BC Skin Journal

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Summer proof beauty: 10 makeup tips for makeup that lasts

by Jo Boyden on Dec 12 2025

Summer is well and truly under way with the hot weather we’ve had of late! But hot, humid days don’t have to mean compromised makeup! With the right prep, formulas, and application techniques, you can create makeup that stays polished and in place! no matter how high the temperature gets! From long-wear bases to humidity-resistant hacks, these 10 pro-approved makeup tips will keep your summer makeup looking seamless all day long! Tip 1. Start with a super clean canvas Makeup lasts longer on skin that’s clean, balanced, and free from excess oil.Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser each morning to remove overnight sebum and prep your skin for smooth application. Tip 2. Change to moisturisers that suit the warmer weather Heavy creams and rich oils can make makeup slip faster in warm weather. So as much as you might love your trusty moisturiser it’s time to switch to lighter, gel or lotion textures that hydrate without leaving a greasy film. Focus on non-comedogenic formulas so your base sits smoothly and holds up better as the day goes on. Tip 3. Always let your skincare fully absorb Rushing from moisturiser straight to foundation is a recipe for slipping and pilling! While I know so many of us are time poor, if you want to prevent your makeup sliding off your face by mid-morning you need to give your skincare a couple of minutes to sink in before applying your makeup. This creates a more even canvas and helps your base adhere instead of sliding around on top. Tip 4. Use a primer Primer is your summer secret weapon I’m telling you! especially if you have oily or combination skin you’ll benefit from a mattifying or pore-perfecting formula, while normal to dry skin often prefers a hydrating but slightly tacky primer that grips makeup. Apply a thin layer where you get most shiny, then press foundation on top rather than rubbing. Tip 5. Choose long-wear and transfer-resistant formulas In hot weather, longevity matters more than full coverage. Look for long-wear or transfer-resistant foundations, tinted serums or tinted moisturisers that set down but still feel breathable. Waterproof mascaras, long-lasting brow products and budge-proof gel eyeliners also make a big difference in humidity! Tip 6. Apply thin layers and build slowly Thick layers of base are the first to crack, crease and melt. Instead, use sheer layers and build only where needed (around the nose, chin or blemishes). A light layer of a long-lasting formula wears far better than a heavy layer of anything, especially in the heat. Tip 7. Set strategically with powder You don’t need to mattify your entire face. Use a finely milled, translucent powder just on the areas prone to shine, typically the forehead, sides of the nose and chin. Press it in with a sponge or small brush rather than dusting; this helps lock products in without looking flat or cakey. Tip 8. Set with a long-lasting setting spray A good setting spray can act like a soft “seal” for your makeup. Mist your face after finishing your routine, and for extra staying power, lightly spray your sponge or brush before tapping on foundation or concealer. This helps fuse the layers together and improves longevity. Tip 9. Blot skin! Don’t pile on more product When shine appears, reach for blotting papers or a clean tissue to gently lift excess oil before adding any powder. Adding layer after layer of product over sweat and oil can lead to caking and separation. Blot first, then, if needed, tap a small amount of powder just where you need it. Tip 10. Choose lip and eye products that can take the heat Glosses and creamy liners can smear quickly in warm weather. Opt for long-wear lip pencils (gel is best), that fade more gracefully, and go for waterproof or smudge-resistant liners and mascaras. Bonus tip from the pros Before applying primer or foundation, lightly spritz your makeup sponge or a clean, flat foundation brush with a cooling mist or place it in the fridge for a few minutes. Applying your base with a cold tool helps to temporarily constrict pores and calm the skin, which improves the longevity and seamless blend of your foundation. So there you have it! summer makeup doesn’t have to melt! With the right prep, the right formulas, and these heat-proof tips, you can enjoy flawless, glowing, stay-all-day beauty no matter what!

Effortless beauty: The 5-minute makeup routine you’ll love

by Jo Boyden on Nov 14 2025

We've all been there, the alarm goes off, you hit snooze one too many times, and suddenly you have approximately seven minutes to look like a functioning human before rushing out the door! The good news? We have created a 5 minute ‘minimal’ makeup routine, featuring 5 of our favourite (and most popular) products with a simple 5 step guide on how to achieve the look! That’s right, Five minutes. Five simple steps. No complicated techniques, no products you'll never use again, just a foolproof formula that works whether you're heading to the office, meeting friends for brunch, or just want to feel a little more “put-together” so to speak! Sound good? Keep reading as we take you through our step-by-step guide so you too can achieve the perfect “barely there” everyday makeup look, in just minutes! Firstly, the products you need! ELES Blue Light Radiant BB CreamThis multitasking formula perfects, protects, and hydrates for luminous, flawless skin. ELES Mineral Baked Blush in Rose GoldAdds instant warmth and radiance with a soft, sun-kissed glow. Apply with Duo Fibre Brush for a natural, airbrushed finish every time. ELES Precision Brow PencilDefines and fills brows with natural, hair-like precision strokes. ELES Lush MascaraLengthens, lifts, and nourishes lashes for fuller, fluttery definition. ELES Colour Balm in NudeHydrates lips with sheer, natural tint for everyday effortless beauty. Your Foolproof 5-Step Guide Step 1: Perfect your base Apply ELES Blue Light Radiant BB Cream with your fingertips, pressing gently into the skin for a smooth, luminous finish. Its buildable coverage evens tone without looking heavy, while acting as primer, foundation, concealer and sunblock, all packed with anti-ageing actives and blue-light protection. Your fingers warm the product, making blending instant, no extra tools needed for this step!Time: 60 seconds. Step 2: Add a touch of colour Using the ELES Duo Fibre Brush, sweep ELES Mineral Baked Blush in Rose Gold across the high points of your cheeks, lightly over the bridge of your nose, and a touch across your eyelids for a soft, sun-kissed glow. This universally flattering shade combines bronze, blush, and highlight in one effortless sweep, giving your face dimension and a healthy glow with zero fuss.Time: 60 seconds. Step 3: Define in 60 Seconds Brows make a huge difference to the appearance of your face! and fuller, well-shaped brows will add immediate dimension and help to sculpt the face making you look younger and more awake! Fill any gaps with the ELES Precision Brow Pencil. Its fine tip creates natural, hair-like strokes, while the spool brush smooths and shapes brows for a flawless, soft-focus finish. Time: 45 seconds. Step 4: Lift those lashes Coat lashes generously with ELES Lush Mascara, sweeping from base to tips for maximum volume and lift. It defines lashes beautifully without clumping and nourishes them with every wear, so your lashes look fuller and healthier over time. Use on upper lashes, and lower if desired, for definition, while nourishing ingredients help lashes grow thicker and longer over time. A few quick coats is all you need to make your eyes pop. Time: 45 seconds. Step 5: The finishing touch As we age our lips can not only lose volume but colour too so adding a little lip colour can make all the different to creating the perfect, polished, minimal makeup look! Simply dab a little ELES Colour Balm in Nude at the centre of your lips, then blend with your fingertip for a soft, muted pout. For a little more precision use a lip brush. This final step adds hydration and a natural, pulled-together feel without having to opt for a lipstick. The result? A fresh, dewy finish that ties the whole look together.Time: 30 seconds. And you’re done! Five steps. Five minutes. Fresh, glowing, naturally beautiful skin. This minimalist routine proves that less really is more! It prioritizes buildable coverage, skin-conditioning ingredients, and subtle shades that looks like you but better. It’s perfect for mornings when every minute counts and for anyone who wants a reliable no-fuss routine that still delivers a natural glow!

Everyday makeup: The simple 5-minute makeup routine

by Jo Boyden on Jun 13 2025

Let’s face it, life’s busy and mornings can be hectic (that’s every day in my house!) which means the luxury of spending ample time in front of the mirror to master your makeup daily is likely non-existent! Between hitting snooze one too many times and juggling the morning chaos, it can be a miracle to leave the house looking like we didn’t just roll out of bed! The good news? I’m here to tell you that with just 5 or 6 key products and a few simple steps, you can actually master a polished, fresh-faced glow in just minutes! Sound good? Keep reading for the easy to follow 5-minute makeup routine us busy mums at BC love and use every day! What you’ll need; Tinted Moisturiser, BB Cream, or Lightweight Foundation (with SPF if possible!) Concealer (for under eyes and any blemishes) Brow Gel or Pencil Mascara Baked or Cream Blush Lip Gloss Beauty sponge (optional) Step 1: Prep your skin (1 minute) Make sure you start with a clean, moisturised face (a hydrating night cream or face oil applied the night before helps cut time here!) Use a lightweight moisturiser or a hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas. This step helps your makeup go on evenly and last longer. Applying a sunscreen after is imperative too to protect your skin throughout the day, if your moisturiser already has SPF in it, even better! Step 2: Even out your complexion (1.5 minutes) Skip heavy foundations and instead opt for a tinted moisturiser, BB cream or light powder for quick coverage. Apply it with your fingers or a damp beauty sponge for a natural finish. Focus on areas that need coverage, like redness or uneven tone, and blend well for a seamless look. If you want, add a quick dusting of translucent powder on your T-zone to control shine. Step 3: Add a touch of colour (30 seconds) Now apply a sweep of blush across your cheeks for a fresh, youthful glow. Cream formulas are perfect for quick application and blend easily with your fingers. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone for a natural flush. Step 4: Conceal and brighten (45 seconds) Gently apply a lightweight concealer under your eyes, around your nose, and on any blemishes, gently tapping it in with your ring finger or a small brush. You can also use a sponge for a natural, flawless finish. Next quickly define your eyes by applying one or two coats of mascara. This step will instantly brighten your complexion and enhance and lift your lashes opening your eyes to make you look more awake! And I’m sure many of us want to do with that in the morning! Step 5: Define your brows (45 seconds) Fill in your brows lightly with a brow pencil and brush through for a natural look. I know we don’t have much time, but this step will make all the difference to your look! Defined brows will really frame your face and can make you look younger than you are! Step 6: Finish with lips (30 seconds) To complete the look, finish with a swipe of hydrating lip balm, gloss, or your favourite lipstick. Choose a shade that enhances your natural lip colour for an effortless finish. I love using my favourite ELES Gel Lipliner in Guava! I line my lips to make them look fuller and more plumped (because let’s face it ageing definitely thins them!) and then fill lips in for colour! Bonus tips for speedy success! Multi-tasking products will save you time! We love a good BB Cream with SPF which acts as your moisturiser, foundation and sunscreen! Use your fingers for application, they’re the quickest tools you have! Stick to cream or liquid formulas for easier blending. Organize your makeup and place in one location for grab-and-go mornings. Good luck!

Party ready makeup: Get this simple soft glam look

by Jo Boyden on Nov 29 2024

The festive season (or silly season as some of us like to call it!) is here! And with it comes a whirlwind of events, so nailing your makeup look (especially if you’re time poor like me) really is paramount! But how do you get that flawless, party-ready look that is simple to do and lasts all night? Well we’ve got you covered! Whether you are off to your work christmas party or have an upcoming gathering with friends, we have the perfect makeup look for you! Keep reading for our step-by-step guide, expert tips and product recommendations to make sure you’re party ready this festive season! How to get a “soft glam” makeup look There’s definitely a time and place for a smouldering smokey eye, sharp contouring, or a striking red lip, but this silly season we are focusing on a more understated “soft glam” look. This style keeps the essence of glam while dialing it down for a look that’s lighter, softer, and effortlessly polished and it’s easy for everyone to achieve! Skin prep (for perfection!) Before you start any makeup application your skin needs to be properly prepped. It’s the secret to flawless makeup I’m telling you! You know the drill, make sure you cleanse your face to remove any impurities, before applying a hydrating serum and moisturiser to create a smooth, plumped canvas. Using a primer can be game changing too as it will help makeup last all day as well as blur any imperfections! Pro Tip: For even better results make sure you exfoliate a day before your big event to remove dead skin cells for a smoother application and follow with a hydrating sheet mask to plump and hydrate! Ace your base! A long-lasting foundation is key for party makeup. Choose one with a luminous finish for a radiant glow or a matte formula for a more polished look. For our soft glam party ready look we used the NEW ELES Mineral Veil Cream to Powder Foundation. Impeccably crafted to transform you skin into a flawless canvas, this innovative formula rich in antioxidants and firming and soothing ingredients, is your secret weapon against imperfections. Its luxurious creamy texture glides on effortlessly, camouflaging blemishes, evening out skin tone and masking minor flaws with precision. Packed with a powerhouse of pigments, it creates a second skin effect without the weight, offering air-like coverage that lasts! To apply use a damp beauty blender sponge to blend it seamlessly into your skin. Next you’ll want to conceal dark circles and blemishes with a creamy concealer like ELES Dual Action Concealer. Pro Tip: Set your foundation with a translucent powder for an all-night flawless finish. Skin perfection Now you’ve aced your base, you’ll want to perfect your skin with a dusting of ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light. This amazing multi-tasker combines coverage, bronze and highlight and leaves skin looking perfectly airbrushed – no joke! Elevate Your Eyes The eyes are the focal point of any festive makeup look but for this look we want to keep them soft and subtle although it does include perfecting a winged eyeliner! Do not fear though, while nailing the winged liner might well appear a little tricky at first, with a little patience and practice, you’ll master this iconic look in no time! At BC we love a good, winged eyeliner look, (I personally do it every single day) It not only elongates your eyes but makes them appear more lifted too! Plus it suits any eye colour and can be as subtle or as stand out as you want it to be. But before applying our eyeliner, we want to focus on our eyeshadow first. This party ready soft glam look involves neutral shades with very soft shimmer. We have used the ELES Earthly Glow Palette. The palette includes 3 neutral shades, although for this particular look we have used just two. Take the lightest shimmer shade and apply a wash over your entire eyelid and inner corner of your eyes to brighten. Next apply the middle neutral shade to the outer corner and crease for depth. Blend seamlessly for a radiant eye-catching finish! Now its time for the winged liner! For beginners, a felt-tip liquid eyeliner or gel eyeliner with an angled brush is easier to control. We highly recommend using the ELES Felt Tip Liner, it draws a high-pigment, flawless line and features a super-fine felt tip for precise application. Now to start look straight into a mirror and decide the angle of your wing. Use your lower lash line as a guide, extending the line upward toward the tail of your eyebrow. Draw a small line outward to create the wing’s base. Then, connect the tip of the wing back to your lash line, forming a triangle. You now need to line your last line! Start from the inner corner of your eye and draw a thin line along your lash line, connecting it to the wing. Keep the line thinner toward the inner corner and thicker as it moves outward. Now you need to fill in the triangle you’ve created for the wing and any gaps along the lash line. If you’ve made any mistakes do not fear, simply use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover or concealer with a brush to sharpen the edges or fix any mistakes. Pro Tip: if you have a bit of an unsteady hand you can always use tape or a card to help create the perfect wing. Simply place it at the angle you want your wing to help create a sharp line. You can also practice with a pencil eyeliner first by tracing the shape lightly before going in with your liquid or gel liner. Next using a pencil liner (we’ve used ELES Superwear Gel Liner) you’ll want to line the lower last line and complete your eyes with Lush mascara for a wide-eyed effect. Perfect your brows Well-defined brows frame your face and elevate your makeup so you’ll want to fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder. We love ELES Precision Brow Pencil. It enables controlled brow filling and lining to quickly and effortlessly create fuller, natural looking brows that will last the distance! Go for a natural look by following your brow’s natural shape. Keep lips neutral and glossy Choose a lipstick that complements your look but remember a nude lip pairs beautifully with dramatic eyes. Firstly use a lip liner to define your lips and prevent feathering. We love the ELES Lipliner in Naked. Follow with a gloss for lips that stand out from the crowd. We love the ELES Pucker up Lipgloss in Lingering its natural but adds depth to lips with a subtle hint of colour, plus this lipgloss not only looks super glassy and glossy, it conditions your lips and doesn’t feel sticky! Seal the deal Set your makeup with a setting spray to ensure it stays put through dancing, toasts, and holiday feasts. Not only does it lock in your look, but it also adds a natural finish to your makeup. Voila! You look is complete, it’s time to shine!

The secret to a flawless finish: Must-have beauty products

by Jo Boyden on Aug 16 2024

I’m sure I’m right in saying we’d all love to achieve that coveted flawless finish - a smooth, even complexion that looks naturally radiant and free of imperfections! While achieving perfection might seem like the impossible for some, I’m here to tell you that with the right products and techniques, you can definitely get pretty darn close! Keep reading as we reveal the beauty products you need to help you achieve a truly flawless finish. Start with a good skincare routine Before you even think about makeup, lets talk skincare! To achieve a flawless finish you need to get your skincare routine down pat as no makeup, no matter how good it is, will apply smoothy without going onto healthy, hydrated skin! Cleanser First things first, you need to make sure your skin is perfectly cleansed. A cleanser preps skin by removing dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts or uneven texture. Clean skin allows your makeup to adhere better and last longer, creating a smoother canvas for application. A good cleanser also balances the skin’s pH, preventing dryness or excessive oiliness that can affect your makeup applying smoothly. By starting with a clean, refreshed face, you will set the foundation for a radiant, flawless complexion. Exfoliator Your exfoliator will not only help remove dead skin cells (which if left on the surface of your skin can lead to clogged pores, dullness and rough skin texture!) but by exfoliating your skin you will enable your skincare products like your moisturiser and serum to penetrate more deeply and effectively, in turn boosting their efficacy and therefore deeply nourishing your skin, and as I said before makeup will never look and feel flawless without going onto a healthy, hydrated complexion. You don’t need to exfoliate every day though as this can lead to over-exfoliation, once or twice weekly is ideal. Moisturiser This is non-negotiable. Just be sure to choose a moisturiser suited to your skin type. For combination to oily skin you’ll want to opt for a lightweight, oil free formula. For ageing, dry and dehydrated skin a richer cream formulated with hyaluronic acid should be your go to. N.B. Applying a serum under your moisturiser for an added extra boost of nourishment can be a real game-changer when it comes to achieving that truly flawless finish. Primer When it comes to your makeup, the foundation of a flawless look starts with a good primer. A primer fills in pores, smooths fine lines and skin texture, brightens and primes skin, and preps it for makeup oh and it helps your makeup last longer too! N.B Look for one that matches your skin type—a hydrating primer for dry skin or mattifying primer for oily skin. Now it’s time for your makeup. Foundation Now, let's talk foundation. Your foundation will help even out skin tone, cover blemishes, minimise the appearance of pores and increase skins luminosity! The key though is to find a shade that matches your skin tone perfectly and a formula that suits your skin type. Matte for oily skin, dewy for dry skin. To learn more about the perfect foundation for your skin type click here. Concealer If you suffer from dark circles, are prone to redness or are currently dealing with blemishes or imperfections a concealer should be your go to for touching up your skin! Opt for one that provides full coverage without caking, blending seamlessly into your skin for a natural finish. Blush & Bronzer A blush or bronzer will really enhance your features adding to that flawless finish. They add warmth and dimension to your face. Blush gives your cheeks a healthy glow, while bronzer contours your features for a sun-kissed look. Illuminator or highlighter An illuminator be it stick, powder or cream, will create a natural highlight, and gives skin a fresh, delicate glow, perfect for a brighter appearance! Apply to cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow. Setting your makeup is essential To ensure your makeup stays put all day, setting products are essential! You can opt for a translucent powder which can help control shine while setting your foundation, or simply use a setting spray to lock your makeup in place, preventing smudging and fading. The finishing touches If it’s a complete look you’re going for, you’ll want to finish off with a few other makeup essentials. Eyebrows Well-groomed eyebrows frame your face so youll want to invest in a good eyebrow product, be it a precision pencil or a brow balm. Eyeshadow Eyeshadow enhances your eyes by adding depth, dimension, and colour. It can highlight your eye shape and complement your overall look too! Choose a neutral eyeshadow palette for an everyday look. Mascara Mascara accentuates your eyes by defining, lengthening, and volumizing your lashes, making them appear fuller and more defined. Lipstick or Lip Gloss Completing your makeup with a lipstick or lip gloss will add colour and dimension as well as a polished finish to your face. These products help define your lips, making them stand out and balancing the overall makeup. Whether you opt for a bold lipstick or a subtle gloss, both will enhance your features and tie the entire look together. Plus, they can complement your outfit, mood, or the occasion! And remember don't underestimate the power of good tools. Invest in quality makeup brushes and sponges for a smooth, streak-free application. Proper tools can make all the difference in achieving a professional finish.

Your go-to guide for basic makeup essentials

by Jo Boyden on Aug 10 2024

Building a makeup kit can be somewhat overwhelming especially with so many makeup products on the market! From foundation to primer, contour to blush, and then there is all the many eye, lip and brow products, so where do you even start? Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, there are a few essential items that every woman should have in her makeup arsenal. These basics will help you create everything from a natural everyday look to going all out glam! Keep reading as we rundown the must-have makeup products that form the foundation of any versatile and reliable beauty routine. Skincare Essentials Before you even think about applying makeup to your face you need to prep your skin. A hydrated base is crucial for flawless makeup application so always make sure you have applied your moisturiser. For longer lasting results use a primer too. It will not only ensure you foundation remains firmly on your face all day, but will help create a smooth canvas for your makeup too! Makeup basics Foundation Foundation is the base of any makeup look. It evens out your skin tone, creating a flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup. Depending on your skin type and preference, you can choose between liquid, powder, or cream foundations, but the key is to find one that matches your skin tone perfectly and works well with your skin type. Not sure where to start? Click here to learn how to choose the right foundation type for your skin. Concealer For those pesky blemishes or dark circles, concealer is your best friend. It provides extra coverage where you need it most, helping you achieve a smooth, even complexion. A good concealer is really essential for brightening under the eyes and hiding any imperfections. It can transform your face especially when you are tired too! Powder To set your foundation and concealer, a powder is a must. A good translucent powder helps to keep your makeup in place and controls shine throughout the day. Blush Adding a pop of colour to your cheeks with blush can really make a huge difference! Blush gives your face a healthy, natural glow, making you look fresh and awake. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone—peachy tones for a natural flush or rosy hues for a more pronounced look. Eyeliner Eyeliner can instantly define your eyes and elevate your look. Whether you opt for a classic black pencil, a sharp liquid liner, or a smudgy gel, eyeliner helps enhance the shape of your eyes and adds intensity to your makeup. Mascara No makeup look is complete without mascara. It lengthens, volumizes, and defines your lashes, making your eyes appear bigger and more awake. A good mascara can transform your entire look with just a few swipes. Mascara is my definite no. 1 when it comes to makeup basics, wouldn’t leave the house without it! Eyebrow Pencil Sometimes overlooked, brows are in fact a very important part of our makeup routine. By using an eyebrow pencil you can add definition and shape and create the illusion of fuller looking brows! As you age your eyebrows get naturally thinner. By adding definition and shape to them you can completely transform your face and give the appearance of an instant eye lift! Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. For more tips on how to create perfect brows click here. Lipstick or Lip Gloss As we age, unfortunately our lips do too! They become thinner with loss of collagen and moisture and their vibrant colour starts to fade due to the loss of pigment too! The amazing thing about lipstick is it adds that much needed colour, volume and depth to lips making them stand out! It’s no secret that wearing lipstick can dramatically enhance your mood too, it can make you feel confident and sexy! Just be sure to choose shades that complement your skin tone and can easily transition from day to night. Want to know which shades might be best for you? Click here. Lipliner This once understated product is now a staple for makeup artists, influencers and makeup enthusiasts alike and for very good reason! Lipliner doesn’t only help to create fuller looking lips but it also helps to ensure your lipstick doesn’t bleed and has a longer-wear finish. Want fuller looking lips? Here’s how to achieve them with lipliner Makeup Brushes and Tools The right tools can make all the difference in your makeup application. Invest in a set of high-quality brushes for foundation, powder, eyeshadow, and blush, as well as a beauty sponge for seamless blending. And don’t forget a good eyeshadow palette, while not essential, a versatile eyeshadow palette is a must-have for creating various eye looks. From neutral shades for a subtle daytime look to bolder colours for an evening out, a good palette offers endless possibilities you just need to know how to best apply it. For the best eyeshadow tips for ageing eyes click here. These makeup basics are the foundation of any beauty routine. With these essentials, you can create a variety of looks and feel confident in your makeup application, whether you're heading to work, out with friends, or to a special event! Remember, less is often more when starting out. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you and enjoy the process of building your perfect makeup collection!

How to achieve the best makeup look from the 2024 Oscars

by Jo Boyden on Mar 14 2024

From elegant updo’s and radiant skin, beautiful bold eyes and subtle nude lips, the 2024 Oscars dazzled not only with cinematic brilliance but also with show-stopping makeup looks that stole the spotlight.Want to channel some red-carpet glamour yourself? Keep reading as we countdown 6 steps to recreate the best makeup look of the night – awarded to Jennifer Lawrence!Like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lawrence bought winged liner back into business! Sporting thick liquid liner over a wash of perfectly blended taupe shadow, coupled with beautifully bronzed skin, impeccably groomed brows and a subtle nude lip, she was the epitome of Old School Hollywood Glamour, and here’s how you can be too! Step 1 – Flawless baseStart by prepping your skin with a nourishing primer. Creating an extra layer between your skin and makeup, the primer will plump fine lines, blur imperfections and blemishes, smooth skin, and help makeup last all day without caking, creasing or the need for constant touch-ups. It's often the forgotten step but Oh so important! Trust me.Next to create Jennifers flawless base, use a soft matte, long-wearing foundation, we LOVE ELES Cosmetic’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation). Matte foundations provide a smooth finish, perfect to recreate Jennifer Lawrence's look. Finish this step by concealing any blemishes or dark circles with a full-coverage concealer such as ELES Liquid Concealer. Step 2 - Bronzed radianceNow it’s time to enhance your features and add some colour to your face! Apply a bronzer to contour beneath your cheeks and jawline to “slim” the face (we recommend the ELES Mineral Sheer Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro as its Silky, mineral-enriched and imparts a natural radiance and youthful glow without streaking.) Then apply a little extra to your forehead to add that “sun-kissed” warmth. Finish by applying a touch of warm-toned blush to add a hint of colour to your cheeks. Step 3 – Stand out eyesEmbrace old school glamour when it comes to your eyes by firstly applying a neutral eyeshadow across your lids. Next use a taupe or soft brown shade and blend softly above the crease of your eye lid, as well as beneath the lower lash line for a subtle smoky finish. Finally add your third shade (a deeper brown) to just below your brow bone. Try the ELES’s Build your own shadow palette and choose the shades that would work best for you. Next it's time to amp up the drama with a jet-black liquid eyeliner, like ELES Felt Tip Liner, adding a winged effect. Finish with a coat of volumizing mascara for fluttery lashes. Step 4 - BrowsNow it's time to put some emphasise into your eyebrows. We recommend you use the ELES Brow Blender in Dark Taupe. With the spool end, brush the brows upwards, then using short soft strokes apply the pencil. Step 5 - Subtle lips Complete Jennifer Lawrences Oscars look with a soft, nude lip colour. Choose a hydrating formula for a plump pout. We adore the ELES Velvet Satin lipstick in Middlesex Street. Outline your lips with a nude lip liner such as the ELES Gel Lipliner in naked for added definition. Step 6 - Final touches Add a sweep of translucent powder to ensure longevity. A setting spray will add a natural dewiness or lock in your look too.Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with these steps, adapting them to suit your unique features and personal style.

Look younger with makeup: 14 expert tips

by Jo Boyden on Mar 08 2024

Who says you can't cheat a little on the ageing game with the magic of makeup? While skincare is essential for keeping skin healthy and happy, makeup can literally take years off your face in next to no time, you just need to know what and how to apply! Well we've put together our top makeup tips from the BC experts, 14 makeup tips that will have you looking younger in a matter of minutes! Keep reading as we count them down.1. Start with a nourishing base, every time.Before applying any makeup, you need to start with well-hydrated skin so don’t get lazy when it comes to your morning skincare routine. Start by making sure your face is perfectly cleansed, then apply your serum and moisturiser.If you haven’t prepped your skin before applying your foundation, chances are your skin will look and feel dry. Plus makeup tends to stick to dry areas on the skin making it appear patchy. It’ll even seep into fine lines and wrinkles accentuating them!For best results apply your moisturiser and wait five minutes for it to properly absorb in. Remember hydration really is the secret to plump, younger looking skin!2. Arm yourself with a primerPrimers are often the forgotten step when it comes to makeup application but we are here to tell you that this underrated makeup staple is a necessity, especially when it comes to looking younger with makeup! Creating an extra layer between your skin and makeup, face primers are used to plump fine lines, blur impurities and blemishes, smooth skin, and help makeup last all day without caking, creasing or the need for constant touch-ups. They really are key to achieving smooth, flawless skin that’s perfectly prepped for your foundation!Check out our favourite primers here.3. Always opt for a dewy foundationYou might be a lover of powder foundations but if you want to create a more youthful and radiant complexion you need to consider ditching the matte finish. No matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them. Instead embrace dewy foundations, BB Creams or tinted moisturisers instead. They provide skin with natural coverage, SPF protection (which we all know is the main contributor to premature ageing) and a perfect subtle glow.If your skin tends to be on the oily side, you can still use a little powder, but remember sparingly and just on your t-zone.4. A good concealer will give you an instant eye liftConcealer really is your best friend when it comes to looking younger! Used correctly, concealer can brighten a tired complexion, cover up any blemishes, conceal dark under-eye circles and have you looking bright-eyed in seconds! To look younger, you’re best to opt for a concealer packed with amazing anti-ageing and eye nurturing ingredients like ELES Dual Action Concealer and watch those ageing dark circles, puffiness, age spots and blemishes disappear in seconds!Just be sure to choose the right shade for your skin and apply it correctly! For more on the best way to cover undereye dark circles click here.5. Lift your lashesAs we age our lashes get thinner and shorter so it's essential to add volume so they stand out! A lash lift with mascara is a powerful tool for defying the ageing process! Darkened and defined lashes open up our eyes, creating a refreshed, youthful and wide awake appearance.Curling your lashes can work wonders too but be careful how you do so! For more information on the best mascara, mascara hacks and eye lash tips for mature women click here.6. Play with eyeshadow shadesEyeshadow isn’t an essential step but by adding a touch of shimmer to your lids can enhance eyes ageing eyes. Just be sure to opt for warm, neutral eyeshadows. Soft, earthy tones can create a subtle, age-defying effect.7. Skip the heavy black eyelinerIf you use eyeliner, as many of us do, you’ll want to trade your harsh eyeliner for a softer approach. Use brown or grey liners for a more natural look that defines without weighing down your eyes.8. Brighten eyes with a waterline eyelinerInvesting in a waterline eyeliner will be a game changer for tired eyes. All you need to do is line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create brighter, younger looking eyes.9. Don’t forget your browsJust as the hair on our heads can thin with age, so do our eyebrows! The thing is your brows can completely change how your face looks. Full, well-groomed brows are an instant youth-booster. If brow are thinning, fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder for a lifted, more defined look. But don’t overfill the front part of your brow though! This area should have soft hair that graduates into more density. If you overfill this area you can make your eye brows look way too harsh. Read more on how to create perfect brows.10. Applying blush is a mustBelieve us when we say a sweep of blush on the apples of your cheeks adds a youthful flush. Just be sure to apply it correctly – use a blush brush and lift colour upwards towards your temple from the apple of your cheek.11. And don’t forget bronzerBronzer is your secret weapon for a youthful glow! Applied strategically, it adds warmth to your complexion, erasing signs of fatigue and dullness but instead mimicking a healthy, sun-kissed glow.Just be careful when and where you apply it as dusting copious amounts of bronzer all over our nose, chin, cheeks and forehead can play up fine lines and large pores as the powder sinks into them. The best (and the most flattering!) way is to apply your bronzer is with a bronzer brush to the perimeter of your face in the shape of a number three. Start on your forehead near your temples and loop down to the tops of your cheekbones, then curve out and around again along your jaw.12. Plump up those lipsAs we age, many of us will experience a reduction in lip volume and thinning of the lips! So you’ll need to create the illusion of plumped lips with lipliner! A lipliner will define your lips and prevent feathering. For more on how to apply lip liner for fuller looking lips click here.13. Using an illuminator can add luminosity to skin and help accentuate cheekbonesFinish your look with a subtle illuminator on the high points of your face – cheekbones, brow bones, and the tip of your nose.14. Set your makeup with a finishing powderA light dusting of translucent powder, finishing powder or even facial mist will set your makeup, preventing it from settling into fine lines. Remember, less is more in the powder department.

Party ready makeup – get the look

by Jo Boyden on Nov 30 2023

It's that time of the year again – the silly season as we like to call it! The season of fun and festivities, and, of course, Christmas get togethers and parties!To look your best, and stand out from the crowd of course! You’ll need to nail that party ready makeup look, we are talking skin that glows and eyes that shimmer and pop. Want to achieve our go-to look? Keep reading for the ultimate step by step guide. Step 1. Pre party prepBefore we jump into creating the perfect party ready makeup look, let's talk skin prep. You’ll need to thoroughly cleanse your skin first with your choice of cleanser, next apply your much-loved moisturiser, (make sure you let it soak in) then it’s time to prime. Think of it as the canvas for your masterpiece. A smooth base will ensure your makeup lasts all day or all night long!Step 2. Apply your foundationNow it’s time for your makeup! Starting with foundation. Not sure which foundation to use. Click here for the best foundation for your skin type.For skin that glows we love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint. Work a small amount into your fingertips to warm the product and press into the skin all over the face, keep patting and pressing until the product is evenly dispersed then lightly blend into the face with your fingers until you have an even coverage.If you are more of a matte lover though (but still want to achieve a radiant base), we highly recommend the ELES Foundation Stick or Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation.Step 3: Touch up skin where necessary with a concealerYou’ll want to use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles you may have. Apply a small amount to areas where needed or under eyes with fingertips or a small concealer brush gently blending. Try ELES Dual Action Concealer my personal secret weapon for concealing dark under eyes.Step 4: Set with PowderOnce you’ve finished applying your base it’s a good idea to set the products with a translucent setting powder like ELES Mineral Powder Foundation to prevent shine. Step 5: Bronzer and Blush Now it’s time for you to add some colour!We are loving the ELES Party Ready Makeup Palette! It really is perfect for creating a party ready look. It features a bronzer, blush and two shimmer eyeshadow shades.Firstly take your bronzer to add contour to your face. Using a large fluffy powder brush apply to the cheekbones, under the jawline and along the perimeter of the forehead, blend well for a natural sun kissed look. Follow with the Blush, applying it to the apples of your cheeks for that beautifully flushed finish. Step 6: Highlight For a truly lit from within look, this is a step you won't want to miss! Highlighter can also be used to accentuate and "lift" bone structure. It's amazing!Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid's bow. We recommend the ELES Stick Illuminator.Step 7: All about the eyesNow it’s time to accentuate those eyes. You’ll want to take the ELES Party Ready Palette again using the two shimmer shadows.Firstly apply the pinky/peach shade all over the eyelid. Next, apply the gold shade on the base of your eyelid carefully blending up towards the eye crease and below the lower lash line to create a natural smoky eye. Finish by applying a little of this shade to the inner corners of your eyes with your fingertip.Step 8: Add eyeliner for definitionEyeliner shapes and defines eyes and makes eyelashes look thicker. Take a bronze shade eye liner and apply it to the upper lash line as well as a little to your bottom waterline. This will help eyes to pop. We love ELES Superwear Gel Liner in Baroque. It is super smooth and longwearing so stays put all day long without smudging! Just what you need from an eyeliner! Step 9: Finish with lashings of mascaraAnd finally to finish off the eyes, apply several coats of Lush Mascara in Black to the top and bottom lashes. Work from the base of the lashes wiggling the wand slowly up the lashes for extra volume. Step 10: Define your browsFor some, your eyebrows can be an afterthought, but by defining and shaping them you can completely transform your face and give the appearance of an instant eye lift too! Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil like the ELES Precision Brow Pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. Next, define and ‘lift’ brows by using a white eyeliner as a brow highlighter. Line below and above your eyebrows and smudge it out with a sponge or fingertip. You can also opt to use a highlighter if you don’t have a white liner on hand. Read more on how to create the perfect brows. Step 11: Complete the look by focusing on your lipsTo complete the look, it's time to focus on your lips. Apply lipstick to the lips with a lip brush to create definition in the outer edges, blot the lips with tissue, then reapply from the tube directly to the lips. Blot again for a soft matte finish. Use a lipstick colour of your choice, one that complements your overall look. Bold or neutral shades can work depending on your preference. You can add a little gloss too as desired. And voila! You're ready to shine!

Mascara hacks: eyelash tips for mature woman

by Jo Boyden on May 17 2023

Mascara! My go-to beauty product (in fact I wouldn’t leave the house without wearing it!) and one of the most popular beauty products out there! But why do we all love it so? Because mascara is a quick and easy way to make our lashes longer and our eyes to pop, while enhancing our overall look too! Plus it’s no secret that beautiful eyelashes can make you look and feel both prettier, and younger! But as we age, our eye lashes age too! So you might find that the mascara you’ve been loving for all those years suddenly isn’t preforming as it once was, and your lashes just aren’t as full and voluminous as before. Fear not, there are plenty of hacks and tricks you can use to make your lashes look fuller and longer. Here’s a few tips to get you started… Choose the right mascara formula As we age, our lashes tend to become thinner and more brittle, so it's important to choose a mascara formula that will nourish and protect your lashes. Look for mascaras that contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, panthenol, and biotin, and be sure to steer clear from non-hypoallergenic mascaras (ones that contain preservatives) as these can irritate your eyes, making you rub them more frequently which results in lash loss! (And the last thing we want to do is loose what precious lashes we have!)Try: ELES NEW Lush Mascara Be wary of using waterproof mascara daily If you are over looking at panda eyes in the mirror every afternoon you may have well turned to waterproof mascara (because less smudging and smearing of course), however waterproof mascara can be a nightmare to remove (cue extra rubbing of eyes when trying to remove – which can age the delicate eye area!) and the formulation itself can be harsher on your eyes causing lashes to dry out and be more prone to breakage.Instead, where possible use water-soluble long wear mascaras, and when you need to go waterproof (essential for beach and pool breaks) just be sure to check out the ingredients and remove with a good eye makeup remover. Layoff the false lashes If lashes are sparse, you might be loving the idea of your false ones. The thing is many false lashes come with cheap adhesives. Pulling them out leads to broken and damaged lashes. For women over 50, this means more lash problems. Eek. Curl your eye lashes but not with an eyelash curler We’ve been told to curl our lashes with an eyelash curler to create more volume and lift for our lashes, but this isn’t actually a good option as we get older as an eyelash curler can create more damage than good and cause already weakened lashes to break. Instead a popular way to curl your lashes is by using a metal teaspoon. Press the spoon, concave side in, against your eyelid above your lashes. Now use your fingertip to press your eyelashes against the convex curve of the bottom of the spoon. Hold your lashes in place for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat in the corners.You can even use something as simple as your finger to curl your lashes too! Simply close your eye and use your fingertip to gently push your upper eyelashes up against the top of your eyelid. Hold the eyelashes up for 30 seconds and then release them. Layer your mascara If you love your volumizing mascara but wish you could get a little more length to your lashes you could try layering. Start with a coat of lengthening mascara to define your lashes, then follow up with a coat of volumizing mascara to add fullness. Wiggle your mascara wand When applying mascara, wiggle the brush back and forth at the roots of the lashes to saturate the mascara at the base, then pull upward to the tips. This creates the appearance of thickness and volume and adds length without a clumpy mess. Don’t forget your lower lashes Many women focus all their attention on their upper lashes and leave the bottom lashes mascara free! The thing is applying mascara to your lower lashes can help create a more youthful wide-eyed, wide-awake look! Stop using expired mascara Like with anything, your mascara expires, and when it does, you need to throw it out and buy another! Even if you think it’s got a few more weeks or months in it. Not only can expired mascara be more difficult to apply to lashes without clumping or flaking, it can also compromise its ability to add length and volume to eyelashes, and can spark lash loss (and we don’t want to be loosing any more lashes than necessary do we!) This is because every time you use your mascara, you are pumping air into the wand, this creates bacteria! And bacteria in your mascara can lead to irritation and eye infections when applied...cue itchy eyes and rubbing!The average life of a mascara once used for the first time is 3 months, so if you are using your mascara everyday be sure to take note of when the 3-month mark is up! Don’t pump the wand when applying mascara It’s so easy to pump the wand when you are about to apply your mascara, hey I’ve been guilty of this many a time, after all many of us are under the impression that this will help coat the brush with the right amount of product, but by doing this you can let air into the tube which in turn will dry out the mascara prematurely. Instead twist the wand back and forth while pulling it out of the tube. This will help coat the brush evenly without wasting product and enable the mascara to last that little bit longer! Use a spoon (or card of some sort) to prevent smudging mascara If you are prone to getting mascara on your eyelids (and we’ve all been there) it’s easy to reach for a cotton tip to wipe it away, however the constant pulling of the skin using cotton tips on your delicate eyelid can actually damage already ageing eyes so it’s best to use a spoon or card of some sort (can try a business card) as a shield! Hold it up against your eyelid and then apply your mascara. This will help prevent smudges and keep your makeup looking clean.Whether you’re looking for fuller, longer lashes or just want to prevent smudges and clumps, these tips and tricks can help you achieve the look you want. So go ahead and give them a try – your lashes will thank you!

Beauty Collective - makeup for beginners

Makeup for beginners: The essential products you need

by Jo Boyden on Mar 30 2023

With the multitude of makeup products, colours, trends and tutorials out there, it’s no wonder, especially if you are new to the world of makeup, it can seem a little overwhelming. And then there are the many foundation formulations, lipstick and eyeshadow shades, tools of the trade and more, so how exactly are you supposed to know what foundation formula is the right one for you? How to apply eyeshadow correctly? Or what colour lipstick you should wear? The thing is while makeup is magical (it can completely transform your appearance, make you look younger and feel more confident) choosing the right makeup can be a challenge. That is why it’s best to start with the basics! Know which products we really need and why. Keep reading for the BC guide to the ultimate makeup essentials for beginners. Primer The first step to your makeup routine, primer is often overlooked. But this outstanding product not only blurs your pores and smooths your skin, primers can also help decrease oil production and enhance the longevity and pigmentation of your makeup.We recommend: ELES Retexturizing Face Primer not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Oh and it will keep makeup in place all day long. Want to look like a filtered goodness, and have makeup last the distance, try this!For more information on primer and it’s many benefits click here. Foundation Available in a variety of different formulations from liquid to matte, sheet to powder, foundation will improve your skin tone and provide an even complexion creating the perfect smooth base for the rest of your makeup.Choosing which formulation is right for you can be tricky though so if you want to know which one is likely best for your skin click here.We recommend: ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. This silky formulation literally guides onto skin and sets to a beautifully soft and subtle matte finish providing flawless coverage every time. It’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for! You don’t need to just take our word for it though, the many reviews on BC speak for themselves!Don’t feel like wearing foundation? We’ve got 4 alternative skin perfecting products you should try! Concealer A concealer is especially important for anyone with blemishes or other imperfections they wish to cover. They can be used to conceal everything from spots to dark circles, imperfections, and redness. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear complexion, you may be able to skip this stage of your makeup routine though.We recommend: ELES Dual Action Concealer. My secret weapon for concealing my dark under eye circles and helping me look like I’ve had 8 hours of blissful slumber as opposed to only 5! It’s also wonderful at concealing those unwanted pesky blemishes and is formulated with a myriad of anti-ageing wonder ingredients including Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Vitamins C & E, Collagen and more! Oh and it actually helps to gradually improve skin’s texture while concealing! Powder Powder isn’t for everyone but it’s a wonderful product to set your foundation. It’s also an amazing option for those that tend to have combination to oily skin.We recommend: ELES Mineral Powder Foundation. It provides the perfect buildable coverage - from natural sheer to polished opaque. It’s also packed with vitamins A & E to condition skin, provide antioxidant protection and add a subtle luminosity. Blush and/or bronzer Whether you want to add a healthy glow to your skin or add some definition to your look these products are a must. Simply apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and sweep bronzer under your cheekbones and down the middle of your nose for a naturally Sunkissed look.We recommend: ELES Baked Blush and Baked Bronzer, These super fine powders apply effortlessly and are baked to a lightweight, subtle pearl finish to impart a beautifully healthy long-lasting glow. Jet milled pigments also create an airbrushed effect for a flawless finish. Eyeshadow Eyeshadow is the no. 1 product for adding depth and dimension to your eyes. It will not only enhance your eyes but complement your eye colour, make eyes appear larger, or simply draw attention to them!A neutral eyeshadow palette will be your go to for beginners. The combination of shades ensures you can create simple makeup looks that are versatile and fail-safe. Just be sure to apply a wash of the lightest shade to your eyelid first. Then follow with a slightly darker shade blending outwards.To learn more about how to master eyeshadow application and why and how your should wear it click here.We recommend: ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trio. This sleek and convenient palette includes a versatile collection of 3 mineral eye shades and offers the perfect combination of beautiful earth tones to suit everyone. The feather-light formula is enriched with natural skin-caring ingredients including vitamins A, C & E to help provide antioxidant defence while conditioning and protecting the delicate eye area. Richly pigmented and silky smooth to apply, every shade delivers rich, opaque colour for hours of crease-resistant wear. Mascara Mascara is a must makeup item for beginners. This miracle product completes any eye makeup look by lengthening, volumizing and enhancing your lashes creating the illusion of bigger, wider and more youthful looking eyes.We recommend: ELES Lush Mascara as it builds strength, volume and length with no smudging and smearing. Eyeliner Eyeliner shapes and defines eyes and makes eyelashes look thicker. It can be drawn above upper lashes or below lower lashes or both.We recommend: ELES Superwear Gel Eyeliner, it comes in five great shades, is super smooth and longwearing so stays put all day long without smudging! Just what you need from an eyeliner! Eyebrow pencil Sometimes overlooked, brows are in fact a very important part of our makeup routine. By using an eyebrow pencil you can add definition and shape and create the illusion of fuller looking brows!As you age your eyebrows get naturally thinner. By adding definition and shape to them you can completely transform your face and give the appearance of an instant eye lift! Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes.We recommend: ELES Precision Brow pencil. This double ended brow tool (one end pencil, one end grooming brush) offers controlled brow filling and lining to quickly and effortlessly impart long-lasting, fuller, natural looking brows! Lipliner This once understated product is now a staple for makeup artists, influencers and makeup enthusiasts alike and for very good reason! Lipliner doesn’t only help to create fuller looking lips but it also helps to ensure your lipstick doesn't bleed and has a longer-wear finish.We recommend: ELES Gel Lipliner. It’s a super smooth, long-wearing (and moisturising) liner with intense colour pay-off, and it provides the perfect blendable application.11. Lipstick/Lip glossAs we age, unfortunately our lips do too! They become thinner with loss of collagen and moisture and their vibrant colour starts to fade due to the loss of pigment too! The amazing thing about lipstick is it adds that much needed colour, volume and depth to lips making them stand out! It's no secret that wearing lipstick can dramatically enhance your mood too, it can make you feel confident and sexy!Lipstick is the final step to the perfect makeup routine, the finishing touch to complete your daily look.We recommend: ELES Velvet Satin Lipstick. With a fantastic selection of colours, this lipstick has a beautifully rich, satin finish and is a dream to apply thanks to it’s smooth, nourishing and pearl-saturated formula. Infused with lasting pigments and enriched with a lip-loving blend of emollient oils and butters, the ultra-comfortable texture helps keep lips soft, smooth, supple and super-hydrated throughout the day.Want to know which colour lipstick you should wear? Click here.If you are simply not a huge fan of wearing lipstick daily you can opt for using a lip liner with coloured lip gloss instead!Want fuller looking lips? Here’s how to achieve them with lipliner

Ageing eyes? 13 beauty tips every mature woman needs to know

by Jo Boyden on Feb 23 2023

If you’ve had enough of looking older than you are (or feel) thanks to your ageing eyes (we’re talking wrinkles, sagging, dark circles and more), you’re worried about your once luscious lashes getting thinner and sparser, or you’re simply over people telling you how tired you look, we hear you! Unfortunately our eyes are the first area of our face to show ageing, but help is on hand, and it doesn’t involve surgery or injectables! We’ve put together the top 13 beauty tips for ageing eyes to help every mature woman look years younger naturally….keep reading…Use an Eye Cream specifically designed for mature skin, and use it religiouslyUsing an eye cream specifically designed for mature skin can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. Make sure to use an eye cream that contains vitamin c for skin brightening, fatty acids and peptides, which help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.Try: Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, injectables-like peptide, Phytosterols + Fatty acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin B3! This beautifully fine cream deeply nourishes the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously! it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area, and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! I’m testament to that!Invest in a gemstone facial rollerAnd thank me later! By introducing this little gem (pardon the pun!) into your morning beauty routine, you’ll calm any fluid build-up around your eye area (which unfortunately increases with age). As well as their many medicinal benefits gemstone rollers can dramatically reduce puffiness by removing excess fluid around the eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out toxins! So clever! To find out more about gemstone rollers and their multitude of benefits click here.Use good undereye concealerLet’s face it, undereye circles can age you! While you’ll eye cream can improve the appearance greatly, a good undereye concealer can work it’s magic by totally covering them! Firstly though you’ll want to prime your skin first. This will help fill in any lines and make the skin appear smoother (essential if you want to prevent makeup falling into the creases and exacerbating signs of eye ageing!) Use your ring finger and gently dab your primer over the wrinkles to the sides of your eyes and spread.Now it’s time for your concealer. A good undereye concealer can give you complete coverage as well as make you look bright-eyed in seconds! Choose a shade lighter than your natural skin tone (as this will help brighten the area) but also opt for a “peachy” tone as this will counteract the blueish tinge of the shadows.Try ELES Dual Action Concealer my secret weapon for concealing my dark under eye circles and helping me look like I’ve had 8 hours of blissful slumber as opposed to only 5! It’s formulated with a myriad of anti-ageing wonder ingredients including Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Vitamins C & E, Collagen and more! And it actually helps to gradually improve skin’s texture while concealing those obvious under eye dark circles. Its moisturising formula provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! It’s seriously good stuff. Simply apply with a small concealer brush and then finish with a powder to set the concealer so it doesn’t crease.For the most brightening effect, apply your concealer in a “V” or upside-down triangle shape beneath your eye. Swipe it directly under the eye, but bring it down to a point on your cheek beside your nostril and fill in the entire area.Use a little eye shadow to create the illusion of bigger eyesTo make our eyes look bigger, gently sweep a vanilla coloured shadow on your eyelids from your eyelashes to the crease. Use a medium tone shade in the crease – and slightly above the crease if you have hooded eyes. It can make your eyes pop without you looking OTT. Then use a touch of the vanilla-coloured eyeshadow just beneath the arch of your eyebrow to lift the eye, as well as at the inner corner of the eye.Wear mascara but choose it wiselyMascara is one of the most important products for adding definition and volume to the eyes, but there are a few points you need to know when it comes to selecting the right mascara for your ageing eyes.- Check out the ingredients in the mascara you are using. You might well have fallen for the marketing hype – longer, fuller lashes in seconds, but if your mascara contains preservatives, they can irritate your eyes which in turn will make you rub them more, this results in unwanted lash loss and let’s face it you want to cling onto those lashes of yours.- Be wary of using waterproof mascara daily. Waterproof mascara does indeed cause less smudging and smearing however the formulation can be harsher on your eye lashes, causing them to dry out as well as be tougher to remove (cue rubbing!) Where possible use water-soluble long wear mascaras but when you need to go waterproof (essential for beach and pool breaks) just be sure to check out the ingredients and remove with a good eye makeup remover.- Opt for smudge proof, lash-defining mascara. Sadly one of the symptoms of ageing eyes can be skin sagging this is when wearing mascara can be tricky as more often than not the mascara will smudge all around the eyes! By choosing a long-wear lash-defining mascara like ELES Lash Fortifying Mascara you’ll reduce any mascara fall out and every lash will be evenly coated and separated for that perfect natural look. What’s more the mascara is formulated with hydrolyzed keratin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin e to strengthen, condition and protect lashes.- Mascara expires. When it does, throw it out and buy another, even if you think you’ve got a few more weeks or months in it! Every time you use your mascara you are pumping air into the wand, this creates bacteria. The average life of a mascara once used for the first time is 3 months. An expired mascara can (and will!) spark lash loss and lets face it you don’t need to be losing any more lashes!Don’t use an eye lash curler to curl your lashes, try this instead…You’ve been told to curl your lashes with an eyelash curler to create more volume and lift for your lashes, but this isn’t a good option as we get older. This is because as we age our lashes do too. It’s inevitable they will get weaker and thinner. Using an eyelash curler can create more damage than good and the curler can cause lashes to break. Instead a popular way to curl your lashes is by using a metal teaspoon. Press the spoon, concave side in, against your eyelid above your lashes. Now use your fingertip to press your eyelashes against the convex curve of the bottom of the spoon. Hold your lashes in place for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat in the corners. Or you can even use something as simple as your finger to curl your lashes! Simply close your eye and use your fingertip to gently push your upper eyelashes up against the top of your eyelid. Hold the eyelashes up for 30 seconds and then release them.Use a white eye pencil or waterline liner to brighten eyesAfter applying your eyeshadow and mascara, next line the inner rim of your lower lash line or waterline as it’s otherwise known with a white pencil or a nude waterline liner! (We recommend ELES’s Waterline liner). By doing so it’ll immediately open up your eyes as well as make the whites of your eyes look whiter (synonymous with younger looking eyes!)Don’t Rub Your Eyes! For itchy or irritated eyes try this insteadRubbing your eyes can cause wrinkles and dark circles. If you have itchy or irritated eyes, use a cold compress or eye drops to relieve the symptom. Applying slices of cucumbers is also a great idea! The cooling effect of the cucumber will relax the skin and alleviate any irritation or swelling around the eyes!Reduce Sun ExposureWe all know excessive exposure to the sun is the no.1 reason for skin ageing. But too much time soaking up those harmful rays can also result in premature wrinkles and age spots around the delicate eye area too. Make sure you’re always wearing sunglasses when outdoors to protect your peepers but also wear a hat and apply sunscreen too! You protect the rest of your skin, so don’t forgo the eye zone!Lay off the salt!Believe it or not, too much salt in your diet can affect your eyes and make them look older. Unfortunately, the delicate skin around your eyes is at higher risk of getting puffy the more salt you consume. Extra sodium unfortunately makes your body retain water. This excess water causes puffiness. Aghhh. So, try to ditch (ok maybe just cut down!) on those favourite foods (and drinks) of yours that are heavy on the salt.Stay HydratedWhen your body is dehydrated, your skin cells start to lose their plumpness. The skin around your eyes is already thinner than other parts of the body, so any reduction in plumpness in this area is visible relatively quickly. As a result, dehydration can cause your eye area to appear darker, discoloured, sunken, or hollow so you will look older than your years! By drinking plenty of water (aim for 8 glasses a day) you will help keep your skin hydrated and smooth, which can help reduce the appearance of those unwanted obvious wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles!. Remember water hydrates and plumps skin cells to make your skin look brighter, vibrant, and more youthful. It’s amazing stuff!Don’t go to sleep with your eye makeup onI’m sure we’ve all been guilty of skipping our evening cleansing routine once in a while because the idea of peeling ourselves off our bed just doesn’t feel like an option, but did you know just how bad this can be for your eyes? Not removing your makeup at night hinders the skin renewal process that takes place while you sleep. The days makeup and grime can clog the pores and trap dirt which can be damaging to your skin but you’re your delicate eye area. Mascaras make your lashes stiff; it’s part of its job. But leaving it on while you sleep will cause the stiffness to turn into dryness that can trigger lashes to break and soon result to lash fallouts! So instead opt for a good, gentle, easy-to-use eye makeup remover. We love Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover as it simply melts away makeup and grime with minimum effort! Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, this ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn eye makeup both gently and fast!Get Enough SleepNot getting enough sleep can cause your skin to look puffy and dull. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night to ensure your skin looks fresh and youthful.With the right products and habits and by following these simple tips, you can keep eyes looking younger for longer without resorting to expensive treatments or surgery.

5 Makeup products you’ll need this smouldering, hot summer

by Jo Boyden on Dec 16 2022

Finally, after many months of indifferent weather, the sun is consistently shining, and the temperatures are arising! And while this might put a smile on many a face, the sizzling summer heat can also mean melting makeup! But no one wants their flawless face to have disappeared by lunchtime. Well fear not, by being armed with a few key makeup essentials, you can remain fresh faced from morning to night… ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer Finding that perfect primer and using it religiously is key when it comes to preventing your makeup from literally sliding off your face. Primers not only create a beautifully smooth canvas for your makeup to follow, they also have the ability to enhance the longevity and pigmentation of your makeup too – all while targeting concerns like oily or dry skin.Simply apply your primer after you’ve cleansed and moisturised your skin and prior to your foundation and you’ll be good to go all day long!We LOVE the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking flawless! Genius! ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 In the steamy summer months, it’s often we won’t want to wear much makeup, but the idea of forgoing our foundation all together is a no go! This is where BB Creams are the perfect solution! Thanks to their lightweight formulation they feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all, but the coverage is smooth and flawless.We can’t get enough of the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30! One of ELES Cosmetics best sellers and for good reason, it’s a multi-tasking wonder cream which primes, protects, tints, nourishes and evens out skin tone for flawless, completely natural looking coverage. Sunscreen and foundation without feeling like you are wearing either. Yes please! ELES Mineral Powder Foundation The perfect product for any touch-ups, as well as eliminating shine, is a good powder compact and we love ELES’s Mineral Powder Foundation. Unlike other heavier powders which can clog pores and in turn, lead to excess oil production (no thanks!) the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation is a translucent formula which not only looks beautifully natural but allows the skin to breathe freely too. The particles in the powder tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine and what’s more, it’s formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, so it’ll provide antioxidant protection as well as condition skin! ELES Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara Just as your makeup can slide off your face, so can your mascara! And no one likes looking in the mirror at the end of the day and seeing panda eyes staring right back! So a good smudge proof/water resistant mascara with staying power is a must! Try ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara. The ergonomic brush and fortifying formula coats lashes to quickly lengthen, curl, volumize and lock them into place for all day wear. The result is instantly impressive eyes with lashes that are lusciously conditioned and protected all day long! ELES Superwear Gel Liner And if you want your eyes to stand out that little bit more, couple ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara with a long lasting eye liner like ELES’s Superwear Gel Liner! It’s not only super smooth to apply thanks to its moisturising and hydrating ingredients, it’s also a long-wearing liner with intense colour pay-off! And It comes in 5 fabulous shades for eyes that pop, too!

The best eyeshadow tips for ageing eyes

by Jo Boyden on Nov 17 2022

If you’re worried about ageing eyes you might well have stopped wearing eyeshadow in fear it will only exacerbate your fine lines and wrinkles. The thing is eyeshadow and all eye makeup for that matter serves a very important purpose no matter what your age! It can add depth and dimension to your eyes making them appear larger, it can complement your eye colour or simply draw attention to the eyes! And most importantly it will bring back life to your ageing eye area! Genius! So instead of forgoing eyeshadow, you just need to alter how, and which type you use! To get the lowdown, we talked to the experts at BC! Keep scrolling as we countdown 10 of the best eyeshadow tips for mature women. Start with a good eye cream It’s likely you’re doing this already, but if not, you’ll want (and need) the delicate skin around your eyes to be properly nourished! And we are talking both the eyelid and the undereye area! For a great eye cream for ageing eyes try Pevonia’s Age Correction Eye Contour. It’s formulated with Marine Collagen, Marine Elastin and Green Team which not only provide eyes with powerful anti-ageing benefits, it smooths, first and deeply nourishing the fragile eye zone too. Use a primer As our skin ages, under-eye wrinkles and crows feet become more apparent – they are a fact of life for us all! A good primer however will help reduce their appearance while increasing the longevity of your eyeshadow! It’ll also prep your eyelids preventing eye makeup from creasing, feathering, smudging or smearing! Apply a good under-eye concealer This will make eyes appear bigger and brighter in prep for your eyeshadow. Concealer isn't just for brightening up your under eyes though. Prepping the eye with a concealer that's about two shades lighter than your actual shade will make your eyeshadow more pigmented and in turn pop a lot more.You’ll need to use one with has a hydrating formula as this will add additional nourishment to the eye area as well as prevent the concealer from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.Try ELES Cosmetics Dual Action Concealer. Use a waterproof or long-lasting gel eyeliner You don’t want to get to lunch time and find yourself with panda eyes! No sireee. By using a waterproof or long-lasting gel eyeliner, it’ll stay in place all day plus give eyes much needed depth and definition. Try ELES Cosmetics Superwear Gel Liner. Line your eyes with a waterline liner Eyes tend to look duller and tired with age. A waterline liner will open up your eyes instantly creating the illusion of bigger, brighter, more youthful looking eyes.Simply apply your normal eyeliner to your top lash line then apply your waterline liner to the inner rim of your lower lash line. (We recommend ELES Cosmetics Waterline Liner). By doing so it’ll immediately open up your eyes as well as make the whites of your eyes look whiter. It works a treat I can vouch for that! Opt for matte eyeshadow and go mineral Eye shadow comes in many different colours and textures but for ageing eyes matte eyeshadows are the way to go. Those with mature eyes might find matte eyeshadow more longwearing and less likely to fade on their skin. Your best bet is to stock up on mineral matte eyeshadows that are pigmented without emphasizing fine lines but also packed with antioxidant vitamins A, C & E to pamper lids with crease-proof perfection. Try ELES Cosmetics Mineral Matte Shadows. Better still try the ELES Build your own Shadow Palette, you get to select which ever 3 shades of mineral shadow shades you want! A trio of colours on your eyes is always better than one, they will make your eyes stand out more and can also increase their size and let’s face it bigger eyes are more youthful! Choose lighter eyeshadow shades Opt for a lighter, natural eyeshadow shades rather than dark, smoky shades on your eyelids and around the eyes. Using neutral colours like shades of light browns, light pinks, beiges, or greys are best. Also add a light colour eyeshadow shade to the inner corner, lower lash line in outer corner, and the inner lid. Apply eye shadow correctly Don’t take your base eyeshadow shade and simply plonk it on the centre of your lid. Using a small eyeshadow brush, start from the outer corner of the eyes and work inwards, so that the colour gets gradually lighter. This will help give your eyes a bigger, wide-eyed look. Finish with mascara No matter your age, mascara will always be a go-to product. A good mascara (we are talking smudge-proof, waterproof, and long-lasting) adds volume and strengthens brittle lashes to keep them looking full and luscious. Fuller-looking lashes can also help to give a more youthful appearance to the eye area. However, it’s best not to wear mascara on the lower lashes as this can make your eyes look droopy as well as draw attention to dark circles and under eye wrinkles. Use a setting spray or powder Finally, to prevent eyeshadow fallout (after all we want it to stay in place all day or night long!) use a setting spray or if setting sprays aren't your thing, opt for a setting powder instead! Both work to lock your makeup in place. Try Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist.

Beauty Collective - younger looking eyes

Want younger looking eyes? 14 tips from the BC Pros

by Jo Boyden on Aug 05 2022

Noticed your eyes looking particularly tired of late? Dark and puffy perhaps? Or have those fine line and wrinkles you fear really started to show but the idea of Botox and fillers isn’t for you? Unfortunately, the delicate skin around our eyes is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, so it’s essential we give it the same level of TLC as the rest of our skin! Keep reading as we reveal 15 expert tips on how to look after our eyes and make them look younger naturally. 1. Start caring for your eyes from a young age Prevention is paramount we all know that and like with our skin you are never too young to start caring for your eyes. But fear not, just in case you’ve left it until now to really look after this most delicate area, there are still many things you can do to keep eyes looking younger so read on! 2. Give yourself a mini facial massage every day By doing so you’ll help improve circulation and calm the fluid build-up around your eye area. Try using a gemstone roller. As well as their many medicinal benefits, they can dramatically reduce puffiness by removing excess fluid around the eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out toxins! So clever! To find out more about gemstone rollers and their multitude of benefits click here. 3. Apply an eye cream morning and night You do not want to leave the skin around your eyes dry, ever! Applying an eye cream morning and night will not only ensure eyes are receiving the nourishment they require but will also help target signs of ageing and fatigue such as puffiness, under eye bags, lines and wrinkles. Look for products formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea butter for nourishment, vitamin c for brightening and caffeine which helps reduce swelling by constricting the blood vessels. Also use a tapping motion with your finger which you apply it. This can help get rid of any excess fluid that’s accumulated under the delicate eye area. In the morning opt for a cooling eye gel. Try Pevonia’s C Evolutive Eye Gel, it’s a personal favourite of mine and highly recommended by the BC Pros. It’s a wonderful, cooling gel, formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C, skin saviours’ hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo biloba, as well as green coffee and it’ll have your peepers decongested and depuffed in one swift application!At night choose a nourishing eye cream like Vie Collection’s Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. Yes, a mouthful to say, but a product that does exactly what it says. It’s a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously! it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area, and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! 4. Use a primer under your eyes before applying makeup As you age your skin becomes more prone to fine lines around your eyes. You want to conceal them but it’s best to do so by using a primer first. This will help fill in any lines and make the skin appear smoother (essential if you want to prevent makeup falling into the creases and exacerbating the appearance of the lines!) Use your ring finger and gentle dab your primer over the wrinkles to the sides of your eyes and spread. 5. Invest in a good concealer As well as becoming prone to fine lines and wrinkles, the delicate skin around our eyes becomes thinner with age too! This unfortunately makes it easier to see the blood vessels beneath you skin which is what causes the appearance of dark circles. It’s best to choose a concealer that is lighter than your foundation (this will help brighten your eyes) and one that is yellow based as this will counteract any purple or blue that you may have in your undereye thanks to the blood vessels. Use a concealer brush, beauty blender or your fingers to blend. Try ELES Dual Action Concealer. This anti-aging concealer actually helps to gradually improve skin’s texture while concealing those obvious under eye dark circles. Its moisturising formula provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! 6. Line the outer edges of your upper lid to make your eyes look lifted Annoyingly as we get older the skin on our eyelids tends to droop too! By using an eyeliner on your top lash line from the middle to the outer corners with a tiny flick at the end (we are talking very subtle cats’ eye) will bring back the youthful shape to your eyes. Just be sure the line is thin as you want it to look natural and not over done! 7. Curl your lashes! While applying lashings of mascara to lashes will enhance your eyes, remember to curl your lashes first. This will open up your eyes for a wide-eyed look. While it might be a small step, it’s a subtle one that can make a big difference so don’t skip on it. Just be sure to apply two coats of mascara after curling. This will help lock the curl in place as well as add volume to your lashes. 8. Add definition and shape to your thinning eyebrows As you age your eyebrows get naturally thinner. By adding definition and shape to them you can completely transform your face and give the appearance of an instant eye lift! Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil like the ELES Precision Brow Pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. Read more on how to create the perfect brows. 9. Reduce your sodium (salt!) intake Believe it or not, too much salt in your diet can affect your eyes and make them look older. Unfortunately, the delicate skin around your eyes is at higher risk of getting puffy the more salt you consume. Extra sodium unfortunately makes your body retain water. This excess water causes puffiness. Aghhh. So, try to ditch (ok maybe just cut down!) on the chips, takeaway and if you’re a fan like me, the margarita’s too! 10. Take a break from screen time We are all guilty of spending hours in front of our devices, but this excessive screen time can actually reap havoc with our precious peepers thanks to the blue light they omit! The thing is screens are a part of our daily lives so while it’s not possible to get rid of them, reducing the time spent in front of them or having breaks in between to rest our eyes can help dramatically. To learn more about blue light damage and how it affects your eyes, click here. 11. Apply cucumbers (and chamomile tea bags) to your eyes It’s no myth, by placing slices of cool cucumber over your closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes will help brighten and hydrate your eyes as well as reduce puffiness thanks to the Vitamin C and caffeic acid. While applying lukewarm chamomile tea bags directly on the eyelids will calm the skin and reduce inflammation. 12. As well as cucumbers, apply raw potato slices to your eyes! That’s right, applying slices of refrigerated potato to your eyes is another fantastic natural remedy to reduce undereye circles and puffiness. The enzymes and the astringent properties in the potatoes also help reduce inflammation as well as tighten the skin too. Genius! 13. Get enough shut eye Lack of sleep can affect our eyes, fact. Afterall who hasn’t woken up with saggy, puffy eyes of a morning when they haven’t had enough sleep? Sleep helps the body renew and repair itself and allows your eyes to rest, while letting that eye cream you’ve applied before bed work its magic! So, it’s time to make sleep a priority. I know easier said than done for some, but I also know myself that I need to practice what I preach, and if I wanted to, I could put down that book or turn off the tv or close my laptop an hour before I actually do each night! 14. Wear sunglasses religiously After all, you want to protect those sensitive peepers of yours as much as possible and we all know the sun is THE no. 1 cause of premature ageing!

Look 10 years younger with these top 10 makeup tips

by Jo Boyden on Jul 07 2022

Ah makeup! My saving grace! Not only can it create the illusion of flawless skin, totally transform our appearance, cover up imperfections and boost our confidence, it can also take years off our face! You just need to arm yourself with the right makeup products and follow these top tips and we’ll have you looking 10 years younger in next to no time! Always moisturise your skin before applying your base I mean it’s a given, no matter what your skin type you should always moisturise your face every morning anyway, but applying a moisturiser before your makeup will not only hydrate your skin but also smooth your skin’s surface for a more even foundation application, and no one wants their makeup to look cakey! Oh! and if you have combination to dry skin, it’ll be next to impossible to create that perfect canvas for your foundation without moisturising first! Choose the right foundation You really can disguise the ageing process and look years younger with makeup, but you have to choose your products carefully. For example face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple (I have been I’m in love with the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation for years!) however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them, so it’s best to use powder sparingly – on your t-zone or as the perfect tool for quick touch ups.Foundations that have sheer to light coverage and a luminous finish will be your best choice especially for older skin or those concerned about fine lines and wrinkles. Dewy liquid foundations tend to be better than matte, also make sure the foundation is formulated with hydrating ingredients.I am a huge advocate for both the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint and ELES Cosmetics best-selling Age Defying BB Cream 30. It primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; 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! Use a good under-eye concealer for an instant eye lift Concealer is another amazing staple in your beauty arsenal that can dramatically change your appearance. Used correctly, concealer can brighten a tired complexion, cover up any blemishes, conceal dark under-eye circles and have you looking bright-eyed in seconds! Therefore, to hide those dark circles and puffy tired eyes which can make us look and feel every bit of our age, ensure you are armed with a goood concealer! I’m currently obsessed with the ELES Dual Action Concealer. It honestly gives me an instant eye lift every morning! It’s packed with amazing anti-ageing and eye nurturing ingredients, and on application dark circles and puffiness literally diminish within seconds, oh and any blemishes I might have too! Just be sure to keep concealer from drawing attention to your wrinkles by applying it correctly and selecting the correct shade!Choose a shade that’s lighter than your natural skin tone as this will help brighten your under eye area. And for the most brightening effect, apply your concealer in a “V” or upside-down triangle shape beneath your eye. Swipe it directly under the eye, but bring it down to a point on your cheek beside your nostril and fill in the entire area. Blend well with a small makeup brush and then finish with a very light dusting of powder to set the concealer so it doesn’t crease. Apply a little bronzer We are all on a quest for that healthy youthful glow, especially in the winter months when it’s almost non-existent, but dusting copious amounts of bronzer all over our nose, chin, cheeks and forehead can play up fine lines and large pores as the powder sinks into them. The best (and the most flattering!) way is to apply your bronzer with a bronzer brush to the perimeter of your face in the shape of a number three. Start on your forehead near your temples and loop down to the tops of your cheekbones, then curve out and around again along your jaw. Illuminate your face with a highlighter Along with freshening up your complexion and giving it a gorgeous glow, highlighter can be used strategically to lift and contour your face, making it appear more youthful. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow. Try ELES Stick Illuminator. I personally can’t get enough of it! Always use a blush Just a few swipes of blush will not only add colour and depth to your cheeks but can make your entire complexion look healthier, and your skin more youthful. It adds an extra glow that bronzer and highlighter just can’t mimic. Just be sure to apply it correctly – use a blush brush and lift colour upwards towards your temple from the apple of your cheek. I’ve been using the ELES Baked Blush for years now and just love its pigmented colour, easy application and the healthy-looking finish it gives me. Keep eye makeup simple As we get older our collagen and elastin decreases and the skin around our delecate eye area tends to thin out and start to droop. Heavy or droopy lids can make eyes look tired so you want to keep eye makeup light but also create the illusion of depth in the lids. To do this brush a wash of light brown shadow into the creases of your eye lids and add a tough of light shimmer shadow to the inner corners of your eyes. Brighten eyes with a waterline eyeliner Investing in a waterline eyeliner will be a game changer for tired eyes. All you need to do is line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create brighter, younger looking eyes. Always use mascara It’s no secret that beautiful eyelashes make you look 10 times prettier, and younger! Curl your eyelashes (With a proper curl, lashes will look longer, thicker and fuller) and always apply lashings of mascara, by doing so eyes will appear larger and more awake, something that is synonymous with youth! Fake full brows Just as the hair on our heads can thin with age, so do our eyebrows! The thing is 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. Just be sure you don’t overfill the front part of your brow though! This area should have soft hair that graduates into more density. If you overfill this area you can make your eye brows look way too harsh.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. Read more on how to create perfect brows.And for a bonus tip always add a pop of colour to your pout! As we age our lips get drier and thinner. By using a lipliner you can add definition to lips, then follow with a sweep of hydrating lip balm like the ELES Colour Balm as this can make your lips appear plumper and give them a youthful fullness we all desire!

5 holy grail makeup products you need in your cosmetics bag

by Jo Boyden on Apr 14 2022

Who doesn’t love makeup? Afterall, those few essentials can offer a multitude of benefits, right? From creating the illusion of flawless skin, to totally transforming your appearance, covering any skin imperfections to boosting your confidence and mindset too! But choosing the right products is essential. You want to be sure every item is doing wonders for your skin - just as your skincare does - not exacerbating any skin conditions you may have because they are full of pore clogging chemical nasties!Cue ELES Cosmetics! The entire range is based on hypo-allergenic ingredients power packed with the latest in anti-aging technology. The micronized minerals in ELES ™ protect and correct the skin without irritation, allowing skin to “breathe” freely, while the natural ingredients including vitamins A, C and E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, aloe and chamomile to name but a few, soothe and shield the skin and offer potent antioxidant protection. Sold yet?Well, read on as we count down 5 holy grail products from ELES. The ones adored by so many and sitting pretty in my cosmetics kit too! ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation If you are as obsessed with makeup as we are, you’ll likely already have heard of BC’s makeup best-seller – Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation! With its cult following including celebrities and influencers alike, it’s the ultimate essential you’ll want to try if you haven’t had a chance as yet!I never stop raving about this gem of a product and neither do our customers! If you are a lover of matte foundation but after something more subtle and light, then you should invest in this beauty too! Not only does it provide a flawless, soft, subtle matte finish (it glides on as a silky liquid but sets as a soft powder finish), it’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for!But don’t just take my word for it, check out all the phenomenal reviews on Beauty Collective! ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick We all need a little bit of lip colour in our lives and long-lasting lipsticks are the best! Not only because they add colour, volume and density to lips, but because they can actually be one of the most efficient anti-ageing measures too, as they offer additional protection against the sun’s rays and pollution! Oh yes! And we want to protect our lips from premature ageing just as we do our skin right?But wearing some lipsticks on a regular basis can have ramifications too since the pigments and preservatives in them can harm lips. This is why it is important to be cautious when purchasing a new lipstick, choose one with a nourishing and healthy formulation.The ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick has an instantly moisturising formula, it offers both rich colour and long-lasting wear and it deeply conditions lips with vitamins E, A, C, shea butter, avocado and jojoba oils! I can’t get enough of the Nutmeg shade, I have very pale lips so this adds the perfect sheen of much needed colour! Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light Looking for that miracle makeup item that takes minimal effort on your part but can transform your skin in seconds? This is it! Your bronzer, highlighter and powder combined into one clever compact, the ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light acts like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow” in seconds! The microfine powder’s jet milled pigments bring a soft-focus finish for a blurring effect over imperfections and fine lines. Incredibly light, it never gets chalky, weighs down the skin or even looks like your wearing powder, yet keeps any shine at bay. And all you have to do is apply your morning skincare, then simply dust a light layer all over your face with a makeup brush and watch your skin truly transform. We are all on a quest for that healthy youthful glow, especially in the winter months when it’s almost non-existent right? Well boy does this product deliver! ELES Waterline Liner This little gem of a product is a game changer for tired eyes. All you need to do is line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create brighter, more awake eyes. It’s my saviour on a daily basis! ELES Brow Pencil For many of us our brows get a little bit forgotten, yet creating the perfect brows can completely transform your face and make you look 10 years younger too,! Really.Just as the hair on our heads can thin with age, so do our eyebrows, so to look younger, we want to create instantly fake fullness and to do this we need to fill them in and shape them with the perfect brow pencil. Cue ELES Precision Brow Pencil. This double ended brow tool (one end pencil, one end grooming brush) offers controlled brow filling and lining to quickly and effortlessly impart long-lasting fuller, natural looking brows!

Who wore it best at the Oscars? 4 red carpet looks you’ll want to try

by Jo Boyden on Apr 01 2022

Earlier this week we saw the return of the infamous Oscars! And boy did it go off with a bang! After two years away from the red carpet, the A-listers were eager to be back flaunting their stuff, while waiting in anticipation to find out who would be recognised as the 94th Academy Award winners! But Hollywood’s biggest night of the year isn’t just about film or show-stopping frocks, it’s about the hair and makeup we all want to master too!From elegant updo’s and lit-from-within skin, beautiful bold lips and shimmer eyeshadow, this year the stars did not disappoint! Read on as we breakdown our favourite four makeup looks, the looks we’re sure you’ll want to try, and with the right tools they are pretty simple to achieve too! Kirsten DunstPretty in pink, the A-lister opted for plenty of blush, coupled with subtle rouge lips and smouldering eyes. Get the lookTo create her gorgeous complexion, apply a lightweight foundation for fresh undetectable coverage, like ELES Cosmetics HD Luminous Foundation, followed by lots of blush applied to the apples of the cheeks. Nothing says romance like a flushed cheek that’s for sure!For the eyes take an eyeshadow trio like ELES’s Build your own shadow palette. Firstly, take your base (a soft brown shade is best) and apply a wash all over your eye lid. Next take a shimmer copper shade and blend softly above the crease of your eye lid, as well as beneath the lower lash line for a subtle smoky eye. Finally add your third shade, like ELES’s Diamond shadow, to your brow bone to add highlight. Once complete layer on coats of ELES Lash Fortify Mascara in Black to both the upper and lower lashes applying from the base to the tip in a slow sweeping motion.To complete the look, reach for a soft rouge lippie. We adore the ELES Velvet Satin lipstick in Middlesex Street. ZendayaThe 25-year-old turns every look into a masterpiece, but one that we can actually achieve! On the red carpet this year she went subtle with a soft updo, shimmery eyeshadow, glossy nude lips, bronzed cheeks and brushed eyebrows. Heavenly! Get the lookTo create her flawless skin, apply a soft matte foundation, (we love ELES Cosmetic’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation), followed by a powder bronzer to contour beneath your cheeks and jawline to “slim” the face. The ELES Mineral Sheer Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro is perfect for recreating this bronzed glow. Apply a little extra to your forehead to add that “sun-kissed” warmth and if you want to be a real showstopper, dab on a little stick illuminator above the apples of your cheeks and down the centre of your nose.For Zendaya’s shimmery standout eyes you need three stand-out eyeshades. Firstly apply ELES Contour Brown to eyelids and blend softly above the crease of your eye lid. Next apply a silvery white shimmer shade like ELES Mineral Shadow in Diamond and finish with ELES Mineral Shadow in Light Sunray beneath the lower lash line. Complete the eyes with lashings of mascara.For that subtle flush of colour on the lips, use a lip liner to gently fill in (we recommend the ELES Gel Lipliner in Rose Brown) and then add a touch of gloss like our ELES Pucker-Up Lipgloss in Love Bite for that hint of shine. Jessica ChastainThe best actress winner stunned us with her glowy, peach-toned look that perfectly complimented her golden Gucci gown. Get the lookWhile Chastain's complexion is naturally radiant, her red-carpet look begins with a flawless foundation like ELES Cosmetic’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. Work a small amount into your fingertips to warm the product and press into the skin all over the face, keep patting and pressing until the product is evenly dispersed then lightly blend into the face with your fingers until you have an even coverage. Set with a light dusting of ELES Mineral Powder Foundation.Next apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and then take a highlighter to lighten up the face and add dimension without creating any harsh lines.For the eyes use a peachy, pastel palette. Firstly, take your base, like ELES’s mineral shadow in Sienna and apply a wash all over your eye lid, also apply to the bottom lash line for a subtle smoky eye effect. Next take a shimmer peachy shade like Warm glow and blend softly above the crease of your eye lid and finally add a shimmer white shade like Diamond to the inner corners of your eyes to really make them pop. Follow with several coats of mascara to the top lashes. Work from the base of the lashes wiggling the wand slowly up the lashes for extra volume. Try ELES Lash Fortify Mascara in Black.A pinky/nude lip is the perfect way to finish off the entire look, allowing the colour from the blush to pop while offsetting the sparkly eyes. Try ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in Nutmeg. Lily JamesThe Cinderella actress was the belle of the ball rocking 90s glam makeup and beautifully beachy waved hair. Get the lookApply ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30 to the face and spread and pat the product untilcompletely blended. Using the ELES Small Concealer Brush tap the ELES Dual Action Concealer beneath the eye area and on the eyelids, pat into the skin until seamlessly blended.Apply a light dusting of Baked Blush in Petunia to the upper cheeks. Line the upper and lower lashes with Superwear Gel Liner in Noir, then using a Short Shader Brush, smudge the liner out to soften the edges. Apply a plum eyeshadow shade like ELES’s Mineral Matte Blush in Roselle to eyelids and blend upwards and out to create Lily’s alluring eyes. Finish eyes by applying several coats of Lash Fortify Mascara to the top and bottom lashes. Complete look with ELES Velvet Satin Lipstick in Garden’s Lane on the lips.

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

by Jo Boyden on Mar 04 2022

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

The top 5 makeup questions answered by the BC experts

by Jo Boyden on Dec 22 2021

From makeup must-haves to choosing your foundation, with the plethora of makeup advice out there, it can often get confusing when knowing what is right from wrong, so we compiled the top 5 makeup questions everyone asks and put it to the BC experts for their professional answers. Read on for five solutions to the most common beauty queries of 2021. How do I stop my makeup from looking patchy? If you are prone to dry skin you’re more likely to experience the problem of patchy looking makeup because dry skin has more texture so makeup can more easily settle into the fine creases. The solution? Make sure you exfoliate regularly to remove any dead cells and debris and smooth skin texture. Depending on your skin type, once or twice a week will suffice.It’s essential to hydrate skin with a nourishing moisturiser prior to applying your base too. Another consideration is to review the type of foundation you are wearing too. Which takes me to the next question…. How do I choose the right foundation for my skin? Your skin tone and texture changes throughout the year, so no one foundation is likely to work all year round.Foundation creates the illusion of a flawless complexion. First, you need to determine your skin type, then what type of coverage you want to achieve: sheer, medium, or full. And finally, decide on the finish: matte, natural, or dewy.For more help with choosing the right foundation formula for your skin type click here. Should I apply my concealer before or after by foundation? This one is a little controversial as different makeup professionals will offer a different answer, but at BC we like to apply our foundation first to create an even base, and then add concealer to areas that still need it after. By starting with the foundation coverage, you may be pleasantly surprised at how little concealer you actually need to get the finish you are looking for. And remember less is more when it comes to makeup. Should you apply concealer first and then foundation you are likely to use more product than you actually need, and more product can result in cakey looking skin! Eek. Why won’t my makeup last? In short excess oil is the no. 1 reason for your makeup simply sliding off your face by mid-morning. Unfortunately, when the oils of your skin interact with your makeup, they begin breaking your makeup down. That doesn’t mean you should ever consider skipping on your moisturiser though! Your skin can actually produce more oil when it’s not properly hydrated! Eek. Instead try using a lightweight cream, followed by a mattifying primer (as they can help create a barrier between your skin’s oils and makeup) and opt for a foundation with a long-lasting formulation.For 6 simple steps as well as the best products to help encourage long lasting makeup click here. How do I keep my lipstick from coming off? Lipstick is one of those essential makeup products that can really change your look and add colour to your face, but it can also be a challenge if not applied properly, when I say challenge I mean lipstick on your teeth, down your chin or simply non-existent after only a short amount of time! For some essential tricks to keep your lip hue in place all day—no smearing, blurring, fading, feathering, or cracking, click here.

Beauty Collective - party-ready makeup look

Create the perfect party-ready makeup look in 3 simple steps

by Jo Boyden on Dec 03 2021

It’s here! The festive party season has started so it’s time to get glammed up! We all know being party ready isn’t just about what you wear though, or your styled hair – it’s about mastering your makeup too. Whether you are time poor so looking for quick and easy makeup tips this party season, or simply after some help when it comes to party ready makeup, BC have your back! Read on for our 3-step guide on how to get the perfect party ready make up, while adding a little sparkle and glam to your look and life too! STEP 1: THE PREPFirstly, make sure you have thoroughly cleansed skin, apply your moisturiser as you normally would, let it soak in and then apply (drum roll) a makeup primer. Why? Because it is key when it comes to preventing your makeup from literally sliding off your face! Makeup primers are THE one product that has the power to literally make your makeup stay put all day long and night! And if you have oily skin, it’ll control the excess oil too!I’m a huge lover of ELES’s Retexturizing Face Primer. Not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Want to look like a filtered goodness, and have makeup last the distance, try this! If however, your skin tends to be on the oilier side I recommend opting for the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation will look flawless! Genius!STEP 2: YOUR FOUNDATIONYou’ve applied your primer it’s now time for your base! With so many foundations to choose from, from liquid to powder, stick to tinted moisturiser knowing what will work best this silly season can get complicated, so if you need a little intel on what the right foundation is for you click here.If you're partying by day (love a long luncheon!) ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 is one of my go-to’s. Loaded with Goji Berries, Minerals, Vitamins and Sun Protection this wonder base and ELES Cosmetics best-seller, is your skin care, base and sunscreen in one! Skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step!! Simply apply to cleansed and primed skin for the silkiest and most undetectable coverage ever! STEP 3: THE PERFECT PALETTE WHICH HAS IT ALL!Now it’s time to master your makeup! But we want to keep it quick and simple and that we shall with ELES’s Limited Edition Party Palette in Golden Lights!Created to add some festive glam and sparkle to any complexion or skin tone, we are loving this sleek and convenient compact featuring a bronzer, blush and two seasonally appropriate gold and brown eye shades, which will take your party look to new heights. Oh, and it’s super handy to have in your handbag for those little touch-ups when you are out on the town too! What’s more, the products are all enriched with natural skin-caring goodness, they are richly pigmented delivering silky smooth, vivid, colour for hours of crease-resistant wear! And it comes with two free makeup brushes! YESSS. Now first for the bronzer! The objective is to make the skin look vibrant and healthy with shading in all the right places. Using your free kabuki brush press the bronzer beneath the cheekbones from the middle of the ear towards the centre of the face, do not apply any further in than level with the outer corner of the eye. Use the remaining bronzer on the brush to lightly dust the temples and beneath the jawline. Next blend the bronzer until it looks like a soft shadow with no harsh edges. Follow with the blush on the apples of the cheeks.Next, it’s onto the shadows! Create stand out eyes with these two shimmering shades in the palette, firstly take the gold and apply on the eyelids and lower lash line, then blend the edges. Then take the deep brown shade and apply to the outer corners of your eye lid carefully blending the edges.Finish by applying lashings of your favourite mascara to your lashes and a swipe of your favourite lippie to your lips too!Now you’ve mastered your party ready makeup, it’s time to head out and shine!

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