Just a few miles from the gorgeous Manly Beach in Sydney, our Beauty Collective Head Office is full of high-tech dermaceutical solutions, from powerful medical-based skin care to advanced cellulite products. And something you may not realise is that we are not just a retail supplier, we are one of Australia’s leading salon and spa suppliers and educators in the beauty industry. So what do our team use on their skin and why are some products the universal favourites with us and our clients? We share our “big guns” in the battle against skin ageing…Medicalia L-Retinol Smoothing CreamFormulated with Micro-Retinol® which works so much better than regular retinol, this fast-acting cream gives you astonishing visible results. It makes pores almost invisible, softens lines and wrinkles and fades hyperpigmentation. It uses Biomimetic technology, which is a fancy way of saying that it goes through a process that makes the formula almost identical to the oils and moisture produced by your skin, so it literally melts into the skin. Not a product to use year round as it has an exfoliating action and over-use can cause irritation, but perfect as a Winter treatment. Just use a small quantity each night (or alternate nights if you find it too stimulating) and enjoy smoother skin for months after.Phytomer Pioneer XMF CreamThere truly is no other cream on the market like this! It has won numerous International awards and is Phytomer’s No 1 seller. Often hailed as the professional version of Crème De La Mer. On the surface of the skin, it creates a biofilm for an instant smoothing effect and within the skin, it binds to the fibres in the dermis to densify them. Imagine your face is a cushion and this cream is the extra stuffing! We also are in love with the light silky texture of the cream, neither too rich or too light and the heavenly, soft aroma.Phytomer Celluli AttackHead and shoulders above the rest, this IS the best cellulite product on the market today. Most cellulite products use Green Coffee Extract to stimulate lipolysis (breakdown of fats), this formula uses Pepper Slimactiv which is 8 times stronger. And how is this for technology? Pepper Slimactiv is incorporated in a vectorized capsule that propels at high speed to the fat cells, avoiding any loss of ingredient on the way and is also combined with a signal peptide that enables it to exclusively target adipocytes and attack them with more power. Take that Cellulite! All you need to do is smooth it over cellulite areas, no need for massaging and within a month you begin to see results. We should probably point out that Phytomer has been the undisputable leader of cellulite treatment products in Europe since 1994!Vie Collection Chrono EyesNot sure about you but at Beauty Collective, we believe products should be multi-functional. So when we use an eye cream not only should it help prevent skin ageing it should also smooth fine lines, reduce dark circles and deal with unwanted eye puffiness. When this product came onto the market we switched over to it with no loyalty at all to our previously adored eye products. With a botox-like peptide to inhibit muscle action, low and high molecule hyaluronic which acts like a filler and vitamin C, B3 and Phytosterols to stimulate the circulation to deal with puffiness and dark circles can you really blame us? Now the top seller in the Vie Collection line here in Oz we feel sure we are not biased.Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 30Last but certainly not least the biggest seller in our skin care arsenal is the Medicala Sunscreen. The MOST important anti-ageing product we should all be using is a broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) sunblock. We have discovered the only reason some don’t use sunblock despite knowing how important it is, is because they can’t stand the texture or smell. No more excuses, this feels like a lightweight moisturiser and smells divine. It won’t make your eyes water or cause itchiness and it’s loaded with anti-ageing goodies. Finally, it comes in a generous 150ml bottle! Very slightly tinted (though most of the tint disappears once it’s absorbed) it leaves your skin looking smoother and calmer. What’s not to love?

A really, really good face serum (or concentrate, solution or fluid as you may know it) is, hands down, the most important step in your skincare routine (after SPF, of course!). However many of us have no idea what a serum does and why we should shell out the extra dollars to get one!The thing is serums often contain a high percentage of active ingredients that are designed to address specific skin issues or concerns. They are potent, effective, and fast acting! And because they have a thin consistency, they’re able to easily penetrate the skin, giving you noticeable results pretty quickly. There is also a serum literally for every single skin type or skin concern which means you can get one for your individual needs and reap in the benefits.Convinced yet? Below I’ve outlined our favourite six serums for six different concerns. Now go and get layering!ANTI-ACNEVie Collection Acnipur Blemish Solution FluidThis is the best if you are suffering from a blemish breakout! It literally flights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. With regular use not only does it miraculously improve unwanted blemishes, it will actually prevent future breakouts! ANTI-AGEINGMedicalia Retinol ConcentrateHailed the anti-ageing wonder serum, this retinol concentrate is designed to normalize and boost cellular performance with Micro-Retinol technology. Ideal for all mature skin types or as preventative care, the serum helps improve elasticity, plump the skin and diminish the look of wrinkles, resulting in a brighter, more evenly toned complexion. PIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTSPhytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining SerumThis serum does it all! It actually diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots with a formulation infused with alpha hydroxyl acids and glycolic acid. Skin really does immerge younger and healthier.DEHYDRATIONPhytomer Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturising Polarized Water SerumThe ultimate serum to combat dehydration! It has an ultra-moisturising (although lightweight) texture which immediately melts into the skin to quench its thirst! Softer and suppler, the skin reveals a radiant complexion and looks visibly more beautiful. DULLNESSPhytomer Souffle Marin Energising Oxygenising SerumIf your skin is looking a little dull and lifeless this should be your go-to! It literally coats the skin in pure oxygen, providing the cells with vivid rejuvenation. Formulated with marine extracts, this serum also protects against environmental pollution and free radical damage. An invigorating, moisturizing blend, it leads to fresher, more youthful skin and an overall increase in radiance. SENSITIVITY Phytomer Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with OligomerSensitive skin? Suffering from facial redness? We swear by this product! It helps calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin instantly. It contains anti-inflammatory Phycosaccharide to reduce stinging sensations Infused with OLIGOMER® to deliver an optimum dose of trace elements & minerals fortifies the epidermis & prevents cellular fatigue Restores calm & soft skin.

I know, there are probably more than a million ways to slow down facial ageing! But even after more than 20 years in the beauty industry and believing I’d heard it all before, it was these four things I learnt at the school of hard knocks.The first is one may have more impact than you realised…GLASSESYes you read right, my advice is to invest in great glasses—both sun and vision.Sunglasses — Look for those with more opaque lenses and both UVA and UVB protection. They’ll keep you from squinting, which will help you avoid wrinkles, but they will also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun-induced discoloration better known as Melasma or Hyper-Pigmentation. I discovered this when I treated myself to a big pair of Jackie O glasses. After four weeks my hyperpigmentation began to fade! Remember, the bigger the frame, the better.And when it comes to vision, it might interest you to know that as it deteriorates, other muscles in your eye area, particularly those beneath the crow’s feet, pitch in to help you focus which makes lines around the eyes a lot worse. I avoided upgrading my glasses for far too long (let’s face it, it’s a huge hassle) when I finally did, not only did the world become a lot clearer but the constant squinting and watery eyes that lead to deep lines and lots of headaches began to soften and disappear.TOO MUCH SUGAR AND NOT ENOUGH OMEGA 3Don’t just think about your waistline when you’re tempted by processed treats, think about your skin too.You know that refined carbohydrates and added sugars are at the top of every nutritionist's don’t-eat list, but dermatologists avoid them too. They lead to wrinkles through a process called glycation—eating refined carbs and sugars creates a quick spike in blood sugar, and when those sugar molecules link up with the collagen in your body (which normally gives skin its elasticity), it leads to stiffness in your skin.Eat more of these instead: Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, and colourful fruits and vegetables. The fats can also help lower inflammation, which calms redness-inducing issues like acne and rosacea but also dramatically reduces your chances of inflamm-ageing. Not sure what Inflamm-ageing is? Read more hereUSE RETINOLIt really is a game changer and it is the one thing all dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons agree you should do to prevent premature skin ageing (other than wear sunscreen).The list of their anti-ageing benefits is huge but to name a few: Retinol increases collagen production, helps make your pores appear smaller and boosts cell turnover to even out discoloration and brighten your skin tone. As far as I know it’s the only ingredient that is such a great anti-ageing multi-tasker.Our favourites are the Medicalia Retinol and C Care Cream and Retinol Concentrate. This is a medical skin care line recommended by Doctors worldwide and head and shoulders above some of the low % cosmeceutical lines on the market.Just remember these important tips: Give it a chance, you won’t see the benefits in a week or even a month, it takes about 3 months to see the true benefits of retinol and when you do it will have been worth your persistence. If you have sensitive skin, wean yourself onto the products, start with a small amount every other night or even twice a week before building up to every night. Apply before bed; never in the morning. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and more likely to burn, yes always, and don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. Less is more. You only need a pea-sized amount for your whole face. Keep them outside the bony ring around your eyes. The skin inside is delicate and if the retinol irritates your eyes you’ll rub them and that can lead to under-eye bags. Take my word for it! SUNSCREEN BLIND SPOTSThere are two overlooked places that often miss the sunscreen and that is the décolletage and hands. The two places that are first to show signs of ageing. Hands can develop sunspots and wrinkles and they are so hard to treat once established.It is particularly important to apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands while you’re driving, because car windshields and mirrors don’t block UVA rays. For your chest, sunscreen should extend all the way down to your bra line and don’t forget the sides of the neck.Our “go to” sunscreen is the Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 30. It’s both a physical and chemical block so the texture and feel is more like a gorgeous moisturiser, and the subtle tint makes your skin look airbrushed and even.Obviously a good diet and exercise, plenty of sleep and water will have the greatest impact on how you age, and of course genetics, but these are four easy fixes that make a huge impact so worth a share in my book!

It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed in the constant changing world of skincare, with new ranges hitting the market every day, telling us what is good and not good for our skin.Skin science has moved in leaps and bounds as new delivery systems and ways to modify ingredients can make it seem more like a Star Wars battle than the exciting world it really is. It’s like most things; sometimes a lot of choice is just too much!So we are here to bust just a few of the common myths of this mystifying topic!MYTH #1 – TREAT YOUR SKIN ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE For years we’ve been conditioned to believe that skin is oily, dry or combination and most of us have used skin care products accordingly. However, your skin type is just a grain of sand on a beach when it comes to getting the most out of your skin care.It’s very important to address the health of the skin and not just the external factors such as “not enough moisture”. Sure we can the moisture however it’s going to be a short-term fix if we are not addressing the cause; i.e. dehydration of the body and compromised skin function. Maintaining a good diet, getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated and looking after your health is an obvious fix, and when it comes to skin care, look for products that stimulate the bodies own healing processes i.e. stimulate collagen formation, sedate oil glands, repair cell mitochondria etc. Ingredients such as AHA’s, Retinol, Anti-Oxidants, Hyaluronic and Sunscreens should be on the top of your list.We recommend: Vie Collection - Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid, it stimulates collagen and elastin and helps rejuvenate skin cells.MYTH #2 – I’LL USE ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE WHEN I’M OLDERUnfortunately there is no wonder ingredient that completely repairs the passage of time; prevention is No.1 when it comes to youthful skin.Every day we are exposed to factors that damage our skin and cause skin ageing; the sun’s rays, pollution, stress, unhealthy lifestyles all work together like a super-villain team and attack our skin at a deep and cellular level. It may not show immediately but it’s happening.Keeping the skin deeply hydrated is important in our early years and ingredients such as Hyaluronic help our fibroblast cells (the ones that make collagen and elastin) to work more effectively and more collagen and elastin means less wrinkles and sagging.Also make sunscreen application part of your daily routine, everyday! Not only to reduce your chances of skin cancer but to reduce about 90% of visible skin ageing.We recommend: ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50, its super light and gives the skin a lovely pearlescent glow!MYTH #3 – THE ONLY WAY TO LOOK YOUTHFUL IS WITH BOTOX Not true! There are so many effective products and treatments that will help to plump and firm the skin without a needle. As we age the lower layers of our skin lose volume. By reducing cell build-up on the outer skin (this acts like a wall to great ingredients getting in where they are needed) and increasing the volume of the deeper layers of the skin on a daily basis with ingredients such as retinol, peptides and essential fatty acids you can enjoy bouncy, firm and radiant skin. You’ll also find many skin care products contain neuropeptides (Botox substitutes) that do a wonderful job relaxing and softening wrinkles.We recommend: Phytomer - Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth Cream, a firm favourite this exceptional cream adds density to the skin giving it volume and bounce.MYTH #4 – WE ALL NEED TO PEEL AND EXFOLIATE DAILYThis will look amazing for the first week or even month, however you’ll soon discover the damaging effects of over-exfoliating as you remove your protective acid mantle. This barrier protects the skin from moisture loss, from bacterial invasion and when it’s gone you’ll be left with dry, sensitive skin with breakouts.Exfoliation is an important part of any good skin care routine, however moderation and gentle when it comes to peels and scrubs is always best.We recommend: Phytomer - Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes a gentle but effective exfoliant that leaves skin fresh and refined.MYTH #5 – DRY SKIN NEEDS RICHER MOISTURISERSQuite often a super-rich moisturiser can exacerbate the problem. The oils in rich creams can act like a glue to dead skin cells that prevent hydrating ingredients from penetrating the skin, so while it might feel soft and supple on the surface, deep down it’s drying out!Layering is your best defence against dry skin. Apply a hydrating serum that will sink into the lower layers and then seal it with a protective cream, something that contains shea butter or light oils is ideal.We recommend: Phytomer - Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum, it drenches the skin with pure moisture leaving it dewy and supple.