BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
7 ways makeup can actually improve your mental wellbeing
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 29 2020
While it might have been tempting to forego makeup altogether since #isolife and hey it’s the perfect time to give your skin a break, right? There is no denying the impact makeup can actually have on your wellbeing. When it comes to wearing cosmetics, the benefits go way beyond looks and we are here to explain how;1 It can transform your mood and mindsetIf you’re one of the many currently working from home whilst home-schooling your kids, I’m feeling you. The daily juggle is real and the idea of any time to yourself is almost laughable, but practising self-care at home is imperative, as is maintaining routines where possible!A simple beauty regimen can be so beneficial for those who have a hard time implementing or prioritizing self-care. Setting aside some time and energy for daily makeup application – and we aren’t talking hours, it can be as little as 5-10 minutes – can have a profound effect on your mindset. Taking time out to pop on a little mascara, foundation, concealer and blush even, can help your skin look it’s very best but also greatly elevate your spirits. I personally find getting up in the morning and following the same routine I would if I was still going into the office, is a great motivator! By making myself look presentable I feel better, brighter and so much more productive!2 It can be therapeuticI don’t know about you but those 10 minutes to myself when I can forget about the daily grind or the outside world, and instead just focus on creating my mini makeover, is actually bliss, therapeutic almost. I unfortunately no longer have time for swimming and at-home yoga sessions are few and far between, so my morning makeup routine has become my little self-soothing ritual, especially when the kids have been driving me a wee bit crazy since 7am!3 It can bring out your inner artistYour makeup routine can provide a creative outlet. Whether you’re feeling the minimal makeup vibe or channelling your inner Lady Gaga, with makeup you can be as artistic as you like, no limitations. It can also be a great way to explore different makeup trends and find out which looks work best for you! Nothing like taking this time in isolation to perfect your look for that dinner date or girls night out once lives return to normality.4 It can be fun!Makeup isn’t all about looking presentable, it can be so much fun too! You can play with colours to create looks you never thought possible and for me the only people to judge at the moment are my little minions! Who happen to think any look I don is fab! Phew!Plus if like me your kids find makeup fascinating and are old enough, why not make it into something fun you can share with them too? With kids home 24/7 it’s the perfect time to engage them in makeup play. It provides them with an alternative option to drawing, painting, and doing craft and the looks they create themselves will, in turn, create fun memories forever, I have the photos to prove it!5 It can boost your confidenceIt is fact that wearing makeup can help you cultivate a more polished or even ‘perfected’ version of yourself…so to speak. Concealing any imperfections can increase confidence as well as make you feel more in control of yourself and your skin. And this boost of confidence, in turn, is known to increase productivity. Win Win I say!6 It can improve your skinSay what? Wearing makeup can actually improve your skin? I hear you say. I know this might sound a little ridiculous after all doesn’t the majority of makeup clog your skin? Prevent it from breathing properly? Not if you are using the right makeup products, no!Spending so much time at home in quarantine can have a negative effect on your skin, deplete it of certain essential nutrients and minerals. And while skincare care vastly improve your skin’s appearance, so can your makeup if you opt for formulations with skin nurturing ingredients. By choosing mineral foundations and powers rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, aloe and chamomile, will not only provide your skin with antioxidant protection but also soothe, protect and correct your complexion too! I personally LOVE the ELES Cosmetics best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation for these exact reasons! The coverage is perfect – silky smooth with a matte finish, creating a totally natural flawless complexion, while also protecting and correcting my skin!Also makeup – anything from your lipstick to your highlighter – can be one of the most efficient anti-ageing measures as they offer additional protection for your skin against the sun’s rays and pollution! It’s easy to forget about applying sunscreen to our lips or around our delicate eye area, I know I’m guilty of this! So pigmented eyeshadows and long-lasting lipsticks can actually help with this. The ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick has an instantly nourishing formula, offers both rich colour and long-lasting wear and it deeply conditions lips with vitamins E, A, C, shea butter, avocado and jojoba oils! I can’t get enough of the Nutmeg shade, I have very pale lips so this adds the perfect sheen of much needed colour!7 It can increase longevityPractising self-care such as makeup application comes with both short and long-term health benefits. Makeup routines we now know can raise your mood helping you both behave and think differently. And due to numerous studies it is proven that people with a more positive attitude quite simply live longer!
FORCED STAYCATION - IT'S TIME TO “KONMARI” YOUR MAKEUP
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 17 2020
When was the last time you sorted through your makeup? I mean organised, dusted and decluttered it? Whether it be the selection of products currently sitting on your bathroom vanity or the hoards you’ve accumulated over the years that no longer sees the light of day, by ‘tidying’ your makeup you will also ‘tidy your mindset’, according to globally renowned ‘organising consultant’ (aka ‘tidying expert’) and bestselling author, Marie Kondo.Back in her late teens Marie Kondo created the ‘KonMari’ method, a philosophy which suggests we should all “keep things that speak to the heart and discard items that no longer spark joy.” And now this method has been adopted by people all around the world, transforming their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration! Sold? Read on…Having worked in the cosmetics industry for many years, I have been blessed to not only trial but be gifted with countless products and if I hadn’t have adopted Marie Kondo’s KonMari method myself, I’d have been signed up for the TV show “Hoarders” by now!So if you are one for acquiring a mountain of makeup products, many of which you no longer use but can’t bring yourself to throw them away, now is the perfect time for change! Here are some decluttering Marie Kondo mantras to live your new life by; Commit to sorting ALL your makeup This isn’t a onetime thing but a process that will allow you to enjoy your makeup routine in a whole new way so you need to be committed to tackling the entire task at hand in one go, no matter how tedious a job it is! Unless you apply yourself from start to finish in one fell swoop, you’ll just end up shifting your makeup from one spot to another, accomplishing nothing. I promise once you’ve decluttered all your makeup hoards and completed the organising process you will be motivated to keep it that way! Create a mountain Now you are committed you still need to ensure you don’t just tidy one drawer or bag of makeup at a time if you do it that way you’ll lose both momentum and motivation! Instead, grab every single item of makeup whether on display or hidden in the deep depths of your cupboard and put into one large pile. This way you can really see what you have been clutching onto for all those months, years even! Sort by category It’s time to dive right into the mountain of makeup and organise by category (I found this part rather therapeutic!) The KonMari ‘tidy your home’ method has people starting with the clothing category and then sorting into subcategories such as shirts, skirts etc…this exact same method can be applied to organising your makeup. So put your many lippies into one pile, your mascaras into another and so on… Out with the old, in with the new Once you have categorised your masses of makeup it’s time to discard the products that are old, expired or even those that are unused, or “that no longer give you joy” as Marie Kondo states.So many of us (I really was a sucker for this) tend to cling onto so many material things ‘just in case’ we might need them again. It’s important to be realistic and ask yourself the question “when did I last use this?” if you can’t remember it’s time to toss it!Products such as foundation and concealer will typically last a few years (although once opened beware of bacteria build-up) but products like mascara have a much lesser shelf life so if you haven’t used it for a few months it’s likely time to replace it!By cutting down your collection you will create room for inevitable growth, after all who doesn’t want to get their hands on that new product launch! Just remember though some makeup, while it looks fabulous in the palette, might not look so great on your complexion. Have a little fun, do a little experimenting and choose to keep only the products while make you feel and look your best. Decipher which products bring you joy Now that you’ve eliminated the old and unusable, take those remaining red lipsticks, that shadow palette, your powder blush, in your hand and ask yourself if it sparks joy! If the answer is not really then simply say a Marie Kondo “thank you for your service” mantra and add it to the ‘see you later’ pile. This exercise not only cleans out your beauty bag, drawer or cupboard, it also instills decision-making skills that’ll transfer into other areas of your life. But remember by ‘sparking joy’ we mean how it makes you feel when you wear it, not that when you last wore your sparkly lip gloss at the 2018 Christmas party you had a fun night! Don’t forget your tools! Aside from your makeup products, it’s important to sort through your tools too!Your makeup tools are meant to be washed. Besides bacteria, both brushes and sponges also accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores leading to skin irritation and pesky pimples! Also if you apply your makeup with a dirty bush the end result can be a streaky and patchy complexion! Clean brushes definitely make for a smoother makeup application! Once you have completed your KonMari ritual, the end result will be a clean, well-organised, easily accessible collection and a new improved you!
Self-isolating? It’s time to change up your skincare routine. Here’s why
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 07 2020
In this time of social distancing, many of us are being responsible and choosing to stay home, while this is imperative for our safety remaining indoors for extended periods of time can however impact our skin and in turn lead to skin damage! So use this time in quarantine to get your skincare routine down pat. What worked for your skin weeks ago might now need some tweaking and we are here to tell you why. Spending more time on your phone, laptop or in front of your TV than ever before? Yes siree! But did you know the effect extended amounts of screen time can have on your skin?Unfortunately, your devices (now labelled the silent anti-agers of our generation!) emit ‘blue light’. This light creates a free radical that damages our DNA, by penetrating all the way to the dermis where our collagen and elastin live causing loss of firmness, increase in visible lines as well as inflammation and dark spots! Scary stuff. Your best defence? Targeted skincare and makeup products!Using products containing iron oxide can help neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try Pevonia’s Youth Renew Tinted Moisturiser or ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.The skin naturally contains antioxidants. These are quickly damaged and depleted when exposed to free radicals. By applying a topical antioxidant containing Vitamins C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effecting of blue light. Try Medicalia C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within the skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects.I also love Pevonia’s Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing. If you are one for usually wearing a lot of makeup, use this time to give your skin a bit of a rest. But don’t get me wrong, I am not saying go makeup-free! While you might not be socialising or have anyone at home to impress, following your usual daily skincare and makeup routine can actually provide a much-needed sense of normalcy in this otherwise abnormal existence we all suddenly find ourselves in! Instead simply opt for heathier formulations like mineral foundations, powders, and bronzers which actually enable your skin to breathe more freely while truly perfecting your complexion!Try ELES Cosmetic’s global best-seller Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. Formulated with Vitamins A, C & E. it provides both flawless coverage and antioxidant protection. With a change in season brings a change to your skin. One of the biggest skin issues we tend to see this time of year is dryness.Like me, you’ve probably already been dealing with dry hands as a result of washing them constantly, now you are likely to be experiencing a dry, lacklustre complexion too.Make sure you moisturise your hands regularly, preferably after washing when they are still a little damp as the cream helps to trap in moisture. I have been using the Phytomer Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream and have to say my hands feel (and even look!) amazing. The rich, silky cream soothes and softens dry skin. Integrating a hydrating duo of marine oils, it intensely nourishes, moisturises and comforts while protecting skin from external stress.I personally suffer from dry skin, more so than ever this time of year. So I have recently incorporated two additional products into my routine and the difference this has made to my skin is huge. In the mornings I alternate between using my faithful Pevonia Age Correction Intensifier Collagen and Myoxy Caviar followed by my Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream (products rich in hyaluronic acid are known to promote moisture) OR my Phytomer Pionniere XMF Radiance Retexturizing Serum followed by Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream.At night I drench my skin in the Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate, the perfect overnight repair oil. It combats excessive dryness, dehydration, and premature aging. It’s important to use products with SPF in them even when you aren’t leaving the house. One product that should remain constant in your everyday routine is SPF. While you might not see the need for it now that you're spending the majority, if not all your time indoors, do not be deceived! UVA light from the sun’s rays can actually still penetrate right through window glass believe it or not! Plus while we are still allowed out every day for exercise, I encourage you to take advantage of that and soak up your daily quota of vitamin D. Not only is it good for your health, a daily dose of sunlight is imperative for your wellbeing too. For a fantastic lightweight everyday cream with SPF 30, I highly recommend the ELES Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50.
Makeup looks from the Oscars that you’ll want to recreate this Valentine’s Day!
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 13 2020
Hollywood's biggest event of the year – The Oscars – calls for bold and beautiful makeup year after year and boy did this year not disappoint! From smouldering eyes to statement red lips, the Oscars is a time to pull out all the stops….and so is Valentine’s Day we say!Armed with the right products, you too can recreate this year’s looks straight from the red carpet, looks that everyone will fall in love with regardless of your plans for this coming Friday night! So read on and get experimenting! We have kept it simple and just gone with our favourite two makeovers, as adorned by the stunning Scarlett Johansson and Lucy Boynton. Bronzed glowThis year’s Oscars saw Scarlett Johansson master the “I just got back from a tropical holiday” glow.Her shimmer shadow, bronzer and lipstick combination is simply the perfect Valentine’s Day look whether you are headed out for a fancy dinner or for drinks with friends.To create her glowier-than-glowy complexion, apply a dewy foundation, (we love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint), followed by a powder bronzer to contour beneath your cheeks and jawline to “slim” the face. The ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam is perfect for recreating this bronzed glow. Apply a little extra to your forehead to add that “sun-kissed” warmth and if you want to be a real show stopper, dab on a little stick illuminator above the apples of your cheeks and down the centre of your nose.For Scarlett’s shimmery standout eyes apply ELES Mineral Shadow in Bronzite and then blend softly above the crease of your eye lid, as well as beneath the lower lash line for a bronzed smoky eye. To make eyes pop don’t be afraid to use the ELES Waterliner pencil in both the inner corners of your eyes as well as on your waterline. Complete the eyes with lashings of ELES Lush Mascara.For that subtle flush of colour on the lips, use a lip liner to gently fill in (we recommend the ELES Long Wear Lipliner in Nude) and then add a touch of gloss like our ELES Pucker-Up Lipgloss in Love Bite for that hint of shine. If you have a preference for lipsticks instead, try the ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in Parfait. Play up your lashesLucy Boynton always likes to make a statement at the Oscars and this year she did so by dramatizing her eyes with Twiggy-inspired ultra-long lashes! #goals. Coupled with standout red lips, her look was equal parts fun and flirty!To achieve her flawless base go for a long-lasting matte foundation which is great for recreating a natural look while still providing ample coverage. If you are a lover of liquid we recommend our best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation – it glides effortlessly yet sets to a soft powder finish. But if powder is your go-to, we highly recommend the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation compact. Complete your base with a soft pink blush like the ELES Baked Blush in Posey - after all, nothing says romance like a flushed cheek.Next it’s time to dramatize the eyes but emphasizing both the eyebrows and lower lashes. Firstly we recommend you use the ELES Brow Blender in Dark Taupe. With the spool end brush the brows upwards, then using short soft strokes apply the pencil.For the eyes, first apply a peachy matte eyeshadow, then layer on coats of ELES Lash Fortify Mascara in Black to both the upper and lower lashes applying from the base to the tip in a slow sweeping motion. To create the appearance of Lucy’s ultra-long and thick lashes allow mascara to semi-dry in between coats.To complete the look reach for a bold, matte, blood-red lippie. We are in love with the ELES Matte Lipstick in Spicy.Valentine’s Day we’re ready for you!
The top 10 products on Beauty Collective – your reviews prove it!
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 20 2019
Have you ever gone in search for something on the internet, only to feel overwhelmed with the options available! Yep, that is me ALL. THE. TIME. Whether it be party ideas for my kids, the perfect gift for a family member or the best beauty products to keep me looking youthful (although I don’t need to worry about that one now that I work at BC!)Let’s be real, it’s great to have options, but sometimes you need a little more help in making a decision before hitting the ‘buy now’ button, especially if you can’t touch or try the item first.Purchasing cosmetics, in particular, can be rather daunting. From face creams to anti-ageing serums, masks to makeup must-haves, it can be tricky to separate clever marketing from real results. But no longer do you have to fly blind, with the help of our Beauty Collective satisfied customers, you can read real, honest and trustworthy reviews with a click of a button!So if you are on the search for that new bestseller or simply want to change up your skincare routine but don’t know where to start, you’ll find our top-rated products here! ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation5/5 ★“This is the best foundation I have ever used! Firstly, it's mineral makeup so it doesn't clog your skin. Secondly, the coverage is amazing and it makes your skin look and feel like velvet - honestly the best I have ever used. I have been using this for years and just love it. I get compliments on my makeup all the time.” Sia P (06/07/2019) Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream5/5 ★“I absolutely love this cream. I bought the first pot at the recommendation of my beautician in Europe and I was afraid I may not be able to source it in Australia but I’m glad to say my fears were unfounded :-)It is a day cream and a night cream and it helps with puffiness, lines, blemishes, skin tone, you name it! Totally amazing ❤” Ana Hall (27/09/2019) Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturiser5/5 ★“This is amazing, I feel like I have been to a day spa when I put it on, luxury & pampering at home! It smells divine. Feels like silk, not too greasy goes on easy, love this product ;-)” Lisa Chawner (03/02/2019) Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate5/5 ★“This is the best product I've tried so far! I have skin problems on my face area in particular, doctors say its dermatitis, and I've tried many remedies before, but this concentrate is a miracle! It makes my skin look a lot nicer and it actually improved. I only used it for less than two weeks and I already see great results! I'm very glad I discovered this product!” Nina R (04/02/2015) Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion5/5 ★“Holy Grail Toner! I have tried so many toners at basically every price point and this toner is my all-time favourite. There's just something in this toner that truly leaves my skin better for use. Even after it dries off my skin does not feel tight or dry. If you're in the market for a new toner I highly recommend giving this one a try.” Barbara (10/11/2018) ELES BB Cream5/5 ★“I have used a few BB creams before and this one by ELES is by far the best. A little bit goes a long way and the coverage is great. I wear it as a foundation and it looks really natural. I love it!” Jennifer Arnold (30/05/2019) Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser5/5 ★“I love this cleanser! I have never been able to exfoliate with anything else as it has just been too harsh for my skin. This gentle exfoliating cleansers is exactly that! Leaves my skin feeling beautiful and soft and definitely makes a noticeable difference in my texture. I use once a week and it has been a game changer for my skin.” Stacey Harrison (23/09/2019) Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymes5/5 ★“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can't use those exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs...this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It's the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sarah R (29/11/2018) Phytomer Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with Oligomer5/5 ★“I am completely obsessed with this product. I have very sensitive skin that breaks out from everything, so keeping it hydrated and clear at the same time has been a real struggle. UNTIL NOW. This serum hydrates my skin, tames the redness and sensitivity and gives me a natural glow. I use it morning and night under my moisturizer.” Sophie R (30/11/2018) Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk 5/5 ★“I have oily/acne prone skin and this cleanser works wonders removing makeup, oil, and impurities. It leaves my skin feeling amazing! Breakouts have subsided and my skin is looking better and better!” Imogen (27/10/2018) SHOP ALL BEAUTY COLLECTIVE PRODUCTS
How to Apply Highlighter like a Pro
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 15 2019
Whether you want dewy skin or a super-shimmery glow, here is everything you need to know about applying your highlighter like a professional. Firstly though, it’s important to remember; less is more. It only takes one swipe too many to go from a my-skin-but-better kind of glow to being schnitzelled in glitter! Follow these five steps to avoid the latter: 1 - Prep Your Skin The reason we use highlighting is to make our skin look healthy and glowy – as if you just came out of a yoga class and downed a litre or two of water. So the most important step in achieving healthy, hydrated skin is with great skin prep. Don’t panic, you don’t need to do a 10-Step Korean Skin Routine. Keep it simple; cleanse your face, exfoliate with a gentle scrub, we love the Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser and then apply a hydrating moisturiser and sunscreen, skip the moisturiser if your sunscreen is a multi-tasking one such as the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50. If you like to use a makeup primer pat on a thin layer of that too. 2 - Apply Your Foundation Foundation is not a must and you may prefer to skip this step or apply a BB Cream, CC Cream, Tinted Moisturiser or even just a Concealer on the flaws. Whatever your preference the goal is to even the skin tone out to your desired level. If its evening and you want to amp up the glow then mix a few drops of a liquid highlighter into your base before applying it to your skin. ELES Liquid Illuminator is ideal for this. Finish by bouncing a damp Pro-Blender Sponge all over your skin, it’ll make your skin look fresh and dewy. 3 - Choose Your Highlighter Formula Now that your base is set, you’re ready for the fun part…choosing your highlighter! Finding the right level of shimmer can be a little tricky though, so here are some pointers: A creamy highlighter can be applied before or after foundation. A powder formula, on the other hand, is better applied as the last step in your makeup routine. Liquid highlighters are better for mixing with foundations or other bases, they have a tendency to break up the foundation underneath it during application. Another consideration is the shade, is it warm or cool? It’s imperative to find a good match if you want your highlighter to look natural, or simply go for a neutral shade that suits everyone such as the ELES Stick Illuminator. 4 - Pick the Right Highlighter Applicator Choosing the right applicator depends on three things: the formula, the intensity you want, and where you are applying it. Generally creams and sticks are best applied with your fingers (the warmth of your hands helps to melt the product into the skin), while powders can be applied either with a brush or a sponge. For the lightest coverage, use a brush with thin, scattered bristles, like a fan brush. For more shimmer payoff, use a denser brush, like a tapered or stippling brush. And for the most pigment payoff, use a dampened beauty sponge. When applying the product in smaller areas (your lips, nose, or eyes), use a small, compact tool, like a pencil brush, for the most precise placement. 5 - Apply It to the High Points Highlighting is basically the opposite of contouring. The goal here is to bring the high points of your face - the tops of your cheekbones, along your brow bones, the top of your cupid’s bow, and down the bridge of your nose forward and make them really stand out. Word of advice: Avoid your T-zone (your forehead, middle of your cheeks, and chin) since it's naturally oily and prone to excess shine (any extra shimmer can bring you into 80’s territory). For larger areas, like your cheekbones, use your brush to sweep your highlighter in a windshield-wiper motion over the skin. If you prefer to use a sponge, you can dampen it with a setting spray and use it to bounce or press highlighter onto the skin. For smaller spaces, like the inner corners of your eyes, your cupid’s bow, and the tip of your nose, use your small pointed brush to press the product exactly where you want it, and blend it out with your finger.
10 makeup mistakes you could well be making
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 18 2019
We are forever on the quest to achieving that perfect makeup look and hey experimenting on the way can be fun, but with the many tips and techniques being sold to us on the daily it’s hard to know if you’re acing your makeup or simply making mistakes. Well, we are here to help! Below are 10 of the most common makeup mistakes being made every day and how to well simply get it right! Pulling the area around your eye to make the perfect wing Yes yes, even I used to do this and then I learnt how BAD it was for my eyes, think skin ageing and fine lines due to the breakdown of elasticity! And let’s not forget you can easily end up with a horribly uneven line. And so now this; I use a post-it note! Yes, you heard that right, however you could, in theory, use any piece of folded paper, card or similar to achieve the same effect. Now no more cotton buds and re-application, I nail the perfect winged eye every single day (love me a winged eye!) Applying your lippie to dry lips This is a definite no no, as your lipstick won’t apply evenly, it’ll seep into your lip lines making your lips appear VERY dry and in some cases, they’ll even look a little on the crusty side, attractive right?! Instead, be sure to ‘prep’ your lips. Some people love to apply a little foundation to the lips as they believe it helps hold the lipstick in place for longer (much like the effect of a lip primer) but I personally think this dries out your lips even more! Instead, use a chapstick or lip balm and let it soak in. After a few minutes blot any excess and apply your favourite lipstick colour. See how it glides on effortlessly and evenly, will last longer and there won’t be a crusty lip in sight! Testing foundation shades on the back of your hand Yes, many do this but are they walking away with the correct shade for their complexion? The back of your hands tends to be darker than the skin on your face so it’s best to trial a few shades on both your jawline and neck. Just remember though your face tends to get much more sun exposure than your neck so you really want to find a foundation shade that matches both areas when blended into the skin. Applying your makeup with the wrong tools The key to natural-looking makeup lies in mastering the art of blending. Makeup that isn’t blended well can look heavy and imperfect. Get yourself armed with a few good brushes and a BeautyBlender, these tools will stand you in good stead and the beauty blender will enable you to reach every contour of your face. It is meant to be used damp, allowing for a flawless application and ensuring that makeup never looks heavy! Applying the wrong shade of eyeliner to your lower lash line Let’s face it black is the most popular eyeliner shade on the market but is it a one size fits all? No! If like me, you have a light complexion and blonde hair it’s actually advisable to use a brown liner, at least on the bottom lash line. Black can end up looking quite harsh and instead of opening up your eyes (after all who doesn’t want large doll-like eyes!) it can make them look smaller. It’s also a great idea to follow with a nude pencil or what’s known as a Waterline Liner. This will help open up your eyes and make them look wider! Incorrect lip liner application We all want to achieve bigger, luscious lips, but the worst thing you can do is draw a sharp line around your lips with lip liner to outline them. A lip liner is meant to define your lips, not just create a border around them! Instead, simply draw a soft outline and then use the lip liner to blend and fill in your lips, this will also act as an adhesive to help your lipstick stay in place for longer! Overloading on foundation powder Face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple (I have been I’m in love with the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation for years!) however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them! It’s best to use it sparingly – on your t-zone, or for quick touch-up’s, just make sure you opt for a lightweight powder! Sporting statement lips and dramatic eyeshadow together Who doesn’t love a beautiful bold lip? But if you are sporting dramatic eyes keep your lips nude or neutral to balance things out. And if you’re feeling the statement lips vibe, keep your eye makeup natural. Experimenting with makeup colours can be so much fun but remember the “less is more” rule to avoid looking overdone! Applying your blush incorrectly A blush applied correctly will help elongate your face, give you high cheekbones and make your face appear slimmer. However, apply it incorrectly and you could either wind up looking like a clown or someone suffering from rosacea. To nail it, using an angled blush brush, lightly apply a complementary shade of blush to the apples of your cheeks then sweep upwards towards your temples and ears. Forgetting a vital step – prepping your skin If you haven’t prepped your skin with your faithful moisturiser before applying your foundation, chances are your skin will look and feel dry. Plus makeup tends to stick to dry areas on the skin making it appear patchy. It’ll even seep into fine lines and wrinkles accentuating them! For best results apply your moisturiser, wait five minutes for it so properly absorb and then move onto your foundation.
Celebrity Makeup Artists reveal their best beauty hacks
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 18 2019
[caption id="attachment_2945" align="alignnone" width="830"] Celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee[/caption]Here at Beauty Collective, we are always bursting with great skincare tips and makeup tricks, but just like you, we love learning (and trailing) the beauty hacks from some of the world’s most renowned makeup artists. Curious to find out what our top 9 favourites are? Read on and use as you will! For flawless foundation coverage Oh, hail the BeautyBlender! “If you look in any makeup artist’s kit, it’s almost guaranteed you will find a BeautyBlender. This revolutionary makeup sponge’s shape allows you to reach every contour of your face. It is meant to be used damp, allowing for a flawless application and ensuring that makeup never looks heavy.” Liane Scior, Creator ELES Cosmetics Mastering the under-eye concealer application Warm your concealer on your hand before applying. "I swipe concealer onto the back of my hand first, then tap it on under the eyes," Sir John says. "This thins out the consistency a little so it looks more lived-in, more like a second skin." Sir John, Celebrity Makeup Artist to Beyoncé To perfect the natural looking glow “Dip your make-up brush into a little bit of water before you apply highlighter to your face. The smooth, creamy formula glides across the skin like a liquid highlight but sets like a powder and captures the light beautifully. A gorgeous highlight can instantly lift dull looking skin for a natural looking glow!" Charlotte Tilbury, Celebrity Makeup ArtistWhat's more, a damp brush ensures you won't pick up too much product, it’ll simply create an effortless touch of shimmer, we know as we’ve given this a go! For natural looking brows “Instead of brushing your brows up and away before you start filling them in, brush them down. When you fill in your brows this way, you’re able to clearly see the maximum shape of your eyebrow and the highest point of your arch. Try it this way and you’ll avoid the overdrawn, pencilled-in look”. Kate Lee, Celebrity Makeup Artist Achieving longer lasting mascara “If your mascara is dried out, but not yet expired, add a few eye or saline drops into the tube and it’s ready to go again”. Rae Morris, World Renowned Makeup Artist and Author No more under-eye mascara smudging To clean up shadow fall out and mascara smudge under the eyes, “Use a plain sponge and makeup primer instead of makeup remover. This picks up the shadow and leaves the concealer.” Monika Blunder, Celebrity Makeup Artist For the perfect lip application every time “Apply a lip balm on while doing the rest of your make up, and when it comes time to do your lips, wipe it off and apply your lipstick as normal. It’s also not good to apply a layer of foundation on your lips before applying lipstick, or you’ll end up with a big ugly white crust around your mouth.” Rae Morris, World Renowned Makeup Artist and Author For stand out lips “Any time I'm putting a bright lip on anyone, I always buff a little concealer around the mouth with a loose shadow brush, by doing this, the area around the mouth acts like a frame for your lipstick—really showcasing that colour and not letting it feather.” Kirin Bhatty, Celebrity Makeup Artist To settle and set your makeup “To keep your skin looking like skin and not like makeup, finish with a mist. I always use a mist because it helps settle the makeup, making your skin look less makeupy." Afton Williams, Film Makeup Artist
The makeup product you should already be using
by Jo Boyden
on May 27 2019
On the days I have little or next to no time to do my makeup (thank you kids!), or when I simply want less coverage than a foundation but need more skincare benefits than my tinted moisturiser offers, a BB Cream is my go-to!BB Creams, Beauty Balms, Blemish Balms…whatever you might know them as, few products can nourish, protect, conceal and correct all in one go, than a single tube of BB Cream!This versatile skincare and makeup hybrid is a lightweight moisturiser, foundation, sunscreen, primer and corrector in one, the ultimate multi-tasker! So you can literally condense your morning routine in to as little as a few minutes, and not only are they time savers but money savers too!What’s more BB creams are great: When you travel No longer must you ram a million skincare and makeup items into your ever-so-small cosmetic bag, if you are armed with a BB cream you’ll have your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen, concealer and foundation covered! When you don’t feel like wearing a lot of makeup If you want to give your skin a break from a full face of makeup but still want some coverage and protection, BB cream is the way to go When you’re suffering from a blemish breakout. Let’s face it, some days our skin just doesn’t look its best and needs a little bit of makeup loving to conceal those blemishes, but we don’t want to further aggravate it with pore clogging products! Reach for the BB (also known as a Blemish Balm!)! It’ll actually help to strengthen and protect your skin! When you’re in a rush No time to apply your moisturiser, primer, concealer and foundation? But not a chance you are leaving the house with a ‘naked’ face? BB is your answer. When you want to sport the no makeup, makeup look Who doesn’t love the idea of a no makeup makeup look while actually wearing makeup for that flawless finish? A BB is the perfect way to get the look. Finish with a coat of mascara and a bit of cream blush and you’ll be good to go! When you want to hit the beach You are planning to hit the beach but need coverage that will not only conceal flaws, but also look totally natural while providing high factor SPF. Say no more. Now you know the benefits of using a BB Cream, why not give it a try? I am personally in love with the ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 it is jam packed with benefits and really does make my skin appear flawless and luminous, what more could a gal ask for!
The French beauty rules worth following
by Jo Boyden
on May 07 2019
What is it about French women? And why do so many of us covet that “casual cool” look that seems to be all about mussed-up hair and very little makeup?When well known Paris-based editorial makeup artist Violette was asked this she summed it up beautifully “In each country, I think there is an idea of what beauty is, but for the French, it’s very particular: What we want is to be ourselves - not a better version of ourselves. We feel like it’s better to get used to something than to try to change it. So we think: What style can I have with this face, and with this hair? That mentality is 100 percent French.” Still, she admits, there are a few local secrets for how to look perfectly imperfect, without ever trying too hard.A HEALTHY ADVANTAGEFrench women do all they can to have amazing skin, and an amazing body, and amazing hair, so they don't have to do too much else! Their skin care routines are long and involved, a double cleanse followed by a toning lotion, serums, masks, and nourishing creams are just the beginning, they also massage their skin regularly to stimulate the cell rejuvenation and give it a natural glow. We love the Phytomer Rosee Soin for this, it’s a delicate rose extract oil that leaves the skin luminous and soft.KEEP THE BASE LIGHTWith beautiful skin, this is of course much easier to do! Rarely will you see a French woman wearing a foundation all over her face, and powder is used so sparingly or not at all! To even out the skin she will pinpoint conceal (using a very small brush) any imperfections and only apply foundation to areas that need balancing such as a red chin. She will use concealer beneath the eyes and then blend all of this carefully with a sponge to ensure a “second skin” result. A great tip from French Makeup Artist Violetta, “do not apply foundation on the nose, it creates an optical illusion that you are wearing no foundation at all”. So if you suffer redness in the nostril creases, apply a long-wear concealer there and not on the bridge of the nose. See our foundations to find your best choice.IT'S ALL ABOUT MODERATIONFrench women understand the adage “you are what you eat” and in spite of their multi-step facial routines they know that if they eat organic as much as possible, and avoid sugar their skin will benefit. They are far less concerned about fat and generally prefer to eat smaller portions of delicious food rather than huge portions of low-fat alternatives.EXERCISE SHOULD BE FUNA decade ago French women turned their pert noses up at any regimented exercise, now the workout trend is picking up a little, however, you’ll never see them get caught up in a hard-core programme. The general consensus is, if it’s not fun we’d rather stick pins up our nails than put our body through torture.NO MORE HAIR DRYERSFrench women are all about amazing texture in their hair and more often than not go for a kind of “lived-in” look. They like to shampoo, condition and finger dry their locks with the certain knowledge that tomorrow, after a night on the pillow, it will look even better.GET A GREAT CUTThey do like hair to be very healthy and shiny, so when they wear it messy, it doesn’t look dry and damaged and resemble fairy floss. They are much more about getting a great (often expensive) haircut and treating the hair at night with oils, serums, and masks than spending a fortune on styling products!A CLASSIC RED LIPIt’s almost as cliché as the beret but French women are all about red lips and they know how to wear it. From true reds to crimsons to scarlets, the red lip is totally French. Red lipstick is a fashion accessory so very little other makeup is worn with it. Hair should be messy, skin perfect, throw on a pair of jeans and heels then all you’ll need is red lippie, because the lipstick makes the statement! Our favourite is ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in True Red, it seems to suit everyone!HIGHLIGHT, DON'T CONTOUR!Most French women have an inherent dislike of brownish shading powders or creams. For French women, contouring is too bold and it changes the shape of the face. Instead, they prefer highlighter to catch the light on the cheeks, the tip of the nose and the cupids bow to make the skin look fresh and dewy.MAKE YOUR SMOKEY EYE A BIT MESSY!The other makeup that is really French is the smoky eye. But unlike the American version which is an artful gradiation of dark to light, the French version is a messy smoky eye that looks a bit “grungy”. Too perfect and too sparkly is the opposite of chic, as far as French women are concerned. They often use just one product, put it all over, and blend it with the finger. Then groom the brows, put on a bit of blush and concealer, and go. Our favourite “French girl” eye product is the ELES Superwear Gel Liner, it stays soft enough to blend out and then sets and stays all day. Just scribble it across the entire lid, “like a kid would,” and smear with an eyeshadow brush.So despite a religious approach to beauty through health and all the effort it takes to look effortless, the French woman doesn’t seem as hard on herself as some of us can be. In France, they call it Je Ne Sais Quoi (which literally translates as ‘whatever!’) – The effortless chic, confidence and assurance allows them to be their best self.Oh and…less is definitely so much more, et voilà!
Makeup tips that’ll erase years off your face in minutes
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 30 2019
Let’s face it, we are all on the quest for eternal youth and thankfully there are many things we can adopt to slow down the aging process; wearing sunscreen, eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies, drinking boatloads of water, exercising, using quality skin care, opting for facelifts, botox and fillers even, but did you know you can also cleverly erase years off your face in literally minutes with….makeup!Yes, something as simple as the way you apply your makeup can have a significant effect on how old you look (oh my!) so read on and discover makeup tips that can turn back the clock and make you look younger naturally. PRIME YOUR SKIN Creating a flawless, almost airbrushed complexion really is dependent upon small, refined pores. Reduce pore size with a pore minimizing product. We swear by ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. GO EASY ON FACE POWDER No matter your skin type, too much face powder to hide those blemishes or control oil flow can actually highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of concealing. It’s best to use it sparingly (and dust off excess powder from brush before application), opt for a light weight pressed powder (we LOVE ELES Mineral Foundation Powder) or simply use a liquid based foundation for a fresher more dewy complexion. We can sing the praises of the ELES HD Luminous Foundation all day long. FAKE YOUR GLOW Lost your glow? Then fake it! A few drops of Liquid Illuminator in your foundation will leave your skin positively luminous. Try ELES Liquid Illuminator. USE A BLUSH And do this daily. A blush applied correctly (with an angled blush brush to lift colour upwards towards your temple) helps elongate your face, gives you high cheekbones (which is synonymous with youth!) and will make it appear slimmer. We recommend ELES Baked Blush for pigmented colour, easy application and a healthy looking finish. INSTANT EYE LIFT Tired eyes? Dark circles? Ensure you are armed with a fabulous concealer! We are obsessed with ELES Liquid Concealer - dark circles literally disappear beneath with one swipe. BRIGTHEN EYES Invest in a nude waterline liner and line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create wider, brighter, and more awake eyes. (The perfect tool when you have a toddler who just lurves waking me up multiple times a night!!) Finish by applying lashings of mascara to your top lashes. SHAPE YOUR BROWS Eyebrows can totally change how your face looks. Crazy right? But true. Fuller, well-shaped brows can and will make you look younger and more awake! This is because it adds structure and lifts above the eye that you lose with age. You can master the ‘perfect brow’ with the right tools – we highly recommend the ELES Precision Brow Pencil, with built-in grooming brush it offers controlled brow filling and lining to quickly and effortlessly impart fuller, natural looking brows.Or if pencils aren’t your thing try ELES Brow Sculpt to fill in, shape, correct and emphasize the natural arch of the brow. Just sweep the light shade through the brows and mimic hair with the dark side for youthful, natural looking brows. DON'T FORGET YOUR LIP GLOSS Lips naturally lose plumpness and volume with age. Steer clear of deep matte lippie shades that’ll make lips appear thinner while weighing down your complexion. Instead be armed with a sheer volumising gloss with built-in lip moisturiser that’ll give volume and plumpness and of course that much desired youthful pout, naturally! We can’t get enough of the ELES Pucker-up Lip Gloss, balmy and ultra-hydrating it’ll re-volumize lips in one swipe.
Q&A – Why doesn’t my makeup last?
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 30 2019
Its 11am you look in the mirror and you wonder why oh why you look like you’ve just rolled out of bed even though you spent time perfecting your makeup this morning.If this is you, we feel you, and so do many, many others. In fact, this is one of the most common questions we are asked – why doesn’t my makeup last?!In short, excess oil is the number one reason for your makeup breaking down, or simply sliding off your face should we say (thank you pores!) however we are here to tell you how to stop that from happening in 6 simple steps. Hells yeah. PREP YOUR SKIN Whether your skin is dry, oily or somewhere in between, it is essential to create the perfect canvas for your makeup and you can do this by correctly prepping your skin with the right skincare! Don’t full under the false pretence that your skin is oily and therefore doesn’t need hydration, incorrect. Your skin WILL produce more oil if it’s not properly hydrated so a skin specific moisturiser is essential. One of our favourites for oily skin types is Phytomer’s Oligopur Hydra-Matifying Control Cream – it literally does what it says on the bottle. Amazing stuff! Just be sure to give your moisturiser enough time to sink in before applying your foundation though. Five minutes at the minimum. Doing so will definitely help your makeup stay put for longer. PRIME TO PERFECTION Use a mattifying primer to create a barrier between your skin’s oil and your makeup. If you haven’t invested in a primer before, do so now. It’ll change your life! (or your makeup duration should we say!) Our absolute favourite is the ELES Retexturising Face Primer, not only does it help to protect and condition your skin it WILL NOT LET MAKEUP BUDGE. FIND THE RIGHT FOUNDATION FORMULATION Make sure you are using the correct foundation for your skin type. So if you tend to have combination to oily skin a water-based or oil-free formula will be your best friend. We and so many of our customers can’t get enough of the ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation, it glides on smoothly but sets to a matte powder finish on application.If your skin is edging on the dry side opt for more nourishing formulations. We highly recommend the ELES HD Luminous Foundation. MIST IS A MUST A facial mist or ‘setting spray’ can help set makeup so if you’ve never used one before give it a try! BLOT BLOT BLOT Rather than reapplying makeup over that layer of shine, blot away excess oil using a makeup sponge, blotting sheets or a beauty blender! Used to apply foundation, a beauty blender can literally double up as a blotting cushion for the face, and its shape will enable you to get into every crevice to soak up that unwanted oil. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE You heard me, and we all do it! But really try to be conscious to not touch your face! Not only can it spread bacteria (not good for those pesky pimples!) the warmth from your hands literally breaks down makeup! Eek.
Q&A - Why doesn’t my lipstick stay on?
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 10 2019
Unless you always opt for a lip product like a lip stain, chances are your lippie will start to come off as soon as you’ve taken a sip of your morning coffee or bitten into that delicious croissant you’ve been salivating over. However you don’t need to ditch your favourite lipstick just yet, as we’ve listed a number of tips to ensure longer lasting lipstick wear - the secret lies in your prep, application and product choices! Smooth lips make for a perfect pout, so make sure there are no flakes of dead skin lingering on your lips. Use a scrub to exfoliate those clingers away! Next, apply a hydrating, non-oily lip balm. Go for a product with a waxy consistency, anything too slippery in texture will cause colour to slide right off. Pat a little foundation or concealer over lips. Just enough to cancel out your lip's natural pink so that your lip colour’s true hue comes through. The foundation or concealer will also provide a base for your lippie to adhere to. If you don't use a lip liner, start now! Due to lip liners more matte texture (in comparison to a lipstick) it provides an anchor for your lipstick and in turn WILL increase its longevity. By outlining and filling in your lips with lip liner you’ll create a stable base for lipstick. And when your lipstick does begin to fade, you'll have the lip liner underneath as a backup. Our go-to lip liner is the ELES Longwear Gel Liner Begin applying your colour selectively, instead of just swiping across the whole lip. This makes for even, controlled application. Then fill in the rest of your lips. We love the ELES Moisture Crème lipstick however if your preference if a more matte finish try the ELES Matte Lipstick. Our next tip is a favourite of many a makeup artist! Place a tissue on your lips and dust a little powder over the top (so onto your lips through the tissue) with a makeup brush, this will set the colour without layering your lips with unwanted powder. NB: This trick works so much better than just blotting your lips on the tissue! Finally, lightly apply a little more lipstick on top - your lip colour will now ready to go the distance! However do remember unless you are wearing the likes of a lip stain, at some stage you will need to reapply so ensure you carry your lippie with you for the perfect pout all day long!
Makeup Tips For Sensitive Skin
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 10 2019
If you have sensitive skin then you probably know it can be a trial finding products that don’t cause your skin to react. While we are all individual, so what causes sensitivity in one person may not cause it in another, there are some ingredients that are almost guaranteed to be a problem for all!One of the biggest categories to avoid is highly fragranced products which are very likely to cause a negative reaction with sensitive skin.Also avoid, drying alcohols, witch hazel, citrus and products that contain a high % of essential oils. Just like too much fragrance, even natural aromas can cause a problem. And be aware that while it may feel ok the first time you apply it, the effect is accumulative and you may find your skin becomes more reactive over time.Another problem can be preservatives, particularly methylisothiazolinone and methylcholorisothiazoline which are often used to replace parabens, these are known sensitizers when used in leave on products.Now before you take the plunge with any formula for the face, we recommend patch testing on the side of the face to ensure it won’t disturb your skin. Once you’ve found the right products for your skin, it’s time to get gorgeous and here are some tips to help you get the best results; PREP - CLEANSE GENTLY Avoid stimulating cleansers that may dry the skin or over exfoliate such as those with alcohol, AHA’s, BHA’s, citrus, essential oils etc. Instead use gentle formulas such as cleansing oils or lightweight, water soluble emulsions. Be gentle and avoid harsh rubbing with cloths or sponges and pat the skin dry.We love: ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil for easy makeup removal followed by Phytomer - Accept Neutralizing Cleanser. PREP - HYDRATE WELL Dehydrated skin can become easily irritated so protecting with a layer of moisture is key. Before you apply your creams and lotions drench the skin with a hydrating formula. You’ll notice a huge difference in the texture of your skin and this will also help to reduce the redness. Yep, parched skin is red.Try: Phytomer - Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum PREP - REACH FOR A MOISTURISER WITH SPF If your skin is slightly oily or combination then a serum may be enough moisture, but if your skin is dry then treat your skin to the added protection of a care cream. Most of us apply too much cream and overdose our skin with actives which can sensitize the skin. Take only the size of a pea and pat the product into the skin to allow it to absorb slowly and naturally. Use a moisturiser with SPF for a layer of added protection, this will help prevent sun damage and premature skin ageing like fines lines and wrinkles.We recommend: ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50 Time for makeup!MULTI-TASKING IS THE WAY TO GOThe less you apply to your skin the less likely it will react! Reach for multi-tasking products that treat, prime, conceal and even tone in one. A tall ask? We are talking about CC Creams. Unlike tinted moisturisers, foundations and even BB Creams, these miracle formulas are colour correcting. So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover the redness, the CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, subtly illuminating the skin. This means less coverage is required if any at all. In fact, men can and do use CC Creams to even out their skin tone as it doesn’t look like makeup.Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20, you’ll be so glad you did! CONCEALApply this only where you need it, the secret to successful makeup for sensitive skin is to keep every layer light. Less product to occlude the skin causing heat! Just focus on dark parches, circles or pesky breakouts and leave the rest of your skin alone.We always reach for: ELES Liquid Concealer, the peachy tones are ideal for concealing dark eye circles while the traditional colours are ideal for the face. GO LIGHT ON POWDERTo set your makeup apply a light layer of Mineral Powder Foundation. Focus on the T-Zone and remember a very small amount is all that’s needed to set your base. You can take this with you for touch ups during the day. Or if you prefer not to use powder try setting your base with a damp Pro-Blender Sponge, it effectively “water-proofs” it and leaves your skin looking flawless. This latex-free sponge is also easy to clean and minimizes the amount of bacteria that comes in contact with your skin, making it the perfect beauty tool for sensitive complexions.Find them here: Mineral Powder Foundation and Pro-Blender Sponge COLOUR SELECTIONWhen it comes to choosing colours avoid products that are too yellow. Red skin and yellow makeup = orange complexion. Neutral shades are best for you and will help reduce the redness harmoniously. REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AT NIGHT!Leaving impurities in the skin while you sleep will lead to more sensitivity! Allow your skin to perform its natural repair and regeneration at night by removing all your makeup and the day’s pollutants and you’ll wake up to a much calmer skin. While it may be tempting to coat your skin in rich and protective creams and oils, it’s better to drench it with lightweight moisture that will encourage better cell regeneration and protein rebuilding.We adore: Phytomer - Hydra Original Thirst-Relief Melting Cream
Live the simple life with travel friendly makeup essentials
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 10 2019
Easter holidays are nearly upon us which means it’s time to pack up and ship out for that much needed break!Whether you are headed off on a long weekend away or an overseas trip, if you are anything like me you’ll want to pack everything and the kitchen sink! Yet there is never enough room to accommodate all those necessities including the ever growing makeup kit!Well it’s time to keep life simple and treat yourself to multi-functional products and a clever makeup palette! A versatile palette is the best way to streamline your suitcase without compromising your ‘look’. From radiance inducing highlighters to pigment packed eyeshadows, with the perfect palette you can create an array of day-to-evening looks. Couple with other multi-tasking products and you’ll be fabulously flawless with little effort and in next to no time.Try Age-Defying BB Cream 30. Multi-faceted and benefit-packed, this innovative treatment cream does it all! It protects, primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen skin on contact. Caring and skin perfecting in one simple step!Try an ELES Palette carefully created by the professionals at ELES OR if your preference is to create your own clever compact of products and shades to suit your needs opt for the ELES Custom Palette. This clever compact has four empty face, blush and eyeshadow slots for you to customize, that means you can select whatever products and shades you wish! And with the great selection of shades on offer, your options are limitless.Try ELES Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara. The ergonomic brush coats each section to quickly lengthen, curl, volumise and lock lashes into place for all day wear.Now go forth and travel lightly! You’ll never look back.
One Makeup Trend You Need to Try – Yoga Skin
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 02 2019
“Yoga Skin” is the new way to create a cocktail face base to give you that “I just exercised and feel amazing” glow.Makeup trends come and go, from perfect brows to ombre lips, from K Beauty to J Beauty. You’d be forgiven if you haven’t embraced them all! But if you are going to take the plunge and try just one, then make it “Yoga Skin”.Created by well-known Insta-Queen and makeup artist Sara Hill, we are just a bit in love with this easy technique and how luminous it leaves your skin.You might be asking what makes Yoga Skin different from other make trends like glass skin, Sara explains:"Yoga skin is a look that feels real. ‘Glass skin’ and similar trends are about creating a perfected, flawless complexion, but yoga skin is about creating luscious, fresh and juicy skin that looks natural, but glowing with health.""I called it ‘yoga skin’ because it emulates that really gorgeous radiance you have when you step out of the yoga studio; juicy, dewy and super-hydrated. It’s not about hiding imperfections but creating a hyper-real version of your natural skin, pinchable and just irresistible!""To get the look, start by applying your regular skincare as normal, and leave it for at least five minutes to settle into your skin", says Sarah."Apply a layer of primer, and then it’s time to get to mixing! What I love about this look is that it’s completely customisable to your needs, preferences and skin type."To create the perfect ELES Yoga Skin Cocktail we combined 80% ELES HD Luminous Foundation, 10% ELES Overnight Repair Facial Oil and 10% ELES Liquid Illuminator in Bronze and mixed it together.We then applied it on the face massaging right into the skin as Sara recommends to get the circulation pumping and give the skin a healthy flush. We finished by pressing it in further with a damp Pro-Blender Sponge. No setting powder required.The end result? Healthy, juicy, delicious skin! It really works!
Q & A - How Do I Choose The Perfect Foundation For My Skin?
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 26 2019
Oily, dry, combination, blemish-prone skin…it’s important when choosing a foundation to select what is right for your individual skin type, but with so many foundations promising to deliver an array of benefits as well as the multitude of formulations from liquid to powder, stick to tinted, it is a wonder how any of us manage to get it right, and that’s before having to wrap our head around selecting the correct shade too!Well you’ve asked us for our guidance and here we are to help! Read on to determine once and for all your perfect foundation match! UNDERSTAND YOUR SKIN TYPE This is fundamental when choosing your foundation as the last thing you want to do is invest in a formulation that is only going to exacerbate your dry skin or pesky pimples.Oily skinIf your complexion is prone to that 3pm shine, opt for a matte powder or oil-free liquid foundation and avoid dewy formulas. Mineral foundations work well on oily skin because the dry particles tend to absorb moisture and prevent shine.You can also try prolonging the wear of your foundation with a primer and then setting with a translucent lightweight powder.Try: ELES Mineral Powder FoundationDry SkinIf you tend to have dry skin, choose a hydrating liquid foundation. These have a creamy consistency which delivers moisture to the skin and offer great coverage too.Try: ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20 for natural, radiant coverage or ELES Luminous HD Foundation for even more luminosity.Combination SkinAvoid powder formulations since they can make dry patches look even dryer, and treat extra oily spots with a mattifying primer before applying your base.Try: Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationSensitive SkinIf you struggle with blemished or sensitive skin, you really need to navigate the ingredients in a foundation. It’s best to avoid skin irritants like alcohol and fragrance which can be found in many a foundation and opt for a mineral formula every time. These contain no chemical nasties and will allow your skin to breath freely.Try: ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation or ELES Mineral Powder Foundation PREP YOUR SKIN It is important to have clean and well moisturised skin before trialling foundations, this will stand you in good stead for finding your perfect match! KNOW YOUR SKIN’S UNDERTONES You want to choose a foundation shade that has the same undertones as your skin. Either ‘cool’ or ‘warm’. If you have a warm complexion go with a shade that has yellow undertones, if your complexion is on the cool side, a foundation with a pink undertone will be best.To tell which undertones your skin has, look at your veins on the back of your arms. People with blue or purplish-looking veins usually have cooler undertones. If your veins, on the other hand, look a greenish colour, then you have warm undertones. FIND YOUR SHADE MATCH Finding the perfect shade is the single most important part of foundation shopping. The ultimate goal is to find a shade that looks like your own skin but better!Firstly select three shades that you think are a close match to your skin colour. Forget testing them on your arm and test directly on the face instead, swiping all three side-by-side down your cheek towards your jawline. The shade that seemingly disappears is the one you want!Make sure you test in good natural lighting. ADAPT TO THE SEASON In the winter months, our skin tends to be paler so you need to adapt your foundation shade accordingly. We recommend having one key shade for spring/summer and another for autumn/winter.Now go forth and be flawless!
The Easiest Way To Look Instantly Contoured: Transform in 5 Minutes or Less
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 28 2018
The models, the celebrities, the faces you see in magazines all look so well defined and I know for sure you're thinking, “They have a glam team. The glam team makes the magic happen.” Well, you know what? You can achieve that chiseled, contoured look too, like a pro!Liane Scior, creator of ELES Cosmetics, shares this easy step-by-step contouring tutorial that defines your face shape and transforms the way you look in less than 5 minutes.Here’s the secret:Step 1: Prep your skin. Makeup adheres more to skin and lasts longer if your skin is healthy and well hydrated. Moisturise by adding a layer of Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50. It hydrates and protects against sun damage and premature ageing. Let dry. 1 minStep 2: Follow with a light application of the chosen base -- BB, CC or ELES foundation. ELES foundations provide buildable coverage, so layer on as much foundation as you need for even skin tone and a flawless finish. The lightweight formula will not look or feel heavy on the face. 1 minStep 3: Seal it with the ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light. “It’s like a warm filter that evens out dark shadows and discolouration, leaving your skin peachy and looking poreless,” says Liane. 30 secStep 4: This is the part that scares everyone, the bronzer application. Don't be intimidated because contouring your face actually takes only about a minute. You only have to remember 3 things – slim nose, define jawline, and sculpt cheeks. 1 minUsing the ELES Anti-Oxidant Bronzer and a tapered detail brush: Slim nose by applying bronzer along both sides of the nose starting at the top near the inner brows and working downward towards the nostrils. Define jawline by applying bronzer at a downward angle on either side of the chin. Sculpt cheeks. Apply the ELES Anti-Oxidant Bronzer using sweeping brush strokes under the entire length of the cheekbones. "Blend, blend, blend so that the contour appears natural,” says Liane. Step 5: Add instant radiance and colour to your face using the ELES Baked Blush (you know exactly where this goes). And then enhance your features like never before with the ELES Lightweight Illuminator. 1 minUsing a Small Tapered Blending Brush or the tip of your ring finger, apply a little liquid illuminator to: • the centre strip of your nose starting from the top to the tip of your nose • right above the perimeter of the jawline (this is the trick to making your face look smaller and slimmer) • Highest point of cheeks for that healthy glow Spend the remaining time blending and making sure the bronzer blends well with the illuminator and the blush. Steps 4 and 5 seem to be a lot of work but really, it takes a few seconds to transform your look. Try taking a video of yourself doing this and let us know how it goes.
Meghan Markle and her Classic Bridal Makeup
by Jo Boyden
on May 17 2018
The royal wedding is in TWO days! A new princess is going to walk down the aisle and she is her own makeup artist. Wait, what? There are rumours that Meghan Markle is going to do her own makeup this Saturday and she hasn’t given anyone a clue as to what her bridal makeup will be. Well we know she is a fan of everyday, natural look and we’re sure she’ll do the usual (‘no makeup’ makeup) look on her wedding day, with just a little more drama. First, let’s talk about what CLASSIC LOOK is. We all have varying ideas of what a classic makeup looks like. Kate Middleton (Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge), who also did her own bridal makeup in 2011, chose thick brows, flushed cheeks, rose-pink lipstick, and dark, heavily lined eyes for her wedding day. We see lots of photos of Meghan with the same look and she is confident in it, and we think she’ll wear the same on her wedding day, only with more hazy eyes like the one in the pic above.[caption id="attachment_2233" align="alignnone" width="590"] photo credit: Daily Express[/caption]Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the classic Meghan Markle look using ELES Cosmetics: For the base All eyes, all cameras are on you on your wedding day (or any big event for that matter). The stress, the weather, and the non-stop activities can cause you to perspire and you need a pretty tough primer and foundation to handle all the pressure. Use a primer to keep your makeup in place for extended period of time, and a lightweight foundation that minimises fine lines and wrinkles and hides pores.Retexturize and refine your skin, so that the foundation glides on smoothly and endures impeccably for hours longer. Try ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer Hide your pores without blocking them. Achieve a smooth and silky finish with the ELES HD Luminous Foundation Pimples tend to appear on the big day. We hope not but just in case you need to cover something, The ELES Photouch Concealer won’t disappoint you. Forget everything else, here’s the ultimate palette to the rescue You’re already thinking of so many things and you don’t need more pressure on the big day! Liane Scior, the creator of ELES Cosmetics, thinks it is smart to always have a palette that has everything you need to achieve the look you want. The latest palette that everyone is raving about is the ELES Hazy Daze Collection.https://www.instagram.com/p/BimE5zYhbAN/?taken-by=elescosmeticsPalette includes;Mineral Highlighter – to add that beautiful glowMineral Blush in Berry – a touch of blush makes us look fresh and prettyMineral Shadow in Frappé – defines the eyesMineral Shadow in Chocolate – adds drama to our lookUse Frappe and Chocolate mineral eyeshadows to achieve Meghan’s signature hazy smudge look. And now for the most important part: “You may now kiss the bride…” You need an ELES Lip Stain in your life! This long-lasting lip stain will keep your lips covered with vibrant colour from AM to PM without that heavy, sticky or tacky feeling. You can kiss all day because it’s KISS PROOF and TRANSFER PROOF. Take it from Instagram and YouTube superstar Jade Madden...https://youtu.be/DCBwJMsc0NUAll the shades look amazing but for this look we are trying to achieve, we highly recommend Retro Babe and Boho Chic.This look is so easy! It’s simple and is fit for a princess. Try it and send us a photo, we might just feature you on Instagram. And finally, we can’t wait to see Meghan Markle on her wedding day. She said she’ll “do as she sees fit.” Let’s all see how it goes. We’re sure she’s going to look amazing!
Makeup tips you’ll want to know now
by Jo Boyden
on May 03 2018
Achieving the perfect makeup doesn’t need to be a time consuming necessity or a complicated ritual! It should be simple and easy. We asked Owner and Creator of ELES Cosmetics, Liane Scior her handy makeup tips and tricks that’ll turn makeup application from frustrating to fun!Whether you’re wondering how to cover up those pesky pimples without further inflaming them or preventing your concealer accentuating your lines, Liane has the answer. And what’s better if the questions that have been playing on your mind aren’t answered below you can email the experts at ELES Cosmetics and they will personally get back to you with an answer.MAKEUP TIPSFACEEliminate dark circlesThe best way to conceal dark circles is with an under eye corrector with a “peachy” tone to counteract the blueish tinge of the shadows. By using a good corrector and a lightweight concealer you’ll have the cover you need without a thick mask that falls into fine lines and looks cakey. Try Dual Action ConcealerConceal redness/broken capillariesGreen correctors used to be the best solution for concealing redness, however they can make the skin look flat and lifeless. CC Creams (colour correction) with photo-optic filters will help reflect back light on the skin greatly reducing skin redness and the dark red of broken capillaries. Try Luminous CC Cream 20Cover up pimples without irritationFor pimples, an antibacterial concealer followed by a mineral foundation powder is ideal. Oil free and non-comedogenic cover ups are best and many now have skin enhancing benefits to sooth inflammation. Avoid mineral oil, lanolin and talc based products which tend to block the pores and exacerbate the acne. Try Photo Touch Concealer & Mineral Powder FoundationConceal not accentuate fine linesThere is a very fine line (pardon the pun) between over-preparing the skin and causing the product to slip off and under-preparing the skin and causing it to absorb into the skin. The area should be well hydrated without being greasy so a good eye cream around the eyes and a hydrating concentrate will help prepare the skin for makeup. Allow time for the product to absorb and settle. The key is not to apply too much product, keep every layer fine and light and you’ll have a more natural and lasting result to your makeup.Create the perfect baseFoundation is what makes your skin appear flawless but it’s important to master not only the right shade, but the look you want (matte versus dewy) and the coverage. If you want lighter coverage then opt for a tinted moisturiser, but if it’s more coverage you’re after then liquid foundation is the answer. Try Mineral Sheer Tint or HD Luminous FoundationBonus tip: Use your fingers to apply your foundation if you want sheer coverage and a brush or sponge for medium to full coverage.Fake your cheekbonesSadly we aren’t all born with striking cheekbones but we can all fake it! All it takes is some simple sculpting. Start by puckering to find the hollows of your cheeks and apply a deep nude blush or contour powder in the sunken area under your cheekbones. Next, apply a peachy blush starting from the apples of your cheeks and moving outwards while lightly blending. Finish by applying illuminator along the top of your cheekbones and under your temples. Try Baked Blush & Liquid IlluminatorEYESBrighten eyesMake eyes brighter with white. A small dot of white shadow on the inside of the eye near the tear duct will make eyes look brighter. Try Mineral Shadow in OpalDefine eyesEyeliner can make or break a perfect makeup. Wearing eyeliner inside the eye rim can look striking and make the eyes stand out, but avoid this if you have small or very deep set eyes.The role of eyeliner is to make the lashes look thicker so the line can be thicker on the top lash line, create a small “peak” in the outer corners of the eye to give the illusion of an almond shaped eye. Try Powderliner PencilBonus tip: Plums and eggplant shades make the eye whites look whiterSelect the eye shadow shade for youChoose shadows that make the colour of your eyes stand out. Blue and Grey tones enhance brown eyes, plums are great for green eyes and browns make blue eyes sparkle. Don’t be afraid to try different colours but remember the eyeshades should enhance your eyes not take over completely. Try Mineral Matte ShadowsTransform eye lashesStill searching for the perfect volumizing mascara? Don’t stress. Simply apply a layer of your mascara to your lashes then dust them with powder (loose powder, translucent or even baby!) before applying a final coat of mascara. The result? Thick, gorgeous lashes.Bonus tip: Sweep the wand through the roots of your lashes and zigzag as you work your way up. This will create added length.Simple Smokey EyeWho doesn’t love a smokey eye? While a lot of smokey eye looks require several different shades of eyeshadow and a whole lot of blending, there is a fast and easy alternative. Simply use an eye pencil to draw a slanted hashtag above the outer corners of your eyes and blend with the smudger end of the pencil. The result: Instant smokey eye every time. Try Powderliner PencilLIPSSoften "smoker's lines" and prevent product seeping into the cracksApply a lip balm before applying the rest of your makeup, this will give the area time to absorb the moisture and plump out the fine lines around the lips, then, when it comes time to apply lipstick, blot the excess away. Follow with a lip primer all over the lips and beyond the lip border. Fill in the lips using a lip pencil in desired colour and apply lipstick to the centre of the lips only.Lipstick shades for youLipstick should complement your skin tones, cool skin tones should wear cooler colours such as plum, rose and burgundy and warm skin tones look better in terracotta, orange and vibrant reds. Remember, if your eye makeup is prominent, keep the lips soft and neutral, and if you want to wear strong lip colour, soften the eye makeup or opt for a simple liner/mascara look. Try Moisture Crème LipstickBonus tip: You are never too old for wet lips! A small amount gloss on the center of the lips makes them look plump and youthful. Keep your Lip gloss with you to freshen up your makeup through the day.Make lipstick last longerLet’s face it lipstick never seems to last the distance. After applying your lippy, place a tissue over your lips and dust on some translucent powder. Doing so will help set your colour and make it instantly longer-lasting.Bonus tip: For long-lasting vibrant colour from AM to PM try the NEW ELES Lip Stains. They will last through coffee, cakes and kisses. Seriously.Fuller lipsLipliner is used to define the look of your lips but it can also create the illusion of instantly bigger and plumper lips. Apply before lipstick or gloss and use either a neutral shade or match the shade of your lipstick. Therefore if the lipstick fades, you don't walk around with only the outline showing.Begin by applying a fine line just outside your natural lip line starting from the center of the lips and working out to the corners, keep it light and fine. Try Longwear LiplinerBonus tip: Powdering the line will make it last longer. EYE BROWSShape your browsAdding definition and shape to your eyebrows can completely transform your face. Shaping your brows needn’t be difficult. Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally. Then, use a soft, waxy brow pencil to shape the outside of your brow. Fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. Finally, blend some highlighter just below your brow bone for lift. Try Brow blender PencilBonus tip: Use a brow stencil to create perfectly even and arched brows every time!
Sleeping in makeup – what it really does to our skin
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 26 2018
What girl doesn’t love makeup! It can literally transform the way we look and feel! But sadly with every good, comes bad, and makeup is no exception to the rule!There is a downside to wearing makeup - the affect it can have on our skin if it’s not property removed at the end of the day. I’m pretty sure the majority of us could admit to sleeping with makeup on at some stage of our lives. I know I’m guilty of it, perhaps one time to many! But after learning these simple facts, like me, you might think twice about doing it again!What makeup does to your skin while you are sleeping... Eye irritation and sensitivity Neglecting to remove eye makeup whether it be the entire shebang or just a little layer of mascara, can cause dryness, irritation, redness and even infection! This is because the particles from mascara can harbour harmful pathogens and if it gets into the delicate eye area can cause havoc.No thank you. Dry, dull complexion Our skin is covered in pores which allow us to sweat and secrete sebum, a natural lubricant that moisturises skin and removes dead skin cells. Makeup can trap these dead skin cells, preventing them from shedding and leaving us with a dry, dull complexion. Just remember sleep is the body's time to repair itself from the stress of the day. While you sleep, new healthy skin cells are created. Spots Even if you're not normally prone to spots, you'll soon see that sleeping with a face full of makeup can and will result in breakouts. Eek! Makeup, unfortunately, clogs pores, and when your pores are blocked, your skin can't breathe, and therefore it can't regenerate. The oil in your pores builds-up and transform itself into spots. Fact. Premature aging Sleeping in your makeup can trap dirt and pollutants inside the skin, therefore increasing your exposure to free radicals. This is turn can lead to collagen breakdown. If collagen can’t be produced properly, your skin will age faster.Scary right? Fear not, if you have only been subject to sleeping with makeup on a few times there is no long term effect but it’s definitely not something you want to make a habit of. Yes sometimes it’s hard not to just want to climb into your comfy bed after a long day or a big night out even, but if that’s the case and your usual cleansing routine seems like way to much of an effort, opt for a quick, easy and effective cleanser that you can even use from the luxury of our bed!Try;ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil. Packed full of anti-aging and nourishing ingredients, it literally melts away makeup and impurities without stripping skin’s natural moisture, all while helping it maintain a balanced and hydrated complexion.Also ensure you use sensitivity tested or breathable makeup free of potential irritants such a fragrance, talc, oil, dyes and parabens.Try;ELES Liquid Powder Foundation. Its ‘non-occlusive’ long-lasting formula allows the foundation to enhance the complexion without covering up the skin, allowing it to “breathe” freely.ELES Sensitive Eyes Mascara. Hypoallergenic and sensitivity-tested, this fragrance-free water based mascara is perfect for the most sensitive of eyes. It lengthens, separates and darkens lashes without clumping. It dries quickly and resists smudging under eyes.
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