BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Botox in a bottle? 5 ways to effectively treat your frown lines and wrinkles
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 03 2021
Are the effects of covid playing havoc with your skin thanks to stress? Feel like you are looking 10 years older? And then to make matters worse those furrowed frown lines and forehead wrinkles are reappearing since your Botox is wearing off, but beauty salons and cosmetic institutes are unlikely to reopen any time soon due to lockdown!The thing is you can effectively treat them naturally without the need for cosmetic injectables by following a few simple steps! And thanks to the advancement in both technology and skincare ingredients, there are now a number of excellent alternatives to treating your lines, which can seriously achieve similar smoothing and plumping results to Botox, and while you are unlikely to see life-changing results overnight (even Botox takes a week to have effect don’t you know) 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. Yess!So if you are looking for ways to address those pesky frown lines and wrinkles, keep reading as we reveal 5 simple steps to truly treat them naturally. Treat with topical skincare specifically designed to combat wrinkles In the quest to eliminate the furrowed frown and fine lines, going under the needle reigns supreme, but if you are like me and needles are a formative no-go, or you simply can’t get to your salon because #lockdown, there are pain-free, natural and relatively inexpensive topical solutions that will help reduce those early signs of ageing. For our recommended natural alternatives that actually work, click here. Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of water You and your skin need proper hydration to help defend against facial lines. You know the drill, drink your 8 glasses of water a day, but also eat a diet rich in essential fruits and veggies and omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and mackerel as these will really aid in skin health and hydration. Get enough sleep to allow your skin to recharge Haven’t we all heard this a million times! But sadly, it’s true. The quality and length of sleep you receive every night can have a profound impact on your skin's overall health. When we sleep our bodies recharge. Not only do our bodies recharge, our skin does as well. During sleep, we heal, restore and eliminate toxins from the skin. Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would! Eek.Also, how you sleep can have a huge effect on your skin’s appearance! If you are a lover of sleeping on your front you might want to reconsider this position! When you sleep on your front, your skin is pushed up against the pillow for hours at a time which can reinforce frown lines, especially around the eyes, forehead and lips. The best way to prevent these wrinkles is by sleeping on your back. You can also reduce damage by using a silk pillowcase which allows for more movement, or a memory foam pillow which doesn’t compress the skin as much. Use sunscreen every, single day And no using sunscreen isn’t going to reduce the wrinkles you already have, but it will help prevent you getting more.Ah sunscreen, the product that no one likes to wear but is truly amazing stuff! Why? Because sunscreen can not only protect your skin and help prevent premature skin ageing caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots, it can also actually reverse common signs of photoaging such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation! Genius!I’m not a lover of the feeling of SPF on my face but I can highly recommend Medicalia’s new Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. It not only protects skin against the harmful rays of the sun, but also blue light damage omitted from our devices!! And I’m sure many of us are having a little too much screen time at the moment!I also religiously wear my Age-Defying ELES BB Cream SPF 30 daily. It’s an amazing multi-tasking and benefit-packed cream that primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone and helps to strengthen and protect skin on contact! It’s just perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger with a gorgeous subtle glow.Also wearing sunglasses are imperative! Not only will they stop you from squinting (which doing so repeatedly can equate to wrinkles!) They’ll protect those precious peepers and the delicate skin around them too! Exfoliate your face one to two times a week Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a build-up of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation so you want to be getting in on it!One of my favourite exfoliators is Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture and my skin always looks clearer, brighter and smoother after every use! But if granules scare you, I also LOVE Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It's a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive of skin types and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. I promise you when I say it’ll make your skin appear fresher and younger!
7 of the most common skin concerns – solved!
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 01 2021
We are all on the quest for healthy, flawless skin, but sadly many of us fall victim to a number of common skin conditions, from acne to hyperpigmentation, rosacea flare ups to enlarged pores and more. And now more than ever, many of us are seeing these exacerbated thanks to the stress that lockdown can bring!But there is no need to suffer in silence, the experts at Beauty Collective have your back and we are here to help solve your concerns. Read on to discover 7 of the most common skin conditions and how to combat them! AcneJust when you thought your years of pesky pimples were behind you, you’re hit with a new phase of blemishes – adult acne. Probably the most common of all skincare concerns, acne is triggered by a variety of causes – from oil production to hormone imbalance, bad diet and genetics - and comes in many forms! So, if you’ve been trying to resolve your acne with no success it may well be because you’ve misdiagnosed which type of acne you are suffering from, and sadly mistreating it can have an adverse effect on your skin’s health! Before you can truly begin to work out how to combat those blemishes you need to understand more about acne and how to correctly treat your type. Check out our blog Acne explained: Which type do you suffer from and how to best treat it, for everything you need to know. Skin sensitivity and rosaceaIf your skin tends to react to everything and anything, you are prone to facial flair-ups and you suffer from inflammation you are one of many suffering from serious skin sensitivity and possibly rosacea.Unfortunately, any number of factors can contribute to skin sensitivity some of which are out of our control – genetics, the environment, the weather, our hormones, the water – but by following some simple lifestyle tips you can banish the blush, hugely improve your complexion, as well as your confidence too! Read more here. HyperpigmentationHyperpigmentation, otherwise known as dark spots, is another 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 by 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.There are 4 key ingredients to look out for in your skincare when targeting hyperpigmentation, these include; vitamin C, retinol, AHA’s and BHA’s. Sunscreen is also a MUST. We all know wearing SPF daily is a game changer, after all it can prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging! But did you know wearing SPF can also dramatically decrease your chances of getting hyperpigmentation as well as reducing it too!For the fight against hyperpigmentation, 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.For your daily moisturiser Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream should be your go-to when it comes to battling hyperpigmentation! Formulated with retinol, Glycolic and Lactic Acid, 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.For that important dose of vitamin C, 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 a testament to that! Dry skinIf you’re like me and a sufferer of dry, devitalised skin, I feel you! Whether your skin is in need of a burst of hydration all year round, or it’s currently an issue due to winter and lockdown, the most important way to address your dry skin is to keep skin nourished and moisturised, religiously. Click here to learn about the 5 best products to bring your dry skin back to life. Dull skinThe most common cause of dull lacklustre skin is a build-up of dead skin cells. Urgh. This happens when we neglect to slough them away! Weekly skin exfoliation is therefore a necessity for all of us! Even those with sensitive skin. Look for an exfoliator that will help brighten your complexion as well as smooth your skin. Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is my go-to. 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!I also love Pevonia’s Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream! Yes, that product I love to rave about! It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently and effectively eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells, and toxins and it’s so easy to use! Simply apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, wet your fingertips with warm water (this will help to ‘wake up’ the enzymes) and work the peeling cream with gentle massage movements into skin, leave on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse away.Using this once a week will help you gain a brighter, smoother, clearer complexion. Trust me. Just don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off!Another tip for reviving dull skin? Adding a vitamin C serum, like Pevonia’s “C” Complexe to your skin care regimen. This serum will help boost radiance while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Win, win! Enlarged poresLarge pores for many can be a real nuisance! After all, it's so common for people to stress over their size. This is because the smaller the pores, the clearer your skin appears, and in many cases, size does matter! Enlarged pores can indicate clogging and or oil and bacteria build up! Check out our blog 5 ways to effectively reduce your pores for the intel on the products you need in your life. Dark circles & puffy eyesStaring at a screen more than ever since #lockdown? Pulling late nights to play catch up and as a result, eyes looking tired? And dark circles more apparent? Tick, tick, tick!Too much screen time and a lack of sleep can result in puffy eyes and dark circles! So when it comes to addressing these issues it’s all about using the right eye products to help counteract their appearance. Fed up of your tired, puffy eyes? Here’s what you need.
6 Father’s Day grooming gifts Dad will actually use and love!
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 27 2021
With Father’s Day just around the corner and the majority of us unable to plan the usual big family brunch due to lockdown, we are now faced with one of the biggest gift-giving dilemmas! What do you gift Dad to show him your love and appreciation?This year, why not ditch the usual drab and treat Dad to one (or six even) grooming gifts. I’m pretty sure there are a fair few Dads who might be needing that right now!Daily self-care after all is imperative in these times, and what better way than to treat him to a little pampering in the luxury of his own home!So read on to reveal our top 6 last minute grooming picks. Both your man and his skin will thank you later. The dynamic DuoPhytomer Homme Face & Eyes Gift PackThis rather suave gift pack contains two of Phytomer’s best-selling men’s products – Aqua Optimal Face and Eye Soothing Moisturiser and a FREE foaming creamy cleanser - Global Pur Freshness Cleansing Gel. Both products, designed to address the distinct differences in men’s skin, work together to thoroughly cleanse, calm, smooth and soothe. Dad will love the radical results of a brighter more youthful complexion after every use! The soothing miracle maskPhytomer Rasage Perfect Shaving Mask for MenI know many men appear to be using this time in lockdown to grow facial hair but there is something to say for keeping up appearances and I know with the amount of zooms my hubby is on daily, forgoing the daily shave isn’t really an option for him.If your man’s skin tends to be on the more sensitive side this product is a standout. It can be used as a daily shaving foam but also as a weekly face mask if he fancies giving himself a little bit of a full facial. It effectively reduces inflammation and prevents irritation for a smooth and comfortable shave.The new men’s multi-taskerAge Optimal Face & Eyes Wrinkle Smoothing CreamFinally, a skincare product your dad or hubby (my kids love to buy Daddy a present as well as make him some cute craft when it comes to Father’s Day) will love and look forward to using daily! If your hubby (or Dad!) is anything like mine, looking after his skin is likely low on his list of priorities (even with a wife who’s been working in the skincare industry for 20 years!!) When I recently forced said hubby (not under duress of course!) to trial this new product for research reasons (ha!) he promised me he would give it a go and stick to it so he himself could see the results! I am pleased to report that he is loving the product, he IS actually using it day and night and while it’s only been two weeks, both skeptical he and I have seen noticeable results – brighter, smoother, softer skin!Now for a little detail on the product. Instead of your usual creamy moisturiser, this anti-ageing cream has an ultra-refreshing sorbet texture which gives skin an immediate boost while decongesting and intensely hydrating both the skin and the eye contour, so really for the dad that’s been slow to embrace skincare, this is the perfect multi-tasking product. Easy to use, pampering, refreshing, anti-ageing and just right for a dull, tired complexion! Oh, and as an added bonus, the invigorating aquatic and woody fragrance transports you (or him should I say) immediately to the seashore! The complete facial kit and caboodlePevonia Limited Edition At Home Facial KitIf you and/or your kids want to play therapist and treat dad to a full pampering facial or a relaxation massage at home, we have all the products to help you do so! My kids love giving their Dad 5 minute massages! Whether he loves it quite so much I don’t know! And I’m sure they’d love to try their hand at a facial if they could too! Why not go the extra mile this father’s day and turn your home into a spa! Get Dad to relax to some soothing sounds, light some candles and follow these 5 simple steps to indulging him in a heavenly full facial.The must-have massage oilPevonia’s Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-StressIf a therapeutic back and shoulder massage to alleviate Dad’s aches and pains is more what is needed (or more his thing) Pevonia’s Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress will be your perfect go-to product. With its gorgeous aroma and nourishing ingredients, it immediately releases pent up tension and relieves fatigue and muscle cramps.Oh and for fatigued feet and legs, Pevonia’s Tension Relief Gel is a must! It cools, refreshes, stimulates circulation and alleviates tension, heaviness and fatigue in the muscles as well as a heavy sensation in calves and feet. Yes, please!Want to learn about more of our favourite men’s skincare recommendations shop our website now.
8 beauty products to truly treat yourself and your skin this lockdown
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 25 2021
Feeling the lockdown blues? No time to treat yourself because #WFH while also #homeschooling? Or simply feeling in a bit of a funk?Time poor many of us might currently be, but surely, we can all make a little time, morning or night, to treat ourselves? During unsettling times it’s so important to look after our mental wellbeing, and one way to do so is by practicing a little self-care. Putting aside as little as even 5-10 minutes to treat yourself with a little pampering can have a profound effect on your mindset and skin of course! So read on as I reveal 8 beauty treats I am personally loving this looong lockdown. I promise that they will make you, like me, feel all the more better. Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream Something I love to do every few weeks is treat myself to an at-home peel, and I highly recommend you should too because it’ll do wonders for your skin! Do not let the word ‘peel’ put you off though. I naturally have fairly sensitive skin but Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream works wonders for my complexion and is great for all skin types too. It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins and in turn reveals smooth, soft and glowing skin every. Single. Time. For those of us who are extremely time poor, this product is like a mini facial in a jar! Don’t just take my word for it though, read all the fabulous reviews too! De-stress Escape Aromatic Oil If both you and your skin are feeling a little stressed you are going to love this product! With all the benefits of 4 mood enhancing essential oils – lavender, grapefruit, chamomile and rose, combined with squalane and vitamin e, this newly released organic must-have not only reduces dryness and dehydration while soothing, calming and brightening skin, it also promotes an immediate feeling of increased wellbeing and relaxation as soon as you apply it! Vitaminic Concentrate Probably one of my favourite products of all time (yes big call I know), Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate works wonders for my skin. Often dry and devitalised all I need is a dose of this before bed and I wake up to beautifully brighter, rejuvenated skin by morning. I LOVE applying it because both its silky texture and mandarin essential oil aroma are heaven, plus it immediately calms me! What’s more, even though it’s an oil, it's fast-absorbing so you know it’s doing great stuff to your skin! Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath Little instantly reduces stress quite like taking a relaxing remineralizing bath, so I do make sure I find the time at least once a week (after bathing and putting the kids to bed!) to indulge in one myself. I love to create a spa-like atmosphere to really set the mood, by lighting my favourite candles, burning some essential oils, and putting on soothing spa sounds on spotify or youtube! Next, I fill the bath with a de-stressing bath foam or detoxifying salts. After having the luxury of trying many a bath products, I have to say Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath is one of my absolute favourites. It’s lightly foaming and enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium-reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater (yess!) –to strengthen and restore the skin and release all pent-up tension. And that it does. Sound good? It really, really is! Phytomer Oligomer Wellbeing Sensation Moisturising Body Cream It’s easy to neglect our bodies during winter, throw in a lockdown and it’s all out forgotten!Give your body a little loving by introducing Phytomer’s Oligomer Wellbeing Sensation Moisturising Body Cream. Phytomer have worked wonders again in creating this amazing cream and the name speaks for itself! It literally melts into skin for an intensive moisturising experience, bathing skin a therapeutic seaside scent (lush) and its rich, soothing texture treats skin to all the benefits found in OLIGOMER® – a pure seawater concentrate that’s rich in minerals and trace elements.We all know that seawater is good for not only our skin but our soul too, thanks to the multitude of miraculous benefits and a treasure trove of skin-loving ingredients it holds! But let’s face it, we aren’t likely to be taking a dip in the ocean any time soon thanks to the cold weather the majority of us are experiencing right now!! Brrrrr so this product really is the next best thing! Pevonia Micro-Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress Never underestimate the power of massage! And yes I know for many of us a trip to our local spa or salon seems a long way off now, but it is possible to give yourself a little shoulder massage or if you live at home with others try and rope them into doing it for you! My little kids have become pros these last few lockdowns and they absolutely love playing therapist! While it’s not as relaxing or comfortable as I might like! It’s fun for all the family. For a therapeutic back and shoulder massage to alleviate aches and pains at the hands of stress, I highly recommend Pevonia’s Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress. It has a gorgeous aroma, is formulated with nourishing ingredients including Safflower, Geranium, and Orange Oils and it immediately releases pent up tension and fatigue. Bliss. Pevonia Tension Relief Gel If your legs and feet are feeling heavy and fatigued, Pevonia’s Tension Relief Gel is a must. It’s anti-inflammatory, cooling, and uplifting all in one and is amazing for relieving tension and tired, aching muscles and sore feet. Pevonia Limited Edition At Home Facial Kit While many of us might not be able to visit our beloved salon for a facial right now, we can try and put aside half an hour a week for an at-home facial ritual. Pevonia’s limited edition at-home facial kit has all the necessities to deep cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and pamper your skin, you just need to follow these 5 simple steps on how to perform the facial.
The truth about rosacea: Debunking the myths
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 20 2021
With the amount of stress many of us are under right now thanks to #lockdown it’s likely those of us who suffer from rosacea have been susceptible to a few facial flair ups. The thing is so many of us (including those who are currently living with rosacea!) Are either blissfully unaware of the skin condition or totally misinformed! Well, we are here to change that and separate fact from fiction by debunking 11 myths about this skin condition. So read on to understand what’s true and false and start establishing whether it might be rosacea you are currently suffering from yourself. “Rosacea is just blushing skin”FALSEIf only this was the case! You would never need to bother applying blush again, would you? Sadly, rosacea is a lot more sinister than facial flushing! Other symptoms include pimple like breakouts, enlarged pores, visible broken blood vessels, and at worse your skin can burn, itch, swell and throb! “It can be triggered by stress”TRUEStress and anxiety can indeed cause rosacea symptoms to worsen, nooooo! So some stress management techniques will be imperative (we could actually all do with some of that right now!) Make sure to get plenty of rest and practice mindfulness as this can really help combat the stress-inducing effects of negative thinking which let’s face it, we all are likely to be having a little of that right now!There are several methods for increasing mindfulness a few of which include, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and yoga. I have to say I am a huge advocate for yoga, which is so easy to do from the comfort of your own home! If you don’t know any yoga moves but would love to give it a try, fear not! There are some great yoga apps and YouTube videos you can follow. And while my kids are being home-schooled, they are loving starting their day with Cosmic Kids Yoga too! Win win for all!And don’t forget to practice deep breathing when you feel anxiety creeping up. “Rosacea can be caused by poor skincare choices”FALSERosacea is in fact a vascular and inflammatory condition and while your choice of skincare isn’t the cause, over cleansing and exfoliating with physical exfoliators can actually worsen symptoms. “It can be triggered by extreme temperatures and sun exposure”TRUEUnfortunately, sun exposure is the most common trigger for rosacea. While we all love long days at the beach, if you suffer from rosacea your skin sadly will pay a price. Not only can sunburn make flare-ups even worse, the heat from the sun can also increase your body temperature which in turn dilates blood vessels and triggers inflammation. So limited sun exposure as well as wearing SPF is the way to go. “Rosacea is contagious”FALSEWhile experts are still trying to determine the exact cause of rosacea, we do know that there is no evidence to say that it's an infectious skin condition. So, fear not, if you, a friend or a family member have rosacea, you can't pass it on by touch, sharing cosmetics, or spending time around each other. Phew. “Your cup of coffee can cause rosacea flare-ups”TRUE & FALSE!It’s ok, calm your farm, you don’t’ have to forgo your morning hit of caffeine just yet as no it isn’t actually your cuppa which is triggering the flare- ups but rather the thermal heat they omit. Cold cup of coffee anyone? “Rosacea is a skin condition for only the over 50’s”FALSEWhile the peak ages for rosacea sufferers are between 30 and 60 years, you can get rosacea at any age! In fact, teenagers as young as 18 have been diagnosed. “Rosacea is caused by alcohol and hot foods”FALSEWhile drinking alcohol and eating a spicy vindaloo can indeed trigger facial flushing, they are certainly not the cause of the condition. In fact, someone who’s never even had a drink in their life can just as easily develop rosacea as someone who enjoys spicy food and wine or two each night!All that said, hot and spicy foods are however rosacea triggers for some, so it’s best to steer clear from things like horseradish dip and hot sauce when you're drinking alcohol as heat dilates the blood vessels in the skin, and since hot foods generate heat, peppers are a big no-no!And while alcohol might feel like a necessity for some (I hear you), sadly that glass of wine or three can potentially worsen your facial redness! While I’m not necessarily saying cut it out completely, you should cut down on the amount consumed while you are experiencing a flare-up. I promise you will notice a difference in your skin. “Rosacea is the same as acne”FALSEOne of the most common signs of rosacea - bumps and pimples, is also one of the most common causes of confusion about the skin condition! Why? Because it’s often mistaken and then misdiagnosed for acne! Unfortunately, while the two share similar symptoms, including pustules and papules and even redness (although in acne it’s isolated to the pimple or lump) acne, has a different underlying cause and needs to be treated very differently. Many ingredients used in acne specific products such as salicylic acid, vitamin A and exfoliators can cause irritation in rosacea-prone skin resulting in dryness, sensitivity and intensifying redness! “Makeup makes rosacea worse”FALSENo one with rosacea wants to be told they can’t wear makeup because it’ll only exaggerate the skin condition. And not when the stress of having to face people without wearing a mask of makeup to conceal symptoms can actually trigger a flare-up! You do however need to be mindful about what you are putting on your face! Ensure you steer clear of chemical formulations and instead sick to a range of ‘breathable’ products formulated with skin nurturing ingredients that are going to enhance your complexion, not clog up your pores and irritate skin even more! Mineral Makeup should be your go-to! And we LOVE ELES Cosmetics Luminous CC Cream 20, rather than covering up your redness with a thick layer of concealer and foundation, this lightweight, oil-free colour correcting cream helps visually correct redness and even out skin tone. What’s more it’s SPF 20 so will also help shield sensitive skin from sun exposure which can aggravate rosacea. To learn about the top 10 makeup tips and products to conceal rosacea click here. “You can totally rid yourself of rosacea”FALSEWhile you can control rosacea so you speak, you, unfortunately, can’t eliminate the skin issue altogether because there is no cure. Skincare can however reduce redness and other associated symptoms keeping the skin condition at bay, you just need to choose your skincare wisely. Opt for products specifically designed to counteract the condition. We highly recommend Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 line - created by world renowned dermatologist, biochemist and a pioneer in advanced organic skincare, Dr. Sylvie Hennessy, the line was designed to specifically treat rosacea. Formulated with the purest, most natural, nurturing ingredients including Green Tea, Chamomile, Liquorice, Allantoin, Vitamin E and Rose Essential Oil all the products in the range help strengthen capillaries, desensitize, decongest, soothe, and hydrate the skin while rendering it evenly toned and visibly calmed! If you are suffering from facial redness and want to understand more about the skin condition and how to combat it, you can read more here.
Beauty mistakes to avoid in lockdown
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 18 2021
Let’s face it, lockdown has made many of us somewhat sluggish. But while we can’t afford to slack off when it comes to work and home-schooling, we can fall victim to being a little lazy in other areas, namely self-care, like neglecting our skin, and at a time when it needs our care and attention the most! You see looking after our skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good too! And sticking to your regular routine might be just what you need to pick yourself up out of a lockdown slump. So save your skin this lockdown and avoid making these 11 common skincare mistakes….and if you are already making them, now you know not to! 1. Skipping your beauty ritual all together…If you think now is the time to let your skin ‘be’ or you are simply using the excuse of lockdown as a means to not have to keep up with your 5-10 minute skincare (and makeup) routine of a morning and evening, you’d be wronging yourself and your skin!We are all aware of the benefits of skincare and how important daily cleansing and moisturising is! After all none of us want dehydrated, dry, dull, spotty skin! Plus keeping up the appearances so to speak isn’t just about looking good it’s about feeling great as well, and following your morning makeover has been proven to improve your mental wellbeing as well as ensuring that your skin stays happy and well-taken care of too!2. ...Or simply overindulging on your skincare routine!If being time poor isn’t something you’re facing right now, and in fact you have too much time on your hands, you might find yourself filling those extra hours at home by indulging your skin. Fantastic yes! But not if you are overindulging it! Your skin can become easily overwhelmed if you use too many products (and active ingredients) at once, resulting in skin irritation, clogged pores and even breakouts! It can then also be confusing as to which product caused the reaction!The general rule of thumb is to try introducing one new skincare product at a time, using it for a week or two before introducing another. If during that time you see no adverse reaction, it’s safe to say your skin is sold and you can start using the next new product. 3. Exfoliating too much or too littleWhether you are prone to acne, currently have a dull, devitalised complexion or suffer from sensitive skin, regular exfoliation is a must. Not only because it will smooth and soften the skin for a brighter complexion but because it helps reduce breakouts by removing excess dead skin cells and keeping pores from becoming clogged. Just make sure you opt for chemical and enzyme exfoliators that contain AHA’s and BHA’s as these will exfoliate skin’s surface as well as deeply penetrate into your pores.We highly recommend Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser for blemish prone skin. It combines soapwort, Triclosan, Grapefruit Oil, Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid with Jojoba to gently remove impurities and delivers an intense exfoliating and deep cleansing experience! And if your skin is a little on the sensitive side, just be sure to opt for a super gentle formula – I LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. But if granules scare you, I also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.I’m not talking daily exfoliation though! Hell’s no. Just once or twice a week depending on your skin type will suffice, as too much exfoliation can be counterproductive! This is because exfoliators, especially physical ones with granules or beads can damage the outer most layer of your skin. One sign of over exfoliating is skin hypersensitivity. This can cause irritation, breakouts, and even a stinging feeling when you apply products! Aghhh. 4. Not keeping up with your SPFIt’s easy to think why bother with sunscreen if we are in the middle of winter and well you’re not really heading out, right? Wrong! As I’ve preached many a time before, sunscreen isn’t just a summertime skincare product, it’s necessary to religiously wear it All. Year. Round. Why? Because it is THE best protection against skin ageing. Oh and if you are staying indoors, and happen to work next to a window like me, the sun has the ability to penetrate the glass and your skin too! Eek.And then there is the issue of blue light damage. To read all about it click here. But in short, just like the sun, your devices omit harmful ‘blue light’ rays, so it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect skin against them too!!Sunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide. A new favourite of mine is Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 30 with Blue Light Shield. If 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! 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 also 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! 5. Constantly touching your faceIf there is one thing covid has taught me, it’s to be vigilant about touch! But then I have to admit I did not realise just HOW often I touched my face before now!! In fact, my husband likes to point out this new (or maybe not so new!) habit I’ve mastered daily - rubbing my hand over my face when I’m tired (which lets face it is pretty much all the time at the moment – eek!) The thing is every 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 I promise I will too!! 6. Becoming complacent and not cleansing your skin before bedIt’s easy to become complacent in lockdown, don’t I know! And even more so when you are exhausted after the daily juggle of in my case work, home-schooling and just generally parenting two young kiddies 24-7! Sometimes I even find it hard to peel myself off my bed to go and remove my makeup in the evening, but remove my makeup and the days grime I must!Cleansing your face especially at night to remove not only your makeup but any remnants of the day's sweat, dirt and grime is imperative for healthy skin. Not cleansing before bed means your skin is unable to regenerate effectively while you sleep, pores clog, and fatigue (ageing!) signs start to appear.For a fantastic makeup remover which effectively melts away makeup and grime with minimum effort try Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover. Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, this ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast! And my absolute favourite cleanser at the moment is Pevonia’s new CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. Its oil formulation transforms into a luscious foamy cleanser on application when mixed with water and it leaves skin feeling fantastically refreshed and beautifully clean without the drying effects that other cleansers can leave. Plus its subtle scent is just heavenly.To read more about sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here. 7. Not washing your makeup brushesIt’s easy to forget about our brushes in lockdown, but using this time to clean them properly will ensure you won’t be using grubby, bacteria-filled tools when lockdowns lifts. After all, our 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 and healthier skin! 8. Not cleaning your phoneYour phone is likely your lifeline right now, especially since socialisation is non-existent! But pretty much, like our makeup brushes, our phones collect tons of bacteria throughout the day. That bacteria then transfers to your face every phone call you make (I probably need to start using my hands free more often!) and puts your skin at risk of infections and even acne! Simply wipe off the screen of your phone with alcohol or with wipes to make sure it is constantly clean. 9. Not washing your sheets and pillowcases frequently enoughWe know lockdown can all make us a little lazy, but staying on top of your daily and weekly chores has its purpose that’s for sure! 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. 10. Eating a bad dietPutting on weight during lockdown because of all the ‘boredom’ food you might be consuming isn’t your only concern when it comes to diet! The effects it has on your skin can be a huge issue too! So instead of reaching for that sugary treat or bag of chips, treat your skin kindly and optimise your nutrition by eating antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, healthy fats from oily fish and nuts, and a varied and balanced diet. This should give optimal levels of the nutrients that are crucial for radiant skin, including beta carotene, vitamins C and E and zinc. 11. Not drinking enough waterI’m not sure if it’s just me and being out of routine is a hindrance but I am just not as disciplined with drinking water at home as I was in the office! Maybe it’s because I’m busy with the daily juggle but we all know hydrating yourself throughout the day is a necessity. This is because water helps to get rid of toxins in the body as well as aid in the rehydration of our skin.
6 reasons you should start using a face mask now
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 13 2021
If you find yourself somewhat time poor at present (I hear you!) but your skin needs that little extra attention and love, applying a face mask can be the perfect quick fix, and I am here to tell you why. So read on to reveal 6 reasons you should add a weekly mask to your skincare routine, we promise you you’ll love the multitude of benefits and the outstanding results they bring to your skin. They give immediate gratification While with most face masks you’ll need to leave it on for a minimum of 15 minutes, the results are instant and go way beyond the impact of your daily skincare routine! The right face mask can help hydrate skin, remove excess oils, improve the appearance of pores and more and after every application your skin will immerge tightened, toned, softer, smoother, and let’s not forget positively glowing! They are quick and easy to use and can be applied at any time Unlike your daily skincare routine which likely takes place first thing in the morning and then again in the evening, the luxury of a face mask is you can apply it at any time, the application is ever so easy and will only take all of a minute! And while you wait for it to work its magic (which can be anywhere from 15 minutes to overnight) it’s a great excuse for a little “me time” and indulge in a bubble bath, watch your favourite show on Netflix or even continue working if need be! They are pampering and therapeutic While many of us aren’t able to visit our local spa these days thanks to #lockdown, and home-schooling doesn’t allow us much ‘me’ time, a little pamper in the shape of a mask is a great way to not only address our skins needs but also make us feel amazing in little to no time! This is because a face mask can lift your spirit by stimulating your senses and allow you a moment (or few moments should I say!) of indulgent comfort. Ahhhhh. They are deep cleansing Applying face masks offer many physical and therapeutic benefits, but first and foremost masks provide cleansing on a deep deep level, benefiting the skin in multiple ways. Don’t get me wrong daily cleansing is an imperative part of your skincare routine, but applying a mask once or twice a week will take that process to a whole other level by removing any remaining makeup, excess oil, dead skin cells and other impurities on the skin’s surface as well as beneath the upper layers of the epidermis. They help all your other skincare products to better penetrate the skin for optimum results Many of us will be religious when it comes to our daily skincare ritual but if you really want all your products to absorb into your skin both quickly and deeply than a face mask is a necessity. By using a mask regularly, it will assist in enabling all the amazing ingredients from your skincare to penetrate deep into your skin essentially making your products work harder and more effectively than ever before. They are the perfect product for everyone to use no matter how sensitive or reactive your skin might be. This is because there is a mask for every skin type and concern. From dryness to inflammation, redness to acne, whatever your skin type there is the ideal mask to give your skin that instant boost it needs. If your skin is on the sensitive side If your skin tends to be somewhat sensitive, a soothing cream mask enriched with nurturing ingredients is a must. Phytomer’s Accept Comfort Mask not only calms red, irritated skin, it also strengthens it! Healing is faster and it leaves your skin feeling beautifully hydrated, calm and comfortable for days!If your skin is looking a tad lacklustre Vie Collections Phyto-C Mask should be your go-to. Power packed with Vitamin C, exfoliating Papain, marine minerals and more, it’s the mask that makes people ask if you’ve been on holiday recently, wouldn’t we all love that right now! If your skin is currently donning a few too many blemishesPhytomer’s Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask could be your one true savour! This blemish, mattifying cream-foam mask reduces inflammation from breakouts and refines the pores for a mattified even, clear complexion.For dry, dehydrated skin, you need a deeply hydrating mask, like Phytomer’s Hydrasea Thirst-Relief Rehydrating Mask. It feeds the skin with ultimate nourishment so you can literally feel your complexion tighten and plump in nearly an instant. The end result is youthfully restored skin. If you’re concerned about skin fatigue and visible signs of agingTry Pevonia’s Ageless Skin Collagen Mask – my personal favourite! it instils skin with collagen polypeptides, Vitamin A, Green Tea and Mandarin Orange Extract to repair fine lines and wrinkles, encourage healthy cell turn over and effectively increase your skin’s overall radiance. If your skin is in need of a detoxPevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask is the perfect antidote for congested, dull skin. It rids skin of toxins, draws out impurities and debris, neutralises pollutants, and leaves skin gloriously glowy.And if you want to address more than one skin issue you can use multiple masks, applying them to the different zones of your face for outstanding results every time.
10 of the best makeup tips for tired, devitalised skin
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 04 2021
Six weeks of lockdown hasn’t been kind to my skin. Most likely due to the never-ending late nights trying to play catch up on the work I’ve missed during the day because #homeschooling. And while I do love to preach about the importance of sleep, I’m sadly now a testament to how lack of sleep can affect your skin! Eek!You see I’m religious about my daily skincare ritual, nothing is getting in the way of that! But there is only so much my beloved products can do for this dull, devitalised complexion I’m currently donning. And while there is no painting the town red at present, I am doing daily video calls with my team and hitting the local parks with my kids and their pup so putting my best face forward is still a must! Cue the miracle of makeup and the 10 game-changing tips I follow daily to wage the war on this dull, dreary skin of mine! So if like me, you’ve not managed to catch enough shut eye but still need to look fresh faced on camera, keep reading! If you can’t make it, then fake it right? 1. Don’t forget to properly prep!As I said I’m a stickler for my morning skincare ritual and you should be too! Trying to conceal tired, lack-lustre skin won’t come easy unless you have properly prepped.Firstly, dry, dull skin lacks youthful luminosity, so exfoliating is a necessity! We’re not talking daily though, just once or twice a week depending on your skin type will suffice, as too much exfoliation can be counterproductive.If your skin is a little on the sensitive side, exfoliation is still important just be sure to opt for a super gentle formula – I LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. But if granules scare you, I also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. Washing your face in the morning is a must but make sure the water isn’t too warm! I love cleansing and then splashing my face with cold water! Not only does it wake me up but the cold-water boosts circulation and helps constrict blood vessels to temporarily tighten pores and reduce redness and puffiness too! Remember washing your face with warm to hot water will only dry out your skin as it strips away its natural oils. Boo.Finally make sure you moisturise. I love to slather my skin with my favourite serum first (my latest love is Pevonia’s Age Correction Intensifier Collagen & MyOxy Caviar, this is because it’s packed with anti-ageing and rehydrating goodness including collagen and hyaluronic acid), then next apply my moisturiser. Dehydrated skin plays a big part in making your face look dull, plus any dry patches will make foundation uneven. 2. Choose a foundation that will enhance your skin not just mask itIf your skin is dull and lacking life you want to choose a foundation with hydrating and skin brightening benefits. After all your foundation should enhance your complexion, not mask it. Change up your foundation for one formulated with hyaluronic and Vitamin A, these key ingredients will help skin appear more hydrated, plumped and healthy.ELES Cosmetics range of foundations are all formulated with these skin boosting ingredients. And for dreary, devitalized skin a sheer or satin-finish foundation will be your best bet, especially as skin tends to be drier in the cooler, winter months too.I am a huge lover of the ELES Age Defying BB Cream 20. It is a multi-tasking miracle! It 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 over time it helps 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!3. Use a good under-eye concealer for an instant eye liftTo hide those dark circles and puffy tired eyes, ensure you are armed with a fabulous concealer! I’m obsessed with Pevonia’s Eye Renew Conceal & De-Age Treatment at present. It honestly gives me an instant eye lift every morning! It’s an eye cream and clever concealer in one! It’s packed with amazing anti-ageing and eye nurturing ingredients, and on application dark circles and puffiness literally diminish within seconds.If you don’t need another eye cream and you are just looking for a simple concealer, try ELES’s Liquid Concealer. You won’t be disappointed!4. Brighten eyes with a waterline eyelinerInvesting in a waterline eyeliner will be a game changer for tired eyes. All you need to do is line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create brighter, more awake eyes. And remember to always finish by applying lashings of mascara to your top lashes.5. Apply a little bronzerWe are all on a quest for that healthy youthful glow, especially in the winter months when it’s almost non-existent, but dusting copious amounts of bronzer all over our nose, chin, cheeks and forehead can play up fine lines and large pores as the powder sinks into them. The best way (and the most flattering!) is to apply your bronzer with a bronzer brush to the perimeter of your face in the shape of a number three. Start on your forehead near your temples and loop down to the tops of your cheekbones, then curve out and around again along your jaw.6. Illuminate your face with a highlighterIf your skin is dull you need a little dose of liquid glow in the shape of an illuminator or highlighter! Apply to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow for a natural glow that will leave you looking rejuvenated and refreshed. Try ELES Stick Illuminator. I personally can’t get enough of it!7. Make sure you use a blushJust a few swipes of blush will not only add colour and depth to your cheeks but can make your entire complexion look healthier, and your skin more youthful. It adds an extra glow that bronzer and highlighter just can't mimic. Just be sure to apply it correctly - use a blush brush and lift colour upwards towards your temple from the apple of your cheek. I’ve been using the ELES Baked Blush for years now and just love its pigmented colour, easy application and the healthy-looking finish it gives me.8. Distract from tired eyes by accentuating your poutIf no amount of concealer seems to be hiding those dark circles then it’s time to distract from tired eyes! To take attention away use a pop of colour on your pout! Every day I use the ELES Gel Lipliner to line and add definition to my lips and follow with a swipe of my favourite shade of ELES Colour Balm. It combines the payoff of a sheer lipstick with the superior shine of a gloss and I love how hydrating it is for my lips.9. Fake full browsCreating the perfect brows can completely transform your face and make you look 10 years younger, you just need to know how. You want to create instantly fake fullness and to do this you need to fill brows in with the perfect brow pencil! Just be sure you don’t overfill the front part of your brow though! This area should have soft hair that graduates into more density. If you overfill this area you can make your eye brows look way too harsh. Read more on how to create perfect brows.10. Finally get a little more shut-eye IF you canWhile this is an impossibility for me at the moment, I’m hoping it won’t be for the majority of you! As I’ve said many a time before not enough shut-eye can have serious ramifications on our skin! We need to think of sleep as an essential step in our daily skincare routine. Not only will plenty of shut-eye let skin cells regenerate overnight, it will also help prevent dark under-eye circles which make us ALL look tired and older than our years. And we know, no one is choosing to be sleep deprived, the stresses of everyday life can seriously prevent us from getting the amount of sleep we crave, but if it’s possible to try and get our heads down at a reasonable time and try to stick to it nightly, it’ll improve quality of sleep and in turn have a positive impact on our complexion too!
Pamper your way through lockdown: How to perfect a spa facial at home in 5 simple steps
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 30 2021
Ok ok if you are anything like me the idea of pampering yourself with some spa action at home is almost laughable because, when?? My days are currently filled with home schooling, and nights playing catch up on all the work I was unable to do in the day because #homeschooling, and then the weekends roll around and there is all the many other chores and kids' activities calling my name! BUT we ALL know that allowing ourselves that little bit of “me” time is paramount on any given day, let alone during these unsettling covid times and life in lockdown! So what better way to practice a little self-care than to perform a simple salon-style facial. And hey I’m a stickler when it comes to my morning and evening skincare routine so what’s a few added extra minutes to make that routine into a luxurious facial once or twice a week! Skincare combined with a little pampering and we must be onto a winner right? Not only because we all deserve a little pampering but also because of the multitude of benefits of facial massage!So read on and follow these 5 simple steps on how to perform a luxurious facial at home using all the products from Pevonia’s NEW limited edition At-home facial kit! A kit that has everything to deep cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin! Prepare Use a headband or hair tie to ensure your hair is pulled back from your face. Make Sure your neck is accessible and we recommend wearing a robe to get you in the spa spirit oh and make sure you don’t get any product on your clothes! Step One Sensitive Skin Cleanser Apply a small quantity of Pevonia’s Sensitive Skin Cleanser over your face and neck; work it with fingertips for a good 20-30 seconds. Remove with a washcloth or micro-fibre cloth wet with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.This soothing and calming light-textured, creamy cleanser is great for all skin types, not just those with skin sensitivities! Step Two Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser Next, it’s time to gently exfoliate your skin to remove all those dead skin cells and any additional toxins and debris remaining on the skin.Apply a small quantity (about the size of a grape) of Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser over your face and neck and work with wet fingertips for 1-2 minutes. It gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, formulated with Jojoba beads, Saponaria and Chamomile. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Enjoy the results as your skin resurfaces smoother, softer and crystal clean every time! Heaven. Step Three De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil Apply 2-3 drops of Pevonia’s NEW De-Stress Aromatic Face Oil into the palm of your hand and spread the oil over both hands. Breathe in the heavenly scent of four essential oils – rose, chamomile, grapefruit, and lavender as you take five deep breaths. Press your hands to your face and neck to distribute the oil, then use your fingers to gently spread the oils evenly. Perform a 5-10 minute massage. A very important component of the facial due to its numerous benefits.To view the recommended massage steps with soothing music click here. When complete, leave the oil on the skin. Step Four Pevonia Facial Masks; Collagen, Charcoal or Green Apple With three outstanding masks to select from it’s ideal to choose the one that’ll best suit your skin on the day of the facial.The Ageless Skin Collagen Mask is a super-hydrating mask to combat dehydration.The Brightening Green Apple Mask as a clay based mask to deep cleanse the pores and brighten skin tone.The Pure Skin Charcoal Mask is a purifying mask to relieve puffiness and toxicity.All you have to do is apply a thin layer of your chosen mask onto your face and neck. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Remove with a washcloth or micro-fibre cloth wet with cool water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Step Five Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream Apply a small quantity, approx. the size of a pea to the forehead, both cheeks, chin and neck, then spread evenly over the skin with fingertips until absorbed.Conclusion; Enjoy a relaxing beverage, a calmed mind and your healthy, vibrant skin!To take your skin to the next level you could try incorporating a gemstone facial roller into the massage routine. Want to know more about what exactly a gemstone roller is and to understand their benefits click here.
The 9 benefits of facial massage
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 28 2021
While it’s not possible for many of us to visit our local spa for a facial right now because #lockdown, it is possible for us to spend an extra few minutes a day massaging our skin. Like a mini workout for your face, face massages involve massaging key facial muscles and pressure points (like your jawline, cheekbones and forehead) using your hands and fingers or even better, a gemstone facial roller. But why should you include this extra step in your routine? Because it can truly work wonders for both your skin and wellbeing! In fact, there's a multitude of benefits to facial massage, and we are here to reveal them all! So read on and learn how you can take your skin to the next level by incorporating facial massage into your daily skincare routine. It relieves tension and reduces wrinkles! Many of us hold a lot of tension in our faces. When we are feeling anxious, stressed, exhausted or have simply been concentrating or staring at a screen for too long, we tense our forehead and eye area, which in time causes wrinkles eek! A few minutes of massage a day can and will in turn help release this tension, so no knock-on effect! Phew. It alleviates stress If you weren’t already feeling the stress that daily life can bring, I bet due to recent covid numbers and a relentless lockdown you are now! The thing is stress doesn’t just affect the way we feel, it can dramatically impact our skin too! And sadly dry skin, wrinkles, and acne are just some of the ways that it can manifest itself! Cue massage! Massage is one of the best stress relievers and no it doesn’t need to be at the hands of someone else, nor are we talking about a one hour remedial massage, just a few minutes massaging a facial oil into your skin can induce endorphins and help relinquish stress. Aghhhh. It improves product absorption You can increase the effectiveness of your daily skincare routine by incorporating a little massage! Massage will help your skin reap the benefits of any serum or oil you apply pre-massage, as well as any moisturiser you apply after the massage. This is because it literally helps the product to absorb more easily into the skin! Simple. It can help reduce fluid retention and specific skin conditions Environmental factors, makeup, daily diet are but a few reasons why toxins build up in our skin contributing to fine lines, puffiness, and breakouts! Stimulating our skin through massage can help increase blood circulation, kick-starting lymphatic drainage in your face to flush out those toxins, reduce fluid retention and keep skin healthy both inside and out! Yes! It’s stimulating Quick, tapping movements stimulate the nerve endings and wake up a tired skin. Try tapping your fingers all over your face—like you’re gently typing. Be sure to always use your ring finger on the delicate area around your eyes. It firms the skin Because it stimulates the facial muscles, a massage is like a mini-workout for your face. It engorges the muscles with blood to oxygenate the skin cells and gives “tone” to your muscles. It boosts the circulation (& therefore glow) Improving your circulation will help give you “that” glow. Just like doing a set of sit ups and push ups (eek) a quick facial massage sends a surge of blood and oxygen to your skin. This increased flow, we know can kick start lymphatic drainage, decreasing toxins and puffiness, but it will also brighten skin tone! The more efficiently your blood flows, the more oxygen is sent to your skin which equals increased collagen production and cell growth, resulting in a smoother, glowing complexion! Woohoo. Massage helps you get to know your skin The more time you spend touching your skin, the better understanding you’ll have of which areas are drier/tighter, which are rough (and made need more exfoliation), and which areas are more prone to congestion. It’s relaxing At the end of a long day, you can use massage to relax your facial muscles and calm your mind. This will not only encourage relaxation, but also bring on better sleep too! And we all know how important sleep is for our skin!
Trend alert! #skinslugging – what is it and is it right for your skin?
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 23 2021
Cloudless skin, Glass skin, cloud skin, just but a few k-beauty trends we’ve talked about here at BC, but now the latest to take centre stage is……Skin Slugging!Yes, I know what you might be thinking and no, it has nothing to do with snails but everything to do with hydrating your skin, so it’s not just another beauty fad, in fact, it’s a skincare routine that has been around for ever, but only recently has it been given a name, and an apt one at that! Here’s why, and also how you yourself can do it. So what exactly is skin slugging?Skin slugging, simply put, is layering on your rich products at night (your normal night-time skincare routine) and then sealing them in (or the moisturise should I say) with an occlusive barrier. In the past, this ‘barrier’ would have been something like Vaseline or paw paw. And while Vaseline might have been mum’s go-to when we were kids, nowadays, it’s not something many of us would take likely to slathering on our faces every night. Why? Because Vaseline isn’t great for those with oily, blemish or acne-prone skin, or any skin type really for that fact as it doesn’t allow the skin to breath, and well because there is a healthier way to do ‘slugging’ and that’s by using natural oils and night masks instead! What are the benefits of skin slugging?Night-time is when skin does its heavy lifting. It’s then that it does the bulk of its repairing, restoring and regenerating, all while we sleep. Our skin needs moisture to facilitate this healing process this is because the skin’s repair cells work much quicker and more effectively in moist environments. Skin slugging seals the skin’s barrier locking in that moisture thus preventing water loss. This means healthier, brighter skin by morning! Are there any cons?If you don’t use a barrier that will allow your skin to breathe, there can be a number of negatives. The heavy-duty occlusive barrier can increase surface oil (not ideal for those of us with already oily skin!), it will definitely trap dead skin which in turn can cause acne, and to top it off it can be incredibly messy and who needs to be washing bedding daily right now!! What products should I use for skin slugging?Semi-occlusive is your best bet! This is because slugging with rich or heavy-duty occlusive products isn’t for everyone. A healthier option is to use a cream-based moisturiser, an overnight mask or repair oil to seal in your moisture. Look for products containing fats such as ceramides which holds your skin cells together and helps nourish the skin and lock in said moisture. No ceramides? Then there is nothing to keep all those hydrating ingredients from evaporating from the skin eek!If your skin is dry, you’ll really benefit from using facial oils as your barrier. Our current go-to is Pevonia’s new Destress Escape Aromatic Oil. This barrier warrior features a blend of premium and delicate natural oils including safflower, squalane, lavender, chamomile, grapefruit and rose to instantaneously deliver intense hydration while soothing, calming, relaxing, brightening and protecting the skin barrier for ongoing optimal skin health.Another favourite is Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. It’s a silky lightweight blend of ceramides and replenishing oils that smells heavenly and restores barrier function and hydration in one!If face oil isn’t your thing, another option which I love to use once a week when my skin is particularly parched and in need of some slugging love is Pevonia’s Ageless Skin Collagen Mask. It’s an amazing overnight mask which is formulated with ceramides and polypeptides that work together to restore respiration and hydration at a cellar level! Meaning it penetrates deeply repairing signs of ageing, diminishing visible lines and wrinkles while rejuvenating the overall complexion! With an aromatic citrus scent and a silky-smooth texture that eases application and removal, this mask also infuses the skin with green tea antioxidants that combat free radical damage and soothe and reduce irritation. This one is great for all skin types, smokers, and mature skin! Is it for me?If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, skin slugging is definitely for you, but it can benefit the majority of skin types you just need to use the right barrier product!Just remember if this is a trend you want to try (and we do highly recommend adding this extra layer at night), it is important to exfoliate regularly as the thick barrier acts like mortar for skin cells that should shed naturally.
7 products to make you seriously glow from head to toe
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 20 2021
If your complexion is feeling the funk, we feel you. Winter isn’t the kindest to our skin and then when you have a lockdown thrown in the mix all hell can break loose! That combination of the cooler weather, stress, perhaps being a little sluggish, as well as complacent with your daily diet and overall skincare routine, can impact both your skin and psyche and sadly the glow of the summer season has looooong since gone, but all is not lost. Treat yourself to one or seven! of these skin loving beauty essentials to soften, smooth and brighten your skin from head to toe. The glowing results will make it worth the invested money and time, we promise! Phytomer NEW Gentle Illuminating Shampoo and Gentle Detangling ConditionerIf your hair is looking a little drab you really need to banish your current shampoo and condition and up your game with these two marine must-haves! Formulated with all the goodness of the sea, this dynamic duo provides a luxurious washing experience with outstanding results! Get ready for silky-smooth hair that shines and has the perfect amount of volume too! Pricey yes, but oh so worth it! Pevonia ‘C’ ComplexeIf your skin is literally lacking life and needs some serious brightening, vitamin c should be your go-to. We promise you when we say you haven’t experienced glowing skin until you have a vitamin c rich skincare routine!For the ultimate skin brightening boost, Pevonia’s ‘C’ Complexe is a must! Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied, skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too! The perfect morning pick-me-up! Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling CreamSince visiting your local salon or spa if off the cards, why not treat yourself to a little pampering with an at-home peel? It’ll do wonders for your skin I promise. And no don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently and effectively eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins and it’s so easy to use! Simply apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, wet your fingertips with warm water (this will help to ‘wake up’ the enzymes) and work the peeling cream with gentle massage movements into skin, leave on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse away. Nothing makes skin feel cleaner, softer, smoother and brighter than this mini facial in a jar of goodness!! Trust me.NEW Pevonia De-Stress Escape Aromatic OilThere is nothing quite like drifting off to sleep at night breathing in the soothing scent of this gorgeous aromatic oil. Full of skin rejuvenating properties and moisturising goodness including, squalane, vitamine e, safflower and rose, chamomile, grapefruit and lavender essential oils - this newly released organic must-have not only promotes an unequalled feeling of increased wellbeing and utter relaxation, it will also ensure you wake up to calm, nourished and gorgeous glowy skin no matter what your skin type. Heaven. Pevonia De-Ageing Saltmousse Papaya PineappleThis aromatic body scrub delivers an aroma-sensory experience thanks to its absolutely amazing tropical scent. Its fluffy lather removes impurities and toxins by gently polishing your skin and as the salt dissolves, negative ions and repairing tropical fruit extracts are quickly absorbed! The result? Your skin will emerge velvety-smooth and energised! Yasssss! Pevonia Dry Oil Body MoisturiserHands down my favourite body moisturiser (and a global bestseller), Pevonia’s Dry Oil Body Moisturiser feels like silk on application, is not greasy at all (despite it being an ‘oil’) and absorbs immediately, quite literally nourishing every inch of your body. Formulated with Lavender and Chamomile the scent is heaven, and it renders skin beautifully soft and supple with a radiant healthy glow. It will not disappoint, and the many customer reviews speak for themselves!
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 15 2021
Has your skin been feeling the effects of the last few weeks thanks to the likes of lockdown and home-schooling while working from home!? Or are you simply prone to pesky pimples or all out adult acne? Whatever the reason, we have good news! Armed with the right products and a few expert tips, you can banish those blemishes! Just follow these steps and enjoy a clearer complexion in next to no time. Understand your skin When it comes to acne, it’s important to understand which type you are suffering from. Unfortunately, this skin condition comes in many forms (just to complicate things!), so if you’re looking to recognise the difference between blackheads, cysts and everything in between we’ve got you. Simply click here. Look out for key ingredients when selecting your products Finding the perfect products for your skin can sometimes seem like a never-ending quest thanks to the millions of options out there. But if it’s blemishes or acne you are looking to combat, there are a few key ingredients you should look out for when selecting your skincare, ingredients which will really help you accomplish that desired clearer complexion. These include;Salicylic AcidWhen it comes to breakouts, salicylic acid should always be your trusty go-to. This is because it’s calming, decongesting and antibacterial, as well as a proven superstar in reducing and preventing further pore clogging! Salicylic Acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that penetrates deep into the skin to exfoliate sebum-filled pores, as well as dissolve oil build-up and dead cells from the skin’s surface!Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for actually treating spots as opposed to preventing them. This is because it actually kills bacteria! It can however be a little drying and irritating which is why it's best used in specific targeted spot treatments.Charcoal and clayIt’s tricky to soak up excess oil without over-drying the skin but products containing charcoal and clay do just that! They work by attracting and absorbing dirt and oil in the skin.AHA’s (Glycolic and Lactic Acids)These two alpha-hydroxy acids slough away the dead skin cells that cause pimple-producing clogged pores. The result? Smoother, softer skin.Retinol The master magician, retinol is the superstar of all ingredients thanks to its multitude of benefits including its ability to increase cell turnover, instructing damaged cells to produce healthier cells faster! As a result, pores are less likely to become blocked so blemishes unlikely to form! Cleanse twice daily and with the right cleanser! If you are prone to breakouts or suffer from acne, do not skimp on cleansing your face twice daily! Choosing the right cleanser will also help rid your skin of the bacteria that make their way into those clogged pores which lead to breakouts!In general, foaming cleansers are great for mature, oily and acne-prone skin, specifically because of their pore penetrating capabilities. If you want to get rid of acne or excess oil/sebum, you need a cleanser that can go deep in your pores and get rid of the debris without too much effort. Just beware of certain cleansers that can dry out your skin though as this will cause it to overproduce sebum (the natural oils your skin produces) which can lead to further clogged pores and breakouts!We LOVE Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser. Specifically created for those with breakout prone and sensitive/oily skin, it’s formulated with both Salicylic and Lactic acids (so we know that’s a good thing!) Its potent foaming suds work very quickly to eliminate surface bacteria, toxins, impurities and makeup while combatting inflammation too!“I have used this cleanser for over 15 years now and it is just awesome! I used to suffer from acne and this cleanser helped no end and without drying my skin out!” Bec Don’t forget to exfoliate Whether your acne is mild or more severe, regular exfoliation is a must. Not only because it will smooth and soften the skin for a brighter complexion but because it helps reduce breakouts by removing excess dead skin cells and keeping pores from becoming clogged. Just make sure you opt for chemical and enzyme exfoliators that contain AHA’s and BHA’s as these will exfoliate skin's surface as well as deeply penetrate into your pores.We highly recommend Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. It combines soapwort, Triclosan, Grapefruit Oil, Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid with Jojoba to gently remove impurities and delivers an intense exfoliating and deep cleansing experience for problem skin!“I bought this product after being "prescribed" it by my beauty therapist for my mild adult acne. Firstly, the scent is light and non-intrusive, which is a huge plus. I also like that it contains both manual (small grains) chemical (citric acid) exfoliating properties. It helps to make my skin feel clean, smooth and prepared for moisturising. After a week or so I noticed a HUGE improvement in my breakouts.” Leah Do moisturise daily! Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy so a moisturiser may be the last thing you feel like putting on your skin, but I’m here to tell you moisturising is an essential step for any skincare routine. I get it, you are concerned the moisturiser will exacerbate your already blemished complexion but on the contrary, if you don’t moisturise you run the risk that your skin will become excessively dry, it can then try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil. The result? More breakouts! Aghhh.Light, oil-free moisturisers targeted towards those with blemish prone skin is your best option and we are testament that Medicalia’s Clarifying Cream is one of the best! It is a wonderfully light-textured, oil free cream which really does control acne while magically preventing future blemishes too! Containing the powerhouse blend of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid with Sorbitol and other soothing and protecting ingredients, it promotes a healthier and beautifully hydrated complexion.“It's expensive but it's been a lifesaver for my acne prone skin! I've noticed it helps keep my sebaceous filaments in check also!” Sophie If you are concerned about acne and ageing, give retinol a go. Just be sure to introduce it very slowly and only apply at night. To find out more about retinol and our recommendations click here. Make over with a mask Charcoal face masks can be a great treatment for both those with acne and oily skin. This is because charcoal is known for its purifying effects on the skin, literally drawing out dead skin, bacteria, excess oils from deep within the pores. It also helps clear pores without absorbing vitamins and nutrients that are vital for the skin.Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask is the ideal option for anyone with oily skin, dilated pores, blemished skin and for acne control. Formulated with charcoal and skin nurturing ingredients, it supplies essential skin lipids that moisturise and protect the skin while decongesting it!“Being in my 50's I wasn't sure if this would dry my skin out, but I bought it because of my breakouts. I've used it daily for about 3 days and it's totally cleared my skin up - it feels de-congested, clear and smooth. I love this mask!” Melinda SPF daily, even those of us at home in isolation! Sunscreen isn’t just for summer sadly! Your skin needs protection every day even indoors! This is because UV rays don’t just come from the sun but from your multiple devices too!Look for a sunscreen, daily moisturiser or foundation with SPF that is lightweight, oil-free or oil-controlling! And steer clear of thick pore-clogging formulations. Choose makeup that won’t clog your pores We know if you suffer from blemishes of any sort you are likely to want to conceal them. The thing is doing so can lead to further irritation so it’s important to choose makeup that won’t clog your skin. The best solution is mineral makeup as it allows your skin to actually breathe! We (and many of our customers) are OBSESSED with ELES’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. Its ‘non-occlusive’ long-lasting formula allows the foundation to enhance the complexion without covering up the skin, allowing it to “breathe” freely. It also glides onto skin beautifully but sets to a soft powder finish. And it is SPF 15 too!“I have been using this product for 10 years+ and cannot fault it. It is light, silky and even though my skin is oil based it does not leave it clogged like many other foundations I have used previously.I absolutely recommend anyone to try it to see how beautiful it is to wear.” Debrah Make sure you always remove that makeup! Whether you’re prone to the odd spot or suffer from all out acne, you’ll soon see that sleeping with a face full of makeup can result in a big breakout of blemishes. Eek! Makeup, unfortunately, clogs pores, and when your pores are blocked, your skin can’t breathe, and therefore it can’t regenerate. The oil in your pores builds-up and transform itself into spots. Fact. So make sure you always remove your makeup before bed! And finally…relax more, sleep more Although this isn’t as simple as it sounds when you are dealing with work, kids, home-schooling and lockdown! What I will say is if you’re dealing with a stressful situation, it is important to try and look for healthy ways to destress as there is a direct link between stress and skin disorders! Some simple options include;Daily exercising – just a little as 30 minutes can make a huge differentDoing breathing exercises – I find doing this with the kids helps us all!A morning yoga session - While this isn’t a possibility for all, if you are at home with kids try involving them in a little yoga fun. There are some great programs on youtube.Meditating for a few minutes – my time to do this is just before bed. I love the calm app.Playing music – something as simple as playing soothing sounds can have a profound affect on your mental state, reducing stress and it’s definitely a great option for everyone.
BC’s best rated beauty buys for oily skin
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 12 2021
It’s a fact, with winter brings dry, devitalised skin thanks to the colder weather, artificial heating, hotter showers to name but a few, but we’ve not forgotten about those of us who suffer from oily prone skin ALL. YEAR. ROUND.Here at BC, we’ve got you covered. Read on as we unveil our best rated beauty buys for oily skin types, and we aren’t just talking skincare but makeup too! ELES Pore Perfecting Face PrimerIf you’re a lover of foundation but are a little over it sliding off your face as the day goes on, you need to introduce a primer into your life! A good primer can be a godsend for those with oily skin, not only because it helps makeup last longer but a good mattifying primer will also tackle areas of high shine, soften the appearance of fine lines and pores too!Cue ELES’s Pore Perfecting Face Primer. This light-textured, skin smoothing, oil-free primer not only combats shine but absorbs oil and reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles at the same time! The result – flawless looking foundation as soon as it’s applied.“A small amount goes a long way. Helps keep my oil controlled. Also, feels so lovely.” Lauri ELES Mineral Foundation PowderIf you are prone to oily skin, it’s best to steer clear of foundation with a dewy finish and instead opt for a matte, semi-matte powder or oil-free foundation. A handy powder compact should be the one staple in your beauty bag, that can come with you wherever you go for those times you need to do a little ‘touch up’. Just be sure to avoid illuminating powder with shimmer as this will only draw attention to skin texture and exacerbate pore size. Instead, opt for a translucent pore-minimising and oil-absorbent powder.Mineral makeup works wonders on oily skin because the particles tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine. The ELES Mineral Powder Foundation enables you to adjust your coverage from a translucent powder to a buildable coverage foundation with a richer, more opaque finish. What’s more, it’s formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, so it’ll provide antioxidant protection as well as condition skin!“Love this foundation, you can make it as light or heavy as you want. It sits really nice on the skin and doesn’t clog my pores. I have combination skin and this foundation lasts all day.” Chrissy ELES Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationIf power isn’t your thing and you’re a lover of liquid foundations but are concerned about slippage, fear not. The ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation is ELES’s global best-seller for many a reason! One being its long-lasting staying power no matter what your skin condition. It’s packed with goodness including an exclusive multi mineral complex as well as vitamins A, C & E but its formula while it goes on as a silky liquid, sets to a soft powder finish, perfect for those with combination and oily skin. What’s more, it allows skin to breath freely so it won’t clog up those pores leading to unwanted blemishes!“Love this product! It beautifully sets from liquid to powder! Great for oily skin or skin which becomes shiny during the day.” Laura Pevonia Phyto-Gel CleanserJust because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you need to use a harsh face wash to dry your skin out! No sireee. Using a face wash that is too harsh or strong can irritate your skin and in turn, trigger increased oil production! It’s best to look for a non-alkaline and non-drying cleanser specifically created for combination to oily skin or all skin types.Suited to all skin-types but particularly good for those with combination to oily skin, Pevonia’s Phyto-Gel Cleanser deeply cleanses the skin with a luxurious foaming consistency. It works by removing the excess and unnecessary oil from the skin’s surface, unclogging pores and ridding it of impurities and surface toxins.“Beautiful deep cleansing, non-drying cleanser. This product has been a favourite of my customers, especially those with normal, combination or oily skin.” Lisa Pevonia Mattifying Oily Skin CreamThis cream should be your go-to if you suffer from an overly oily complexion. Not only does this unique light-textured but subtly creamy moisturiser control excessive oiliness for shine-free skin! Its Lemon and Vitamin B complex ensures skin is hydrated and mattified at the same time to refine pores and prevent breakouts!“This is the best moisturiser for oily skin, the key to balancing oil production and staying youthful looking. I have used this for almost two decades and the results are amazing. it doesn't make my face shiny or greasy and I have oily to sensitive skin.” Brian Phytomer Oligopur Hydra-Matifying Control CreamIf you love something a little lighter when it comes to your moisturiser then this is the cream for you. It is ultra-light, almost like a lotion but delivers long lasting anti-shine, and eliminates oily patches for those with combination skin.“The perfect, lightweight, oil controlling moisture cream to wear day or night. It is the perfect weight under makeup and controls breakthrough shine.” Rebecca
5 new beauty buys for skin hydration, hair, health and wellness too!
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 07 2021
In the midst of a lockdown, here at BC we are still beavering away to bring you the best of beauty, and this month we have five new arrivals for skin, body and hair which provide not only optimum results but a feeling of increased wellbeing and relaxation too! So read on to find out all about these new favourites of ours, and we promise you, like us, you’ll want to give them a try immediately too! NEW Pevonia De-Stress Escape Aromatic OilIf both you and your skin are feeling a little stressed thanks to #covidlife, or if your complexion is simply looking less than desirable - where has that summer glow gone you once donned? Then Pevonia’s newest launch will be a godsend! The NEW De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil’s name say it all. It quite literally takes you on a de-stressing journey (and yes I’m aware of how cheesy that sounds!) as it eases anxiety while instantly delivering intense hydration and total relaxation for glowing, healthy skin! How? Because of its amazing formulation which includes four pure essential oils; lavender, chamomile, rose and grapefruit to calm, sooth, and deeply rejuvenate mind and skin!Soothing, calming, relaxing, hydrating and brightening!! What more could you want from a product?To learn more about the amazing skin and mood boosting benefits of lavender, chamomile, rose and grapefruit essential oils click here. NEW Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Moisturizing Body Cream with Trace ElementsIf it’s your body that needs a little loving, I highly recommend you trying Phytomer’s newest addition to the Oligomer Well-Being Sensation family - Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Moisturizing Body Cream with Trace Elements. It’s a melt-away cream which intensely moisturises the skin while bathing it in a therapeutic seaside scent (lush) and It’s rich, soothing texture treats skin to all the benefits found in OLIGOMER® - a pure seawater concentrate that’s rich in minerals and trace elements.We all know that seawater is good for not only our skin but our soul too, thanks to the multitude of miraculous benefits and a treasure trove of skin-loving ingredients it holds! But let’s face it, we aren’t likely to be taking a dip in the ocean any time soon thanks to the cold weather the majority of us are experiencing right now!! Brrrrr so this product really is the next best thing! NEW Phytomer Gentle Illuminating Shampoo with Marine Plant AND Phytomer Gentle Detangling Conditioner with Marine PlantI feel the last few weeks haven’t been kind to my hair! And I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve had a cold, I’m not getting enough fresh air, being a little lazy thanks to lockdown or simply not consuming enough much-needed water (I need to practice what I preach more!) but until last week my hair was looking a little lifeless, that’s until I introduced Phytomer’s NEW haircare into my life! The NEW Gentle Illuminating Shampoo and Gentle Detangling Conditioner both with Marine Plant, Algae and Vegetal Oil (so all the goodness of the sea!) provides a luxurious washing experience and optimal results from the very first wash. Many shampoos and conditioners offer the results we all seek the first time you use them, but the test is whether wash after wash we still see the same showstopping results! Well with these two products you do! I’ve used them (together of course) three times now and my hair is soft, bouncy, shiny and silky smooth (as promised) and it doesn’t feel weighted which it can happen after using some heavy conditioners! Yes, they are pricey but for me worth their weight in gold.NEW Phytomer Structuriste Firming Contour SerumThis is a beautifully lightweight milky serum is designed to effectively smooth, firm and plump the skin, and boy does it do just that! This new love of mine (in just a few weeks) has noticeably improved my somewhat dull looking skin! It definitely feels firmer, plumper and looks like it’s got its radiance back! I’m also loving the subtle floral scent! It’s formulated with marine algae and squalane for deep moisturising but also Lily of the Valley, Jasmine and Peony! So if you are concerned about skin ageing including loss of elasticity and luminosity this could be your new go-to.I suggest using this product in the morning and the NEW Phytomer Structuriste Firming Contour Serum at night for fantastic results!Enjoy bathing in the benefits of all five beauty buys.
Skin care that affects your mood!
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 07 2021
It is not new, and has been part and parcel of natural and holistic skincare for centuries. It is of course Essential Oils, the medicinal properties of plants that make natural skin care products more than just plant fodder. From the luxurious skin-softening properties of the Rose (used famously by Cleopatra to maintain her beauty) to the wound-cleansing benefits of Myrrh (used by ancient Roman soldiers going into battle), these potent oils harness a wide range of botanical therapeutics to address both our skin care AND our mood!There are now approximately 2000 known plant species in the world which contribute to different essential oils! Amazing right? And the importance of essential oils in cosmetics and skincare relate to their diverse benefits.Unlike synthetics, the impact of an essential oil can be huge! Since they have the ability to relax our senses, uplift our spirits and support our physical and psychological well-being for a truly holistic sense of wellness. Another feature that lends these all-natural oils to enhanced skincare is that they are absorbed easily through the skin, thereby being very receptive to simple topical remedies and applications. Sold yet? Keep reading! How do they affect our state of mind?In aromatherapy, inhaling essential oils is thought to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions. Known as the limbic system, this brain region also influences the nervous system. Aromatherapy proponents suggest that essential oils may affect several biological factors, Including: Heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, our breathing rate, and our immune function. 4 Essential Oils with some serious skin benefits; Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)For your mood: Deeply relaxing, soothing, and upliftingFor your skin: Also known as 'True Lavender', this species produces the most recognized Lavender aroma. It is also the species most celebrated by aromatherapists and researchers and is considered to be highly therapeutic. Topically it supports skin rejuvenation and is known to help heal scars, burns, insect bites, and inflammation. Grapefruit OilFor your mood: Uplifting, reduces stress, stimulates circulation, increases energyFor your skin: Extracted from the peel of the fruit, grapefruit peel oil contains naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help promote smoother, younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal. It also has astringent and tightening properties that relieve congestion and limit excess sebum (oil). Because of the potent antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, it's the perfect ingredient to treat and protect breakout-prone skin. Chamomile OilFor your mood: Deep relaxation, a natural sleep aid, anti-anxietyFor your skin: Chamomile extract is reputed to help manage feelings of discomfort from inflammation and irritation. For this reason, it is a common ingredient in products that address a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis, dryness, soreness, and itchiness.It is also valued for its cleansing and moisturizing properties and is often added to soften and brighten the skin and hair, to help balance oily skin, and to help manage the appearance of blemishes and acne. Finally, this multi-purpose oil is also rejuvenating, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars due to a rich concentration of phytochemicals and polyphenols. Rose OilFor your mood: Calms and Soothes, anti-anxiety, anti-depressantFor your skin: Rose Oil visibly helps refine your skin’s texture, which aids in age-management and dry skin. The therapeutic compounds present in the oil also help control many skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis. Bonus: the antioxidants in Rose Oil will absorb deeply into the dermis layer of the skin, which is especially beneficial for mature skin. It has anti-inflammatory, cooling and soothing properties which can help with stress-related conditions in more mature skin types. It is also excellent for treating broken capillaries and scarring to help skin tone appear more even. And now, all the benefits of these four essential oils have been combined with Safflower Oil, Squalane and Vitamin E to create Pevonia’s NEW De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil!This multi-tasking wonder oil not only effectively reduces skin dryness and dehydration while soothing, calming and brightening the skin, it also promotes an unequalled feeling of increased wellbeing and utter relaxation as soon as you apply it! Heaven in a bottle.
Anti-ageing beauty tips 8 celebrities swear by
by Jo Boyden
on Jul 02 2021
It's not just genetics that grant our favourite celebrity’s beautifully bright, Benjamin Button-esque skin. Many A-listers have their go-to beauty regime which they believe keeps their complexions radiantly youthful. From daily exfoliation to drinking plentiful amounts of water, never for-going the SPF, to anti-ageing must haves, read on to discover the anti-ageing beauty tips 9 celebrities swear by and whether they’d really work for us all. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow“I drink a lot of water, it is full of healing powers”While drinking water daily is without a doubt imperative for your overall health and well-being, there is little research to support the idea that it will make a huge difference in your skin’s appearance. This is because when you drink water it doesn’t automatically go to the skin, in fact, it hydrates cells once it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and is filtered by the kidneys.So rather than relying heavily on water to boost your complexion, like Gwyneth, the best way to effectively hydrate skin is topically using products rich in hyaluronic acid. When it comes to getting dewy, hydrated skin, few ingredients deliver the way hyaluronic acid does. This is because it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water meaning it attracts and holds on to moisture in skin cells, enabling skin to both feel and look hydrated and plump. Genius!We LOVE Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. Featuring 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), it immediately boosts skin’s suppleness and combats ageing in multiple ways thanks to its skin-plumping properties. Actress Jennifer Aniston“I stay out of the sun”While it’s next to impossible to completely stay out of the sun (in fact 10 mins of sun a day will help with vitamin D production which is essential for health), limiting your time spent in it and definitely not bathing in it!! Will do wonders for your skin including keeping its smooth, even-toned texture. This is because the number one cause of wrinkles IS sun damage. Sunscreen is the most effective anti-ageing product going. Fact. So wearing an SPF daily come rain, hail or shine, whether inside or out is imperative for protection.For sunscreen that won’t clog your pores, look for formulas that contain zinc oxide. We highly recommend Medicalia’s NEW Sunscreen SPF30 with Blue Light Shield. This smooth tinted sunscreen formulated with zinc and iron oxides will not only protect your skin from UVA and UVB but also from the harmful effects of blue light caused by not only the sun but screen time too! What’s more, it rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind (which let's face it we all loathe ‘those’ sunscreens!) and its formula is reef safe!!And for extra protection and flawless-looking skin try ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 20 Actress Kerry Washington“I wear minimal makeup so my skin can breathe”Sure, sure, you might be one of those blessed celebrities that look just as fabulous without makeup on as they do with, but I’m pretty sure the majority of us aren’t going to forgo our favourite makeup must-haves in the hope it will preserve our age by a few years! What we can do though is invest in makeup that will allow your skin to breathe freely, so no clogged pores, reactions and premature ageing! ELES Cosmetics range of mineral foundations allows just that - your skin to “breathe” while shielding it against age aggressors.We can’t get enough of their best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF15! It’s a silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation which sets to a soft, powder finish when applied. Its skin-safe formula rich in vitamins A, C & E, contains no chemical ‘nasties’, heavy fillers or potential pore-clogging irritants, such as fragrance, talc, oil and dyes. And it is also formulated with titanium dioxide which is UV-protecting! Victoria Secrets Angel Candice Swanepoel“I’m religious about going for facials”Of course, a monthly, even weekly facial, as many celebrities will admit to having, can do wonders for your skin, and wouldn’t we all love to be in the position to indulge ourselves in weekly treatments at our therapists’ hands! But sadly, we can’t all afford to frequent our local spa! Good skin maintenance is however something we can all manage daily! Being armed with the right skincare products for your skin type is a start and why not give yourself a facial at home? Socialite and Entrepreneur Kim Kardashian-West"I wash with a hot cloth... then use it to exfoliate"While hot water washcloth exfoliation may be a thing, it is unlikely to be extremely beneficial in the long run. In fact, while washing your face with a hot cloth and hot water can be seen by some as a little luxury, it does come at a cost! Firstly, you want to be gentle when washing your skin. Using a washcloth can cause friction if used vigorously or too often which can lead to inflammation, irritation, and damage to your skin barrier, in turn leading to premature skin ageing!! Eek.Secondly, 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. I’m sure the majority of us aren’t going to stop washing with hot water but it’s a good idea to turn the heat down a little and ensure you replenish skin immediately after with a good hydrating moisturiser! I’m currently loving Pevonia’s Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream it’s deliciously rich and delivers intense and lasting hydration to my skin!And finally exfoliating your face with a washcloth doesn’t come close to using a skincare exfoliator which will effectively remove the days impurities. Try sticking to a face scrub or enzyme exfoliator specific for your skin type. Actress Cate Blanchette“I remove stress where possible, this will give you a better glow”Research has found that stress can have a major impact on our bodies and our skin too, leading to inflammation, skin sensitivities and even early skin aging! As stress can aggravate skin conditions, taking time to indulge in a little self-care, in turn, helps your skin stay clear and smooth. Practice self-care at home with team BC’s beauty recommendations and experience better skin health. Supermodel Christie Brinkley“I start every day by exfoliating my face”Exfoliation is key as it helps increase cell turnover and unclog pores, preventing breakouts and helping other products in your skincare routine absorb more easily for optimal results. But while Christie advocates for daily exfoliation, it’s definitely not a recommendation for everyone! Here at BC we recommend you exfoliate once or twice a week – as long as your skin can handle it. For those with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, it’s essential to start slowly (minimum of once a week) and steer clear of physical exfoliators which contain eg. grains or microbeads to buff away dead skin cells as these can be too harsh and lead to further reactions. Instead, opt for an enzyme exfoliator such as Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft, gentle exfoliant for even the most sensitive skin, and effectively eliminates impurities and dead skin cells using natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without any scrubbing!Supermodel Jessica Hart“I change up my products depending on how my skin reacts to the changing seasons.”Unfortunately, skincare isn’t a one size fits all. And over time our skin can change dramatically depending on our circumstances, from our lifestyle to the environment, our daily diet, to the stress we might be under! Also, with a change in season comes a change in our skin too so what worked for your skin weeks ago might now need some tweaking! You just need to recognise what your skin now needs and adapt your skincare to these needs.And then there are those of us that are self-isolating because of #lockdown. Here’s why it’s time to change up your skincare routine!
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!
Your guide to the best vitamin skincare – essential for skin health
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 23 2021
I’m sure we’ve all taken vitamin supplements in our time. In fact, I’m pretty sure the majority of us still take them daily, or if not at least stock up on those vitamin rich fresh fruits and leafy green veggies to get our vitamin intake! Vitamins are after all, essential for our body’s functionality! Did you know though that not only do they make sure that everything is working on the inside, they also play a major role in the appearance of our skin, hair and nails too! Yes, that’s right, without sufficient vitamins our skin can be prone to dark spots, redness, wrinkles, rough patches, excessive dryness and more!The great news is that aside from taking supplements and looking after our daily diet, one of the most effective ways to nourish our skin is to apply vitamins topically with skincare!Knowing which vitamins to look out for and how they will best benefit your skin is a great way to carefully select the best vitamin skincare products for your skin's needs though. So read on for our guide to the best vitamins in skincare and our favourite products that you need for optimum skin health! Vitamin CIf there’s one particular vitamin that needs little to no introduction, it’s vitamin C. Recommended by every beauty expert as a go-to ingredient in your beauty arsenal, the antioxidant powerhouse is known to help with your skin’s collagen production, tackle visible signs of ageing, brighten your complexion, lessen hyperpigmentation and shield skin from free radical damage! Amazing right?Try: Pevonia Vitamin C Complexe. This product is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!Vitamin AVitamin A (otherwise known as retinol in the skincare world) is another highly acclaimed skincare ingredient. In fact, it is hailed as the holy grail of the skincare world! Why? Because it 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!If you’re new to vitamin A however, we recommend introducing it slowly to build up a tolerance. To learn more about retinol and when best to apply click here.Try: Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential MoisturiserFor 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.Vitamin EThe most nourishing of all the vitamins, Vitamin E is deeply moisturising and anti-inflammatory so it’s ideal for those suffering from sensitive, dehydrated, dry and lacklustre skin.It is also one of the most powerful natural antioxidants so it helps to protect our skin from harmful free radicals caused by pollution, UV rays, excessive alcohol, smoking and other environmental nasties.Try: Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate. Rich in Vitamins E, A and Mandarin Essential Oil, this soothing, silky anti-oxidant oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma, is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning.Vitamin DVitamin D is one of, if not THE best vitamins for your skin, problem is the best source comes from the sun and we are all taught from an early age to shield ourselves from said sun due to the daily damage it can cause. Thing is the sun isn’t all bad. Just 10–15 minutes of daily exposure helps manufacture vitamin D throughout the skin. Then make sure you apply your SPF after that!
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!
The Truth about Stem Cells Skin Care: Does it really reverse skin ageing?
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 16 2021
We’ve all heard of “Stem Cells” right? Those “special” cells in our body which have the ability to self-renew and repair (so clever). So it may come as no surprise to hear (if you haven’t already!) that one of the newest and most popular high-tech ways to counteract skin ageing is stem cell technology in skincare! Yes beauty experts and scientists alike, are turning to stem cells in the form of creams, serums and even cleansers, to fight wrinkles and improve skin turnover! But the big question is, can these stem cells really stimulate human cell production because many skincare companies are claiming they do!Here we dish the dirt on the truth about stem cells in skincare!A significant challenge for any skin care brand is to provide functional, trendy, innovative AND safe products with a long shelf life. Today, most of us are simply not prepared to use human or animal products in the name of beauty! And not just because of testing, because simply put the idea of slathering some other person or animals stem cells all over your face is well a little creepy!Enter plant stem cell culture!Plant regeneration at the cellular (and tissue) level is a unique process. Like humans, the stem cells in plants have properties that help stimulate and regenerate after the plant is injured. What is interesting however is that plants are more advanced as they are equipped with a robust mechanism for regeneration of their tissues under stress. In other words, cutting the branch of a tree also results in a new bud/branch growth!Plant stem cells are adaptive. A protein in a plant can turn regular plant cells into stem cells. Magical! So, can we use this unique mechanism in plants for improving tissue regeneration in humans? Here is what we know so far:Plant stem cells in skin care is still in its infancy.Stem Cells skin care is not about putting “live” stem cells into a cream to help you produce new stem cells, the beauty industry is simply not advanced enough for this yet. So it’s hard to believe many companies are claiming this when it simply can’t be true! Unless a system capable of keeping live stem cells alive in a cream is created, live stem cells in cosmetics would be next to useless, they would die before the cream hit the market.Most stem cells skin care lines use stem cell extracts, and while they do not stimulate human stem cell production there have been enough clinical studies to support the fact that they greatly improve the health of our own skin cells and do many other great things, including; 1. They increase fibroblast activityThis is a definite plus in age-management as it helps the production of the vital proteins of collagen and elastin whose degradation is hugely responsible for the signs of skin ageing. 2. They increase cell production and growthAgain, a huge plus as the rate of new healthy cell production slows down dramatically as you get older. 3. They decrease the depth of lines and wrinkles From approximately 8-15%, which may not sound a lot, but this is after only 4 weeks use. In the long term you could expect to see much more. 4. They reduce the breakdown of Collagen and Hyaluronic in our bodiesWe know that Collagen and Hyaluronic are vital for healthy, youthful skin so a reduction in their breakdown is great news. 5. They have strong antioxidant propertiesStem Cell Extracts help to prevent “free-radical” damage to healthy skin cells. 6. They are very nutritious for our skinThey contain high concentrations of lipids, proteins, amino acids and phytoalexins (antimicrobial and often antioxidative substances). 7. They increase the skin’s level of filaggrin proteins A deficiency in filaggrin proteins leads to dryness and problems with eczema. When the skin lacks this protein, its ability to shield against pollution and topical toxic substances is reduced. So have we sold you on Stem Cells skincare yet? Cue Pevonia’s Stem Cells Phyto Elite line.Hailed for its ability to stimulate the reversal of the ageing cycle of the skin, the line, powered by two ground-breaking plant cell sources – the reparative Moroccan Argan Tree and European Comfrey Root – combined with anti-ageing super stars Retinol, Vitamins C and E and Marine Collagen, works deep within the skin to radically reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and deeply hydrating the skin at a rapid rate too!So whether you are looking to introduce a new anti-ageing cleanser, serum or moisturiser into your daily routine, this line does it all! What’s more, for this month of June if you purchase a Stem Cells Moisturiser or Stem Cells Serum you’ll receive the full size cleanser for FREE.
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