BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
The best makeup products for rosacea according to the BC Pros
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 06 2023
If you are a long time sufferer of rosacea, have sensitive, reactive skin, or are prone to blemishes and breakouts, you could well be searching for the best makeup products to help conceal your complexion, however with so much information out there (some misinformation) it can be hard to know where to start, and we know too well, when it comes to rosacea and other skin sensitivities the last thing you’ll want to do is exacerbate your condition! The thing is rosacea, even though very common (in fact a recent study has shown that 415 million people may be suffering from rosacea worldwide!) can leave you feeling uncomfortable, frustrated, skin conscious and insecure. The great news is, as well as rosacea skincare, there are a number of makeup products for rosacea that will not only conceal facial redness, but actually help and repair you skin too! Keep reading as we reveal the best makeup products for rosacea, and while we might be biased, our customers swear by each product too! Firstly though there are a few things you need to know when it comes to the best makeup products for rosacea; If you have rosacea you’ll want to use makeup to cover up facial redness and any bumps and blemishes on your face. Look for makeup products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin and no not contain fragrances, preservatives or harsh chemicals. Mineral makeup is best! Formulated with skin loving ingredients and no chemical nasties, ELES Cosmetics has a range of mineral makeup must-have’s perfect for covering up skincare woes including rosacea. The products also allow skin to breath freely so no clogging pores and aggravating irritated skin! When it comes to rosacea, green-tinted products or colour correctors are a great go-to for cancelling out redness. Be aware of rosacea triggers which can cause unwanted facial redness such as spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine. Using the right makeup products will make a big difference in managing rosacea prone skin. Look for gentle, soothing products that aim to reduce redness and inflammation while concealing skin. Remember less is more when it comes to those with skin sensitivities and facial flareups. You don’t want to overdo it when it comes to layering your makeup products. Skin needs to breath and too many products can lead to further inflammation. The best makeup products to cover up facial redness and improve rosacea symptoms; ELES Luminous CC Cream 20CC Creams are designed to help correct skin discolouration. They contain pigments that can help neutralize redness creating a more even skin tone and reducing the appearance of rosacea.The ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 is a lightweight, oil-free colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection (essential as sun exposure can aggravate rosacea) that perfectly counteracts redness, so well so that you can get away without wearing any other makeup. Did I mention it’s formulated with skin soothing, nourishing and brightening ingredients too.“This cream is so light weight and just melts into the skin to colour match my complexion and even my red skin.” Madeleine Mortiss ELES Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationWhen you suffer from sensitive skin or a skin condition such as rosacea, wearing mineral makeup will stand your skin in good stead. Traditional makeup products may contain ingredients that can aggravate rosacea symptoms such as fragrances, preservatives and synthetic dyes. Mineral makeup on the other hand is gentle, non-irritating and can actually help improve the appearance of skin while minimising facial flare-ups.The bestselling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation is packed with skin loving ingredients and provides the perfect base for your face as it works wonders at camouflaging facial redness. It is also highly compatible with common skin sensitivities.“Eles liquid foundation is the most natural looking foundation I have ever tried. It matches by skin tone perfectly and feels comfortable on my skin. It does not dry my skin as other mineral foundations have done in the past and is safe to apply over eczema.” Katherine BarrELES Mineral Powder FoundationHighly compatible with common skin sensitivities, the lightweight powder easily adjusts from sheer to richer, more opaque coverage while effectively camouflaging imperfections.A brilliant foundation for rosacea, this mineral formula is breathable, protective, and heals skin conditions as you wear it. By using a unique aloe vera base, it soothes rosacea flare ups. The coverage lasts longer and feels lighter than other foundations, giving the impression that you are not wearing make-up.“The ELES Mineral Foundation Powder blends beautifully and provides excellent coverage. Feels light as a feather. I sponge a little extra over my blemishes - covers redness and uneven skin tone without the caked on feeling of foundation and/or concealer.: Rebecca Vaughan
Makeup for beginners: The essential products you need
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 30 2023
With the multitude of makeup products, colours, trends and tutorials out there, it’s no wonder, especially if you are new to the world of makeup, it can seem a little overwhelming. And then there are the many foundation formulations, lipstick and eyeshadow shades, tools of the trade and more, so how exactly are you supposed to know what foundation formula is the right one for you? How to apply eyeshadow correctly? Or what colour lipstick you should wear? The thing is while makeup is magical (it can completely transform your appearance, make you look younger and feel more confident) choosing the right makeup can be a challenge. That is why it’s best to start with the basics! Know which products we really need and why. Keep reading for the BC guide to the ultimate makeup essentials for beginners. Primer The first step to your makeup routine, primer is often overlooked. But this outstanding product not only blurs your pores and smooths your skin, primers can also help decrease oil production and enhance the longevity and pigmentation of your makeup.We recommend: ELES Retexturizing Face Primer not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Oh and it will keep makeup in place all day long. Want to look like a filtered goodness, and have makeup last the distance, try this!For more information on primer and it’s many benefits click here. Foundation Available in a variety of different formulations from liquid to matte, sheet to powder, foundation will improve your skin tone and provide an even complexion creating the perfect smooth base for the rest of your makeup.Choosing which formulation is right for you can be tricky though so if you want to know which one is likely best for your skin click here.We recommend: ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. This silky formulation literally guides onto skin and sets to a beautifully soft and subtle matte finish providing flawless coverage every time. It’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for! You don’t need to just take our word for it though, the many reviews on BC speak for themselves!Don’t feel like wearing foundation? We’ve got 4 alternative skin perfecting products you should try! Concealer A concealer is especially important for anyone with blemishes or other imperfections they wish to cover. They can be used to conceal everything from spots to dark circles, imperfections, and redness. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear complexion, you may be able to skip this stage of your makeup routine though.We recommend: ELES Dual Action Concealer. My secret weapon for concealing my dark under eye circles and helping me look like I’ve had 8 hours of blissful slumber as opposed to only 5! It’s also wonderful at concealing those unwanted pesky blemishes and is formulated with a myriad of anti-ageing wonder ingredients including Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Vitamins C & E, Collagen and more! Oh and it actually helps to gradually improve skin’s texture while concealing! Powder Powder isn’t for everyone but it’s a wonderful product to set your foundation. It’s also an amazing option for those that tend to have combination to oily skin.We recommend: ELES Mineral Powder Foundation. It provides the perfect buildable coverage - from natural sheer to polished opaque. It’s also packed with vitamins A & E to condition skin, provide antioxidant protection and add a subtle luminosity. Blush and/or bronzer Whether you want to add a healthy glow to your skin or add some definition to your look these products are a must. Simply apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and sweep bronzer under your cheekbones and down the middle of your nose for a naturally Sunkissed look.We recommend: ELES Baked Blush and Baked Bronzer, These super fine powders apply effortlessly and are baked to a lightweight, subtle pearl finish to impart a beautifully healthy long-lasting glow. Jet milled pigments also create an airbrushed effect for a flawless finish. Eyeshadow Eyeshadow is the no. 1 product for adding depth and dimension to your eyes. It will not only enhance your eyes but complement your eye colour, make eyes appear larger, or simply draw attention to them!A neutral eyeshadow palette will be your go to for beginners. The combination of shades ensures you can create simple makeup looks that are versatile and fail-safe. Just be sure to apply a wash of the lightest shade to your eyelid first. Then follow with a slightly darker shade blending outwards.To learn more about how to master eyeshadow application and why and how your should wear it click here.We recommend: ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trio. This sleek and convenient palette includes a versatile collection of 3 mineral eye shades and offers the perfect combination of beautiful earth tones to suit everyone. The feather-light formula is enriched with natural skin-caring ingredients including vitamins A, C & E to help provide antioxidant defence while conditioning and protecting the delicate eye area. Richly pigmented and silky smooth to apply, every shade delivers rich, opaque colour for hours of crease-resistant wear. Mascara Mascara is a must makeup item for beginners. This miracle product completes any eye makeup look by lengthening, volumizing and enhancing your lashes creating the illusion of bigger, wider and more youthful looking eyes.We recommend: ELES Lush Mascara as it builds strength, volume and length with no smudging and smearing. Eyeliner Eyeliner shapes and defines eyes and makes eyelashes look thicker. It can be drawn above upper lashes or below lower lashes or both.We recommend: ELES Superwear Gel Eyeliner, it comes in five great shades, is super smooth and longwearing so stays put all day long without smudging! Just what you need from an eyeliner! Eyebrow pencil Sometimes overlooked, brows are in fact a very important part of our makeup routine. By using an eyebrow pencil you can add definition and shape and create the illusion of fuller looking brows!As you age your eyebrows get naturally thinner. By adding definition and shape to them you can completely transform your face and give the appearance of an instant eye lift! Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes.We recommend: ELES Precision Brow pencil. This double ended brow tool (one end pencil, one end grooming brush) offers controlled brow filling and lining to quickly and effortlessly impart long-lasting, fuller, natural looking brows! Lipliner This once understated product is now a staple for makeup artists, influencers and makeup enthusiasts alike and for very good reason! Lipliner doesn’t only help to create fuller looking lips but it also helps to ensure your lipstick doesn't bleed and has a longer-wear finish.We recommend: ELES Gel Lipliner. It’s a super smooth, long-wearing (and moisturising) liner with intense colour pay-off, and it provides the perfect blendable application.11. Lipstick/Lip glossAs we age, unfortunately our lips do too! They become thinner with loss of collagen and moisture and their vibrant colour starts to fade due to the loss of pigment too! The amazing thing about lipstick is it adds that much needed colour, volume and depth to lips making them stand out! It's no secret that wearing lipstick can dramatically enhance your mood too, it can make you feel confident and sexy!Lipstick is the final step to the perfect makeup routine, the finishing touch to complete your daily look.We recommend: ELES Velvet Satin Lipstick. With a fantastic selection of colours, this lipstick has a beautifully rich, satin finish and is a dream to apply thanks to it’s smooth, nourishing and pearl-saturated formula. Infused with lasting pigments and enriched with a lip-loving blend of emollient oils and butters, the ultra-comfortable texture helps keep lips soft, smooth, supple and super-hydrated throughout the day.Want to know which colour lipstick you should wear? Click here.If you are simply not a huge fan of wearing lipstick daily you can opt for using a lip liner with coloured lip gloss instead!Want fuller looking lips? Here’s how to achieve them with lipliner
Makeup brushes THE GUIDE: How to choose the right ones
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 09 2023
We all love to invest in our favourite makeup products, from the best BB Creams and bronzers to our formidable foundations and mascaras, but what about the tools of the trade? Makeup brushes are an essential for any makeup routine. After all how are you supposed to apply your mineral powder foundation, or that much loved bronzer? Let alone your eyeshadow and blush. That’s right, from foundation to concealer, eyeshadow, cheeks and lips, there is a makeup brush for literally every makeup category, but how are you supposed to know which makeup brushes to use to nail that flawless makeup finish?Keep reading as we reveal 5 tips to help you choose the right makeup brushes for you: Consider the type of makeup you use vs the brushes shape and size Different makeup products be it for example foundation or blusher require different makeup brushes. And the shape of the brush will determine the area of the face it is best suited for.For example a large flat brush is best for applying liquid foundation, a large fluffy brush is perfect for powder foundation while a tapered (a brush that reduces in size and thickness towards the end) brush is best for precise application on smaller areas like under your eyes. Look for high-quality brush bristles Investing in high-quality makeup brushes will make all the difference in the application and longevity of your makeup. The bristles should be soft and durable, should not irritate the skin in any way, nor should they shed or lose their shape over time. Synthetic bristles are usually the best option because they are durable, easy to clean and hygienic. Synthetic brush bristles are usually made of nylon or polyester, however ELES Cosmetics’ range of professional makeup brushes are made from taklon, a “green” and allergy free synthetic fibre. Their smooth synthetic fibres do not absorb or trap pigment making it easy to keep clean. Makeup brushes with natural bristles are another option, however they are made with animal hair to provide a very soft finish. Check the makeup brush handle A comfortable handle is important to ensure steady and precise makeup application. Look for brushes with sturdy and easy to grip handles. Consider your budget There are a wide range of makeup brushes available in the market with varying price ranges. Decide on your budget and invest in good quality brushes as these will last you a long time. Keep those brushes clean Your makeup tools are meant to be washed. Besides bacteria, brushes 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!You should clean your makeup brushes once a month by swishing them in a cup of warm water with a little shampoo. Rinse the brushes and lie them flat on a towel on the counter until they dry.Still confused? Here are some of the most commonly used makeup brushes for the different makeup categories; Foundation: A flat, densely packed brush or a beauty sponge is ideal for applying foundation. Try ELES Foundation Brush or Large Concealer Brush Concealer: A small, pointed brush is best for applying concealer. A concealer brush has a small head and is ideal for targeting specific areas. Try ELES Small Concealer Brush or Tapered Detail Brush Powder: A large fluffy brush is perfect for applying powder. Look for a brush with long, fluffy bristles that can pick up just the right amount of product. Try ELES Powder Brush Blush: A medium-sized angled brush or a fan brush is great for applying blush. An angled brush allows you to apply blush precisely to your cheekbones, while a fan brush can be used to dust a light layer of blush over cheeks and other areas of your face. Try ELES Powder Blush Brush Contour: A small, angled brush or a small fan brush is best for contouring. An angled brush allows you to apply the product in a precise line, while a fan brush can be used to dust a light layer of contour powder over the face. Try ELES Tapered Powder Brush Eyeshadow: There are several brushes that are ideal for applying eyeshadow! Eek you might say, however this all depends on the look you are going for. A flat, dense brush is great for packing on colour, while a fluffy blending brush is perfect for blending out harsh lines. A small tapered brush can be used to apply eyeshadow to the crease or to smudge eyeliner. Try ELES Base Shadow Brush, Blending Brush and Small Tapered Blending Brush. Eyeliner: A small, flat makeup brush or a pointed brush is perfect for applying eyeliner. An flat brush allows you to create precise lines, while a pointed brush is ideal for created a winged liner look. Try ELES Flat Definer Brush and ELES Small Eyeliner Brush By following all these tips, you can choose the right makeup brushes that will help you achieve flawless makeup every time.
10 BC beauty buys with the best reviews
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 02 2023
Whether you are after a soothing serum to help your sensitive skin, are in search of the best glow-getting products to revitalise your dull, lack-lustre complexion, are looking for the latest acne treatment to calm irritation and eliminate spots, or are simply in need of some healthy makeup options, at Beauty Collective we have something for everyone! and yes it’s easy for the team at BC to be biased, we love our brands and all things beauty! But you don’t just need to take our word for it! Our customers say the best things about our products too!Read on as we count down 10 beauty products we love, and our customers do too! Here are just a few of their reviews to prove it. The CleanserPevonia Hydrating CleanserFormulated with marine collagen, marine elastin and other natural nourishing ingredients this beautifully creamy textured anti-ageing cleanser does exactly as the name says! It both hydrates and gently but deeply cleanses the skin removing impurities without any residue.“I have used this for years and have never found a comparable product. Leaves my face feeling fresh and perfectly clean.” Kerry“The best way for younger looking skin. Just a few pumps will clean your face and your face will feel silky smooth. Does not leave your skin feeling dry at all.” Sarah“Best cleanser Ever. Creamy, non-irritating cleanser. I’ve been using Pevonia for year and my skin feels great!” Kelly“This is by far the best cleanser I have ever used. My skin always feels clean after every cleanse”. Robyn“Beautiful product. A little goes a long way and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Lovely as a night time cleanser to wash away the day.” NicoleThe TonerPhytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleanser LotionThis all-in-one alcohol-free cleanser, makeup remover and toner is beautifully gentle and wonderful to use. It thoroughly cleanses the complexion, removing makeup and toning skin without leaving an oily film or dry, harsh feeling like other toners can. Instead you’ll just have a silky soft and supple skin instead.“I am obsessed with this toner! I have very sensitive skin and it works great for me. I use it any my eye makeup remover as well as a toner!” Sharon“This is the absolute BEST toner I’ve ever used! It is virtually scentless and extremely gentle yet super effective. It leaves my skin soft and refreshed and is even gentle enough to use as an eye makeup remover!” Kari “This is the best toner I have used so far. I have sensitive skin and been breaking out recently due to pregnancy hormones. This has really helped keep my skin clean and refreshed. I use it in the morning and night and it does not dry out my skin like other toners can.” Angela“This is the best and most wonderful toner that I have ever used in my entire life! You can feel it being cleaned after you have done your cleanser. Does not dry or strip your skin and is also gentle to use.” Judy“Holy grail toner! I have tried so many toners at basically every price point and this toner is my all time favourite. Even after it dries my skin does not feel tight or dry. It truly leaves my skin better for use. If you’re in the market for a new toner I highly recommend giving this one a try.” Barbara The ExfoliatorPhytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymesThis seriously soft, silky and subtly scented exfoliant for all skin types, eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever!) It encourages cell turnover, revealing beautifully luminous and youthful skin after every use – no jokes! So if you aren’t a lover of physical exfoliators (the ones with the bits!) this Vegetal Exfoliant is for you too!“I have been using this product for over ten years because of my very sensitive skin. It isn’t gritty, which keeps my skin from getting irritated, and it very gently removes dead dull skin. Always leaves my skin glowing and even toned with no redness or irritation. I usually follow with Phytomer’s deeply hydrating Hydracontinue mask and it is like having baby skin again. Highly recommend!” Laura“I have never used this product before, the first time and I can tell you that I love this brand. It makes your skin on your face more fresher and younger. Will buy again :)” Judy“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can’t use those exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs…this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It’s the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sara“I bought this after reading the reviews and it makes my skin glow and feel silky. Totally worth it!!” Justine“Love this Vegetal Exfoliant, after using it twice a week I notice more clear skin without irritation or redness.I have very sensitive skin and are wary of exfoliants since most of them have chemical ingredients. No redness but fresh looking skin. My favourite exfoliant now.” Phoenix The SerumPevonia Soothing Propolis ConcentrateThis beautifully rich anti-bacterial, soothing serum is ideal for all skin types especially those with sensitive or fragile skin. It not only calms and heals skin but enrichens and strengthens it too!“I have been using this product for many years. I have sensitive skin and I find it helps with calming it down and also keeping my skin looking subtle “Sal“Truly Amazing. I knew this was the best healing treatment for my face when I ran out of it for a couple of weeks, something I'll never do again. Keeps my ultra-sensitive complexion creamy and cool. Love Propolis — and it smells divine!” Suzanna “Love it! I use it before my lotion in the mornings and it really helps soothe my skin and keep it clear. I also use a retinol cream at night, and I feel like it is a good pairing with it.” Kelly “This is the best product I've tried so far! I have skin problems on my face area in particular, doctors say it's dermatitis, and I've tried many remedies before, but this concentrate is a miracle! It makes my skin look a lot nicer and it actually improved. I only used it for less than two weeks and I already see great results! I'm very glad I discovered this product!” Nina “My beautician put me onto to this little gem years ago...and I'm still a big fan. It calms my angry red face and helps with my breakouts.” Marlee The MoisturiserPevonia Power Repair Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamFormulated with anti-ageing wonder ingredients marine collagen and hyaluronic, Pevonia’s global best-selling moisturiser is a deeply nourishing, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application! If you are worried about signs of premature ageing and dehydration this cream is for you! Skin appears radiant, super soft and supple after every use and will feel like you’ve just had that much-needed boost of moisture, a feeling that lasts all day! I’m testament to that. I also swear I have less visible lines and wrinkles thanks to this superstar cream! Our customers agree too.“I love this daily face cream....I use it morning and night! My skin looks and feels amazing. I'm 52 and am told constantly that I look so young....I give Pevonia products the credit. Thank you for making such great skin care products!” Linda“This anti-aging cream is rich yet light in texture. It makes my skin feel beautifully moisturised. I highly recommend to woman with dry aging skin.” Lorraine“I absolutely love this cream. It is a day cream and a night cream and it helps with puffiness, lines, blemishes, skin tone, you name it! Totally amazing ❤️” Ana“This cream is amazing! After about 3 weeks of using it, I noticed that the lines around my eyes were softer, the red sun damage on my cheeks was lessening and the general quality of my skin was improving. I will continue to use this product indefinitely.” Sara“Best Moisturizer! I love the texture of this cream, the smell is nice and subtle. It does hydrate your skin all day and gets rid of any dry areas that you may have. You do glow, and I highly recommend this. The list of ingredients should make you want to purchase this!” ClaudineThe Eye CreamPevonia Power Repair Age Correction Eye ContourEnriched with both the anti-ageing and nourishing ingredients including; Marine Collagen, Marine Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea, this super repairing, non-greasy eye contour effectively fight signs of ageing and fatigue, visibly soothing puffiness and diminishing fine lines.“I love this product! The Eye Contour moisturises beautifully and softens the skin around your eyes. I would definitely recommend it to everyone.” Sam“This is a wonderful product that keeps your eyes replenished and moist. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. I love it!” Siobhan“Reduces wrinkles and firms eyelids. It's also cool and soothing to eye area. No oily film to interfere with applying eye makeup. Have seen reduction in fine lines in crow's feet area.” Laura“My first time using this product and in only a week I have noticed a difference. I have naturally puffy under-eyes...this helps reduce the puffiness and smooths the skin. I am in my mid-40's’ and don’t have any wrinkles - using this as a preventative to keep my skin looking that way :-)” Sal“Beautiful product I have only recently become a Pevonia convert within days my eyes are less puffy and smoother.” Jenny The Face MaskPevonia Radiance Ageless Skin Collagen MaskThis outstanding anti-ageing, hydrating mask combats dehydration in just 10 minutes. Skin will literally drink in the moisture leaving it beautifully plumped, smooth and visibly radiant.“Pevonia Radiance Mask is a beautiful product, skin looks so clear and fresh afterwards.” Jill“I have just started using this mask, after being recommended for my skin, nice to use.” JJ“I was already using the vitamin C face oil but felt I needed something more for a boost - and this really delivered. I left it on for about 20 mins then rinsed, and my skin was literally glowing!” Melinda“Love it. It will certainly be a part of my beauty regime in future.” Julie“The most beautiful mask that leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth! It smells divine and is gentle enough on my delicate skin. Love the plump effect it leaves my skin looking too!” Stacey The Facial MistPevonia Hyaluronic Acid HydraMistA true multi-tasker, it can be used in the morning to revitalise your senses and replenish the moisture your skin has lost overnight, after your makeup to set it in place, throughout the day to help your skin stay supple and fresh (or as the perfect pick-me-up), and as a toner to enhance your evening cleanse. What’s more it will actually improve the absorption of your serum and moisturiser optimising the benefits and overall results too!“Completely obsessed! I’m not usually into face mists or even toners but tried this and fell madly in love!!! Not only does it make my skin feel super moist and dewy first thing, but I also noticed it keeps my make-up nicely set.” Maribella“My skin was instantly hydrated and glowing after applying this product! It makes my tired skin look awake and refreshed and the scent is great and very aromatherapeutic to help with the stress of the day. I love it, I will never go without this product.” Deanne“Love it! I love how refreshing my face feels with every application of the Hyaluronic acid Hydra-mist, I guess it is safe to say that all the natural ingredients come together to sooth and calm my sensitive skin.” Shey“My New Favourite! This product has become one of my go-to favourite products. I use it all the time; after getting out of the shower, after applying makeup to help set it, and before my serum and cream at night, to give an added boost. It enhances my skin’s beautiful glow, and my skin does not feel dry later in the day. Plus, the aroma is heavenly and helps to awaken my senses, giving me a feeling calm. Best Hydrating mist out there!” Erin“Consider me hooked on the Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist! The product scent is exquisite. My skin absorbs the product nicely and I feel more hydrated, as well as a sense of calm & well-being, after a spray of this product on my face, neck, and décolleté.” Anne The Makeup Must-haveELES Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationI never stop raving about this gem of a product and neither do our customers! If you are a lover of matte foundations but after something soft, subtle and natural looking, then you should invest in this beauty! Not only does it provide a flawless, smooth, powder finish, it’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for!“I’ve been using this foundation for years and I can’t live without it. The texture and the way it makes my skin feel is amazing. It gives such even, natural and flawless coverage. It’s seriously the best foundation I’ve ever used”. Sia P“I have been using this product for 10 years+ and cannot fault it. It is light, silky and even though my skin is oil based it does not leave it clogged like many other foundations I have used previously. I absolutely recommend anyone to try it to see how beautiful it is to wear.” Debrah“Love this product, beautifully sets from liquid to powder! Great for oily skin or skin which becomes shiny during the day. Love to mix it with my SPF for a lighter finish!” Laura“Have been using this product for many years and absolutely love it - will never change foundations ever again! Great coverage, never causes pore blockage, packaging is fantastic and practical for travel. Highly recommended!” Leanne“I don't say this lightly when I say that this is THE best foundation I have ever used and have not gone back to any other! Excellent coverage, texture and evens out tone. I receive compliments often when I wear it.” AlisaThe multi-taskerELES Age Defying BB Cream 30I am a huge advocate for this multifaceted wonder cream! It has the perfect light, dewy coverage and literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects (thanks to its SPF of 30) and evens out skin tone all in one! for a truly natural and flawless finish, plus it feels like you aren’t wearing makeup at all! Honestly, if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this product is one you should seriously consider too! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one!What’s more, thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned!“I absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.” Krystle W“I have been using this product for about 7 years, I love the consistency of it and the glow it gives. A little really goes a long way! Highly recommend.” Tania“This product is so beautiful for older skin. It covers really well yet allows the skin to breath. It’s pearlescent finish makes the skin glow. I am really happy with my purchase and recommend it to others without reservation.” Judith“I've been using ELES BB Cream for 5 years and have not strayed. I love the coverage (you only need a little) and the dewy complexion it gives my skin! Highly recommend this product!” Joanne“I absolutely adore this product. I don’t know how I ever lived without it” Jenni
Ageing eyes? 13 beauty tips every mature woman needs to know
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 23 2023
If you’ve had enough of looking older than you are (or feel) thanks to your ageing eyes (we’re talking wrinkles, sagging, dark circles and more), you’re worried about your once luscious lashes getting thinner and sparser, or you’re simply over people telling you how tired you look, we hear you! Unfortunately our eyes are the first area of our face to show ageing, but help is on hand, and it doesn’t involve surgery or injectables! We’ve put together the top 13 beauty tips for ageing eyes to help every mature woman look years younger naturally….keep reading…Use an Eye Cream specifically designed for mature skin, and use it religiouslyUsing an eye cream specifically designed for mature skin can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. Make sure to use an eye cream that contains vitamin c for skin brightening, fatty acids and peptides, which help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.Try: Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, injectables-like peptide, Phytosterols + Fatty acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin B3! This beautifully fine cream deeply nourishes the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously! it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area, and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! I’m testament to that!Invest in a gemstone facial rollerAnd thank me later! By introducing this little gem (pardon the pun!) into your morning beauty routine, you’ll calm any fluid build-up around your eye area (which unfortunately increases with age). As well as their many medicinal benefits gemstone rollers can 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 about gemstone rollers and their multitude of benefits click here.Use good undereye concealerLet’s face it, undereye circles can age you! While you’ll eye cream can improve the appearance greatly, a good undereye concealer can work it’s magic by totally covering them! Firstly though you’ll want to prime your skin first. This will help fill in any lines and make the skin appear smoother (essential if you want to prevent makeup falling into the creases and exacerbating signs of eye ageing!) Use your ring finger and gently dab your primer over the wrinkles to the sides of your eyes and spread.Now it’s time for your concealer. A good undereye concealer can give you complete coverage as well as make you look bright-eyed in seconds! Choose a shade lighter than your natural skin tone (as this will help brighten the area) but also opt for a “peachy” tone as this will counteract the blueish tinge of the shadows.Try ELES Dual Action Concealer my secret weapon for concealing my dark under eye circles and helping me look like I’ve had 8 hours of blissful slumber as opposed to only 5! It’s formulated with a myriad of anti-ageing wonder ingredients including Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Vitamins C & E, Collagen and more! And it actually helps to gradually improve skin’s texture while concealing those obvious under eye dark circles. Its moisturising formula provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! It’s seriously good stuff. Simply apply with a small concealer brush and then finish with a powder to set the concealer so it doesn’t crease.For the most brightening effect, apply your concealer in a “V” or upside-down triangle shape beneath your eye. Swipe it directly under the eye, but bring it down to a point on your cheek beside your nostril and fill in the entire area.Use a little eye shadow to create the illusion of bigger eyesTo make our eyes look bigger, gently sweep a vanilla coloured shadow on your eyelids from your eyelashes to the crease. Use a medium tone shade in the crease – and slightly above the crease if you have hooded eyes. It can make your eyes pop without you looking OTT. Then use a touch of the vanilla-coloured eyeshadow just beneath the arch of your eyebrow to lift the eye, as well as at the inner corner of the eye.Wear mascara but choose it wiselyMascara is one of the most important products for adding definition and volume to the eyes, but there are a few points you need to know when it comes to selecting the right mascara for your ageing eyes.- Check out the ingredients in the mascara you are using. You might well have fallen for the marketing hype – longer, fuller lashes in seconds, but if your mascara contains preservatives, they can irritate your eyes which in turn will make you rub them more, this results in unwanted lash loss and let’s face it you want to cling onto those lashes of yours.- Be wary of using waterproof mascara daily. Waterproof mascara does indeed cause less smudging and smearing however the formulation can be harsher on your eye lashes, causing them to dry out as well as be tougher to remove (cue rubbing!) Where possible use water-soluble long wear mascaras but when you need to go waterproof (essential for beach and pool breaks) just be sure to check out the ingredients and remove with a good eye makeup remover.- Opt for smudge proof, lash-defining mascara. Sadly one of the symptoms of ageing eyes can be skin sagging this is when wearing mascara can be tricky as more often than not the mascara will smudge all around the eyes! By choosing a long-wear lash-defining mascara like ELES Lash Fortifying Mascara you’ll reduce any mascara fall out and every lash will be evenly coated and separated for that perfect natural look. What’s more the mascara is formulated with hydrolyzed keratin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin e to strengthen, condition and protect lashes.- Mascara expires. When it does, throw it out and buy another, even if you think you’ve got a few more weeks or months in it! Every time you use your mascara you are pumping air into the wand, this creates bacteria. The average life of a mascara once used for the first time is 3 months. An expired mascara can (and will!) spark lash loss and lets face it you don’t need to be losing any more lashes!Don’t use an eye lash curler to curl your lashes, try this instead…You’ve been told to curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to create more volume and lift for your lashes, but this isn’t a good option as we get older. This is because as we age our lashes do too. It’s inevitable they will get weaker and thinner. Using an eyelash curler can create more damage than good and the curler can cause lashes to break. Instead a popular way to curl your lashes is by using a metal teaspoon. Press the spoon, concave side in, against your eyelid above your lashes. Now use your fingertip to press your eyelashes against the convex curve of the bottom of the spoon. Hold your lashes in place for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat in the corners. Or you can even use something as simple as your finger to curl your lashes! Simply close your eye and use your fingertip to gently push your upper eyelashes up against the top of your eyelid. Hold the eyelashes up for 30 seconds and then release them.Use a white eye pencil or waterline liner to brighten eyesAfter applying your eyeshadow and mascara, next line the inner rim of your lower lash line or waterline as it’s otherwise known with a white pencil or a nude waterline liner! (We recommend ELES’s Waterline liner). By doing so it’ll immediately open up your eyes as well as make the whites of your eyes look whiter (synonymous with younger looking eyes!)Don’t Rub Your Eyes! For itchy or irritated eyes try this insteadRubbing your eyes can cause wrinkles and dark circles. If you have itchy or irritated eyes, use a cold compress or eye drops to relieve the symptom. Applying slices of cucumbers is also a great idea! The cooling effect of the cucumber will relax the skin and alleviate any irritation or swelling around the eyes!Reduce Sun ExposureWe all know excessive exposure to the sun is the no.1 reason for skin ageing. But too much time soaking up those harmful rays can also result in premature wrinkles and age spots around the delicate eye area too. Make sure you’re always wearing sunglasses when outdoors to protect your peepers but also wear a hat and apply sunscreen too! You protect the rest of your skin, so don’t forgo the eye zone!Lay off the salt!Believe it or not, too much salt in your diet can affect your eyes and make them look older. Unfortunately, the delicate skin around your eyes is at higher risk of getting puffy the more salt you consume. Extra sodium unfortunately makes your body retain water. This excess water causes puffiness. Aghhh. So, try to ditch (ok maybe just cut down!) on those favourite foods (and drinks) of yours that are heavy on the salt.Stay HydratedWhen your body is dehydrated, your skin cells start to lose their plumpness. The skin around your eyes is already thinner than other parts of the body, so any reduction in plumpness in this area is visible relatively quickly. As a result, dehydration can cause your eye area to appear darker, discoloured, sunken, or hollow so you will look older than your years! By drinking plenty of water (aim for 8 glasses a day) you will help keep your skin hydrated and smooth, which can help reduce the appearance of those unwanted obvious wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles!. Remember water hydrates and plumps skin cells to make your skin look brighter, vibrant, and more youthful. It’s amazing stuff!Don’t go to sleep with your eye makeup onI’m sure we’ve all been guilty of skipping our evening cleansing routine once in a while because the idea of peeling ourselves off our bed just doesn’t feel like an option, but did you know just how bad this can be for your eyes? Not removing your makeup at night hinders the skin renewal process that takes place while you sleep. The days makeup and grime can clog the pores and trap dirt which can be damaging to your skin but you’re your delicate eye area. Mascaras make your lashes stiff; it’s part of its job. But leaving it on while you sleep will cause the stiffness to turn into dryness that can trigger lashes to break and soon result to lash fallouts! So instead opt for a good, gentle, easy-to-use eye makeup remover. We love Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover as it simply melts away makeup and grime with minimum effort! Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, this ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn eye makeup both gently and fast!Get Enough SleepNot getting enough sleep can cause your skin to look puffy and dull. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night to ensure your skin looks fresh and youthful.With the right products and habits and by following these simple tips, you can keep eyes looking younger for longer without resorting to expensive treatments or surgery.
Show your love with the perfect Valentine's Day gift from BC
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 08 2023
Whether you are looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift that your partner will adore, want to spoil yourself with a little bit of loving, or are simply on the search for makeup looks to have you stand out from the crowd, we’ve got you. While many of us would be happy receiving a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, or a delicious box of chocolates, a beauty gift will last so much longer, and can have a long-lasting effect on the receiver too! So keep reading as we not only count down our top 5 Valentine’s Day gift recommendations but talk you through how to achieve this month’s trending makeup look perfect for the upcoming special day, too! Phytomer Oligomer® Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath 250ml This mineral relaxing bath not only looks and sounds fantastic, its heavenly when added to your bath too. Such a simple yet luxurious and effective gift idea, Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath will transform the bath into a wee spa, encouraging not only relaxation but romance too! Lightly foaming, this stress relief liquid gold, contains all the remineralizing properties of seawater to strengthen and restore skin and release all pent-up tension. Ahhhhh. And all you need to do is simply pour a little into the bath, light a candle if you wish (and add a little music) and it could be nearly as good as a pamper session in your loved ones favourite spa! ELES Custom PaletteThis sleek and convenient compact by ELES Cosmetics, where you call the shots, is a no-brainer for any makeup lover! Guaranteed to become a daily go-to, this beauty favourite created to add a little makeup loving to any complexion, features four empty face, blush and eyeshadow slots for you to customize for that special person in your life.What’s more, the feather-light formulas of each of the products are enriched with natural skin-caring ingredients including vitamins A, C & E to help provide antioxidant defence while conditioning and protecting the skin so you’ll be looking after their skin’s health too!. Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling CreamAlso known as our ‘mini facial in a jar’, this ultimate gift for skincare lovers will have that special someone fast tracking to radiant skin! Don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off though as the natural peeling cream will do wonders for even those with skin sensitivities! It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently eliminate impurities, dead cells, blackheads and toxins from the skin, revealing a silky, soft, smooth and glowing complexion after every use! Beauty Collective Gemstone Facial RollerThese little massage beauty’s (also touted as an “anti-ageing tool”) are an amazing gift idea, not just because they’ve become a beauty bag staple in recent years, or because they ‘look’ great but because they offer a multitude of benefits for the skin when used regularly and correctly. They can help fight wrinkles, stimulate collagen production, tighten skin and pores, increase blood circulation to the face, clear toxins, decrease puffiness under the eyes and around the face, and potentially improve inflammatory skin conditions too. They even have the ability to release tension and are soo soothing and calming on the skin. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all though, with a range of gemstone options, it’s important to look at their individual properties and benefits to find the one you think your partner would love! But if you’d like a little help, for Valentine’s Day why not opt for the Rose Quartz Facial Roller, since rose quartz is known as the crystal of unconditional love. To find out more click here.Phytomer Hydrating Starter KitThere is nothing that says pampering more than an indulgent facial. So why not send that special someone to your local Pevonia spa, or buy them a facial starter pack so they can indulge in a facial in the luxury of their own home. We are loving the Phytomer Hydration set packed with all the necessities to pamper your skin, keeping it soft, supple and deeply nourished. Ahhhhh.Set includes; Perfect Visage Cleansing Milk 15ml, Hydra Original Thirst Relief Cream 15ml, Hydrasea Night Plumping Cream 15ml, Hydracontinue Moisturising Gel 3ml, Hydrasea Rehydrating Mask 5ml, Oleocreme Ultra-Moisturizing Body Milk 5ml Still not sure what to buy? Why not consider giving them the gift of choice with a BC eGift card? It means they get to scroll the web and select the products they really want without paying the price tag! Here’s all you have to do. Click on the link, tell us who it’s for. Personalise your eGift card with a message for the recipient and your eGift card will be emailed directly to you or the recipient once your order has been processed. Simple as that.Get the lookWho doesn’t love a no makeup makeup look with a beautifully natural bronzed glow, especially during the sizzling summer season? To recreate our bronzed beauty makeup look is easy and includes only a few featured products.Start by simply applying a supple dewy foundation such as the ELES BB Cream 30 or Mineral Sheer Tint, followed by a 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, down the centre of your nose and in the inner corner of your eyes.To make eyes pop, apply a light sweep of ELES Mineral Shadow in Vanilla to your eye lids and then blend softly above the crease of your eye lid, as well as beneath the lower lash line. 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 mascara.For that subtle flush of colour on the lips, use a lip liner to gently fill in (we recommend the ELES Gel Lipliner in Nude) and then add a touch of lippie such as the ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in Parfait.
These were the top 10 beauty buys on BC in 2022
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 25 2023
It’s that time again! time to talk BC best-sellers - the products our customers couldn’t get enough of in 2022. From cult classics to new product launches, keep reading as we count down the top 10 selling products on BC last year,10 products our customers are loving, and the reviews are there to prove it! Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream Pevonia’s Global best-seller and on BC’s top-selling list for yet another year, this moisturiser is a must! After all it doesn’t have an international star status for nothing! It is deeply nourishing (without feeling heavy or oily), feels amazing on application it’s formulated with hydration hero hyaluronic, anti-ageing holy grail marine collagen, squalane and glycerin, to plump, smooth and deeply nourish skin for optimal radiance. Say no more. “I am on my 5th jar of this Marine Collagen Cream. I adore this cream. No 1 for moisture and yet so light on the skin. Helps with my fine lines as well.” Lorraine “This cream is amazing! After about 3 weeks of using it, I noticed that the lines around my eyes were softer, the red sun damage on my cheeks was lessening and the general quality of my skin was improving. I will continue to use this product indefinitely.” Sara “I absolutely love this cream. It is a day cream and a night cream and it helps with puffiness, lines, blemishes, skin tone, you name it! Totally amazing ❤️” Ana [caption id="attachment_4497" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Marine Collagen Cream[/caption] ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation I never stop raving about this gem of a product and neither do our customers! If you are a lover of matte foundation but after something more subtle and light, then you should invest in this beauty too! Not only does it provide a flawless, soft, subtle matte finish (it glides on as a silky liquid but sets as a soft powder finish), it’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for! “Have been using this product for many years and absolutely love it - will never change foundations ever again! Great coverage, never causes pore blockage, packaging is fantastic and practical for travel. Highly recommended!” Leanne “Love this product, beautifully sets from liquid to powder! Great for oily skin or skin which becomes shiny during the day. Love to mix it with my SPF for a lighter finish!” Laura “I've been using this foundation for years and I can't live without it. The texture and the way it makes my skin feel is amazing. It gives such even, natural and flawless coverage. It's seriously the best foundation I've ever used.” Sia [caption id="attachment_3967" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation [/caption] Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream It would appear that many of us are silent sufferers of sensitive skin. Well, no wonder this product was top of the charts in 2021, it’s the ultimate for those with skin sensitivities. Smoothly textured it calms, hydrates and heals skin with hero ingredients propolis and aloe. Combined with other potent actives, the natural ingredients work together to relieve redness and skin sensitivity rendering skin decongested, calm, soothed and smoothed! “The soothing sensitive cream is my favourite. My skin tends to turn red with a lot of creams. Not this one. It is so soothing.” Patricia “This is the only cream I have found that gives my skin the moisture it needs without causing irritation or breakouts. I have rosacea and acne and my face hates almost everything. But there is zero irritation to my very sensitive cheeks and the moisture is the perfect amount. Very happy with this product.” Emily “Hands down the best cream for sensitive skin. I've been using this cream for 15 years. I've sampled 100 moisturizers and this is the only one that works for my sensitive skin and doesn't clog my pores. I love it!” Simone [caption id="attachment_5307" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream[/caption] ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30 Your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen and foundation in one, the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream SPF 30 is a multi-tasking makeup miracle, suitable for all skin types! A big call I know, but it’s not one of BC’s best-sellers for nothing! It primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane, a multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! What’s more, you’ll feel as though you aren’t even wearing makeup, no easy feat for a foundation or any product with SPF for that matter! “This product is so beautiful for older skin. It covers really well yet allows the skin to breath. It has a pearlescent finish that makes the skin glow. I am really happy with my purchase and recommend it to others without reservation.” Judith “I've been using ELES BB Cream for 5 years and have not strayed. I love the coverage (you only need a little) and the dewy complexion it gives my skin! Highly recommend this product!” Joanne “This is my favourite make-up. It has very natural colours, is as smooth as silk and has a sunscreen which is so important in Australia. I discovered this make-up about 10 years ago and have used nothing else since.” Gael [caption id="attachment_4686" align="aligncenter" width="300"] BB Cream 30 [/caption]Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist A true multi-tasker, it can be used in the morning to revitalise your senses and replenish the moisture your skin has lost overnight, after your makeup to set it in place, throughout the day to help your skin stay supple and fresh (or as the perfect pick-me-up), and as a toner to enhance your evening cleanse. What’s more it will actually improve the absorption of your serum and moisturiser optimising the benefits and overall results too! “Completely obsessed! I’m not usually into face mists or even toners but tried this and fell madly in love!!! Not only does it make my skin feel super moist and dewy first thing, but I also noticed it keeps my make-up nicely set.” Maribella “My skin was instantly hydrated and glowing after applying this product! It makes my tired skin look awake and refreshed and the scent is great and very aromatherapeutic to help with the stress of the day. I love it, I will never go without this product.” Deanne “Love it! I love how refreshing my face feels with every application of the Hyaluronic acid Hydra-mist, I guess it is safe to say that all the natural ingredients come together to sooth and calm my sensitive skin.” Shey [caption id="attachment_5836" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™[/caption]Pevonia RS2 Care Cream Rich in licorice root extract (also known as nature’s cortisone) this beautifully nurturing cream is soothing like ice on rosacea prone skin. Formulated with Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, it provides your skin vaso-constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits! No wonder our customers love it! “I love this cream, the best one around. It is cool and refreshing. It does not make me break out, which many creams do. I have super sensitive skin and this is one of the few products that my skin loves.” Jackie “I have paid out a lot of money on products for my rosacea- this time I have hit the jackpot! After years of frustration and not wanting to go down the laser path I have found this cream and I can truly say it has helped my skin. It is calmer with less redness and flare ups.” Sharon “I have rosacea and my skin can be sensitive so have been using this care cream for some time now. I have tried some others but have moved back to this one as it keeps my rosacea calm and my skin hydrated. I love it.” Margaret [caption id="attachment_4494" align="aligncenter" width="300"] RS2 Care Cream[/caption]Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser Formulated with marine collagen, marine elastin and other natural nourishing ingredients this beautifully creamy textured anti-ageing cleanser does exactly as the name says! It both hydrates and gently but deeply cleanses the skin removing impurities without any residue. “Best Cleanser Ever. Creamy, non-irritating cleanser. I've been using Pevonia for years and my skin feels great.” Kelly “The best way for younger looking skin.Just a few pumps will clean your face and your face will feel silky smooth. Does not leave your skin feeling dry.” Sarah “I love this cleanser and so does my skin. I have tried others but keep coming back to the Power Repair. Even my rosecea loves it.” Robyn [caption id="attachment_4492" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Power Repair Hydrating Cleanser[/caption] Pevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin CreamDry skin often lacks lustre and vitality but not if you use this little gem! Silky smooth, it literally melts into your skin on application, leaving no residue yet keeps skin moisturised pretty much all day long! Nourishing, energising, and oxygenating, it’s formulated with pear seed extract proven to effectively aid in counteracting dryness while diminishing lines and wrinkles! The result? Rejuvenated, hydrated and glowing skin every day! Oh, and it smells pretty wonderful too! “Simply the best mouse nourishing face cream I have ever found.” Audrey “I love this product. Perfect for when you don’t want to wear makeup. Melts into your skin so that you can’t really tell you are wearing it but your skin is moist and glowing!” Roxanne “I've been a long-term user of this product, it's amazing for my dry skin. Smooth, silky and leaves no residue, absorbs quickly and moisturizes skin pretty much all day. Absolutely love it!” Marina [caption id="attachment_5244" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream[/caption] Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymes Exfoliation is important for everyone, even those with the most sensitive of skin, but finding the right exfoliator to suit can be tricky. We therefore aren’t at all surprised that Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant was in the top 10 for 2021 too! It is a seriously soft, silky and subtly scented exfoliant for all skin types, as it eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever!) This formidable exfoliator encourages cell turnover, revealing beautifully luminous and youthful skin after every use – no jokes! So if you aren’t a lover of physical exfoliators (the ones with the bits!) the Vegetal Exfoliant is for you! “I have never used this product before, the first time and I can tell you that I love this brand. It makes your skin on your face more fresher and younger. Will buy again :)” Judy “I have the most sensitive skin, so I can't use those exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs...this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It's the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sara “I bought this after reading the reviews and it makes my skin glow and feel silky. Totally worth it!!” Justine [caption id="attachment_4276" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymes[/caption] Medicalia Retinol & C Cream A firm favourite of the BC team and professional dermatologists alike, this exquisite cream is now a love of BC customers too! It melts into the skin on application, delivering both cell rejuvenating and brightening benefits! Use at night to work while you sleep and wake up to brighter, tighter and lighter skin! “This is the best product for aging skin I have found.” Heather “Great product especially for older more mature skin. Reduces wrinkles and keeps facial skin moisturised.” Judith “This stuff might be expensive, but it's well worth the cost. It's is amazing and will last me yrs to come.” Wendy Want to learn more about retinol and why it’s the anti-ageing ingredient your skin needs? Click here. [caption id="attachment_5679" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Retinol & C Cream [/caption]
Makeup primer – do you really need to use it?
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 23 2022
From concealers to foundations, bronzers to blushes and more, with the multitude of makeup products available to ‘perfect’ our face these days, it’s no wonder some of us might question which products are really necessary and which ones we might be ok to forgo. For many, makeup primers tend to fall into the latter category, but we are here to tell you why this underrated makeup staple is a necessity when it comes to your daily makeup routine! Keep reading as we discuss everything there is to know about makeup primers, from what they are, to their numerous benefits, as well as our favourite primers for all skin types too!What is a makeup primer and what does it really do?Creating an extra layer between your skin and makeup, face primers are used to plump fine lines, blur impurities and blemishes, smooth skin, and help makeup last all day without caking, creasing or the need for constant touch-ups. They really are key to achieving smooth, flawless skin that’s perfectly prepped for your foundation! Depending on your skin concerns, you can choose from a hydrating primer, a mattifying primer, an illuminating primer or a colour-correcting makeup primer.What are the benefits of using a makeup primer? They provide the perfect base for your foundation Even though you might well have followed a rigorous skincare routine, your complexion can sometimes still be a little uneven, enter makeup primer! A makeup primer provides the perfect base for seamless foundation application free of any patches! This is because a primers main job is to fill the open pores of your skin and smooth it in preparation for your makeup to follow. They keep makeup intact all day long Ready to say goodbye to touch-ups and reapplication throughout the day? With a face primer in your makeup arsenal, you can enjoy a long-lasting, smudge-free complexion all day long. They can blur imperfections While makeup primers won’t enhance your skin quite like a bronzer, or conceal pesky pimples like a foundation, they are formulated to hide and blur imperfections! They are in fact touted as the photoshop of the makeup world! How they actually blur imperfections is down to two key ingredients: silicone particles which “fill in the gaps” on the surface of skin to even it out, and light-diffusing particles which scatter the light that hits the surface of the skin, creating an optical illusion that tricks the eye and makes pores and fine lines less visible. Sounds ideal right? They combat shine This will be music to those of us with oily skin! Indeed mattifying face primers can combat shine by balancing out excess oil, this in turn creates a smooth base for your makeup so it won’t slide off your face come lunchtime! They correct discolouration if you struggle with discolouration or hyperpigmentation, a face primer can be an important component in your makeup routine. Colour-correcting primers even out the skin tone and neutralize discoloration as the tinted pigments, antioxidants, and vitamin E brighten skin and minimize visible imperfections. They are packed with skin loving ingredients Many face primers, including our range of ELES makeup primers, are like an extension of your skincare, enriched with skin-loving ingredients including Vitamins A, C & E and salicylic acid to not only promote skin cell turnover and nourish and hydrate the skin but tackle and conceal common concerns like dullness, dryness and redness too!When do you apply a face primer?In terms of application, a face primer should be applied to perfectly cleansed skin, after your moisturiser and before you apply your makeup.Can you use primer without makeup?Absolutely! For no-makeup days, applying a primer is one of the easiest ways to conceal imperfections, colour correct, mattify the skin and combat shine and oiliness. You can apply your face primer after your daily serums and moisturiser.Are makeup primers for everyone?Whether you love a less-is-more makeup look or prefer dramatic glam, a makeup primer is the perfect tool, and you can choose the right primer for your skin's specific needs, from hydrating to pore perfecting and more…Our top picksFor dry to sensitive skinIf your skin is a little dry, opt for a multi-functional face primer that will keep makeup in place, while hydrating, firming and plumping the skin with a gentle blend of nourishing botanical oils. Try the ELES Retexturizing Face Primer. Not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Want to look like a filtered goodness, and have makeup last the distance, try this!For combination to oily skinIf your skin tends to be on the oilier side, we recommend opting for the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking smooth and flawless! Genius!
5 Makeup products you’ll need this smouldering, hot summer
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 16 2022
Finally, after many months of indifferent weather, the sun is consistently shining, and the temperatures are arising! And while this might put a smile on many a face, the sizzling summer heat can also mean melting makeup! But no one wants their flawless face to have disappeared by lunchtime. Well fear not, by being armed with a few key makeup essentials, you can remain fresh faced from morning to night… ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer Finding that perfect primer and using it religiously is key when it comes to preventing your makeup from literally sliding off your face. Primers not only create a beautifully smooth canvas for your makeup to follow, they also have the ability to enhance the longevity and pigmentation of your makeup too – all while targeting concerns like oily or dry skin.Simply apply your primer after you’ve cleansed and moisturised your skin and prior to your foundation and you’ll be good to go all day long!We LOVE the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking flawless! Genius! ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 In the steamy summer months, it’s often we won’t want to wear much makeup, but the idea of forgoing our foundation all together is a no go! This is where BB Creams are the perfect solution! Thanks to their lightweight formulation they feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all, but the coverage is smooth and flawless.We can’t get enough of the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30! One of ELES Cosmetics best sellers and for good reason, it’s a multi-tasking wonder cream which primes, protects, tints, nourishes and evens out skin tone for flawless, completely natural looking coverage. Sunscreen and foundation without feeling like you are wearing either. Yes please! ELES Mineral Powder Foundation The perfect product for any touch-ups, as well as eliminating shine, is a good powder compact and we love ELES’s Mineral Powder Foundation. Unlike other heavier powders which can clog pores and in turn, lead to excess oil production (no thanks!) the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation is a translucent formula which not only looks beautifully natural but allows the skin to breathe freely too. The particles in the powder tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine and what’s more, it’s formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, so it’ll provide antioxidant protection as well as condition skin! ELES Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara Just as your makeup can slide off your face, so can your mascara! And no one likes looking in the mirror at the end of the day and seeing panda eyes staring right back! So a good smudge proof/water resistant mascara with staying power is a must! Try ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara. The ergonomic brush and fortifying formula coats lashes to quickly lengthen, curl, volumize and lock them into place for all day wear. The result is instantly impressive eyes with lashes that are lusciously conditioned and protected all day long! ELES Superwear Gel Liner And if you want your eyes to stand out that little bit more, couple ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara with a long lasting eye liner like ELES’s Superwear Gel Liner! It’s not only super smooth to apply thanks to its moisturising and hydrating ingredients, it’s also a long-wearing liner with intense colour pay-off! And It comes in 5 fabulous shades for eyes that pop, too!
Team BC’s go-to products this holiday season
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 09 2022
Whether you are working through the holiday season, taking time off to just be, or heading on a trip overseas, Beauty Collective have a multitude of beauty products that will perfectly suit your every need. But with so many options to choose from we thought we’d lend you a helping hand by asking a few of the BC head office team their go-to products for this upcoming holiday season. From best-selling skincare to multi-tasking make up products, there is something for everyone and every occasion. Enjoy! Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra MistThis product is a dream and a must-have for any occasion! I am obsessed and use it religiously every morning after I cleanse and moisturise for that extra boost of hydration! But that’s not all! I also carry it with me wherever I go as it provides the perfect spritz to replenish tired, dry or tight skin, whether it be during the day when I’m in the office, after I’ve spent a few hours at the beach or on a long-haul flight overseas. I’ve also found it’s a fantastic setting spray to help makeup stay in place all day long (no more looking in the mirror mid-morning and seeing that my makeup has disappeared from my face!)As well as Hyaluronic Acid, it’s formulated with a blend of ultra-calming Chamomile, Aloe, Green Tea and aromatic essential oils, making this powerhouse product ideal for all skin types, especially dehydrated, irritated, and ageing skin! However should your skin be on the sensitive side, a little itchy or irritated even, it will work its magic to calm, nurture and alleviate too.Jo Boyden, PR & Marketing Manager ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50+With so many outdoor celebrations over the Christmas break I'll be reaching for my favourite sun protection; the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50+. It's super lightweight and full of great ingredients that prevent hyper-pigmentation and dehydration. It also gives me a bit of glow which is a bonus.Liane Scior, Director of Education & Marketing Phytomer Hydra continue 22h moisture flash GelI do a lot of flying for work and this has become my go-to to restore hydration in my skin before and after flights. This beautiful light textured gel is like giving your skin its own glass of water to keep hydrated and the results are also immediate.Kellie Deveney, International Educator and Business Development Manager Medicalia SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldThis is one of my all-time favourite skin care products. It’s the one thing I make sure I am never without all year round and especially while travelling. Wearing a daily SPF is essential for me and the gorgeous tint lightly evens out my complexion enough to not need make up while on holidays. The blue light shield is an added bonus on my office days.Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinatorELES Age Defying BB Cream 30I love the convenience of this product and wear it whether I’m at the office or heading to the beach. It’s lightweight so you don’t feel like you are really wearing makeup at all, it provides my skin with a flawless, glowy finish, and it’s the ultimate multitasker as it couples as a moisturiser, sunscreen, primer and foundation! What more could you ask for?May Scior, Operations Assistant Vie Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Eyes and LipsRemoving "waterproof" makeup was really a feat until I discovered Vie Collection's Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover for Eyes and Lips. We all know that only oil can remove waterproof makeup and this one has the power of three oils combined but without the grease. During the holiday season, I can layer my makeup to make it last all day or all night and I have absolutely no problem removing my makeup at all! I can easily remove and cleanse it without rubbing my skin. Absolutely zero skin irritation!Elaine Palapag, Social Media Co-ordinator
Mature skin? The best way to cover under eye dark circles
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 09 2022
Eyes looking tired? Dark circles more apparent? Unfortunately as we age so do our eyes! In fact our eyes experience ageing before any other part of our face, so dark under-eye circles, puffy peepers and fine lines and wrinkles are a given. All is not lost though! By arming yourself with a few key products, familiarising yourself with a couple of simple makeup tricks, and following our step-by-step guide, you can both improve and cover under-eye dark circles and other signs of eye ageing, even for those of us with mature skin! Firstly why do we get dark under-eye circles as we age? As we get older, our skin becomes thinner. This is the result of a decrease in fat and collagen production (which maintains our skin’s elasticity) As this occurs, the dark blood vessels beneath our skin become more visible, causing the area below our eyes to darken. Dark under eye circles can also be the cause of lack of sleep (which unfortunately increases with age too!) as well as poor blood circulation and insufficient toxin drainage! What is the best way to improve and cover dark under-eye circles? Start by giving yourself a mini facial massage with a gemstone roller By doing so you’ll help improve circulation, remove toxins from the eye area significantly improving dark circles and bags under the eyes, reduce inflammation, refresh the skin and tone your face! In fact gemstone rollers offer a multitude of other benefits too to your skin too. Click here to find out more. Invest in a good eye cream or gel or both! For mornings when your eyes are feeling particularly puffy, reaching for a cooling eye gel will do wonders for reviving this delectate area while reducing puffiness. We love Pevonia’s C Evolutive Eye Gel, it’s a personal favourite of mine and highly recommended by the BC Pros. It’s a wonderful, cooling gel, formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C, skin saviours’ hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo biloba, as well as green coffee and it’ll have your peepers decongested and depuffed in one swift application! Also use a tapping motion with your finger which you apply it. This can help get rid of any fluid that’s accumulated under the delicate eye area. If it’s dark circles you appear to be constantly suffering from, we highly recommend Vie Collection’s Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream. It’s a mouthful to say, but a product that does exactly what it says! It’s a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Oh and it instantly brightens the eye area too! Use a primer under your eyes before applying makeup As you age your skin becomes more prone to fine lines around your eyes. You want to conceal them but it’s best to do so by using a primer first. This will help fill in any lines and make the skin appear smoother (essential if you want to prevent makeup falling into the creases and exacerbating signs of eye ageing!) Use your ring finger and gently dab your primer over the wrinkles to the sides of your eyes and spread. Invest in a good concealer When it comes to camouflaging dark under eye circles, a concealer is by far your best bet. A good undereye concealer can give you complete coverage as well as make you look bright-eyed in seconds! Choose a shade lighter than your natural skin tone (as this will help brighten the area) but also opt for a “peachy” tone as this will counteract the blueish tinge of the shadows. Try ELES Dual Action Concealer. my secret weapon for concealing my dark under eye circles and helping me look like I’ve had 8 hours of blissful slumber as opposed to only 5! It’s formulated with a myriad of anti-ageing wonder ingredients including Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Vitamins C & E, Collagen and more! And it actually helps to gradually improve skin’s texture while concealing those obvious under eye dark circles. Its moisturising formula provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! It’s seriously good stuff. Simply apply with a small concealer brush and then finish with a powder to set the concealer so it doesn’t crease. For the most brightening effect, apply your concealer in a “V” or upside-down triangle shape beneath your eye. Swipe it directly under the eye, but bring it down to a point on your cheek beside your nostril and fill in the entire area. Don’t forget to add a little illuminator and waterline liner to your eyes too! Adding a little white eyeshadow (or pencil or illuminator) to the inner corner of your eyes, as well as waterline pencil to the waterline of your eyes, you’ll attract attention away from ageing eyes and create the illusion of younger, brighter, more wide awake eyes with one little dot of the finger!
Which order should you apply your skincare?
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 24 2022
With the ever-growing number of lotions and potions on the market from cleansers to toners, serums to oils, day to night creams and more, it’s no wonder there is confusion around which products are really necessary for our skin, let alone which order you should apply your skincare!Here’s the thing, we all have unique skin needs, dependant on our skin type and concern, so it’s important to create our own skincare ‘cocktail’ based on these specific needs! But if we use the wrong products (not everyone for example can tolerate AHA’s), pair two products together that are formulated with ingredients that don’t ‘gel’, or do not wear our skincare in the correct order, we just won’t see the results we are hoping for, or worse could wind up with blotchy, irritated skin instead. Eek.So to save time, stress and money! We have detailed below the exact order you should apply your skincare so you can get the most out of it! Along with what products and ingredients to use for your skin type and concern too! Cleanser Toner Serum Eye Cream Treatment (eg. Spot) Moisturiser Sunscreen (day) Face Oil (night) Step 1: CLEANSERCleansing daily is essential for skin health and the first step to layering skincare like a pro for optimum results. And despite conflicting views cleansing twice daily is imperative.Firstly, you need to cleanse at night to remove the days dirt, makeup and impurities. Then again in the morning to remove any excess oil and dead cells that are likely to have accumulated on your skin overnight. Without cleansing, your skin will be more prone to breakouts, dehydration, and premature aging. And remember you need a clean, oil and grime free face for all your skincare ingredients to properly absorb into your skin!At night opt for a cleansing oil that literally dissolves makeup (including waterproof!) without stripping your skin then follow with a gentle, creamy cleaner (which you should use in the morning too). For more information on cleansing and how it will improve your skin tenfold click here.Try;ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil - ideal for all skin types it will literally melt away makeup and impurities while maintaining a balanced, hydrated and smoothed complexion.Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk – If you love milky cleansers this is your one! Formulated for all skin types even those with super sensitive skin, it gently removes makeup and residue without disturbing the skin's protective barrier.Phytomer Oligopur Purifying Cleansing Gel – the perfect option for oily skin types this lightly foaming, velvety soft gel cleanser effectively eliminates impurities and excess sebum thoroughly cleansing and purifying the skin.Pevonia CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser – my everyday go to, this lightly foaming luxurious cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but especially recommended for dry skin! It’s lipid rich, alcohol-free and soap-free and feels a-mazing on the skin. Skin is actually clean, hydrated, softer and smoother after every use! Step 2: TONER (or lotion)Ah, the step that everyone skips, but a vital step in optimising the effect of your skincare! Essentially toners help to remove any excess dirt and traces of oil, balance the pH of your skin and prime your skin for ingredients that follow to be better absorbed!Try;Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion – Perfect for all skin types this little gem ensures any left over signs of residual makeup or oil is completely removed.Phytomer Oligomarine Flawless Skin Tonic – perfect toner for oily, blemish-prone skin. Pevonia Hydrating Toner – Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Licorice, and Vitamin E, it works to hydrate, revive and fully refresh the skin. Great for anyone with worried about ageing, dehydration or devitalised skin.Medicalia Gentle Toner – wonderful for those prone to rosacea and sensitive skin. Step 3: SERUMSYou might be wondering if you really need a serum in your skincare routine, but I’m here to tell you why you definitely do!Serums are the heavy lifters when it comes to your skincare routine, they are essentially shots of extremely concentrated nutrients, hydrators and antioxidants that will really amp up your skin’s health as soon as you apply it. Serums actually tend to perform above and beyond many regular skincare products because they are formulated with a higher concentration of targeted active ingredients and have the ability to penetrate deeper into the dermis. So if you want your skin to live its best life don’t skip on the serum! To learn more about why you need a serum and the best anti-ageing serums for every skin type, click here.Try;Phytomer Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturising Polarized Water Serum - the ultimate thirst quencher for dehydrated and devitalised skin.Vie Collection Vita C Concentrated Solution – the best for serious skin brightening. Vitamin C promotes a healthy, radiant glow.Phytomer Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid – to diminish the appearance of blemishes and prevent future breakouts.Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate - For seriously sensitive skin that needs calming, soothing and strengthening. Step 4: EYE CAREUnfortunately, the delicate skin around our eyes is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, so this is not a step in your skincare routine that you should ever skip! In fact it’s essential we our eye area the same level of TLC as the rest of our face!This step needs to come before your moisturiser because thinner products can’t penetrate thicker products and eye care products tend to be lighter and thinner than moisturisers to compensate for the fragile eye area.Try;Phytomer Pionniere XMF Reset Eye Fluid – anti-ageing wonder cream, perfect for night-time.Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream – the best to combat eye ageing, dark circles and under eye puffiness.Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye Gel - formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C and skin saviours’ hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo biloba, this gel is perfect is cooling and soothing congested and puffy peepers.Step 5: MOISTURISERA moisturiser not only infuses your skin with hydration but also helps trap in all of the products underneath it to make the ingredients even more effective.In the morning opt for a lighter, gentle moisturiser that will nourish and hydrate skin but not feel heavy or greasy (after all who wants that!) Just make sure you let your moisturiser of choice sink in before applying makeup as you don’t want your makeup to slide off within an hour of application!Try;Phytomer Nutritionnelle Dry Skin Rescue Cream – this is a salvation for even the driest skin, bringing comfort, hydration and protection.Phytomer Oligopur Hydra Matifying Control Cream – ideal for oily, combination or acne-prone skin, this mattifying cream restores clear and perfectly moisturised skin.Pevonia RS2 Care Cream – perfectly soothing, calming and nourishing, this global best-selling cream for sensitive, rosacea and reactive skin types will render skin visibly calmed, soothed, and completely decongested.At night skin goes into repair and regeneration mode so your moisturiser should be packed with skin ingredients to benefit your skincare concerns like hyaluronic acid, lipids, proteins and retinol.Try;Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream – hydrating, nurturing and restorative, this anti-ageing night cream for all skin types is outstanding!Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser – while you should introduce retinol slowly, if you are worried about ageing, this is the ingredient your skin needs. This moisturiser will deeply hydrate, smooth, brighten and firm ageing skin. It’s idea for those with advanced signs of aging and sun damage exhibited by wrinkles, loose and sagging skin and uneven skin tone or dark spots. Really, it’s great for anyone who really want smoother, firmer skin and are not sensitive or acne-prone. Step 6: SUNSCREEN/FACE OILBy day go nowhere without applying your sunscreen, it’s literally your barrier of protection against free-radical damage, the no.1 cause of premature skin ageing!Try;Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield – perfect for all skin types, it’s light-textured, non-greasy, tinted and 'ocean/reef safe' and it delivers powerful sun and blue light protection whilst also combating skin-aging free radicals from UV and infrared radiation!At night you should always use a face oil – the very last step to your skincare routine. This is because the oil takes a while to penetrate and treat the skin, so applying it at night gives it time to do its job. Plus you wouldn’t want a face full of oil in the morning just when you want to apply your makeup!Try;Phytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil – perfect for all skin types this face oil literally does as the bottle says. Enjoy softer, radiant and revitalised skin.Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate - Fast-absorbing, this soothing, silky anti-oxidant oil radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. While these 6 steps include the basics for your daily skincare routine, you must not forget your exfoliator and face mask, to essentials steps to incorporate into your routine once or twice weekly as well!To find out more about the benefits of exfoliation and the best exfoliant for your skin click here. And for when and why you should use a face mask click here.
The best eyeshadow tips for ageing eyes
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 17 2022
If you’re worried about ageing eyes you might well have stopped wearing eyeshadow in fear it will only exacerbate your fine lines and wrinkles. The thing is eyeshadow and all eye makeup for that matter serves a very important purpose no matter what your age! It can add depth and dimension to your eyes making them appear larger, it can complement your eye colour or simply draw attention to the eyes! And most importantly it will bring back life to your ageing eye area! Genius! So instead of forgoing eyeshadow, you just need to alter how, and which type you use! To get the lowdown, we talked to the experts at BC! Keep scrolling as we countdown 10 of the best eyeshadow tips for mature women. Start with a good eye cream It’s likely you’re doing this already, but if not, you’ll want (and need) the delicate skin around your eyes to be properly nourished! And we are talking both the eyelid and the undereye area! For a great eye cream for ageing eyes try Pevonia’s Age Correction Eye Contour. It’s formulated with Marine Collagen, Marine Elastin and Green Team which not only provide eyes with powerful anti-ageing benefits, it smooths, first and deeply nourishing the fragile eye zone too. Use a primer As our skin ages, under-eye wrinkles and crows feet become more apparent – they are a fact of life for us all! A good primer however will help reduce their appearance while increasing the longevity of your eyeshadow! It’ll also prep your eyelids preventing eye makeup from creasing, feathering, smudging or smearing! Apply a good under-eye concealer This will make eyes appear bigger and brighter in prep for your eyeshadow. Concealer isn't just for brightening up your under eyes though. Prepping the eye with a concealer that's about two shades lighter than your actual shade will make your eyeshadow more pigmented and in turn pop a lot more.You’ll need to use one with has a hydrating formula as this will add additional nourishment to the eye area as well as prevent the concealer from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.Try ELES Cosmetics Dual Action Concealer. Use a waterproof or long-lasting gel eyeliner You don’t want to get to lunch time and find yourself with panda eyes! No sireee. By using a waterproof or long-lasting gel eyeliner, it’ll stay in place all day plus give eyes much needed depth and definition. Try ELES Cosmetics Superwear Gel Liner. Line your eyes with a waterline liner Eyes tend to look duller and tired with age. A waterline liner will open up your eyes instantly creating the illusion of bigger, brighter, more youthful looking eyes.Simply apply your normal eyeliner to your top lash line then apply your waterline liner to the inner rim of your lower lash line. (We recommend ELES Cosmetics Waterline Liner). By doing so it’ll immediately open up your eyes as well as make the whites of your eyes look whiter. It works a treat I can vouch for that! Opt for matte eyeshadow and go mineral Eye shadow comes in many different colours and textures but for ageing eyes matte eyeshadows are the way to go. Those with mature eyes might find matte eyeshadow more longwearing and less likely to fade on their skin. Your best bet is to stock up on mineral matte eyeshadows that are pigmented without emphasizing fine lines but also packed with antioxidant vitamins A, C & E to pamper lids with crease-proof perfection. Try ELES Cosmetics Mineral Matte Shadows. Better still try the ELES Build your own Shadow Palette, you get to select which ever 3 shades of mineral shadow shades you want! A trio of colours on your eyes is always better than one, they will make your eyes stand out more and can also increase their size and let’s face it bigger eyes are more youthful! Choose lighter eyeshadow shades Opt for a lighter, natural eyeshadow shades rather than dark, smoky shades on your eyelids and around the eyes. Using neutral colours like shades of light browns, light pinks, beiges, or greys are best. Also add a light colour eyeshadow shade to the inner corner, lower lash line in outer corner, and the inner lid. Apply eye shadow correctly Don’t take your base eyeshadow shade and simply plonk it on the centre of your lid. Using a small eyeshadow brush, start from the outer corner of the eyes and work inwards, so that the colour gets gradually lighter. This will help give your eyes a bigger, wide-eyed look. Finish with mascara No matter your age, mascara will always be a go-to product. A good mascara (we are talking smudge-proof, waterproof, and long-lasting) adds volume and strengthens brittle lashes to keep them looking full and luscious. Fuller-looking lashes can also help to give a more youthful appearance to the eye area. However, it’s best not to wear mascara on the lower lashes as this can make your eyes look droopy as well as draw attention to dark circles and under eye wrinkles. Use a setting spray or powder Finally, to prevent eyeshadow fallout (after all we want it to stay in place all day or night long!) use a setting spray or if setting sprays aren't your thing, opt for a setting powder instead! Both work to lock your makeup in place. Try Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist.
Blemished skin? How to best conceal it
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 10 2022
Whether you are dealing with all out acne, have a few blemishes that won’t budge or you’re prone to pesky pimples, you might be wondering what the best way is to conceal your imperfections. The thing is certain makeup products can exacerbate your already irritated skin, so you need to be careful how and what you put on your face. From the best skin preparation products to breathable foundations, below are our top tips for concealing skin woes.1. Prep your skinBefore applying any makeup, its essential skin is clean and well moisturised, even oily, acne prone skin needs sufficient moisture! Well-nourished skin will prevent makeup from looking cakey, as well as help skin to look less dull!Look for foaming and gel cleansers, and moisturisers specifically targeted to acne and blemished prone skin.2. Use a primerUsing a primer will not only create an even base for your makeup but it’s also an amazing must-have when it comes to prolonging the wear of your foundation, and let’s face it acne-prone skin tends to be on the oily side and the last thing you’ll want is for your foundation to slide right off your face by lunchtime! No sireee. What’s more primers also add a ‘blurring effect’ to your skin to give the illusion of a smoother complexion. And they create a barrier between your skin and your makeup preventing any further irritation too.Just be sure to look for primers that will hydrate, soothe or replenish your skin. Choosing a mattifying primer will also help to combat any excess oil and shine you might be experiencing, as well as reduce the appearance of pore size. Try ELES’s Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s a light-textured oil free face primer which combats shine, absorbs excess oil, reduces the appearance of large open pores, promotes antiseptic properties which is great for blemish and breakout prone skin, and it really does keep your foundation looking flawless all day long!3. Choose your makeup wiselyA concealer can offer a multitude of benefits while hiding a multitude of sins! But not every concealer can tackle every issue in one application. In general concealers are formulated to target something specific so it’s best to decipher what you want from your concealer and then select which is best for you.If it’s pimples you are trying to conceal, oil-free and non-comedogenic cover ups are best and many now have skin enhancing benefits to soothe inflammation too. Avoid mineral oil, lanolin and talc-based products which tend to block the pores and exacerbate acne. Instead opt for a mineral concealer like ELES Cosmetics Mineral Phototouch Concealer. Light-reflective minerals and line-filling micro-spheres camouflage flaws. Dark circles, blemishes and fine lines vanish!And when it comes to foundation, you’ll want it to allow your skin to breath freely to prevent blocked pores and irritated skin conditions so go for mineral.For redness, instead of using a concealer, 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. We are obsessed with the ELES CC Cream 20, a lightweight oil-free colour corrective cream with board spectrum protection and really does multi-task like no other!4. Be careful with how you apply your productAlways apply product with clean fingers (yes I know it sounds obvious!) or apply with a sponge, beauty blender or concealer/foundation brush to avoid contamination and ingredient breakdown. 5. Select the right shade for your skin toneMake sure that you purchase a shade that’s an exact match for your skin tone. This is very important because you want this area to appear even with the rest of your face.6. Always set your makeupA mineral powder is the best choice to set your makeup as its ingredients are usually non-irritating. Apply with a brush rather than a sponge which can harbour bacteria. We couldn’t recommend the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation more! Highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, the lightweight powder easily adjusts from sheer to richer, more opaque coverage while effectively camouflaging imperfections.Finish with a spritz of facial mist like Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist. This outstanding multi-tasker not only rejuvenates skin with a burst of hydration, plumping fine lines and wrinkles, but it also relieves dry, flaky, itchy and sensitive prone skin while keeping makeup set in place all day long! Genius.
A complete guide on where and how to apply blush correctly
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 28 2022
Ah blush! The one product in your beauty arsenal that can enhance the features on your face while providing skin with a natural warm, rosy glow.I’m personally a huge lover of blush and wear mine daily all year round. It’s the perfect go-to when you’re after a minimal makeup look that’s quick and easy to apply. It also works in perfect unison with bronzer when you want to contour your face or simply create a healthy sun kissed glow. The problem is with the many conflicting tutorials out there, where, and how do you actually apply it? Well, we turned to the experts at Beauty Collective for the low-down. Keep reading for our complete guide on all things blush!Why you should wear blushWhen used correctly, blush can totally transform pale, dull or washed-out skin. It infuses warmth into any complexion by adding a touch of natural, flushed-cheek colour, so your face looks instantly brighter, healthier (and perkier!)Blush is also a great multitasker! This complexion booster not only adds colour to your cheeks but can also double as an eyeshadow (a great way to tie your makeup look together) and if you opt for a brown-toned blusher you can use it to contour your face. That way you get a blush and contour effect in one – a great time-saver!What type of blush should you use?Today’s blushes come in many textures — cream, powder, liquid. As a general rule of thumb, cream is great for dry skin, while powder is the best option for oily skin types, but it’s also a personal preference. Natural makeup works well with creams, but with powder you can be more direct on where you place it, and it tends to last longer too.However, for the best of both worlds we highly recommend baked blush – a pigment packed powder blush! Powders are usually made from lots of pressed powders, but baked powders are actually creams that have been baked slowly in a specialist oven until they are dry. This is what gives baked makeup some of its unique attributes; it has an ultra-soft, velvety texture and provides a sheer wash of soft colour for a naturally flushed complexion.How do you choose the right blush shade?Choosing the right shade can be a little tricky. Firstly, you need to understand your skin’s undertone (whether it’s warm, cool or neutral) then once you know this, choose a shade within your undertone, you can go as light, natural, bright or deep as you want.In general, if you have fair skin opt for light, dusty pinks and sheer peaches. If you want to make a bold statement, you can even give bright pink a go!For medium skin bright pink looks great on a cool undertone while coral and orange bring out warm tones.And if your skin is more on the olive side, anything with a golden undertone will bring out the rich warm tones in your skin. If you’re more of a cool olive, try light plums and cool pinks.How to apply blushHow you apply your blush is just as important as the type and shade you choose. Firstly, you have to select the right tool for application! Opt for a sponge when using creams, a sponge or fingers work fine with liquids and use a brush for powders.If powder blush is for you, you need to choose your brush wisely too! A big soft brush can be very ineffective. Choosing a specific powder blush brush is your best bet as it tends to be on the firmer side so that when you apply the blush to your skin you can control the powder and ensure in spreads correctly and in the right place.Where to apply blushThe ever-popular question of where to apply your blush can have a different answer depending on what you read, or what the trends are, however here at BC we use the general rule of thumb as below;For a natural lookFollow the natural structure of your cheekbones. It’s best to smile and then apply blush to the apples of your cheek and blend towards your temples/ears. This will lift your cheekbones and add a little extra colour to your face without looking over the top.For an instant facelift (and to make your face appear more oval-shaped)Apply blush to the back of your cheekbones into your templesFor a sun kissed glowApply blush underneath your eyes, across the bridge of the nose, and back toward the ear.To shorten your face and create balanceApply blush to the centre of the apples and out, just toward your eyes, avoiding blending too far out toward the temples.Just remember blending is key when it comes to blush application!How can you make your blush last all day?Applying a primer to your skin before makeup application will help keep makeup in place.Also, once you’ve completed your makeup routine, use a facial mist or setting spray such as Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist.Now go yonder and blush away! And experience how incredibly energizing it can be for your complexion!
How to fix cakey makeup for good
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 14 2022
If you love makeup and like to layer it, it’s likely you will have fallen victim to cakey makeup on occasion! Unfortunately, ‘cakiness’ is an issue that happens to the best of us, but why so you might ask? Applying makeup to dry skin or using too much product are two reasons for cakey makeup but if you want to know how to fix this makeup mishap for good, keep reading as we reveal 8 top tips!What to do to avoid cakey makeupBoth your skincare routine and how you apply your makeup are crucial factors to avoiding a cakey makeup look so make sure you focus on properly prepping your skin and then make sure you apply your makeup with precision. Tip 1: Always make sure you prep your skin by exfoliating and moisturising to help makeup go on smoothlyExfoliating your face once or twice weekly will remove dead skin cells and debris, this in turn will help create a smooth surface for your makeup products.Moisturising is also essential as you want to eliminate dryness all together. Unfortunately, when your skin is dry your foundation is more likely to cake, so choosing moisturising skincare products formulated with skin nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter and squalane is paramount. Tip 2: Always wear an eye creamOne of the most common areas of cakiness is around the eyes so you want to make sure this delicate area is perfectly prepped too! Apply a nourishing eye cream or mask such as Pevonia’s Evolutive Eye Cream and massage in with gentle tapping movements. Formulated with Squalane, Vitamins A & E, this perfectly nourishing eye cream not only tightens and firms the area around your eyes, but also works to repair fine lines and eliminate crepiness too! Thus, creating a perfectly smooth, supple surface for under eye concealer. Tip 3: Use a primerA good primer evens out your skin texture, making the surface of your skin smoother, so that your makeup glides on effortlessly and appears well blended. It can also help with longevity meaning your makeup will remain perfectly intact for longer!Oily skin can also cause makeup to split on the face so using a pore perfecting face primer is a must! The ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer combats shine, absorbs oil and reduces the appearance of pores to keep foundation looking flawless all day long! Genius. Tip 4: Chose the right foundation for your skin typeChoosing a foundation formula for your skin type is essential when it comes to fixing and preventing cakey makeup. If your skin is dry, you’ll want to select liquid foundations as these tend to be more nourishing and hydrating than powders. For those prone to oily or combination skin, matte and powder foundations will be best since they will help absorb excess oil. Tip 5: Apply foundation in thin layers and gradually build it upOne of the main reasons for cakey makeup is in the amount of product you are applying.Remember less is always best, but if you want to hide those pesky pimples or blemishes make sure you blend a small amount of product at a time. You want to avoid looking overdone and remember you can always add more if need be. Tip 6: Use a makeup blender or sponge to apply foundationA slightly damp makeup blender can help soften your makeup, preventing cakiness from happening. Blend the foundation into your skin with the damp beauty blender, gently dabbing the product onto your skin. You can then use it to blend your concealer too focusing on blemishes and dark spots. This will help the product better settle into the skin preventing flakiness. Tip 7: Use a finishing powder to set makeupA finishing powder will provide a more-airbrushed finish to your makeup as well as help your foundation to stay put for longer wear without “caking”.It will also absorb any unwanted or excess oil and can also work to blur the appearance of pores, uneven texture, and sometimes even discoloration. Try the new ELES HD Translucent Powder. Made from 100% mineral silica powder it mattifies the skin without “caking” and softens the appearance of imperfections. Tip 8: Remove excess productExcess makeup and oil, especially in a full-coverage foundation look, can help create a cakey appearance. So, when you notice your makeup looks a little cakey or your skin looks shiny, gently blot with a blotting sheet or sponge, this will remove excess oil and foundation. Tip 9: Use a setting sprayOnce your makeup is complete, finish with a nourishing face mist (or setting spray) as they will add additional hydration to the skin as well as locking in moisture which will help keep makeup in place. Pevonia’s new Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist is a favourite of mine. Not only does it deeply nourish the skin, rejuvenating, plumping and relieving dry flaky skin, it also helps maintain your makeup look throughout the day.
Want fuller looking lips? Here’s how to achieve them with lip liner
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 06 2022
If your lips tend to be on the thinner side like mine, getting plumper, fuller lips will likely be something you’ve always wanted. And sure, when it comes to achieving that perfect pout, lip filler can be the answer, but for a natural, non-surgical option (because the idea of needles terrifies me) some strategic lip liner application can help accomplish the same result! And while lip liner, unlike filler, might only a temporary fix, it gives you complete control over what your lips look like every single day.In fact, this once understated product is now a staple for makeup artists, influencers and makeup enthusiasts alike, and we are here to give you some lip liner tips and tricks so you too will fall in love with this trusty product and achieve the fuller lips look you so desire.Firstly though, before we start applying our lip liner, we need to prep our skin. This is important as we don’t want any crepey lips in sight. Tip 1 – exfoliate lipsJust as you exfoliate your face, you want to do so to your lips too! Lips need to be free of dry, flaky skin. Exfoliating also stimulates circulation in your lips which can make them look more voluminous! Just be sure to use a gentle exfoliator and gently remove any excess with a face cloth.Tip 2 - moisturiseNext you want to make sure your lips are well nourished. After applying your moisturiser all over your face, apply a really good lip cream like Phytomer Youth Contour Reviving Wrinkle Correction Cream – Eye and Lips, after all more often than not it is the lines around the lips which can actually be what’s making your lips look thin and aged. Top with a good lip balm and let it seep in for a few minutes.Tip 3 – concealThe last part of the prep involves your concealer! Take a cream or liquid concealer in a shade lighter than your natural lip colour and smooth all over the lips spreading it a little over your natural lip line. You want to blur the edges so that it’s harder to tell where your lip line is. Try ELES Dual Action Concealer. This anti-ageing gem is formulated with vitamin e and marine filling collagen micro-spheres which absorb natural moisture, plumping skin and smoothing the epidermal layer! Next lightly blot your lips to remove excess product.Tip 4 – application in 4 simple stepsNow it’s time for your lip liner! Lip liner not only give lips structure (and volume!) it can act as a primer to help bind lipstick to your lips if you choose to wear it after (I find my lip liner and a little gloss does the trick for me though!)Step 1.To make your lips look bigger, choose a lip liner in a natural skin tone. If you want to use a colourful lipstick, select a lip liner shade that goes well with your chosen lipstick. Step 2.Now take your lip liner and apply it just outside your natural lip line. This will perfectly model your lips and visibly correct any unevenness. Start by outlining your outer corners making your way to the middle (the cupid’s bow). Make sure you take into consideration where the middle of your lips and nose is and use this as your starting point.Step 3.Now use the side of your lip liner to fill in the rest of your lips. You’ll get much smoother results this way. For a smoother transition, put less pressure on the pencil as you would when you are doing the outer line.Step 4. Finally for that little extra cushioned effect apply a highlighter on your cupids bow. Try ELES Stick Illuminator.Finish with a sweep of lipstick or a lip plumping gloss.Voila! Follow all of these steps and achieve fuller lips instantly!
How to get rid of acne: 5 steps to pimple free skin
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 29 2022
You might well have suffered from acne when you were younger, or perhaps you were just prone to the occasional pimple, but why oh why years later are you still getting these darn spots you might be wondering?Acne, or ‘adult acne’ as it’s more commonly known once you approach or 40’s or 50’s, is actually a very common skin condition that affects not only teenagers but men and woman of all ages! In fact, there is no age limit! Why? Because acne, whether it presents as whiteheads, pimples, blackheads or cysts, occurs when your skin follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Something that is very easily done, but also something that can be prevented when you follow a few simple steps. So, if you are suddenly finding yourself with a face full of pimples, keep reading as we explain the best ways to get rid of them and how you can stay pimple free too! Watch what you eat As good a staple as it can be, dairy in your daily diet can sadly lead to an increase in acne breakouts. Try cutting it out to see if it could be causing your breakouts to occur. Also cut down on the amount of sugar and caffeine you consume!Instead indulge in foods such as almonds, blueberries, avocados and kidney beans as they are among a range of foods which may help to reduce and prevent inflammation. Stress less Sounds easier said than done I know, we all have those days, weeks, months even where we are super stressed but said stress can lead to acne flare ups!This is because stress-related hormone CRH can bind to receptors in the skin's sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Excess oil production can then cause pimples. So, if you keep breaking out and just can't understand why, stress might be to blame, so try to relax!Try listening to relaxation music or meditate. Also, something as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath every evening can really help. Exercise is also imperative! While exercising will increase blood flow, helping nourish skin cells and keeping them vital, it has also been accountable for reducing stress-related acne. Keep your phone clean! And your pillowcase too! Yup, a sudden breakout can be from something as simple as your phone or pillowcase (well anything that touches your face really that could be hosts for harmful bacteria!) And anytime you hold your phone to your face or lie on your pillowcase you are spreading the bacteria to your skin. So, if you haven’t done so for a while, try sanitizing your phone screen and wash that pillowcase of yours more often, it could make a big difference to your skin. Use mineral makeup Makeup can be a real trigger for pesky pimples. Especially if it’s full of pore clogging ingredients and oils. If you have acne, you are likely going to want to try and conceal it without exacerbating the condition, this is where mineral makeup will become your best friend! Each product in the ELES Mineral Makeup range is free of skin irritants and pore clogging nasties and instead are rich in skin nourishing and nurturing ingredients that will not only allow skin to breathe freely but will help to improve its condition too!Our favourite? The ELES best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. But if you love powder, the Mineral Powder Foundation is pretty outstanding too, especially if your skin is a little on the sensitive side. Choose skincare wisely You might well love your moisturiser but if it’s too rich for your skin it could well be doing more bad than good. Choosing skincare specifically designed to counteract acne is imperative. You want to make sure your products are formulated with acne-fighting ingredients including powerhouse salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This is because salicylic acid dissolves the bonds that hold dull, dead skin cells on the surface of the skin so the skin will gently shed, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath, while super ingredient Benzoyl peroxide is helpful for treating acne not only because it kills bacteria that contribute to acne, but because it helps prevent and clear out clogged pores too!Try;Medicalia Clarifying CleanserThe key to fighting persistent breakouts is to find a high-impact cleansing product that will help to clear up your skin while thoroughly cleaning it.Formulated with both lactic and salicylic acids to deeply penetrate pores, remove dead skin cells, and eliminate toxins, surface bacteria, and makeup, Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser is a must! It provides skin with a super gentle lather that won’t dry out the skin like some acne treatments do!Pevonia Soothing Propolis ConcentrateIf you’re a sufferer of reactive, sensitive or acne prone skin a soothing serum could be your new go-to if it’s not already! Pevonia’s Soothing Propolis Concentrate is a beautiful rich gel-like serum with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties! It combines calming lavender, vetiver oil and a high concentration of healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France to desensitize, decongest, heal, strengthen, and really enrich skin! Outstanding stuff!Pevonia Problematic Skincare Cream You might be thinking that applying a moisturiser is counterintuitive if you have acne prone skin? After all you’d do everything in your power to keep oiliness away right? The thing is not all acne-prone skin is oily, in fact, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, basically any skin can be prone to breakouts as well! Whatever your skin, moisturising is an essential step in every skincare routine, after all they protect the skin’s barrier function and can even help soothe and prevent acne if done correctly.The experts at BC can’t get enough of Pevonia’s Problematic Skincare Cream rich in Glycolic Acid. It works amazingly on problematic skin reducing overall breakouts while leaving your complexion soft, supple and pores clog-free!Phytomer Oligopur Blemish Target GelWhen a pimple rears its head, a potent spot correction treatment will encourage rapid healing by controlling bacteria, reducing inflammation, and diminishing the follicular accumulation of keratin. Try Phytomer’s’ Oligopur Blemish Target Gel, it’s a phenomenal spot treatment which targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimple and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion.
This is BC’s most raved about makeup product right now
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 22 2022
When it comes to beauty, there is nothing quite like finding that holy grail makeup product. You know, that miracle multi-tasker that can totally transform your skin from blemished to flawless in one fell swoop? Well here at BC, we like to think we have a few of those, but then again we are a little biased, after all, we personally handpicked our brands and products to provide the best results for our customers, but when it comes to those customers it’s their personal reviews that speak volumes, and the makeup product that so many are raving about right now is the ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30. Oh, and I’ve jumped right on the bandwagon with them!I’m guessing you’ve heard of the infamous BB Cream? But do you really understand its benefits or why you should invest in one yourself? Well, I’m here to give you the low down on the ELES beauty balm and how it can (and will!) totally transform your skin.Formulated with skincare benefits that include hydration, anti-ageing properties, and sun protection (thanks to its broad-spectrum SPF 30), this true multi-tasker primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out skin tone! It really is a quick and easy way to conceal, smooth and brighten your skin without caking on layers of makeup, and upon application, skin immediately appears more uniform, hydrated, and luminous.Also, thanks to its skin-loving, hydrating, and anti-ageing ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age-defying peptides, over time, the ELES BB Cream will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! Skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step! How good is that? What’s more you’ll feel (and look!) as though you aren’t even wearing makeup thanks to its natural, flawless finish.Finally, it can be applied alone as your moisturiser, primer and foundation in one, or after your moisturiser if your skin is feeling a little bit parched. And it’s suitable for all skin types!So, if you’re a busy mum on the go like me, you’re simply looking to simplify the products in your morning routine, or for days when you want a little coverage but don’t have time to apply a full face of makeup, then this ELES Age Defying BB Cream is a must!Still a little sceptical? Here are just a few reviews from our customers…“This is my favourite make-up. It has very natural colours, is as smooth as silk and has a sunscreen which is so important in Australia. I discovered the make-up about 10 years ago and have used nothing else since.” Gael Meadowcroft“Great coverage BB cream with SPF so it covers all bases. Makes my skin look gorgeous and glowy and feel hydrated all day!” Cassy McKenna“This is hands down the best BB Cream I have ever used and I have tried a fair few in my time! It really does make my skin appear flawless and luminous.” Jo B“I have used a few BB creams before and this one by ELES is by far the best. A little bit goes a long way and the coverage is great. I wear it as a foundation and it looks really natural. I love it!” Jennifer Arnold“I have been using this BB cream for about 5+ years and its incredible. Gives me the best glow and can add more product for a bit more coverage. Highly recommend :)” Tania Da Silva“Absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my Face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.” Krystle Wigley
MILIA: What are they and how do you get rid of them?
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 16 2022
UPDATED If you’re currently experiencing small, whitish bumps on your face, mainly on your cheeks, nose or around your eye area, you could be suffering from milia.Also known as ‘milk spots’ (although nothing to do with the amount of milk you’ve been consuming!), milia, while commonly associated with newborn babies, can frequently occur in adults too. They are often mistaken for whiteheads but are in fact keratin-filled cysts that form under the skin. Keratin? (You might be thinking since it’s likely you associate this protein with haircare) helps form our hair and nails but also makes up our skin’s outermost layer too! The problem is when keratin builds up, it hardens and becomes trapped which is when milia are formed.Fortunately, there are a number of steps we can take to get rid of milia, as well as prevent them from returning too! Firstly, though it’s important to understand what causes milia as well as the two main types you could currently be experiencing.What causes milia?Your body naturally gets rid of dead skin cells by shedding them to make room for new cells to grow and take their place. When the dead skins cells don’t naturally expel, they can get trapped underneath the new cells, they then harden and turn into cysts.What are the two main types of milia? Primary Milia These are small cysts that most commonly occur around the eye area due to skincare used in this area not penetrating properly. Unlike skin on the rest of the face, the eye area has limited blood circulation to filter excess oil – therefore eye creams need to be very lightweight and easily absorbed.Primary milia can also be found on your forehead and cheeks. Secondary Milia Although they look similar to primary milia, secondary milia develops when something clogs the sweat ducts. This is usually caused by some kind of skin trauma or infection, (such as laser treatments or chemical peels or even cold sores), or contributing lifestyle factors, including lack of sleep, smoking, poor personal hygiene, using oil-based beauty products in excess, and long-term steroid use. What are the best milia treatment options?First up, forget squeezing. Remember milia are not whiteheads (although you shouldn’t squeeze any spots really!) they are instead stubborn cysts so squeezing (whether it be with your bare fingers, nails or any tools!) will only irritate and cause damage to the skin and without being able to remove the problem! Instead, you are best to wait it out (yes milia can simply disappear on their own but this can take TIME) or you can take the pro route – milia removal. This usually requires an incision, especially when the cysts are deep below the skin’s surface, typically, it’s a quick and painless in-clinic procedure. Depending on the dermatologist or skin expert, they should be able to get rid of the milia using a lancing tool or needle. They will gently flick up the outer most surface of skin freeing the milia and enabling it wiggle it out like a tiny chalk ball. Sounds horribly satisfying! How can you prevent milia from returning?As ever with skincare, prevention is better than cure (there’s no needles involved, for one), so try these suggestions if milia are a recurring concern for you. Cleanse thoroughly every day Removing your make-up thoroughly before bed is essential, and if you’re not already try double cleansing in the evenings, particularly if you wear heavy make-up and/or live in a polluted area. The first cleanse removes your make-up, SPF and sebum (use something like an oil cleanser to melt make-up, we recommend the ELES Transformation Oil Cleanser), and the second – which is where your facial massage comes into play – should remove any further impurities and treat the skin. We love Pevonia’s CleanRefresh Foaming Cleanser. Exfoliate skin with the best acid exfoliators (formulated with AHA and BHA’s) Regular exfoliation works wonders in preventing milia, in fact the most effective way to keep milia at bay is to encourage cell turn over! Look exfoliators formulated with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Apply at least three times a week, paying special attention to areas of milia. Try: Pevonia Glycocides Cream or Vie Collection Glyco 10 on freshly cleansed skin in the evening. You won’t be disappointed!If you have sensitive skin, or prefer manual exfoliation, try using a gentle scrub a few times a week such as the Phytomer Marine Scrub or Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. This way you’ll keep the dead skin cell build-up at bay and your pores tight and clean. Use a retinol cream Retinol is also very helpful for both fighting and preventing milia. This form of vitamin A assists skin cell turn over, allowing the milia to surface and preventing the build-up of dead cells leading to the cysts in the first place. Try: Pevonia Micro Retinol Serum and Pevonia Micro Retinol Cream or Vie Collection Retinopur Fluid. Choose your eye cream carefully Skin under the eyes can be prone to puffiness if fluid builds up there, especially with aesthetic interventions which limit muscle movements [such as Botox] and lymph circulation. This, coupled with rich products loaded onto the thin skin with limited blood circulation is a recipe for clogging. Therefore, it’s vital to use lightweight eye creams, and ensure they penetrate effectively. Try: Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye Gel or Vie Collection Chrono Eyes puffiness dark circles. Wear sunscreen religiously! While this is already a must to reduce the risk of premature ageing, sun damage can also be a contributing factor of secondary milia. Also make sure you wear a hat, and sunglasses. Consider making some lifestyle changes Limit your intake of cholesterol-rich foods (meat, eggs, etc) and instead stock up on good sources of essential fatty acids such as oily fish, flax seeds, olive oil (unheated), avocados and linseeds. Incorporate vitamin D supplements into your daily routine and avoid heavy oil-based skincare or make-up products. Instead opt for mineral makeup which will allow skin to breath freely.
Rosacea vs eczema: What’s the difference?
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 08 2022
Are you suffering from red, inflamed or itchy skin? Dry scaly patches perhaps? Or pustules even? If you answered yes to any of the above, you could be suffering from one of two inflammatory skin conditions – rosacea or eczema, but before being able to treat it, it’s important to understand which one you have!From intermittent flare-ups to skin redness and irritation, both rosacea and eczema can be easily confused, yet both disorders have a number of different triggers and therefore need to be treated in different ways. But how exactly are you supposed to diagnose which of you two you might have? We talked to Beauty Collectives’ Director of Education to find out everything there is to know about the two.What is rosacea? Rosacea is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions which unlike eczema mostly affects the face. Rosacea typically occurs in adults over 30, and while more common in women, men who suffer from the disorder tend to experience more obvious symptoms.What are rosacea symptoms?Signs and symptoms of rosacea include facial flushing which may resemble a blush or sunburn. This can be persistent. This redness mainly occurs on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and tends to come and go. It can also be accompanied by a sense of heat, warmth or burning.Occasionally rosacea causes papules and pustules to appear which can be confused for acne. And for many people with rosacea, prominent small blood vessels called telangiectasia become visible on the cheeks, nasal bridge and other areas of the central face.Finally, but a much less common symptom – your skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose (known as rhinophyma).What causes rosacea?While the cause of rosacea is unknown there are lifestyle and environmental factors which can affect its severity from sunlight to weather changes, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and more.How to get rid of rosacea permanentlySadly, eliminating rosacea altogether is an impossibility, but you can keep symptoms at bay, you just need to be religious about maintaining a good skincare routine using targeted rosacea treatments and by making adjustments to your lifestyle; Avoid sun exposure Unfortunately. sun exposure is the most common trigger for rosacea. While we may all love long days at the beach, if you suffer from rosacea your skin sadly will pay a price. Not only can sunburn make flare-ups even worse, the heat from the sun can also increase your body temperature which in turn dilates blood vessels and triggers inflammation. Relax more, stress less Stress and anxiety can cause rosacea symptoms to worsen, so some stress management techniques will be imperative. Make sure to get plenty of rest where you can as well as practice mindfulness, as this can really help combat the stress-inducing effects of negative thinking.There are several methods for increasing mindfulness a few of which include, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and yoga.And don’t forget to practice deep breathing when you feel anxiety creeping up. Eliminate any hot, spicy foods from your diet These are two big rosacea triggers for some, so it’s best to steer clear from things like horseradish dip and hot sauce when you’re drinking alcohol as heat dilates the blood vessels in the skin, and since hot foods generate heat, peppers are a big no-no! Reduce your alcohol consumption While you might well love that glass of wine of an evening, sadly it can trigger or potentially worsen any facial redness. Introduce skincare specifically designed to combat rosacea Look for products such as rosacea serum formulated with calming and soothing ingredients like green tea, licorice extract, chamomile extract, and French rose extract. Try Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 rosacea skincare line – a soothing, calming and irritant free collection that not only alleviates redness and discomfort but also helps create a healthy skin barrier. Never skimp on your sunscreen Despite avoiding sun exposure where feasible, it’s not possible to completely steer clear, so wearing SPF daily is a necessity. Just opt for sensitive skin formulations that won’t aggravate your rosacea.Or for the best colour correcting makeup for rosacea that’s also formulated with SPF try ELES Cosmetics Luminous CC Cream 20. Perfect for those with skin sensitivities like rosacea, it’s lightweight, oil-free, hypoallergenic and paraben free, and while it’s technically not a foundation, the full coverage pigments cover redness and other rosacea symptoms flawlessly. You can also try light and laser therapy To reduce rosacea symptoms and use both topical and oral medications from your doctor if symptoms are really aggressive.What is eczema?Otherwise known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a very common anti-inflammatory skin disorder, more evident in young children, but also apparent in adults too.What are eczema symptoms?Eczema typically presents with a dry, cracked, red, itchy skin that may be scaly and/or bumpy. Fluid-filled blisters can also form.Eczema most often occurs on the inside of the elbows, the knees, hands, feed, upper chest, neck and sometimes on the face.What causes eczema?Eczema is caused by a combination of genetics, stress and immune system activation. When you suffer from eczema your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin.Eczema can come and go but certain fabrics, soaps, and detergents as well as the environments and certain foods can really cause flare ups. Changes in weather can contribute to dry and eczema prone skin.How to get rid of eczema permanently As with rosacea, it’s not possible to totally cure eczema, but you can effectively manage symptoms by following a few essential steps; Avoid foods that can trigger eczema flare ups These include; refined carbs, processed meats, dairy, citrus fruits, peanuts and soy. Feast on vegetables and fruits that are high in inflammation-fighting flavonoid Such as spinach, kale, broccoli, apples, blueberries, bananas, oranges and cherries (when in season!) these have been found to help improve the overall health of skin and fight inflammatory skin conditions. Do not bathe in hot water Instead, just warm water only. Keep skin moisturised daily with products that will support your skin barrier function Products formulated with shea butter, lanolin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, fatty acids and Niacinamide are best. In some cases topical medication is paramount. See your doctor. If the condition is bad, oral and injectable options are also available Just remember maintaining a healthy skin barrier and avoiding triggers are key to managing symptoms when it comes to both rosacea and eczema.
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