BC Skin Journal

BC Blog

6 essential steps to glowing winter skin

by Jo Boyden on Jun 08 2021

Our sun-kissed summer skin has long since faded, but that doesn't mean we have to accept a lifeless-looking complexion now winter is under way!Yes, the cooler weather and all that it brings (think hotter showers, artificial heating, cold air, wind to name a few) can dehydrate and devitalise our skin often leaving it dull, dry, sometimes flaky! But all this means is that it’s time to up the ante with a little extra skincare TLC.Not sure where to start? No problem. From vitamin-rich serums to the best of facial exfoliators and skin brightening boosters, these are the 6 essential products (and steps!) we highly recommend to keep your skin glowing all winter long. Exfoliation is key Make sure you shed those dry dead skin cells as a build-up is no good for anyone! They sit on the surface of your skin, not only dulling it, but they will also block the hydrating ingredients from every other skincare step in your routine from getting in! Eek! A regular scrub (think twice per week) using a gentle exfoliator will make all the difference we promise!Try Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. This rather lovely, gentle exfoliator will not only remove unwanted dead nasties but will promise to have your skin impeccably clean, soft and radiant in a matter of moments too! Step up the moisture Switch to a more nourishing moisturiser and if you haven’t already introduced a serum to your beauty repertoire. Skin is extra thirsty in winter so will benefit from a quenching dose of moisture.Try Pevonia Intensifier Collagen & Myoxy Caviar and best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. Apply a few drops of the intensifier (serum) beneath the moisturiser for a dewy radiant complexion while the Collagen Cream seals in vital moisture and imparts comfort for your skin…all day long. Give skin some night nurturing Before bed lather your face with a vitamin-rich oil to seal in hydration.Try Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate. The radical treatment for skin lacking lustre, combats dehydration with a burst of vitamins A and E and Mandarin Essential Oil, so your complexion really will look brighter and rejuvenated by morning. What’s more it has the most amazing aroma and even though it’s an oil, it’s fast absorbing so you know it’s doing great stuff to your skin! Don’t forget your eyes One particular area quick to suffer the effects of winter are the eyes. Often taken for granted, this sensitive area is usually the first to show signs of aging and lack of care.Drench the eye contours with super hydrating Pevonia Eye Contour rich in Collagen and skin firming elastin. Dehydration lines will become a thing of the past! Show your body some love Lather your body as you would your face, with plenty of rich cream and pay particular attention to super dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels.Applying your body lotion/cream in the bathroom following a warm bath or shower is a great way to ensure your body readily absorbs the moisture as the warmth in the air will help open your pores thus locking in the moisture.Try Pevonia Preserve Body Moisturiser. Rich in oils, vitamins and phyto-extracts it’ll restore the skin's essential lipids, leaving it soft, supple and radically hydrated. Safeguard your skin….not just in the summer months! Just because it isn’t hot (and potentially sunny, blue skies) doesn’t mean you should slack off with the sunscreen. A super hydrating sunscreen in the winter months will benefit your ailing dry skin greatly and let’s face it a little extra SPF protection against blue light damage (thank you too much screen time) won’t go amiss!Try Medicalia Suncreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, it contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books!

The 5 best-selling moisturisers on BC and why we love them too!

by Jo Boyden on Jun 01 2021

Applying moisturiser daily is one of the keys to achieving healthy, supple skin, no matter what your skin type or concern. So it's little surprise that the most common question we get asked at Beauty Collective is what is our best moisturiser. While there is no ONE moisturiser that can be plucked from the hundreds we have, there are a number which have received gold star status and for very good reason. So read on to find out the 5 Pevonia best-selling moisturisers on BC and which skin type they are best suited to. Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream Best for dry, dehydrated, ageing skin My personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 favourite of many of the BC crew too, the Marine Collagen Cream isn’t Pevonia’s global bestseller for nothing! It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and really does leave skin super soft, supple and like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture, a feeling that lasts all day! I swear my 40-year-old self has less visible lines and wrinkles thanks to this superstar cream! Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Cream Best for oily, combination and hormonal skin With a subtle lemongrass scent to die for and a soothing, silky texture which literally melts into skin on application, this moisturiser it top 5 for every good reason! Perfect for those with combination skin, prone to oily t-zones or susceptible to the odd blemish and pesky pimple, it effectively refines pores and controls oil and shine with skin nourishing ingredients including vitamin e, arnica and aloe. Get ready for smooth, soft and supple skin minus the excessive oil and congestion that it brings! Yes! Pevonia RS2 Care Cream Best for seriously sensitive or rosacea prone skin Formulated with calming, skin-caring ingredients including Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, this beautifully textured, nourishing cream is soothing like ice on seriously sensitive skin. It provides skin with vaso constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to effectively reduce redness and inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associated with Rosacea. We love the great results for rosacea prone skin but also love its natural signature scent of French Rose. It’s one heavenly product so not hard to see why it’s loved by so many! Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream For normal to sensitive skin There is nothing not to love about this product if you are a sufferer of sensitive skin. This cream will quite literally calm and control hypersensitivity. Formulated with soothing and healing propolis, aloe, shea butter, and chamomile, it alleviates and harmoniously corrects skin’s blotchiness and irritability. Skin sensitivity be gone with you! Pevonia Firming Marine Elastin Cream Best for those concerned with skin slackening or simply wanting a richer, more nourishing cream for winter Formulated with hydrating superstars’ hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane, this rich, nourishing anti-ageing cream dramatically increases moisture to the skin while improving overall texture and elasticity. Get ready to feel the difference! Oh and it smells pretty divine too!

Beauty Collective - 7 foundation mistakes

7 foundation mistakes that are making you look older and how to avoid them

by Jo Boyden on May 26 2021

All hail foundation! “The” makeup staple the majority of us can’t live without, and the one product that has the ability to cover redness, hide imperfections and smooth out skin texture, making way for a truly flawless complexion, even when we are having a “bad skin” day! But are we applying our foundation correctly? Are we using the right one for our skin type? After all applying foundation incorrectly or simply opting for the wrong base for our particular needs can be detrimental and actually add years to our skin! Well fear not! WE are here to help! Read on for the top 7 foundation mistakes you could be making and how to avoid them!Mistake No. 1: Not moisturising before applying your foundationHydrated skin is key to creating the perfect smooth surface for your foundation. If your skin is dehydrated it can have an adverse effect on your foundation’s appearance and make skin appear dull, dry and flaky too!Solution;Both your morning and evening skincare routine, no matter how busy you are, should include a good nourishing serum and anti-ageing moisturiser. Try products formulated with marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, two anti-ageing wonder ingredients. Just be sure not to overload your skin with product or overstimulate the sebum glands as producing excess oil can cause foundation to slide off your skin revealing what might be a less than desired complexion.Try; Two BC best-sellers - Pevonia Hyalouric Acid Hydra Serum and Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream.Mistake No. 2: Using thick foundation formulationsThere is this pretence that as we age, we should opt for thicker foundation to cover our imperfections but actually when you use a full-coverage foundation or are too heavy-handed with your application, the makeup settles into the wrinkles, pronouncing them even more!Solution;Remember quality over quantity! Steer clear of the thick, full coverage foundation, instead opt for light, sheer bases that can be buildable, this way you can focus on areas that need that extra coverage.Try; ELES Cosmetics best-seller and multi-tasking wonder cream ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30. It literally primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen and protect skin on contact, Genius! Mistake No. 3: Overloading on powder foundation Face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple, however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you. That’s right, it can, not only magnify fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them, but also accentuate pores, flatten the complexion, as well as dull and clog your skin!Solution;If you can’t give up the powder (I hear you!) try switching to a breathable, sheer translucent powder or better still a mineral-based one and use it sparingly and carefully – on your t-zone, or for quick touch-up’s.Try; ELES’s Mineral Powder Foundation. I’ve been obsessed with this product for years! Mistake No. 4: Applying your foundation with the wrong toolsThe key to natural-looking makeup lies in mastering the art of blending. Foundation that isn’t blended well can look heavy and imperfect.Solution;Get yourself armed with a few good brushes and a Beauty Blender, these tools will stand you in good stead and the beauty blender will enable you to reach every contour of your face. It is meant to be used damp, allowing for a flawless application and ensuring that foundation never looks heavy!Try; ELES Pro-Blender Sponge Mistake No. 5: Testing foundation shades on the back of your handYes, many do this but are they walking away with the correct shade for their complexion? No one wants a foundation to be too light so they look ghostly, or too dark so they look like they’ve spent too long in the sun!Solution;The back of your hands tends to be darker than the skin on your face so it’s best to trial a few shades on both your jawline and neck. Just remember though your face tends to get much more sun exposure than your neck so you really want to find a foundation shade that matches both areas when blended into the skin. Mistake No. 6: Selecting a cool skin base that is wrong for your skin toneMany foundations come in warm AND cool tones and choosing the wrong one for your skin can be detrimental.Solution;Opt for warmer tones as you get older that help counteract complexion pinkness that comes with thinning of the skin and exposure of fine capillaries. Warmer tones also conceal shadows better which means you need less concealer. Or give a CC Cream a go. Also known as colour correctors, they serve multiple purposes including disguising sallowness and imperfections such as dark spots and redness common with skin ageing.Try; The ELES Luminous CC Cream SPF 20. It’s a lightweight, oil-free, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection and demi-matte finish. And while it’s technically not a foundation, the full coverage pigments adapt to individual skin tones “cancelling” redness—be it from rosacea, pimples, irritation, you name it, while skin nourishing and brightening ingredients help even tone, diminish imperfections and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion. Mistake No. 7: You’re using the wrong foundation formula for your skin typeFrom mineral to traditional formulations, matte foundation to tinted moisturiser, oil-free to liquid, powder to stick and more, there are so many foundation formulations on the market so it can be tricky to know which is the right one for you! But knowing is key to creating the perfect base!Solution;Check out one of our latest blogs. It gives you the lowdown on each foundation type and which one will be best for your skin type and concern.

Beauty Collective - Best cleanser for your skin

The best cleanser for your skin and why you need it now

by Jo Boyden on May 21 2021

We all know it – cleansing is the first AND most important stage of any skincare routine. After all, if we don’t cleanse away the day's makeup and grime, how is our beloved moisturiser supposed to penetrate our skin for optimum benefit? And then there is the problem of clogged pores resulting in pesky pimples and acne too! So we’ve established that cleansing is a necessity, but are we doing it right? While the actual process of cleansing may seem simple, with so many options, choosing the right cleanser for your skin isn’t always as straightforward! There are foam cleansers, oil cleansers, balm cleansers, cream cleansers, cleansing lotions, and micellar water! And each type of cleanser works slightly differently and is targeted towards specific skin types and concerns! Did you know certain formulations are better for sensitive skin while others are targeted to be real acne fighters? Well, we are here to dish the dirt by breaking down the 6 main cleansing categories. After all, finding the right cleanser for your specific skin’s needs can be a real game changer, I am a testament to that! Foaming Cleansers Foaming cleansers create a foamy lather (hence the name), and are ideal for removing oil, layers of makeup, and even hard-to-wash-off product. They are designed to deep clean the skin by getting rid of excess oil and sebum as well as work to effectively unclog pores, helping to keep your skin clean and refreshed. As they foam, they draw out oil and as a result can be a little on the drying side, though some are formulated with oils or emollients to provide a more moisturising experience. Who are they for? 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. Also perfect for those that love to use a “foaming” type cleanser and like to wash off with water. Try: Pevonia Micro Retinol Foaming Cleanser. It thoroughly cleanses, brightens and smooths skin with the added benefit of anti-ageing superstars retinol and hyaluronic acid. Perfect for those with advanced signs of ageing, sun damage, uneven skin tone and dark spots. Not recommended however for sensitive skin. “How much do I love this! I think this has guzumped my present foaming cleanser! Fresh, firming yet doesn't feel like your skin is too tight.” Leah Gel Cleansers Gel cleansers have a very different texture from the light and airy one of a traditional foaming cleanser, instead, they have a thicker, gel consistency which provides a small amount of foam (if any) when mixed with water, and a milder, lighter cleansing experience. However, the milder cleanse doesn’t mean it’s inefficient! Quite the contrary. It simply means it cleans out the skin and pores, however not quite as deeply as a foaming cleanser but as a result does so without leaving the skin feeling stripped. Who are they for? They are ideal for normal to combination/oily skin. Try: Pevonia’s Phyto Gel Cleanser. It’s lightweight gel to foaming formulation which gently but deeply cleanses the skin and regulates excess oiliness without causing dryness that many gel or foaming cleansers can. “The best cleanser! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! I love the way my skin felt after the first time I used it. I have sensitive acne-prone skin and this cleanser works like a dream!” Dionne Cream Cleansers Cream Cleansers are typically gentler on the skin than any other cleansers, are usually thicker and creamy and offer deep moisturising as they contain moisturising ingredients. Skin is cleansed gently without stripping the skin’s natural oils and therefore won’t cause dryness as a result. Who are they for? These cleansers are best for those with sensitive or dry skin as they cleanse the skin but leave it feeling calm, comfortable and softened. Also recommended for normal skin types. Try: Phytomer Doux Visage Velvet Cleansing Cream. This ultra-gentle and hydrating cleansing cream not only gently and effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup without drying skin, but will also soften and brighten your complexion after the very first application. “Fantastic cleansing cream. I've used this for years and I love it. I have sensitive skin and have to be careful of what I use. This works wonderfully and I've never had an issue. Cleans gently without stripping face of moisture. Highly recommend.” Kate Micellar Water Micellar water is a water-based, non-soap cleanser. When oil and dirt is mixed with a surfactant (cleansing agent), the surfactant molecules arrange themselves into tiny clusters called micelles. Essentially, it's oil suspended in a water-like cleanser that helps to remove make-up and dirt more easily than a regular cleanser. Who are they for? This type of cleanser is best for sensitive or dry skin. Try: Vie Collection Micellar Water. It’s a gentle cleanser which purifies, conditions and effectively removes makeup in one easy step. Skin is calm cleansed and revitalized. “I love that I can clean and moisturize my face in one step, I don't have to compromise, An efficient cleanser while hydrating my skin.” Millie Cleansing Lotions Cleansing lotions, like your traditional cleansers are formulated to remove impurities, makeup and pollution from skin, thereby allowing it to breathe. These lotions provide the most effective way to purify the skin and improve its overall health, shine and appearance. You can either use a cleansing lotion alone as your cleaner or as a next step after cleansing skin for a double cleanse and thoroughly clean, refreshed skin. Who are they for? All skin types. Anyone who loves to double cleanse. Try: Phytomer Rose Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion. An all-in-one makeup remover and toner. Quick, effective, pleasant to use. Alcohol-free and infinitely gentle, this lotion removes makeup and tones without leaving an oily film. The skin is left velvety clean. “This is fantastic, I use it to clean my entire face including removing my mascara. It removes any residual makeup or sweat from my skin & does not irritate my sensitive skin. Love it, can't lie without this.” Lauren Cleansing Oils Cleansing Oils are another great way to remove makeup and grime from the skin. They work on an ‘oil attracts oil’ basis, absorbing impurities while nourishing your complexion. When they are massaged into the skin, the 'good' oils in the cleanser work to dissolve any 'bad' oils that build up on the skin's surface. The cleansing oil binds to these impurities, which are then drawn out and washed away with water. Skin is then replenished with clean, nourishing oils that help balance the skin’s natural oils leaving it soft and moisturised. Cleansing oils are great for removing stubborn or waterproof makeup and suitable for all skin types since they gentle on the skin, are formulated with nourishing ingredients and designed to be rinseable with water so therefore not leave any oily residue. Try: ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil. It quite literally melts away makeup and impurities without stripping moisture. When combined with water the oil transforms to a milky white formula that feels gentle on the face and helps maintain a balanced, hydrated and smoothed complexion. “Leaves skin feeling really clean. Takes makeup off easy with just one application. Great product!” Marise Triple-duty cleansers And finally there is a new cleanser taking centre stage. Hybrid cleansers which offer the combination of gel, oil and foam! Try: We love Pevonia’s NEW CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. It’s a truly innovative, triple duty oil cleanser with a gel like consistency which features an advanced lipid-rich, alcohol-free, soap-free exclusive formula which transforms into a luscious, foaming cleanser on application (when mixed with water). It acts like a super magnet entrapping pollutants, impurities and bacteria to leave skin radiantly refreshed, soft and supple after every application. Who is it for? This cleansing wonder is suitable for all skin types, but especially great for those suffering from dry skin because of its perfect blend of foaming surfactants, skin-friendly oils and soothing, nourishing ingredients. “I recently started using this cleanser and now I am a complete convert and will never look back. I LOVE it. I thoroughly enjoy the cleansing experience it brings as well as the amazing results after only a few applications. Beautifully cleansed, clear, smooth and healthy-looking skin every day! Yay!” Jo

BB, CC, DD Cream. What do these creams actually do and which is right for you?

by Jo Boyden on May 13 2021

Beauty Balm, Colour Corrector or Daily Defence Cream? We’ve all heard of them, there is a lot of hype surrounding them but what exactly is the difference between these three cult beauty buys and most importantly, which one will be best for your skin? Well read on as we bring you the inside scoop on these skincare/makeup hybrids and reveal why you need at least one of them in your life!We’ve already told you all about the infamous BB, the multi-tasking wonder cream which triples as your primer, foundation and SPF in one. But how exactly do they differ from your CC and DD? CC CreamOffering more coverage than a BB Cream but in a light/sheer formula, CC Creams, also known as colour correctors, serve multiple purposes including disguising sallowness and imperfections such as dark spots and redness.Who’s it for?Ideal for anyone, but if you’re acne-prone, have dull skin, dark spots or suffer from facial redness CC Cream is the one for you.We loveThe Phytomer Skin Perfecting CC Cream SPF20 is a game changer! It’s a lightweight, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum sun protection that combines the performance of a professional moisturiser with makeup to effectively nourish skin, smooth pores and fine lines while concealing imperfections!The ultra-natural finish truly enhances and brightens the complexion while the skin nourishing formula relieves dryness and soothes inflammation.From the first application, skin flaws are softened, the complexion is even and the skin is literally enhanced. Within one month, skin is naturally even, bright and perfectly hydrated. Also this outstanding CC Cream comes in two shades – light for those with a lighter skin tone, and medium-deep for tanned, olive and dark skin tonesDD CreamDD or Daily Defence Cream, is also known as your “double duty” cream. A mix of both BB and CC, DD Creams basically include the skincare benefits of a BB Cream and the coverage benefits of a CC, with the primary focus being on anti-ageing.Designed to prime, perfect and protect both instantly and over time, these creams are your do it all cream! They will balance your complexion as well as protect even the most sensitive of skin types for healthy skin that glows.Who’s it forIf you are looking for a tinted cream that’ll reduce the appearance of wrinkles, then DD should be your go-to.We lovePevonia’s YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF 30. Lightweight, age-defying, hydrating, pore refining and brightening, it really is the ultimate 5-in-1 DD cream!It delivers instant radiance to the skin while it’s subtle natural tint visibly reduces the appearance of enlarged pores for a flawless complexion. The added benefits of Collagen, Vitamin C and Green Olive Extracts repair fine line and wrinkles.In a nutshellBB Creams provide the coverage of a tinted foundation (although buildable) with the hydrating and anti-ageing properties of a moisturiser, and the added bonus of SPF.CC Creams have the ability to even out skin tone as well as neutralise redness and sallowness, with the added benefits of skin brightening and hydration.Alongside the BB’s skincare benefits and CC’s colour correcting, DD Creams have the added benefit of combatting fine lines and wrinkles over time. Think of them as the protector, their ingredients focus on defending skin from environmental aggressors like pollution resulting in glowing, healthier skin.

Why retinol is the anti-ageing ingredient your skin needs

by Jo Boyden on May 10 2021

With so many anti-ageing skin care products on the market, choosing what will be right for your skin can be baffling so say the least. However, when it comes to reducing the visible signs of ageing, retinol is the “super-ingredient” every beauty professional hails 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! What exactly is retinol?Retinol and retinoic acid are both forms of vitamin A used in skincare products. The stronger of the two, retinoic acid, is only available via prescription while retinol can be sold over the counter. What does it do?It is a cell communicator that can help damaged skin cells return to their normal function.When skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun it absorbs free radicals, which attack healthy cells. Retinol interrupts this process by attaching itself to damaged cells and communicating with them, helping them to act like healthy cells again.It also helps your skin slough dead cells and creates new ones, which in turn creates new collagen. Over time, this can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Finally, because retinol helps to slough away dead skin cells and reveal new growth underneath, continuous use can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperpigmentation by peeling away the top layers of skin and slowing the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. Who is it suitable for?While the cosmetic and medical industries are almost united in their love for retinol, some with sensitive skin will go through an inevitable adjustment period, up to six weeks of red, flaky skin. Still, sensitive skin can be trained to tolerate vitamin A derivatives, so really, the only women who shouldn’t use retinol are those who are pregnant or nursing.So what about the adjustment period? There will be some dryness, maybe flakiness and sometimes the skin may feel sensitive. Why? Upon application, the retinol binds to DNA, and immediately instructs the skin’s proteins and enzymes to do certain things, firstly to expel the piled-up dead cells from your skin’s surface. Refining that top layer causes some water loss initially, which can make sensitive skin seem drier and more irritable. But push through and it will become less sensitive over time and leave you with a fantastic glow and reduced fine lines.If however, you have underlying skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, using a high strength retinol product could enhance the inflammation. When is the best time to use it?It is best to introduce retinol products slowly – apply it only at night, one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application. Retinols are best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive and should be used in conjunction with sunscreen in the day (although you should be using SPF daily, round around anyway!).When applying your retinol cream, allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (this could take up to 30 minutes) before layering any other products. Just make sure to use any acne-fighting products (i.e. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acid) on the nights you don’t use your retinol product.Prepare for the inevitable adjustment period your skin will go through before you see the results you want. Because retinol causes the skin to shed cells faster than normal, you’ll likely experience a few weeks of change to your skin including some flakiness and dryness.And finally, give the product time to work its magic. This could take a few months but the results WILL be worth it. We promise!Why Pevonia Micro-Retinol range?Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Line contains all-natural retinol, sourced from green leafy vegetables.The Micro-Retinol Line utilizes a specialized technology to create micro-particles of retinol that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation and immediate results.Every product in the Micro Retinol Line contains a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol® The addition of vitamins C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol®’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved.

The best way to protect your skin from blue light damage

by Jo Boyden on May 07 2021

Blue light damage, we’ve all heard if it, I’ve personally blogged about it, but what’s the best bet for protecting our skin from it?First, to recap. Blue light damage IS a problem. It’s caused by our digital devices (as well as the sun) and having read a scary statistic the other day – the average person in their lifetime will spend 17 years on their phone – it’s something we need to take seriously.Blue light from electronics is linked to a number of issues, from digital eye damage, to sleep deprivation (and lack of sleep never did anyone any good) and then there is the adverse effect it has on our skin! Why spend all that time, energy and money on skincare only to have the good undone by our devices? As quickly as a collagen cream can replenish our skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles, overexposure to “screen time” can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen causing fine lines and wrinkles! And that’s not all! Excessive blue light can cause inflammation, leading to redness and dark spots, as well as hyperpigmentation, particularly in those with darker skin.Let’s face it though, we aren’t going to give up scrolling on our phone or our love of Netflix at night, nor can those of us who work, simply shutdown our laptops and say no more! But what we can do is a number of steps to help protect our skin and reduce the effects that blue light damage can cause. Look for key ingredients in your skincareLayer your products with skin protecting ingredients including iron oxide and antioxidants, they will all significantly aid in protecting your skin from too much screen time. Iron OxideLook for products with formulations that contain iron, this is because iron oxide helps neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.AntioxidantsProducts that contain antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress, which is one of the negative effects of blue light. By applying topical products containing vitamin C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effects of blue light. Try Medicalia C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within our skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects. We also love Pevonia’s stem Cells Phyto-Elite range, rich in vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing.Wear a BB CreamIn the same way that physical sunscreens can help act as a barrier for the skin against blue light, so can products that contain light-reflecting pigment, like BB cream, which has been proven to reduce the effects of blue light by 80 per cent. Luminous skin and (partial) blue light protection in one! Our favourite and one of BC’s best-sellers is the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30. It is your multi-tasking wonder cream, because this product simply put does it all! It’s your moisturiser, primer, foundation and SPF in one! Don’t forgo your SPF, everIt’s important to protect our skin in the same way we would from the sun, so wearing an SPF daily year-round is a must (you should be doing this anyway!)Sunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide. A new favourite of the team at BC is Medicalia’s new Sunscreen SPF 30 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, it contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books! Protect your eyes with a good eye creamBlue light harms the delicate skin around your eyes so an eye cream is essential. This is because eye creams are different to your daily moisturisers and serums as they are formulated with specific active ingredients to nurture and repair the fragile eye area – the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies and up to 1/10 thinner than the rest of the skin on our face! Their main objective is to target specific eye concerns – crow’s feet, under eye bags and dark circles, delivering brightening and anti-ageing ingredients in a mild, gentle and safe dose.We highly recommend Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream. Enriched with the best antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients including; encapsulated high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Botox-like peptides, fatty acids, vitamin c and vitamin B3, this silky cream is inspired by eye-rejuvenating Botox and hyaluronic acid injections to effectively fight signs of ageing and fatigue. Suitable for everyone even those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.There are also other ways you can aid your skin including, avoiding screen time an hour before bed, eating a well-rounded diet rich in anti-oxidant and fatty-acid foods and purchasing blue light blockers and filters, you just need to make sure you start incorporating all these factors into your daily routine!

Take your skin to the next level with team BC’s best beauty buys

by Jo Boyden on Apr 29 2021

Here at Beauty Collective, we are very privileged to be surrounded by the best of the best when it comes to beauty. Collectively our panel of experts, as well as our head office team, have tried and tested hundreds of skincare and makeup products over the years, but these are the 7 favourites that we all agree to stand out from the rest of the pack, and take it from me, if a product has made it onto this list, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s a gold star beauty buy, here is why; Pevonia “C” ComplexInstantly brighter, dewier skin? Who doesn’t want that right? Well this product certainly delivers! For the ultimate skin brightening boost, this product is a must. Superhero glow-getter Vitamin C comes together with hydrating and anti-ageing powerhouse hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish and correct photo-damage! The citrus scent is simply heavenly, and it feels amazingly refreshing on application! But more importantly, the results speak for themselves! Radiant looking skin instantaneously. ELES BB CreamI’m personally not one for foundations because I find them a little OTT for my skin, but this BB Cream is an everyday favourite of mine and I would say for the majority of girls at BC. I LOVE that it is quite literally a multi-tasking wonder cream! It primes, tints, nourishes, protects (thanks to its SPF of 30) and evens out skin tone for a truly natural, flawless finish, plus it feels like you aren’t wearing anything, no easy feat for makeup with SPF that’s for sure! So if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this product is one you should seriously consider too! Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamMy personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 favourite of many here too, the Marine Collagen Cream isn’t Pevonia’s global bestseller for nothing! It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and really does leave skin super soft, supple and like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture, a feeling that lasts all day! I swear my 40-year-old self has less visible lines and wrinkles thanks to this superstar cream! Pevonia Dry Oil Body MoisturiserFor a little extra energy and a spring in your step, try indulging your body in the numerous benefits of this botanically infused body oil!Absolutely luscious it quite literally indulges skin in aromatic glory for want of a better word! It’s a dry oil without being oily or greasy (which is a no no from me!) and immediately absorbs into skin, replenishing and nourishing every inch! After using it (it’s great to use after stepping out of the shower) I promise your body will have never felt so silky-soft! Oh, and the smell is divine too! Pevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateWe all LOVE this product and for very good reason. It’s a radical dry skin saviour and especially at this time of year with the change in seasons skin can be dry, sensitive and lacklustre. I personally can’t get enough of it at night! It is soothing and silky and has the most amazing mandarin aroma. Yes it’s an oil but it’s fast absorbing so you know it’s doing good stuff to your skin, and it combats dehydration instantaneously by locking in that much needed moisture, so simply put you’ll wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin every morning, I can vouch for that!Pevonia Micro Retinol CreamAside from Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, Retinol has long been worshipped as the hero ingredient in the fight against ageing and we know why! A derivative of Vitamin A, this ‘holy grail’ of ingredients offers a multitude of benefits from reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation and photo ageing, reducing large pores and clearing acne to speeding cell turning over and making cells function like that of a child!! Crazy right? With all this in mind, our entire team at BC were up for the challenge of trialling Pevonia’s Micro Retinol Cream but were sure to do so by slow introduction as retinol if applied topically too much too fast can have an adverse effect.The cream is beautiful! So light in texture, non-greasy and with a subtle scent. We collectively noticed changes in our skin from smoothing of lines and wrinkles, to skin softening, improvement in firmness and reduced in pore size as well as pigmentation! What more could we want? I’ve personally tried retinol-based products before but had found them irritating and a little unpleasant, not with this product! After weeks of using it at night my skin appears so much more luminous, refined and visibly hydrated too! Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing BathNothing relieves stress and induces relaxation quite like an indulgent bubble bath, better still a bath laced with the remineralizing magical properties of the sea! Phytomer’s Oligomer Well being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath, enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater – is one of those little gems we all need in our lives. You feel like you could quite literally float away as it evokes a feeling of pure weightlessness as all pent-up tension slips away. Pure bliss. From the best in professional skincare to makeup mast-haves, these are the beauty heroes the team at BC can’t get enough of.

From me to…me. 5 beauty treats you’ll love this Mother’s Day

by Jo Boyden on Apr 23 2021

While we should show our love and appreciation for our amazing mums year round, I have to admit I do love a dedicated day to buy that special something for mum, and while I’m spending my pennies on her, why not make it into a day to gift and indulge myself too? Cheeky maybe but I’m guessing my 5 and 8 year olds aren’t going to know what mummy might love this Mother’s day! And whether you are a mum or not, we all deserve to pamper ourselves from time to time right?So whether you are on the quest for that perfect gift for your mum, looking for ideas to give to your hubby, or simply wanting to spoil yourself, because why not? It’s time to forget the flowers, friends and copious amounts of chocolate (because hey if you’re like me, you might still have enough to feed an army after Easter! Eek) this year why not spend your hard earned money on makeup and skincare treats that’ll not only last longer than a few days but will make you and your mum feel fabulous too! And what woman doesn’t love a good beauty buy! Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath Nothing induces relaxation at-home quite like an indulgent remineralizing bath. Coupled with a little music to set the mood and a candle here and there it could be said to be nearly as good as a pamper session at your favourite spa! We are loving Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath. This little gem really does create an unparalleled stress-relief experience. It’s lightly foaming and enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium-reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater –to strengthen and restore the skin and release all pent-up tension. I need me one of these baths’ stat! Phytomer Marine Mist Scented Water with Oligomer This totally indulgent marine mist is the perfect spritz to cover your body from head to toe when you’ve stepped out of your relaxing remineralizing bath (or after a shower for that matter!) It’s an all-purpose skincare mist that quite literally soothes the mind and the senses for a moment of pure calm and relaxation, whilst showering your body in all the beautifying benefits of the sea, thanks to Oligomer, Phytomer’s emblematic seawater concentrate. Rich in natural ingredients it hydrates, brightens, and recharges skin cells. Usually reserved exclusively for the spas at the start of each Phytomer treatment, it’s available in retail for a limited time only and comes presented in a gorgeous blue Phytomer pouch! Yes, please! Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream If no one else is going to treat you, why not treat yourself to an at-home peel. It’ll do wonders for your skin I promise. And no don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins revealing silky soft, smooth and glowing Acids skin. You can thank me later! ELES Custom Palette As a busy mum the words makeup palette is music to my ears! Containing a slot for bronzer, blush and two eye shades, this super convenient compact is the perfect way to add subtle colour and radiance to your everyday look, but it’s also great for little touch-ups when on the go! What’s better with the ELES Custom Palette, YOU call all the shots. Whether you’re creating an everyday look, a look for nights or going for the perfect travel collection, this palette will be your go-to. Pevonia Home Facial Gift Set Everything you need to deep cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin, this gift set is the holy grail of pampering and skin perfection in one! Containing four of Pevonia’s best-selling products; Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Hydrating Cleanser, Hydration Lotion and Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream, and samples of three skin brightening and perfecting masks; Collagen, Green Apple and Charcoal, each product will ensure you feel truly indulged while donning excellent results after every application and who doesn’t want soft, glowing skin every day of the week?

Beauty Collective - Rosacea sensitive redness

Are you suffering from facial redness? Understanding rosacea and how to combat it

by Jo Boyden on Apr 08 2021

If you didn’t already know, you do now - the month of April has become globally renowned as “Rosacea Awareness month” and for very good reason! Yes, an entire month dedicated to educating us all about one of the most prevalent skin disorders. A condition that so many of us don’t understand, even those who may be currently living with it but ignorantly unaware! In fact, it’s said that an estimated 415 million people suffer from rosacea globally. Huge right?So if you suffer from facial redness, persistent bumps and pimples, skin irritation or thickening read on as we reveal the facts about rosacea and how to best treat it. So what exactly is rosacea?Rosacea is an auto-inflammatory skin condition. A chronic condition, which unfortunately cannot be cured per se but can be alleviated. What are the key signs of rosacea?If you are suffering from rosacea, they’ll be a few key symptoms to look out for. The most common visible symptom being persistent facial redness which may resemble a blush or sunburn which doesn’t want to go away!Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing. This may be accompanied by a sense of heat, warmth or burning that comes and goes, and is often an early feature of the disorder. Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples may often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging may occur.In many people with rosacea, prominent small blood vessels called telangiectasia become visible on the cheeks, nasal bridge and other areas of the central face.And finally, but a much less common symptom - your skin may thicken and enlarge from excess tissue, most commonly on the nose (known as rhinophyma).Through understanding the different appearances of Rosacea, as well as some common triggers, you can start taking steps in the right direction toward controlling your redness. Who does rosacea affect?Adults over the age of 30 are more likely to be affected, although rosacea occasionally occurs in young people but very rarely in children.Pregnancy and childbirth can exacerbate the condition as well as be a trigger.Like many conditions, rosacea can be hereditary and while it’s more common in women, men tend to suffer from more severe symptoms. What is the cause?While the cause of rosacea is unknown there are lifestyle and environmental factors which can affect it’s severity from sunlight to weather changes, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and more. If I have rosacea what can I do to manage/improve it?Sorry to be the barer of bad news but there is currently no cure for this intrusive skin condition. The good news however is you can effectively manage your symptoms by a combination of lifestyle changes, supplements (if recommended by a dermatologist) and specific skincare products. Phew! Change up your diet Underlying redness can sometimes be related to a few external factors, and simple changes like adjusting your diet can make all the difference. In the same way, certain skincare ingredients can trigger surface reactions, some foods can inflame and irritate skin from within. These foods tend to have high acidic content and in turn, can regularly produce flushed cheeks and persistent redness. We suggest avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, citrus, tomato and chocolate and instead recommend an ‘anti-inflammatory diet’ which includes lots of green leafy veggies, fish, essential oils and low-glycemic (G.I) fruits including apples, pears, plums and cherries. Be sure to steer clear of watermelon and mangos which are high-glycemic as well as grains, non-organic meats and dairy!Finally, pre and probiotics are a must and vitamin D supplements can also help. Make lifestyle changes As well as diet, simple lifestyle changes will become a must.I’m afraid alcohol is a no no. But everything in moderation right? Hot beverages should become a thing of the past and drinking cold water and plenty of it (especially while exercising) is a necessity. Extreme temperatures (either hot or cold), as well as wind and sun exposure, can massively impact symptoms so be sure to take all into consideration and smoking is not good. Fact. Introduce an effective skincare program specifically targeting your concern Change up your skincare routine but be sure your products are compatible with your symptoms. Rosacea specific products such as Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 line can help soothe the skin as well as successfully elevating the symptoms.Firstly, cleansing your skin is imperative but it’s essential to use mild, non-abrasive cleansers and rinse with lukewarm water (not hot that can further trigger the flush). We love Pevonia’s RS2 Gentle Cleanser. Ideal for hypersensitivity, it’s a calming, creamy cleanser which gently removes impurities with soothing, cooling and decongesting allantoin, French rose and chamomile. After cleansing, use a soothing serum rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients that work deeply to strengthen capillaries, control blotchiness and restore calmness. Try Pevonia’s RS2 Concentrate.Follow with a nurturing care cream specifically to moisturise sensitive and rosacea prone skin. Rich in licorice root extract (also known as nature's cortisone) Pevonia’s RS2 Care Cream is soothing like ice on sensitive skin. What’s more for the month of April, if you purchase this best-selling cream you’ll receive the matching cleanser and lotion 50ml for FREE! Having read the above if you suspect you may have rosacea, start an effective skincare program today and follow these top tips now before the disorder becomes increasingly severe and intrusive on your daily life.

You’ve not experienced glowing skin until you’ve tried this

by Jo Boyden on Mar 23 2021

Just as we are told to keep up our daily intake of fresh fruit and veggies, thanks to the multitude of vitamins they contain, it’s equally as important to apply vitamins topically to our skin for optimum skin health. While vitamin E helps increase nutrient levels and inflammation and vitamin A is a real wrinkle fighter, it is wonder ingredient - vitamin C that receives all the beauty buzz and for very good reason.Recommended by every beauty expert as a go-to ingredient in your beauty arsenal, this notorious glow-getter not only radially brightens skin, lessening hyperpigmentation, it also increases collagen production (which diminishes with age) and protects skin against pollution and sun damage by effectively neutralising free radicals (which can wreak havoc by harming healthy skin cells as well as promoting premature ageing – we are talking fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and more…eek!)So if you suffer from hyperpigmentation or 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 routine, and these 5 BC favourites will help you achieve just that. For those who need the perfect pick-me upPevonia Vitamin C ComplexeFor the ultimate skin brightening boost, this product 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! For those with maturing skin concernsVie Collection Vita C SolutionWe can’t recommend this skin-smoothing serum enough! It provides rapid revitalising for maturing skin, brightening and enhancing skin tone like never before with boosted (10%) vitamin C to truly promote a healthy, beautiful glow. For those with blemish-prone skinPhytomer White Lumination Brightening Serum This ultra-light serum which visibly lights up the complexion helps reduce the appearance of blemishes to achieve an even tone and skin that literally glows from within! For a flawless baseELES Cosmetics Luminous CC Cream 20The ultimate skin correcting cream, ELES’s Luminous CC not only adapts to skin tones for a flawless foundation, its skin nourishing and brightening ingredients help even tone and diminish imperfections too. It’s not one of ELES Cosmetic’s best-sellers for nothing! One for the eyes….Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye GelIf you love the feeling of a cooling eye gel to soothe and depuff your peepers, this product is the one for you. Anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C is the star ingredient in this eye gel. The skin saviour coupled with hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo Biloba is a sure thing for cooling tired eyes and effectively decongesting and de-puffing them in one swift application.

Why and how you should switch up your skincare routine this autumn

by Jo Boyden on Mar 17 2021

With summer now officially behind us (boo), and the cooler days of autumn here, you might well have started to notice a slight change in your skin? From dehydration to hyper-pigmented patches, seasonal changes can reap havoc on our complexion, but with just a few simple changes to your daily skincare routine (and some dry skin remedies thrown into the mix), we promise you can calmly transition your skin from summer to autumn, seeing it happily and healthily through the cooler months ahead. So read on for our 8 top tips on how to get glowy autumn skin. Exfoliate away dead summer skin cells Even though skin becomes drier and more sensitive in the cooler months, exfoliation is not a step that should ever be missed! Those dry dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your skin are not only dulling it, they are also blocking the hydrating ingredients from every other skincare step in your routine from getting in! Just be sure not to overdo it though. If your skin tends to be on the more sensitive side, we recommend exfoliating no more than once a week and opting for natural enzyme exfoliators rather than physical ones where rubbing and scrubbing can cause irritation.Both the Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes and Pevonia’s Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream are formulated with natural enzymes which basically melt away dead cells so no scrubbing is needed and the results speak for themselves – brighter, more radiant skin after every application.For all other skin types, exfoliating once or twice a week is a must. Try Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it’s one of the brands global best sellers and for good reason! Switch your cleanser to an oil or balm As the temperature starts to drop your skin will start to produce less oil, as water loss from skin is increased, this means it’s time to forgo the gel or foaming cleanser which has been your go-to through the warm summer season, and opt for gentle cream, milk or oil-based formulas that will thoroughly cleanse your skin without stripping it of much-needed moisture. Try Phytomer’s Cyfolia Radiance Cleansing Cream. It’s formulated with Organic Orange water, Oligomer, Organic Vegetal Oils and Cyfolia Algae which literally melts on contact with the skin to gently cleanse and remove makeup, oil and impurities. Bliss. Know what skin survival ingredients to look for It’s important to look for skincare formulated with ingredients that will not only hydrate but also assist the skin in retaining that moisture all day long. Ingredients rich in essential fatty acids such as squalane (olive oil) and vitamin E as well as superstar hydrators including hyaluronic acid, marine collagen and Glycerin, will keep the skin plump and hydrated, while ingredients such as shea butter and argan oil will ensure cells function optimally allowing them to maximise the skin’s water retention. Give your skin a moisture surge Early autumn can see skin depleted of moisture which leads to a dry, devitalized complexion. So be sure to up the ante and incorporate dry skin remedies into your daily routine. If you aren’t already, be sure to apply a hydrating serum each morning under your daily moisturiser and a replenishing oil at night.Don’t forget your body too! After your shower, smother your damp skin from neck to toes with a rich body balm or body oil. Did you know the skin’s outer layer swells open when it’s damp allowing products to penetrate better? Reduce hyperpigmented patches While you can’t undo the damage that the UV rays have caused while you’ve been sunning yourself by the sea, you can help minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. To help fade the look of dark spots and even skin tone click there. Don’t forgo your sunscreen Yes, it’s easy to remember to apply your sunscreen when you’re headed to the beach, or out and about on holiday, but so many of us seem to skip this vital step as soon as the cooler, cloudier months arrive! Still the biggest offender of premature ageing, UVA rays are prevalent all year round and can penetrate clouds, glass and even some clothes! Scary right? So make sure you continue this vital step in your daily routine and keep skin looking younger! For a daily moisturiser to die for, try the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection.If you aren’t a huge lover of sunscreen on your face, opt for a foundation with a high SPF. Try ELES’s Age Defying BB Cream 30, I promise it’ll become your go-to all autumn long. It’s multi-faceted and benefit-packed, and primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen and protect the skin on contact! Genius. Use an antioxidant-rich cream at night At night, your skin switches from ‘protect’ to ‘repair’ mode. It’s when it can finally recover from the day’s stresses so applying a rich night moisturising cream will offer no end of benefits. I LOVE Phytomer’s Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream. The rich texture of the cream literally cocoons skin in nourishing hydration while it boosts your skin’s renewal, so your complexion gets all the benefits while you slumber. Adding a few drops of rich nourishing oil to your night cream, or immediately after applying will give skin that extra boost too. Try Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. This soothing, silky oil has the most amazing mandarin aroma (it’s formulated with Mandarin Essential Oil) and is quite literally worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically hydrating! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. I kid you not. Give your eyes and lips a little extra TLC Our lips lack melanin so they are especially susceptible to sun damage and after several months of hot weather are also prone to deep dryness. Squinting, sweating and the sun can also cause damage to the fragile eye area. So give these areas some TLC. Reach for nourishing lip colour instead of drying mattes, apply SPF over your lips and at night offer some much-needed repair. Phytomer – Youth Contour Soothing Eye and Lip Cream is our favourite because it is formulated to calm, soothe and replenish delicate skin.

How to get ‘Cloud skin’ – the newest beauty trend you need to know now

by Jo Boyden on Mar 15 2021

From glowy ‘Glass skin’ to a clear ‘Cloudless’ complexion, there’s now a new beauty trend taking centre stage, otherwise known as ‘Cloud’ skin!Much like its predecessors, cloud skin is simply another variation of ‘perfect skin’, but instead of perfecting the iridescent high shine of glass skin, or achieving the perfect, poreless complexion of cloudless skin, Cloud skin is about strategically mixing both skincare and makeup to create an almost soft-focus, ‘lit-from-within’ effect on the skin, an ethereal glow mastered by using different mediums from dewy, glowing to matte, and we are here to tell you how! So read on for a step-by-step on how best to achieve this latest skin craze! You are going to love the results… Prep, prep, prep Before you even begin to master the makeup for this trend you need to make sure your skin is prepped to perfection. You want to achieve an angelic glow so super hydrating products are a must.Opt for skincare formulated with hyaluronic acid and other moisture-boosting ingredients such as glycerin, marine collagen, and squalane. It’s important to follow a daily skincare routine and we highly recommend Pevonia’s Power Repair line. Any Pevonia lover will tell you this is the “go-to” line for dramatically hydrating the skin and smoothing away dehydration lines. Abundant in Hyaluronic, Collagen, Glycerin, and Squalane, the cleanser, serums, and creams are like a moisture magnet, plumping and firming the skin. I personally LOVE and religiously use the Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum and Marine Collagen Cream. The serum – the newest product in the range, features one of the highest concentrates of hyaluronic acid on the market! It deeply penetrates the skin delivering the ultimate hydrating and skin-smoothing results and leaves skin’s texture softer, plumper, healthier and luminous after every application. It’s like gold dust.At night it’s also important to incorporate an oil into your routine – beyond helping to seal in hydration, a face oil will provide nourishment of its own too. I suggest trying Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate every time. This soothing, silky oil has the most amazing mandarin aroma (it’s formulated with Mandarin Essential Oil) and is quite literally worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically hydrating! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. I kid you not.N.B For the month of March, 2021, when you purchase the Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream, you’ll receive a Hydrating Cleanser and Toner 50ml for FREE! Ace your base Once you’ve completed your skincare routine it’s time to nail your base. Start by priming your skin then apply a luminous foundation. I love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint as it imparts a sheer natural radiance as it nourishes, protects, and corrects the skin. Apply with Pro Blender sponge for a more flawless, natural-looking coverage without effort. Now you need to set your foundation with a translucent powder. Using a brush apply to the forehead, under the cheekbones, over your nose and chin to achieve the blurred, hazy effect. The ELES Mineral Powder Foundation is best for this. Add a natural glow While we don’t want to create the high shine glow of the glass skin trend, subtle highlighting is still a must. Instead of using an all-out liquid shimmer illuminator, apply a sheer highlighter to your cheeks, eyes, and cupid’s bow (upper lip line) for just that right amount of illumination for a light, soft and subtle glow. You will adore ELES’s Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light. It quite literally tames shine and imparts a subtle radiance for polished luminosity and its jet-milled pigments create an airbrushed effect, the perfect tool for achieving ‘Cloud’ skin! Have healthy habits While this trend is indeed all about the skincare and makeup you use, healthy lifestyle habits will also play a role;Diet – say no to those sugary desserts and processed foods we all like to demolish! This is all about clean beauty, lots of raw veggies, leafy greens, poke bowls, and lean proteins.Exercise – Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a huge difference to our well-being, body, and skin too! Exercise can help increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin neutralizing the free radicals that damage it! It also promotes collagen production and new skin cells which keeps our skin looking younger!Sleep – this one gets me every time! While despite being a busy working mum of two, I do manage to find time to exercise daily, even if only on some days for a 30-minute walk with my kids and our dog! But sleep…and at least 8 hours of it, I struggle! All the harder when you are in the know of just how important it is, not only for your skin but your health and wellbeing too! If you struggle like me to get that ample amount of blissful slumber, it’s time to change things up! Use meditation tools for relaxation - I’m loving the Headspace and Calm apps, force yourself to put your phone down an hour before bed (no really!) and instead of indulging in yet another night of Netflix, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read for months…reading a book before bed really does help you drift off into slumberland. Go the extra distance If you want to take your skin to the next level head to a Pevonia salon or spa and indulge in the new Hydra-Cloud facial. It’s an amazing mask treatment that combines hyaluronic acid and micronized cotton to deeply hydrate and tighten the skin. Trust me when I say your complexion resurfaces instantly brighter, visibly smooth, and superbly hydrated with an ultra-cool and refreshed feel. This true sensorial experience is sublime!

Suffering from hyperpigmentation? 4 things you need to be doing now

by Jo Boyden on Mar 05 2021

You may not know it but hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as dark spots, is a very common skin concern. The condition most commonly occurs due to overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, which is why it’s often exacerbated during the sunny summer months (thank you sunshine!) However, it can also occur due to inflammation caused from conditions like acne, just want you don’t need, and while hyperpigmentation can be hard to avoid for some, you can definitely help reduce its severity by following a few key steps and we are here to tell you what; Choose your skincare wisely If you aren’t already invest in skincare specifically designed to target hyperpigmentation. There are 4 key ingredients to look out for. The first being Vitamin C. Vitamin C can not only help heal blemishes it can also help reduce hyperpigmentation and give your skin an all out glow. Once you add a daily dose of vitamin c to your skincare routine you can start seeing noticeable improvements in a matter of weeks.Here at BC, we love Pevonia’s “C” Complexe. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid work together to hydrate, correct photo damage and drench your skin with repairing antioxidants for a revitalized, youthful glow. It’s really good stuff and I’m testament to that!AHA’s such as glycolic and lactic acid and BHA’s such as Salicylic acid are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging and brightening skin and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck and chest.I personally love Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream with UV protection! It combines Glycolic acid and Hyaluronic Acid to dramatically improve skin’s texture.Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is another go-to ingredient for hyperpigmentation. It works by going deep beneath your skin, encouraging cell turnover and bringing healthier, newer skin cells to the surface!Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing cream is a must in the fight against Hyperpigmentation! Formulated with retinol and Glycolic and Lactic Acid (yes!) it’s an excellent resurfacing and lightening cream for photodamaged skin. Just be sure to introduce it slowly and apply before bed. To learn more about retinol click here. Exfoliate And once or twice a week! This will help shed the hyperpigmented cells and speed up healing. Really!The most effective exfoliators for managing hyperpigmentation are either chemical or enzymatic exfoliators though as they penetrate more deeply into the skin than physical exfoliators and don’t contain grains which can in some cases create inflammation by scrubbing which can lead to additional pigmentation! Eek!Try Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes! It’s a beautifully gentle exfoliant that uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating the skin. Ideal for even the most sensitive and reactive skin, it eliminates impurities by gentle exfoliating away dead skin cells to reveal a refined skin texture and more luminous complexion. Slip, slop, slap Wear sunscreen and be religious about it. Applying your SPF is not only the best way to prevent premature ageing but it will also dramatically decrease your chances of getting hyperpigmentation as well as reducing it.I highly recommend Vie Collection’s Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF30, this amazing daily cream is formulated with two high-tech ingredients that act against dark spots, free radicals and UV rays. After daily use dark spots become less visible and skin more unified. Eat a diet rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids can effectively help reduce skin darkening. So be sure to introduce avocados, oranges, grapes, cherries, broccoli and bell peppers into your daily diet, as well as foods with beta-carotene (orange colour) like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots and seafood rich in copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Such a diet works by encouraging production of melanin, reduction of free radicals and support of cell turnover, the three things that help grow healthy, happy skin and diminish dark spots! Drink herbal Turn your morning cuppa into a mug of green tea! We know green tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, but did you know as a result it can help reduce both skin inflammation and melanin production in one.

Which skincare range is right for me? Discover Pevonia

by Jo Boyden on Feb 24 2021

Last week my good friend entrusted me to order her lots of skincare goodies from BC based on my expert advice. I’ve been encouraging her to turn to professional skincare for years for many a reason, and finally, since her current skincare wasn’t providing her with the results she’d hoped, she said it was time. That and turning 40 …!She had her heart set on Pevonia, partly because I’m a huge advocate but also because she loved the idea of all-natural, cruelty-free skincare that actually delivers. But with so many products in the collection she wasn’t sure what the right products or range was for her, a question the BC team have been asked many a time before.The amazing thing about Pevonia is that there is a range that caters for pretty must all skin types and concerns, from anti-ageing to anti-acne, hydration to skin brightening, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and more. So read on to find out more on each of Pevonia’s key skincare ranges and discover the best for you and your skin's needs. Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed in investing in a range that provides optimum results every time. The Essentials – Dry Skin LineWho’s it for?Those suffering from dry and dehydrated skin.What does it do?Dry skin often lacks lustre and vitality. This effective program provides your skin with immediate nourishment and protection. Formulated with super nourishing ingredients including hyaluronic acid, pear seed extract, royal jelly, rose, ylang ylang and vitamins A, E & C, it visibly renders skin rejuvenated with increased suppleness and elasticity.Products in the range;Dry Skin Cleanser, Dry Skin Lotion, Vitaminic Concentrate, Rejuvenating Dry Skin CreamBC’s pick: Vitaminic Concentrate“This soothing, silky oil has the most amazing mandarin aroma and is honestly worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats my dryness. Every time I apply at night, I wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin in the morning.”The Essentials – Combination Skin LineWho’s it for?Those who tend to suffer from both dry and oily skin at the same time.What does it do?This range normalizes an oily T-zone while combatting dehydration at the same time. Formulated with ingredients such as Grapefruit, Rosemary Oil, Arnica and Lemon Grass Oil it delivers a wonderfully balanced and toned complexion with tightened pores.Products in the range;Combination Skin Cleanser, Combination Skin Lotion, Combination Skin CreamBC’s pick: Combination Skin Cream“I love this product. Before discovering it I always suffered from hormonal skin with blemishes and shine. Not anymore! It’s beautifully light, absorbs quickly, keeps my oily skin under control, and doesn’t cause me to breakout! Plus, it smells simply divine!”The Essentials – Sensitive Skin LineWho’s it for?Those whose skin reacts to anything and everything. Sensitivity, irritability, blotchiness…What does it do?It effectively calms and controls hypersensitivity. Formulated with ultra-gentle ingredients such a propolis, shea butter, bisabolol, allantoin, chamomile and neroli oil, it alleviates and harmoniously corrects irritability, redness, and blotchiness.Products in the range;Sensitive Skin Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Lotion, Soothing Propolis Concentrate, Soothing Sensitive Skin CreamBC’s pick: Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream“This is by far my favorite Pevonia product. The cream isn’t heavy but light and smooth, which absorbs immediately into my skin. My skin feels stronger, smoother, calmer and hydrated. Both sensitivity and dehydration is a key concern of mine and the Sensitive Skin Cream works it magic throughout the year. Nothing I have used in the past compares to it.”Power Repair Age Correction LineWho’s it for?Caters for all ages, specifically those concerned with premature ageing, fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.What does it do?Pevonia’s global best-selling range and for good reason. It provides your skin with a truly effective youth-prolonging system to strengthen, smooth and rejuvenate skin. Prevents and visibly repairs fine lines and wrinkles.Products in the range;Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Marine Collagen Cream, Firming Marine Elastin Cream, Micro-Pores Refine Cream, Micro-Pore Bio Active Mask, Intensifier – Collagen & Myoxy Caviar, Intensifier Elastin & Sorghum, Eye ContourBC’s pick: Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream“My absolute can’t live without product is the Marine Collagen Cream. I use this both morning and night religiously! It’s a gorgeous rich yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and leaves my skin soft, supple, and like it’s just had a boost of moisture! Lastly, it has the most luxurious texture yet doesn’t leave my skin greasy and smells gorgeous! In a nutshell, it’s everything I look for in a moisturiser.”Stem Cells LineWho’s it for?If you are looking to combat ageing, this is the collection for you!What does it do?Using plant stem cell technology Pevonia developed a process to reverse not only the signs of ageing, but also the skin’s ageing cycle too! Each product works deeply within the skin to radically reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and intensely hydrating your complexion!Products in the range;Multi-Active Foaming Cleanser, Intensive Cream, Intensive Serum, Intensive Body CorrectorBC’s pick: Intensive Cream“Nature’s answer to Botox! I absolutely adore this product, packed with Argan and Comfrey Stem Cells perfect for dramatically plumping and smoothing out my fine lines and Royal Jelly a powerful collagen booster. This lightweight super formula leaves my skin feeling silky smooth, young and beautiful. I love knowing that I’ve given my skin a distinct advantage in preventative aging.”Caviar LineWho’s it for?Looking to counteract wrinkles? Look no further.What does it do?This range is loaded with anti-ageing superstar ingredients including Caviar, Pearl, Vitamins and Escutox (natural botox) to improve firmness and elasticity while effectively decreasing wrinkle breadth.Products in the range;Timeless Balm Cleanser, Timeless Repair Lotion, Timeless Repair Serum, Timeless Repair Cream, Timeless Eye Contour.BC’s pick: Timeless Repair Serum“I LOVE this product! It’s pricey yes, and a huge investment, but I noticed a dramatic decrease in my wrinkles as well as a smoother texture in a matter of weeks. Coupled with the Timeless repair Cream I continue to see amazing results. My skin looks and feels healthy and hydrated, smoother and more toned!”Micro-Retinol LineWho’s it for?Concerned about hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture as well as ageing? Then this is the line for you.What does it do?This easy to use 4 step range keeps skin looking porcelain-smooth and youthfully radiant. Featuring Pevonia exclusive Micro-Retinol technology, it allows immediate and easy absorption as well as targeted delivery within the deeper epidermal layers, rapidly re-stabilizing the skin’s normal function. It smooths wrinkles, “densifies” the skin, strengthens elasticity, increases moisture, evens skin tone and pigmentation, provides radiance and glow and rejuvenates overall skin appearance. Impressive hey?Products in the range;Essential Foaming Cleanser, Essential Toner, Essential Moisturiser, Essential SerumBC’s pick: “I’m completely in love with the Micro-Retinol line. I noticed the most dramatic change to my skin after the very first treatment and over time my skin just keeps getting better. My favourite product in the line is the Micro-Retinol Serum; it gives my skin a glow and seems to make the pores disappear. Ive noticed a great improvement to firmness, moisture levels, skin texture and a reduction in hyper-pigmentation. What more could I want? I¹ve used Retinol based products before but find them irritating and unpleasant to use, this line however feels great, smells great and works!Problematic skin and Acne LineWho’s it for?Those prone to blemished skin and acneWhat does it do?It effectively deals with intense skin problems such as acne by controlling bacteria and preventing inflammation while calming and soothing irritated skin.Products in the range;Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser, Spot Treatment, Problematic Skin Care CreamBC’s pick: Spot Treatment“Even though I’m approaching my 30s my skin still gets easily irritated and spots appear. I’m so glad I discovered this Spot Treatment! It immediately takes away the redness in my skin and when using on specific spots, they always disappear within a few days after application.” RS2 Rosacea LineWho’s it for?For those suffering from facial redness and rosaceaWhat does it do?Formulated with some of the most nurturing and desensitising ingredients including French Rose, Licorice, and Green Tea, each of the four products in the collection visibly reduces redness and blotchiness while soothing any irritations.Products in the range;RS2 Gentle Cleanser, RS2 Gentle Lotion, RS2 Care Cream, RS2 ConcentrateBC’s pick: RS2 Care Cream“I suffer from Rosacea so my skin is very reactive, sensitive and red. Since using this, my skin feels so much calmer and has seriously improved over time. I wish I’d had this product years ago as nothing I used before seemed to help. I now use the entire RS2 line and my skin feels pretty great for an oldie.”Special LineWho’s it for?For those with dull, devitalized skin which needs a serious pick me up.What does it do?Seasonal changes, lifestyle variances, pollution and other key factors visibly affect our skin’s texture. You can invigorate your skin with these skin specific products for specialised care. Thoroughly desquamating toxins and boosting overall skin health, your complexion resurfaces luminous and revived.Products in the range;Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, “C” Complexe, Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream, Renewing Glycocides CreamBC’s pick: “C” ComplexeMy fave Pevonia product is the “C” Complex Concentrate. I love that it's hydrating, collagen stimulating and extremely brightening in one! Makes me look like I've had a great night's sleep after just one application.

These were the best BC products of 2020 – as voted by you!

by Jo Boyden on Feb 17 2021

Ever wondered what everyone else is buying when it comes to skincare and make-up must-haves on BC?When a product achieves best-selling status it’s usually a sign that it’s a well-loved and proven effective product, as well as being the most-shopped. So whether you are shopping BC and looking for recommendations or are simply wondering if your favourite product made the cut, here we count down the best-selling beauty buys from 2020. From super serums to everyday moisturisers, there is something on the list for everyone. The soothing serum Pevonia Soothing Propolis ConcentrateIf you’re a sufferer of reactive or sensitive skin this could be your go-to! It’s a beautiful rich gel-like serum formulated with calming lavender and soothing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France to soothe, nourish and decongest irritable skin with its antibacterial and healing powers. The calming cream Phytomer Douceur Marine Velvety Soothing CreamAn absolute dream for sensitive skin, this luxurious, melt-away cream is rich in marine ingredients which act to reduce redness and calm uncomfortable skin while strengthening the skin’s natural defences against stress, weather and pollution. The hydrating cleanser Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser If you are concerned about premature ageing, skin’s a little on the dry side and you love yourself a creamy cleanser, then you are simply going to love this! It removes daily grime effortlessly but what’s more it replenishes skin’s moisture by combining deeply nourishing and anti-ageing duo, marine collagen and elastin. The creamy exfoliator Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserIf you’re looking for proof that fellow BC shoppers are serious about exfoliation (not just cleansing and moisturising!), Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliator is ranked #7 on the list. This creamy exfoliator is a game-changer for those with sensitive skin….well for anyone really! It very gently polishes away dead skin, impurities, and toxins with jojoba beads, Saponaria, and chamomile to reveal a beautifully smooth and brightened complexion. The balancing cream Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin CreamThere is nothing not to love about this product if your complexion tends to lean towards the shiny, oily, hormonal side. This extra light yet nourishing moisturiser feels smooth and soft on application but effectively controls oil and shine while reducing congestion! Oh, and it smells pretty fab too! The multi-tasking beauty balm ELES Cosmetics Age Defying BB Cream 30Not to be mistaken for its sister - the CC Cream, BB Creams or otherwise known as beauty balms, are infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow, and let me tell you this BB Cream is no exception! Multi-faceted it really packs a punch as it quite literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen skin on contact. So if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this is for you! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one! The redness-be-gone calming cream Pevonia RS2 CreamFormulated with soothing, sensitive skin loving ingredients including Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, this beautifully textured, nourishing cream provides your skin vaso constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to effectively reduce redness and inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associated with Rosacea. We love the great results for rosacea prone skin but also love its natural signature scent of French Rose. It’s one heavenly product! The super sensitive comforting cream Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin CreamThis cream will quite literally calm and control hypersensitivity. Formulated with soothing and healing propolis, aloe, shea butter, and chamomile it alleviates and harmoniously corrects skin’s blotchiness and irritability. The formidable foundation ELES Cosmetics Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation Especially great for those with oily or combination skin but also fab for those that love a matt finish that isn’t heavy, this foundation literally glides onto skin effortlessly thanks to its silky liquid formulation yet sets to a soft powder finish. It looks natural on application yet covers up blemishes beautifully, and its SPF and skin-loving ingredients mean it not only conceals skin but protects it throughout the day too! The global best-seller Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamTo keep skin soft, supple and free of fine lines (seriously) we are forever in love with Pevonia’s no.1 global best-seller!This moisturiser has an international, star status for good reason! It is deeply nourishing without feeling heavy or oily, it’s formulated with marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, two anti-ageing wonder ingredients and the results speak for themselves – radiant, plumped skin after every application. Say no more.Want to know more? Head to the products pages to read all of the amazing reviews!

Looking tired? 8 beauty tricks to fake a good night’s sleep

by Jo Boyden on Feb 10 2021

Holidays are over, schools are back and the daily juggle of work, kids, well life, in general has you once again looking like you haven’t slept for days. Fear not, while 9 hours of blissful slumber might be something of yesteryear you can fake a seriously good night's sleep if you are armed with a few key products! So read on to learn about our top beauty tips that’ll have you looking fabulously fresh in next to no time and with minimal effort….we promise! Breath life back into tired eyes First things first, after cleansing your skin, applying a soothing and cooling eye gel immediately to your undereye area is a must. Just look for products with key ingredients such as Green coffee, Vitamin C and Ginko Biloba, as they will help shrink capillaries and stimulate lymphatic drainage.Pevonia’s C Evolutive Eye Gel is a personal favourite of mine when it comes to tired, puffy eyes. Formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C and skin saviours hyaluronic acid and Ginko biloba it’ll have your peepers decongested and depuffed in one swift application! Invest in a gemstone roller From rejuvenating jade to calm and soothing rose quartz, detoxifying Obsidian to purifying amethyst, we highly recommend introducing one of these rollers into your morning ritual. As well as their many medicinal benefits, they have the ability to dramatically reduce puffiness by removing excess fluid around the eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out toxins! So clever! To find out more click here. Use a collagen-boosting serum Lack of sleep has the ability to cause your body to produce the stress hormone cortisol which in turn breaks down collagen and leads to premature ageing (great!) so make sure you start your morning skincare routine armed with a collagen-boosting serum AND moisturiser to nourish and restore stressed and dehydrated skin.Pevonia’s best-selling Age Correction Intensifier Collagen and MyOxy Caviar and Marine Collagen Cream are both a must. Not only are they loved by so many around the world, but they have also been a staple of mine for years and I’d highly recommend the duo to everyone. Used in unison they effectively nourish and oxygenate skin, repair cells, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. You can thank me later. Be armed with a good concealer With exhaustion comes black undereye circles and red bloodshot eyes so you need to reduce the darkness and brighten the area at the same time. The best way to do this is arm yourself with a really good concealer specifically for the delicate eye area. Simply dot the concealer using your pinky finger (the warmth of your fingers will help the concealer to melt into your skin creating a smooth, natural application). My go-to concealer is the ELES Dual Action Concealer. Its an anti-ageing wonder rich in Vitamins E & C, caffeine, collagen, hyaluronic acid and Tetrapeptide 5 which works to depuff, smooth, brighten and conceal the eyes, neutralizing dark circles. Its moisturising formula also provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! Bonus! Line the eyes with nude You do not want to exacerbate the look of blood shot eyes, so steer clear of lining eyes with dark eyeliners especially on the bottom lash line. Instead transform tired eyes by applying a white or nude liner to the bottom lash line AKA your waterline. Here at BC, we love the ELES Waterline liner. Using a white or nude eyeliner extends the whites of your eyes making them look bigger and in turn more awake. Don’t forget your eyeshadow You’ve lined your eyes with a good waterliner pencil but another true hero to creating wide-awake eyes is eyeshadow! A nude shadow palette with just a few shades will be your new best friend. Check out the new ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trios, with a choice of four palettes in gorgeous neutral shades there is an option to suit everyone.Start by applying the lightest shade (the white or nude) from your chosen palette over your entire lid all the way to the inner corner using a base shadow brush. You really need this light shadow as it’ll help open up your eyes and really make them ‘pop’. Next, use a tapered blending brush to apply the medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards. Using the same brush, now apply the darkest shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Applying this darker shadow slightly beyond your crease is the key to adding real dimension to your eyes. Bronze and blush for a healthy glow. We all know lack of sleep can have us looking a little on the pasty side even if we are donning a bit of a tan! To instantly enhance said pasty skin apply a good bronzer for that much-needed healthy look, as well as a little rouge blush on the apples of your cheeks. We love the ELES Baked Bronzer and Blushes. These super-fine powders are baked to a lightweight, silky and subtle pearl finish that imparts a brilliantly radiant glow. Add a little colour to your lips We might not all be a fan of the red lip all year round, but a little rouge lip colour to perk up pale lips will go a long way in transforming a tired, sallow complexion. If lipstick isn’t your thing, opt for a little gloss instead. I apply my ELES Colour Balm in Siren every single day. It combines the payoff of a sheer lipstick with the superior shine of a gloss. You won’t be disappointed! So go forth and try these top tips and enjoy never being told you look tired again!

Marine skincare – the answer to really healthy skin?

by Jo Boyden on Dec 29 2020

We’ve all heard that the sea is good for the soul - just staring out at the ocean can put us into a relaxing, mediative state after all, but did you know that it’s also a treasure trove of skin-loving ingredients? And no we aren’t just talking about the healing properties of saltwater. Marine ingredients such as seaweed, algae, and sea grapes to name but a few, are among a number of the unsung skincare heroes of the ocean! Ingredients used in skincare for their multitude of miraculous benefits from deeply moisturising, to brightening, detoxifying and regenerative!So read on to find out all about the top marine-based ingredients and their abundance of beautifying benefits. Oh and our favourite marine skin and body care products too! After reading this you’ll want to experience marine skincare and get glowing skin like you’ve never experienced before! SeawaterLoaded with natural minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, seawater is praised for its healing properties and multi-tasking abilities. A powerhouse of antioxidants, it helps to; support healthy cell functioning and regeneration, beneficial for skin aging! It is also known to detox and decongest, hydrate, moisturise and brighten the skin, as well as reduce inflammation and improve the severity of acne and dermatitis too! Amazing right?Try: Whilst there are a number of skincare products containing seawater, from cleansers to toners, moisturisers and cream our absolute favourite seawater product is Phytomer’s Oligomer Pure Lyophilized Sea Water Bath. Bathing in seawater can deeply nourish and regenerate the skin while decreasing inflammation thanks to its abundance of magnesium and this product is no exception! It contains trace elements and unique minerals from seawater, balancing and remineralizing your skin in one relaxing bath experience. Ahhhhh.SeaweedPacked to the rafters with minerals and vitamins A, B, C, D & E, seaweed is the ultimate in anti-ageing. Able to enhance elasticity and promote tissue regeneration, it contains alginates (acids) that lock in hydration for super soothing and smoothing results.Try: Phytomer Seaweed Soap. It not only gently exfoliates the skin eliminating dead cells, but it also moisturises and revitalises the skin leaving it silky soft, just like taking a dip in the ocean!Weaving AlgaeA marine star, algae is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids and is hailed for its intense and lasting moisturising benefits as it helps the complexion retain water, whilst tightening, brightening and detoxifying the skin too.Try: Phytomer Hydra Original Thirst Relief Melting Cream. Yup. The name of this product says it all and it’s thanks to its high concentration of weaving algae which literally saturates the skin with moisture! It truly delivers intense lasting hydration for visibly plumped radiant skin.SeagrapeSeagrape, or Coccoloba uvifera is an exotic seaside grape native to the Antilles Islands (off the east coast of Central America and the northeast coast of South America.) It was the clever scientists at Phytomer who discovered that this high-performance and unparalleled ingredient has the exceptional power of balancing the functions of genes involved in the appearance of cellulite!! It actually suppresses the genes that control synthesis and storage of fat cells resulting in a decrease in cellulite! And it also improves the expression of the genes that control the production of dermal cells to vastly improve skin firmness! Sorry to get all sciencey on you, but that’s pretty cool, right?Try: Phytomer Celluli Attack Concentrate for stubborn areas. This intensive anti-cellulite body treatment works wonders in the war against ‘orange peel’ skin I’m telling you! Formulated with Sea Absinthium, Pepper slimactiv and Sea Grape it remarkably reduces cellulite and stubborn fat in just weeks after applying daily morning and night.Sea SaltLong used as an exfoliant and detoxifying ingredient, sea salt is rich in magnesium and calcium, both known to help draw hydration and strengthen barrier function.Try: Phytomer Toning Body Scrub with Marine Crystals. Rich in Oligomer (World exclusive marine-derived treasure which concentrates all the active components found in seawater to recharge skin cells with oligo-elements and minerals. It's unique composition boosts cell energy and recharges cell batteries.) and sea salt, this toning scrub eliminates dead cells delivering the minerals and trace elements essential for really healthy skin. Look forward to seriously soft and silky smooth skin after every use. Marine CollagenExtracted from fish scales and fish oils, marine collagen combines deep antioxidant properties with amino acids for a powerful reparative and youth prolonging ingredient. The anti-ageing superstar has the ability to stimulate the synthesis of new collagen production and minimise the appearance of ageing. Yes please!Try: To keep skin soft, supple and free of fine lines (seriously) we are forever in love with Pevonia’s no.1 global best-seller Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream.CaviarLoaded with vitamins and amino acids, Caviar in skincare is the extract of fresh raw roe eggs from the prized sturgeon fish. To preserve sturgeon from extinction caviar is produced by careful farming in select areas of the world to fulfill environmental and quality standards. It has all the goodness of marine sea minerals and is known for its regenerative, skin-plumping properties. It has even been proven to help slow ageing! A highly effective moisturising agent, Caviar has the ability to deeply hydrate the skin increasing softness and suppleness. Rich in amino acids, it's easily absorbed into the dermis for immediate repairing and rejuvenating results too!Try: Pevonia MyOxy Caviar Timeless Repair Serum. With its high concentration of caviar, coupled with other superstar ingredients, this serum immediately softens and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll see a noticeable change in skin’s texture and elasticity after only a few applications which results in a tighter, finer, and more radiant complexion.

The wellness rituals you should be doing daily

by Jo Boyden on Dec 22 2020

A stressful, hectic life is routine in my household this time of year, as I’m sure it is for many! Throw a pandemic into the mix and a growing number of covid cases in some states and the anxiety levels will be arising.So with the holiday season nearly upon us and the potential of another lockdown looming for some, post-Christmas will definitely be time to decompress and get a little self-loving back into our lives.From the importance of establishing a good skincare routine to the impact exercise can have on our mental health, these self-care rituals should be something we all adopt daily; Give yourself a facial My morning and night-time skincare routine is something I have (for as long as I can remember anyway!) always taken pleasure in, even when I’m time poor, which let's face it with young kids and now a puppy thrown in for good measure is….always! It should be a daily routine we all enjoy with all the benefits skincare brings, and incorporating a little facial ritual (which is easy to do) will really help nurture both your skin and psych. For a detailed account on how to perfect a salon-style wellbeing facial at home click here. Meditate for better quality of sleep I love company, would tout myself as a social butterfly and am seldom alone, but I do ensure for my mental wellbeing that I have at least 5 minutes a day to myself because the rest of the time it’s go, go, go! I love a bubble bath (we’ll get to that later!) but I couldn’t imagine not having my nightly 5-minute meditation ritual, which my little ones are now doing before their bedtime too! It’s my way to wind down and calm my mind before bed and has vastly improved my quality of sleep too (because prior to committing to my bedtime meditation I was guilty of sitting staring at a screen until at least 11.30 pm at night and we all know how this can interfere with our circadian rhythm (our natural, internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.)Meditation has a whole heap of benefits from reducing stress and negative emotions to increasing self-awareness, creativity, and patience. So if you haven’t already and are keen to give it a try, I recommend both the Headspace and Calm apps. They have a range of guided meditations for an array of concerns such as sleep deprivation, anxiety, stress and productivity. It might take you a few goes before you start to relax into it and feel a change, but believe me when I stay stick with it as you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t give it a go before now! Practice calming techniques Aside from meditation, practicing other calming techniques can be highly beneficial to both your psych and skin too! This is because stress, while bad of course for your health, is not good for your skin either! Unfortunately, cortisol (the stress hormone) has the ability to break down collagen in the skin resulting in premature ageing (great!) But practicing, for example yoga, or even putting on some soothing sounds can have a significant impact on reducing that cortisol flow! Phew. Indulge in a therapeutic bath So when I said I ensure I give myself 5 minutes of alone time a day for my night-time meditation ritual, I also try and give myself 15 minutes once or twice a week (daily is amazing if you have the time!) to indulge in a therapeutic bath. Little instantly reduces stress quite like sinking into a relaxing, remineralizing bath. Add the soothing sounds of spa music, a candle here and there, and a destressing bath foam or detoxifying salts and you’ve got yourself an at-home spa experience. I am loving Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath. It’s a lightly foaming, ultra-relaxing fragranced bath enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater – to strengthen and restore the skin while releasing all pent-up tension in the body. Amazing stuff right? Stay active Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a huge difference to not only our mental well-being, but our body and skin too! And no you don’t need to take up F45 or swim the ocean blue, just a moderate walk can be all you need. Daily exercise has been proven to help control weight, reduce risk of heart diseases, help our body manage blood sugar and insulin levels, decrease pain, and even delay the ageing of our cells! Exercise can also help increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin neutralizing the free radicals that damage it! And we all know exercising releases endorphins, the happy hormones! And who doesn’t want to feel pleasure, happiness and love on the daily! Have a little, or a whole lot less screen time This one’s not so much a ritual, more a necessity if we’re talking self-care and want to truly unwind this impending holiday season.Sadly, screen time (thanks to the blue light it emits) has an adverse effect on our skin, body and mind, and what with the multiple devices available at our fingertips, I’d say there was barely one of us who wasn’t guilty of spending too much time glued to one of them at some point in the day. Spending just two consecutive hours on a digital device can cause eyestrain or fatigue, while overexposure to this blue light also suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, therefore disrupting our normal sleep pattern. And we all know poor sleep can lead to premature ageing. Eek.Use this opportunity to read a good book and perhaps discover a passion perhaps you didn’t know you had! Give yourself a mini massage! And finally..try and incorporate a mini massage into your daily life. Yes, yes I might be asking a bit much you say but I’m talking anything from a relaxing hand or foot massage which we can do ourselves in next to no time, to a back or shoulder massage if you have a willing family member or even a handheld massage machine! A massage no matter how big or small can elevate aches and pains, reduce tension, and evoke relaxation and calm.For an indulgent hand massage which we can easily do ourselves (and lets face it with all the hand sanitizer drying out our skin at the moment, applying hand cream has become a bit of a necessity) my hand cream of choice is Phytomer’s Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream, the name says it all. I love to follow this with a spritz of my Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturiser. It’s one of Pevonia’s global best-sellers and for good reason! It literally revitalizes and nourishes every inch of skin with a combination of lavender, chamomile, and squalene.When my feet are feeling fatigued Pevonia’s Tension Relief Gel is my go-to and if my legs are sore and achy massaging Phytomer’s Cryotonic Soothing Leg Gel is a must! So go on, give these a go and reap the rewards.

Beauty Collective - Fed up of tired puffy eyes

Fed up of tired, puffy eyes? Here’s what you need

by Jo Boyden on Dec 04 2020

Did you hit the snooze button one too many times this morning? Because yup we’ve hit that crazy busy, exhausting time of year again, or have allergies left you looking like you just pulled an all-nighter? Well, you can get rid of those tired eyes in a flash with the help of some of our favourite eye products. What’s more, they are firm favourites of you, our BC customers too! Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream When I’m tired, which let's face it is ALL. OF. THE. TIME. Right now, unbeknownst to me (thank you, kids, for the heads up!) I’m a shocker for rubbing my eyes! The thing is I’m already in the know that doing so can cause tiny blood vessels to break resulting in dark circles under my eyes, and yup I suffer most mornings from said dark circles and under eye bags. Ergh.My solution? Vie Collection’s Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. Yes a mouthful to say, but a product that does exactly what it says. It’s a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously!“This is a wonderful eye cream, it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! It’s truly a fabulous eye cream that is well worth the price tag.” Lisa M (BC customer) Pevonia MyOxy Caviar® Timeless Eye Contour Ok, so this is another great love of mine. We are talking luxury in a bottle. Optimum results but yes you’d want to expect that from the price tag. No jokes when I say this product, packed with anti-ageing eyecare goodies including; Marine Collagen Polypeptides; Caviar Extract; and Escutox® - the natural alternative to Botox - quite literally takes 10 years off your eyes. I’ve been using it for around 6 months now and have seen a noticeable decrease in wrinkles, plus it has smoothed the skin around my eye zone and reduces my puffiness daily too! “This product is really awesome! It erased the wrinkles around my eyes and gave them a brighter look.” Kylie O, BC Customer Pevonia C Evolutive Eye Gel If you prefer the feeling of a cooling eye gel to soothe and depuff your peepers, this product is the one for you. Anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C is the star ingredient in this eye gel. The skin saviour coupled with hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo Biloba is a sure thing for cooling tired eyes and effectively decongesting and de-puffing them in one swift application. “I had a problem with puffy old looking eyes and was hoping that this gel would do the job as I was hating the way my eyes looked and I'll tell you, this gel worked INSTANTLY on me! It's a very good de-puffer for sure!” Suzette, BC Customer Phytomer Expertise Age Contour Youth Eye Cream Phytomer definitely nails the names of their products! This eye cream is and does what it says! It quite literally takes years off your eyes by lessening those pesky crow’s feet and firming your eye contours so they actually look smoother and more open! And who doesn’t want brighter, younger-looking eyes? Oh and if that wasn’t enough it does help with lightening dark circles too!“This eye cream seems to do it all; takes care of dryness, puffiness and lines. My eyes seem to "pop" more than they were before using it. At 52 my eyes want to withdraw, but this cream brings them back out and you have to love that.” Vicky D, BC Customer ELES Dual Action Concealer This anti-aging concealer actually helps to gradually improve skin's texture while concealing those obvious under eye dark circles. Its moisturising formula provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! “This concealer is perfection. It goes on smooth, doesn't crease, and covers dark circles completely. The concealer lasts forever because you don't need to use a lot to get full coverage.” Marwa Yates, BC Customer Gemstone Facial Rollers Jade rollers are all the trend right now thanks to the multitude of medicinal benefits they bring. But we’ve gone one step further! We’ve created 5 facial rollers all made from gemstones! From rejuvenating jade to calm and soothing rose quartz, detoxifying Obsidian to purifying amethyst. Introduce one of these into your daily soothing self-care ritual and reap the results. The roller will, not only help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles around the eyes, if used correctly it can dramatically reduce puffiness by moving excess fluid around your eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out the toxins. Cool right? To find out more about the rollers and how to use them click here.

Blue light damage – what it is and why you need these products now

by Jo Boyden on Nov 24 2020

We’ve learnt from an early age the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays, but now a new concern is taking centre stage - the effects of blue light - harmful rays emitted not only from the sun but from our electronic devices too! Eek.I’m certain, as I write this, that there is likely not a single one among us who doesn’t spend perhaps a little too much time daily on our phones, laptops, iPads, or even watching our much loved shows on Netflix, but did you know that this over excessive so called “screen time” can lead to skin damage and premature ageing? In fact, overexposure can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen and cause inflammation, leading to redness, dark spots, and early onset wrinkles. And if you’re one to suffer from hyperpigmentation too, blue light can and will darken it! Especially in those with deeper skin stones! What’s more, blue light has the ability to penetrate skin much more deeply that UV rays causing even more havoc and long-term damage! Scary right?So what should you do to protect your skin? Obviously reducing screen time is the best bet but depending on your job or lifestyle that’s not likely possible.The good news is scientists have been researching the effects of blue light for many years now and new formulations are being launched to help protect our skin from its damaging effects, just as sunscreen does from the sun. Furthermore, the clever folk at Pevonia have created not one but two eco-friendly double duty sunscreens which not only protect your skin from blue light, but UVA and UVB rays too! Excellent news right?So read on to find out more about these new blue light skin protection products and why you need to need to incorporate them into your daily routine, starting now! Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldA true triple threat, this Pevonia exclusive mineral SunShield formula delivers major moisture while effectively protecting skin against ongoing UV, infrared and blue light damage! It is a purely physical ocean/reef safe emulsion, which means it contains no nasty chemicals – one of the biggest threats to our beautiful reefs/ocean and its sea life!Its clever new technology counteracts free radical reaction, and it’s sheer formula is micronized in such a way that it is invisible on all skin tones, so no thick white residue (synonymous with the majority of other physical sunscreens) in sight! In fact, it is very light and silky smooth to apply with no greasy sheen and it doesn’t have the usual ‘sunscreen’ smell, instead a subtle, very pleasant aroma. Phew!It is formulated with natural, nourishing and skin repairing ingredients including; green tea, an antioxidant to prevent damage from free radicals, as well as argan oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and ingredient spotlight Indian Ginseng Root - which is proven to boost cellular energy and activity, as well as fight “digital” pollution – clever stuff right?! What’s more, it deeply hydrates, soothes and protects skin and is suitable for all skin types, tones and ages!Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldIf you’re a little reluctant to wear your sunscreen because quite frankly its smell and greasy texture puts you off, you are going to love this lightweight emulsion! Much like its counterpart, this everyday sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution. It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away.It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones.Now don’t let blue light steal the shine from the anti-ageing skincare staples you religiously apply every day. Just add blue light skin protection to your daily routine and reap the long-term benefits. Trust me when I say they will definitely be worth your investment!

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