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Beauty Collective - gemstone rollers

What’s the deal with gemstone facial rollers? Understanding the benefits

by Jo Boyden on Dec 17 2020
In 2018 “jade rollers” became all the rage in the world of beauty, beloved by beauty bloggers and skincare experts alike. Fast forward a few years and a few developments and the latest trend to take centre stage is “gemstone rollers”, an array of facial rollers made of semi-precious stones including; amethyst, obsidian, rose quartz, jade and more. But what exactly is the benefit of these rollers? And will they really make a difference to your skin? The answer is yes and we are here to tell you how and why.Often touted as an “anti-aging tool, gemstone rollers offer a multitude of benefits which ultimately results in better skin when used regularly and correctly. Not only do they feel amazing on your face, but by rolling them across your cheeks, chin and forehead, you’ll slowly open up pathways, improving lymphatic flow, clearing toxins, decreasing puffiness, stimulating collagen production, reducing fine lines and more! They even have the ability to release tension which many people carry in their jaws!Adding a gemstone roller to your daily skincare routine will become your most soothing self-care ritual (you’ll be amazed at how calming it can make you feel) but sadly there is no one size fits all. Just as with crystals, each roller has its own specific advantages, so you need to look at the individual properties of the gemstone and go for the one(s) which calls to you the most! Jade Facial Roller Best for toning and defining skin Ideal for those concerned with wrinkles and loose skin, jade helps raise the immunity of the skin. It’s known for its ability to help tone and firm skin cells, stimulate collagen production, increase elasticity, calm puffiness and promote cell turn over! Physically, this crystal has more resistance on skin than rose quartz and amethyst, so while it’s not as silky and glass-like in texture, it is better for achieving firming and lifting results including smoothing wrinkles, sculpting muscle, and tightening loose skin. It’s best to use this roller in the morning since jade has a revitalising energy that helps skin to feel fresh and invigorated. Jade Facial Smooth and Textured Roller Best for toning, defining and rejuvenating skin Just as with its counterpart this roller is best for those wishing to tone and firm their skin. The two different roller ends pose their own benefits. The smooth end helps to aid in lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness, while the textured end stimulates the blood circulation and helps increase oxygen in the skin cells and collagen in the dermis. Again, this roller is best used in the morning, since it has a revitalising energy that helps skin to feel fresh and invigorated. Rose Quartz Facial Roller Best for soothing and calming skin The ultimate beauty stone, known as the “crystal of Venus” (the goddess of love and beauty), Rose Quartz delivers inner healing and clears complexity. This ‘emotional healer’ is great for reducing and releasing impurities and stress in the skin. It’s best for detoxifying while soothing and calming sensitive skin. But also has great properties that increase circulation to the skin, promoting collagen production. Rose quartz also happens to have inherent minerals- silicium, magnesium, iron, sodium and oxygen - that skin can topically borrow and benefit from when rolling and thanks to the stone staying very cool it is ideal for those suffering from a sensitive or inflamed complexion.Obsidian Facial Roller Best for detoxifying and balancing skin Unlike the other stones, Black Obsidian naturally retains warmth and is great to use on congested, blemish prone skin. With consistent use it brings imbalances to the surface so that they can be released, this is because the warmth of the obsidian encourages stimulation of the lymphatic system and circulation. The Obsidian Facial Roller also helps to tighten pore and balance your skin tone and leaves skin feeling purified and refreshed. To warm our Black Obsidian Roller, we recommend placing it in a glass of warm water for a minute or two before use. Amethyst Facial Roller Best for purifying blemish-prone skin Amethysts are powerful and protective stones that have the ability to soothe away day-to-day stresses. They emit infrared rays which slightly raises skin temperature increasing circulation. This enables the body to produce cortisol which calms inflammation and redness and nourishes skin cells with oxygen and nutrients to keep them healthy and encourage regeneration. Thanks to its negative-charge, amethyst also draws out positively charged toxins and free radicals to cleanse and detoxify skin. These detoxifying powers mean that amethyst helps to prevent bacteria growth and tighten pores, so is recommended for blemish-prone skin. Now you’ve selected the gemstone roller or rollers that sound right for your skin's needs but how exactly do you use it now and how often? We recommend cleansing your skin first, then applying a small amount of a light oil or serum with the roller. Starting at the chin, use broad, long strokes horizontally to the hairline - you should apply slight pressure but not so that it is "pulling" your skin. Then, from the nose, gently roll towards the ear - smoothing the skin under the eyes. Moving up, use the small end of the roller around the corner of the eye, rolling to the temples. Last up, place the roller above the eyebrow and push up towards the hairline. You can also finish by rolling horizontally from the middle of the forehead out towards the temples. For optimum results, you can use a roller everyday, but we would recommend using it after cleansing your face and neck. You can actually use it up to twice a day, but one should be plenty. If there is however a day where you feel like your skin is especially puffy, then morning and evening should work wonders! Finally, you need to remember to regularly clean your roller since it’s a facial tool and can easily spread bacteria. Ideally, it’s best to clean them with warm water and soap as you would any other beauty tool, pat try and then store in a clean, dry place. But for a more spiritual clean, you can wash the roller in salt water. Salt is considered cleansing and will help draw negative energies out of the roller so they don’t transfer back to your skin.
9 things you need to stop doing to your skin now

9 things you need to stop doing to your skin now!

by Jo Boyden on Aug 19 2020
You might well think you are following protocol and doing all the right things for your skin – applying SPF daily, using the best products for your specific needs, drinking your two litres of water a day, exercising but not too excessively, getting enough shut-eye… the list goes on, yet still, your skin isn’t where you want it to be, but why? Most of us spend each day taking the right steps, all the while damaging our skin without even realising it! Read on to find out nine things you might be doing which could well be impacting your skin’s overall health; Touching your face If COVID-19 has taught me one thing, it’s to be vigilant about touch! And I have to admit I did not realise just HOW often I touched my face!! Eek.Each time you touch your face, you're exposing your skin to bacteria, so repeatedly touching it with your fingertips, resting your face on your hands, or simply rubbing your head can introduce dirt directly to the skin and in some cases cause pesky pimples and worse! So try to be more wary of your actions, and thoroughly clean your face with a good cleanser at the end of every day! Hitting the pantry at night! Yes it happens to the best of us! You’ve been healthy all week, diligently consuming your super foods but this evening you caved and hit the panty for those sugared treats, surely it’s not that big a deal? Unfortuantely it can be! This is because consuming sugar affects our bodies' collagen stores. Collagen is the magical protein that our bodies produce which helps our skin to remain supple and well, simply look younger. Unfortunately the sugary foods we consume break down both the collagen and elastin in our skin, causing dullness and wrinkles over time, so if it’s possible, it’s best to cut down sugar intake where you can, especially at night, which happens to be the worst possible time! There goes my late night feasts. Going to sleep with makeup on I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of having one too many in our time, or simply hopping into bed exhausted only to realise you haven’t removed your makeup and have little to no energy to get back up to cleanse your face, so to bed with a full face of makeup we go! But I can’t stress enough how failing to remove makeup at the end of every day is a major missed opportunity for your skin to be able to regenerate while you sleep! Not removing your makeup means the skin ceases to breathe freely, pores clog and fatigue signs start to appear. Two of my favourite makeup removers, which both effectively and effortlessly melts away the day's makeup and grime, are Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover and ELES Cosmetic’s Transformation Cleansing Oil.Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, Phytomer’s ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast! While the ELES Transformation Oil literally melts away makeup with jojoba oil, safflower oil, olive oil, squalene and vitamin E! What’s more for the month of August when you purchase the Transformation Cleansing Oil, you’ll receive a set of 3 muslin cleansing cloths (for swift and easy removal) for Free!To read more about sleeping in makeup – what it really does to our skin click here. Not getting enough shut-eye If you are like me and one for being guilty of going to bed too late, or simply not getting enough sleep (we are talking the recommended 8 hours a night) know that your skin WILL suffer. This is because it affects the moisture levels in your skin, depleting them, as well as lowering your complexions pH levels, and when your skin’s pH levels drop, they create an imbalance which means your skin isn’t able to produce the moisture it needs, resulting in dry, lacklustre skin. It can also create unnecessary redness, leave skin uneven and even trigger breakouts. To understand more about what really happens to your skin while you sleep click here. Having a hot shower Ok, so no one in winter is going to say no to a hot shower right? It’s one of life’s little luxuries but it does come at a cost to your skin believe it or not. Unfortunately, hot water can strip the skin of its essential moisture and deplete its natural protective barrier which can lead to impairments in the skin’s moisture. We know you aren’t going to stop having those steamy showers of a morning but try and turn the heat down a little, limit shower time and ensure you replenish skin immediately after with a good hydrating moisturiser! I’m currently loving Phytomer’s Hydra Original Thirst Relief Melting Cream, it’s deliciously rich and delivers intense and lasting hydration to my skin! Not frequently changing your bedding We are accustomed to washing our clothes after every wear but why is it at the end of every day, we fall into bed without giving our sheets a second thought? Unfortunately clogged pores can occur when we don't wash our bedding weekly. This in turn can lead to blemishes and breakouts. Why? Because there is a build up of bacteria and oil on our sheets, especially pillowcases caused by sweat, saliva and dead skin cells. Yuck. Over exfoliating You are doing as you think is right and exfoliating your skin once or twice a week but could you be over exfoliating? Using exfoliators with AHA’s and BHA’s when it’s not necessary can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dry. If you notice you are developing dry patches or flaky skin you could well be over-doing it. This is why it's important to use the correct exfoliator for your skin type and always follow exfoliation with hydrating and moisturising creams. Spending too much time in front of a screen I know I speak for so many of us when it comes to too much screen time these days. Whether it be our laptop, tv, iphone or ipad, screen time does effect our skin and here’s why; All devices (now labeled the silent anti-agers of our generation!) emit ‘blue light’. This light creates a free radical that damages our DNA, by penetrating all the way to the dermis where our collagen and elastin live causing loss of firmness, increase in visible lines as well as inflammation and dark spots! Scary stuff. Your best defence? Try to cut down your time and use targeted skincare and makeup products!Using products containing iron oxide can help neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try Pevonia's Youth Renew Tinted Moisturiser or ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.The skin naturally contains antioxidants. These are quickly damaged and depleted when exposed to free radicals. By applying a topical antioxidant containing Vitamins C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effecting of blue light. Try Medicalia's C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within the skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects.I also love Pevonia's Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing. And if you purchase this cream in the month of August, you'll receive the full size matching Stem Cells Foaming Cleanser for Free! Using dirty makeup brushes Your makeup tools are meant to be washed. Besides bacteria, both brushes and sponges also accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores leading to skin irritation and pesky pimples! Also if you apply your makeup with a dirty bush the end result can be a streaky and patchy complexion! Clean brushes definitely make for a smoother makeup application so get cleaning them at least once a week! For “green” and allergy-free brushes, opt for taklon bristle brushes, this smooth synthetic fibre is ideal for makeup application as it does not absorb or trap pigment, making it so much easier to keep clean too!
acne explained

Acne explained: Which type do you suffer from and how to best treat it

by Jo Boyden on Feb 27 2020
Got a breakout? Suffer from acne but nothing seems to be improving it? The professionals at BC are here to help!First port of call is understanding acne, as mistreating the type you suffer from can actually have an adverse effect on the health of your skin. Sound familiar?Acne is one of the most common and frustrating beauty concerns and unfortunately there's no one-size-fits-all approach to treating it. The skin condition comes in many forms and is triggered by a variety of causes - from oily skin types, to hormone imbalance, bad diet, to simple genetics (thanks parents!) As a result each acne breakout has its own symptoms and therefore needs to be treated in a specific way. By arming yourself with the correct product for your particular breakout, will enable you to not only combat the problem head on, but prevent future breakouts too!Now read on for our guide to the six most common types of acne and how to best treat them.Blackheads Blackheads - technically called 'open comedones' - are small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. They are one of the more mild types of acne and are often experienced by those with oily skin.TreatmentUsing a clay purifying mask once or twice a week will help draw out impurities in the skin. We highly recommend the Phytomer Citylife Radiance Reviving Mask, it instantly draws out impurities, unclogging pores while countering the effects of pollution (dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and dull complexion.)“I used to suffer from annoying blackheads on my nose and forehead until this became my go-to product. I LOVE it. It reduces the size of my pores (I have oily skin with large pores), eliminates my blackheads and skin looks soo much healthier and glowy after application.” Siobhan WhiteheadsSimilarly to blackheads, whiteheads (also known as ‘closed comedones’) occur when pores on the skin become clogged with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, however the two forms of acne produce different skin reactions. While blocked pores that stay open form blackheads, a whitehead is a blocked pore that closes, meaning they should be treated quite differently.TreatmentThe most effective ingredient used to treat whiteheads is salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works to open up your pores.We LOVE the Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Jojoba Seed Extract and Grapefruit oil, it provides gentle but effective exfoliating action to open and clear pores, combatting acne-causing bacteria.“BEST CLEANSER EVER! I've tried so many cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or a mix of both to help my blemished skin but they are all too drying. This cleanser is by far the best I have ever found. It thoroughly cleans my skin of all makeup and impurities and my skin feels so smooth afterwards. This is a winner!” ShelleyPapulesA papule is technically a small, raised bump on the skin, red in colour and swollen with inflammation. Like most forms of acne, papules are the result of an increase in oil and bacteria trapped inside the pore by dead skin cells. However papules occur when the clogging causes a hair follicle to become inflamed.TreatmentYou can effectively treat papules with drying lotions or spot treatments. They respond specifically well to the ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide. Our customers rave about the Pevonia Spot Treatment rich in Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera and Benzoyl Peroxide. The Fast-acting and healing treatment combats blemish-causing bacteria and clears pores keeping breakouts at bay.“This product works WONDERS! It is a dry-it-up product that will zap up those lumpy, red pimples overnight - I have never seen anything remove a pimple so fast. Can’t get enough of it!” StellaPustulesIf a pore becomes extremely clogged, the skin begins to swell and a pustule is formed. Pustules are essentially infected pores which appear as a white dot surrounded by inflamed, red skin that swells into a bump.TreatmentNot dissimilar to other forms of less severe acne, pustules are best treated with key ingredients Salicylic Acid and Panthenol. The Phytomer Oligopur Blemish Target Gel is formulated with both key ingredients and effectively reduces existing blemishes while preventing new ones from forming. It also soothes the redness and inflammation to promote a more even complexion.“This product works almost overnight! It cleared up the tough break outs I had along my jawline that nothing else would.” AnnaCystsOne of the more extreme forms of acne, cystic breakouts (or cysts) lie deep within the layers of the skin and occur when the pores become blocked and severely infected. They appear as swollen (often painful) lumps under the skin, filled with pus that has nowhere to go. Because they are deep-rooted in the skin tissue they don’t always come to a head and can reappear in the same place and often leave scars.TreatmentCystic breakouts call for the big guns! A powerhouse of ingredients to work deep within the skin. We couldn’t recommend the Medicalia Spot Treatment more highly. This potent professional-grade targeted treatment formulated with Mucor Meihei, Phytic Acid, and Sea Whip, diminishes follicular accumulation of keratin, controls bacteria, and reduces inflammation with noticeable improvement in skin healing. Comedolytic and Keratolytic, this product decreases the risk of scarring and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.“At the first sign of a breakout, I dab on the treatment and the blemish goes away before it comes to an ugly outcome. I have recommended this to all my friends who are in need. Would recommend it to everyone!!!!” Rose NodulesLike cysts, nodular pimples (nodules) are one of the most severe forms of acne.They're slightly different to cysts in that they never form a head, instead just a hard bump under the skin’s surface which tends to be very painful.TreatmentNodular acne usually needs pretty intensive treatment so visiting your local salon or spa will be your best bet to finding a solution, however ingredients such as zinc and sulfur can definitely reduce the size of the nodules. Our top pick is the Pevonia SpaTeen Blemish-B-Gone, an alcohol-free targeted treatment which helps to heal all types of blemishes through a Micro-Matrix advanced time-release delivery system with Sulfur, Organic Benzoyl Peroxide and Organic Salicylic Acid.“I am not a teen but this product works great for my blemishes! It reduces the size of the spots in only one application. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from acne, even the big lumps!” Sarah
Beauty Collective - BB Cream

The makeup product you should already be using

by Jo Boyden on May 27 2019
On the days I have little or next to no time to do my makeup (thank you kids!), or when I simply want less coverage than a foundation but need more skincare benefits than my tinted moisturiser offers, a BB Cream is my go-to!BB Creams, Beauty Balms, Blemish Balms…whatever you might know them as, few products can nourish, protect, conceal and correct all in one go, than a single tube of BB Cream!This versatile skincare and makeup hybrid is a lightweight moisturiser, foundation, sunscreen, primer and corrector in one, the ultimate multi-tasker! So you can literally condense your morning routine in to as little as a few minutes, and not only are they time savers but money savers too!What’s more BB creams are great: When you travel No longer must you ram a million skincare and makeup items into your ever-so-small cosmetic bag, if you are armed with a BB cream you’ll have your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen, concealer and foundation covered! When you don’t feel like wearing a lot of makeup If you want to give your skin a break from a full face of makeup but still want some coverage and protection, BB cream is the way to go When you’re suffering from a blemish breakout. Let’s face it, some days our skin just doesn’t look its best and needs a little bit of makeup loving to conceal those blemishes, but we don’t want to further aggravate it with pore clogging products! Reach for the BB (also known as a Blemish Balm!)! It’ll actually help to strengthen and protect your skin! When you’re in a rush No time to apply your moisturiser, primer, concealer and foundation? But not a chance you are leaving the house with a ‘naked’ face? BB is your answer. When you want to sport the no makeup, makeup look Who doesn’t love the idea of a no makeup makeup look while actually wearing makeup for that flawless finish? A BB is the perfect way to get the look. Finish with a coat of mascara and a bit of cream blush and you’ll be good to go! When you want to hit the beach You are planning to hit the beach but need coverage that will not only conceal flaws, but also look totally natural while providing high factor SPF. Say no more. Now you know the benefits of using a BB Cream, why not give it a try? I am personally in love with the ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 it is jam packed with benefits and really does make my skin appear flawless and luminous, what more could a gal ask for!
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!
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.