BC Skin Journal

BC Blog

woman thinking, obviously bothered by her thoughts

Why your makeup looks worse in winter and how to fix it

by Jo Boyden on Jul 22 2026
Every winter, it seems to happen to so many of us. Our foundation that looked flawless only weeks before starts to look patchy. Concealer suddenly seems to settle into fine lines we didn’t even know we had! And the powder that usually sets our makeup beautifully suddenly looks… cakey. But what’s changed? Especially when our trusted skincare and makeup routine hasn’t? Unfortunately, winter weather, dry wind, and indoor heating completely change the way our skin behaves and in turn, how our makeup sits on our skin too. Want to know why this is happening and, more importantly, how to fix it? Keep reading…   1. Your skin is drier or more dehydrated than you realise The mistake most people make is keeping the exact same skincare routine year-round without adjusting for the season (I have been guilty myself of this!) That lightweight gel moisturiser you so love, and that's perfect for humid summer months is likely not providing nearly enough hydration in winter, leaving skin parched and uneven by the time you reach for your foundation! Even if your skin doesn't feel particularly dry, winter almost always means less moisture in the skin. Cold air contains less humidity, while indoor heating draws even more moisture away from your complexion. As your skin becomes dehydrated, it loses some of its smooth, plump appearance, leaving foundation with tiny dry areas to cling to. That's why your makeup may suddenly look flaky around your nose, cheeks or forehead, despite using exactly the same products you did a few weeks ago. How to fix it Hydration starts with your skincare. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, marine hydrators, glycerin and ceramides that help both attract, replenish and retain moisture creating a smoother canvas for makeup application. Our top product picks Hubislab Moisture Max Hyaluron 65% Ampoule Featuring a whopping 65% hyaluronic acid complex, this ampoule is a hydration hero (literally) when it comes to your skin, attracting and locking in moisture, helping to plump fine dehydration lines, strengthen the skin barrier and leave your complexion looking smoother, fresher and more radiant. Lightweight and fast absorbing, it creates the perfect hydrated canvas for flawless makeup application. Vie Collection Mesoforce Hydra Revitalizing Cream Inspired by professional mesotherapy treatments, this intensely hydrating cream combines Ceramides 1, 3 & 6 II, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Provitamin B5 and Vitamins C & E to deeply replenish moisture while repairing and strengthening the skin barrier. The result? Skin that feels softer, smoother and more comfortable, with a plumper, healthier-looking complexion that's ready for makeup. Phytomer Hydrasea Thirst Relief Rehydrating Mask And intensive mask that quite literally feeds the skin with deep nourishment. You can literally feel your complexion tighten and plump in nearly and instant and the end result is youthfully restored skin.  2. Dry patches become much more obvious Dry, flaky patches under foundation are one of the most frustrating winter makeup issues, and the instinct to pile on more product to cover them almost always makes things worse! More foundation on a flaky patch just creates a more visible flaky patch! Winter slows down your skin's natural cell turnover, meaning dead skin cells accumulate more easily. These rough patches grab onto foundation, creating those tell-tale flaky areas that no amount of blending seems to fix. How to fix it Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week removes the dead skin cell buildup that creates those flaky patches in the first place, allowing skincare to absorb more effectively and giving your makeup a smoother surface to work with. Gentle exfoliating acids or enzyme exfoliants rather than harsh scrubs are ideal for winter, especially if your skin feels sensitive. Enzyme exfoliants dissolve dead cells without stripping the skin. Our top product picks Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser If dry, flaky skin is causing your foundation to cling in all the wrong places, this gentle exfoliating cleanser is the perfect first step. Formulated with Jojoba Beads, Chamomile and Aloe Vera, it buffs away dull, flaky skin without irritation while soothing and hydrating the complexion. The result is skin that feels softer, smoother and perfectly prepped for makeup application. Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes If your foundation is catching on dry, flaky patches, this gentle enzyme exfoliant is a winter skincare essential! Formulated with Papain (Papaya Enzyme) to dissolve dead skin cells, together with Kaolin Clay, antioxidant Vitamin E and conditioning Laminaria Digitata (Brown Algae) Extract, it smooths rough texture without aggressive scrubbing. The result is softer, more refined skin and a beautifully even canvas that helps makeup glide on effortlessly. Tip: Also avoid setting dry areas with powder, powder on dry skin emphasises texture and dryness rather than concealing it. If you need to set your makeup, use powder only on the areas that genuinely need it (typically the T-zone) and leave drier areas untouched. And apply your foundation with a damp sponge. This temporarily softens and smooths the area, allowing foundation to sit far more evenly.   3. Your concealer looks patchy under your eyes Winter dehydration hits the under-eye area particularly hard (the skin here is the thinnest on the face and has almost no oil glands to help it retain moisture.) The result in winter is concealer that creases almost immediately, settles into fine lines and looks dry and cakey rather than bright and concealing. How to fix it Apply your eye cream first and give it a full minute to absorb before touching your concealer! Then apply a small amount of concealer with your ring finger (the gentlest of all your fingers) using a tapping rather than a rubbing motion. This prevents dragging the delicate skin and helps the product melt into the area rather than sitting on top of it. If creasing is a persistent problem, try applying a tiny amount of hydrating primer or even a dot of hyaluronic acid serum under your concealer before setting. Skip the powder under the eye entirely in winter, instead, gently press the concealer with your ring finger to set it naturally, which gives a more skin-like, less cakey finish. Our top product picks; Pevonia Age Correction Eye Contour This power repair eye contour gives tired, dehydrated eyes the burst of hydration they need! Deeply nourishing and decongesting thanks to its combination of marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, green tea and marine elastin, it firms and smooths skin while visibly reducing puffiness, dark circles and fine lines ELES Dual Action Concealer If your concealer has suddenly started settling into fine lines, this multi-tasking formula is well worth the switch. Infused with Peptides, Caffeine, vitamin C, vitamin e and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, it hydrates and plumps the delicate eye area. It applies so smoothly (even when using your finger) and best of all no caking or sitting in your fine lines and wrinkles! What’s more light-reflecting pigments instantly brighten dark circles, leaving the under-eye area looking smoother, and fresher!  4. Your skin barrier needs extra support Your skin barrier is like your complexion's protective shield. During winter it works overtime defending against cold wind, low humidity and heated indoor environments. When that barrier becomes weakened, moisture escapes more easily and skin becomes rougher, tighter and often more sensitive. Makeup has a much harder time sitting smoothly on compromised skin. How to fix it Focus on repairing your barrier before trying to perfect your makeup. Ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol, squalane and nourishing botanical oils help restore comfort while improving the way foundation sits on the skin. Our top product picks Phytomer Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream When winter leaves your skin feeling dry, tight or easily irritated, this comforting moisturiser helps restore calm and resilience. Formulated with Ceramides, Vitamin B5, Squalane and Shea Butter, it deeply nourishes while strengthening the skin barrier, reducing redness and helping protect against environmental stressors. Silky and luxurious without feeling heavy, it leaves skin feeling soothed, hydrated and beautifully comfortable. And if you are after a little (or should I say a lot of luxury) we can’t recommend enough the; Phytomer Perles Des Mers Longevity Cream If you're looking for the ultimate luxury winter moisturiser, this is it. Rich in Ceramides, Vitamin B3, bio-fermented marine micro-pearls, Chlorella, Brown Algae, Sea Lily and PHYTOMER's iconic Oligomer®, this indulgent balm-like cream combines intensive nourishment with barrier support to restore comfort, hydration, firmness and radiance all in one! It melts beautifully into the skin, leaving even the driest winter complexions looking smoother, healthier and beautifully revitalised. 5. You're rushing your skin prep This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. After applying your skincare, it's tempting to jump straight into foundation. But if your moisturiser or serum hasn't had time to absorb, makeup can slide around, pill or separate throughout the day. Equally, applying foundation onto skin that hasn't been moisturised enough can leave it looking flat and patchy almost immediately. How to fix it Allow your skincare to absorb for five to ten minutes before applying makeup. If your skin still feels tight, add another light layer of moisturiser rather than piling on more foundation.   6. You're skipping primer (or using the wrong one) If you're not using a primer this winter, now is the time to start! And if you are using one, it might be time to switch to a formula better suited to the season! Mattifying primers (brilliant in summer for controlling shine) can actually exacerbate dry patches in winter, drawing moisture away from already dehydrated skin and creating an even flakier base for foundation. What your skin needs instead is a hydrating, skin-conditioning primer that smooths the surface, fills in fine lines and creates a comfortable, plump base for makeup to adhere to. Product picks Retexture Crème Face Primer It’s a soothing, lightweight serum-like primer that protects, conditions, smooths and blurs imperfections, while deeply hydrating and calming the skin at the same time. It's enriched with aloe, chamomile, witch hazel and marigold, making it genuinely skin-caring rather than just a makeup step and in winter, that distinction matters enormously. Think of your primer as the bridge between your skincare and your makeup. Get this step right and everything that goes on top performs significantly better. If your skin is particularly dry, you may even find you need less foundation once your primer is doing its job properly. 7. Your foundation formula may need changing You’ve likely become loyal to your foundation, just as we do with our skincare but a matte or long-wear formula that performs beautifully during humid summer months may suddenly feel too drying during winter. For winter, it’s best to use a foundation with a satin or dewy finish rather than matte, as these are more forgiving on drier skin and less likely to emphasise texture. Formulas containing hydrating ingredients (again hyaluronic acid, glycerin, botanical oils) that actively moisturise the skin while you wear them, rather than sitting on top of it. Product picks ELES HD Mineral Satin Foundation SPF15 Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Green Tea and Marigold Extract, this lightweight mineral foundation helps keep skin comfortable and hydrated while delivering buildable coverage with a beautiful satin finish. Light-reflecting mineral pigments softly blur pores and imperfections, leaving your complexion looking smooth, fresh and naturally radiant all day. ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint SPF15 Perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more natural finish, this mineral skin tint delivers sheer, buildable coverage with a healthy, dewy glow. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Glycerin and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts including Pomegranate, Sea Buckthorn, Kiwi and Cucumber, it hydrates and nourishes the skin while evening out the complexion. Mineral SPF15 provides everyday protection, making it the perfect choice when your winter skin needs a little extra moisture and radiance without feeling heavy. Both of our recommended foundations provide beautiful coverage while maintaining a more natural, radiant finish that's particularly flattering during the cooler months. That said, you don't necessarily need to replace your foundation altogether, you could just try and mix a drop of hydrating serum for a softer finish. If you find your usual foundation is still looking patchy despite good prep, try applying it with a damp beauty sponge rather than a brush. A damp sponge sheers out the product more evenly, deposits less into fine lines and dry patches, and gives a more natural, skin-like finish that's particularly flattering on winter skin.   8. Less really is more When your makeup doesn't look quite right, it's easy to keep adding more product. More foundation.More concealer.More powder. Unfortunately, every extra layer only emphasises texture, dryness and fine lines. Instead, focus on beautifully prepared skin and apply thin, lightweight layers where you actually need them. You'll often achieve a far more natural, youthful-looking result.   A few final winter makeup tips worth knowing Don't skip SPF. It feels counterintuitive in winter but UV exposure continues year-round and is one of the biggest drivers of the uneven, dull skin tone that makes foundation look worse. An SPF underneath your makeup is non-negotiable. Mist throughout the day. A hydrating facial mist spritzed over your finished makeup not only refreshes your look midday but adds a layer of hydration that helps everything sit better. Look for one with hyaluronic acid or rosewater rather than a setting spray, which can be drying. Less powder, more pressing. In winter, powder is your makeup's enemy. Use as little as possible, apply only where you genuinely need it, and press rather than sweep it on to avoid disturbing the layers underneath. Warm your products before applying. Cold foundation applied straight from a cool bathroom applies less evenly than product that's been warmed slightly between your fingertips first. A small thing that makes a noticeable difference.   If your makeup has suddenly started looking dry, patchy or cakey this winter, don't be too quick to replace every product in your makeup bag. More often than not, your skin is simply asking for a little extra care. By boosting hydration, supporting your skin barrier, gently exfoliating and taking a little more time with your skin prep, you'll create the smooth canvas your makeup needs to perform at its best!
Makeup that does more: New skincare-infused foundations from ELES

Makeup that does more: New skincare-infused foundations from ELES

by Jo Boyden on Feb 13 2026
Foundation isn’t just about coverage anymore. We want more! More glow. More protection. More skin benefits! Cue the new ELES Mineral Foundations. 3 skincare-makeup hybrids that combine mineral SPF, powerhouse antioxidants, anti-ageing actives and barrier supporting ingredients that don’t just perfect your skin but visibly improve it too! Sound like something you need in your life? Keep reading to find out more.   The foundations for every skin concern These next-generation, high performance foundations are loaded with skincare benefits thanks to their formulation of potent ingredients including kakadu plum extract that is exceptionally rich in vitamin c, hydration hero hyaluronic acid, antioxidant rich marigold extract, zinc oxide & titanium dioxide, two gentle mineral sunscreens that protect against UV damage while calming and strengthening the skin barrier and more! Plus, they are made in Australia, are vegan, are cruelty-free, talc-free and fragrance-free, and each formula has been designed for oily, dry, sensitive and environmentally stressed skin! In short, these foundations blend clean beauty with anti-ageing ingredients to create breathable (no pore clogging in sight!) skin-like finishes that protect, nurture and enhance skin long after application!   The best foundation for dry, dehydrated skin ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint SPF 15 If your skin tends to be dry, dehydrated or dull and you love a more dewy finish this is the new foundation for you! This hydrating foundation with hyaluronic acid is the ultimate skin tint with SPF in one. Lightweight, silky and luminous, it delivers sheer-to-buildable coverage while keeping skin plump, smooth and radiant throughout the day. While it’s perfect for those with dry or dehydrated skin wanting that youthful glow it’s also a great tinted sunscreen for sensitive skin, protecting and perfecting. Titanium dioxide provides gentle and non-irritating broad-spectrum protection. Hyaluronic acid and squalane maintain hydration, while antioxidant botanicals including pomegranate, sea buckthorn, kiwi and cucumber revive tired-looking skin. It’s your 3-in-1 tinted SPF! Skincare, sun protection and makeup rolled into one outstanding multi-tasking foundation. It really is the best lightweight foundation for everyday wear that provides a flawless finish. I know I’m biased but can you tell I’m already in love! Best Foundation for oily or combination Skin ELES Mineral Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 Prefer more coverage but still want it to look like your skin? This is your perfect match! This liquid mineral foundation delivers medium-to-full buildable coverage with a soft, powder finish that never feels heavy. It glides on effortlessly and sets to a refined, natural-looking complexion that lasts from morning to night! It’s formulated with Zinc Oxide SPF 15, hyaluronic acid, squalane and jojoba esters, and it hydrates skin while helping to regulate balance! What’s more green tea and marigold extracts protect and calm your skins, while kaolin clay and rice powder absorb excess oil and blur pores. It’s genius! It’s the perfect natural-looking foundation, polished, breathable and long-wearing, without congestion. Best Foundation for Sensitive or Reactive Skin ELES Mineral SkinPerfect Powder Foundation SPF 15 For those who love a pressed powder foundation with real coverage, this one truly lives up to its name! This pro mineral powder foundation perfects, protects and delivers an airbrushed finish with lasting wear. Silky and weightless, it smooths texture, blurs imperfections and controls shine, without drying or irritation! Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide provide gentle broad-spectrum mineral SPF 15 protection while calming the skin and supporting barrier function. A powerful antioxidant blend of Kakadu Plum, Pomegranate and Bilberry helps brighten and defend against environmental stress. It’s hypoallergenic, talc-free, fragrance-free and non-toxic, making it ideal for sensitive skin that still wants coverage. It really is the perfect skin-perfecting foundation! Your mineral powder foundation with sunscreen! Whether you prefer luminous glow, buildable liquid coverage or an airbrushed powder finish, there’s a new-generation foundation designed for your skin type, not just your shade. Your skincare-makeup hybrid!
Meet your latest obsession: 8 new products we know you’ll love

Meet your latest obsession: 8 new products we know you’ll love

by Jo Boyden on Sep 05 2025
If you're looking to update your routine with products that genuinely deliver you’ve come to the right place! At BC we’ve been busy testing the latest innovations to bring you a short list of 8 brand-new products that we know you are going to love! Each one carefully chosen for its cutting-edge science, powerhouse ingredients and most importantly visible results!  From glow-boosting skincare to must-have makeup, here’s what deserves your attention now. Trust us, you’ll want to try them all!   Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Moisturizer For all skin types craving intense hydration and plumpness Formulated with Pevonia’s advanced AquaTight™ Technology (a blend of ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, moisture-retaining amino sugars, mineral salts, and skin-repairing actives), this beautifully citrus scented, silky moisturiser delivers deep, lasting moisture without heaviness. Lightweight, yet intensely nourishing, it restores skin’s natural elasticity while smoothing fine lines. It really is the perfect choice if your skin craves hydration, lasting softness and a plumped, radiant look!  Hubislab Minecel Fix Clear Cream For sensitive, mature, or post-treatment skin needing repair and radiance A true multitasker for mature, compromised or sensitive skin, this repairing cream helps calm irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and support healing. Infused with centella asiatica and soothing botanicals, it’s like a rescue remedy in a jar, ideal for those days when your skin needs extra TLC. Phytomer Oligopur Youth Pores Blemishes Wrinkles Targeted Cream For combination skin tackling pores, blemishes, and early signs of ageing Why choose between treating breakouts or wrinkles when you can do both? This genius cream formulated with marine ingredients, works double duty, helping to purify and refine pores, clear blemishes, and smooth fine lines, all while rebalancing the skin! You can expect smoother, clearer, more refined skin with consistent use. It really is perfect for anyone juggling combination skin, adult acne and the first signs of ageing.  Phytomer Oligobooster Invigorating Moisturizing Body Concentrate For anyone craving lightweight, spa-worthy hydration and detox at home This energizing body concentrate is a spa-worthy treat, believe me! Bursting with marine minerals and hydration boosters, it deeply detoxifies, nourishes and revitalises skin leaving it silky-smooth, supple, and refreshed after every application. It’s my new go-to post shower treat, especially when my skin is feeling dull and depleted (which is a lot in the winter months!) Oh, and the lightweight gel-like texture absorbs very quickly (your skin will literally drink it up) with no sticky residue! If you love body moisturising but prefer lightweight formulas to rich creams, you are going to LOVE this!  Phytomer Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Moisturizing Water Mist (Face, Body & Hair) For anyone seeking an instant all-over refreshing, hydration boost This ultra-light mist is a refreshing multitasker formulated to hydrate, soothe, and energize your face, body and even your hair! Formulated with Phytomer’s iconic Oligomer® seawater concentrate it hydrates with a sensorial burst of freshness (the scent is subtle and uplifting!) making it a fantastic pick-me-up throughout the day.   Vie Collection Vita E Ferulic Concentrated Solution For anyone wanting to prevent premature ageing and boost radiance This antioxidant powerhouse is like a shield for your skin. With ferulic acid and vitamin E working together, it targets free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and boosts radiance. Over time, it helps soften fine lines and keep skin looking luminous and youthful too! It’s a must-have for anyone who is serious about antioxidant protection and age prevention!  Vie Collection Hydra Volume Lip Plumping Serum For dry, thinning lips that need hydration, definition and volume within the needles!   If you’re worried about your lips getting thinning and dehydrated with age (like so many of us) you are going to love this new product! Formulated with a trio of hyaluronic acids and Lipoplump oil, this lightweight serum instantly hydrates and plumps lips while smoothing their surface for a fuller, more youthful look. It’s perfect for those who want fuller-looking lips without the sting of traditional plumpers. Wear it alone or under lipstick for a soft, pillowy finish.  ELES Satin Illuminator For all skin tones seeking radiant, natural-looking luminosity. Ideal for all skin tones, this lightweight power illuminator is your shortcut to radiant skin in seconds. The silky formula blends seamlessly into foundation or can be tapped directly onto cheekbones, brow bones, or cupid’s bow for instant luminosity. Subtle yet stunning, it’s perfect for creating that coveted lit-from-within look.  These new launches are proof that investing in the right products can truly transform your beauty routine. Whether you’re refreshing tired skin, plumping your pout, or chasing that just-back-from-the-spa radiance, these picks will deliver the results you’ve been waiting for. For all new product launches from Beauty Collective click here.
Expert approved: The best makeup for rosacea

Expert approved: The best makeup for rosacea

by Jo Boyden on Apr 04 2025
If you suffer from rosacea, you’ll know your sensitive skin needs extra care and that includes the makeup you use too. The wrong products and ingredients can trigger redness and facial flare ups leaving your skin even more sensitive than before! But with the right formulas (we are talking gentle, nurturing and calming makeup designed for sensitive skin) you can achieve a flawless finish without any irritation at all! Whether you’ve been searching for a lightweight foundation, a soothing concealer or the perfect finishing powder, we’ve put together our top 5 expert approved products and tips for rosacea so you can keep your skin looking flawless day after day while maintaining a calm and comfortable complexion too.   1. A face primer can really make a difference If you have rosacea, using a face primer can make a huge difference to your makeup routine. A good primer creates a smooth base, helping to reduce redness and even out skin texture before applying foundation. It also acts as a barrier, protecting sensitive skin from potential irritants in makeup while locking in hydration. Plus, a primer ensures your makeup lasts longer, preventing it from settling into dry patches or emphasizing redness throughout the day. We love the ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer. It’s a deeply soothing liquid-cream made with Aloe Vera leaf extract, Roman Chamomile, Witch Hazel, Calendula, Mallow Flower and Centaurea Cyanus Flower extract, that work together to calm inflammation and strengthen the skin’s barrier, leaving it with the smoothest sensation. It also soothes, hydrates, retexturizes and refines, so foundation applies effortlessly and stays put for hours! 2. Go mineral When 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. A mineral powder is the best choice as its ingredients are usually non-irritating. Apply with your fingers tips or a brush rather than a sponge, which can harbour more bacteria. We can’t recommend enough the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation. It contains zero chemical nasties, instead, it’s packed with skin loving ingredients and can be used as a buildable foundation from natural sheer to polished opaque (dependant on what you need) and it’s highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, working wonders at camouflaging facial redness while protecting skin against ultraviolet damage too! A brilliant foundation for rosacea, its mineral formula is breathable, protective, and heals skin conditions as you wear it. The coverage lasts longer and feels lighter than other foundations, giving the impression that you are not wearing make-up at all! I personally LOVE it.  3. When it comes to foundation, go breathable and lightweight! If you love a more full coverage look when it comes to your foundation make sure you go for a breathable, lightweight liquid formula like the best-selling ELES Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation! It quite literally glides onto skin effortlessly, thanks to its silky liquid formulation, yet sets to a soft powder finish which lasts all day. It looks totally natural on application yet covers up facial redness and blemishes beautifully, what’s more it’s breathable which means it won’t clog pores, provides the sunscreen and antioxidant protection that ultrasensitive skin needs, and is formulated with skin-loving ingredients which means it not only conceals skin but protects it throughout the day too! Genius!  4. Always set your makeup Using a baked finishing powder is a great way to set your makeup without irritating your skin. Unlike loose finishing powders, baked powders have a finely milled, lightweight texture that won’t cling to dry patches or emphasize redness. They provide a soft, natural finish that helps blur imperfections while allowing your skin to breathe. Try the best-selling ELES Baked Finishing Powder. It is formulated with a multitude of ingredients that offer a nourishing and soothing effect, making it ideal for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. This palette of gorgeous glowing warm tones also acts like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow” in seconds. 5. Don’t forget to blush! You might think blush would be the last thing you should apply after concealing any facial redness but by using the right shade it’ll actually distract the eye from problem areas and enhance your complexion for the better. Select softer peachy tones rather than the darker pink or red shades. Our top pick is the ELES Baked Blush. It’s pigmented but also full of skin loving goodness.  Just remember when it comes to makeup for rosacea, start with a light layer and build up coverage as needed. Less is usually more when it comes to rosacea skin because too much makeup can cause irritation.
eyelash tips for mature woman

Mascara hacks: eyelash tips for mature woman

by Jo Boyden on May 17 2023
Mascara! My go-to beauty product (in fact I wouldn’t leave the house without wearing it!) and one of the most popular beauty products out there! But why do we all love it so? Because mascara is a quick and easy way to make our lashes longer and our eyes to pop, while enhancing our overall look too! Plus it’s no secret that beautiful eyelashes can make you look and feel both prettier, and younger! But as we age, our eye lashes age too! So you might find that the mascara you’ve been loving for all those years suddenly isn’t preforming as it once was, and your lashes just aren’t as full and voluminous as before. Fear not, there are plenty of hacks and tricks you can use to make your lashes look fuller and longer. Here’s a few tips to get you started… Choose the right mascara formula As we age, our lashes tend to become thinner and more brittle, so it's important to choose a mascara formula that will nourish and protect your lashes. Look for mascaras that contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, panthenol, and biotin, and be sure to steer clear from non-hypoallergenic mascaras (ones that contain preservatives) as these can irritate your eyes, making you rub them more frequently which results in lash loss! (And the last thing we want to do is loose what precious lashes we have!)Try: ELES NEW Lush Mascara Be wary of using waterproof mascara daily If you are over looking at panda eyes in the mirror every afternoon you may have well turned to waterproof mascara (because less smudging and smearing of course), however waterproof mascara can be a nightmare to remove (cue extra rubbing of eyes when trying to remove – which can age the delicate eye area!) and the formulation itself can be harsher on your eyes causing lashes to dry out and be more prone to breakage.Instead, where possible use water-soluble long wear mascaras, and 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. Layoff the false lashes If lashes are sparse, you might be loving the idea of your false ones. The thing is many false lashes come with cheap adhesives. Pulling them out leads to broken and damaged lashes. For women over 50, this means more lash problems. Eek. Curl your eye lashes but not with an eyelash curler We’ve been told to curl our lashes with an eyelash curler to create more volume and lift for our lashes, but this isn’t actually a good option as we get older as an eyelash curler can create more damage than good and cause already weakened 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.You can even use something as simple as your finger to curl your lashes too! 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. Layer your mascara If you love your volumizing mascara but wish you could get a little more length to your lashes you could try layering. Start with a coat of lengthening mascara to define your lashes, then follow up with a coat of volumizing mascara to add fullness. Wiggle your mascara wand When applying mascara, wiggle the brush back and forth at the roots of the lashes to saturate the mascara at the base, then pull upward to the tips. This creates the appearance of thickness and volume and adds length without a clumpy mess. Don’t forget your lower lashes Many women focus all their attention on their upper lashes and leave the bottom lashes mascara free! The thing is applying mascara to your lower lashes can help create a more youthful wide-eyed, wide-awake look! Stop using expired mascara Like with anything, your mascara expires, and when it does, you need to throw it out and buy another! Even if you think it’s got a few more weeks or months in it. Not only can expired mascara be more difficult to apply to lashes without clumping or flaking, it can also compromise its ability to add length and volume to eyelashes, and can spark lash loss (and we don’t want to be loosing any more lashes than necessary do we!) This is because every time you use your mascara, you are pumping air into the wand, this creates bacteria! And bacteria in your mascara can lead to irritation and eye infections when applied...cue itchy eyes and rubbing!The average life of a mascara once used for the first time is 3 months, so if you are using your mascara everyday be sure to take note of when the 3-month mark is up! Don’t pump the wand when applying mascara It’s so easy to pump the wand when you are about to apply your mascara, hey I’ve been guilty of this many a time, after all many of us are under the impression that this will help coat the brush with the right amount of product, but by doing this you can let air into the tube which in turn will dry out the mascara prematurely. Instead twist the wand back and forth while pulling it out of the tube. This will help coat the brush evenly without wasting product and enable the mascara to last that little bit longer! Use a spoon (or card of some sort) to prevent smudging mascara If you are prone to getting mascara on your eyelids (and we’ve all been there) it’s easy to reach for a cotton tip to wipe it away, however the constant pulling of the skin using cotton tips on your delicate eyelid can actually damage already ageing eyes so it’s best to use a spoon or card of some sort (can try a business card) as a shield! Hold it up against your eyelid and then apply your mascara. This will help prevent smudges and keep your makeup looking clean.Whether you’re looking for fuller, longer lashes or just want to prevent smudges and clumps, these tips and tricks can help you achieve the look you want. So go ahead and give them a try – your lashes will thank you!
ageing eyes beauty tips

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.
Beauty Collective Eyeshadow

Understand what eyeshadow colours are best for you and how to apply them like a pro!

by Jo Boyden on Mar 04 2022
Applying eyeshadow is an art form so, getting it perfect isn’t always easy, in fact many of us get it wrong or simply have no idea how to apply eyeshadow at all! The good news is you don’t have to be a beauty guru to master your eyeshadow look, with the right tools, a little practice, and the following key tips, you’ll be applying it like a pro in next to no time! Learn which eyeshadow shades are best for your eye colour If you want to use a coloured eyeshadow to enhance your eyes, the first thing you should consider is the colour of your eyes! Certain shades of eyeshadow look best on certain eye colours. For example, bronze and gold best highlight blue and light brown eyes, while violets pop with green eyes. Here’s a little more info to help you select your shades;Best for blue eyes: Copper, peach and orange-based eyeshadowsBest for brown eyes: Cobalt blue, navy, purple and indigo shadesBest for green eyes: Wine-tones, purples and berry huesAlso get familiar with our colour wheel. The most flattering shade tends to be the one that sits directly opposite your eye colour on the wheel! Select your 3 eyeshadow shades Once you’ve deciphered what the best shades will be for you, you’ll need to select your colours and when it comes to how to apply eyeshadow correctly, three shades are better than one! You’ll need a light shade (for a highlighter), a medium shade (the transition colour) and a dark shade (to contour.)An easy way to find three eyeshadows that look flattering when worn together is to invest in an eyeshadow palette. Palettes offer you the colours you need right in one convenient product. Try the ELES Build your own 3-well Shadow Palette. You simply select three eye shadow inserts from a huge array of options, creating the triple colour combo that’s perfect for you! And Beauty Collective insert them into your perfect palette. The shadows sweep over eyelids without creasing or fading, while reflecting light away from dark circles and fine lines. They can be applied dry for soft, low-key shadings, or wet for more vibrant effects. What’s more they come available in a range of matte and pearlized shades in single inserts so you can mix and match colours as you wish. All you need to do is blend!For the month of March, 2022, Beauty Collective are giving away a FREE Blending Brush with every Build Your Own Shadow Palette to make eyeshadow application that much easier.N.B If a palette of three feels limiting to you, you can also pick more shades from a selection of single eyeshadows compacts. Know your brushes! Flawless eyeshadow blending is ALL about the brushes! So make sure you familiarise yourself with the brushes you need to blend like a pro! A dense base shadow brush is great for solid application and applying pigment. A fluffier, blending brush is for softer application, blending and highlighting and a flat definer brush is used along upper and lower lash lines to create an easy, liner effect. Get started! Ready to get to work with your three eyeshadow colours? Follow the steps below to put on multiple eyeshadow shades for a stand-out look.STEP 1 – Take the lightest shade in your palette and apply it over you entire lid, up towards your brow bone using a base shadow brush.STEP 2 – Next using a tapered blending brush apply your medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards.STEP 3 - Use the same brush to apply the dark shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Extend it outwards and upwards to create a smoky effect, then take a larger, blending brush and blend it inwards slightly.N.B The medium shade should always be higher than the dark (contour) shade so be sure not to blend it too high! Also, make sure you apply each of the eyeshadow application steps on both eyes, instead of finishing one eye and then moving on to the other, to give yourself the best shot at getting them even and balanced. The finishing touches Once you’ve finished applying your eyeshadow colours, use your concealer with a small concealer brush to create really crisp edges. You can also apply concealer from the inner corner to the start of the brow as it’ll help to brighten up the eye look and shape.Then it’s onto eyeliner and mascara application! Make sure you have your tools at the ready for any touch ups! We all make mistakes so have the cotton buds a ready! They will allow you to clean up any spillages with precision.Voila! You’ve just applied your eyeshadow like a Beauty Collective pro!
THE NATURALS COLLECTION 1

Mastering eyeshadow application. Why and how you should wear it

by Jo Boyden on Dec 21 2020
Ever been seduced into buying a new eyeshadow palette of tantalising shades only to discover the majority of them are unwearable? Or you simply have no idea where to start when it comes to applying them?Let’s face it, applying eyeshadow correctly, I’m talking multiply layers of varying shades to create stand out eyes, is an art form! So it’s no surprise that many of us either get it wrong or simply shy away from shadow! But wearing eyeshadow correctly can have a big impact on the way we look...and for the better! It has the power to enhance, define and complement your eyes in all but a few simple sweeps, you just need to know how!So read on to discover our top tips and become the master of your own eyeshadow destiny in next to no time. You won’t be disappointed with the results, trust me! Go neutral If you’re starting out on your eyeshadow journey its best to keep things simple. By using just a few neutral shades you can contour your eyes and add depth and dimension in a soft and subtle way. We are in love with the new ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trios. A choice of not one, but four palettes in a combination of three beautiful earth tones to suit everyone! The soft and subtle powder shadows apply smoothly and effortlessly and since they are pigment packed, every shade delivers rich, opaque colour for hours of crease-resistant wear! Use the right brushes! Know those little foam wands or brushes that come in some eyeshadow compacts? Ditch them! They are awful for applying product with precision!Flawless eyeshadow application is ALL in the brushes! So investing in a good eyeshadow brush (or three!) is paramount as it’ll help laydown powder shadows, setting them in place for the day. Opt for a dense base shadow brush to impart colour on the lid first, a blending brush for blending and highlighting and a flat definer brush to line and define your eyes! Don’t worry we are about to tell you how to use them! Apply shadows in the correct order (follow our diagram) Have your palette at the ready but unsure which shade should go where? This handy diagram should become your go to; Lightest ‘highlighting’ colour Medium shadow colour Darkest ‘smokey’ colour Start by applying the lightest shade (a white or nude) from your palette over your entire lid, all the way to the inner corner, using a base shadow brush. You really need this light shadow to perfect your look as it’ll help open up your eyes and make your colour ‘pop’. Just be sure to use your brush in a dabbing not dragging motion though as this is the key to applying ‘streak-less’ shadow!Next use a tapered blending brush to apply a medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards.Use the same brush to apply the dark shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Extend it outwards and upwards to create a smoky effect so to speak, then blend it inwards slightly. Applying this darker shadow slightly beyond your crease is the key to adding real dimension to your eyes.Additional tip: If you want to take your look from day to night up the anti! Don’t let the neutral shades fool you. By dampening your brush you can add intensity, just be sure to apply your foundation after your eyes are finished so any eyeshadow fallout can be easily dusted off. Complete your look Eyeliner, when applied correctly can make your lashes look thicker and your eyes wider. So to complete your look, instead of using an eyeliner, you can use the darkest shade of your shadows to create an impactful, well defined eye. Simple use a flat definer brush and press the dark shadow along the edges of your upper eyelid where your eyelashes begin and along the lower lash line. The finish with lashings of mascara. Yes it’s that simple! And with practice comes perfection.