’ll want to be armed with a good hydrating and volumizing lip product like ELES Velvet Satin Lipstick.

Choose colours that flatter your complexion and make you feel happy and confident.

Remember, the key to flawless makeup is not only the products you use but also the techniques you employ. Be gentle with your skin, blend your products seamlessly and never overdo your makeup.

beautiful woman holding a dropper

What is probiotic skincare and is it effective?

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If you keep up with the latest beauty trends, you’ve probably heard about probiotic skincare. It’s been making a buss in the beauty world for a few years now, but how exactly are probiotics good for your skin you might be wondering? Well wonder no more! We’re here to tell you all about probiotic skincare, and why this trend has taken the beauty industry by storm.

Firstly though, what are probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast that are good for your health, particularly your digestive system, in fact they are usually associated with promoting gut health and are commonly referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria.

How are probiotics good for the skin?

Probiotics work their magic by helping to balance the skin’s natural microbiome, which is essentially a collection of billions of microorganisms living on its surface (eek!) Just like in our digestive system, a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin is crucial for maintaining a strong and resilient barrier against external aggressors.

Why choose probiotic skincare?

Probiotic skincare offers many benefits for your skin, not matter your skin type. Here are a few reasons why we love probiotic skincare;

  1. Probiotic skincare is essential for restoring balance

Modern lifestyles, environmental factors, and harsh skincare products can disrupt the delicate balance of our skin’s microbiome. Probiotics help replenish and maintain a diverse and healthy microbial community, which in turn supports a stronger skin barrier and a more radiant complexion.

  1. It’s great for soothing sensitive skin

If you struggle with sensitive or reactive skin, probiotics might become your new best friend. Probiotics can alleviate redness, inflammation, and irritation, providing a soothing effect on the skin. By calming down angry skin, probiotics offer relief to those with conditions like eczema or rosacea.

  1. It helps fight acne and blemishes

Acne-prone skin often suffers from an imbalance in the microbiome, leading to breakouts and unwanted blemishes. Probiotics have the ability to combat acne by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthier skin environment.

  1. Probiotics in skincare help to counteract signs of ageing

As we age, our skin’s microbiome undergoes changes that contribute to the signs of aging. Probiotics have shown promise in supporting collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also aid in maintaining moisture levels, giving you a more youthful and plump complexion.

  1. Probiotics in skincare actually enhances the efficiency of other active ingredients

Adding probiotics to skincare formulations can boost the effectiveness of other active ingredients. Probiotics help create a good environment for these actives to work optimally, ensuring you get the most out of your skincare routine.

Now that you know why probiotics are the talk of the town, how can you incorporate them into your skincare routine?

Whether you’re looking to restore balance, soothe sensitive skin, combat acne, or achieve a more youthful complexion, probiotic skincare will help! Here are our top product recommendations:

 

Best for sensitive, reactive and rosacea prone skin

Phytomer Prebioforce Balancing Soothing Concentrate

Specifically formulated to provide a soothing and calming effect on the skin, this probiotic serum contains ingredients such as marine sugars and marine spring water that help to effectively reduce skin inflammation, redness and sensitivity while strengthening and rebalancing the skin’s immune function. With continued use any discomfort is diminished and your complexion looks more even, healthy and radiant.

Best for tired, dull and dehydrated skin

Phytomer Oligo 6 Marine Concentrate with Vitamins, Prebiotic Complex and Trace Elements

Formulated with all the benefits of vitamin C, provitamin B5, vitamins B3 and E, Phytomer’s marine prebiotic complex* and OLIGOMER®, the seawater concentrate rich in minerals and trace elements, this moisturising gel is the perfect antidote for tired, dull complexions.

Its prebiotic complex rebalances skin microbiota and helps maintain skin immunity while the cocktail of vitamins protects, hydrates and boosts lacklustre skin.

Phytomer - Oligo 6

Best for oily skin and combination skin

Pevonia Micro-Pores™ Bio-Active Serum

This light textured gel serum, is formulated with bio-active breakthrough ingredients that help to control oil production, unclog pores, refine and tighten the skin’s texture, providing a more even surface. It also offers anti-ageing benefits, helping to improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance overall skin radiance.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Micro Pores Serum

 

By introducing probiotic skincare into your daily skincare routine will support and nourish your skin’s microbiome, leading to happier, healthier and more radiant skin.

beauty products we love

9 beauty products we are loving this month

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Even though I’m blessed to be able to try many skincare and makeup products working at BC, I do have my favourite beauty buys, the ones I literally can’t live without now, but for this blog I decided to turn to my colleagues to see what their latest skincare and makeup obsessions are too. Here you’ll find our reviews on the best beauty products that launched this year, as well as the products we’ve rediscovered and fallen back in love with.

 

Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energising Cream

“There are a few moisturisers that I simply love and have been in my beauty bag for a long while now, but this cream is the one I can’t get enough of at the moment. It’s a very light moisturiser but seems to offer my dull, thirsty skin just the right amount of moisture it needs. I also love how it not only nourishes my skin but makes it feel calm and soothed too. What’s more, after every use, my skin not only looks and feels beautifully dewy and rejuvenated but it looks visibly radiant too! And bonus – it’s packed to the brim with vitamins and marine ingredients. Outstanding stuff!” Jo Boyden, Marketing, PR & Content Manager

ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50+ 

“If you are concerned about ageing, there are two essentials you need in your skincare routine – SPF and retinol. In fact if you don’t use SPF, using anti-ageing skincare is a waste of time! This is because UV radiation causes skin damage, premature ageing and of course as we all know, increases the risk of skin cancer. But finding a sunscreen with a high SPF that we love and are happy to use every day can be tricky, because sunscreens can be greasy, the smell can be overbearing, or sometimes the last thing you want is to lather a thick paste on your face! But when we launched ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection I knew I’d found my go-to. I apply it every morning without fail, all year round. It’s super light-weight and full of great ingredients that not only protect my skin but prevent hyper-pigmentation and dehydration too. It also gives me a bit of glow which is a bonus.” Liane Scior, Director of Education & Marketing

Medicalia Retinol Concentrate

“This is my other go to at the moment. I wear it under my moisturiser and apply before bed. It’s packed with a clinically proven blend of peptides, antioxidants and retinol that actively work while you sleep so you wake up to your glowiest skin yet. The more I use it, the more supple and smooth and youthful my skin feels. I have also noticed a dramatic reduction in my pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. This is actually one of those products that even skin professionals, and skin sceptics will tell you is worth the investment.

I highly recommend using it in combination with Medicalia Retinol and ‘C’ Care Cream.” Liane Scior, Director of Education & Marketing

ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30

“I love the convenience of this product and wear it whether working in the office, hanging out at home or heading out. Its my primer, sunscreen and foundation in one and because it’s so lightweight and silky soft on application you really don’t feel like you are wearing makeup! I also love how it’s packed with anti-ageing and skin nurturing ingredients so it’s doing good for my skin as opposed to just concealing it! If you are looking for multi-tasking makeup that’ll leave your skin looking flawless and glowy (with a subtle matte finish) this could be your new go-to.” May Scior, Operations Assistant

Phytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil

“This oil is amazing and the perfect luxurious treat for your skin at the end of a long day. It is an extremely hydrating yet dry oil that absorbs into my skin quickly creating a beautifully velvety finish but without the greasy residue that so many night oils can leave. And thanks to it’s divine, soothing rose scent every night I use it, it transports me into a totally relaxed state and the next morning I wake to brighter, smoother and revitalised skin, no word of a lie.

Honestly if you dealing with dehydrated, dull or sensitive skin even, I couldn’t recommend this product more highly!” Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator

Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti Stress

“This is my winter go-to and has been for many years. So now the temperature is dropping, it’s out of the cupboard and back in my daily routine once again. I use it as a nourishing body cream/oil especially if I take hot showers as this rehydrates and softens my skin, and when I find the time, I pour it into the bath as a nourishing milk bath, to relinquish pent up tension and fatigue. It was also the perfect product to use during pregnancy as it helped prevent any stretchmarks from forming! Even though it’s an oil, it’s doesn’t remain greasy and the scent is like you have just walked into a day spa. Bliss.” Kellie Deveney, International Educator and Business Development Manager

CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser

“We all know it’s important to cleanse our skin every day, so I’ve tried rather a few cleansers in my time, but this one is THE best cleanser I have ever used.

It has a gel-like texture but as soon as you add water it foams up beautifully on my face, which I love as it feels like it’s really purifying my skin and removing the day’s grime and makeup. Plus it leaves my skin feeling really clean, super smooth and not dry at all (which many foaming cleansers can do). What’s more, since I’ve been using it my skin has been smoother and blemish free.”  Elaine Palapag, Social Media Co-ordinator

 

Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist

“I love, love, LOVE this mist! I was lucky enough to trial it before we launched it on BC and it’s quickly become a must-have in my everyday skincare routine. I’ve never been one for face mists, but this is next level. I use it first thing in the morning to revitalise my skin and replenish it with any moisture that’s been lost overnight, then again after I’ve applied my makeup as it’s an awesome setting spray, I then spritz it on my face throughout the day when my skin needs a pick-me-up, which I find is essential when I’m in the office with the heating pumping, and then again at night after I’ve applied my serum and moisturiser to finish off the perfect night routine. Not only does it make my skin feel super moist and dewy but it really does awaken my senses too.

N.B Since it’s formulated with not only Hyaluronic Acid, but a blend of ultra-calming Chamomile, Aloe, Green Tea and aromatic essential oils too, it makes this powerhouse product ideal for all skin types, especially dehydrated, irritated, and ageing skin!”  Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator

Phytomer Night Recharge Youth-Enhancing Cream

“I LOVE night creams, the silkier and richer the better I say and having tried many night creams in my time working in the industry, this is definitely one of the best night creams in for any skin care routine, hands down (big call I know!) Its texture is like silk, and it literally melts into skin as soon as you apply, cocooning it in nourishing hydration (so my skin gets all the benefits of this cream’s marine botanicals while I sleep!) The next morning my skin is literally glowing and smooth as a baby’s bottom! OBSESSED.” Jo Boyden, Marketing, PR & Content Manager

 

And there you have it! Our top 8 beauty products that have captured our hearts and skin! and made it into our daily beauty routines this month. Whether you are looking to fight signs of ageing, achieve a radiant complexion, or simply pamper your skin, BC has something for everyone. Trust us, once you try these products, you’ll understand why we are so obsessed! Happy pampering.