BC Skin Journal

BC Blog

The top 10 products on Beauty Collective – your reviews prove it!

by Jo Boyden on Nov 20 2019
Have you ever gone in search for something on the internet, only to feel overwhelmed with the options available! Yep, that is me ALL. THE. TIME. Whether it be party ideas for my kids, the perfect gift for a family member or the best beauty products to keep me looking youthful (although I don’t need to worry about that one now that I work at BC!)Let’s be real, it’s great to have options, but sometimes you need a little more help in making a decision before hitting the ‘buy now’ button, especially if you can’t touch or try the item first.Purchasing cosmetics, in particular, can be rather daunting. From face creams to anti-ageing serums, masks to makeup must-haves, it can be tricky to separate clever marketing from real results. But no longer do you have to fly blind, with the help of our Beauty Collective satisfied customers, you can read real, honest and trustworthy reviews with a click of a button!So if you are on the search for that new bestseller or simply want to change up your skincare routine but don’t know where to start, you’ll find our top-rated products here! ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation5/5 ★“This is the best foundation I have ever used! Firstly, it's mineral makeup so it doesn't clog your skin. Secondly, the coverage is amazing and it makes your skin look and feel like velvet - honestly the best I have ever used. I have been using this for years and just love it. I get compliments on my makeup all the time.” Sia P (06/07/2019) Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream5/5 ★“I absolutely love this cream. I bought the first pot at the recommendation of my beautician in Europe and I was afraid I may not be able to source it in Australia but I’m glad to say my fears were unfounded :-)It is a day cream and a night cream and it helps with puffiness, lines, blemishes, skin tone, you name it! Totally amazing ❤” Ana Hall (27/09/2019) Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturiser5/5 ★“This is amazing, I feel like I have been to a day spa when I put it on, luxury & pampering at home! It smells divine. Feels like silk, not too greasy goes on easy, love this product ;-)” Lisa Chawner (03/02/2019) Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate5/5 ★“This is the best product I've tried so far! I have skin problems on my face area in particular, doctors say its dermatitis, and I've tried many remedies before, but this concentrate is a miracle! It makes my skin look a lot nicer and it actually improved. I only used it for less than two weeks and I already see great results! I'm very glad I discovered this product!” Nina R (04/02/2015) Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion5/5 ★“Holy Grail Toner! I have tried so many toners at basically every price point and this toner is my all-time favourite. There's just something in this toner that truly leaves my skin better for use. Even after it dries off my skin does not feel tight or dry. If you're in the market for a new toner I highly recommend giving this one a try.” Barbara (10/11/2018) ELES BB Cream5/5 ★“I have used a few BB creams before and this one by ELES is by far the best. A little bit goes a long way and the coverage is great. I wear it as a foundation and it looks really natural. I love it!” Jennifer Arnold (30/05/2019) Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser5/5 ★“I love this cleanser! I have never been able to exfoliate with anything else as it has just been too harsh for my skin. This gentle exfoliating cleansers is exactly that! Leaves my skin feeling beautiful and soft and definitely makes a noticeable difference in my texture. I use once a week and it has been a game changer for my skin.” Stacey Harrison (23/09/2019) Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymes5/5 ★“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 (29/11/2018) Phytomer Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with Oligomer5/5 ★“I am completely obsessed with this product. I have very sensitive skin that breaks out from everything, so keeping it hydrated and clear at the same time has been a real struggle. UNTIL NOW. This serum hydrates my skin, tames the redness and sensitivity and gives me a natural glow. I use it morning and night under my moisturizer.” Sophie R (30/11/2018) Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk 5/5 ★“I have oily/acne prone skin and this cleanser works wonders removing makeup, oil, and impurities. It leaves my skin feeling amazing! Breakouts have subsided and my skin is looking better and better!” Imogen (27/10/2018) SHOP ALL BEAUTY COLLECTIVE PRODUCTS
beauty collective - 60 second cleansing

Can Cleansing Your Face for a Full 60 Seconds Give You Amazing Skin? I Tried It

by Jo Boyden on Nov 14 2019
It’s called the 60-second rule, and the internet is OBSESSED with it.As someone who is never completely satisfied with my skin’s texture, I live in hopes of one day finding a technique or product that miraculously makes my pores disappear. So when I stumbled on something called the 60-second rule - a simple method of washing your face for a full 60 seconds (instead of your usual, 10-20) to get beautiful skin – I couldn’t wait to get into the bathroom and get started. This could be the answer to my skin prayers!The 60-Second Rule The cleansing method comes from Nayamka Roberts-Smith of LABeautyologist, a beauty therapist who frequently tells her 43,000 Twitter followers to wash their face for 60 seconds straight to let the cleanser ingredients really penetrate the skin.“Cleansing your face for 60 seconds allows the ingredients in the cleanser to actually work. Most ppl wash their face for like 15 seconds max. It softens the skin & dissolves sebum blockages better…Makeup, dirt, and oil are a lot more difficult to remove from the skin most people realize, so not only do you want to give the cleanser a chance to break down and dissolve products and grime, but taking 60 seconds also makes you pay attention to your skin and what you’re doing—like remembering to cleanse around the edges of your nose, under your chin, and around your hairline."Ok, like me you may think this sounds pretty obvious, however, according to those that have tried it, it’s a bit of a game changer. So much so, that it’s earned the hashtag #60secondrule and a huge following of devotees who swear by it....So I Tested the TheoryFirstly I should tell you, I’m a firm believer in double cleansing (i.e. first using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and grime, then using a gentle cleanser to deep cleanse the skin), so I decided to split the difference in timing to 30 seconds each cleanse.I gently massaged my face with a pump of my favourite ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil for 30 seconds, before rinsing and then massaging the Phytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream for an additional 30 seconds and rinsing again. I followed this with my usual skin care routine being careful not to change anything so I’d get a true gauge.The first thing I noticed is that 60 seconds felt like an eternity: obviously I wasn’t spending enough time making sure every part of my face was makeup-free when I did my cleansing thing. The second thing I noticed was my moisturiser seemed to penetrate easier.So for two weeks, I performed the 60-second rule every night.The results?I did see a difference. My pores were much smaller, my skin felt a lot softer and strangely it also felt firmer. It was calmer and brighter and I found I didn’t need to wear foundation during the day, just a little concealer. It cost me nothing except an extra 50 seconds each day so yes, I’ll keep it up.But Will It Work for Everyone?Possibly, and possibly not. It can certainly give you softer skin as long as you use the right cleanser. It can also give you a bit of a glow since it’ll stimulate circulation. But sadly you won’t be able to wash away your hormones, or DNA, or any of your other acne-causing triggers.However, the 60-second rule could actually benefit your skin by making it cleaner. Left-on makeup will disrupt your skin barrier over time and this can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. So taking that extra 50 seconds every day may actually make a huge difference in your skin.Regardless, this is one of those tricks that really can’t hurt to test out, because let’s face it, you have nothing to lose except 60 seconds.Do you have the right cleanser for your skin type? Here are some of our favourites; Medicalia Gentle Cleanser – it’s so gentle and soothing!Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser – loaded with Collagen and ElastinPhytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream – the gentlest wash off cleanser you’ll ever try.ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil – Ideal as a pre-cleanse makeup remover, literally dissolves it!
beauty collective - Pevonia

Natural Skincare Solutions – Introducing Pevonia

by Jo Boyden on Aug 26 2019
If you are unfamiliar with Pevonia, we want to remedy that! This professional skincare company opened its doors in 1991 as the first of its kind to develop a comprehensive line of skincare exclusively for the professional beauty industry. Each of the products are made from only the most exquisite all-natural ingredients, and Pevonia prides itself on being a cruelty-free company.From anti-ageing to rosacea, acne to dry skin, eyes and lips and an easy to use regimen formulated just for men, Pevonia has developed an aesthetician-proven product line for every skin concern and what’s more some of these lines have been “firsts” in the industry including the Stem Cells Phyto-Elite® Collection. Using plant stem cell technology, Pevonia developed a process to reverse not only the signs of aging, but also the skins aging cycle! Featuring an Intensive Cream, Serum, Foaming Cleanser and a Body Corrector, if you’re looking to combat age, this is the collection for you!Looking to counteract wrinkles? Look no further than the Myoxy-Caviar® Collection. The elite collection of products, featuring a cleanser, lotion, serum, repair cream and eye contour is loaded with Caviar and vitamins to improve firmness and elasticity while effectively decreasing wrinkle breadth.If you are suffering from rosacea, you must experience the RS2 collection. Formulated with some of the most nurturing and desensitising ingredients including French Rose, Licorice, and Green Tea, each of the four products in the collection – a cream, a concentrate, a gentle cleanser and a lotion - visibly reduces redness and blotchiness while soothing any irritations.Has your skin lost its lustre and firmness? Then the Lumafirm collection will be your perfect solution. Restoring life and radiance back into your complexion, this line, comprising of a repair cream, eye contour and body moisturiser, has been designed to lift, firm, lighten, brighten and diminish dark circles.Concerned about hyperpigmentation? Uneven skin texture? Ageing? Let me introduce Micro Retinol - An easy to use 4 step range to keep skin looking porcelain-smooth and youthfully radiant. Featuring exclusive Micro-Retinol technology, it allows immediate and easy absorption as well as targeted delivery within the deeper epidermal layers, rapidly re-stabilizing the skin’s normal function. It smooths wrinkles, “densifies” the skin, strengthens elasticity, increases moisture, evens skin tone and pigmentation, provides radiance and glow and rejuvenates overall skin appearanceAnd for men, Spa Care for HIM was developed to address the distinct differences of men’s skin. Precisely formulated, the range, comprising of a foaming cleanser, eye contour, face balm, shaving emulsion and after shaving balm, is effective in desensitizing the skin, soothing irritability, preventing folliculitis, smoothing wrinkles and rehydrating the skin.This is just a brief introduction to some of the Pevonia exclusive product lines. Pevonia also features the Organic Essentials collection, the Power Repair® collection, the Problematic skin line as well as a complete spa body line. No matter what type of skin concerns you have, Pevonia has the products for you.
Beauty Collective - compliment worthy skin serum

The one product that’ll give you compliment-worthy skin

by Jo Boyden on May 27 2019
A really, really good face serum (or concentrate, solution or fluid as you may know it) is, hands down, the most important step in your skincare routine (after SPF, of course!). However many of us have no idea what a serum does and why we should shell out the extra dollars to get one!The thing is serums often contain a high percentage of active ingredients that are designed to address specific skin issues or concerns. They are potent, effective, and fast acting! And because they have a thin consistency, they’re able to easily penetrate the skin, giving you noticeable results pretty quickly. There is also a serum literally for every single skin type or skin concern which means you can get one for your individual needs and reap in the benefits.Convinced yet? Below I’ve outlined our favourite six serums for six different concerns. Now go and get layering!ANTI-ACNEVie Collection Acnipur Blemish Solution FluidThis is the best if you are suffering from a blemish breakout! It literally flights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. With regular use not only does it miraculously improve unwanted blemishes, it will actually prevent future breakouts! ANTI-AGEINGMedicalia Retinol ConcentrateHailed the anti-ageing wonder serum, this retinol concentrate is designed to normalize and boost cellular performance with Micro-Retinol technology. Ideal for all mature skin types or as preventative care, the serum helps improve elasticity, plump the skin and diminish the look of wrinkles, resulting in a brighter, more evenly toned complexion. PIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTSPhytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining SerumThis serum does it all! It actually diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots with a formulation infused with alpha hydroxyl acids and glycolic acid. Skin really does immerge younger and healthier.DEHYDRATIONPhytomer Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturising Polarized Water SerumThe ultimate serum to combat dehydration! It has an ultra-moisturising (although lightweight) texture which immediately melts into the skin to quench its thirst! Softer and suppler, the skin reveals a radiant complexion and looks visibly more beautiful. DULLNESSPhytomer Souffle Marin Energising Oxygenising SerumIf your skin is looking a little dull and lifeless this should be your go-to! It literally coats the skin in pure oxygen, providing the cells with vivid rejuvenation. Formulated with marine extracts, this serum also protects against environmental pollution and free radical damage. An invigorating, moisturizing blend, it leads to fresher, more youthful skin and an overall increase in radiance. SENSITIVITY Phytomer Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with OligomerSensitive skin? Suffering from facial redness? We swear by this product! It helps calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin instantly. It contains anti-inflammatory Phycosaccharide to reduce stinging sensations Infused with OLIGOMER® to deliver an optimum dose of trace elements & minerals fortifies the epidermis & prevents cellular fatigue Restores calm & soft skin.
Beauty Collective - blemished skin

The best way to deal with blemished skin

by Jo Boyden on May 22 2019
Still suffering from blemish-prone skin but feel you’re too old to be getting spots? Unsure how you should best deal with it? We hear you and are here to help!Adult spots (or acne as it’s referred to) can actually affect up to 50% of us, but before tackling your issue, it’s important firstly to understand why and how they are formed.What causes blemishes?Blemished prone skin can be triggered by a number of factors from diet to stress, genetics to hormones, a reaction to topical products or environmental factors, however the spots themselves are the result of an over production of sebum (oil) which can mix with dead skin cells and other grime on the surface of your skin leading to blocked pores.How to best prevent themWhile the dreaded blemishes are unpredictable and sadly part and parcel of everyday life for many, there are a few methods you can adopt to try and prevent them; Stop pores getting clogged by deep cleansing twice daily and using gentle exfoliation. N.B We are talking gentle exfoliation! People often think daily “scrubbing” will prevent blackheads but it can actually increase the shedding of skin cells therefore causing further clogging on the pores! Make sure you use exfoliators that don’t require physical scrubbing. We highly recommend Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. Use non-greasy, non-comedogenic (pore clogging) products or products that do not contain additional ingredients like artificial fragrances and preservatives as these commonly cause skin reactions. Always wash your hands before touching your face, in fact, keep your mitts off your face altogether! Clean your makeup brushes often (we are talking once a week) – makeup brushes naturally accumulate and harbour bacteria and an overload of bacteria can trigger breakouts! Adjust your diet. You want to ensure you include lots of fresh, green leafy vegetables and dramatically reduce the amount of sugar and dairy you may be consuming. Some experts agree in particular that milk may stimulate oil glands thanks to the hormones, creating a breeding ground for blemishes! Eek. Flush toxins by drinking plenty of water Remove makeup before any exercise. We are talking energetic exercise though when you may sweat a little, not walking from your house to the car. How to best treat themWe have all been guilty of over-treating our blemishes! Topical ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if overused can really dry out your skin (yes, we understand you want to dry out the skin and reduce the oil flow) but beware over-dry skin care can actually cause oil production to go into overdrive and in turn produce more clogged pores which equates to more spots! Vicious cycle. Also when used in unison these ingredients can slightly inflame the top layer of skin making it look red and raw! Just what you want, to replace a spot with red, raw skin! No thank you. Instead, opt for professional skincare created specifically to treat blemish prone skin with pure ingredients.A tried and trusted skincare routine will really help with symptoms and keep those pesky pimples under control just be sure to include a face mask into the mix as we promise a good face mask can be a game changer for those with blemish prone skin. We are currently in LOVE with Phytomer’s Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask.Just remember to keep pimples at bay, you only need to apply a face mask once or twice a week for a minimum of 10 minutes. Easy.When your skin is acting up, reaching for your concealer and foundation seems like the only answer as there is no way you’re ready to face the world with the Taj Mahal on your chin in all its glory. But choose wisely, as the wrong foundation can exacerbate blemishes! Consider switching to mineral-based cosmetics. They contain ingredients such as silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide that soak up excess oil without clogging pores, allowing skin to actually breathe freely! Make sure you get your hands on the ELES bestselling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation, it will calm skin with anti-inflammatories, provide natural-looking coverage, and won’t clog pores.You can win the war against pimples, just be sure to follow these simple steps.
face mapping

What is your complexion telling you? Learn to read your skin

by Jo Boyden on Apr 03 2019
Dealing with a sudden breakout? You’ve awoken to a chin full of pesky pimples? Or your skin of yesteryear is suddenly looking dull, dry and lacking in life?Whatever your “skin” nemesis, it’s your bodies way of trying to tell you something is wrong and we are here to tell you what!Like reflexology, areas of the face can help give us information about what's going on in our body, making our skin one of the greatest mirrors to inner imbalances! We call this Face Mapping.It’s not new, we know, in fact it’s been around for centuries, but it’s the best method of understanding which areas of your face connect to an organ or body part and what you can treat internally for the best external results! Clever stuff.Here’s an easy-to-follow face map we at Beauty Collective use, which will help you determine why your skin might be “acting up”.FOREHEAD – DIGESTIONRemedy; Avoid processed foods and opt for fresher natural alternatives including raw veggies Try to cut down on sugar Increase fibre intake Chew food well to improve digestion Eliminate alcohol or drink less Drink plenty of water Take probiotics Practice some form of exercise every day, fresh air is particularly beneficial and Yin Yoga is GREAT BETWEEN THE BROWS – LIVERRemedy; Eliminate alcohol or drink less Avoid greasy food and reduce dairy intake which all put a strain on the liver. Drink plenty of water to cleanse the system Get plenty of fresh air Avoid eating late at night and keep food lean and clean Rest up, like you, your liver needs plenty of time to rest and recuperate TEMPLES – KIDNEYSRemedy; Anything around the eyes (including dark circles) point to dehydration. Flush the system and rehydrate with plenty of fluids (think water and hydrolytes!) Cut down on soft drinks, coffee and alcohol as these will cause dehydration! Cooling food like cucumbers and melon are ideal for your diet Cut down on salt intake UNDER THE EYES/CHEEKS – RESPIRATORY Do you smoke? Have allergies? Or are you suffering from a bronchial cold or asthma? This area is affected by the lungs.Remedy; Keep your body cool and don’t let it overheat Eat more cooling food and get more fresh air. Keep the body more alkaline by avoiding foods that make the body acidic (think meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar – all the good things for you-not!) Add a lot more alkaline foods to your diet like green leafy veggies. JAW LINE – HORMONESRemedy; This is the zone for stress and hormonal changes. And while both are sometimes unavoidable, you can decrease their effect by getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, eating leafy veggies and keeping skin scrupulously clean. Breakouts in this area also indicate when you are ovulating (and on which side). NOSE – HEARTRemedy; This area can indicate high blood pressure so get your blood pressure checked You also might have a Vitamin B deficiency so consider a vitamin supplement. Try to avoid too much spicy food and cut down on meat intake. Look into ways to lower cholesterol, like replacing “bad fats” with “good fats” such as Omegas 3 and 6 found in nuts, avocados, fish and flax seed Indulge in green tea! Massage the area around your nose to improve circulation Make sure you get plenty of fresh air where possible. CHIN - STOMACHRemedy; Step up the fibre intake Reduce the toxin overload and drink herbal teas to help with digestion. Don’t eat before bed, try to eat dinner earlier. Avoid hydrogenated fats and processed sugar Reduce stress as much as possible – we recommend practising yoga or meditation While this is a very useful guide and will definitely provide you with some answers to your complexion woes, do remember not to take it as gospel. Just because you break out between the brows doesn’t necessarily mean you have a bad liver!
VIE COLLECTION

Just What The Doctor Ordered

by Jo Boyden on Apr 02 2019
It's great to have the wisdom of the ages, but that doesn't mean you want your skin to reflect it. And with a relatively new branch of topical skin-care products, perhaps it doesn't have to.Called "dermaceuticals," these products spur the repair of sun-damaged skin, effectively making skin look years younger and luckily, dermaceuticals such as Vie Collection don't require a prescription!Introducing VIE COLLECTIONWhat makes it so unique?Working very closely with the VIE COLLECTION development team is Dr. Laurence Richier, a respected leader of medical aesthetics based in Saint-Malo, France with over 20 years’ experience as a surgeon. The collaboration between Dr. Richier and the Vie team resulted in the first ever line of products that mimic the results of Botox, injectables, mesotherapy, and skin resurfacing. The results of this union is in a word, revolutionary!But Vie Collection is not limited to just one star ingredient. The laboratory selects and combines the most powerful ingredients used in aesthetic medicine. Using optimal concentrations, and playing with molecular size has enabled them to achieve results for a range of skin conditions from ageing to acne and hyperpigmentation to rosacea.What You’ll Find In VIE COLLECTIONENCAPSULATED RETINOL. Encapsulation limits tolerance risks and boosts the effectiveness of retinol which is released gradually and in a controlled way deep within target cells.ANTIOXIDANTS. Such as vitamin C or coenzyme Q 10 to rebuild collagen and stop free radicals from interfering with the body’s own natural repair process.EXFOLIANTS. These compounds-glycolic, alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids-slough off aged, dead skin to make room for new, healthy skin.LIGHTENING AGENTS. These agents block pigment cells from producing freckles, age spots, and melanoma.ADVANCED SUNBLOCKS. These contain aggressive blockers that protect against both UVA and UVB rays and they are very effective in repairing the damage to DNA done by ultraviolet light.HIGH AND LOW MOLECULAR HYALURONIC. A benchmark ingredient that literally “plumps” out lines and wrinkles.So don't fret about frown lines. Instead, give your skin a dermaceutical boost-and yourself a confident smile in the mirror.
SKIN STRESS ELES VIE COLLECTION copy

The effects of stress on your skin and how to reduce them

by Jo Boyden on Mar 26 2019
Stress happens to all of us, fact, but what we often don’t realise is the effect it can have on not only our mood but our skin too!Daily stressors such as insufficient sleep, an unhealthy lifestyle, a demanding job…can unfortunately manifest as blemishes, wrinkles, and skin inflammation.Below are 5 ways stress can affect our appearance but also 5 ways to reduce it! Phew I hear you say…. Under-eye bags Who hasn’t been blessed with those delightful under-eye bags many a morning!? We all know how important beauty sleep is but sadly late/sleepless nights due to work commitments or stress can lead to dark circles and under-eye bags when we awaken.Prevent dark, puffy peepers Say no to that extra glass of vino, or another catch up episode of MAFS and get yourself to bed stat! Giving yourself as much shut-eye as possible will only stand you in good stead. Forget climbing into bed and reaching for your phone! (Guilty as charged!) Instead, opt for a book or simply unwind and relax in preparation for peaceful slumber (think meditation, soft music, dim lights) Try elevating your head (so no tummy sleeping with your face on the bed unsupported by a pillow please!) this will reduce fluid naturally draining to the skin under your eyes. Finally arm yourself with a good eye cream and concealer. Our current favourites are Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream and ELES Dual Action Concealer Premature ageing When you’re stressed your body releases cortisol (the stress hormone). Sadly it’s infamous for breaking down collagen, the protein which keeps your complexion supple and firm! If like me, you’ll also be guilty of frowning, which unfortunately can lead to deeper, permanent wrinkles in these areas over time. Eek.Minimise lines and wrinkles Use anti-ageing products specifically targeted at your problem area. Products rich in Retinol and Vitamin C will help boost collagen production. We are in LOVE with Vie Collection's Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in superfoods as these really do assist in counteracting premature ageing. Think green veggies which help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and oily fish which induces telomere growth. Oh and regular exercise increases levels of endorphins which effectively fight the effects of cortisol (the darn stress hormone we mentioned earlier!) Dry skin As well as breaking down collagen, Cortisol also decreases the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturiser we all need, so skin becomes dry and damaged.Maintain hydrated skin Firstly (yes we’ve all heard this before!) drink plenty of water, every single day! The more you drink, the more hydrated your skin will look and feel! Set this as your daily mantra. Secondly, ensure your skin care routine includes product rich in hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish the layers of your skin. We are currently lusting after the Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask Also using gentle products rich in antioxidants and soothing ingredients can support the skin during stressful times. Breakouts Dealing with a sudden breakout? You’ve awoken to a chin full of pesky pimples? Chances are your body is producing the dreaded cortisol at a mighty rate which in turn tells your sebaceous glands to produce more pore-clogging oil! Stress can also cause an imbalance of good bacteria versus bad bacteria in your gut which can present itself in acne.Reduce spots and blemishes Exfoliate: This will unclog your pores, drawing out any oil or congesting reducing spots. It’ll also remove dead skin cells resulting in clearer skin while increasing blood circulation for a brighter, radiant complexion. But be careful not to over exfoliate! A couple of times a week it plenty otherwise you can risk stripping your skin of its natural healthy oils! We recommend Phytomer Marine Scrub Creamy Exfoliant. Moisturise: There is the misconception that moisturising oily skin will make spots worse but this is definitely not the case! By not moisturising daily, skin will become dry which in turn can stimulate excess oil production to compensate for the loss of moisture. Clever but not helpful! Conceal: If you want to cover blemishes try using a mineral concealer which is formulated with skin protecting ingredients that allow the skin to breathe freely. Eat a well-balanced diet. Fruits, vegetables, and high-quality proteins like grass-fed meats are also crucial (they keep a balance between the good and bad bacteria in your gut), as is cutting down on sugar. Rosacea & Eczema Whether you are prone to rosacea and/or eczema or not, stress can trigger skin irritation. When we are stressed our bodies release more neuropeptides and neurotransmitters than usual. This causes inflammation and dilates the blood vessels within our skin.Redness relief Invest in rosacea specific skincare products, formulated with skin nurturing and relieving ingredients which reduce flushing, erythrosis, couperose and rosacea while hydrating and soothing the skin. We highly recommend Vie Collection’s Rosa Control Relief Concentrate. And to conceal use a CC Cream which will mask the redness while calming the skin.
Beauty Collective - Makeup tips

Makeup tips you’ll want to know now

by Jo Boyden on May 03 2018
Achieving the perfect makeup doesn’t need to be a time consuming necessity or a complicated ritual! It should be simple and easy. We asked Owner and Creator of ELES Cosmetics, Liane Scior her handy makeup tips and tricks that’ll turn makeup application from frustrating to fun!Whether you’re wondering how to cover up those pesky pimples without further inflaming them or preventing your concealer accentuating your lines, Liane has the answer. And what’s better if the questions that have been playing on your mind aren’t answered below you can email the experts at ELES Cosmetics and they will personally get back to you with an answer.MAKEUP TIPSFACEEliminate dark circlesThe best way to conceal dark circles is with an under eye corrector with a “peachy” tone to counteract the blueish tinge of the shadows. By using a good corrector and a lightweight concealer you’ll have the cover you need without a thick mask that falls into fine lines and looks cakey. Try Dual Action ConcealerConceal redness/broken capillariesGreen correctors used to be the best solution for concealing redness, however they can make the skin look flat and lifeless. CC Creams (colour correction) with photo-optic filters will help reflect back light on the skin greatly reducing skin redness and the dark red of broken capillaries. Try Luminous CC Cream 20Cover up pimples without irritationFor pimples, an antibacterial concealer followed by a mineral foundation powder is ideal. Oil free and non-comedogenic cover ups are best and many now have skin enhancing benefits to sooth inflammation. Avoid mineral oil, lanolin and talc based products which tend to block the pores and exacerbate the acne. Try Photo Touch Concealer & Mineral Powder FoundationConceal not accentuate fine linesThere is a very fine line (pardon the pun) between over-preparing the skin and causing the product to slip off and under-preparing the skin and causing it to absorb into the skin. The area should be well hydrated without being greasy so a good eye cream around the eyes and a hydrating concentrate will help prepare the skin for makeup. Allow time for the product to absorb and settle. The key is not to apply too much product, keep every layer fine and light and you’ll have a more natural and lasting result to your makeup.Create the perfect baseFoundation is what makes your skin appear flawless but it’s important to master not only the right shade, but the look you want (matte versus dewy) and the coverage. If you want lighter coverage then opt for a tinted moisturiser, but if it’s more coverage you’re after then liquid foundation is the answer. Try Mineral Sheer Tint or HD Luminous FoundationBonus tip: Use your fingers to apply your foundation if you want sheer coverage and a brush or sponge for medium to full coverage.Fake your cheekbonesSadly we aren’t all born with striking cheekbones but we can all fake it! All it takes is some simple sculpting. Start by puckering to find the hollows of your cheeks and apply a deep nude blush or contour powder in the sunken area under your cheekbones. Next, apply a peachy blush starting from the apples of your cheeks and moving outwards while lightly blending. Finish by applying illuminator along the top of your cheekbones and under your temples. Try Baked Blush & Liquid IlluminatorEYESBrighten eyesMake eyes brighter with white. A small dot of white shadow on the inside of the eye near the tear duct will make eyes look brighter. Try Mineral Shadow in OpalDefine eyesEyeliner can make or break a perfect makeup. Wearing eyeliner inside the eye rim can look striking and make the eyes stand out, but avoid this if you have small or very deep set eyes.The role of eyeliner is to make the lashes look thicker so the line can be thicker on the top lash line, create a small “peak” in the outer corners of the eye to give the illusion of an almond shaped eye. Try Powderliner PencilBonus tip: Plums and eggplant shades make the eye whites look whiterSelect the eye shadow shade for youChoose shadows that make the colour of your eyes stand out. Blue and Grey tones enhance brown eyes, plums are great for green eyes and browns make blue eyes sparkle. Don’t be afraid to try different colours but remember the eyeshades should enhance your eyes not take over completely. Try Mineral Matte ShadowsTransform eye lashesStill searching for the perfect volumizing mascara? Don’t stress. Simply apply a layer of your mascara to your lashes then dust them with powder (loose powder, translucent or even baby!) before applying a final coat of mascara. The result? Thick, gorgeous lashes.Bonus tip: Sweep the wand through the roots of your lashes and zigzag as you work your way up. This will create added length.Simple Smokey EyeWho doesn’t love a smokey eye? While a lot of smokey eye looks require several different shades of eyeshadow and a whole lot of blending, there is a fast and easy alternative. Simply use an eye pencil to draw a slanted hashtag above the outer corners of your eyes and blend with the smudger end of the pencil. The result: Instant smokey eye every time. Try Powderliner PencilLIPSSoften "smoker's lines" and prevent product seeping into the cracksApply a lip balm before applying the rest of your makeup, this will give the area time to absorb the moisture and plump out the fine lines around the lips, then, when it comes time to apply lipstick, blot the excess away. Follow with a lip primer all over the lips and beyond the lip border. Fill in the lips using a lip pencil in desired colour and apply lipstick to the centre of the lips only.Lipstick shades for youLipstick should complement your skin tones, cool skin tones should wear cooler colours such as plum, rose and burgundy and warm skin tones look better in terracotta, orange and vibrant reds. Remember, if your eye makeup is prominent, keep the lips soft and neutral, and if you want to wear strong lip colour, soften the eye makeup or opt for a simple liner/mascara look. Try Moisture Crème LipstickBonus tip: You are never too old for wet lips! A small amount gloss on the center of the lips makes them look plump and youthful. Keep your Lip gloss with you to freshen up your makeup through the day.Make lipstick last longerLet’s face it lipstick never seems to last the distance. After applying your lippy, place a tissue over your lips and dust on some translucent powder. Doing so will help set your colour and make it instantly longer-lasting.Bonus tip: For long-lasting vibrant colour from AM to PM try the NEW ELES Lip Stains. They will last through coffee, cakes and kisses. Seriously.Fuller lipsLipliner is used to define the look of your lips but it can also create the illusion of instantly bigger and plumper lips. Apply before lipstick or gloss and use either a neutral shade or match the shade of your lipstick. Therefore if the lipstick fades, you don't walk around with only the outline showing.Begin by applying a fine line just outside your natural lip line starting from the center of the lips and working out to the corners, keep it light and fine. Try Longwear LiplinerBonus tip: Powdering the line will make it last longer. EYE BROWSShape your browsAdding definition and shape to your eyebrows can completely transform your face. Shaping your brows needn’t be difficult. Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally. Then, use a soft, waxy brow pencil to shape the outside of your brow. Fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. Finally, blend some highlighter just below your brow bone for lift. Try Brow blender PencilBonus tip: Use a brow stencil to create perfectly even and arched brows every time!
Beauty Collective - Sleeping habits

Sleeping in makeup – what it really does to our skin

by Jo Boyden on Mar 26 2018
What girl doesn’t love makeup! It can literally transform the way we look and feel! But sadly with every good, comes bad, and makeup is no exception to the rule!There is a downside to wearing makeup - the affect it can have on our skin if it’s not property removed at the end of the day. I’m pretty sure the majority of us could admit to sleeping with makeup on at some stage of our lives. I know I’m guilty of it, perhaps one time to many! But after learning these simple facts, like me, you might think twice about doing it again!What makeup does to your skin while you are sleeping... Eye irritation and sensitivity Neglecting to remove eye makeup whether it be the entire shebang or just a little layer of mascara, can cause dryness, irritation, redness and even infection! This is because the particles from mascara can harbour harmful pathogens and if it gets into the delicate eye area can cause havoc.No thank you. Dry, dull complexion Our skin is covered in pores which allow us to sweat and secrete sebum, a natural lubricant that moisturises skin and removes dead skin cells. Makeup can trap these dead skin cells, preventing them from shedding and leaving us with a dry, dull complexion. Just remember sleep is the body's time to repair itself from the stress of the day. While you sleep, new healthy skin cells are created. Spots Even if you're not normally prone to spots, you'll soon see that sleeping with a face full of makeup can and will result in breakouts. 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. Premature aging Sleeping in your makeup can trap dirt and pollutants inside the skin, therefore increasing your exposure to free radicals. This is turn can lead to collagen breakdown. If collagen can’t be produced properly, your skin will age faster.Scary right? Fear not, if you have only been subject to sleeping with makeup on a few times there is no long term effect but it’s definitely not something you want to make a habit of. Yes sometimes it’s hard not to just want to climb into your comfy bed after a long day or a big night out even, but if that’s the case and your usual cleansing routine seems like way to much of an effort, opt for a quick, easy and effective cleanser that you can even use from the luxury of our bed!Try;ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil. Packed full of anti-aging and nourishing ingredients, it literally melts away makeup and impurities without stripping skin’s natural moisture, all while helping it maintain a balanced and hydrated complexion.Also ensure you use sensitivity tested or breathable makeup free of potential irritants such a fragrance, talc, oil, dyes and parabens.Try;ELES Liquid Powder Foundation. Its ‘non-occlusive’ long-lasting formula allows the foundation to enhance the complexion without covering up the skin, allowing it to “breathe” freely.ELES Sensitive Eyes Mascara. Hypoallergenic and sensitivity-tested, this fragrance-free water based mascara is perfect for the most sensitive of eyes. It lengthens, separates and darkens lashes without clumping. It dries quickly and resists smudging under eyes.
Beauty Collective - Probiotics

Probiotics in skincare – what are they and why are they trending?

by Jo Boyden on Mar 19 2018
I’m sure we’ve all heard about the benefits of ingesting probiotics, whether it be by taking a supplement or eating certain foods. Now a new trend is taking centre stage – probiotics for the skin! Serums, Moisturisers, Masks…packed full of friendly bacteria to help restore the natural balance of our skin while refining, protecting and rejuvenating the complexion all at the same time!Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty for those of you who like to be further informed. What exactly are probiotics? And how is it that they actually work?What exactly are probiotics?Probiotics are good bacteria that normally reside in our bodies and in our skin. Due to sickness, toxicity, the use of antibiotics, and other external factors, our good bacteria diminishes and the bad bacteria becomes more prominent in our system.How do they actually work on our skin?For the skin, they work in a similar way as they do for the digestive system. Topical probiotics help deliver a dose of good bacteria directly to our skin, restoring radiance and balance. Some are recommended for mature skin because of their ability to regenerate as well as protect the skin by retaining moisture, healing wounds, and increasing collagen and elastin production for anti-aging effects. They are also an effective anti-inflammatory which means they bring calm to the skin soothing redness and irritation.Would I benefit from using skincare featuring probiotics?Yes! With its multitude of benefits, skincare rich in probiotics are great for anyone wanting to restore balance and radiance to the skin! They have the ability to boost the skin’s natural defence, rebuilding and strengthening it. Thanks to their calming, nurturing and anti-inflammatory qualities, they are also really beneficial for those with skin conditions such as Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis.Interesting right? Sound like something you need right now? If so, Pevonia have just launched a new skincare range – Micro Pores Bio-Active Collection. It is formulated with a new breakthrough probiotic called Pseudoalteromonas (you don’t need to know how to pronounce it, just know that it’s darn good stuff for your skin!). By incorporating probiotics in this collection, Pevonia offers a natural, powerfully effective solution to counteract the most searched concerns: pore-refinement, uneven texture, oil control, aging and dehydration!
Beauty Collective Enlarged Pores

ENLARGED PORE: Truths and Common Misconceptions

by Jo Boyden on Mar 01 2018
If you don’t like the size of your pores, read up! Here are common truths and myths about this whole pore thing:The TRUTH will set you freeIf you’ve been wondering… Yes, POREXIA is a thing! There are two types of pores. Having pores is healthy and essential. UV rays can make them look larger. Hormones can also make them look larger. Enlarged pores come with age. Over-washing your face makes them bigger. Men have larger pores. Many of us are obsessed with our pore size and if we’re given a chance to make them smaller, we would! Some of us are even more worried about our pores than our wrinkles.Oil pores are hair follicles that contain sebaceous glands. These produce sebum (oil) that causes our pimples. Sweat glands are very small and don’t cause irritation. Both are very important to our health. Sweat pores are our body’s breathing holes, transporting unwanted substances out of the body. Oil pores are needed for hair to grow and hair is needed to protect skin.The average adult has about 20,000 pores on their face.When pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, blackhead and whiteheads may form. When bacteria comes in contact with these two, a pimple is born!Ultraviolet rays weaken collagen and without collagen, our pores become less tight. Decreased elasticity causes them to enlarge.When hormones spike during OVULATION, our pores enlarge and will shrink again when hormone levels decrease. Hormonal shift during PREGNANCY and MENOPAUSE also do the same. So yes, mood swings and pores are related. Try to relax during these trying times.As we age, our body produces less Elastin and Collagen and without these two, our skin sag and our pores become enlarged. This is something inevitable but can be managed. WE WILL REVEAL OUR NEW SOLUTION LATER IN THIS ARTICLE.Wash your face twice a day – morning and evening. Washing too often can dry the skin leaving more dead skin cells on the surface.Men have larger pores than women. Because men are naturally more active, their oil glands produce more oil and so their pores appear more visible.The Pore MYTHology Blackhead is dirt. You can close pores. Toothpaste can tighten pores, just like how it solves acne problems. Blackhead is oxidized oil, not dirt. Sebum is usually white. There may sometimes be dirt but blackhead is mostly oil.Pores dilate and can change from wide to narrow but you can’t totally close them. You can only TIGHTEN them.Never put toothpaste on your face. Toothpaste doesn’t cure acne and it certainly doesn’t clean and tighten pores. It will only cause irritation. Use proper skincare products that address your skin concerns.If large pores have always been a problem for you, fret not! We’ve found a solution!Pevonia’s NEW Micro-Pores Bio-Active and Probiotic Skincare is an anti-aging and pore-refining in one. If you have been dreaming of flawless skin with refined texture, Pevonia’s NEW Power Repair Micro-Pores collection is the solution you have been waiting for.Benefits: Reduces pore size Normalizes oil and moisture levels Increases collagen and elastin formation Bio-active formula contains elite actives that positively affect skin Probiotics help address uneven texture, and dehydration and other skin concerns Get the entire Pevonia Micro-Pores Bio-Active Collection and see visible results within just 2 weeks!
Beauty Collective - Exfoliate

Exfoliate Your Skin and Achieve a Radiant Glow

by Jo Boyden on Feb 23 2018
Exfoliate for a Radiant GlowSummer is almost over and we have a few days to go until it’s officially autumn. The weather will be cooler and friendlier. If you’re a beach bum like most Aussies are, you seized every weekend strolling along the beaut seaside. Some have patches of sunburnt skin all over, and some just look like they had a very relaxing holiday! Want to know their secret? EXFOLIATE!Do you know how good exfoliation is for your skin? Rubbing it with granules help remove dead cells from the surface, revealing a softer, smoother, and youthful you. It is important that you know what exfoliant to use as there are plenty of products in the market that are too abrasive and do more harm than good. We’re proud to say that Pevonia exfoliants are gentle on the skin but do a great job in getting rid of the dead skin cells. Pick the right exfoliant for you:ALL SKIN TYPESYour skin needs a little help every once in a while. A regular cleanser cleanses your face but Pevonia's Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser has exfoliating jojoba beads, saponaria and chamomile that wash away impurities and toxins. A true bonzer! The beads are finer than what you’ll usually find in regular exfoliants so it’s gentle but truly effective in refining texture and adding glow to your skin.PROBLEMATIC SKINIt’s easier to clear the skin of acne with a cleanser that has powerful anti-bacterial properties. Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser combines Soapwort, Triclosan, Grapefruit Oil, and Citric Acid to gently remove impurities. It helps control breakouts, brightens the skin tone, and refines your skin.DRY, DULL SKINAnd for a more intense solution to dry, dull skin, the Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream is a must-have! Experience the cutting-edge technology of this cream’s unique enzymes entrapment. The encapsulated Pineapple and Papaya enzymes eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells, sebum, and toxins as you work this cream into your skin. Using this once a week will help you gain a bright, smooth complexion with ABSOLUTELY ZERO DOWNTIME.Regular exfoliation with one of Pevonia's refining exfoliants promotes a brighter, satiny texture. Get rid of unwanted impurities and dead cells, and prevent follicular clogging and surface accumulations. Your skin becomes luminous and revived.
Hyaluronic Acid for the under eye

Is stress making us look older?

by Jo Boyden on Aug 16 2017
Without a doubt, and you probably don’t need a blog post to tell you this, stress is written all over our faces! You can see it in your skin tone, texture, elasticity and the absence of a youthful glow.It would be easy to say, “stress less” but we know that’s easier said than done! However, if we understand why stress affects our skin as well as change a few habits, we will be able to manage the stress and in turn look a whole lot younger!Dark CirclesWhen we are stressed our blood flow increases and the fragile capillaries beneath our eyes become engorged so dark circles become more obvious. Drinking more water can help, getting more sleep will certainly improve things, while gently massaging a good eye cream or gel to the delicate eye zone will to help increase blood flow. Apply a soothing eye gel around the eyes and slide your middle and ring finger around the orbital bone (slide outwards on the brow and inwards beneath the eye). We recommend Pevonia C Evolutive Eye Gel, the ginkgo biloba, this helps increase the circulation while soothing and hydrating the eye contour.Mini-menopauseWhen we are stressed our body creates cortisol, which can lead to a drop in Oestrogen, much like it does when we are in menopause. Less Oestrogen means less collagen and less moisture. Nourish your skin from within with hydrating food such as fish, nuts, avocado, sweet potato, olive oil and cucumbers to name a few. And “up the hydration” with products rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid. We recommend Pevonia Power Repair Line for bringing back the bounce and youthfulness of dehydrated skin.WrinklesAs our hydration levels decrease our collagen and elastin production decreases. The skin cells that form these vital proteins take a siesta and meanwhile our expressions seem to become indelibly etched into our faces. Maintaining hydration is key but to restore the damage already caused it might be time to get out the big guns and reboot the skin cells which have become lazy. We recommend Pevonia Micro-Retinol line to help rejuvenate the skin from within.Itching, flaking and hivesStress leads to inflammation which may lead to rashes, rosacea, eczema flare ups and changes in skin moisture. It’s vital to maintain your skin’s barrier function with filmogenic products that trap moisture and to reduce inflammation in the skin. Take cooler showers and baths, avoid synthetics in warm weather and apply soothing products such as Pevonia Propolis Concentrate and Reactive Cream which provide both anti-inflammatory properties as well as restoring your protective acid mantle.A Heavy JawGrinding teeth and clenching of the jaw are common symptoms of stress. Unfortunately, these habits can cause the jaw muscles to work overtime. This can result not only in damaged teeth, but also a heavier than usual jawline, as the muscles become larger with the grinding action. Be mindful of this habit by relaxing the jaw whenever you think of it, and massage the jawline every evening while cleansing your skin and applying your moisturiser. Take time out to completely relax with a warm bath, a short nap or just doing something that distracts you from over-thinking! Even though you might only be able to spare 10 minutes your body trains itself to be more relaxed over time and will thank you.Hair LossStress can cause sudden hair loss by literally flipping the switch on the hair follicle’s growth stage from an active to a resting phase. Once the follicle enters this resting phase prematurely, it stays there for about three months, after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. Avoid over-styling hair and using too many heat appliances. We recommend a weekly hair mask using the Micro-Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress. This not only helps stimulate a healthy scalp, but leaves hair soft and conditioned too.Adult AcneAcne isn’t just for hormonal-crazed teenagers. Many adults can’t seem to outgrow it because of stress hormones. Cleanse your skin thoroughly every morning and evening and exfoliate every couple of days to keep skin clear and pure, we recommend Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser for mild breakouts or the Clarifyl Line for more serious adult acne. It purifies, calms inflammation and deals with pesky breakouts pronto.Clearly there is a connection between how we look and how we feel and think. The good news is that we can get to the root cause of our stress and manage it!