BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
6 essential steps to glowing winter skin
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 08 2021
Our sun-kissed summer skin has long since faded, but that doesn't mean we have to accept a lifeless-looking complexion now winter is under way!Yes, the cooler weather and all that it brings (think hotter showers, artificial heating, cold air, wind to name a few) can dehydrate and devitalise our skin often leaving it dull, dry, sometimes flaky! But all this means is that it’s time to up the ante with a little extra skincare TLC.Not sure where to start? No problem. From vitamin-rich serums to the best of facial exfoliators and skin brightening boosters, these are the 6 essential products (and steps!) we highly recommend to keep your skin glowing all winter long. Exfoliation is key Make sure you shed those dry dead skin cells as a build-up is no good for anyone! They sit on the surface of your skin, not only dulling it, but they will also block the hydrating ingredients from every other skincare step in your routine from getting in! Eek! A regular scrub (think twice per week) using a gentle exfoliator will make all the difference we promise!Try Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. This rather lovely, gentle exfoliator will not only remove unwanted dead nasties but will promise to have your skin impeccably clean, soft and radiant in a matter of moments too! Step up the moisture Switch to a more nourishing moisturiser and if you haven’t already introduced a serum to your beauty repertoire. Skin is extra thirsty in winter so will benefit from a quenching dose of moisture.Try Pevonia Intensifier Collagen & Myoxy Caviar and best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. Apply a few drops of the intensifier (serum) beneath the moisturiser for a dewy radiant complexion while the Collagen Cream seals in vital moisture and imparts comfort for your skin…all day long. Give skin some night nurturing Before bed lather your face with a vitamin-rich oil to seal in hydration.Try Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate. The radical treatment for skin lacking lustre, combats dehydration with a burst of vitamins A and E and Mandarin Essential Oil, so your complexion really will look brighter and rejuvenated by morning. What’s more it has the most amazing aroma and even though it’s an oil, it’s fast absorbing so you know it’s doing great stuff to your skin! Don’t forget your eyes One particular area quick to suffer the effects of winter are the eyes. Often taken for granted, this sensitive area is usually the first to show signs of aging and lack of care.Drench the eye contours with super hydrating Pevonia Eye Contour rich in Collagen and skin firming elastin. Dehydration lines will become a thing of the past! Show your body some love Lather your body as you would your face, with plenty of rich cream and pay particular attention to super dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels.Applying your body lotion/cream in the bathroom following a warm bath or shower is a great way to ensure your body readily absorbs the moisture as the warmth in the air will help open your pores thus locking in the moisture.Try Pevonia Preserve Body Moisturiser. Rich in oils, vitamins and phyto-extracts it’ll restore the skin's essential lipids, leaving it soft, supple and radically hydrated. Safeguard your skin….not just in the summer months! Just because it isn’t hot (and potentially sunny, blue skies) doesn’t mean you should slack off with the sunscreen. A super hydrating sunscreen in the winter months will benefit your ailing dry skin greatly and let’s face it a little extra SPF protection against blue light damage (thank you too much screen time) won’t go amiss!Try Medicalia Suncreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, it contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books!
The 5 best-selling moisturisers on BC and why we love them too!
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 01 2021
Applying moisturiser daily is one of the keys to achieving healthy, supple skin, no matter what your skin type or concern. So it's little surprise that the most common question we get asked at Beauty Collective is what is our best moisturiser. While there is no ONE moisturiser that can be plucked from the hundreds we have, there are a number which have received gold star status and for very good reason. So read on to find out the 5 Pevonia best-selling moisturisers on BC and which skin type they are best suited to. Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream Best for dry, dehydrated, ageing skin My personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 favourite of many of the BC crew too, the Marine Collagen Cream isn’t Pevonia’s global bestseller for nothing! It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and really does leave skin super soft, supple and like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture, a feeling that lasts all day! I swear my 40-year-old self has less visible lines and wrinkles thanks to this superstar cream! Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Cream Best for oily, combination and hormonal skin With a subtle lemongrass scent to die for and a soothing, silky texture which literally melts into skin on application, this moisturiser it top 5 for every good reason! Perfect for those with combination skin, prone to oily t-zones or susceptible to the odd blemish and pesky pimple, it effectively refines pores and controls oil and shine with skin nourishing ingredients including vitamin e, arnica and aloe. Get ready for smooth, soft and supple skin minus the excessive oil and congestion that it brings! Yes! Pevonia RS2 Care Cream Best for seriously sensitive or rosacea prone skin Formulated with calming, skin-caring ingredients including Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, this beautifully textured, nourishing cream is soothing like ice on seriously sensitive skin. It provides skin with vaso constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to effectively reduce redness and inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associated with Rosacea. We love the great results for rosacea prone skin but also love its natural signature scent of French Rose. It’s one heavenly product so not hard to see why it’s loved by so many! Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream For normal to sensitive skin There is nothing not to love about this product if you are a sufferer of sensitive skin. This cream will quite literally calm and control hypersensitivity. Formulated with soothing and healing propolis, aloe, shea butter, and chamomile, it alleviates and harmoniously corrects skin’s blotchiness and irritability. Skin sensitivity be gone with you! Pevonia Firming Marine Elastin Cream Best for those concerned with skin slackening or simply wanting a richer, more nourishing cream for winter Formulated with hydrating superstars’ hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane, this rich, nourishing anti-ageing cream dramatically increases moisture to the skin while improving overall texture and elasticity. Get ready to feel the difference! Oh and it smells pretty divine too!
BB, CC, DD Cream. What do these creams actually do and which is right for you?
by Jo Boyden
on May 13 2021
Beauty Balm, Colour Corrector or Daily Defence Cream? We’ve all heard of them, there is a lot of hype surrounding them but what exactly is the difference between these three cult beauty buys and most importantly, which one will be best for your skin? Well read on as we bring you the inside scoop on these skincare/makeup hybrids and reveal why you need at least one of them in your life!We’ve already told you all about the infamous BB, the multi-tasking wonder cream which triples as your primer, foundation and SPF in one. But how exactly do they differ from your CC and DD? CC CreamOffering more coverage than a BB Cream but in a light/sheer formula, CC Creams, also known as colour correctors, serve multiple purposes including disguising sallowness and imperfections such as dark spots and redness.Who’s it for?Ideal for anyone, but if you’re acne-prone, have dull skin, dark spots or suffer from facial redness CC Cream is the one for you.We loveThe Phytomer Skin Perfecting CC Cream SPF20 is a game changer! It’s a lightweight, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum sun protection that combines the performance of a professional moisturiser with makeup to effectively nourish skin, smooth pores and fine lines while concealing imperfections!The ultra-natural finish truly enhances and brightens the complexion while the skin nourishing formula relieves dryness and soothes inflammation.From the first application, skin flaws are softened, the complexion is even and the skin is literally enhanced. Within one month, skin is naturally even, bright and perfectly hydrated. Also this outstanding CC Cream comes in two shades – light for those with a lighter skin tone, and medium-deep for tanned, olive and dark skin tonesDD CreamDD or Daily Defence Cream, is also known as your “double duty” cream. A mix of both BB and CC, DD Creams basically include the skincare benefits of a BB Cream and the coverage benefits of a CC, with the primary focus being on anti-ageing.Designed to prime, perfect and protect both instantly and over time, these creams are your do it all cream! They will balance your complexion as well as protect even the most sensitive of skin types for healthy skin that glows.Who’s it forIf you are looking for a tinted cream that’ll reduce the appearance of wrinkles, then DD should be your go-to.We lovePevonia’s YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF 30. Lightweight, age-defying, hydrating, pore refining and brightening, it really is the ultimate 5-in-1 DD cream!It delivers instant radiance to the skin while it’s subtle natural tint visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores for a flawless complexion. The added benefits of Collagen, Vitamin C and Green Olive Extracts repair fine line and wrinkles.In a nutshellBB Creams provide the coverage of a tinted foundation (although buildable) with the hydrating and anti-ageing properties of a moisturiser, and the added bonus of SPF.CC Creams have the ability to even out skin tone as well as neutralise redness and sallowness, with the added benefits of skin brightening and hydration.Alongside the BB’s skincare benefits and CC’s colour correcting, DD Creams have the added benefit of combatting fine lines and wrinkles over time. Think of them as the protector, their ingredients focus on defending skin from environmental aggressors like pollution resulting in glowing, healthier skin.
The BB Cream that will really benefit your skin
by Jo Boyden
on May 06 2021
BB Cream, beauty balm, blemish balm…We’ve all heard of the infamous BB Cream, right? But do we really understand its benefits or why we should invest in one for that matter? Well, I’m here to give you the low down on this beauty multi-tasker and how it can (and will!) totally transform your skin. So what exactly is a BB Cream?In a nutshell, BB creams are your 3-in-one foundation. They offer all the benefits of a light-to-medium foundation (and sometimes fuller-coverage as well) in a speedier formula that nourishes, corrects, and protects your skin too! Its smoother texture also allows BB Cream to function as a primer by evening out skin tone for flawless makeup application.Is a BB Cream for me?If you’re a busy mum on the go like me, you’re simply looking to simplify the products in your morning routine, or for days when you want a little coverage but don’t have time to apply a full face of makeup, then a BB Cream is a must. Formulated with skincare benefits that include hydration, anti-ageing properties, and SPF protection, BB Creams are a quick and easy way to effectively even out your skin tone without caking on the makeup!Problem is, with so many on the market, which is the right one for you?Your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen and foundation in one, the ELES Age-Defying BB cream SPF 30 is a multi-tasking makeup miracle, suitable for all skin types! A big call I know, but it’s not BC’s best-seller for nothing!This BB Cream primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! What’s more, you’ll feel as though you aren’t even wearing makeup, no easy feat for a foundation or any product with SPF for that matter! How do I apply it?Because BB Cream isn’t quite as thick as a traditional foundation and has the slip of a moisturiser, it’s easy to blend for a seamless finish. Using the warmth of your fingers, or a damp beauty sponge if you’d prefer, blend until it melts into skin to achieve a smooth even finish.The ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30 can be applied alone as your moisturiser, primer and foundation in one or after your moisturiser if your skin if feeling a little parched. Skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step! And who doesn’t want instantly healthy even skin with a sheer luminous tint!
Take your skin to the next level with team BC’s best beauty buys
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 29 2021
Here at Beauty Collective, we are very privileged to be surrounded by the best of the best when it comes to beauty. Collectively our panel of experts, as well as our head office team, have tried and tested hundreds of skincare and makeup products over the years, but these are the 7 favourites that we all agree to stand out from the rest of the pack, and take it from me, if a product has made it onto this list, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s a gold star beauty buy, here is why; Pevonia “C” ComplexInstantly brighter, dewier skin? Who doesn’t want that right? Well this product certainly delivers! For the ultimate skin brightening boost, this product is a must. Superhero glow-getter Vitamin C comes together with hydrating and anti-ageing powerhouse hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish and correct photo-damage! The citrus scent is simply heavenly, and it feels amazingly refreshing on application! But more importantly, the results speak for themselves! Radiant looking skin instantaneously. ELES BB CreamI’m personally not one for foundations because I find them a little OTT for my skin, but this BB Cream is an everyday favourite of mine and I would say for the majority of girls at BC. I LOVE that it is quite literally a multi-tasking wonder cream! It primes, tints, nourishes, protects (thanks to its SPF of 30) and evens out skin tone for a truly natural, flawless finish, plus it feels like you aren’t wearing anything, no easy feat for makeup with SPF that’s for sure! So if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this product is one you should seriously consider too! Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamMy personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 favourite of many here too, the Marine Collagen Cream isn’t Pevonia’s global bestseller for nothing! It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and really does leave skin super soft, supple and like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture, a feeling that lasts all day! I swear my 40-year-old self has less visible lines and wrinkles thanks to this superstar cream! Pevonia Dry Oil Body MoisturiserFor a little extra energy and a spring in your step, try indulging your body in the numerous benefits of this botanically infused body oil!Absolutely luscious it quite literally indulges skin in aromatic glory for want of a better word! It’s a dry oil without being oily or greasy (which is a no no from me!) and immediately absorbs into skin, replenishing and nourishing every inch! After using it (it’s great to use after stepping out of the shower) I promise your body will have never felt so silky-soft! Oh, and the smell is divine too! Pevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateWe all LOVE this product and for very good reason. It’s a radical dry skin saviour and especially at this time of year with the change in seasons skin can be dry, sensitive and lacklustre. I personally can’t get enough of it at night! It is soothing and silky and has the most amazing mandarin aroma. Yes it’s an oil but it’s fast absorbing so you know it’s doing good stuff to your skin, and it combats dehydration instantaneously by locking in that much needed moisture, so simply put you’ll wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin every morning, I can vouch for that!Pevonia Micro Retinol CreamAside from Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, Retinol has long been worshipped as the hero ingredient in the fight against ageing and we know why! A derivative of Vitamin A, this ‘holy grail’ of ingredients offers a multitude of benefits from reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation and photo ageing, reducing large pores and clearing acne to speeding cell turning over and making cells function like that of a child!! Crazy right? With all this in mind, our entire team at BC were up for the challenge of trialling Pevonia’s Micro Retinol Cream but were sure to do so by slow introduction as retinol if applied topically too much too fast can have an adverse effect.The cream is beautiful! So light in texture, non-greasy and with a subtle scent. We collectively noticed changes in our skin from smoothing of lines and wrinkles, to skin softening, improvement in firmness and reduced in pore size as well as pigmentation! What more could we want? I’ve personally tried retinol-based products before but had found them irritating and a little unpleasant, not with this product! After weeks of using it at night my skin appears so much more luminous, refined and visibly hydrated too! Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing BathNothing relieves stress and induces relaxation quite like an indulgent bubble bath, better still a bath laced with the remineralizing magical properties of the sea! Phytomer’s Oligomer Well being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath, enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater – is one of those little gems we all need in our lives. You feel like you could quite literally float away as it evokes a feeling of pure weightlessness as all pent-up tension slips away. Pure bliss. From the best in professional skincare to makeup mast-haves, these are the beauty heroes the team at BC can’t get enough of.
From me to…me. 5 beauty treats you’ll love this Mother’s Day
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 23 2021
While we should show our love and appreciation for our amazing mums year round, I have to admit I do love a dedicated day to buy that special something for mum, and while I’m spending my pennies on her, why not make it into a day to gift and indulge myself too? Cheeky maybe but I’m guessing my 5 and 8 year olds aren’t going to know what mummy might love this Mother’s day! And whether you are a mum or not, we all deserve to pamper ourselves from time to time right?So whether you are on the quest for that perfect gift for your mum, looking for ideas to give to your hubby, or simply wanting to spoil yourself, because why not? It’s time to forget the flowers, friends and copious amounts of chocolate (because hey if you’re like me, you might still have enough to feed an army after Easter! Eek) this year why not spend your hard earned money on makeup and skincare treats that’ll not only last longer than a few days but will make you and your mum feel fabulous too! And what woman doesn’t love a good beauty buy! Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath Nothing induces relaxation at-home quite like an indulgent remineralizing bath. Coupled with a little music to set the mood and a candle here and there it could be said to be nearly as good as a pamper session at your favourite spa! We are loving Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath. This little gem really does create an unparalleled stress-relief experience. It’s lightly foaming and enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium-reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater –to strengthen and restore the skin and release all pent-up tension. I need me one of these baths’ stat! Phytomer Marine Mist Scented Water with Oligomer This totally indulgent marine mist is the perfect spritz to cover your body from head to toe when you’ve stepped out of your relaxing remineralizing bath (or after a shower for that matter!) It’s an all-purpose skincare mist that quite literally soothes the mind and the senses for a moment of pure calm and relaxation, whilst showering your body in all the beautifying benefits of the sea, thanks to Oligomer, Phytomer’s emblematic seawater concentrate. Rich in natural ingredients it hydrates, brightens, and recharges skin cells. Usually reserved exclusively for the spas at the start of each Phytomer treatment, it’s available in retail for a limited time only and comes presented in a gorgeous blue Phytomer pouch! Yes, please! Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream If no one else is going to treat you, why not treat yourself to an at-home peel. It’ll do wonders for your skin I promise. And no don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins revealing silky soft, smooth and glowing Acids skin. You can thank me later! ELES Custom Palette As a busy mum the words makeup palette is music to my ears! Containing a slot for bronzer, blush and two eye shades, this super convenient compact is the perfect way to add subtle colour and radiance to your everyday look, but it’s also great for little touch-ups when on the go! What’s better with the ELES Custom Palette, YOU call all the shots. Whether you’re creating an everyday look, a look for nights or going for the perfect travel collection, this palette will be your go-to. Pevonia Home Facial Gift Set Everything you need to deep cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin, this gift set is the holy grail of pampering and skin perfection in one! Containing four of Pevonia’s best-selling products; Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Hydrating Cleanser, Hydration Lotion and Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream, and samples of three skin brightening and perfecting masks; Collagen, Green Apple and Charcoal, each product will ensure you feel truly indulged while donning excellent results after every application and who doesn’t want soft, glowing skin every day of the week?
Love your lips – 8 tips for your best lips yet
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 31 2021
If lip filler isn’t your thing but you find you are forever on the quest for the perfect plumped lips I’m here to tell you, you can achieve the perfect pout by using a few key products and following a few simple steps. So read on and experience your best lips yet… Prep your lips Exfoliate Just as we prep our skin each morning before applying our makeup base, it’s essential to prep our lips so they don’t end up all cakey and flakey post lippie application!Creating a smooth canvas is a necessity when it comes to perfecting your pout and the best way to achieve this is to remove any dead skin cells that are subtly sitting on the surface of your lips with a lip scrub. Don’t have a lip scrub per say? No worries, a gentle face exfoliator such a Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser will do the job perfectly and means you save on the pennies too. Moisturise Next, it’s important to moisturise your lips just as you would your eyes. Moisturising is important as many lip products can be drying and our lips, like our eyes can be particularly vulnerable to showing signs of ageing. They have an especially thin outer layer which gets even thinner with each passing year thanks to a breakdown in collagen. Choosing a good lip cream can be paramount. I personally use and love Pevonia’s Lip Renew Plump and De-Age treatment. Its name speaks volumes as it quite literally deeply moisturises, renews, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and volumizes lips! How? It is rich in powerhouse, anti-ageing duo Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid, as well as sesamin from sesamum indicum seed extract – the latest hero ingredient proven to plump the lips with natural lipo-filling action form dramatic results. Simply apply and massage a small quantity on your lips and around your lip contour and laugher lines morning (and night.) Hydrate and set Finish by applying lip balm to lips and let it sit for a few minutes to soak in. After all, you don’t want your lipstick literally sliding off minutes after application.Now lips will be silky smooth and lipstick ready, no dry or flaky spots in sight. Don’t forget to line those lipsDon’t wear lipliner? You should now. Lip liner is to lipstick what a primer is to foundation, it’ll make your lipstick last longer as well as look better too!As we age our lips start to thin and lose their colour. Lip liners will not only define and shape your lips, they act as primers to boost the colour and longevity of your lipstick too. Simply line the lips or draw it on all over your lips before your lipstick and you can turn virtually any lipstick into a “longwear” formula. Try ELES Gel Lipliner for ultimate waterproof, transfer-proof, long-lasting staying power! The formula helps lipstick adhere to your lips better without any bleeding or featuring.If you have thin lips, using a lipliner will enable you to overline your lips just a little which will add both shape and fullness. You want to overline on the cupid’s bow and the fullest part of your bottom lips (but never overline the corners). Begin by applying a fine line just outside your natural lip line starting from the centre of your lips and working out to the corners keeping it light and fine, then blend it inwards.N.B If you find (like me) that once you’ve worn in a brand new lipliner it’s next to impossible to get that perfectly sharp tip again no matter how much you sharpen it! Well all is not lost! Instead of using it straight out of your makeup bag simply pop it in the fridge overnight or even for a matter of minutes and when it comes time to apply your lip liner should be hard enough to create those perfectly lined lips we all want!Finish with a lipstick or lip tint a similar shade to your natural lip colour. Dark lipstick will only make thin lips look thinner.We LOVE the new ELES Velvet Satin Lipsticks. 12 stunning chic and sophisticated shades with subtle satin finish and formulated with a lip-loving blend of emollient oils and butters to help keep lips soft, smooth and super hydrated throughout the day.Make sure you match your lip liner to your lip colour though!Even if your lips tend to be on the paler side you should match your lip liner to the colour of your lips, not your darker (or lighter!) lipstick shade. A natural-toned liner will make it easier to correct shape (especially if your top lip is uneven or has lost definition so fades into skin) as well as add fullness. Keep lip colour in place all daySo you’ve got yourself a long wearing lipstick and you’ve applied your lipliner but after eating you find your lips aren’t looking a peachy perfect as they were at the start of the day. Blotting your lippie with a tissue, then dusting some translucent powder of top will help set the pigment without dulling your lip colour as well as making it instantly last longer not matter what your lipstick formula.Another option is to give a lip stain a go! The ELES Lip Stain imparts lips with long-lasting vibrant colour that protects the lips and stays in place for hours even after eating, drinking and kissing! Plump lips that little bit moreAfter applying and setting your chosen lippie, be sure you brush either a little shimmer eyeshadow in an ivory shade or some concealer in light to the middle of your lips. This creates a 3D effect that makes lips look fuller and no lip plumping products are required! The same goes for your lip gloss – for a little extra lip plumping apply in nude to the centre of your lips, just remember gloss is fluid so it’s not designed to wear all day. Cleanse lips as you would your faceWant to remove your lippie at the end of the day without any rubbing or pulling? Use a lip specific cleanser designed to be gentle on lips while removing stubborn long lasting lip products. Try Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup remover.
Why and how you should switch up your skincare routine this autumn
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 17 2021
With summer now officially behind us (boo), and the cooler days of autumn here, you might well have started to notice a slight change in your skin? From dehydration to hyper-pigmented patches, seasonal changes can reap havoc on our complexion, but with just a few simple changes to your daily skincare routine (and some dry skin remedies thrown into the mix), we promise you can calmly transition your skin from summer to autumn, seeing it happily and healthily through the cooler months ahead. So read on for our 8 top tips on how to get glowy autumn skin. Exfoliate away dead summer skin cells Even though skin becomes drier and more sensitive in the cooler months, exfoliation is not a step that should ever be missed! Those dry dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your skin are not only dulling it, they are also blocking the hydrating ingredients from every other skincare step in your routine from getting in! Just be sure not to overdo it though. If your skin tends to be on the more sensitive side, we recommend exfoliating no more than once a week and opting for natural enzyme exfoliators rather than physical ones where rubbing and scrubbing can cause irritation.Both the Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes and Pevonia’s Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream are formulated with natural enzymes which basically melt away dead cells so no scrubbing is needed and the results speak for themselves – brighter, more radiant skin after every application.For all other skin types, exfoliating once or twice a week is a must. Try Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it’s one of the brands global best sellers and for good reason! Switch your cleanser to an oil or balm As the temperature starts to drop your skin will start to produce less oil, as water loss from skin is increased, this means it’s time to forgo the gel or foaming cleanser which has been your go-to through the warm summer season, and opt for gentle cream, milk or oil-based formulas that will thoroughly cleanse your skin without stripping it of much-needed moisture. Try Phytomer’s Cyfolia Radiance Cleansing Cream. It’s formulated with Organic Orange water, Oligomer, Organic Vegetal Oils and Cyfolia Algae which literally melts on contact with the skin to gently cleanse and remove makeup, oil and impurities. Bliss. Know what skin survival ingredients to look for It’s important to look for skincare formulated with ingredients that will not only hydrate but also assist the skin in retaining that moisture all day long. Ingredients rich in essential fatty acids such as squalane (olive oil) and vitamin E as well as superstar hydrators including hyaluronic acid, marine collagen and Glycerin, will keep the skin plump and hydrated, while ingredients such as shea butter and argan oil will ensure cells function optimally allowing them to maximise the skin’s water retention. Give your skin a moisture surge Early autumn can see skin depleted of moisture which leads to a dry, devitalized complexion. So be sure to up the ante and incorporate dry skin remedies into your daily routine. If you aren’t already, be sure to apply a hydrating serum each morning under your daily moisturiser and a replenishing oil at night.Don’t forget your body too! After your shower, smother your damp skin from neck to toes with a rich body balm or body oil. Did you know the skin’s outer layer swells open when it’s damp allowing products to penetrate better? Reduce hyperpigmented patches While you can’t undo the damage that the UV rays have caused while you’ve been sunning yourself by the sea, you can help minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. To help fade the look of dark spots and even skin tone click there. Don’t forgo your sunscreen Yes, it’s easy to remember to apply your sunscreen when you’re headed to the beach, or out and about on holiday, but so many of us seem to skip this vital step as soon as the cooler, cloudier months arrive! Still the biggest offender of premature ageing, UVA rays are prevalent all year round and can penetrate clouds, glass and even some clothes! Scary right? So make sure you continue this vital step in your daily routine and keep skin looking younger! For a daily moisturiser to die for, try the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection.If you aren’t a huge lover of sunscreen on your face, opt for a foundation with a high SPF. Try ELES’s Age Defying BB Cream 30, I promise it’ll become your go-to all autumn long. It’s multi-faceted and benefit-packed, and primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen and protect the skin on contact! Genius. Use an antioxidant-rich cream at night At night, your skin switches from ‘protect’ to ‘repair’ mode. It’s when it can finally recover from the day’s stresses so applying a rich night moisturising cream will offer no end of benefits. I LOVE Phytomer’s Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream. The rich texture of the cream literally cocoons skin in nourishing hydration while it boosts your skin’s renewal, so your complexion gets all the benefits while you slumber. Adding a few drops of rich nourishing oil to your night cream, or immediately after applying will give skin that extra boost too. Try Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. This soothing, silky oil has the most amazing mandarin aroma (it’s formulated with Mandarin Essential Oil) and is quite literally worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically hydrating! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. I kid you not. Give your eyes and lips a little extra TLC Our lips lack melanin so they are especially susceptible to sun damage and after several months of hot weather are also prone to deep dryness. Squinting, sweating and the sun can also cause damage to the fragile eye area. So give these areas some TLC. Reach for nourishing lip colour instead of drying mattes, apply SPF over your lips and at night offer some much-needed repair. Phytomer – Youth Contour Soothing Eye and Lip Cream is our favourite because it is formulated to calm, soothe and replenish delicate skin.
How to get ‘Cloud skin’ – the newest beauty trend you need to know now
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 15 2021
From glowy ‘Glass skin’ to a clear ‘Cloudless’ complexion, there’s now a new beauty trend taking centre stage, otherwise known as ‘Cloud’ skin!Much like its predecessors, cloud skin is simply another variation of ‘perfect skin’, but instead of perfecting the iridescent high shine of glass skin, or achieving the perfect, poreless complexion of cloudless skin, Cloud skin is about strategically mixing both skincare and makeup to create an almost soft-focus, ‘lit-from-within’ effect on the skin, an ethereal glow mastered by using different mediums from dewy, glowing to matte, and we are here to tell you how! So read on for a step-by-step on how best to achieve this latest skin craze! You are going to love the results… Prep, prep, prep Before you even begin to master the makeup for this trend you need to make sure your skin is prepped to perfection. You want to achieve an angelic glow so super hydrating products are a must.Opt for skincare formulated with hyaluronic acid and other moisture-boosting ingredients such as glycerin, marine collagen, and squalane. It’s important to follow a daily skincare routine and we highly recommend Pevonia’s Power Repair line. Any Pevonia lover will tell you this is the “go-to” line for dramatically hydrating the skin and smoothing away dehydration lines. Abundant in Hyaluronic, Collagen, Glycerin, and Squalane, the cleanser, serums, and creams are like a moisture magnet, plumping and firming the skin. I personally LOVE and religiously use the Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum and Marine Collagen Cream. The serum – the newest product in the range, features one of the highest concentrates of hyaluronic acid on the market! It deeply penetrates the skin delivering the ultimate hydrating and skin-smoothing results and leaves skin’s texture softer, plumper, healthier and luminous after every application. It’s like gold dust.At night it’s also important to incorporate an oil into your routine – beyond helping to seal in hydration, a face oil will provide nourishment of its own too. I suggest trying Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate every time. This soothing, silky oil has the most amazing mandarin aroma (it’s formulated with Mandarin Essential Oil) and is quite literally worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically hydrating! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. I kid you not.N.B For the month of March, 2021, when you purchase the Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream, you’ll receive a Hydrating Cleanser and Toner 50ml for FREE! Ace your base Once you’ve completed your skincare routine it’s time to nail your base. Start by priming your skin then apply a luminous foundation. I love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint as it imparts a sheer natural radiance as it nourishes, protects, and corrects the skin. Apply with Pro Blender sponge for a more flawless, natural-looking coverage without effort. Now you need to set your foundation with a translucent powder. Using a brush apply to the forehead, under the cheekbones, over your nose and chin to achieve the blurred, hazy effect. The ELES Mineral Powder Foundation is best for this. Add a natural glow While we don’t want to create the high shine glow of the glass skin trend, subtle highlighting is still a must. Instead of using an all-out liquid shimmer illuminator, apply a sheer highlighter to your cheeks, eyes, and cupid’s bow (upper lip line) for just that right amount of illumination for a light, soft and subtle glow. You will adore ELES’s Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light. It quite literally tames shine and imparts a subtle radiance for polished luminosity and its jet-milled pigments create an airbrushed effect, the perfect tool for achieving ‘Cloud’ skin! Have healthy habits While this trend is indeed all about the skincare and makeup you use, healthy lifestyle habits will also play a role;Diet – say no to those sugary desserts and processed foods we all like to demolish! This is all about clean beauty, lots of raw veggies, leafy greens, poke bowls, and lean proteins.Exercise – Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a huge difference to our well-being, body, and skin too! Exercise can help increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin neutralizing the free radicals that damage it! It also promotes collagen production and new skin cells which keeps our skin looking younger!Sleep – this one gets me every time! While despite being a busy working mum of two, I do manage to find time to exercise daily, even if only on some days for a 30-minute walk with my kids and our dog! But sleep…and at least 8 hours of it, I struggle! All the harder when you are in the know of just how important it is, not only for your skin but your health and wellbeing too! If you struggle like me to get that ample amount of blissful slumber, it’s time to change things up! Use meditation tools for relaxation - I’m loving the Headspace and Calm apps, force yourself to put your phone down an hour before bed (no really!) and instead of indulging in yet another night of Netflix, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read for months…reading a book before bed really does help you drift off into slumberland. Go the extra distance If you want to take your skin to the next level head to a Pevonia salon or spa and indulge in the new Hydra-Cloud facial. It’s an amazing mask treatment that combines hyaluronic acid and micronized cotton to deeply hydrate and tighten the skin. Trust me when I say your complexion resurfaces instantly brighter, visibly smooth, and superbly hydrated with an ultra-cool and refreshed feel. This true sensorial experience is sublime!
These were the best BC products of 2020 – as voted by you!
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 17 2021
Ever wondered what everyone else is buying when it comes to skincare and make-up must-haves on BC?When a product achieves best-selling status it’s usually a sign that it’s a well-loved and proven effective product, as well as being the most-shopped. So whether you are shopping BC and looking for recommendations or are simply wondering if your favourite product made the cut, here we count down the best-selling beauty buys from 2020. From super serums to everyday moisturisers, there is something on the list for everyone. The soothing serum Pevonia Soothing Propolis ConcentrateIf you’re a sufferer of reactive or sensitive skin this could be your go-to! It’s a beautiful rich gel-like serum formulated with calming lavender and soothing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France to soothe, nourish and decongest irritable skin with its antibacterial and healing powers. The calming cream Phytomer Douceur Marine Velvety Soothing CreamAn absolute dream for sensitive skin, this luxurious, melt-away cream is rich in marine ingredients which act to reduce redness and calm uncomfortable skin while strengthening the skin’s natural defences against stress, weather and pollution. The hydrating cleanser Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser If you are concerned about premature ageing, skin’s a little on the dry side and you love yourself a creamy cleanser, then you are simply going to love this! It removes daily grime effortlessly but what’s more it replenishes skin’s moisture by combining deeply nourishing and anti-ageing duo, marine collagen and elastin. The creamy exfoliator Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserIf you’re looking for proof that fellow BC shoppers are serious about exfoliation (not just cleansing and moisturising!), Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliator is ranked #7 on the list. This creamy exfoliator is a game-changer for those with sensitive skin….well for anyone really! It very gently polishes away dead skin, impurities, and toxins with jojoba beads, Saponaria, and chamomile to reveal a beautifully smooth and brightened complexion. The balancing cream Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin CreamThere is nothing not to love about this product if your complexion tends to lean towards the shiny, oily, hormonal side. This extra light yet nourishing moisturiser feels smooth and soft on application but effectively controls oil and shine while reducing congestion! Oh, and it smells pretty fab too! The multi-tasking beauty balm ELES Cosmetics Age Defying BB Cream 30Not to be mistaken for its sister - the CC Cream, BB Creams or otherwise known as beauty balms, are infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow, and let me tell you this BB Cream is no exception! Multi-faceted it really packs a punch as it quite literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen skin on contact. So if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this is for you! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one! The redness-be-gone calming cream Pevonia RS2 CreamFormulated with soothing, sensitive skin loving ingredients including Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, this beautifully textured, nourishing cream provides your skin vaso constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to effectively reduce redness and inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associated with Rosacea. We love the great results for rosacea prone skin but also love its natural signature scent of French Rose. It’s one heavenly product! The super sensitive comforting cream Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin CreamThis cream will quite literally calm and control hypersensitivity. Formulated with soothing and healing propolis, aloe, shea butter, and chamomile it alleviates and harmoniously corrects skin’s blotchiness and irritability. The formidable foundation ELES Cosmetics Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation Especially great for those with oily or combination skin but also fab for those that love a matt finish that isn’t heavy, this foundation literally glides onto skin effortlessly thanks to its silky liquid formulation yet sets to a soft powder finish. It looks natural on application yet covers up blemishes beautifully, and its SPF and skin-loving ingredients mean it not only conceals skin but protects it throughout the day too! The global best-seller Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamTo keep skin soft, supple and free of fine lines (seriously) we are forever in love with Pevonia’s no.1 global best-seller!This moisturiser has an international, star status for good reason! It is deeply nourishing without feeling heavy or oily, it’s formulated with marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, two anti-ageing wonder ingredients and the results speak for themselves – radiant, plumped skin after every application. Say no more.Want to know more? Head to the products pages to read all of the amazing reviews!
Marine skincare – the answer to really healthy skin?
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 29 2020
We’ve all heard that the sea is good for the soul - just staring out at the ocean can put us into a relaxing, mediative state after all, but did you know that it’s also a treasure trove of skin-loving ingredients? And no we aren’t just talking about the healing properties of saltwater. Marine ingredients such as seaweed, algae, and sea grapes to name but a few, are among a number of the unsung skincare heroes of the ocean! Ingredients used in skincare for their multitude of miraculous benefits from deeply moisturising, to brightening, detoxifying and regenerative!So read on to find out all about the top marine-based ingredients and their abundance of beautifying benefits. Oh and our favourite marine skin and body care products too! After reading this you’ll want to experience marine skincare and get glowing skin like you’ve never experienced before! SeawaterLoaded with natural minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, seawater is praised for its healing properties and multi-tasking abilities. A powerhouse of antioxidants, it helps to; support healthy cell functioning and regeneration, beneficial for skin aging! It is also known to detox and decongest, hydrate, moisturise and brighten the skin, as well as reduce inflammation and improve the severity of acne and dermatitis too! Amazing right?Try: Whilst there are a number of skincare products containing seawater, from cleansers to toners, moisturisers and cream our absolute favourite seawater product is Phytomer’s Oligomer Pure Lyophilized Sea Water Bath. Bathing in seawater can deeply nourish and regenerate the skin while decreasing inflammation thanks to its abundance of magnesium and this product is no exception! It contains trace elements and unique minerals from seawater, balancing and remineralizing your skin in one relaxing bath experience. Ahhhhh.SeaweedPacked to the rafters with minerals and vitamins A, B, C, D & E, seaweed is the ultimate in anti-ageing. Able to enhance elasticity and promote tissue regeneration, it contains alginates (acids) that lock in hydration for super soothing and smoothing results.Try: Phytomer Seaweed Soap. It not only gently exfoliates the skin eliminating dead cells, but it also moisturises and revitalises the skin leaving it silky soft, just like taking a dip in the ocean!Weaving AlgaeA marine star, algae is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids and is hailed for its intense and lasting moisturising benefits as it helps the complexion retain water, whilst tightening, brightening and detoxifying the skin too.Try: Phytomer Hydra Original Thirst Relief Melting Cream. Yup. The name of this product says it all and it’s thanks to its high concentration of weaving algae which literally saturates the skin with moisture! It truly delivers intense lasting hydration for visibly plumped radiant skin.SeagrapeSeagrape, or Coccoloba uvifera is an exotic seaside grape native to the Antilles Islands (off the east coast of Central America and the northeast coast of South America.) It was the clever scientists at Phytomer who discovered that this high-performance and unparalleled ingredient has the exceptional power of balancing the functions of genes involved in the appearance of cellulite!! It actually suppresses the genes that control synthesis and storage of fat cells resulting in a decrease in cellulite! And it also improves the expression of the genes that control the production of dermal cells to vastly improve skin firmness! Sorry to get all sciencey on you, but that’s pretty cool, right?Try: Phytomer Celluli Attack Concentrate for stubborn areas. This intensive anti-cellulite body treatment works wonders in the war against ‘orange peel’ skin I’m telling you! Formulated with Sea Absinthium, Pepper slimactiv and Sea Grape it remarkably reduces cellulite and stubborn fat in just weeks after applying daily morning and night.Sea SaltLong used as an exfoliant and detoxifying ingredient, sea salt is rich in magnesium and calcium, both known to help draw hydration and strengthen barrier function.Try: Phytomer Toning Body Scrub with Marine Crystals. Rich in Oligomer (World exclusive marine-derived treasure which concentrates all the active components found in seawater to recharge skin cells with oligo-elements and minerals. It's unique composition boosts cell energy and recharges cell batteries.) and sea salt, this toning scrub eliminates dead cells delivering the minerals and trace elements essential for really healthy skin. Look forward to seriously soft and silky smooth skin after every use. Marine CollagenExtracted from fish scales and fish oils, marine collagen combines deep antioxidant properties with amino acids for a powerful reparative and youth prolonging ingredient. The anti-ageing superstar has the ability to stimulate the synthesis of new collagen production and minimise the appearance of ageing. Yes please!Try: To keep skin soft, supple and free of fine lines (seriously) we are forever in love with Pevonia’s no.1 global best-seller Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream.CaviarLoaded with vitamins and amino acids, Caviar in skincare is the extract of fresh raw roe eggs from the prized sturgeon fish. To preserve sturgeon from extinction caviar is produced by careful farming in select areas of the world to fulfill environmental and quality standards. It has all the goodness of marine sea minerals and is known for its regenerative, skin-plumping properties. It has even been proven to help slow ageing! A highly effective moisturising agent, Caviar has the ability to deeply hydrate the skin increasing softness and suppleness. Rich in amino acids, it's easily absorbed into the dermis for immediate repairing and rejuvenating results too!Try: Pevonia MyOxy Caviar Timeless Repair Serum. With its high concentration of caviar, coupled with other superstar ingredients, this serum immediately softens and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll see a noticeable change in skin’s texture and elasticity after only a few applications which results in a tighter, finer, and more radiant complexion.
The wellness rituals you should be doing daily
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 22 2020
A stressful, hectic life is routine in my household this time of year, as I’m sure it is for many! Throw a pandemic into the mix and a growing number of covid cases in some states and the anxiety levels will be arising.So with the holiday season nearly upon us and the potential of another lockdown looming for some, post-Christmas will definitely be time to decompress and get a little self-loving back into our lives.From the importance of establishing a good skincare routine to the impact exercise can have on our mental health, these self-care rituals should be something we all adopt daily; Give yourself a facial My morning and night-time skincare routine is something I have (for as long as I can remember anyway!) always taken pleasure in, even when I’m time poor, which let's face it with young kids and now a puppy thrown in for good measure is….always! It should be a daily routine we all enjoy with all the benefits skincare brings, and incorporating a little facial ritual (which is easy to do) will really help nurture both your skin and psych. For a detailed account on how to perfect a salon-style wellbeing facial at home click here. Meditate for better quality of sleep I love company, would tout myself as a social butterfly and am seldom alone, but I do ensure for my mental wellbeing that I have at least 5 minutes a day to myself because the rest of the time it’s go, go, go! I love a bubble bath (we’ll get to that later!) but I couldn’t imagine not having my nightly 5-minute meditation ritual, which my little ones are now doing before their bedtime too! It’s my way to wind down and calm my mind before bed and has vastly improved my quality of sleep too (because prior to committing to my bedtime meditation I was guilty of sitting staring at a screen until at least 11.30 pm at night and we all know how this can interfere with our circadian rhythm (our natural, internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.)Meditation has a whole heap of benefits from reducing stress and negative emotions to increasing self-awareness, creativity, and patience. So if you haven’t already and are keen to give it a try, I recommend both the Headspace and Calm apps. They have a range of guided meditations for an array of concerns such as sleep deprivation, anxiety, stress and productivity. It might take you a few goes before you start to relax into it and feel a change, but believe me when I stay stick with it as you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t give it a go before now! Practice calming techniques Aside from meditation, practicing other calming techniques can be highly beneficial to both your psych and skin too! This is because stress, while bad of course for your health, is not good for your skin either! Unfortunately, cortisol (the stress hormone) has the ability to break down collagen in the skin resulting in premature ageing (great!) But practicing, for example yoga, or even putting on some soothing sounds can have a significant impact on reducing that cortisol flow! Phew. Indulge in a therapeutic bath So when I said I ensure I give myself 5 minutes of alone time a day for my night-time meditation ritual, I also try and give myself 15 minutes once or twice a week (daily is amazing if you have the time!) to indulge in a therapeutic bath. Little instantly reduces stress quite like sinking into a relaxing, remineralizing bath. Add the soothing sounds of spa music, a candle here and there, and a destressing bath foam or detoxifying salts and you’ve got yourself an at-home spa experience. I am loving Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath. It’s a lightly foaming, ultra-relaxing fragranced bath enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater – to strengthen and restore the skin while releasing all pent-up tension in the body. Amazing stuff right? Stay active Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a huge difference to not only our mental well-being, but our body and skin too! And no you don’t need to take up F45 or swim the ocean blue, just a moderate walk can be all you need. Daily exercise has been proven to help control weight, reduce risk of heart diseases, help our body manage blood sugar and insulin levels, decrease pain, and even delay the ageing of our cells! Exercise can also help increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin neutralizing the free radicals that damage it! And we all know exercising releases endorphins, the happy hormones! And who doesn’t want to feel pleasure, happiness and love on the daily! Have a little, or a whole lot less screen time This one’s not so much a ritual, more a necessity if we’re talking self-care and want to truly unwind this impending holiday season.Sadly, screen time (thanks to the blue light it emits) has an adverse effect on our skin, body and mind, and what with the multiple devices available at our fingertips, I’d say there was barely one of us who wasn’t guilty of spending too much time glued to one of them at some point in the day. Spending just two consecutive hours on a digital device can cause eyestrain or fatigue, while overexposure to this blue light also suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, therefore disrupting our normal sleep pattern. And we all know poor sleep can lead to premature ageing. Eek.Use this opportunity to read a good book and perhaps discover a passion perhaps you didn’t know you had! Give yourself a mini massage! And finally..try and incorporate a mini massage into your daily life. Yes, yes I might be asking a bit much you say but I’m talking anything from a relaxing hand or foot massage which we can do ourselves in next to no time, to a back or shoulder massage if you have a willing family member or even a handheld massage machine! A massage no matter how big or small can elevate aches and pains, reduce tension, and evoke relaxation and calm.For an indulgent hand massage which we can easily do ourselves (and lets face it with all the hand sanitizer drying out our skin at the moment, applying hand cream has become a bit of a necessity) my hand cream of choice is Phytomer’s Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream, the name says it all. I love to follow this with a spritz of my Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturiser. It’s one of Pevonia’s global best-sellers and for good reason! It literally revitalizes and nourishes every inch of skin with a combination of lavender, chamomile, and squalene.When my feet are feeling fatigued Pevonia’s Tension Relief Gel is my go-to and if my legs are sore and achy massaging Phytomer’s Cryotonic Soothing Leg Gel is a must! So go on, give these a go and reap the rewards.
Is your skin lacking life? Try this cure for ultra-healthy radiant skin
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 10 2020
Is your skin suffering from sensitivity thanks to the constant change in weather? Or are you simply fed up with looking in the mirror and seeing dull, devitalised skin staring back at you? That once radiant complexion you donned in your younger years has diminished even though you swear you are doing all the right things to try and maintain that healthy glow?The good news? There is an almost effortless way to get back that healthy glow of yesteryear and it doesn’t involve the green leaf diet, 2 litres of water a day, or the 9 hours of blissful, undisturbed slumber a night! (please) Cue Phytomer’s NEW Cyfolia range.Using the purest, most effective organic ingredients, the clever scientists at Phytomer have developed an all-natural, all-vegan 3 step program, three essential products to get your glow back, and some….If you are in search of deep hydration, radiance, AND relief I’m telling you this range is for you!The CYFOLIA ORGANIC Radiance Moisturising range provides skin with all the exceptional skincare benefits of CYFOLIA algae, a breakthrough ingredient native to Brittany, France, nicknamed ‘rainbow algae’. Grown and harvested by hand, it is sustainably harvested to limit waste and encourage regrowth and it’s iridescent fronds (or branches if you prefer) have optimal light diffusion which in turn enhances skin with reflective properties that create an intensely radiant or quite simply put “lit from within’ appearance to your complexion, and who doesn’t want that?What's more, the range is certified organic and free of artificial colour & fragrance with packaging made from sugarcane!All three products (a cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser) work hand in hand to achieve an ultra-healthy complexion while seriously soothing sensitive skin;The super-soft, velvety and creamy Cyfolia Radiance Cleansing Cream is formulated with so many clever ingredients including; the formidable Cyfolia algae, revitalising seawater – oligomer, organic orange water, organic vegetal oils, rose, cedarwood, spiced pink peppercorns, and aloe vera which envelope the skin with a beautiful, fresh fragrance. And on application, this rich cleansing cream quite literally melts into skin to very gently (but also very effectively!) remove makeup, oil, and any impurities.Coupled with exfoliating once a week with the Cyfolia Radiance Exfoliating Cream (featuring two organic gentle exfoliants – argan kernels and pomegranate seeds), the results speak for themselves. Goodbye dull, devitalized skin!And finally, the Cyfolia Hydra-Comforting Radiance Cream (the name says it all really) will become your daily go-to. Thanks to cyfolia algae, orange water, oligomer, and seaside flower, it is super hydrating, soothing, calming, and brightening all rolled into one beautifully silky cream to promote optimal radiance when it’s most needed.Trust me when I say I’ve tried many a product in my 20 years in the industry but this range is one that really has my attention! I might well have only been using the range for 3 weeks but my slightly sensitive, hormonal, and lack-lustre skin is now smooth, calm, and visibly radiant. And who doesn’t love a good compliment especially when it’s about the appearance of your skin, or how young you look! Makes my job all worthwhile!
Skin out of sorts? Ten pick-me-ups to boost your skin and mood
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 04 2020
Has the current cold snap and grey skies got you down? Experiencing a mild case of the blues? If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, chances are your skin is looking it too. From brightening serums that’ll help maintain your spring glow, to soothing salt baths to relax your mind and body, we’ve put together our current top ten beauty pick-me-ups, so scroll on to discover what they are and why you need them in your life right now. Phytomer Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Moisturising Shower Gel Start your day off right with this mineral-enriched delicately scented body wash which combines Oligomer, a seawater concentrate to cleanse, moisturise and lift up your spirits in one single step. This clever shower gel delivers an optimum dose of trace elements and minerals from the sea to strengthen the epidermis and effectively eliminate (and prevent!) fatigue – all the benefits of a dip in the ocean in the comfort of my own home! “C” Evolutive Eye Gel If I’m feeling (and looking!) exhausted with a distinct lack of energy, I dab this cooling and rejuvenating gel around my eyes first thing. It works against dark circles, puffiness, and fatigue to immediately deliver visibly refreshed and rejuvenated peepers. And hey it’s a lot easier to feel energised if you look it too! Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturiser For a little extra energy and a spring in your step, indulge your body in the numerous benefits of this botanically infused body oil. The formula pairs soothing and calming lavender and chamomile oils with squalane oil, safflower oil, aloe oil, and macadamia nut oil, for a superstar combination that synergise to deliver a replenishing veil rendering your body silky soft, calm and ready for whatever the day throws at you. Vitamin C Complexe For the ultimate skin brightening boost, this is a must! Vitamin c and hyaluronic acid work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, hydrating, and correcting photo-damage. And not only does its amazing aroma put a smile on my face, on application my skin looks instantly brighter and more dewy too! Hyalouronic Acid Hydra Serum When your dry, devitalized skin is in need of a quick perk up, a hyaluronic acid-rich product will be your best friend. We are in love with Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. It delivers the ultimate hydrating and skin-smoothing results thanks to its key ingredients; hyaluronic acid (it features one of the highest concentrations on the market), marine collagen, and hibiscus esculentus extract. Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser When your complexion is looking a little meh and a number of pesky pimples are forming on your face, kick start your skin (and your day!) with this energy-boosting blend of grapefruit and citric acid. The fresh foaming wash will put the pizazz back into your skin rendering it radiantly refreshed and bacteria-free. Pevonia Phyto Aromatic Mist A great pick-,me-up after a tiring day, this facial mist is a bouquet in a bottle. With beautiful scents of French rose, Chamomile, and Calendula, not only will it invigorate your senses, but it will also hydrate, calm, and re-balance a troubled complexion too. Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath Nothing helps me relax and calm my mind quite like an indulgent evening seawater bath. For a truly unparalleled stress-relief experience pour in this oligomer rich sea salt product and enjoy sinking into serenity as the day's tension drifts away. This soothing body experience will also nurture and nourish your skin. For optimal results, follow with Phytomer’s Oligomer Well-being Strengthening Moisturising Body Cream. Pevonia De-Ageing Saltmouse Papaya-Pineapple When my energy levels are low, you can bet my skin is feeling it too. This aromatic exfoliant transports you to a tropical paradise as you inhale in the scrumptious scents of pineapple and papaya, and as the salt dissolves, negative ions are quickly absorbed for a truly energizing and skin smoothing experience. Pevonia Bright Skin Green Apple Mask This glow-giving mask not only tightens and brightens skin, but it's formulated with….yes, green apple and green tea to help boost energy too! Expect to wake up with plumped, firmed, glowing skin.
6 beauty tips celebrity makeup artists swear by
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 02 2020
Highly skilled makeup professionals can make anyone look pore-less, glamourous, and red carpet ready, so read on to learn about their top tips and how to incorporate them into your daily makeup routine. Spend more time prepping your skin Every makeup routine should start with well-prepped skin, after all, you don’t just want to look like you’re wearing makeup but look great in the makeup you are wearing. And spending an extra 10 minutes means a fresher face in the end!If skin is dull, dry, or fatigued incorporate a super-hydrating serum rich in hyaluronic acid underneath your moisturiser – to give mature complexions a healthy sheen. Just remember quenching the skin before applying makeup really will help boost brightness.Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum Go for a gradual layered approach when it comes to your base application The ‘overdone’ look never did anyone any favours so instead of slathering on that matte foundation you’ve been faithful to for years opt for a gradual layered approach which will build both colour and coverage which looks natural. Using more products but less of it will achieve the best result. Start with a primer or tinted cream like your BB’s or CC – for a sheer base that’ll correct skin undertones while brightening your complexion.Switching to a radiance-boosting liquid foundation or even applying illuminator over your base will immediately restore a little radiance to your skin. You can apply it over your primer, BB or CC if/where you feel you need extra coverage.Just remember, you want your makeup to look like an extension of yourself, a somewhat better version, rather than a separate mask and illuminating or light reflecting products will help achieve that more youthful glow every time. If you simply love your matte foundation and aren’t ready for change, just mix it with moisturizer to lighten your coverage and achieve a more dewy effect.Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 and ELES Stick Illuminator Apply your bronzer and blush to the right areas of your face A natural, healthy look can be achieved by applying both bronzer and blush to your face, but where you apply it can have a huge impact! For that subtle lift, apply blush high up on your cheeks, along the upper cheekbones rather than on the apples. Then subtly sculpt your face with bronzer by applying it in a big 3 shape on either side of the face, curving from your forehead to the tops of your cheekbones and under the jawline. Then blend.Try: ELES Baked Blush followed by ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam for a healthy glow with a touch of sheer radiance. Love your liner A good eyeliner is imperative to making eyes pop. A black gel pencil in the waterline top and bottom will give eyes shape and expression without looking overdone. Follow with a waterline pencil on the lower lash line to really open eyes up. It’ll also act as an instant freshener when eyes are red and/or tired.Try: ELES Superwear Gel Liner for super smooth easy lining, followed by ELES Waterline Liner for stand out eyes. Fill and extend eyebrows for bigger eyes Your brows can completely change how your face looks, and fuller, well shaped brows will add immediate dimension and help to sculpt the face making you look younger and more awake!Actually filling in your eyebrows from the top of the brow and elongating it gives eyes a more youthful look. For longevity it’s best to build up your brows with a combo of brow pencil then set with a powder shadow one shade lighter than brows.Try ELES Precision Brow pencil and ELES Brow Sculpt Match your lipliner to your lip colour Even if your lips tend to be on the paler side you should match your lip liner to the colour of your lips, not your darker (or lighter!) lipstick shade. A natural-toned liner will make it easier to correct shape (especially if your top lip is uneven or has lost definition so fades into skin) as well as add fullness.Try: ELES Long Wear Lipliner Want more makeup tips? Check out Celebrity Makeup Artists Best Beauty Hacks
8 expert tips for the ultimate spring skincare routine
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 09 2020
Spring is well and truly in the air, but with a change in season, comes a change in our skincare concerns, so it is important to now adjust your daily routine just as you would your wardrobe. From switching up your diet, upping your exercise and updating your skincare products, it’s time to put some pizzazz back into your skin after the cold, winter months.Not sure where to start though? We've got you covered. Read on for the best skincare tips and products on how to achieve truly radiant spring skin, as recommended by the beauty experts at BC.1. Exfoliate away dry winter skinPolish away post winter dullness to reveal a layer of fresh new skin. It's best to opt for gentle exfoliators and fruit peels that you can use once or twice a week. Follow with a moisturising mask as this will also aid your skin's recovery.I love Pevonia's Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it's great for those who love physical exfoliators with granules but want to steer clear of facial scrubs which could be a little harsh on the skin. It gently polishes your complexion with its unique creamy yet granular texture, formulated with jojoba beads, saponaria and chamomile, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion every time! However, if your preference is for an exfoliator free of microbeads or grains, one of my absolute favourites is the Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It combines natural vegetable enzymes with vitamin E to eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins without scrubbing the skin. I promise you your skin will be smooth, soft and radiant after one application!Follow with one of my go to masks Pevonia's Ageless Skin Collagen Mask. Formulated with collagen, squalane and shea butter, it deeply penetrates the skin for outstanding hydrating and skin-plumping results.2. Go lighter with your moisturiserIn winter, we tend to reach for the richer, heavier creams in hope they'll combat our dry, dehydrated skin, but swapping your daily moisturiser for something a little lighter is key for spring, this is because our skin retains more water during the warmer months so heavier formulations can lead to clogged pores and pesky pimples!It's important though to find the right balance between nourishing and light lotions or creams to complement your daily regime and boost your spring glow. We recommend a hyaluronic acid or water-based formula to add dewiness to your complexion but not over saturate your skin. This is because they help achieve hydration from within the skin as opposed to just sealing in moisturiser from the outside. Pevonia's Age Defying Marine Collagen Cream is one of my all-time favourites. It's light and silky and you can feel and see it immediately replenishing moisture on application restoring supple, soft and glowy skin every time!3. Up the SPFWhile a moisturiser with an SPF 30 is fine for winter, upping your SPF factor to 50 can make a huge difference in spring as we are exposed to higher UV rays in the warmer months. By using a high factor sunscreen daily, you will not only decrease your risk of skin cancer but also increase your change for healthier, smoother and more youthful skin.My go-to in the spring and summer months is ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50, not only does it protect skin against the sun's harmful rays it's also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots, all whilst calming and brightening your complexion!Or why not, like me, double up and use SPF in both your skincare and makeup! I can't recommend enough the ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 (which also happens to be a best-seller on BC!) it's a lightweight, oil-free, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection which quite literally diminishes imperfections, while brightening skin in one fell swoop!4. Prioritise Vitamin CIn the warmer months, when the sun is shining, UVB radiation is at its strongest, so it’s important to not only prioritise SPF but Vitamin C in our skincare too! Vitamin C when applied topically not only boosts our skin's natural tolerance to the sun, but it is able to help control the formation of pigmentation as well as significantly lightening its appearance too! So make sure you are armed with a great vitamin C serum or cream. I can't speak more highly of Pevonia's C Complexe with Oxyzomes. Two pumps and radiant looking skin instantaneously.BONUS: In the month of September if you purchase this product, you'll receive a FREE full size Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser too!5. Use eye cream daily...if you don't alreadyWith more time spent in the sun over the warmer months, it's important to understand you're be at higher risk of developing fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. To minimise this, make sure you incorporate an eye cream or gel into your daily skincare routine. We highly recommend Pevonia's “C” Evolutive Eye Gel to hydrate and protect our eyes. This soothing and cooling gel with high-tech time-release spherulites delivers protective and decongesting benefits to the delicate eye zone all day long.What’s more it's made with an outstanding trio of ingredients including Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Ginkgo Biloba so perfect for spring skin.6. Add pore perfecting and mattifying products to your routineFor many, the transition into spring can leave you with more shine and oil production then you bargained for. Therefore, your spring skincare line-up should include products that will help your skin shine the right way, by mattifying areas of your face that could become overly oily. Try introducing a primer to keep makeup in place throughout the day. ELES's Pore Perfecting Face Primer is an oil free primer which combats shine, absorbs excess oil and reduces the appearance of my pores! As a result, my foundation is a breeze to apply and remains fresh and flawless throughout the day! So, if your skin tends to be on the oily side give this product a go!7. Transition to a lighter foundationIt's best to steer clear of the thicker, heavier foundations you might have been accustomed to over winter as the heat and humidity bought about by the warmer months can lead to sweat and clogged skin, potentially causing breakouts. Switching to lighter products like a BB Cream or mineral powder foundation will balance out the extra oil production and leave your skin looking healthier.I can't get enough of ELES's best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral foundation. It's light silky formulation quite literally glides onto your skin and then sets to a soft powder finish, providing beautifully natural coverage with no shine!If however your skin tends to be more on the drier side and it's more of a dewy glow you're hoping for try ELES's Mineral Sheet Tint you won't be disappointed!8. Facial mists will be your friendAs the weather heats up and skin dries out, make sure you are armed with a good hydrating facial mist. They not only cool the skin but keep it hydrated throughout the day. We love the convenient Pevonia Phyto Aromatic Mist, it's a must-have for its calming and nourishing properties.
Spring ready? 5 body prep tips for the sunny season
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 08 2020
Spring is finally here! Hallelujah! But the change of season does mean it's time to get our bodies prepped for the warmer months ahead as it's away with the heavy jumpers and long trousers and out with the skirts, shorts, and swimmers!During the winter months many of us I'm sure have been guilty of neglecting our bodies just a little which includes not buffing, exfoliating or moisturising sufficiently. After all, we've been covered from head to toe for many months now, so skin texture is likely on the dry, scaley, and what's for lack of a better word – lumpy side! Yes, that smooth, supple skin we once donned, may be a thing of the past but with a few key products and a little love, we can have it back to its former glory in next to no time. So read on to find out what steps you need to take to perfect your body, and the products that really will work for you this season. Try dry body brushing Ever tried dry body brushing? I'm a firm believer in it! But, in order to notice its impact on your skin, you need to do it daily. Regular body brushing stimulates blood flow and circulation and helps the body detoxify itself. As a result, it helps to tighten the skin and reduce cellulite! Give it a whirl before you have a shower or bath by simply brushing your body in upward movements towards your heart. Give your skin a perfecting polish Yes, it's time to get your buffing cloth out, load it with a healthy dose of body scrub, and give your body a much needed and well-deserved skin polish! After all, a good old fashioned scrub is your ticket to smooth, spring skin.Apply your scrub to wet skin (use warm water) and gently massage all over the body in a circular motion. Then rinse and clean thoroughly with gentle shower gel. By exfoliating the skin it will eliminate any dead skin cells as well as dry flakey skin, making way for silky smooth skin.I've personally tried many a body scrub in my time but can not go past Pevonia's Silky Skin Body Scrub. I'm not lying when I say after just one application my skin is so silky soft and smooth. Moisturise daily Using a good body moisturiser, lotion on dry oil can help heal dry skin as well as protect it from seasonal factors. Applying your body cream after your shower or bath is the best time as your skin is still moist and the product is able to trap some of that water still on your body and use it to further hydrate your skin. Hands down my favourite body moisturiser (and a global best seller!) is Pevonia's Dry Oil Body Moisturiser. It literally feels like silk on application, is not greasy at all (despite it being an 'oil') and absorbs immediately, quite literally nourishing every inch of your body. Formulated with Lavender and Chamomile the scent it heaven and it renders skin soft, supple with a healthy glow. This product does not disappoint, and the reviews speak for themselves.If you are however more of a cream lover, I also highly recommend for spring Phytomer's Oleocreme Ultra-moisturising Body Milk, its an ideal combination of the comfort of a cream and the lightness of a body milk, and its “anti-thirst” formula means it is super hydrating but not too rich! Plus it absorbs very quickly making way for smooth, visibly plumped skin. Slather on the anti-cellulite cream Truth be told while there is no ‘quick fix’ when it comes to cellulite, if you are armed with a good topical anti-cellulite treatment and are vigilant about its daily application, you can significantly reduce your cellulite’s appearance. After trialing many anti-cellulite creams in my time, my firm favourite is definitely Phytomer's Resurfaslim Peel and Slim Cream, and for good reason. It took me about 10 days of religious application morning and night, to notice a real change in my skin. By 4 weeks I felt slimmer, and my cellulite had definitely reduced! Especially the appearance of dimpling around my upper thighs! I have my next bottle at the ready and can't wait to see the results in a month's time! Get your glow on If you've neglected to exfoliate, moisturise and buff your body over the winter months I'm betting that your skin hasn't had a tan for a while either. With the pins making an appearance once again it's time to get your glow on with a good self-tanner! Just be sure to steer clear of spray and mousse self-tans though as these can be slightly drying for the skin. Instead, try a nourishing self-tanning cream. It will not only create that natural spring glow but also nourish your dry post-winter skin.Try Phytomer's Sun Radiance Self Tanning Cream, it's white satin texture makes it so easy to apply without leaving any streaks, it quickly absorbs into the skin and within a few hours, you'll have the most perfect long-lasting natural tan! I promise!Follow these steps and you'll well and truly be beach body ready!
9 things you need to stop doing to your skin now!
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 19 2020
You might well think you are following protocol and doing all the right things for your skin – applying SPF daily, using the best products for your specific needs, drinking your two litres of water a day, exercising but not too excessively, getting enough shut-eye… the list goes on, yet still, your skin isn’t where you want it to be, but why? Most of us spend each day taking the right steps, all the while damaging our skin without even realising it! Read on to find out nine things you might be doing which could well be impacting your skin’s overall health; Touching your face If COVID-19 has taught me one thing, it’s to be vigilant about touch! And I have to admit I did not realise just HOW often I touched my face!! Eek.Each time you touch your face, you're exposing your skin to bacteria, so repeatedly touching it with your fingertips, resting your face on your hands, or simply rubbing your head can introduce dirt directly to the skin and in some cases cause pesky pimples and worse! So try to be more wary of your actions, and thoroughly clean your face with a good cleanser at the end of every day! Hitting the pantry at night! Yes it happens to the best of us! You’ve been healthy all week, diligently consuming your super foods but this evening you caved and hit the panty for those sugared treats, surely it’s not that big a deal? Unfortuantely it can be! This is because consuming sugar affects our bodies' collagen stores. Collagen is the magical protein that our bodies produce which helps our skin to remain supple and well, simply look younger. Unfortunately the sugary foods we consume break down both the collagen and elastin in our skin, causing dullness and wrinkles over time, so if it’s possible, it’s best to cut down sugar intake where you can, especially at night, which happens to be the worst possible time! There goes my late night feasts. Going to sleep with makeup on I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of having one too many in our time, or simply hopping into bed exhausted only to realise you haven’t removed your makeup and have little to no energy to get back up to cleanse your face, so to bed with a full face of makeup we go! But I can’t stress enough how failing to remove makeup at the end of every day is a major missed opportunity for your skin to be able to regenerate while you sleep! Not removing your makeup means the skin ceases to breathe freely, pores clog and fatigue signs start to appear. Two of my favourite makeup removers, which both effectively and effortlessly melts away the day's makeup and grime, are Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover and ELES Cosmetic’s Transformation Cleansing Oil.Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, Phytomer’s ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast! While the ELES Transformation Oil literally melts away makeup with jojoba oil, safflower oil, olive oil, squalene and vitamin E! What’s more for the month of August when you purchase the Transformation Cleansing Oil, you’ll receive a set of 3 muslin cleansing cloths (for swift and easy removal) for Free!To read more about sleeping in makeup – what it really does to our skin click here. Not getting enough shut-eye If you are like me and one for being guilty of going to bed too late, or simply not getting enough sleep (we are talking the recommended 8 hours a night) know that your skin WILL suffer. This is because it affects the moisture levels in your skin, depleting them, as well as lowering your complexions pH levels, and when your skin’s pH levels drop, they create an imbalance which means your skin isn’t able to produce the moisture it needs, resulting in dry, lacklustre skin. It can also create unnecessary redness, leave skin uneven and even trigger breakouts. To understand more about what really happens to your skin while you sleep click here. Having a hot shower Ok, so no one in winter is going to say no to a hot shower right? It’s one of life’s little luxuries but it does come at a cost to your skin believe it or not. Unfortunately, hot water can strip the skin of its essential moisture and deplete its natural protective barrier which can lead to impairments in the skin’s moisture. We know you aren’t going to stop having those steamy showers of a morning but try and turn the heat down a little, limit shower time and ensure you replenish skin immediately after with a good hydrating moisturiser! I’m currently loving Phytomer’s Hydra Original Thirst Relief Melting Cream, it’s deliciously rich and delivers intense and lasting hydration to my skin! Not frequently changing your bedding We are accustomed to washing our clothes after every wear but why is it at the end of every day, we fall into bed without giving our sheets a second thought? Unfortunately clogged pores can occur when we don't wash our bedding weekly. This in turn can lead to blemishes and breakouts. Why? Because there is a build up of bacteria and oil on our sheets, especially pillowcases caused by sweat, saliva and dead skin cells. Yuck. Over exfoliating You are doing as you think is right and exfoliating your skin once or twice a week but could you be over exfoliating? Using exfoliators with AHA’s and BHA’s when it’s not necessary can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dry. If you notice you are developing dry patches or flaky skin you could well be over-doing it. This is why it's important to use the correct exfoliator for your skin type and always follow exfoliation with hydrating and moisturising creams. Spending too much time in front of a screen I know I speak for so many of us when it comes to too much screen time these days. Whether it be our laptop, tv, iphone or ipad, screen time does effect our skin and here’s why; All devices (now labeled the silent anti-agers of our generation!) emit ‘blue light’. This light creates a free radical that damages our DNA, by penetrating all the way to the dermis where our collagen and elastin live causing loss of firmness, increase in visible lines as well as inflammation and dark spots! Scary stuff. Your best defence? Try to cut down your time and use targeted skincare and makeup products!Using products containing iron oxide can help neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try Pevonia's Youth Renew Tinted Moisturiser or ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.The skin naturally contains antioxidants. These are quickly damaged and depleted when exposed to free radicals. By applying a topical antioxidant containing Vitamins C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effecting of blue light. Try Medicalia's C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within the skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects.I also love Pevonia's Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing. And if you purchase this cream in the month of August, you'll receive the full size matching Stem Cells Foaming Cleanser for Free! Using dirty makeup brushes Your makeup tools are meant to be washed. Besides bacteria, both brushes and sponges also accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores leading to skin irritation and pesky pimples! Also if you apply your makeup with a dirty bush the end result can be a streaky and patchy complexion! Clean brushes definitely make for a smoother makeup application so get cleaning them at least once a week! For “green” and allergy-free brushes, opt for taklon bristle brushes, this smooth synthetic fibre is ideal for makeup application as it does not absorb or trap pigment, making it so much easier to keep clean too!
Beautiful, youthful skin fast? Try this skincare collection NOW
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 11 2020
I’m sure we’ve all heard of “stem cells” right? The so called “special” cells in our body which unlike blood, muscle or nerve cells have the ability to self-renew and repair. Clever right?But did you know these cells are now being used in the form of creams, serums and even cleansers? Thanks to their ability to fight wrinkles and improve skin turnover and appearance!But if the idea of slathering some other person’s stem cells all over your face in the name of beauty, creeps you out, we get it. That’s why the clever folk at Pevonia introduced an alternative into their skincare, the next best thing - plant stem cells. Praised for their skin-regenerating abilities, they work similarly to human stem cells and may offer amazing benefits for your skin too!Both plant and human stem cells contain proteins and amino acids that signal the body’s cells to rejuvenate. In addition, they contain peptides, which are skincare powerhouse ingredients for collagen formation. They are the building blocks for cell rejuvenation and have antioxidant properties that nourish skin cells thereby promoting cell turnover. In fact plant stem cells actually have stronger antioxidant properties than human cells! This can result in fewer lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture and tone, and younger, better-looking skin! Now, who doesn’t want that!Cue Pevonia’s Stem Cells Phyto Elite Line, hailed for its ability to stimulate the reversal of the ageing cycle of the skin, the line, powered by two ground-breaking plant cell sources – the reparative Moroccan Argan Tree and European Comfrey Root – works deep within the skin to radically reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and deeply hydrating the skin at a rapid rate!Whether you are looking to introduce a new anti-ageing cleanser, serum or moisturiser into your daily routine, this line has it all!What’s better in the month of August if you purchase a Stem Cells Moisturiser or Stem Cells Serum you’ll receive the full size cleanser for FREE.But before you see for yourself what all the stem cells hype is really about, read on to see what some of our customers have to say first;“This is a top of the line serum. I love Pevonia Botanica's products and this one is no exception. It leaves the skin rejuvenated and looking more youthful. I use this along with their Cleanser and Intensive Cream. It's an excellent regimen if you're looking for the best.” Amber L Excellent Product. The serum goes on light and spreads easily with a few wisps of my fingertips. It works wonderfully with the stem cell moisturiser. This line of Pevonia products is my favourite one as a long time Pevonia user. Diana R Excellent product! I love it, have used the serum, cream and cleanser for some time and it has made a wonderful improvement to my skin. Jacqueline C “I love this cleanser! It has a wonderful luxurious foaming consistency and smells divine. My skin feels nourished and luminous after use, not dry like some cleansers, and i have been using it in conjunction with the serum and moisturiser for a few months now and can definitely seem fantastic results! Skin is more supple, fine lines have lessened. I'm hooked!” Joanna B “I have never really had a skin care routine that I stuck to until now. Cleansers felt squeaky and made my skin feel drier, and moisturisers just felt like they sat on the surface of my skin and didn’t give any moisture to my aging skin. Now I can’t wait to get home each night and use my Stem Cell Foaming Cleanser and then the most hydrating and moisturising Stem Cell Intensive Cream to feel fresh, clean and youthful. I have finally found a brand that lives up to its marketing and promotional statements, thank you Pevonia”. Jennifer.
Stretchmarks: Why we get them and how to prevent or fade them
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 03 2020
We’ve all heard of the dreaded stretch marks! Whether they started to appear during adolescent growth spurts or they pop up throughout pregnancy, the majority of us ladies will fall victim to these scars at some stage in life! Whether you embrace them or dislike them greatly, stretch marks are very normal! But why do we get them? And what can we do to prevent or reduce them?Stretch marks develop when our skin quite literally stretches (or shrinks!) at a rapid pace, causing the collagen and elastin (which our bodies naturally produce) in the dermis, to tear or ‘rupture’. As it heals we are left with a scar known as a stretch mark. Unfortunately, while there is no way to permanently get rid of these marks, there are effective treatments you can use to either help prevent them from appearing in the first place or to soften the severity of pre-existing marks.The first thing you need to know when choosing the treatment are its ingredients. Similar to skincare, there are a number of key ingredients to look out for, which will help improve or reduce the appearance of stretch marks; Hyaluronic Acid (which plumps the lines), retinol (which resurfaces and strengthens the skin) and elastin.When I found out I was pregnant I have to admit I did worry about the toll it would take on my body, namely stretch marks, so I got to moisturising both my stomach and thighs religiously every day, morning and night. I tried a few different creams as recommended by close friends and professionals alike, but the one cream that became my firm favourite was the Medicalia Stretchmark Guard Cream. I really liked its light and non-greasy texture, yet loved how it felt deeply nourishing. It’s formulated with Retinyl Palmitate, which is effective in boosting collagen fibre production in your skin – yes please we could all do with as much collagen as possible as we age!), Marine Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E! It’s 100% safe to use in pregnancy and I can honestly say I am a testament that this stuff really does work! Having been prone to a few stretch marks in my time, especially when I was younger and went through growth spurts, I thought it was a given I’d get at least a few more, even if I stuck with my vigilant body care routine! But not one stretchmark formed on my stomach! For me, it’s the best product to prevent stretch marks but it’s also a game-changer when it comes to helping heal them once they’ve formed too!With regards to the technicalities, Medicalia’s Stretchmark Guard Cream effectively prevents stretchmark formation while smoothing pre-exisiting marks as well as other skin damage! It renews skin cells and boosts hydration for levels of stronger, smoother and suppler skin. All hail Medicalia’s Stretchmark Guard cream I say!
5 products that will bring your dry skin back to life
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 03 2020
If you’re like me, or the ‘old’ me should I say! You’re one of many who suffer from dry skin. I’m talking dry, dehydrated and lacklustre, only made worse in the winter months thanks to the cooler, windy, weather, and constant need for indoor heating which let’s face it sucks the life out of our already devitalised complexions!So if you need to breathe some life back into your dry, lifeless skin, these products, I personally promise, will be a lifesaver, what’s more, they come highly recommended by our customers and the BC experts too! Pevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin CreamFormulated with some of the best natural ingredients to counteract dry skin including pear seed extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen and Shea Butter, this deeply nourishing and skin smoothing cream diminishes dry and flaky skin while combatting fine lines and wrinkles for a truly rejuvenated, hydrated appearance. “I have tried numerous products whose purpose is to hydrate and soften dry skin but this is the only product that I have found that actually accomplishes this goal. I have used this product for nearly five years and have no plans to use any other product than this in the future. Actually, I love the entire Pevonia Dry Skin line of products!” Sarah S Pevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateIf you don’t have a nightly skincare ritual, start now by introducing Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. You will thank me later. This soothing, silky oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma, is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin every morning. “This product has saved my dry skin especially during the colder months. You put it on after cleansing and it is absorbed right away. It is a dry oil and is just wonderful.” Amelia G Phytomer Nutritionelle Dry Skin Rescue CreamSalvation for even the most dry as a desert skin! This soft, silky rich cream incorporates a cocktail of marine and plant oils including organic glasswort, organic buckwheat, apricot kernel, shea butter and hydratfusion, to bring comfort and hydration all day long. Say goodbye to tight, uncomfortable and parched skin and hello to a suppler, soft and visibly plumped complexion. “This is glorious. My skin feels so soft and plump after I use it.” Lisa DHyaluronic Acid Hydra SerumLiquid gold! The powerhouse serum packs a punch as it delivers a burst of hydration to seriously thirsty skin. Formulated with one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%) combined with marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract, it eliminates dryness almost instantly while maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. It leaves the skin’s texture softer, plumper, and firmer while looking healthier, luminous, and supple. “I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Marie C Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin MaskTaking its inspiration from mesotherapy – a technique which uses injections of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts to deeply rejuvenate and nourish your skin – this mask, rich in vitamins and hyaluronic acid, visibly revitalizes for a more radiant, smoothed and plumped complexion. “My skin was feeling patchy with the changing seasons, but after one application of this mask it felt better moisturised and fresher. Dry, flaky patches were soothed and smoothed. I’ve used it once or twice a week since and my skin tends to feel plump and fresh for a good 4 days after using the mask. Very gentle and soothing.” A McBride
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