BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Looking tired? 8 beauty tricks to fake a good night’s sleep
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 10 2021
Holidays are over, schools are back and the daily juggle of work, kids, well life, in general has you once again looking like you haven’t slept for days. Fear not, while 9 hours of blissful slumber might be something of yesteryear you can fake a seriously good night's sleep if you are armed with a few key products! So read on to learn about our top beauty tips that’ll have you looking fabulously fresh in next to no time and with minimal effort….we promise! Breath life back into tired eyes First things first, after cleansing your skin, applying a soothing and cooling eye gel immediately to your undereye area is a must. Just look for products with key ingredients such as Green coffee, Vitamin C and Ginko Biloba, as they will help shrink capillaries and stimulate lymphatic drainage.Pevonia’s C Evolutive Eye Gel is a personal favourite of mine when it comes to tired, puffy eyes. Formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C and skin saviours hyaluronic acid and Ginko biloba it’ll have your peepers decongested and depuffed in one swift application! Invest in a gemstone roller From rejuvenating jade to calm and soothing rose quartz, detoxifying Obsidian to purifying amethyst, we highly recommend introducing one of these rollers into your morning ritual. As well as their many medicinal benefits, they have the ability to dramatically reduce puffiness by removing excess fluid around the eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out toxins! So clever! To find out more click here. Use a collagen-boosting serum Lack of sleep has the ability to cause your body to produce the stress hormone cortisol which in turn breaks down collagen and leads to premature ageing (great!) so make sure you start your morning skincare routine armed with a collagen-boosting serum AND moisturiser to nourish and restore stressed and dehydrated skin.Pevonia’s best-selling Age Correction Intensifier Collagen and MyOxy Caviar and Marine Collagen Cream are both a must. Not only are they loved by so many around the world, but they have also been a staple of mine for years and I’d highly recommend the duo to everyone. Used in unison they effectively nourish and oxygenate skin, repair cells, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. You can thank me later. Be armed with a good concealer With exhaustion comes black undereye circles and red bloodshot eyes so you need to reduce the darkness and brighten the area at the same time. The best way to do this is arm yourself with a really good concealer specifically for the delicate eye area. Simply dot the concealer using your pinky finger (the warmth of your fingers will help the concealer to melt into your skin creating a smooth, natural application). My go-to concealer is the ELES Dual Action Concealer. Its an anti-ageing wonder rich in Vitamins E & C, caffeine, collagen, hyaluronic acid and Tetrapeptide 5 which works to depuff, smooth, brighten and conceal the eyes, neutralizing dark circles. Its moisturising formula also provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! Bonus! Line the eyes with nude You do not want to exacerbate the look of blood shot eyes, so steer clear of lining eyes with dark eyeliners especially on the bottom lash line. Instead transform tired eyes by applying a white or nude liner to the bottom lash line AKA your waterline. Here at BC, we love the ELES Waterline liner. Using a white or nude eyeliner extends the whites of your eyes making them look bigger and in turn more awake. Don’t forget your eyeshadow You’ve lined your eyes with a good waterliner pencil but another true hero to creating wide-awake eyes is eyeshadow! A nude shadow palette with just a few shades will be your new best friend. Check out the new ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trios, with a choice of four palettes in gorgeous neutral shades there is an option to suit everyone.Start by applying the lightest shade (the white or nude) from your chosen palette over your entire lid all the way to the inner corner using a base shadow brush. You really need this light shadow as it’ll help open up your eyes and really make them ‘pop’. Next, use a tapered blending brush to apply the medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards. Using the same brush, now apply the darkest shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Applying this darker shadow slightly beyond your crease is the key to adding real dimension to your eyes. Bronze and blush for a healthy glow. We all know lack of sleep can have us looking a little on the pasty side even if we are donning a bit of a tan! To instantly enhance said pasty skin apply a good bronzer for that much-needed healthy look, as well as a little rouge blush on the apples of your cheeks. We love the ELES Baked Bronzer and Blushes. These super-fine powders are baked to a lightweight, silky and subtle pearl finish that imparts a brilliantly radiant glow. Add a little colour to your lips We might not all be a fan of the red lip all year round, but a little rouge lip colour to perk up pale lips will go a long way in transforming a tired, sallow complexion. If lipstick isn’t your thing, opt for a little gloss instead. I apply my ELES Colour Balm in Siren every single day. It combines the payoff of a sheer lipstick with the superior shine of a gloss. You won’t be disappointed! So go forth and try these top tips and enjoy never being told you look tired again!
Mastering eyeshadow application. Why and how you should wear it
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 21 2020
Ever been seduced into buying a new eyeshadow palette of tantalising shades only to discover the majority of them are unwearable? Or you simply have no idea where to start when it comes to applying them?Let’s face it, applying eyeshadow correctly, I’m talking multiply layers of varying shades to create stand out eyes, is an art form! So it’s no surprise that many of us either get it wrong or simply shy away from shadow! But wearing eyeshadow correctly can have a big impact on the way we look...and for the better! It has the power to enhance, define and complement your eyes in all but a few simple sweeps, you just need to know how!So read on to discover our top tips and become the master of your own eyeshadow destiny in next to no time. You won’t be disappointed with the results, trust me! Go neutral If you’re starting out on your eyeshadow journey its best to keep things simple. By using just a few neutral shades you can contour your eyes and add depth and dimension in a soft and subtle way. We are in love with the new ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trios. A choice of not one, but four palettes in a combination of three beautiful earth tones to suit everyone! The soft and subtle powder shadows apply smoothly and effortlessly and since they are pigment packed, every shade delivers rich, opaque colour for hours of crease-resistant wear! Use the right brushes! Know those little foam wands or brushes that come in some eyeshadow compacts? Ditch them! They are awful for applying product with precision!Flawless eyeshadow application is ALL in the brushes! So investing in a good eyeshadow brush (or three!) is paramount as it’ll help laydown powder shadows, setting them in place for the day. Opt for a dense base shadow brush to impart colour on the lid first, a blending brush for blending and highlighting and a flat definer brush to line and define your eyes! Don’t worry we are about to tell you how to use them! Apply shadows in the correct order (follow our diagram) Have your palette at the ready but unsure which shade should go where? This handy diagram should become your go to; Lightest ‘highlighting’ colour Medium shadow colour Darkest ‘smokey’ colour Start by applying the lightest shade (a white or nude) from your palette over your entire lid, all the way to the inner corner, using a base shadow brush. You really need this light shadow to perfect your look as it’ll help open up your eyes and make your colour ‘pop’. Just be sure to use your brush in a dabbing not dragging motion though as this is the key to applying ‘streak-less’ shadow!Next use a tapered blending brush to apply a medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards.Use the same brush to apply the dark shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Extend it outwards and upwards to create a smoky effect so to speak, then blend it inwards slightly. Applying this darker shadow slightly beyond your crease is the key to adding real dimension to your eyes.Additional tip: If you want to take your look from day to night up the anti! Don’t let the neutral shades fool you. By dampening your brush you can add intensity, just be sure to apply your foundation after your eyes are finished so any eyeshadow fallout can be easily dusted off. Complete your look Eyeliner, when applied correctly can make your lashes look thicker and your eyes wider. So to complete your look, instead of using an eyeliner, you can use the darkest shade of your shadows to create an impactful, well defined eye. Simple use a flat definer brush and press the dark shadow along the edges of your upper eyelid where your eyelashes begin and along the lower lash line. The finish with lashings of mascara. Yes it’s that simple! And with practice comes perfection.
6 beauty tips celebrity makeup artists swear by
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 02 2020
Highly skilled makeup professionals can make anyone look pore-less, glamourous, and red carpet ready, so read on to learn about their top tips and how to incorporate them into your daily makeup routine. Spend more time prepping your skin Every makeup routine should start with well-prepped skin, after all, you don’t just want to look like you’re wearing makeup but look great in the makeup you are wearing. And spending an extra 10 minutes means a fresher face in the end!If skin is dull, dry, or fatigued incorporate a super-hydrating serum rich in hyaluronic acid underneath your moisturiser – to give mature complexions a healthy sheen. Just remember quenching the skin before applying makeup really will help boost brightness.Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum Go for a gradual layered approach when it comes to your base application The ‘overdone’ look never did anyone any favours so instead of slathering on that matte foundation you’ve been faithful to for years opt for a gradual layered approach which will build both colour and coverage which looks natural. Using more products but less of it will achieve the best result. Start with a primer or tinted cream like your BB’s or CC – for a sheer base that’ll correct skin undertones while brightening your complexion.Switching to a radiance-boosting liquid foundation or even applying illuminator over your base will immediately restore a little radiance to your skin. You can apply it over your primer, BB or CC if/where you feel you need extra coverage.Just remember, you want your makeup to look like an extension of yourself, a somewhat better version, rather than a separate mask and illuminating or light reflecting products will help achieve that more youthful glow every time. If you simply love your matte foundation and aren’t ready for change, just mix it with moisturizer to lighten your coverage and achieve a more dewy effect.Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 and ELES Stick Illuminator Apply your bronzer and blush to the right areas of your face A natural, healthy look can be achieved by applying both bronzer and blush to your face, but where you apply it can have a huge impact! For that subtle lift, apply blush high up on your cheeks, along the upper cheekbones rather than on the apples. Then subtly sculpt your face with bronzer by applying it in a big 3 shape on either side of the face, curving from your forehead to the tops of your cheekbones and under the jawline. Then blend.Try: ELES Baked Blush followed by ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam for a healthy glow with a touch of sheer radiance. Love your liner A good eyeliner is imperative to making eyes pop. A black gel pencil in the waterline top and bottom will give eyes shape and expression without looking overdone. Follow with a waterline pencil on the lower lash line to really open eyes up. It’ll also act as an instant freshener when eyes are red and/or tired.Try: ELES Superwear Gel Liner for super smooth easy lining, followed by ELES Waterline Liner for stand out eyes. Fill and extend eyebrows for bigger eyes Your brows can completely change how your face looks, and fuller, well shaped brows will add immediate dimension and help to sculpt the face making you look younger and more awake!Actually filling in your eyebrows from the top of the brow and elongating it gives eyes a more youthful look. For longevity it’s best to build up your brows with a combo of brow pencil then set with a powder shadow one shade lighter than brows.Try ELES Precision Brow pencil and ELES Brow Sculpt Match your lipliner to your lip colour Even if your lips tend to be on the paler side you should match your lip liner to the colour of your lips, not your darker (or lighter!) lipstick shade. A natural-toned liner will make it easier to correct shape (especially if your top lip is uneven or has lost definition so fades into skin) as well as add fullness.Try: ELES Long Wear Lipliner Want more makeup tips? Check out Celebrity Makeup Artists Best Beauty Hacks
FORCED STAYCATION - IT'S TIME TO “KONMARI” YOUR MAKEUP
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 17 2020
When was the last time you sorted through your makeup? I mean organised, dusted and decluttered it? Whether it be the selection of products currently sitting on your bathroom vanity or the hoards you’ve accumulated over the years that no longer sees the light of day, by ‘tidying’ your makeup you will also ‘tidy your mindset’, according to globally renowned ‘organising consultant’ (aka ‘tidying expert’) and bestselling author, Marie Kondo.Back in her late teens Marie Kondo created the ‘KonMari’ method, a philosophy which suggests we should all “keep things that speak to the heart and discard items that no longer spark joy.” And now this method has been adopted by people all around the world, transforming their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration! Sold? Read on…Having worked in the cosmetics industry for many years, I have been blessed to not only trial but be gifted with countless products and if I hadn’t have adopted Marie Kondo’s KonMari method myself, I’d have been signed up for the TV show “Hoarders” by now!So if you are one for acquiring a mountain of makeup products, many of which you no longer use but can’t bring yourself to throw them away, now is the perfect time for change! Here are some decluttering Marie Kondo mantras to live your new life by; Commit to sorting ALL your makeup This isn’t a onetime thing but a process that will allow you to enjoy your makeup routine in a whole new way so you need to be committed to tackling the entire task at hand in one go, no matter how tedious a job it is! Unless you apply yourself from start to finish in one fell swoop, you’ll just end up shifting your makeup from one spot to another, accomplishing nothing. I promise once you’ve decluttered all your makeup hoards and completed the organising process you will be motivated to keep it that way! Create a mountain Now you are committed you still need to ensure you don’t just tidy one drawer or bag of makeup at a time if you do it that way you’ll lose both momentum and motivation! Instead, grab every single item of makeup whether on display or hidden in the deep depths of your cupboard and put into one large pile. This way you can really see what you have been clutching onto for all those months, years even! Sort by category It’s time to dive right into the mountain of makeup and organise by category (I found this part rather therapeutic!) The KonMari ‘tidy your home’ method has people starting with the clothing category and then sorting into subcategories such as shirts, skirts etc…this exact same method can be applied to organising your makeup. So put your many lippies into one pile, your mascaras into another and so on… Out with the old, in with the new Once you have categorised your masses of makeup it’s time to discard the products that are old, expired or even those that are unused, or “that no longer give you joy” as Marie Kondo states.So many of us (I really was a sucker for this) tend to cling onto so many material things ‘just in case’ we might need them again. It’s important to be realistic and ask yourself the question “when did I last use this?” if you can’t remember it’s time to toss it!Products such as foundation and concealer will typically last a few years (although once opened beware of bacteria build-up) but products like mascara have a much lesser shelf life so if you haven’t used it for a few months it’s likely time to replace it!By cutting down your collection you will create room for inevitable growth, after all who doesn’t want to get their hands on that new product launch! Just remember though some makeup, while it looks fabulous in the palette, might not look so great on your complexion. Have a little fun, do a little experimenting and choose to keep only the products while make you feel and look your best. Decipher which products bring you joy Now that you’ve eliminated the old and unusable, take those remaining red lipsticks, that shadow palette, your powder blush, in your hand and ask yourself if it sparks joy! If the answer is not really then simply say a Marie Kondo “thank you for your service” mantra and add it to the ‘see you later’ pile. This exercise not only cleans out your beauty bag, drawer or cupboard, it also instills decision-making skills that’ll transfer into other areas of your life. But remember by ‘sparking joy’ we mean how it makes you feel when you wear it, not that when you last wore your sparkly lip gloss at the 2018 Christmas party you had a fun night! Don’t forget your tools! Aside from your makeup products, it’s important to sort through your tools too!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! Once you have completed your KonMari ritual, the end result will be a clean, well-organised, easily accessible collection and a new improved you!
Makeup looks from the Oscars that you’ll want to recreate this Valentine’s Day!
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 13 2020
Hollywood's biggest event of the year – The Oscars – calls for bold and beautiful makeup year after year and boy did this year not disappoint! From smouldering eyes to statement red lips, the Oscars is a time to pull out all the stops….and so is Valentine’s Day we say!Armed with the right products, you too can recreate this year’s looks straight from the red carpet, looks that everyone will fall in love with regardless of your plans for this coming Friday night! So read on and get experimenting! We have kept it simple and just gone with our favourite two makeovers, as adorned by the stunning Scarlett Johansson and Lucy Boynton. Bronzed glowThis year’s Oscars saw Scarlett Johansson master the “I just got back from a tropical holiday” glow.Her shimmer shadow, bronzer and lipstick combination is simply the perfect Valentine’s Day look whether you are headed out for a fancy dinner or for drinks with friends.To create her glowier-than-glowy complexion, apply a dewy foundation, (we love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint), followed by a powder bronzer to contour beneath your cheeks and jawline to “slim” the face. The ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam is perfect for recreating this bronzed glow. Apply a little extra to your forehead to add that “sun-kissed” warmth and if you want to be a real show stopper, dab on a little stick illuminator above the apples of your cheeks and down the centre of your nose.For Scarlett’s shimmery standout eyes apply ELES Mineral Shadow in Bronzite and then blend softly above the crease of your eye lid, as well as beneath the lower lash line for a bronzed smoky eye. To make eyes pop don’t be afraid to use the ELES Waterliner pencil in both the inner corners of your eyes as well as on your waterline. Complete the eyes with lashings of ELES Lush Mascara.For that subtle flush of colour on the lips, use a lip liner to gently fill in (we recommend the ELES Long Wear Lipliner in Nude) and then add a touch of gloss like our ELES Pucker-Up Lipgloss in Love Bite for that hint of shine. If you have a preference for lipsticks instead, try the ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in Parfait. Play up your lashesLucy Boynton always likes to make a statement at the Oscars and this year she did so by dramatizing her eyes with Twiggy-inspired ultra-long lashes! #goals. Coupled with standout red lips, her look was equal parts fun and flirty!To achieve her flawless base go for a long-lasting matte foundation which is great for recreating a natural look while still providing ample coverage. If you are a lover of liquid we recommend our best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation – it glides effortlessly yet sets to a soft powder finish. But if powder is your go-to, we highly recommend the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation compact. Complete your base with a soft pink blush like the ELES Baked Blush in Posey - after all, nothing says romance like a flushed cheek.Next it’s time to dramatize the eyes but emphasizing both the eyebrows and lower lashes. Firstly we recommend you use the ELES Brow Blender in Dark Taupe. With the spool end brush the brows upwards, then using short soft strokes apply the pencil.For the eyes, first apply a peachy matte eyeshadow, then layer on coats of ELES Lash Fortify Mascara in Black to both the upper and lower lashes applying from the base to the tip in a slow sweeping motion. To create the appearance of Lucy’s ultra-long and thick lashes allow mascara to semi-dry in between coats.To complete the look reach for a bold, matte, blood-red lippie. We are in love with the ELES Matte Lipstick in Spicy.Valentine’s Day we’re ready for you!
10 makeup mistakes you could well be making
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 18 2019
We are forever on the quest to achieving that perfect makeup look and hey experimenting on the way can be fun, but with the many tips and techniques being sold to us on the daily it’s hard to know if you’re acing your makeup or simply making mistakes. Well, we are here to help! Below are 10 of the most common makeup mistakes being made every day and how to well simply get it right! Pulling the area around your eye to make the perfect wing Yes yes, even I used to do this and then I learnt how BAD it was for my eyes, think skin ageing and fine lines due to the breakdown of elasticity! And let’s not forget you can easily end up with a horribly uneven line. And so now this; I use a post-it note! Yes, you heard that right, however you could, in theory, use any piece of folded paper, card or similar to achieve the same effect. Now no more cotton buds and re-application, I nail the perfect winged eye every single day (love me a winged eye!) Applying your lippie to dry lips This is a definite no no, as your lipstick won’t apply evenly, it’ll seep into your lip lines making your lips appear VERY dry and in some cases, they’ll even look a little on the crusty side, attractive right?! Instead, be sure to ‘prep’ your lips. Some people love to apply a little foundation to the lips as they believe it helps hold the lipstick in place for longer (much like the effect of a lip primer) but I personally think this dries out your lips even more! Instead, use a chapstick or lip balm and let it soak in. After a few minutes blot any excess and apply your favourite lipstick colour. See how it glides on effortlessly and evenly, will last longer and there won’t be a crusty lip in sight! Testing foundation shades on the back of your hand Yes, many do this but are they walking away with the correct shade for their complexion? The back of your hands tends to be darker than the skin on your face so it’s best to trial a few shades on both your jawline and neck. Just remember though your face tends to get much more sun exposure than your neck so you really want to find a foundation shade that matches both areas when blended into the skin. Applying your makeup with the wrong tools The key to natural-looking makeup lies in mastering the art of blending. Makeup that isn’t blended well can look heavy and imperfect. Get yourself armed with a few good brushes and a BeautyBlender, these tools will stand you in good stead and the beauty blender will enable you to reach every contour of your face. It is meant to be used damp, allowing for a flawless application and ensuring that makeup never looks heavy! Applying the wrong shade of eyeliner to your lower lash line Let’s face it black is the most popular eyeliner shade on the market but is it a one size fits all? No! If like me, you have a light complexion and blonde hair it’s actually advisable to use a brown liner, at least on the bottom lash line. Black can end up looking quite harsh and instead of opening up your eyes (after all who doesn’t want large doll-like eyes!) it can make them look smaller. It’s also a great idea to follow with a nude pencil or what’s known as a Waterline Liner. This will help open up your eyes and make them look wider! Incorrect lip liner application We all want to achieve bigger, luscious lips, but the worst thing you can do is draw a sharp line around your lips with lip liner to outline them. A lip liner is meant to define your lips, not just create a border around them! Instead, simply draw a soft outline and then use the lip liner to blend and fill in your lips, this will also act as an adhesive to help your lipstick stay in place for longer! Overloading on foundation powder Face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple (I have been I’m in love with the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation for years!) however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them! It’s best to use it sparingly – on your t-zone, or for quick touch-up’s, just make sure you opt for a lightweight powder! Sporting statement lips and dramatic eyeshadow together Who doesn’t love a beautiful bold lip? But if you are sporting dramatic eyes keep your lips nude or neutral to balance things out. And if you’re feeling the statement lips vibe, keep your eye makeup natural. Experimenting with makeup colours can be so much fun but remember the “less is more” rule to avoid looking overdone! Applying your blush incorrectly A blush applied correctly will help elongate your face, give you high cheekbones and make your face appear slimmer. However, apply it incorrectly and you could either wind up looking like a clown or someone suffering from rosacea. To nail it, using an angled blush brush, lightly apply a complementary shade of blush to the apples of your cheeks then sweep upwards towards your temples and ears. Forgetting a vital step – prepping your skin If you haven’t prepped your skin with your faithful moisturiser before applying your foundation, chances are your skin will look and feel dry. Plus makeup tends to stick to dry areas on the skin making it appear patchy. It’ll even seep into fine lines and wrinkles accentuating them! For best results apply your moisturiser, wait five minutes for it so properly absorb and then move onto your foundation.
Celebrity Makeup Artists reveal their best beauty hacks
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 18 2019
[caption id="attachment_2945" align="alignnone" width="830"] Celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee[/caption]Here at Beauty Collective, we are always bursting with great skincare tips and makeup tricks, but just like you, we love learning (and trailing) the beauty hacks from some of the world’s most renowned makeup artists. Curious to find out what our top 9 favourites are? Read on and use as you will! For flawless foundation coverage Oh, hail the BeautyBlender! “If you look in any makeup artist’s kit, it’s almost guaranteed you will find a BeautyBlender. This revolutionary makeup sponge’s shape allows you to reach every contour of your face. It is meant to be used damp, allowing for a flawless application and ensuring that makeup never looks heavy.” Liane Scior, Creator ELES Cosmetics Mastering the under-eye concealer application Warm your concealer on your hand before applying. "I swipe concealer onto the back of my hand first, then tap it on under the eyes," Sir John says. "This thins out the consistency a little so it looks more lived-in, more like a second skin." Sir John, Celebrity Makeup Artist to Beyoncé To perfect the natural looking glow “Dip your make-up brush into a little bit of water before you apply highlighter to your face. The smooth, creamy formula glides across the skin like a liquid highlight but sets like a powder and captures the light beautifully. A gorgeous highlight can instantly lift dull looking skin for a natural looking glow!" Charlotte Tilbury, Celebrity Makeup ArtistWhat's more, a damp brush ensures you won't pick up too much product, it’ll simply create an effortless touch of shimmer, we know as we’ve given this a go! For natural looking brows “Instead of brushing your brows up and away before you start filling them in, brush them down. When you fill in your brows this way, you’re able to clearly see the maximum shape of your eyebrow and the highest point of your arch. Try it this way and you’ll avoid the overdrawn, pencilled-in look”. Kate Lee, Celebrity Makeup Artist Achieving longer lasting mascara “If your mascara is dried out, but not yet expired, add a few eye or saline drops into the tube and it’s ready to go again”. Rae Morris, World Renowned Makeup Artist and Author No more under-eye mascara smudging To clean up shadow fall out and mascara smudge under the eyes, “Use a plain sponge and makeup primer instead of makeup remover. This picks up the shadow and leaves the concealer.” Monika Blunder, Celebrity Makeup Artist For the perfect lip application every time “Apply a lip balm on while doing the rest of your make up, and when it comes time to do your lips, wipe it off and apply your lipstick as normal. It’s also not good to apply a layer of foundation on your lips before applying lipstick, or you’ll end up with a big ugly white crust around your mouth.” Rae Morris, World Renowned Makeup Artist and Author For stand out lips “Any time I'm putting a bright lip on anyone, I always buff a little concealer around the mouth with a loose shadow brush, by doing this, the area around the mouth acts like a frame for your lipstick—really showcasing that colour and not letting it feather.” Kirin Bhatty, Celebrity Makeup Artist To settle and set your makeup “To keep your skin looking like skin and not like makeup, finish with a mist. I always use a mist because it helps settle the makeup, making your skin look less makeupy." Afton Williams, Film Makeup Artist
Makeup tips that’ll erase years off your face in minutes
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 30 2019
Let’s face it, we are all on the quest for eternal youth and thankfully there are many things we can adopt to slow down the aging process; wearing sunscreen, eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies, drinking boatloads of water, exercising, using quality skin care, opting for facelifts, botox and fillers even, but did you know you can also cleverly erase years off your face in literally minutes with….makeup!Yes, something as simple as the way you apply your makeup can have a significant effect on how old you look (oh my!) so read on and discover makeup tips that can turn back the clock and make you look younger naturally. PRIME YOUR SKIN Creating a flawless, almost airbrushed complexion really is dependent upon small, refined pores. Reduce pore size with a pore minimizing product. We swear by ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. GO EASY ON FACE POWDER No matter your skin type, too much face powder to hide those blemishes or control oil flow can actually highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of concealing. It’s best to use it sparingly (and dust off excess powder from brush before application), opt for a light weight pressed powder (we LOVE ELES Mineral Foundation Powder) or simply use a liquid based foundation for a fresher more dewy complexion. We can sing the praises of the ELES HD Luminous Foundation all day long. FAKE YOUR GLOW Lost your glow? Then fake it! A few drops of Liquid Illuminator in your foundation will leave your skin positively luminous. Try ELES Liquid Illuminator. USE A BLUSH And do this daily. A blush applied correctly (with an angled blush brush to lift colour upwards towards your temple) helps elongate your face, gives you high cheekbones (which is synonymous with youth!) and will make it appear slimmer. We recommend ELES Baked Blush for pigmented colour, easy application and a healthy looking finish. INSTANT EYE LIFT Tired eyes? Dark circles? Ensure you are armed with a fabulous concealer! We are obsessed with ELES Liquid Concealer - dark circles literally disappear beneath with one swipe. BRIGTHEN EYES Invest in a nude waterline liner and line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create wider, brighter, and more awake eyes. (The perfect tool when you have a toddler who just lurves waking me up multiple times a night!!) Finish by applying lashings of mascara to your top lashes. SHAPE YOUR BROWS Eyebrows can totally change how your face looks. Crazy right? But true. Fuller, well-shaped brows can and will make you look younger and more awake! This is because it adds structure and lifts above the eye that you lose with age. You can master the ‘perfect brow’ with the right tools – we highly recommend the ELES Precision Brow Pencil, with built-in grooming brush it offers controlled brow filling and lining to quickly and effortlessly impart fuller, natural looking brows.Or if pencils aren’t your thing try ELES Brow Sculpt to fill in, shape, correct and emphasize the natural arch of the brow. Just sweep the light shade through the brows and mimic hair with the dark side for youthful, natural looking brows. DON'T FORGET YOUR LIP GLOSS Lips naturally lose plumpness and volume with age. Steer clear of deep matte lippie shades that’ll make lips appear thinner while weighing down your complexion. Instead be armed with a sheer volumising gloss with built-in lip moisturiser that’ll give volume and plumpness and of course that much desired youthful pout, naturally! We can’t get enough of the ELES Pucker-up Lip Gloss, balmy and ultra-hydrating it’ll re-volumize lips in one swipe.
Master 2019’s biggest beauty trend: Monotone makeup is back
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 16 2019
It’s back!! As demonstrated on the world’s fashion runways, monotone makeup is once again taking centre stage and we are loving it! Why? Because it’s simple to master, can be customised to your style, and is perfect for those, like me, with limited time (I call it the ‘lazy look’!) because you don’t have to think about what eyeshadow or blusher colour you need to match with your lipstick!If you aren’t all too familiar with the term monotone or monochromatic makeup, we are referring to a look which features one colour worn in multiple ways – on your lips, eyes and cheeks – to create a full face makeover. What’s more you can take this look from bold berry hues to soft subtle pinks depending on your mood!Follow our simple guide, choose the hue for you and flaunt this year’s biggest makeup trend! Berry Beauty To nail this trend, you’ll need to play with the intensity of your chosen hue. If you’re using a punchy colour on your cheeks, keep the lips and eyes pared back. Also remember less is more when opting for bold shades so if you’re going with a deep berry on your lips use a wash of berry colour on the eyes and cheeks. Keep Mascara and eyeliner minimal and don’t overdo your brows! Radiant Red Red eyes may seem trés risky, but if you get it right can be a shop stopper! Just remember to stick to glossy textures or if your preference is powder shadow, make sure you keep your skin glossy! Matte on matte = no go. Do add mascara to this look, as a bit of depth is needed to balance out a bold lip. Pretty in Pink When it comes to pink, opt for a highly pigmented shadow and apply it over the whole eyelid. Glossy or cream textures work well as they catch the light. Since eyeshadow can be bold and bright, keep lips painted a pinkish nude tint. A soft pink blush will strike the perfect balance between eyes and lips. Complete with mascara but don’t overdo it!Naturally NudeNaturally, 'nude' can range from pinky, peachy to browny-nude, whatever your choice soft nude lips paired with natural eyes and a flush of blush, makes for a simple monotone look perfect for every-day wear. To recreate the monotone look we are obsessing over (see image) we recommend using Mineral Matte Eyeshadow in Terra Peach for eyes, Baked Blush in Rose Gold for cheeks and Matte Lipstick in Peach Echo coupled with Pucker Up Lip Gloss in Air Kiss for lips.
Our Take on the 80s Makeup Revival
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 26 2019
So it’s out with the “no-makeup makeup” and in with some girly glamour!If you are cringing right now, then chances are you experienced your puberty blues in the 80s, had a perm at some stage and thought big shoulders and leg warmers were the height of fashion.But despite those of us that lived it and swore we’d never go back, the 80s era seems to be enjoying a revival. If you are in doubt then check out the latest looks worn on the red carpet and the bright new makeup looks that were a breath of fresh air at London Fashion Week in February.Don’t despair though, the ELES makeup team have given the decade a modern (somewhat conservative) twist…The signature eyeshadow colour of the 80s was definitely blue, but instead of the bright cobalt and frosted blues that covered our lids from lashes to brows, we are opting for a modern take by combining Mineral Shadow Turquoise on the inner eyelid with Mineral Matte Shadow in Dusk on the outer eye. This combination looks great on all you pale beauties, especially when teamed with a light peachy lip.If you want to go even brighter then ditch the shadow and focus on the liner. The intensity of the ELES Felt Tip Liner in Sapphire Sky looks stunning when team it with warm peachy cheeks and lips.And we can’t forget those neon lips, the modern twist? A matte finish and pared back eye makeup.Our pick is ELES Matte Lipstick in Orchid.Blusher was another favourite in the 80s and “draping” (when applied all the way up the temples) was also a must. While this looked great on David Bowie we prefer the newer trend to sweep it across the cheeks and nose for a fresh outdoorsy look. Our favourite shade of the season is Orchid in Baked Blush which is an adaptable peachy pink.So fear not if you were thinking of glittery blues and lollypop pink accompanied by sweatbands and high cut leotards, because while it may be inspired by the 80s, we’ve learnt a trick or two!
The Easiest Way To Look Instantly Contoured: Transform in 5 Minutes or Less
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 28 2018
The models, the celebrities, the faces you see in magazines all look so well defined and I know for sure you're thinking, “They have a glam team. The glam team makes the magic happen.” Well, you know what? You can achieve that chiseled, contoured look too, like a pro!Liane Scior, creator of ELES Cosmetics, shares this easy step-by-step contouring tutorial that defines your face shape and transforms the way you look in less than 5 minutes.Here’s the secret:Step 1: Prep your skin. Makeup adheres more to skin and lasts longer if your skin is healthy and well hydrated. Moisturise by adding a layer of Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50. It hydrates and protects against sun damage and premature ageing. Let dry. 1 minStep 2: Follow with a light application of the chosen base -- BB, CC or ELES foundation. ELES foundations provide buildable coverage, so layer on as much foundation as you need for even skin tone and a flawless finish. The lightweight formula will not look or feel heavy on the face. 1 minStep 3: Seal it with the ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light. “It’s like a warm filter that evens out dark shadows and discolouration, leaving your skin peachy and looking poreless,” says Liane. 30 secStep 4: This is the part that scares everyone, the bronzer application. Don't be intimidated because contouring your face actually takes only about a minute. You only have to remember 3 things – slim nose, define jawline, and sculpt cheeks. 1 minUsing the ELES Anti-Oxidant Bronzer and a tapered detail brush: Slim nose by applying bronzer along both sides of the nose starting at the top near the inner brows and working downward towards the nostrils. Define jawline by applying bronzer at a downward angle on either side of the chin. Sculpt cheeks. Apply the ELES Anti-Oxidant Bronzer using sweeping brush strokes under the entire length of the cheekbones. "Blend, blend, blend so that the contour appears natural,” says Liane. Step 5: Add instant radiance and colour to your face using the ELES Baked Blush (you know exactly where this goes). And then enhance your features like never before with the ELES Lightweight Illuminator. 1 minUsing a Small Tapered Blending Brush or the tip of your ring finger, apply a little liquid illuminator to: • the centre strip of your nose starting from the top to the tip of your nose • right above the perimeter of the jawline (this is the trick to making your face look smaller and slimmer) • Highest point of cheeks for that healthy glow Spend the remaining time blending and making sure the bronzer blends well with the illuminator and the blush. Steps 4 and 5 seem to be a lot of work but really, it takes a few seconds to transform your look. Try taking a video of yourself doing this and let us know how it goes.
Meghan Markle and her Classic Bridal Makeup
by Jo Boyden
on May 17 2018
The royal wedding is in TWO days! A new princess is going to walk down the aisle and she is her own makeup artist. Wait, what? There are rumours that Meghan Markle is going to do her own makeup this Saturday and she hasn’t given anyone a clue as to what her bridal makeup will be. Well we know she is a fan of everyday, natural look and we’re sure she’ll do the usual (‘no makeup’ makeup) look on her wedding day, with just a little more drama. First, let’s talk about what CLASSIC LOOK is. We all have varying ideas of what a classic makeup looks like. Kate Middleton (Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge), who also did her own bridal makeup in 2011, chose thick brows, flushed cheeks, rose-pink lipstick, and dark, heavily lined eyes for her wedding day. We see lots of photos of Meghan with the same look and she is confident in it, and we think she’ll wear the same on her wedding day, only with more hazy eyes like the one in the pic above.[caption id="attachment_2233" align="alignnone" width="590"] photo credit: Daily Express[/caption]Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the classic Meghan Markle look using ELES Cosmetics: For the base All eyes, all cameras are on you on your wedding day (or any big event for that matter). The stress, the weather, and the non-stop activities can cause you to perspire and you need a pretty tough primer and foundation to handle all the pressure. Use a primer to keep your makeup in place for extended period of time, and a lightweight foundation that minimises fine lines and wrinkles and hides pores.Retexturize and refine your skin, so that the foundation glides on smoothly and endures impeccably for hours longer. Try ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer Hide your pores without blocking them. Achieve a smooth and silky finish with the ELES HD Luminous Foundation Pimples tend to appear on the big day. We hope not but just in case you need to cover something, The ELES Photouch Concealer won’t disappoint you. Forget everything else, here’s the ultimate palette to the rescue You’re already thinking of so many things and you don’t need more pressure on the big day! Liane Scior, the creator of ELES Cosmetics, thinks it is smart to always have a palette that has everything you need to achieve the look you want. The latest palette that everyone is raving about is the ELES Hazy Daze Collection.https://www.instagram.com/p/BimE5zYhbAN/?taken-by=elescosmeticsPalette includes;Mineral Highlighter – to add that beautiful glowMineral Blush in Berry – a touch of blush makes us look fresh and prettyMineral Shadow in Frappé – defines the eyesMineral Shadow in Chocolate – adds drama to our lookUse Frappe and Chocolate mineral eyeshadows to achieve Meghan’s signature hazy smudge look. And now for the most important part: “You may now kiss the bride…” You need an ELES Lip Stain in your life! This long-lasting lip stain will keep your lips covered with vibrant colour from AM to PM without that heavy, sticky or tacky feeling. You can kiss all day because it’s KISS PROOF and TRANSFER PROOF. Take it from Instagram and YouTube superstar Jade Madden...https://youtu.be/DCBwJMsc0NUAll the shades look amazing but for this look we are trying to achieve, we highly recommend Retro Babe and Boho Chic.This look is so easy! It’s simple and is fit for a princess. Try it and send us a photo, we might just feature you on Instagram. And finally, we can’t wait to see Meghan Markle on her wedding day. She said she’ll “do as she sees fit.” Let’s all see how it goes. We’re sure she’s going to look amazing!
Add a little makeup loving to your mum’s cosmetics bag this Mother’s Day
by Jo Boyden
on May 09 2018
It’s nearly upon us! That special day of the year, the day we outwardly thank our amazing mum’s for being well, simply amazing! Yes Mother’s day is fast approaching which means it’s time to think last minute gifts! Eek.Struggling to decide on what to buy? Keep it simple and special. While flowers are lovely and chocolates a cheeky little indulgence, this Mother’s Day why not add some makeup loving to your mum’s cosmetics bag too! For the mother that loves her beauty products it’s the perfect idea…that said what woman doesn’t love a little makeup in their life!What makeup would be best though I hear you say? Stress no more, for we have taken a few of our favourite products and placed into one sleek, pretty palette, providing colour and instant radiance all day long.This 4-in-1 face and eye palette combines beautiful and subdued shades of frappe and chocolate contrasted with cool feminine berry and soft pink highlights.Containing a soft and subtle highlighter, a warm blush and two shimmer eye shades, all products are free of chemical ‘nasties’ and rich in skin nurturing ingredients including vitamins A, E & C to protect and condition the skin.What more could you ask for mum or perhaps yourself even!Get the ELES HAZY DAZE Collection Palette (now at 20% off) and receive a Duo Fibre Face Brush (valued at RRP $19) for FREE!
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!
Dewy Radiance in Just 4 Easy Steps
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 05 2018
From hot summer days, we've transitioned to drier and cooler autumn. Spending less time outdoors and not getting as much sunshine and Vitamin D can make your skin look pallid. Guess what! You can achieve dewy radiance in 4 easy steps using these tried and tested radiance-boosting ELES makeup: STEP 1: BB Cream for a dewy (not oily) baseThere's a thin line between dewy and oily. We want to achieve a natural, healthy look, not an oily, sweaty face. We recommend the ELES BB Cream with SPF 30. It's the ultimate 5-in-1 beauty balm that primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen and protect skin on contact. It is skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step!STEP 2: ELES Autumn Palette to add colour and depth to your lookWe love the ELES palettes because they're so convenient to have! It's all the colours you need in one small palette, and it works like magic! Containing a bronzer, blush and two mineral shimmer eye shades, The ELES Autumn Collection is free of chemical ‘nasties’ and rich in skin nurturing ingredients including vitamins A, E & C to protect and condition the skin. Perfect for creating a simple day look or a stunning evening makeup!STEP 3: ELES Sensitive Eyes Mascara for Eyes with a little dramaOn days when you want to look au naturale, skip the eyeliner and just apply a mascara! The ELES Sensitive Eyes Mascara is hypoallergenic and sensitivity-tested, fragrance-free water based (perfect for the most sensitive of eyes). It lengthens, separates and darkens lashes without clumping. It resists smudging too!STEP 4: ELES Lip Stain for lips that are shiny without the tacky!Oh my gosh, this is everyone's new favourite right now! The ELES Lip Stain is an innovative, long-lasting lip stain that keeps lips covered with vibrant colour from AM to PM. It comes n 6 gorgeous shades you'll love -- 03 Boho Chic, 04 Retro Babe, 05 Pin up Girl, 06 Disco Doll, 07 Damson Dame, 08 Burlesque Queen. People are raving about it and you should definitely have this in your life!https://www.instagram.com/p/BhIkc7ZATMN/?taken-by=elescosmeticsThere you have it -- MINIMALIST AT ITS FINEST! Achieve dewy radiance with these 4 must-haves, they deserve a spot in your everyday bag.
Who wore it best at the Oscars? Makeup looks rocking it this year!
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 06 2018
Soft pink lips, a touch of blush, fierce wings and vampy lip colours, this year’s Oscars bought an array of makeup looks from natural elegance to rock chic ready... …but our favourite look of the night was adorned by the lovely Emma Stone who opted for monochromatic makeup, one of the biggest makeup trends of 2018.For those not familiar with the term, monochromatic makeup simply refers to a look which uses one colour in multiple areas of the face, in this instance eyes and cheeks and lips.We cannot get enough of her peachy lid and cheek combo and the best part is it’s easy to pull off, and, we are going to show you how!OSCARS: Monochromatic Makeup Look Prep your skin Choose a base and shade that best complements your skin tone. In Emma’s case we’d use the Mineral Foundation Powder in Nude. Apply all over face using a powder brush. Choose your colour scheme Decide on the colour you want to use for the monochromatic look, then include multiple shades of that colour for all of your features. Colours that work great are reds, pinks, bronzes and oranges. Build your eyes Take your blush, Baked Blush in Tulip, and using a blending brush, blend all over eye lid up through the crease and to just under the brow bone. Then apply Mineral Shadow Tourmaline to the inner corners of the eyes and beneath the brow bone, blend out the edges. Using a flat definer brush also apply the Mineral Matte Shadow in Tourmaline along the lower lash lines. Next take Mineral Matte Shadow in Terra Peach and wet it to create more intense colour. Apply to outer corners of eyes.Using a flat definer brush apply Mineral Matte Shadow in Indigo to the upper lash line. Next take the Superwear Gel Liner in Baroque and apply along the lower lash lines and smudge out with a small tapered blending brush.Finish with two coast of Lush Mascara in Black to both the upper and lower lashes. Apply your blush Using a blush brush, apply Baked Blush in Tulip (same blush applied initially to eyes) to the apples of your cheeks and sweep upward into hairline. Layer your lips Complete the look with a lip shade that will compliment the blush colour chosen as well as complete the monochromatic look. Try Moisture Crème Lipstick in Peach. Finish with Pucker-Up Lipgloss in Air Kiss.Follow these five simple steps and you’ll be channelling Emma Stone in next to no time! Monochromatic looks are an easy way to look flawless and sophisticated without too much effort!
How To: Natural, Easy Makeup by Heidi Hamoud
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 30 2018
It’s always so exciting when a prominent YouTube influencer creates a look with ELES Cosmetics! We were thrilled when Heidi Hamoud shared not one but six of our favourite products with over 416,000 followers!
Heidi Hamoud created a look we love, not only is it so easy to apply, it's drop, dead gorgeous and ideal for summer nights in Oz:
Here's the full video:Here's the step by step guide:First Heidi used ELES Mineral Matte Shadow in Sand to help create a perfect base for a natural smokey eye…Heidi then pressed the ELES Mineral Matte Shadow Twig to the eye socket, blending out into the crease and used the same shadow under the lower lashes for a soft and pretty effect.This was followed with the ELES Lash Fortify Mascara which Heidi stated she loves for its great wand and the way it lifted her lashes.Heidi then used the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30 saying she wanted a natural and light alternative to foundation for humid days and nights. She applied this with a damp Pro-Blender Sponge for a light and sheer effect.Heidi then used the ELES Brow Blender in Dark Taupe to fill in and shape the brows and softened the effect with the brush end.Finally she swept a little Bronzer and Blush from the Summer Daze Collection Palette to complete the look saying she loved the bronzer which was so easy to blend out.The Finished Look – simply stunning!Thank you Heidi Hamoud for sharing a look we all love for balmy summer nights.
6 Makeup Habits That Might Be Ageing You
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 17 2017
Remember the days of youth when you could cover your blemishes, slap on some mascara and gloss, a little makeup and look “done”? Why on earth did so many of us waste that opportunity to embrace natural beauty?The irony is that many of us 40+’s now find ourselves using a lot less makeup believing everything should to be soft and muted. Mature women are featured in makeup videos and made up like soft focus grandmas! Enough!Makeup for the mature (I prefer to call it Youth Enhancing Makeup) is not about hiding behind multi layers of pastels, it’s about two things; defying gravity and redefining the features.And while makeup does not guarantee a more youthful appearance; some of the most common makeup mistakes can actually age you!Mistake No 1: OVERLY PAINTED BROWSYes, we need brows to look youthful; they frame the eyes and lift the face. Many of us tweezed our brows to thin lines in the 80’s only to find they never grew back. However, harsh, red toned brows (for some reason many brow pencils are red toned?) make us look hard and older. The goal is to create natural looking thicker brows like the ones we used to have. Opt for taupe colour brow products instead of warm browns; these will frame your eyes beautifully without taking over your face. Apply the brow product in soft stokes to create the illusion of natural hair.We recommend ELES Brow Blenders, the soft pencil is easily used to fill in the gaps and then simply brush through the brows to soften the effect.Mistake No 2: COOL SKIN BASEMany foundations and BB Creams come in warm and cool tones. Opt for warmer tones that help counteract complexion pinkness that comes with thinning of the skin and exposure of fine capillaries. Warmer tones also conceal shadows better which means you need less concealer.We recommend ELES BB Cream, it’s packed with nature’s anti-ageing actives and leaves the skin glowing.Mistake No 3: WRONG CONCEALER AND WRONG COLOURAs we mature and the face loses its youthful “plumpness” shadows appear; under the eyes, around the nose, at the corners of the mouth etc. It’s tempting to reach for a heavy duty, ultra-light shade concealer to hide these dark areas. The problem is that they just make the dark shadows look grey as opposed to concealing them. Opt instead for peachy toned, lightweight concealers that won’t cake on the skin and counteract the blue in the shadows.We recommend ELES Dual Action Concealer, this is like 8 hours sleep in a tube!Mistake No 4: EYE MAKEUP THAT MAKES THE EYES DROOPAs the upper lid of the eye is crepe paper thin it tends to droop as we age and the upper crease of the eye becomes obscured, therefore the eyeshadow on the upper eyelid also becomes obscured. If you are extremely skilled at applying makeup you can fake the crease with exacting eye shadow application. However many of us don’t have the time or inclination on a daily basis to fuss with this, so apply a dark fine line through the upper lashes and a softer brighter eyeliner beneath the lashes instead. This “lifts” the eyes making them appear younger, then simply apply a warm shade of brown on the eyelids with the eyes open to ensure you can actually see the shadow. This method is quick and easy! Finally apply two coats of mascara to the upper lashes only to help conceal the eyelid that has dropped. Remember; Darker on top, light below. Shimmer shades under the lower lashes brighten the eyes and give a more youthful look.We recommend ELES Superwear Gel Eyeliner, its soft and easy to blend out and once set won’t transfer to the lids.Mistake No 5: COOL BLUSHSimple, use warm coral and peachy shades, which always look more vibrant on the skin rather than cold pink/mauve shades. This will also make the iris of your eyes more vibrant!We recommend ELES Baked Blush in Bouquet, it’s natural and warm and suits almost everyone.Mistake No 6: COLD FROSTED LIPSTICKAs we lose volume in our lips fine lines not only appear around the lips but on the lips themselves. Frosted lip colours enhance these lines. Instead, opt for cream lipstick that makes the lips look fuller and smoother, many of these contain moisturising molecules that plump the lips and keep them hydrated longer.We recommend ELES Colour Balm in Nude, its super hydrating, lasts for hours and looks like perfectly coloured natural lips.Follow these steps and you’ll create a youthful, flattering makeup that re-defines the features which is always more effective than trying to hide flaws!See this example of makeup mistakes on the left and correct application on the right and you be the judge, which one looks better?
10 essential makeup tips to conceal rosacea
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 01 2017
Suffering from facial redness? Flushing? Visible blood vessels? Pustules? Chances are you have rosacea and so do over 45 million other people around the world!Believe it or not rosacea is actually one of the most common skin conditions and with the right treatment can be kept at bay. However we all know, no matter what our skin type that some days our skin just doesn’t look its best and needs a little bit of makeup loving to conceal those flaws and make way for what appears to be the perfect complexion!Follow these nine makeup tips and have your flushed skin looking nothing short of flawless in a matter of minutes. First steps Make sure you cleanse and moisturise your face with soothing and calming skincare. This will hopefully reduce any inflammation and prepare your skin for makeup application. Keep things simple Less is more when it comes to concealing rosacea. Think less products, less likely to aggravate your skin. Opting for multi-tasking products is also a great solution! Mineral makeup is best Make sure you select a range of breathable products that are only going to enhance your complexion not clog up your pores and irritate skin even more. Opt for mineral makeup products. Prime your skin Using a primer will create a smooth foundation for your makeup while ensuring it stays in place all day. It’ll also create a barrier between your skin and your makeup preventing any further irritation. Try ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer. This deeply soothing liquid-cream made with Aloe Vera leaf extract, Roman Chamomile, Witch Hazel, Calendula, Mallow Flower and Centaurea Cyanus Flower extract, leaves skin with the smoothest sensation. It soothes, hydrates, retexturizes and refines, so foundation applies effortlessly and endures impeccably for hours longer. Colour correction Rather than covering up your redness with a thick layer of concealer and foundation, opt for a colour corrector which will help visually correct redness and even out skin tone. Using one with UV protection will also help shield your sensitive skin from exposure that can aggravate rosacea. Try ELES Luminous CC Cream 20. This lightweight, oil-free colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection, multi-tasks like no other! Set your makeup with an oil-free foundation powder A mineral powder is the best choice as its ingredients are usually non-irritating. Apply with a brush rather than a sponge, which can harbour bacteria. Try ELES Mineral Foundation Powder. Highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, this lightweight powder easily adjusts from sheer to richer, more opaque coverage while effectively camouflaging imperfections. Don’t forget to blush You might think blush would be the last thing you should apply after concealing any facial redness but by using the right shade it’ll actually distract the eye from problem areas and enhance your complexion for the better. Select peach tones rather than pink or reds though and try a mineral makeup blush – ELES Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe. Choose extra-gentle eye makeup Eyes can be sensitive so it’s important to treat them as you would your face – gently. Again think mineral makeup shadows – ELES Mineral Matte Shadow (neutral shades can be less irritating since they have less pigment) and hypoallergenic, sensitivity-tested, fragrance-free mascaras. Use ELES Sensitive Mascara. Choose for a neutral lip colour Choosing red shades may exacerbate the look of any redness in your skin. Try ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick. This innovative, instantly nourishing lipstick formula provides long-lasting wear and a burst of hydration in one smooth application.For long term treatment of rosacea, use these makeup tips in conjunction with an effective skincare program specially designed to control rosacea. Check out our blog on a great skincare treatment option for those looking for outstanding results. Say goodbye to rosacea once and for all!*****Check out PEVONIA AUSTRALIA ORGANIC SKINCARE on Facebook and Instagram to see the mechanics of our competition this APRIL and get a chance to win 1 of 5 BLEMISH-B-GONE PACKS!
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