Makeup meets skincare: The ingredients to look for in your foundation

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen every day. And if you've read any of our skincare blogs, you'll know I harp on about it… a lot! But have you ever wondered whether being so diligent with your SPF could mean you're missing out on something your body actually needs? I'm talking about vitamin D. Our bodies rely on sunlight to produce it, so are we doing ourselves a disservice by being so careful in the sun? And is it really possible to get enough vitamin D while keeping our skin protected? Well, when it comes to sunshine, sunscreen and vitamin D, there's a little more to the story than you might think! Keep reading as we discuss whether daily sunscreen really affects your vitamin D levels and how to get the balance right.   First things first, why do we need Vitamin D? We hear so much about vitamin D, but what does it actually do? Quite a lot, as it turns out! It helps our bodies absorb calcium, keeps our bones and muscles healthy, and plays a role in supporting our immune system. And as we get older, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels becomes particularly important for bone health. Here's the interesting part! Unlike most vitamins, our bodies can make vitamin D themselves, simply by exposing our skin to sunlight. Which brings us to the million-dollar question. If sunshine helps us produce vitamin D, what happens when we're slathering our skin in sunscreen every day?   Does wearing sunscreen stop your body producing Vitamin D? Now for the question we've all been wondering about! Technically, yes. Sunscreen filters UVB rays, which are the same rays our skin needs to produce vitamin D! So, it makes sense to assume that wearing SPF every day could leave us short on this essential vitamin. But…..research suggests that regular sunscreen use has little effect on vitamin D levels in everyday life. Why? Because no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV radiation, and most of us still get some incidental sun exposure throughout the day. So, while sunscreen can reduce vitamin D production under controlled conditions, wearing it in everyday life doesn't automatically mean you'll become deficient. And that's a pretty good reason to keep applying your SPF!   Do we really need 20 minutes of sunshine every day (without wearing sunscreen)? You've probably heard that spending 15–20 minutes in the sun without sunscreen is essential for getting enough vitamin D. But here's the thing. There's actually no magic number of minutes that works for everyone! How much sunshine you need depends on your skin type, where you live, the season and, importantly, the UV Index. During an Australian summer, when UV levels are high, most people can maintain adequate vitamin D levels through everyday outdoor activities, even while practising sun protection. In southern parts of Australia during winter, when the UV Index is below 3, spending some time outdoors with uncovered skin may help maintain vitamin D levels. Sun protection generally isn't required at these low UV levels, although there are exceptions. And here's something worth remembering, UV levels aren't the same as temperature. A cool or cloudy day can still have a high UV Index, so don't rely on how sunny it looks outside! So, before you set a 20-minute timer and head outside without your sunscreen, remember that more sun isn't necessarily better! Too much UV exposure increases your risk of skin damage and skin cancer and we all know that.   What if you're not getting enough Vitamin D though? Not everyone gets enough vitamin D, even in sunny Australia! People who spend most of their time indoors, older adults, people with darker skin and those with certain medical conditions may be at greater risk of deficiency. And while foods such as salmon, eggs and fortified products contain vitamin D, getting enough from diet alone can be tricky! If you're concerned about your vitamin D levels, speak to your GP. They can assess whether testing or supplementation is appropriate, rather than you deliberately increasing your unprotected sun exposure.   So, how do we get the balance right? You don't have to choose between healthy vitamin D levels and protecting your skin. A few simple habits can help: Keep SPF part of your morning skincare routine. When the UV Index is 3 or above, choose broad-spectrum SPF50 or SPF50+ and reapply every two hours when outdoors, or after swimming or sweating. Check the UV Index, not the temperature. UV radiation can be high even when it's cloudy or cool! Enjoy getting outdoors. Walking the dog, gardening or heading out for coffee can all contribute to everyday sun exposure. Think beyond sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and shade are important parts of sun protection too! Don't guess if you're concerned. Your GP can help you determine whether your vitamin D levels need attention. And while sunscreen isn't always necessary when UV levels are low, there's no need to abandon your daily SPF habit, particularly if protecting your skin against premature ageing is a priority. If you're looking for a sunscreen you'll actually enjoy wearing every day, explore our sun care collection. After all, finding an SPF you love makes protecting your skin that much easier! Need help choosing? Our guide to finding the best sunscreen for your skin is a great place to start.   Vitamin D is essential, but so is protecting your skin from UV damage. For most Australians, it's possible to maintain healthy vitamin D levels without deliberately spending time in the sun unprotected. So keep enjoying the outdoors, make SPF part of your daily skincare routine and remember: getting enough vitamin D doesn't have to come at the expense of healthy, protected skin.  

We spend so much time (and money!) on our skincare, carefully choosing products with the latest and greatest ingredients (which of course promise to deliver impressive results!). But have you ever really considered what's actually in your foundation? After all, doesn't it make sense to pay just as much attention to the makeup we're applying on top? For years, foundation has been all about coverage. Concealing imperfections, evening out skin tone and creating a flawless-looking complexion. But who says it can't do more? That's where skincare makeup comes in. Also known as skincare-infused makeup, these modern formulations combine beautiful coverage with ingredients that help hydrate, soften and condition your skin. So, which skincare ingredients should you look for in your foundation, and what exactly can they do for your skin? Keep reading to find out!   1. Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerine (for hydration) Does your foundation ever cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines? If so, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine are worth looking out for! Both are humectants, meaning they attract water and help maintain moisture in the skin. They can help keep your complexion feeling hydrated and comfortable, while giving it a smoother, plumper appearance.   2. Squalane & Jojoba Esters (for softness) Nobody wants foundation that leaves their skin feeling tight or dry by lunchtime! Squalane and jojoba esters are lightweight emollients that help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss. They can also contribute to a smoother, more comfortable application, particularly in foundations designed to be worn for hours.   3. Antioxidants (for added skin benefits) Green tea, Kakadu plum, pomegranate and bilberry aren't just ingredients you'll find in your favourite skincare serums! These botanical extracts contain antioxidant compounds that can help defend against free radicals associated with everyday environmental stress, which contributes to premature skin ageing. While foundation won't replace your antioxidant serum, these ingredients are a welcome addition to your makeup routine.   4. Allantoin & Marigold (for skin comfort) If your skin is easily irritated or prone to redness, soothing ingredients are worth paying attention to. Allantoin is known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties, while marigold extract is often included in formulations designed to help keep skin feeling comfortable. They're particularly appealing if you prefer makeup that feels gentle rather than heavy or uncomfortable.   5. Minerals & Powders (for protection and a flawless finish) Not every beneficial ingredient in your foundation works like a skincare serum. Some are there to make your makeup look and perform better! Mineral pigments provide colour and coverage, mica reflects light for a softer, more luminous appearance, while ingredients such as kaolin clay and rice powder can absorb excess oil and help minimise shine. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can also act as UV filters in appropriately formulated and tested SPF products. A quick reminder! Even if your foundation contains SPF, it shouldn't replace your daily sunscreen. For everyday sun protection in Australia, use a dedicated broad-spectrum SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen underneath your makeup.   Finding the right foundation for your skin Of course, knowing which ingredients are beneficial is one thing. Finding a foundation that combines them in a formula you actually love wearing is another! This is why we love the ELES Cosmetics foundation range! It combines skincare ingredients, botanical extracts and mineral pigments, with different textures, coverage levels and finishes to suit every skin! Love a fresh, natural-looking glow? ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint is ideal if you prefer lightweight coverage that evens out your complexion while letting your natural skin shine through. Combining hyaluronic acid, glycerine and squalane with green tea, marigold and other botanical extracts, it helps keep skin feeling hydrated and comfortable, with a fresh, luminous finish. Want buildable coverage without a heavy feel? ELES HD Mineral Satin Foundation offers a smooth, natural satin finish with coverage you can build where needed. Its combination of hyaluronic acid, squalane, green tea and soothing allantoin makes it a lovely option if you want a polished complexion without compromising on skin comfort. Prefer a smooth, velvety finish? ELES Mineral Flawless Finish Foundation combines hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane with botanical extracts and oil-absorbing powders. A great choice if you prefer a soft, polished finish that helps minimise unwanted shine without leaving skin feeling dry. More of a powder foundation fan? ELES Mineral SkinPerfect Powder Foundation delivers buildable coverage with a smooth, airbrushed finish. Featuring mineral pigments alongside antioxidant-rich Kakadu plum, pomegranate and bilberry extracts, it's a convenient option for anyone who loves the feel of a powder foundation or wants to keep shine under control. The important thing is to look beyond one standout ingredient and consider the overall formulation, your skin type and the finish you prefer.   Remember your foundation doesn't need to replace your skincare routine, but there's no reason it can't complement it. Whether you're after extra hydration, soothing ingredients or a formula that helps keep shine under control, understanding what's in your makeup can help you make a more informed choice. After all, great foundation shouldn't just look good on your skin. It should feel good, too! 

If you've ever introduced a new retinol, exfoliating serum or active skincare treatment only to find yourself dealing with more spots than you started with, you'll know just how frustrating it can be! But is your skin just adjusting to the new ingredient, or is the product simply not right for you? The tricky part? Skin purging and ordinary breakouts can look surprisingly similar, but they don't necessarily mean the same thing! So, how can you tell what's happening? How long should you give a new product? And when is it time to call it quits? Here's what you need to know!   What exactly is skin purging? Skin purging is the term used to describe a temporary increase in blemishes that can sometimes occur when you introduce skincare ingredients that speed up skin cell turnover. Our skin naturally sheds dead cells and replaces them with new ones. Certain active ingredients, particularly retinol and some exfoliating acids, encourage this process. As a result, clogged pores that were already developing beneath the skin's surface may become visible sooner than they otherwise would. The result? An unexpected appearance of whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, just when you were hoping for clearer skin! But here's something worth remembering, skin purging isn't proof that a product is working, and not everyone experiences it. You can absolutely enjoy the benefits of active skincare without going through a breakout first!   Skin purge vs breakout: so how can you tell the difference? This is where things can get a little confusing. Both can leave you dealing with unwanted blemishes, but there are a few clues that may help you work out what's happening.   Remember, these are useful clues rather than hard-and-fast rules. Not every breakout after starting a new skincare product is a purge, and significant irritation shouldn't be ignored. Just ask yourself did the breakout begin shortly after introducing an ingredient known to influence skin cell turnover, and is it appearing in areas where you normally experience congestion? If the answer is yes, purging is one possibility. But if your skin is becoming increasingly irritated or you're developing blemishes in completely unfamiliar areas, it's worth reconsidering the product.   Which skincare ingredients can cause purging? Not every new skincare product can trigger a purge. It's usually associated with ingredients that encourage skin cell turnover or help clear clogged pores. The most common include: Retinol and other retinoids: Popular for improving the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin texture and acne-prone skin. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Ingredients such as glycolic and lactic acid that exfoliate the skin's surface. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): Particularly salicylic acid, which helps clear dead skin cells and congestion from pores. But what if you've started using a new moisturiser, hydrating serum or cleanser? These products generally don't accelerate skin cell turnover in the same way. So if you're suddenly breaking out, it's worth considering whether the formulation agrees with your skin rather than assuming you're experiencing a purge.   How long does skin purging last? The question everyone wants answered! Unfortunately, there's no exact timeline. If you're experiencing a temporary purge, you may notice your blemishes gradually settling over several weeks. Four to six weeks is often mentioned, although some treatments, particularly retinoids used for acne, can take longer to show their full benefits. The important thing is whether your skin seems to be heading in the right direction. Are you noticing fewer blemishes as the weeks go by? Or are things getting progressively worse? Don't feel you need to push through weeks of worsening breakouts simply because you've heard it's part of the process. If you're concerned, it's worth speaking to a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional.   What should you do if you think your skin Is purging? First things first, don't panic! And definitely don't start throwing every blemish-fighting product you own at your skin in an attempt to clear things up faster! If your skin is experiencing a temporary purge, the last thing it needs is an overload of exfoliants, strong serums and new treatments. Instead, a few simple adjustments to your routine can help keep your skin comfortable while you work out what's happening.   1. Give you skin a little breathing room Now most certainly isn't the time to experiment with that new exfoliating scrub or add another active serum to your routine! Stick with a gentle cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen and everyday impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or stripped. And as tempting as it might be, try to leave those spots alone. Picking or squeezing can make inflammation worse and increase the likelihood of lingering marks.   2. Yes, you still need a moisturiser! When you're dealing with breakouts, particularly if your skin is already oily, moisturiser might be the first thing you're tempted to skip. But here's the thing! Oily skin can still become dehydrated, and ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids can leave your complexion feeling dry, tight or flaky. A lightweight, well-formulated moisturiser can help keep your skin hydrated and support its protective barrier without feeling heavy or greasy. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, and choose a texture that feels comfortable on your skin.   3. Take it slowly when introducing active ingredients If there's one thing worth remembering when introducing retinol or exfoliating acids, it's that more isn't necessarily better! Using a stronger concentration or applying a product more frequently won't automatically give you better results. In fact, it may simply leave your skin irritated. Follow the product's instructions, introduce one new active at a time and give your skin a chance to adjust before adding anything else. And if your skin starts feeling increasingly uncomfortable? That's your cue to ease off, not push harder. Pause the product if irritation develops and seek professional advice if symptoms persist.   4. And don’t forget your SPF! We know, we know. You've heard me say it many a time before! But daily sun protection really is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine! Certain active ingredients, particularly exfoliating acids, can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. And if you're dealing with blemishes, UV exposure can make those lingering post-breakout marks more noticeable. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen that suits your skin type, apply it generously and remember to reapply as directed, especially when spending time outdoors.   When should you stop using the product? While a temporary increase in blemishes can sometimes happen when introducing active skincare, not every reaction should be dismissed as purging. If you're experiencing significant burning, itching, swelling, pronounced redness or a widespread rash, your skin may be reacting to an ingredient rather than simply adjusting to it. The same goes for breakouts that continue to worsen, become painful or start appearing in unusual areas. Remember, there's no skincare prize for persevering with a product that clearly isn't agreeing with your skin! If significant irritation develops, stop using the suspected product and seek professional advice. Sudden facial swelling or breathing difficulties require urgent medical attention.   So, is it a skin purge or a breakout that you have? The ingredient you've introduced, where your blemishes are appearing, how your skin feels and whether things are gradually improving can all offer useful clues. But the most important thing to remember is that healthy skin doesn't have to get worse before it gets better. Introduce new treatments gradually, keep your routine gentle and don't ignore signs that something isn't right. After all, good skincare should be about helping your skin look and feel its best, not putting it through unnecessary stress!