BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Skin suffering from stress and fatigue? 11 products to battle the blues
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 29 2021
If you weren’t already feeling the stress that daily life can bring, I bet your bottom dollar, many of us are now! With the ever-growing covid numbers (here we go again) and two weeks of lockdown for Sydneysiders in full swing, it’s a wee bit hard to maintain a zen-like attitude to life (Oh and I do but try!) Then throw in a few kids under your feet 24-7 while working a full-time job from home, and it’s enough to send anyone a little bit batty (pardon the covid pun!)Unfortunately, stress, anxiety and fatigue, can impact not only your mind and body but your skin too!The good news is, a little beauty TLC can make all the difference, you just need to make sure you’re armed with the right products! So if your skin is suffering the consequences of stress, your anxiety has reared it’s head, or you're simply feeling fatigued, here’s what your skin needs; Stressed skinWhen you are tense, your body releases stress hormones including cortisol, which can increase the skin's oil production, leading to clogged pores and making you more prone to pimples (great!) Thankfully, there’s skincare. And spot-specific skincare at that! So if you’re waging war on spots, opt for blemish-busting ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acid.Try; Pevonia Spot Treatment. It’s a fab anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, soothing spot cream formulated with Glycolic and Salicylic Acid, Betaglucan and Aloe, which combine to provide a beautifully clean, clear, and bacteria-free complexion.Try; Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser. Perfect for those with breakout-prone skin, this foamy cleanser formulated with a balanced blend of Lactic and Salicylic Acid, provides antiseptic and keratolytic benefits while effectively cleansing skin eliminating toxins, impurities and surface bacteria (as well as makeup of course!). Extra bonus – it combats any skin inflammation which can go hand in hand with those pesky pimples!Try; Medicalia Clarifying Cream. This is a wonderfully light-textured, oil free cream which really does control acne while magically preventing futures blemishes too! Containing a powerhouse blend of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sorbitol and other soothing and protecting ingredients, it promotes a healthier and beautifully hydrated complexion.And let’s not forget the body! Try; Pevonia’s Anti-Stress Bath and Shower Gel morning and/or night! Relaxing and soothing, it will enhance your bath and shower with its aromatic foaming gel. Hazel Nut Oil, Chamomile, and Lavender combine to cleanse and hydrate. Soothing and de-stressing, your entire being is transported to an aromatherapy oasis.Suffering from anxietyMore than ever due to these times of increased uncertainty and adjustment, our skin will be experiencing the results of anxiety – think skin sensitivities, facial redness, rosacea. It’s important to try and relax and hopefully dial down those unwanted feelings of unease. Much-loved calming scents include the likes of lavender, ylang ylang and chamomile. And if you are suddenly suffering from facial flare ups ensure you use (or introduce) nurturing and relieving ingredients into your daily skincare program.Ingredients such as Green Tea, Licorice and French Rose Essential Oil will effectively reduce flushing, skin irritation and rosacea while hydrating, calming and soothing the skin.Try; Pevonia RS2 Care Cream. One of our most loved skincare ranges (and a global favourite) is the Pevonia RS2 line. It has been specifically formulated for those with ultra-sensitive skin to desensitize and decongest, while effectively relieving Rosacea discomfort.Try; Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate. Bathe your skin in this soothing, magical serum combining calming lavender with a high concentration of healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France, and really enrich your skin! Antibacterial and decongesting, it alleviates microcirculation problems and strengthens fragile skin.Try; Phytomer Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath. Little instantly reduces anxiety quite like switching off our on button and relaxing in a remineralizing bath. Throw in some soothing sounds and calming candles and see how your entire being relaxes. Phytomer’s Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath will create the unparalleled soothing spa experience you need! It’s an amazing lightly foaming bath ‘sensation’ enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium-reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater –to strengthen and restore the skin and release all pent-up tension. Yassss.Feeling fatiguedIf you’re feeling fatigued your skin will visibly reflect it. You know that pale, dull and devitalized complexion, dark, puffy peepers and exacerbated fine lines we all love to hate. This is because when we are tired the blood in our body is not flowing efficiently which normally results in a lack of oxygen in the blood.Like with most skin conditions, there are ways to tackle this. Nourishing face oils, miracle masks and brightening serums will be your best friend! Packed full of skin loving ingredients, they’ll give your skin the glow it so desperately seeks.Try; Phytomer Souffle Marin Energizing Oxygenating Serum. This light serum literally coats the skin in pure oxygen, providing the cells with the vivid rejuvenation they need. Formulated with marine extracts, the invigorating, moisturising blend, ensures fresher, more youthful skin with an overall increase in visible radiance.Try; Phytomer Citadine Citylife Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. Formulated in a refreshing sorbet texture and suitable for face and eye contour, this cream is just what you need to reoxygenate your tired skin. A combination of three marine sugars create the active ingredient, CITYSAFE®, to depollute, cleanse and oxygenate the skin. CITYSAFE®, along with blue and red algaes and Phytomer’s patented seawater concentrate - Oligomer®, reset skin repairing damage caused by signs of fatigue, dark spots and a dull complexion. CITYLIFE not only sweeps away toxic micro particles but provides an ultra moisturising facial experience too!Try; Phytomer Citylife Radiance Reviving Mask. Combining 100% natural red and white clay with the best of marine ingredients, this mask instantly unclogs pores and counters the signs of fatigue, dark spots and dullness! After every application, the appearance of tired skin is diminished and replaced with a radiant and renewed complexion. LOVE.Try; Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate. The radical treatment oil for skin lacking lustre, combats dullness and dehydration with a burst of vitamins A and E and Mandarin Essential Oil, so your complexion will look beautifully brighter and rejuvenated by morning. What’s more it has the most amazing aroma which alone helps calm the senses, and even though it’s an oil, it’s fast absorbing so you know it’s doing great stuff to your skin!
9 multi-tasking beauty essentials we’re obsessed with right now
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 17 2021
Whether you are time poor mum like me, love fuss-free makeup, or are simply a self-confessed beauty addict, who doesn’t love multi-tasking makeup and skincare! From convenient compacts to skincare products that do it all, here are our nine favourites we are loving right now! ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused LightThis clever little compact packs a punch! It’s your bronzer, highlighter and foundation powder in one that you can lightly brush over your face for beautiful “lit from within” skin.The glow-giving base contains light-reflecting pigments to make skin look impossibly fresh while the gorgeous warm tones act like a photo filter on your skin. Use it on its own for some lightweight coverage and an all-out healthy glow, pop it under your foundation like a luminising primer, or dot it onto cheekbones for some tactical highlighting. Either way, you’ll love it!And for the month of June, when you purchase this powder, you’ll receive the ELES Duo Fibre Brush for FREE.ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30Your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen and foundation in one, this BB cream is a multi-tasking makeup miracle, suitable for all skin types! It quite literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! What’s more, you’ll feel as though you aren’t even wearing makeup, no easy feat for a foundation or any product with SPF for that matter!Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 30 with Blue Light ShieldA true triple threat, this smooth, tinted sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light AND pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books!ELES Colour BalmThis lip balm will be a serious saviour in your makeup bag during the morning rush.It combines the payoff of a sheer lipstick with the superior shine of a gloss and is formulated with polymer technology that forms an invisible film that moves with the lips providing comfort and extended wear.Whether you want to add a tint of colour and shine to your lips or a flush of colour to your cheeks, there’s a shade for everyone. It’s also formulated with aloe to treat and heal dry lips, silica to smooth and retexture lips and vitamin C & E, for superior repairing benefits, and what’s more, the multi-tasking featherweight formula imparts superior shine and provides long lasting hydration with glowing colour in a single sweep! LOVE.Phytomer Rose Visage Toning Cleansing LotionThis all-in-one cleanser, makeup remover and toner is quick, effective and wonderful to use. Alcohol-free and infinitely gentle, it thoroughly cleanses the complexion, removes makeup and tones skin without leaving an oily film just a silky soft and supple complexion instead!Phytomer Cyfolia Organic Radiance Exfoliating CreamPacked with marine goodness, this cleanser is your exfoliator and brightening cream in one! It immediately clears dull, dead skin cells while orange water provides vitamin C to support radiance, and the light-reflecting properties of cyfolia algae truly illuminate the complexion for that all out glow!Pevonia Micro Retinol MoisturiserRetinol isn’t hailed as the Holy Grail of the skincare world for nothing. This powerful anti-aging ingredient offers a multitude of benefits! From reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation, reducing large pores and clearing acne, retinol also has the ability to speed cell turnover making cells function like that of a child! Crazy right? And we love Pevonia’s Micro Retinol range. The moisturiser alone seals in your serum, deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms the complexion for outstanding long-lasting results.Phytomer Tresor Des Mers Beautifying OilThis beautifying dry oil enhances the beauty of the face, body and hair with its satiny texture. A true treasure of the sea, it infuses all the benefits of marine and vegetal oils to moisturise, nourish, repair, and protect both the skin and hair in a single step. Impressive stuff!ELES Custom PaletteWe all love a good multi-tasking makeup palette, but imagine one where you get to call the shots!!Whether you’re creating an everyday look, a look for nights or going for the perfect travel collection, with the ELES Custom Palette you get to choose your perfect shades! There are four empty face, blush and eyeshadow slots for you to customize. And the soft, powder formulas deliver rich, velvety, blendable colour that lasts. Also with the great colour collection, your options are limitless. The perfect five-minute makeup palette I say!
6 essential steps to glowing winter skin
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 08 2021
Our sun-kissed summer skin has long since faded, but that doesn't mean we have to accept a lifeless-looking complexion now winter is under way!Yes, the cooler weather and all that it brings (think hotter showers, artificial heating, cold air, wind to name a few) can dehydrate and devitalise our skin often leaving it dull, dry, sometimes flaky! But all this means is that it’s time to up the ante with a little extra skincare TLC.Not sure where to start? No problem. From vitamin-rich serums to the best of facial exfoliators and skin brightening boosters, these are the 6 essential products (and steps!) we highly recommend to keep your skin glowing all winter long. Exfoliation is key Make sure you shed those dry dead skin cells as a build-up is no good for anyone! They sit on the surface of your skin, not only dulling it, but they will also block the hydrating ingredients from every other skincare step in your routine from getting in! Eek! A regular scrub (think twice per week) using a gentle exfoliator will make all the difference we promise!Try Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. This rather lovely, gentle exfoliator will not only remove unwanted dead nasties but will promise to have your skin impeccably clean, soft and radiant in a matter of moments too! Step up the moisture Switch to a more nourishing moisturiser and if you haven’t already introduced a serum to your beauty repertoire. Skin is extra thirsty in winter so will benefit from a quenching dose of moisture.Try Pevonia Intensifier Collagen & Myoxy Caviar and best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. Apply a few drops of the intensifier (serum) beneath the moisturiser for a dewy radiant complexion while the Collagen Cream seals in vital moisture and imparts comfort for your skin…all day long. Give skin some night nurturing Before bed lather your face with a vitamin-rich oil to seal in hydration.Try Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate. The radical treatment for skin lacking lustre, combats dehydration with a burst of vitamins A and E and Mandarin Essential Oil, so your complexion really will look brighter and rejuvenated by morning. What’s more it has the most amazing aroma and even though it’s an oil, it’s fast absorbing so you know it’s doing great stuff to your skin! Don’t forget your eyes One particular area quick to suffer the effects of winter are the eyes. Often taken for granted, this sensitive area is usually the first to show signs of aging and lack of care.Drench the eye contours with super hydrating Pevonia Eye Contour rich in Collagen and skin firming elastin. Dehydration lines will become a thing of the past! Show your body some love Lather your body as you would your face, with plenty of rich cream and pay particular attention to super dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels.Applying your body lotion/cream in the bathroom following a warm bath or shower is a great way to ensure your body readily absorbs the moisture as the warmth in the air will help open your pores thus locking in the moisture.Try Pevonia Preserve Body Moisturiser. Rich in oils, vitamins and phyto-extracts it’ll restore the skin's essential lipids, leaving it soft, supple and radically hydrated. Safeguard your skin….not just in the summer months! Just because it isn’t hot (and potentially sunny, blue skies) doesn’t mean you should slack off with the sunscreen. A super hydrating sunscreen in the winter months will benefit your ailing dry skin greatly and let’s face it a little extra SPF protection against blue light damage (thank you too much screen time) won’t go amiss!Try Medicalia Suncreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, it contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books!
The best way to protect your skin from blue light damage
by Jo Boyden
on May 07 2021
Blue light damage, we’ve all heard if it, I’ve personally blogged about it, but what’s the best bet for protecting our skin from it?First, to recap. Blue light damage IS a problem. It’s caused by our digital devices (as well as the sun) and having read a scary statistic the other day – the average person in their lifetime will spend 17 years on their phone – it’s something we need to take seriously.Blue light from electronics is linked to a number of issues, from digital eye damage, to sleep deprivation (and lack of sleep never did anyone any good) and then there is the adverse effect it has on our skin! Why spend all that time, energy and money on skincare only to have the good undone by our devices? As quickly as a collagen cream can replenish our skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles, overexposure to “screen time” can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen causing fine lines and wrinkles! And that’s not all! Excessive blue light can cause inflammation, leading to redness and dark spots, as well as hyperpigmentation, particularly in those with darker skin.Let’s face it though, we aren’t going to give up scrolling on our phone or our love of Netflix at night, nor can those of us who work, simply shutdown our laptops and say no more! But what we can do is a number of steps to help protect our skin and reduce the effects that blue light damage can cause. Look for key ingredients in your skincareLayer your products with skin protecting ingredients including iron oxide and antioxidants, they will all significantly aid in protecting your skin from too much screen time. Iron OxideLook for products with formulations that contain iron, this is because iron oxide helps neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.AntioxidantsProducts that contain antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress, which is one of the negative effects of blue light. By applying topical products containing vitamin C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effects of blue light. Try Medicalia C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within our skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects. We also love Pevonia’s stem Cells Phyto-Elite range, rich in vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing.Wear a BB CreamIn the same way that physical sunscreens can help act as a barrier for the skin against blue light, so can products that contain light-reflecting pigment, like BB cream, which has been proven to reduce the effects of blue light by 80 per cent. Luminous skin and (partial) blue light protection in one! Our favourite and one of BC’s best-sellers is the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30. It is your multi-tasking wonder cream, because this product simply put does it all! It’s your moisturiser, primer, foundation and SPF in one! Don’t forgo your SPF, everIt’s important to protect our skin in the same way we would from the sun, so wearing an SPF daily year-round is a must (you should be doing this anyway!)Sunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide. A new favourite of the team at BC is Medicalia’s new Sunscreen SPF 30 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, it contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books! Protect your eyes with a good eye creamBlue light harms the delicate skin around your eyes so an eye cream is essential. This is because eye creams are different to your daily moisturisers and serums as they are formulated with specific active ingredients to nurture and repair the fragile eye area – the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies and up to 1/10 thinner than the rest of the skin on our face! Their main objective is to target specific eye concerns – crow’s feet, under eye bags and dark circles, delivering brightening and anti-ageing ingredients in a mild, gentle and safe dose.We highly recommend Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream. Enriched with the best antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients including; encapsulated high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Botox-like peptides, fatty acids, vitamin c and vitamin B3, this silky cream is inspired by eye-rejuvenating Botox and hyaluronic acid injections to effectively fight signs of ageing and fatigue. Suitable for everyone even those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.There are also other ways you can aid your skin including, avoiding screen time an hour before bed, eating a well-rounded diet rich in anti-oxidant and fatty-acid foods and purchasing blue light blockers and filters, you just need to make sure you start incorporating all these factors into your daily routine!
Suffering from hyperpigmentation? 4 things you need to be doing now
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 05 2021
You may not know it but hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as dark spots, is a very common skin concern. The condition most commonly occurs due to overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, which is why it’s often exacerbated during the sunny summer months (thank you sunshine!) However, it can also occur due to inflammation caused from conditions like acne, just want you don’t need, and while hyperpigmentation can be hard to avoid for some, you can definitely help reduce its severity by following a few key steps and we are here to tell you what; Choose your skincare wisely If you aren’t already invest in skincare specifically designed to target hyperpigmentation. There are 4 key ingredients to look out for. The first being Vitamin C. Vitamin C can not only help heal blemishes it can also help reduce hyperpigmentation and give your skin an all out glow. Once you add a daily dose of vitamin c to your skincare routine you can start seeing noticeable improvements in a matter of weeks.Here at BC, we love Pevonia’s “C” Complexe. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid work together to hydrate, correct photo damage and drench your skin with repairing antioxidants for a revitalized, youthful glow. It’s really good stuff and I’m testament to that!AHA’s such as glycolic and lactic acid and BHA’s such as Salicylic acid are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging and brightening skin and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck and chest.I personally love Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream with UV protection! It combines Glycolic acid and Hyaluronic Acid to dramatically improve skin’s texture.Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is another go-to ingredient for hyperpigmentation. It works by going deep beneath your skin, encouraging cell turnover and bringing healthier, newer skin cells to the surface!Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing cream is a must in the fight against Hyperpigmentation! Formulated with retinol and Glycolic and Lactic Acid (yes!) it’s an excellent resurfacing and lightening cream for photodamaged skin. Just be sure to introduce it slowly and apply before bed. To learn more about retinol click here. Exfoliate And once or twice a week! This will help shed the hyperpigmented cells and speed up healing. Really!The most effective exfoliators for managing hyperpigmentation are either chemical or enzymatic exfoliators though as they penetrate more deeply into the skin than physical exfoliators and don’t contain grains which can in some cases create inflammation by scrubbing which can lead to additional pigmentation! Eek!Try Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes! It’s a beautifully gentle exfoliant that uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating the skin. Ideal for even the most sensitive and reactive skin, it eliminates impurities by gentle exfoliating away dead skin cells to reveal a refined skin texture and more luminous complexion. Slip, slop, slap Wear sunscreen and be religious about it. Applying your SPF is not only the best way to prevent premature ageing but it will also dramatically decrease your chances of getting hyperpigmentation as well as reducing it.I highly recommend Vie Collection’s Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF30, this amazing daily cream is formulated with two high-tech ingredients that act against dark spots, free radicals and UV rays. After daily use dark spots become less visible and skin more unified. Eat a diet rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids can effectively help reduce skin darkening. So be sure to introduce avocados, oranges, grapes, cherries, broccoli and bell peppers into your daily diet, as well as foods with beta-carotene (orange colour) like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots and seafood rich in copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Such a diet works by encouraging production of melanin, reduction of free radicals and support of cell turnover, the three things that help grow healthy, happy skin and diminish dark spots! Drink herbal Turn your morning cuppa into a mug of green tea! We know green tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, but did you know as a result it can help reduce both skin inflammation and melanin production in one.
Blue light damage – what it is and why you need these products now
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 24 2020
We’ve learnt from an early age the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays, but now a new concern is taking centre stage - the effects of blue light - harmful rays emitted not only from the sun but from our electronic devices too! Eek.I’m certain, as I write this, that there is likely not a single one among us who doesn’t spend perhaps a little too much time daily on our phones, laptops, iPads, or even watching our much loved shows on Netflix, but did you know that this over excessive so called “screen time” can lead to skin damage and premature ageing? In fact, overexposure can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen and cause inflammation, leading to redness, dark spots, and early onset wrinkles. And if you’re one to suffer from hyperpigmentation too, blue light can and will darken it! Especially in those with deeper skin stones! What’s more, blue light has the ability to penetrate skin much more deeply that UV rays causing even more havoc and long-term damage! Scary right?So what should you do to protect your skin? Obviously reducing screen time is the best bet but depending on your job or lifestyle that’s not likely possible.The good news is scientists have been researching the effects of blue light for many years now and new formulations are being launched to help protect our skin from its damaging effects, just as sunscreen does from the sun. Furthermore, the clever folk at Pevonia have created not one but two eco-friendly double duty sunscreens which not only protect your skin from blue light, but UVA and UVB rays too! Excellent news right?So read on to find out more about these new blue light skin protection products and why you need to need to incorporate them into your daily routine, starting now! Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldA true triple threat, this Pevonia exclusive mineral SunShield formula delivers major moisture while effectively protecting skin against ongoing UV, infrared and blue light damage! It is a purely physical ocean/reef safe emulsion, which means it contains no nasty chemicals – one of the biggest threats to our beautiful reefs/ocean and its sea life!Its clever new technology counteracts free radical reaction, and it’s sheer formula is micronized in such a way that it is invisible on all skin tones, so no thick white residue (synonymous with the majority of other physical sunscreens) in sight! In fact, it is very light and silky smooth to apply with no greasy sheen and it doesn’t have the usual ‘sunscreen’ smell, instead a subtle, very pleasant aroma. Phew!It is formulated with natural, nourishing and skin repairing ingredients including; green tea, an antioxidant to prevent damage from free radicals, as well as argan oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and ingredient spotlight Indian Ginseng Root - which is proven to boost cellular energy and activity, as well as fight “digital” pollution – clever stuff right?! What’s more, it deeply hydrates, soothes and protects skin and is suitable for all skin types, tones and ages!Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldIf you’re a little reluctant to wear your sunscreen because quite frankly its smell and greasy texture puts you off, you are going to love this lightweight emulsion! Much like its counterpart, this everyday sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution. It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away.It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones.Now don’t let blue light steal the shine from the anti-ageing skincare staples you religiously apply every day. Just add blue light skin protection to your daily routine and reap the long-term benefits. Trust me when I say they will definitely be worth your investment!
9 things you need to stop doing to your skin now!
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 19 2020
You might well think you are following protocol and doing all the right things for your skin – applying SPF daily, using the best products for your specific needs, drinking your two litres of water a day, exercising but not too excessively, getting enough shut-eye… the list goes on, yet still, your skin isn’t where you want it to be, but why? Most of us spend each day taking the right steps, all the while damaging our skin without even realising it! Read on to find out nine things you might be doing which could well be impacting your skin’s overall health; Touching your face If COVID-19 has taught me one thing, it’s to be vigilant about touch! And I have to admit I did not realise just HOW often I touched my face!! Eek.Each time you touch your face, you're exposing your skin to bacteria, so repeatedly touching it with your fingertips, resting your face on your hands, or simply rubbing your head can introduce dirt directly to the skin and in some cases cause pesky pimples and worse! So try to be more wary of your actions, and thoroughly clean your face with a good cleanser at the end of every day! Hitting the pantry at night! Yes it happens to the best of us! You’ve been healthy all week, diligently consuming your super foods but this evening you caved and hit the panty for those sugared treats, surely it’s not that big a deal? Unfortuantely it can be! This is because consuming sugar affects our bodies' collagen stores. Collagen is the magical protein that our bodies produce which helps our skin to remain supple and well, simply look younger. Unfortunately the sugary foods we consume break down both the collagen and elastin in our skin, causing dullness and wrinkles over time, so if it’s possible, it’s best to cut down sugar intake where you can, especially at night, which happens to be the worst possible time! There goes my late night feasts. Going to sleep with makeup on I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of having one too many in our time, or simply hopping into bed exhausted only to realise you haven’t removed your makeup and have little to no energy to get back up to cleanse your face, so to bed with a full face of makeup we go! But I can’t stress enough how failing to remove makeup at the end of every day is a major missed opportunity for your skin to be able to regenerate while you sleep! Not removing your makeup means the skin ceases to breathe freely, pores clog and fatigue signs start to appear. Two of my favourite makeup removers, which both effectively and effortlessly melts away the day's makeup and grime, are Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover and ELES Cosmetic’s Transformation Cleansing Oil.Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, Phytomer’s ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast! While the ELES Transformation Oil literally melts away makeup with jojoba oil, safflower oil, olive oil, squalene and vitamin E! What’s more for the month of August when you purchase the Transformation Cleansing Oil, you’ll receive a set of 3 muslin cleansing cloths (for swift and easy removal) for Free!To read more about sleeping in makeup – what it really does to our skin click here. Not getting enough shut-eye If you are like me and one for being guilty of going to bed too late, or simply not getting enough sleep (we are talking the recommended 8 hours a night) know that your skin WILL suffer. This is because it affects the moisture levels in your skin, depleting them, as well as lowering your complexions pH levels, and when your skin’s pH levels drop, they create an imbalance which means your skin isn’t able to produce the moisture it needs, resulting in dry, lacklustre skin. It can also create unnecessary redness, leave skin uneven and even trigger breakouts. To understand more about what really happens to your skin while you sleep click here. Having a hot shower Ok, so no one in winter is going to say no to a hot shower right? It’s one of life’s little luxuries but it does come at a cost to your skin believe it or not. Unfortunately, hot water can strip the skin of its essential moisture and deplete its natural protective barrier which can lead to impairments in the skin’s moisture. We know you aren’t going to stop having those steamy showers of a morning but try and turn the heat down a little, limit shower time and ensure you replenish skin immediately after with a good hydrating moisturiser! I’m currently loving Phytomer’s Hydra Original Thirst Relief Melting Cream, it’s deliciously rich and delivers intense and lasting hydration to my skin! Not frequently changing your bedding We are accustomed to washing our clothes after every wear but why is it at the end of every day, we fall into bed without giving our sheets a second thought? Unfortunately clogged pores can occur when we don't wash our bedding weekly. This in turn can lead to blemishes and breakouts. Why? Because there is a build up of bacteria and oil on our sheets, especially pillowcases caused by sweat, saliva and dead skin cells. Yuck. Over exfoliating You are doing as you think is right and exfoliating your skin once or twice a week but could you be over exfoliating? Using exfoliators with AHA’s and BHA’s when it’s not necessary can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dry. If you notice you are developing dry patches or flaky skin you could well be over-doing it. This is why it's important to use the correct exfoliator for your skin type and always follow exfoliation with hydrating and moisturising creams. Spending too much time in front of a screen I know I speak for so many of us when it comes to too much screen time these days. Whether it be our laptop, tv, iphone or ipad, screen time does effect our skin and here’s why; All devices (now labeled the silent anti-agers of our generation!) emit ‘blue light’. This light creates a free radical that damages our DNA, by penetrating all the way to the dermis where our collagen and elastin live causing loss of firmness, increase in visible lines as well as inflammation and dark spots! Scary stuff. Your best defence? Try to cut down your time and use targeted skincare and makeup products!Using products containing iron oxide can help neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try Pevonia's Youth Renew Tinted Moisturiser or ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.The skin naturally contains antioxidants. These are quickly damaged and depleted when exposed to free radicals. By applying a topical antioxidant containing Vitamins C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effecting of blue light. Try Medicalia's C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within the skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects.I also love Pevonia's Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing. And if you purchase this cream in the month of August, you'll receive the full size matching Stem Cells Foaming Cleanser for Free! Using dirty makeup brushes Your makeup tools are meant to be washed. Besides bacteria, both brushes and sponges also accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores leading to skin irritation and pesky pimples! Also if you apply your makeup with a dirty bush the end result can be a streaky and patchy complexion! Clean brushes definitely make for a smoother makeup application so get cleaning them at least once a week! For “green” and allergy-free brushes, opt for taklon bristle brushes, this smooth synthetic fibre is ideal for makeup application as it does not absorb or trap pigment, making it so much easier to keep clean too!
5 ways to effectively reduce your pores
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 03 2020
If you suffer from uneven skin tone or your enlarged pores appear to be a permanent feature on your face, we feel you.Believe it or not, many of us are as obsessed with our pore size, as we are with skin ageing! But why is it some of us suffer from large pores? And how can you shrink them fast?As we age, our body produces less Elastin and Collagen and without these two, our skin becomes much less supple and starts to sag. It’s the collagen in our skin which actually strengthens the walls of our pores, making them tighter, so when this breaks down with age our pores become enlarged! And to make matters worse, when these enlarged pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, blackhead and whiteheads may form. When bacteria comes in contact with these two, a pimple is born! So something which we thought was associated with teenage years can return to haunt us when we hit our 30’s and 40’s +!While your pore size is genetic (thank you parents!) and therefore you can’t alter its structure, the good news is there are a number of tips and treatments you can live by, which will help not only reduce pore size but leave you with smooth and even skin too! Introduce an exfoliating cleanser And not just any old exfoliator, one formulated with AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) such as Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, and/or BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) such as Salicylic acid. These are the holy grail of ingredients when it comes to penetrating and cleaning out your clogged pores, and clogged pores look bigger, fact. So by unblocking them you are already halfway there in terms of reducing their size.While all four acids exfoliate on a cellular level, Glycolic, Citric and Lactic works on a more surface level to brighten and smooth your skin, whereas Salicylic Acid penetrates much deeper to effectively remove dead skin cells clogged in pores.For those who are more prone to pimples, we highly recommend Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with both Citric and Salicylic Acid, it delivers intensive cleansing for problematic skin, gently removing impurities and rendering skin clear, clean and smooth.For those with enlarged pores we are loving Vie Colletion’s Renewing Exfoliating Cream. Designed to make the skin look renewed, radiant and youthful (yes please!) it smoothes away roughness while dramatically reducing large pores appearance! Use a skin primer A good skin primer will become your lifeline if you are prone to oily skin. Not only will it stop your foundation from sliding off your face quite literally, it’ll keep your base smooth while reducing the appearance of pores (and fine lines!)I’ve tried many a primer in my time but as a sufferer of oily skin and pores on the, let’s say slightly larger side! My go-to is the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s oil-free (of course), perfectly lightweight and seems to combat shine almost instantly. It contains a natural Dermat Complex which enables it to absorb oil and effectively reduce pore size in one hit. Wear sunscreen daily You hear this time and time again but we are serious. Do it. The number one cause of premature skin ageing is the sun. The less we wear sunscreen the sooner our collagen will break down causing skin to sag and pores to expand! Whether you choose to use a daily moisturiser or foundation with SPF is up to you, but using a sunscreen is paramount.We are in love with ELES Cosmetics’ best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, Free of pore-clogging oils, this silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation with broad-spectrum sun protection, glides on velvety smooth but sets to a soft powder finish. It's ideal for all skin types even those with really oily skin and perfects your complexion while protecting against future damage. Opt for a pore perfecting moisturiser Yes it’s a thing! If you aren’t already using one, you simply must now. Formulated to quite literally refine pores for a smoother, flawless complexion free of shine you won’t believe the results. Our go-to is Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Refine Cream. It’s a mattifying treatment cream which reduces oil production and pore size, while providing long-lasting hydration at the same time. Give retinol a go Hailed THE anti-ageing ingredient of the skincare world, retinol is known to not only slow down the signs of ageing (as a result of its ability to increase your skin’s collagen production) but also simultaneously decrease oil production which leads to smoother skin, fewer breakouts and tighter pores!If you haven’t before now, introducing a retinol cream at night will be a game changer for your skin, just be sure to opt for a more gentle retinol cream and slowly introduce it into your skincare routine as some can be a little sensitive to it at first, but the wait is soo worth it we promise!We highly recommend the Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream. Combining Retinol with Glycolic and Lactic Acids (ah yes those two faithful pore perfecting acids again!) it is a must for resurfacing and regenerating skin for a smoother brighter appearance! To understand more about retinol read our guide to the best anti-ageing ingredient.
Stretchmarks: Why we get them and how to prevent or fade them
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 03 2020
We’ve all heard of the dreaded stretch marks! Whether they started to appear during adolescent growth spurts or they pop up throughout pregnancy, the majority of us ladies will fall victim to these scars at some stage in life! Whether you embrace them or dislike them greatly, stretch marks are very normal! But why do we get them? And what can we do to prevent or reduce them?Stretch marks develop when our skin quite literally stretches (or shrinks!) at a rapid pace, causing the collagen and elastin (which our bodies naturally produce) in the dermis, to tear or ‘rupture’. As it heals we are left with a scar known as a stretch mark. Unfortunately, while there is no way to permanently get rid of these marks, there are effective treatments you can use to either help prevent them from appearing in the first place or to soften the severity of pre-existing marks.The first thing you need to know when choosing the treatment are its ingredients. Similar to skincare, there are a number of key ingredients to look out for, which will help improve or reduce the appearance of stretch marks; Hyaluronic Acid (which plumps the lines), retinol (which resurfaces and strengthens the skin) and elastin.When I found out I was pregnant I have to admit I did worry about the toll it would take on my body, namely stretch marks, so I got to moisturising both my stomach and thighs religiously every day, morning and night. I tried a few different creams as recommended by close friends and professionals alike, but the one cream that became my firm favourite was the Medicalia Stretchmark Guard Cream. I really liked its light and non-greasy texture, yet loved how it felt deeply nourishing. It’s formulated with Retinyl Palmitate, which is effective in boosting collagen fibre production in your skin – yes please we could all do with as much collagen as possible as we age!), Marine Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E! It’s 100% safe to use in pregnancy and I can honestly say I am a testament that this stuff really does work! Having been prone to a few stretch marks in my time, especially when I was younger and went through growth spurts, I thought it was a given I’d get at least a few more, even if I stuck with my vigilant body care routine! But not one stretchmark formed on my stomach! For me, it’s the best product to prevent stretch marks but it’s also a game-changer when it comes to helping heal them once they’ve formed too!With regards to the technicalities, Medicalia’s Stretchmark Guard Cream effectively prevents stretchmark formation while smoothing pre-exisiting marks as well as other skin damage! It renews skin cells and boosts hydration for levels of stronger, smoother and suppler skin. All hail Medicalia’s Stretchmark Guard cream I say!
Botox not an option right now? Natural alternatives that actually work!
by Jo Boyden
on May 14 2020
Feel like you’ve aged 10 years in 8 weeks thanks to #isolife? Botox wearing off? The furrowed frown making a comeback? Every Botox and filler fan knows that injectables require regular maintenance but with cosmetic institutes and beauty salons still closed due to lockdown, your next appointment is likely looking a while away.While there is no serum or moisturiser that can magically make wrinkles disappear in 10 days quite like Botox, there are homecare alternatives which do deliver smoother, firmer and plumper skin in next to no time, and what’s more, they are safer, natural and needle free!So read on to discover our top four alternatives and worry about the return of the wrinkles no more! Medicalia Retinol & “C” Care CreamAside from Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, Retinol has long been worshipped by beauty professionals as the hero ingredient in the fight against wrinkles! Some even say nothing fights the signs of ageing better! Designed to stimulate your skin’s own production of hyaluronic acid and collagen which depletes with age, as well as improve its overall texture, Medicalia’s Retinol & “C” Care Cream delivers potent retinol deep within the skin to enhance cellular performance. Micro Retinol micro particles, combined with anti-agers Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Elastin peptides tighten, revitalise, resurface and rehydrate skin!“This is the best product for aging skin I have ever found.” HeatherPevonia Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra SerumUnfortunately as we age, our production of collagen (which keeps skin firm), elastin (which keeps skin supple) and hyaluronic acid (which keeps skin hydrated) decreases! This unique de-ageing serum features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus extract which relaxes harsh wrinkles similar to that of Botox), to deliver immediate skin soothing results and deep hydration. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, apply it to a tired, lacklustre complexion for an instantly brighter, plumper and firmer face! You won’t be disappointed!“I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Marie CVie Collection Time Control Deep Wrinkles EGF CreamInspired by the professional benefits of EGF (Epidermal growth factor) injections to combat deep wrinkles, loss of elasticity and devitalization, this deeply nourishing cream - formulated with powerful cosmetic ingredients including EGF-like peptides and pro-collagen peptides - visibly reverses lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, lack of density and sagging of the face.“I have been using this firming cream for a month now and I can honestly say it has reduced the appearance of even my deepest wrinkles! I was even asked if I’d had botox the other day! Winning!” - Anne KPevonia Myoxy-Caviar Timeless Repair SerumFormulated with a high concentration of age-defying Caviar and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus Blend) this standout serum immediately increases skins plumpness and softens and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. Skin's texture and elasticity is noticeably improved, resulting in a tighter, finer, resurfaced complexion and an unequivocal youthful radiance.“I LOVE this stuff. Pricey yes but I noticed a dramatic decrease in my wrinkles as well as a smoother texture in a matter of weeks.” Tanya L
Self-isolating? It’s time to change up your skincare routine. Here’s why
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 07 2020
In this time of social distancing, many of us are being responsible and choosing to stay home, while this is imperative for our safety remaining indoors for extended periods of time can however impact our skin and in turn lead to skin damage! So use this time in quarantine to get your skincare routine down pat. What worked for your skin weeks ago might now need some tweaking and we are here to tell you why. Spending more time on your phone, laptop or in front of your TV than ever before? Yes siree! But did you know the effect extended amounts of screen time can have on your skin?Unfortunately, your devices (now labelled the silent anti-agers of our generation!) emit ‘blue light’. This light creates a free radical that damages our DNA, by penetrating all the way to the dermis where our collagen and elastin live causing loss of firmness, increase in visible lines as well as inflammation and dark spots! Scary stuff. Your best defence? Targeted skincare and makeup products!Using products containing iron oxide can help neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try Pevonia’s Youth Renew Tinted Moisturiser or ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.The skin naturally contains antioxidants. These are quickly damaged and depleted when exposed to free radicals. By applying a topical antioxidant containing Vitamins C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effecting of blue light. Try Medicalia C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within the skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects.I also love Pevonia’s Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing. If you are one for usually wearing a lot of makeup, use this time to give your skin a bit of a rest. But don’t get me wrong, I am not saying go makeup-free! While you might not be socialising or have anyone at home to impress, following your usual daily skincare and makeup routine can actually provide a much-needed sense of normalcy in this otherwise abnormal existence we all suddenly find ourselves in! Instead simply opt for heathier formulations like mineral foundations, powders, and bronzers which actually enable your skin to breathe more freely while truly perfecting your complexion!Try ELES Cosmetic’s global best-seller Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. Formulated with Vitamins A, C & E. it provides both flawless coverage and antioxidant protection. With a change in season brings a change to your skin. One of the biggest skin issues we tend to see this time of year is dryness.Like me, you’ve probably already been dealing with dry hands as a result of washing them constantly, now you are likely to be experiencing a dry, lacklustre complexion too.Make sure you moisturise your hands regularly, preferably after washing when they are still a little damp as the cream helps to trap in moisture. I have been using the Phytomer Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream and have to say my hands feel (and even look!) amazing. The rich, silky cream soothes and softens dry skin. Integrating a hydrating duo of marine oils, it intensely nourishes, moisturises and comforts while protecting skin from external stress.I personally suffer from dry skin, more so than ever this time of year. So I have recently incorporated two additional products into my routine and the difference this has made to my skin is huge. In the mornings I alternate between using my faithful Pevonia Age Correction Intensifier Collagen and Myoxy Caviar followed by my Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream (products rich in hyaluronic acid are known to promote moisture) OR my Phytomer Pionniere XMF Radiance Retexturizing Serum followed by Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream.At night I drench my skin in the Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate, the perfect overnight repair oil. It combats excessive dryness, dehydration, and premature aging. It’s important to use products with SPF in them even when you aren’t leaving the house. One product that should remain constant in your everyday routine is SPF. While you might not see the need for it now that you're spending the majority, if not all your time indoors, do not be deceived! UVA light from the sun’s rays can actually still penetrate right through window glass believe it or not! Plus while we are still allowed out every day for exercise, I encourage you to take advantage of that and soak up your daily quota of vitamin D. Not only is it good for your health, a daily dose of sunlight is imperative for your wellbeing too. For a fantastic lightweight everyday cream with SPF 30, I highly recommend the ELES Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50.
Team Beauty Collective’s most LOVED products
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 10 2020
Skincare is definitely the area to invest in when it comes to your beauty routine. I’m not just talking about investing your hard-earned money, but time and patience as well, especially when it comes to creating a routine that will actually work and provide you with the results you are seeking.But where do you really start? After all, when it comes to skincare shopping, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options especially with constant new releases and new trends taking centre stage!Luckily at Beauty Collective HQ we have the fortune to trial many of our products so I turned to my trustee work colleagues to find out which ones they really can’t live without, so I can, in turn, share our favourite finds with you.Whether you are looking for a cream to target a specific skin concern or you are just after some inspiration as now is the time to upgrade, we have you covered with these beauty heroes the team at BC can’t get enough of.PEVONIA MICRO-RETINOL SERUMI’m completely in love with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol line. I noticed the most dramatic change to my skin and it just keeps getting better. My favourite product in the line is the Micro-Retinol Serum; it gives my skin a glow and seems to make the pores disappear. I’ve noticed a great improvement to firmness, moisture levels, skin texture and a reduction in hyper-pigmentation. What more could I want? I¹ve used Retinol based products before but this is the line I find really works, and it feels and smells great too!- Liane Scior, Director of Marketing & Education PHYTOMER PIONNIERE XMF RADIANCE RETEXTURISING SERUMFor many years my absolute can’t live without product was the Pevonia Marine Collagen Concentrate (I am still totally in LOVE with this product and use it all the time) but more recently I discovered Phytomer’s Pionniere XMF Radiance Retexturing Serum and have been blown away with the results.It’s a luxurious, lightweight textured serum which feels amazing on application and leaves my skin smooth, soft, supple and visibly radiant (no jokes!) Also, I swear it has diminished some of my more noticeable fine lines in a matter of weeks. All hail this serum!- Jo Boyden, PR & Marketing Manager MEDICALIA SUNSCREEN SPF 30Wearing sunscreen daily is a non-negotiable step in my morning routine and Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 30 will be my forever go-to! I’ve tried many sunscreens in my time but none as gorgeously lightweight and non-greasy as this one. It’s also lightly tinted, has the perfect texture to apply before makeup, and as well as keeping my skin protected it actually also feels noticeably hydrated and doesn’t clog my pores like so many sunscreens do! If you are looking for an amazing everyday sunscreen, this is one you must try! - Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator PEVONIA CLARIFYL SPOT TREATMENT Even though I’m in my early 30s my skin still gets easily irritated and spots appear! I’m so glad I discovered this perfect product – Pevonia’s Spot Treatment. On application, it immediately takes away the redness in my skin and after a few days, there’s no trace of pimple marks at all! Amazing.- Elaine Palapag, Social Media and e-Marketing Co-ordinator PEVONIA RS2 CREAM My favourite product is the Pevonia RS2 Cream.I suffer from Rosacea so my skin used to be very reactive, sensitive and red. Since using this, my skin feels a lot calmer and my complexion has noticeably improved over time. I wish I’d used this product years ago as nothing I used before seemed to help. I now apply the entire RS2 line daily and my skin feels pretty good for an old guy!- Rainer Scior, Managing Director PHYTOMER HYDRACONTINUE 12H MOISTURISING FLASH GELWarning - Addictive Product - Hydracontinue 12H Moisturising Flash Gel, is exactly that! It’s like a glass of water for my skin. The super soft gel hydrates my skin from morning till evening and when applied absorbs so quickly I can't even tell it’s on. It’s so great for when I’ve been working in air-con, central heating or not drinking enough water and has definitely helped lessen my creapy fine lines and wrinkles. I love it!- Kellie Deveney, Business & Training Manager PEVONIA EASY GLIDE SHAVING EMULSIONI am really loving Pevonia’s Easy-Glide Shaving Emulsion because it delivers a velvety-smooth shaving experience with ease. After applying it, my skin feels smoother and so refreshed, without any irritation whatsoever!- Jonathan, Web/Graphic Designer PEVONIA OPTIMAL C COMPLEXI have a deep Love for the Pevonia’s Optimal C Complex. It’s a combination of pure Vitamin C and Hyluronic acid. The Vitamin C works to visibly brighten my skin when it feels devitalised and Hyluronic Acid drenches my skin in moisture, hydrating it for the entire day. I apply this beautiful concentrate underneath my reactive care cream morning and night for "optimal" results....- Laura Leva, Customer Service VIE COLLECTION RENEWING EXFOLIATING CREAMFresh, silky-smooth skin is what you get from the Vie Collection’s Renewing Exfoliating Cream. With double exfoliating action from beads and enzymes, my skin is left ultra-smooth and beaming bright! I can visibly see a big difference in my dark spots and the effect it has on wiping out my pesky blackheads. I am honestly in LOVE with it!- Keshmi Chand, Account Manager PEVONIA SOOTHING SENSITIVE SKIN CREAMPevonia’s Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream is by far my favourite product – it satisfies exactly what my skin craves. The cream isn’t heavy or thick but light and smooth, which absorbs immediately into my skin. My skin feels stronger, smoother and looks calm and hydrated. Dehydration is a key concern of mine especially during the chilly months and the Sensitive Skin Cream works it magic throughout the year.- Jimmy Lovett , Operations Manager PEVONIA HYDRATING SUNSCREENPevonia’s Hydrating Sunscreen is definitely one of my favourites! Whenever I am out and about this deeply hydrating SPF 30 is my sparring partner. I always make sure that I apply the right amount to my face and arms and truth be told, the day after I’ve been to the beach or wakeboarding, my skin is never sore from all that sun. Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen is one of the most effective sunscreens I have used!- Aaron Tan Lu, Web Developer / Digital Marketing Specialist PEVONIA AFTER SUN SOOTHING GELThe Pevonia After Sun Soothing Gel is hands down the best after sun skincare product. It's the only thing I've ever used that actually works to replenish moisture after a full day of sun exposure plus it really sooths my skin. Couldn’t speak more highly of this miracle in a bottle!- May Scior, Assistant to Managing Director
Retinol – your guide to THE BEST anti-ageing ingredient
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 10 2020
From reducing the appearance of fine lines to preventing wrinkles, correcting hyperpigmentation to unclogging pores and clearing acne, Retinol is THE Holy Grail of the skincare world and therefore the ingredient we should all be incorporating into our skincare routine! Yes, even those with sensitive skin!Few, however, understand this powerhouse ingredient and many have their concerns, after all, retinol is very active so if used incorrectly can be known to cause the skin to react! So it is essential to understand how and when to use it.If previous experience has left your skin looking red and dry or you haven’t tried retinol before because you’ve been too scared, Beauty Collective has a trusted solution that we promise will work for you. But before unveiling our top 4 retinol products, here are a few necessary tips you should abide by; Introduce the product slowly – apply it only at night, one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application. Retinols are best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive. Ensure you wear sunscreen during the day when using retinol (you should be wearing sunscreen everyday whatever the reason though!) Allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (this could take up to 30 minutes) before layering any other products. Just make sure to use any acne-fighting products (i.e. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acid) on the nights you don’t use your retinol product. Give the product time to work its magic. This could take a few months but the results WILL be worth it. We promise! Prepare for the inevitable adjustment period your skin will go through before you see the results you want. Because retinol causes the skin to shed cells faster than normal, you’ll likely experience a few weeks of change to your skin including some flakiness and dryness. Retinol is NOT recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. To get started, depending on your skin type, here are our recommendations; If you are susceptible to oily or blemished skin and want to reap in the multiple benefits of retinol while keeping acne at bay, we highly recommend Vie Collection’s Retinopur Intensive Retinol Mask. Formulated with retinol and other targeted ingredients including Kaolin – a white clay which not only helps draw out impurities as well as absorb excess oils, it adapts to all kinds of skin even the most sensitive and reactive. Within a month you’ll notice a visibly clearer and mattified complexion, pores will be tightened, skin texture refined and smoother! Taking advantage of the powerful benefits of Micro- Retinol®, Glycolic, and Lactic Acid, Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must for those with photo-damaged skin. This resurfacing and lightening cream provides a stabilized, deeply absorbing Retinol for optimized regeneration and resurfacing while lightening and reducing accumulated keratin for smoother and brighter skin.For those with advanced signs of aging - wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, and uneven skin tone or dark spots, Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser is your go-to! This powerhouse product (and range!) is the perfect all-rounder! Formulated with Retinol, Hyaluronic, Squalane, and Marine Collagen, it deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms! Best results when used in conjunction with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Serum.If your skin is prone to sensitivity and irritation but you really want to give retinol a try, you need to pick your product with care. Vie Collection - Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid will be a great solution for you! While retinol is the main ingredient, it is encapsulated therefore limits tolerance risks and boosts the effectiveness of the retinol which is released gradually. Just remember to introduce it very slowly, 2 nights the first week, 3 nights the second week and so on.What to learn more about retinol and what it is? Check out our blog.
International Women's Day (MARCH 8, 2020) Celebrating Iconic Women in the Beauty Biz
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 05 2020
We're in the business of celebrating women and we might be biased here, but the beauty industry is brimming with leading ladies we look up to!To honour their work, we've created a short list of some of the most influential women in beauty — both past and present and pay homage to those who have changed the industry as we know it, and made this world a little more beautiful for all of us.Estée LauderEstée Lauder got her big break in 1948 when Saks Fifth Avenue gave her space at their department store. Her rooted-in-science approach to beauty was endorsed by her business savvy: Lauder apparently popularised the practice of slipping samples to famous friends to build celebrity endorsements.Elizabeth ArdenOne of Elizabeth Arden's most iconic lipstick shades, Montezuma Red, was actually created to match the red uniforms worn by women helping out in the war in the 1940s. Elizabeth was also a huge proponent for holistic beauty; she encouraged practicing yoga and avoiding the sun.Coco ChanelThe legendary and incomparable Coco Chanel brought the world Chanel No. 5, one of the most iconic and bestselling fragrances ever made. Coco was known for her short hair, flawless makeup looks, and understated yet elegant fashion choices.Mary KayMary Kay Ash created her iconic cosmetics brand after being passed over for a promotion at a home-products company. Known for its morale-boosting ideals, Mary Kay Cosmetics rewarded women who helped other team members succeed.Joan BoveInnovator of the at-home hair-colouring system, Joan Bove created Clairol back in the 1930s. The first product of its kind, it made hair colouring more widely available to women everywhere.Bobbi BrownCredited with bringing beauty back to its roots, Bobbi Brown launched her makeup line in 1991 with a range of 10 brown-based lip colours for a more natural look. Brown's makeup is still to this day associated with enhancing natural beauty, something Brown herself is a champion of.Helena RubinsteinRecently honored by The Jewish Museum in New York City, Helena Rubinstein helped to challenge the beauty status quo. Originally from Poland, she built a cosmetics empire that extended across four continents. "Her business challenged the myth of beauty and taste as inborn, or something to which only the wealthy were entitled," The Jewish Museum says of Rubinstein, also known simply as Madame. "By encouraging women to define themselves as self-expressive individuals, Rubinstein contributed to their empowerment."Sylvie HennessyShe pioneered the unity between scientific skin care and the medical profession benefiting the individual patients, as well as promoting a more symbiotic relationship between these two important fields. Developer of our own leading spa brand Pevonia and Medicalia Skin Care.
Acne explained: Which type do you suffer from and how to best treat it
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 27 2020
Got a breakout? Suffer from acne but nothing seems to be improving it? The professionals at BC are here to help!First port of call is understanding acne, as mistreating the type you suffer from can actually have an adverse effect on the health of your skin. Sound familiar?Acne is one of the most common and frustrating beauty concerns and unfortunately there's no one-size-fits-all approach to treating it. The skin condition comes in many forms and is triggered by a variety of causes - from oily skin types, to hormone imbalance, bad diet, to simple genetics (thanks parents!) As a result each acne breakout has its own symptoms and therefore needs to be treated in a specific way. By arming yourself with the correct product for your particular breakout, will enable you to not only combat the problem head on, but prevent future breakouts too!Now read on for our guide to the six most common types of acne and how to best treat them.Blackheads Blackheads - technically called 'open comedones' - are small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. They are one of the more mild types of acne and are often experienced by those with oily skin.TreatmentUsing a clay purifying mask once or twice a week will help draw out impurities in the skin. We highly recommend the Phytomer Citylife Radiance Reviving Mask, it instantly draws out impurities, unclogging pores while countering the effects of pollution (dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and dull complexion.)“I used to suffer from annoying blackheads on my nose and forehead until this became my go-to product. I LOVE it. It reduces the size of my pores (I have oily skin with large pores), eliminates my blackheads and skin looks soo much healthier and glowy after application.” Siobhan WhiteheadsSimilarly to blackheads, whiteheads (also known as ‘closed comedones’) occur when pores on the skin become clogged with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, however the two forms of acne produce different skin reactions. While blocked pores that stay open form blackheads, a whitehead is a blocked pore that closes, meaning they should be treated quite differently.TreatmentThe most effective ingredient used to treat whiteheads is salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works to open up your pores.We LOVE the Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Jojoba Seed Extract and Grapefruit oil, it provides gentle but effective exfoliating action to open and clear pores, combatting acne-causing bacteria.“BEST CLEANSER EVER! I've tried so many cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or a mix of both to help my blemished skin but they are all too drying. This cleanser is by far the best I have ever found. It thoroughly cleans my skin of all makeup and impurities and my skin feels so smooth afterwards. This is a winner!” ShelleyPapulesA papule is technically a small, raised bump on the skin, red in colour and swollen with inflammation. Like most forms of acne, papules are the result of an increase in oil and bacteria trapped inside the pore by dead skin cells. However papules occur when the clogging causes a hair follicle to become inflamed.TreatmentYou can effectively treat papules with drying lotions or spot treatments. They respond specifically well to the ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide. Our customers rave about the Pevonia Spot Treatment rich in Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera and Benzoyl Peroxide. The Fast-acting and healing treatment combats blemish-causing bacteria and clears pores keeping breakouts at bay.“This product works WONDERS! It is a dry-it-up product that will zap up those lumpy, red pimples overnight - I have never seen anything remove a pimple so fast. Can’t get enough of it!” StellaPustulesIf a pore becomes extremely clogged, the skin begins to swell and a pustule is formed. Pustules are essentially infected pores which appear as a white dot surrounded by inflamed, red skin that swells into a bump.TreatmentNot dissimilar to other forms of less severe acne, pustules are best treated with key ingredients Salicylic Acid and Panthenol. The Phytomer Oligopur Blemish Target Gel is formulated with both key ingredients and effectively reduces existing blemishes while preventing new ones from forming. It also soothes the redness and inflammation to promote a more even complexion.“This product works almost overnight! It cleared up the tough break outs I had along my jawline that nothing else would.” AnnaCystsOne of the more extreme forms of acne, cystic breakouts (or cysts) lie deep within the layers of the skin and occur when the pores become blocked and severely infected. They appear as swollen (often painful) lumps under the skin, filled with pus that has nowhere to go. Because they are deep-rooted in the skin tissue they don’t always come to a head and can reappear in the same place and often leave scars.TreatmentCystic breakouts call for the big guns! A powerhouse of ingredients to work deep within the skin. We couldn’t recommend the Medicalia Spot Treatment more highly. This potent professional-grade targeted treatment formulated with Mucor Meihei, Phytic Acid, and Sea Whip, diminishes follicular accumulation of keratin, controls bacteria, and reduces inflammation with noticeable improvement in skin healing. Comedolytic and Keratolytic, this product decreases the risk of scarring and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.“At the first sign of a breakout, I dab on the treatment and the blemish goes away before it comes to an ugly outcome. I have recommended this to all my friends who are in need. Would recommend it to everyone!!!!” Rose NodulesLike cysts, nodular pimples (nodules) are one of the most severe forms of acne.They're slightly different to cysts in that they never form a head, instead just a hard bump under the skin’s surface which tends to be very painful.TreatmentNodular acne usually needs pretty intensive treatment so visiting your local salon or spa will be your best bet to finding a solution, however ingredients such as zinc and sulfur can definitely reduce the size of the nodules. Our top pick is the Pevonia SpaTeen Blemish-B-Gone, an alcohol-free targeted treatment which helps to heal all types of blemishes through a Micro-Matrix advanced time-release delivery system with Sulfur, Organic Benzoyl Peroxide and Organic Salicylic Acid.“I am not a teen but this product works great for my blemishes! It reduces the size of the spots in only one application. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from acne, even the big lumps!” Sarah
Face Fixers - Non-invasive Botox and filler alternatives
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 05 2019
We’ve all heard of Botox and dermal fillers, let’s face it (pardon the pun!) with the ever-increasing gen-Z idolisation of the likes of the Jenner-Kardashian clan or the millions of social media ‘influencers’ all with their perfectly plumped lips and ‘smooth as a babies bottom’ skin, these procedures have today become commonplace. But if you’re like me and needles are a formative no-go, or Botox has been a consideration but you’d rather search for topical skincare solutions before taking the plunge, we are here to inform you that there are excellent alternatives, and these days, thanks to the advancement in both technology and skincare ingredients, these said alternatives can seriously achieve similar smoothing and plumping results. You can take our word for it!Okay, so you are unlikely to see life-changing results overnight (even Botox takes a week to have effect don’t you know) but these non-invasive topical alternatives give you more control over the change in your appearance (no poker-face in sight), provide a much more natural look, plus you will achieve outstanding on-going results when used as part of your daily skincare routine.So if you’re looking for a painless, subtle and (relatively) cheaper solution, here are our top 5 topical treatment alternatives;Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamCombining Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane this best-selling rich moisturiser softens fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing vital nutrients.“I love this daily face cream....I use it morning and night! My skin looks and feels amazing. I'm 52 and am told constantly that I look so young....I give Pevonia products the credit!” Linda Vie Collection Concentrate de Vie Youth ElixirFormulated with three advanced ingredients selected for their ability to correct visible signs of ageing, this elixir offers complete and incomparable action to reduce wrinkles, improve firmness and reveal skin's radiance.“I have been using this product for the past two years and have noticed a remarkable difference in my skin. My facial lines are significantly less noticeable!” Sarah P Pevonia MyOxy Caviar Timeless Repair CreamA restorative treatment cream for visibly younger-looking skin, it features an advanced, triple-action formula – caviar, pearl and Escutox – the natural equivalent to Botox – combined with Retinol to correct and prevent signs of premature ageing. Enjoy increased oxygenation, greater cellular activity, improved blood circulation, increased suppleness, improved elasticity, extreme hydration and fewer visible wrinkles!“I love this product, I saw a noticeable difference within 2 weeks, wrinkles less noticeable and my skin seemed to look younger and smoother.” Dianna K Phytomer Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth CreamXMF, a 100% natural advanced ingredient with exceptional youth preserving properties is featured in this luxurious and comfortable “second skin” cream. It instantly smoothes wrinkles and plumps the skin. In just one hour, wrinkles are visibly diminished.“This creams big claim to fame is a purported reduction in wrinkles in just one hour. I'm in my early 30s so I don't have any deep creases, but I do have fine lines and I can tell you for certain this helps to smooth them out. And it feels AMAZING. The texture is pure luxury.” KK Medicalia Retinol & C Care CreamThis creams innovative ‘age-reversing’ Micro-Retinol® technology normalizes mitosis, boosts cellular performance, and restructures skin layers for visible rejuvenation. Skin appears dense and supple with a smoothed surface and diminished wrinkles resulting in brighter, more youthful looking complexion.“This is the best product for aging skin I have found.” Heather
Can Cleansing Your Face for a Full 60 Seconds Give You Amazing Skin? I Tried It
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 14 2019
It’s called the 60-second rule, and the internet is OBSESSED with it.As someone who is never completely satisfied with my skin’s texture, I live in hopes of one day finding a technique or product that miraculously makes my pores disappear. So when I stumbled on something called the 60-second rule - a simple method of washing your face for a full 60 seconds (instead of your usual, 10-20) to get beautiful skin – I couldn’t wait to get into the bathroom and get started. This could be the answer to my skin prayers!The 60-Second Rule The cleansing method comes from Nayamka Roberts-Smith of LABeautyologist, a beauty therapist who frequently tells her 43,000 Twitter followers to wash their face for 60 seconds straight to let the cleanser ingredients really penetrate the skin.“Cleansing your face for 60 seconds allows the ingredients in the cleanser to actually work. Most ppl wash their face for like 15 seconds max. It softens the skin & dissolves sebum blockages better…Makeup, dirt, and oil are a lot more difficult to remove from the skin most people realize, so not only do you want to give the cleanser a chance to break down and dissolve products and grime, but taking 60 seconds also makes you pay attention to your skin and what you’re doing—like remembering to cleanse around the edges of your nose, under your chin, and around your hairline."Ok, like me you may think this sounds pretty obvious, however, according to those that have tried it, it’s a bit of a game changer. So much so, that it’s earned the hashtag #60secondrule and a huge following of devotees who swear by it....So I Tested the TheoryFirstly I should tell you, I’m a firm believer in double cleansing (i.e. first using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and grime, then using a gentle cleanser to deep cleanse the skin), so I decided to split the difference in timing to 30 seconds each cleanse.I gently massaged my face with a pump of my favourite ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil for 30 seconds, before rinsing and then massaging the Phytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream for an additional 30 seconds and rinsing again. I followed this with my usual skin care routine being careful not to change anything so I’d get a true gauge.The first thing I noticed is that 60 seconds felt like an eternity: obviously I wasn’t spending enough time making sure every part of my face was makeup-free when I did my cleansing thing. The second thing I noticed was my moisturiser seemed to penetrate easier.So for two weeks, I performed the 60-second rule every night.The results?I did see a difference. My pores were much smaller, my skin felt a lot softer and strangely it also felt firmer. It was calmer and brighter and I found I didn’t need to wear foundation during the day, just a little concealer. It cost me nothing except an extra 50 seconds each day so yes, I’ll keep it up.But Will It Work for Everyone?Possibly, and possibly not. It can certainly give you softer skin as long as you use the right cleanser. It can also give you a bit of a glow since it’ll stimulate circulation. But sadly you won’t be able to wash away your hormones, or DNA, or any of your other acne-causing triggers.However, the 60-second rule could actually benefit your skin by making it cleaner. Left-on makeup will disrupt your skin barrier over time and this can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. So taking that extra 50 seconds every day may actually make a huge difference in your skin.Regardless, this is one of those tricks that really can’t hurt to test out, because let’s face it, you have nothing to lose except 60 seconds.Do you have the right cleanser for your skin type? Here are some of our favourites; Medicalia Gentle Cleanser – it’s so gentle and soothing!Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser – loaded with Collagen and ElastinPhytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream – the gentlest wash off cleanser you’ll ever try.ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil – Ideal as a pre-cleanse makeup remover, literally dissolves it!
LIKE & WIN these Beauty Collective favourites. Join our raffle now!
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 01 2019
Beauty Collective is a multi-brand e-commerce and beauty education site - your one-stop professional beauty shop. We are passionate about our products and want our customers to be too. We offer products that provide visible results, from the latest cutting edge discoveries to the best in traditional formulations, NOT tested on animals.Like us on Facebook and Instagram for your chance to win one of Beauty Collective’s highest rated products!a Rafflecopter giveaway3 Prizes will be given away per week for 4 weeks and we will update this blog with the prizes each week. Read on to see what you can win this week:WEEK 1Pevonia Discovery Best Sellers KitELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused LightVie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin MaskWEEK 2Phytomer Citylife Starter KitELES Cosmetics Luminous Defence Brightening Day ProtectionMedicalia Sunscreen SPF 30WEEK 3Vie Collection Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid ConcentrateELES Mineral Powder FoundationPevonia Ageless Skin Collagen Mask WEEK 4Medicalia C Serum with OxyzomesELES Age Defying BB Cream 30Phytomer Age Solution Starter Kit Terms and ConditionsLike & Win BeautyCollectiveNo purchase necessary to enter or win.Acknowledgment1. By participating in the giveaway, entrants acknowledge that they have read and understood these Terms and Conditions; and agree to be bound by them. Entries must be submitted in accordance with these Terms and Conditions to be valid.2. By joining this campaign, entrants agree to be added to Beauty Collective's mailing list.Promotional Period3. The giveaway commences on October 1st 2019 and entries close on October 31st 2019.Eligibility4. This giveaway is only open to Australian residents. Eligible Entrants can only enter the giveaway once each week by filling out the form.5. The promotion is only open to “Eligible Entrants”. Subject to these Terms and Conditions, an Eligible Entrant is a person who is (a) a current Australian resident (b) who is over 18 years or older at the time of entry; (c) has obtained permission to enter this promotion from a parent/legal guardian if under 18 years of age at the time of entry (d) submits their entry into this promotion in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.6. Employees, managers and directors of the Promoter and its related companies and suppliers and agencies involved in this promotion are not Eligible Entrants, nor are their immediate families.Winner Selection and Notification7. The winners of the prize draw will be the entrants who are selected by Beauty Collective Australia every week.8. The winners will be notified by the promoter with their contact email address.Prizes9. The prize is subject to the terms and conditions of “the prize suppliers”. The Promoter is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage suffered by any winner as the result of the conduct of “the prize suppliers”.10. The winner will receive 1 of 12 prizes that will be raffled during the 4 week Like & Win campaign.
RUNWAY TO REALITY: The most sought after spring makeup trends decoded
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 19 2019
Good bye winter, hello spring! And what better way to bring in the new season than with a makeup overhaul! From ‘lit-from-within’ skin to all out bronzed beauty, groomed brows to bright lips, we share our favourite four makeup trends straight off the runway and explain how you too can achieve these sought after looks this spring. “Lit-from-within” Glow If your preference is minimal makeup on the daily then this will be the perfect trend for you to adopt! While luminous glowing skin is always on trend, the ‘lit-from-within’ glow is what’s creating all the hype this season. Simple to achieve, this look is all about skin first, makeup second - from skincare that’ll make up your complexion gleam, to makeup that’ll let your natural self shine through (we are talking freckles, beauty marks, the lot!)Boost skin with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic to oxygenate and deeply nourish the skin from inside out. We recommend both the Vie Collection - Mesoforce Hydra Revitalizing Cream and Medicalia - "C" Serum with Oxyzomes. Add a drop of face oil to your foundation to amp up your skin's natural glow. We are in love with the Phytomer - Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil. And softly highlight your forehead and cheekbones with a touch of liquid cream illuminator favoured by makeup artists over the classic powder highlighters. Try ELES Stick Illuminator for the perfect natural sheen. Brushed Brows From the overdone insta-brow to the unkempt bushy brow, this season takes us on a different path – softly perfected brows. A fluffier, feathered texture achieved by brushing the hairs upward. We recommend using the ELES Precision Brow Pencil. Use the bush end to brush up your brows, then the pencil end to create hair light strokes to subtly fill in any sparse areas. Keep the rest of your makeup pretty low key so that your brows are the star! Bronzed Beauty This season bronzer is back baby! After putting in on the back burner it returns with conviction! We are talking all out bronzed goddess. Reach for champagne gold and metallic hues and couple with bronzed illuminator and peachy eyes synonymous with tropical summer evenings. To achieve this look try the ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam, the ELES Liquid Illuminator in Bronze and the ELES Mineral Matte Eyeshadow in Terra Peach. Loud Lips We are talking bright highly pigmented lips. From corals to neon pinks to fiery reds, the bolder the better. Whatever ‘bright’ tickles your fancy it’ll be on trend so go on give it a go and breathe some life into your makeup bag and look! This season we are lusting after the new ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in Sorbet.
The dos and don’ts of cleansing your skin: 10 things you need to know now
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 15 2019
It’s the first step to your skincare routine and the step which creates the foundation for all other skincare products that follow so nailing it is imperative! But many are under the false impression that cleansing involves a little soap, water, a 10-second lather and voila, all the days’ makeup and remnants are removed and your face is thoroughly cleansed and good to go. Oh, how wrong they are! Below we have outlined ten things you need to know about cleansing, follow these and you’re on the path to healthy, clear and radiant skin in next to no time!DO work out what the right cleanser is for your skin type and stick to itFinding a cleanser to target your particular skin concern is a game-changer, whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin, aging skin or something in between there is a cleanser out there for everyone. But understanding the difference between cream and foaming gel cleansers will also stand you in good stead. Cream cleansers are typically gentle on the skin and more moisturising. Gel cleansers tend to provide a much deeper cleanse however as they foam they draw out oil, reduce excess oil production and as a result can be a little on the drying side so tend to work better for those with oily or combination skin types.DON’T wash your face with hot waterNo sireee, hot water can cause skin inflammation and irritation by upsetting the skin barrier function, stick to lukewarm water for best results.DO cleanse your face both morning and nightA lot of us tend to skimp on the morning cleanse, after all, we removed the previous day's makeup and grime the night before and all we’ve done is sleep, right? Correct! Alas what many don’t know is that while we sleep we still release impurities which wind up sitting on the surface of our skin, plus if you’re like me you would have layered your skin with goodies the night before so it’s important that any remnants are removed in the morning especially is you’ve applied potent ingredients like retinol or glycolic acid which can cause sun sensitivity.DON’T forget to cleanse your chin and neck too!Often forgotten (guilty as charged!) our jawline and neck are just as prone to dirt and grime as your face so make sure you pay them some cleansing attention too!DO double cleanseWe’ve all heard of the saying “double cleanse” but is it really necessary? The simple answer is yes! But only in the evening as over-cleansing in the morning can result in the destruction of the skin’s barrier function. One cleanse at night will indeed remove the day's makeup and grime but adding a second cleanse into your routine will work deeper, thoroughly cleansing pore and removing dead skin cells.DON’T use a generic bar soapThese soaps can dramatically alter the natural pH balance of your skin which can send your skin into overdrive – think blemish breakout!DO deep cleanse weeklyIntroducing a deep exfoliating cleanse once a week can work wonders for your skin as it encourages cell turnover, ultimately resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.DON’T use a flannelDaily use of flannels or face cloths as many might call them, although popular can actually irritate the skin if they are too harsh (scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier) plus they can foster bacteria if not washed meticulously every day which can lead to pesky pimples! Best to stick to your loyal fingertips to cleanse effectively with no erm side effects!DO pat dry with a soft towelDrying your face correctly after cleansing is important! Be sure not to rub your face with a “crispy” towel (yup we’ve all had those from time to time!) rubbing can actually age skin, be sure you just gently pat dry, pay particular attention to the delicate eye area.DON’T be lazy and use just face wipesYes they are quick, easy and can be effective for some plus let’s face (pardon the pun!) it after a big night out quick and easy is what we want and hey at least you aren’t going to bed with your makeup on right? But it’s important to know that many face wipes contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients that will strip your skin.The current 5 best-selling cleansers on Beauty Collective;Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing MilkPhytomer Accept Neutralizing CleanserELES Transformation Cleansing OilMedicalia Gentle CleanserPhytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream
Dermatologists Share Their Advice for Great Skin
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 26 2019
Here at Beauty Collective HQ, we constantly receive a smorgasbord of questions from our customers, and while we are brimming with great tips, rituals and product recommendations, we too often seek advice from our esteemed suppliers and dermatologists alike. To learn about the skin-care tips these pros live by, read on…Use any downtime to do a skin treatment“I keep extra beauty treatments in my car in a little bag. When I'm in bad traffic (at a red light of course), I apply serum, an eye mask, teeth whitening strips, eyebrow gel, and more!" -Francesca Fusco, dermatologist.Ok, while we don’t recommend performing facials when in the car! We do agree that having the right products in the right places (think by the bed or by the hand basin) may encourage you to apply some of those products we often forget such as a good anti-ageing hand cream and a gorgeous eye and lip balm. We love Phytomer - Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream for a daily dose of hydrating marine oils.Practice a facial massage to fight wrinkles"Many people (myself included) frown and scrunch their faces at night, leading to frown lines and crow’s feet. To relax my face, I do facial acupressure for a few minutes at bedtime. Press above your inner eyebrows, temples, and next to your nostrils, holding for 10 seconds each." –Jessica Wu, dermatologist.We agree there is nothing better for smoothing tension wrinkles than a soothing massage and we are all addicted to the Rosee Soin from Phytomer. It’s a heavenly dry oil that rejuvenates your skin, calms your senses and leaves skin super soft and hydrated. A few drops massaged onto a cleansed skin at night (you can do this while watching your favourite TV series) will smooth out any stress lines you’ve earned that day.Hydrate your skin from the inside out—and outside in"Despite what you hear all the time, the amount of water you drink daily doesn't translate into proper skin hydration. It's vital to hydrate your skin from the outside in with serums, creams, and hydrating mists." –Dendy Engelman, dermatologist.It’s very true and never so true as in Winter when artificial heating and a more sedentary lifestyle can leave our skin parched and thirsty. Our go-to for deep hydration is the Vie Collection - Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate. It attracts and binds water to the skin keeping it super soft and super supple. The perfect skin drink.Avoid hot showers that can be drying"I never wash my face with hot water–it is too harsh. Only tepid water at the sink." -Elizabeth Tanzi, clinical professor of dermatology.Gentle cleansing of the skin with warm (not hot) water is not only better for managing your skin’s natural pH but will also prevent moisture loss on a grand scale. To remove makeup and the days grime at night we all reach for the ELES - Transformation Cleansing Oil. It emulsifies foundation and binds impurities that can be washed away in water and leaves the skin balanced and soft and ready for your serums and creams.Apply sunscreen to your neck, chest, and hands first"Apply sunscreen to the neck, chest, and hands before the face–these areas age faster and are harder to improve than the face. We often forget to apply sunscreen there even though they're exposed as much as the face." –Doris Day, dermatologist.We absolutely agree with this one! Sunscreen is your bestie when it comes to anti-ageing skin care. Our favourite is the Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 30. It’s lightweight and totally reliable and comes in a generous 150ml tube so there’s no excuse for leaving out your neck, chest and hands!Don't ever rub your eyes"If you rub your eyes like you are scrubbing a pot, your eyes will look black like a pot! When you're taking off eye makeup, gently wipe off mascara as if you're touching an egg." –Jeanine Downie, dermatologist.Very true and we agree that a good product to remove your eye makeup will mean you don’t have to rub, it will do all the work for you! Our go-to is Phytomer - Micellar Water Eye Makeup Removal Solution. It’s strong enough to remove waterproof makeup but gentle enough for even the most sensitive eyes.Let your lips guide your skin care routine."One tip to know when your skin is ready for seriously creamy moisturizers: Your lips feel dry first, so you know the humidity has dropped, and it's time for more moisture." –Ellen Marmur, dermatologist.Lips are a great indicator for hydration levels and we look after ours with Phytomer - Youth Contour Reviving Wrinkle Correction Cream –Eye and Lip. Not only does this wonderful multi-tasker protect our precious lips but also our delicate eye contours.Check the menu for skin-saving fatty acids"Your diet has a huge impact on your skin. Avoid starchy vegetables and refined carbohydrates like white bread and rice and instead opt for foods high in omega 3's and fatty acids like avocados and salmon to help give you that youthful glow." –Whitney Bowe, dermatologist.Fatty Acids are also a great addition to topical skin care and Phytomer - Hydracontinue Radiance Energizing Cream contains Buckthorn Pulp extract which is super-rich in Omega-7, a very rare essential fatty acid that stimulates cell metabolism and increases cell vitality.
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