BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Skin in need of a detox? 7 ways to get it back into shape
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 13 2022
If you’re anything like me, the festive season might well have seen you over-indulging. And the more ‘treats’ you’ve enjoyed, the more likely both you, and your skin will be in need of detox!Detoxing your skin simply means removing as many of the impurities, toxins, pollutants and dead skin cells as possible to cleanse, treat, brighten, hydrate and soothe your skin back to its optimal condition. If you’ve yet to try a skin detox, it’s probably time, here’s how; Double Cleanse We all cleanse our skin of course, it’s a daily habit, but no matter what your usual skincare routine, a serious skin detox requires double cleansing! The first cleanse will eradicate daily dirt, excess oil and makeup, but if you double cleanse you’ll be sure to remove any remaining impurities guaranteeing your cleanest skin yet!The double cleanse method works on the principle that you firstly use a cleansing oil (we LOVE the ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil) or micellar water (if you are a lover of micellar water you simply must try Vie Collection’s Micellar water for face, eyes and lips), they will break down makeup, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin. Then follow with a water-based cleanser, which will clean much deeper into the pores, removing any remaining sweat, bacteria and dead skin cells. The deeper cleanse will also allow your serum and moisturiser, as well as other night-time leave-on products, to penetrate into your skin working their magic much more efficiently, giving your skin cells the best chance at regenerating for a plumper more youthful complexion! Up the ante when it comes to exfoliating It’s time to step up your game. The goal is to slough away dull, dead skin cells and toxins frequently, so opt for a gentle formula you can use twice a week. we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. But if granules scare you, we also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. Apply a detoxifying mask Whenever skin is in need of a serious detox, applying a mask containing ingredients like charcoal is a must! It’ll help to absorb deep-dwelling dirt and toxins as well as removing excel oil and impurities from the skin. We love Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask. This silky-smooth and creamy mask easily pulls toxins out of the skin for a clean, purified and healthy complexion as it restores a normalized cellular function.Kaolin and Bentonite Clays can also help refine pores and balance the skin. Our go-to mask for deep cleansing is Phytomer Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask with Kaolin Clay. Add your skin boosters Now that your pores are open, clean and ready for action - in other words ready to absorb some serious active ingredients - it’s time to apply your skin boosters AKA hyaluronic acid, vitamin c and retinol among others. Vitamin C especially is a great detoxing agent since its rich in antioxidants and can combat free radicals! Try Pevonia’s C Complexe. 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, it makes skin instantly brighter and dewier on application too. Hydrate your skin Complete your facial detox regimen by keeping your skin's moisture levels balanced. Opt for a moisturiser that contains Hyaluronic Acid such as Pevonia’s Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. If you read our blog, you’ll already know it’s my personal absolute can’t live without product and Pevonia’s Global Best-Seller too! It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream – formulated with the best hydrating ingredients; Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Collagen, Glycerin, and more, 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!At night use a facial oil designed to help lock in optimum hydration levels. We highly recommend Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. It’s a soothing, silky antioxidant oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma and is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin by morning. Don’t forget your body Now we have your skin sorted it’s time to move onto your body! Dry brushing your body with a firm-bristled brush before showering is amazing for detoxifying! It can help remove dead skin cells, stimulate lymphatic fluid and improve circulation to rid skin of impurities.Also using a good seaweed soap in the shower can have major benefits. Combining Seaweed, one of the greatest marine elements with Shea Butter, Pevonia’s Seaweed Exfoliating Soap detoxifies, stimulates circulation, removes surface build-up, and renders your skin silky-smooth! Winning. Clean from within Finally eating lots of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, as well as drinking green tea and at least eight glasses of water a day, will help your skin flush toxins from the inside out.
Worried about wrinkles? How to minimise their appearance
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 23 2021
Starting to see signs of ageing on your face? Worried about wrinkles but not loving the idea of Botox or fillers? We hear you! Injectables are definitely not for everyone, nor are they a necessity thanks to the number of natural ways you can ward off or even minimise your wrinkles. Read on as we reveal what they are and pave the way to smooth, plump and radiant skin for as long as humanly possible! Wear sunscreen Yes, the NO.1 when it comes to premature ageing IS the sun and its harmful rays, so to overcome this rather hefty issue, wearing sunscreen, and wearing it religiously, day in day out is key. Nothing will warn away those wrinkles like a good sunscreen. Stay hydrated You and your skin need proper hydration to help defend against facial lines. As well as topical treatments, you need to hydrate your skin from within. You know the drill, drink your 8 glasses of water a day, skin cells need water or they will dehydrate and essential anti-ageing nutrients cannot be delivered to your system.Also including omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and mackerel in your daily diet, will really aid in skin health and hydration too! Apply topical vitamin C If there’s one particular vitamin that needs little to no introduction, it’s vitamin C. Recommended by every beauty expert as a go-to ingredient in your beauty arsenal, the antioxidant powerhouse is known to help with your skin’s collagen production, tackle visible signs of ageing, brighten your complexion, lessen hyperpigmentation and shield skin from free radical damage! Amazing right?Try Pevonia’s Vitamin C Complexe. This product is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too! Moisturise A good anti-ageing, wrinkle fighting moisturiser will not only make skin feel more hydrated, it will also nourish and plump the skin making wrinkles less visible.Choose a daily and nightly moisturiser with high doses of collagen, retinol, hyaluronic acid and peptides that work to reverse the ageing process.Retinol is by far the most proven and effective way of bettering signs of ageing such as uneven pigmentation, roughness, and wrinkling. And one of the best wrinkle skincare ranges is Pevonia’s Micro Retinol line.Just be sure to start introducing it slowly and at night-time and get yourself in the know with this miracle ingredient. Exfoliate Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a build-up of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation so you want to be getting in on it stat!One of the best exfoliators for all skin types is Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes! It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive of skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. I promise you when I say it’ll make your skin appear fresher and younger! Give yourself a facial massage Massaging your face for just one minute per day can help combat those unsightly wrinkles. How? Because facial massage promotes oxygen and blood flow in our skin. Not only does this result in reducing puffiness, it will also increase collagen production, which prevents the formation of wrinkles too!For more information on the benefits of facial massage click here. Be aware of blue light damage from your electronic devices I’ve already preached about the damaging effects of the sun when it comes to premature ageing, but another cause of concern is our own electronic devices! Which let’s face it we all spend far too long going from mobile to laptop to tv every day! Did you even know though that this over excessive so called “screen time” can lead to skin damage? 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. 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 if your job and lifestyle won’t really allow it, next best step is to apply a topical protective treatment like Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. It’s an everyday sunscreen with 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. Eat antioxidant rich food The diet you eat can visibly reflect on your skin, so instead of doubling down on the sugary treats that are in abundance this season, opt for antioxidant rich foods such as berries, leafy greens and whole grains. Add green tea to your daily diet too, which also provides natural antioxidants. Exercise daily We all know the numerous benefits of exercise but did you know how important it is for slowing down skin ageing too? Daily exercise increases the delivery of nutrients to skin's cells and provides optimum conditions for collagen production, in turn warding off early wrinkles and fine lines! Stop stressing Easier said than done for some of us I know but high levels of stress can prematurely age you! If life can sometimes seem like a little much, try and take 5 minutes out to simply listen to music, practice mindfulness, do some deep breathing exercises or meditate. Proven to induce a state of relaxation, all methods can decrease stress and anxiety and change mindset in minutes. Get your beauty sleep Haven’t we all heard this a million times! But sadly, it’s true. The quality and length of sleep you receive every night can have a profound impact on your skin’s overall health. When we sleep our bodies recharge. Not only do our bodies recharge, our skin does too. During sleep, we heal, restore and eliminate toxins from the skin and with enough sleep, our bodies are able to produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid – the molecules that give the skin its youthful glow and elasticity.. Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would! Eek.Also, how you sleep can have a huge effect on your skin’s appearance! If you are a lover of sleeping on your front you might want to reconsider this position! When you sleep on your front, your skin is pushed up against the pillow for hours at a time which can reinforce lines, especially around the eyes, forehead and lips. The best way to prevent these wrinkles is by sleeping on your back. You can also reduce damage by using a silk pillowcase which allows for more movement, or a memory foam pillow which doesn’t compress the skin as much.
The best beauty buys for dry skin according to the BC Pros
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 15 2021
Whether you are prone to dry skin (thank you genetics), you’re dealing with what the warm weather brings (heat, to air conditioning to heat again), you’ve been using products that may be a little too harsh, or your skin has become thinner with age and is now unable to retain moisture like it once did, it’s likely you’ve fallen victim to flaky, dry skin many a time!In fact, dry skin, like rosacea and acne, is one of the most common skin complaints, yet a condition which is easily treatable by improving your skincare routine, you just need to know what products and ingredients are best to use. Below we reveal the best skincare for your dry skin, as recommended by the BC pros! A deeply nourishing moisturiser is a must! When combatting dry skin, it’s best to use a nourishing moisturiser that contains no irritants, but is instead loaded with soothing, and nourishing, natural ingredients including Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Glycerin and Squalane.Try: Pevonia Age Defying Marine Collagen Cream My personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 recommendation of the BC Pros too, the Marine Collagen Cream isn’t Pevonia’s global bestseller for nothing! It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream - formulated with the best hydrating ingredients; Squalane, Collagen, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid - 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!We also love Phytomer’s Nutritionelle Dry Skin Rescue Cream, salvation for even the most dry as a desert skin! This soft, silky rich cream incorporates a cocktail of marine and plant oils including organic glasswort, organic buckwheat, apricot kernel, shea butter and hydrafusion, to bring comfort and hydration all day long. Say goodbye to tight, uncomfortable and parched skin and hello to a suppler, soft and visibly plumped complexion. Use a gentle, creamy cleanser (no to foam and oil cleansers!) It’s important to wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to help wash away any grime that can dry out the skin.People with dry skin should look for a creamy, soothing and moisturizing cleanser, as well as cleansers that contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid because these ingredients draw water to the surface of the skin. Avoid foam cleansers, which tend to be drying!Try: Pevonia Dry Skin Cleanser This delightfully creamy, fluffy and water-soluble cleanser lifts off impurities from skin while counteracting dryness at the same time. Glycerin, repairing arnica and hydrating cucumber all work in harmony to provide a wonderful, nourishing yet effective cleansing experience. Don’t forget your serum Serums are like a shot for the skin. Packed with a high concentration of potent, active ingredients, they have the ability to hydrate more effectively than even the heaviest of creams because the molecules are able to truly penetrate the skin and hydrate on the deepest level, while your cream tends to sit on the skin's surface and nourish the top layers of your skin. Serums do not, however, replace your moisturiser, but instead, when applied prior to your moisturiser, boost its effects and help lock in moisture. Vital for those with dry skin!Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum If your skin is feeling the drying effects of summer then you need a hydration boost! Just a few drops of Pevonia’s Hydra-Serum not only helps to rejuvenate skin cells but will bind any moisturiser you apply on top like a magnet too!Featuring one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Hibiscus Esculentus extract, this ultimate serum for seriously thirsty skin, delivers immediate skin soothing results and deep hydration. It eliminates dryness almost instantly as it quite literally blasts even the most dehydrated of complexions with a surge of moisture, maintaining surface hydration throughout the day.What’s more you can get this amazing product, plus Pevonia’s global best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream and a Collagen Mask in a limited-edition Ultra Hydration gift set this festive season! Everything you need to boost hydration! Use the Hydra serum and marine collagen cream in unison daily to provide skin deep hydration with dewy, luminous results every day. Then apply the mask once or twice a week for that added boost your skin may need. Face oils are a game-changer Face oils can be the ideal remedy for those with dry skin. Not only do they provide nourishment of their own, they also have the ability to help boost your moisturiser’s hydrating efforts by sealing in all the nourishing ingredients, making your skin more likely to hold onto that added hydration. In fact, face oils are integral to healthy skin as without them, moisture just continuously leeches out from the skin until the next time you apply your cream!Try: Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate This soothing, silky antioxidant oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma, is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. Make sure you exfoliate once a week! Finally, make sure to exfoliate once a week or twice a week to help remove excess dry skin and encourage increased cell turnover.Try: Phytomer Cyfolia Radiance Exfoliating Cream If your complexion is dry and devitalized, we highly recommend investing in this exfoliating cream. It gently exfoliates skin to reveal a truly radiant complexion! It features two organic exfoliants – argan kernels and pomegranate seeds, as well as Algae, Oligomer and Orange water that work together to immediately clear away rough and dry skin for a visibly softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single application.
5 signs your skin is fatigued and how to fix it
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 12 2021
If you’re feeling fatigued then your skin will likely reflect it too. In fact, tired skin is a very common skin complaint! Luckily it can be easily corrected with a combination of lifestyle changes and topical skincare treatments! Phew.Read on as we reveal the 5 signs of a tired complexion as well as the steps you should take to fix it! The 5 signs of tired skinDullnessDehydrationUnder-eye circlesPronounced/exacerbated fine lines and wrinklesPuffiness How to fix it Cleanse your skin every evening with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water Who doesn’t love a hot shower or bath of an evening? Thing is washing in hot water has the ability to strip your skin of its natural oils causing dehydration. If you’re suffering from fatigued skin, the best way to cleanse is therefore with lukewarm water and using a gentle cleanser free of harsh chemicals. My personal new go to is Phytomer’s new Cyfolia Organic Radiance Cleansing Cream. It’s a super-soft, velvety and creamy cleansing cream formulated with so many clever ingredients including; the formidable Cyfolia algae, revitalising seawater – oligomer, organic orange water, organic vegetal oils, rose, cedarwood, spiced pink peppercorns, and aloe vera which literally envelope the skin with a beautiful, fresh fragrance. And on application, it quite literally melts into skin to very gently (but also very effectively!) remove makeup, oil, and any impurities. Make sure you exfoliate weekly Exfoliation is a no-fail way to brighten a dull, dehydrated complexion. Proper exfoliation accelerates skin cell turnover by sloughing dead cells from the skin’s surface to reveal the new, healthy cells underneath. For dehydrated skin, we recommend avoiding gritty scrubs that could irritate the skin. Instead, opt for a gentle exfoliant like Pevonia’s Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream. It’s a product I love to rave about and for very good reason. It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently and effectively eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells, and toxins and it’s so easy to use! Simply apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, wet your fingertips with warm water (this will help to ‘wake up’ the enzymes) and work the peeling cream with gentle massage movements into skin, leave on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse away.Another new love of mine is Phytomer’s Cyfolia Organic Radiance Exfoliating Cream. It is amazing and does exactly what the name says! It gently exfoliates skin to reveal a truly radiant complexion! It features two organic exfoliants – argan kernels and pomegranate seeds, as well as Algae, Oligomer and Orange water that work together to immediately clear away rough and dull skin for a visibly softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single application.Using this once a week will help you gain a brighter, smoother, clearer complexion. Trust me. Just don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! Use a serum rich in skin brightening Vitamin C Another tip for reviving dull skin? Adding a vitamin C serum, like Pevonia’s “C” Complexe to your skincare routine. This serum will help boost radiance, but it also has incredible anti-aging effects as it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance collagen production and help to create tighter and younger looking skin overall.Vitamin C serums offer a multitude of benefits when incorporated into both your morning and evening skincare routine. For example, by using a vitamin C serum as part of your morning skincare routine, your skin is better able to neutralise harmful free radicals that can build up throughout the day. Protect your skin’s outer layer Dull, dehydrated skin lacks water. The key is preventing water from leaving your skin by keeping its moisture barrier intact. One of the best ways to achieve this is with a topical treatment like Pevonia’s outstanding Vitaminic Concentrate. It’s a deeply nourishing, fast absorbing treatment oil which uses mandarin oil to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. Also combining Vitamins A and E it’ll have your complexion looking beautifully brighter and rejuvenated by morning. What’s more, it has the most amazing aroma! Use a nourishing and brightening moisturiser You might love your current moisturiser but when skin is fatigued it's time to up the ante. Try Phytomer's Citadine Citylife Face & Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. Formulated in a refreshing sorbet texture and suitable for face and eye contour, this cream is just what you need to reoxygenate your tired skin. A combination of three marine sugars create the active ingredient, CITYSAFE®, to depollute, cleanse and oxygenate the skin. CITYSAFE®, along with blue and red algaes and Phytomer’s patented seawater concentrate – Oligomer®, reset skin repairing damage caused by signs of fatigue, dark spots and a dull complexion. CITYLIFE not only sweeps away toxic micro particles but provides an ultra-moisturising facial experience too! Add a facial mask to your routine While clay masks are known to absorb excess oils (so great for those with oily skin!) they also help to remove the build-up of dead skin cells that cause the skin to look lifeless and lacklustre. The Phytomer Citylife Radiance Reviving Mask combines100% natural red and white clays with the best in marine ingredients to instantly unclog pores and counter the effects of pollution, including signs of fatigue, dark spots, and dullness. After every application, the appearance of tired skin is diminished and replaced with a radiant and renewed complexion. LOVE. Don’t forget your peepers Dark circles are a very common sign of skin fatigue as well as loss of collagen around the eye area. To help stimulate collagen production and give the skin a glowing complexion make sure you use a nourishing eye cream or gel rich in hyaluronic and vitamin c. We LOVE Vie Collection’s Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. A mouthful to say, but a product that does exactly what it says! It’s a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously! it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area, and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! Watch your water intake Yes, we all know we are supposed to be consuming a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day but did you realise that this should start as soon as you awaken from blissful slumber! Drinking approximately 2 glasses of water first thing is hands down the most ideal way to bring back your hydration levels, after all, you’ve not replenished fluid levels for a number of hours over night. Get yourself a good night’s sleep! And last but not least get some sleep! Your skin might be looking tired because you are tired! Poor sleep is proven to lead to dull, dehydrated skin! And I’ve told you many a time before how blue light emitted from our devices can also have a significant impact on our skin and our sleep cycle so make sure you put that phone down at least an hour before bed. 8 hours of blissful sleep is what you are aiming for a night! Why? Because your skin switches to regenerative mode while you sleep. If it doesn’t get enough time to complete its restorative process, skin won’t look as fresh and bright. Simple as that.
6 reasons why you should start using face oils
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 11 2021
While they're predominantly known for their hydrating properties, face oils, contrary to popular belief, are not a skincare product designed only for those prone to dry skin! Oh no, they can in fact work wonders on most skin types thanks to their myriad of benefits, and can transform skin from dull to dazzling in next to no time! But don’t just take my word for it, read on as we reveal 6 benefits of face oils and why you need one in your daily routine stat! We’ll also tell you all about our top 6 face oils on BC. Firstly though, you need to understand what exactly a face oil actually is!So what are face oils?Face oils are typically formulated with botanical and essential oils as well as plant extracts and antioxidants. They are designed to soften, nourish and balance your complexion, locking in hydration and providing skin with the additional moisture it needs for a truly glowing complexion. Non-comedogenic, they won’t clog pores and cause breakouts either!Why you would benefit from using a face oil; They are skin protecting Face oils have numerous benefits, but their no. 1 purpose is to serve as an extra level of protection for your skin. Because oils are lipophilic, they have the ability to trap water and other moisturizing goodness in, while keeping toxins and other bad stuff out! Face oils are also considered a type of emollient, which means that unlike creams and serums which sink deep into the dermis (the deeper layers of skin) for intensive long-lasting hydration, oils tend to hang out near the skins surface creating essential skin barrier protection. This is especially important for those of us city slickers who need extra protection against pollutants and smog, one of the main causes of premature ageing after the sun’s harmful rays! Eek. They provide essential nourishment for all skin types While anyone, even those with oily skin, can benefit from facial oils, they can be the ideal remedy for those with dehydrated and dry skin. Not only do they provide nourishment of their own, they also have the ability to help boost your moisturizer’s hydrating efforts by sealing in the hydrating ingredients, making your skin more likely to hold onto that added hydration. In fact, face oils are integral to healthy skin as without them, moisture just continuously leeches out from the skin until the next time you apply your cream! They promote a healthy-looking glow If your skin is looking dull and devitalised a face oil will be your new best friend. As we age our skin produces less natural oil, so adding a facial oil into your daily skincare routine had helped restore essential moisture loss and encourage a youthful, glowy complexion. They can effectively help reduce wrinkles In your late 30s, wrinkles can start to look more obvious because the skin's natural oils decrease, the moisture barrier breaks down, and the skin dries out. Because oils are lipophilic, or fat loving, they pass through the lipid layer of the skin faster, preventing water loss and plumping skin with moisture more effectively. Some facial oils are also packed with antioxidants which have powerful anti-ageing benefits since they help protect the skin's surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution! So if you are concerned with skin ageing, are prone to dry skin or suffer from sun damage, opt for oils rich in vitamins A and E. They provide antibacterial and skin healing properties Many oils have anti-inflammatory properties and in turn have the ability to decrease inflammation as well as help soothe irritated skin. They can shrink pore size Oils such as jojoba, can actually draw-out grime and fats from pores, making them appear smaller and less noticeable.Our top picksTo learn all about our favourite five face oils click here.Now we’ve established why you should use a face oil in your beauty regime, click here to understand the benefits of serums too!
6 face oils to add to your daily routine
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 10 2021
I may have been late to the party when it comes to introducing face oils as a staple in my beauty routine, but today I’m testament to how good they really are how much they have single handily benefited my skin. You see my skin has always been notoriously dry. No matter how much water I drink, how much love I seem to show it, I have a dehydrated complexion. But since discovering my favourite skincare products including my much-loved face oils, my skin has gone from dehydrated to glowy in next to no time and I’m here to tell you how.Firstly though, it’s important to understand that face oils are not just for those of us suffering from dull, dry, or dehydrated skin. They are in fact the perfect product for everyone, no matter what your skin type or concern. So if you’ve been wanting to try a face oil in what feels like forever but have been holding back from fear of breakouts because let’s face it applying oil to oily skin isn’t logical right? You’d be wrong! The age-old beauty myth is just that, a myth, because not only do face oils actually balance oil flow (yes really!) they help to repair your skin’s natural barrier too! Genius!From cleansing oils to radiance boosters, the following face oils will transform your skincare routine and your skin! What’s more they come highly recommended by the BC professionals and you, our loyal customers too! Pevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateThis soothing, silky anti-oxidant oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma, is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning.“This product has saved my dry skin, especially during the colder months. You put it on after cleanser and it is absorbed right away. It is a dry oil and is just wonderful.” Amelia G Phytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing OilThis is one of those silky, soothing oils with a heavenly rose petal scent that quite literally makes you go ahhhhh” as it melts into your skin. It’s a lightweight dry oil so it absorbs immediately creating a velvety finish without the greasy residue of many an oil. Nourishing marine extracts and botanical oils work together to eliminate impurities while brightening, hydrating, and restoring your skin's natural luster! So while you sleep, your skin repairs and you wake up with a baby soft, radiant complexion that strengthens and firms with every application.“I love this product it makes my skin feel soft and subtle and gives it a beautiful glow. I suffer from redness and this helps to soothe my skin. Amazing product.” Jenni Pevonia De-stress Escape Aromatic OilIf your skin is dry, you’ll really benefit from using facial oils as your barrier. Our current go-to is Pevonia’s new Destress Escape Aromatic Oil. This barrier warrior features a blend of premium and delicate natural oils including safflower, squalane, lavender, chamomile, grapefruit and rose to instantaneously deliver intense hydration while soothing, calming, relaxing, brightening and protecting the skin barrier for ongoing optimal skin health.“I love this face oil! I’ve been using it for a month now as a night time treatment for my dull, dry skin and the results next morning are fantastic! Smoother, plumper, brighter skin! The scent is also heavenly and definitely transports me into a relaxed state of mind. Such amazing stuff!” Amy K Phytomer Tresor Des Mes Beautifying OilThis “treasure of the sea” is THE double duty beauty oil you want in your bathroom! For face, body, and hair! It infuses all the benefits of marine and vegetal oils to moisturise, nourish, repair, and protect you from head to toe. Apply in the evening after a shower or bath and breath in the sensual summer scent. Subtly golden, this beauty elixir will illuminate your skin with light.“This oil keeps my skin smooth and soft. It’s not greasy and absorbs well leaving an attractive glow to skin and hair. I'm so delighted to have been introduced to this product!” Emily Phytomer Oligoforce Advanced Wrinkle and Dark Spot CorrectionThis micro-emulsion contains two active breakthrough ingredients; OLIGOMER concentrated seawater and Marine Ethernal blue micro-algae to specifically target dark spots and wrinkles. Its dewy texture, combining all the comfort of an oil and the effectiveness of a serum, envelops the skin in light and delivers intense hydration. Day after day your skin will become more radiant and dark spots will diminish and fine lines smoothed away! Sound good?“This is a beautiful product. I have only been using it all for about 1 week but already I see a big improvement. I will definitely buy this again and highly recommend it.” Leanore A ELES Cosmetics Transformation Cleansing OilOils aren’t just products that you add at the end of your night-time routine, they also come in the form of cleansers too! Yes! It might sound crazy to remove oil and grime with ‘oil’ so to speak but once you try a cleansing oil you won’t look back. Nothing feels more nurturing and luxurious than a good cleansing oil and the ELES Transformation cleansing oil won’t disappoint! Firstly it literally melts into skin dissolving everything, even waterproof mascara! It does this by binding impurities to the molecules like a vacuum cleaner! Secondly, it dissolves in water. That’s right, you will not be left with a greasy film at all, this oil literally transforms into water-soluble milk which is easily rinsed off leaving your skin feeling not only beautifully clean but remarkably soft and supple too!“Oil cleansers can sound scary especially if you have oily skin but they’re really life-changing and this cleansing oil is no exception! I love how soothing it feels and actually enjoy the process of removing my makeup. There is no oily residue – just clean, soft, smooth, nourished skin. Bliss.” Sarah H
5 skincare essentials for glowing spring skin
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 29 2021
Halfway through spring but your skin isn’t looking it’s best? Want to achieve that healthy spring glow but not sure where to start? We’ve got you! Unfortunately, with spring comes a change in our skin thanks to an increase in temperature, sun exposure and humidity levels so it’s important to up the ante when it comes to your skincare! Below are five of our favourite beauty buys to achieve your healthiest skin this spring! We promise you’ll love them too! Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserMany people avoid exfoliation during the winter months because they feel it can dry out their skin, but as the weather warms up and the humidity increases, it’s a good time to exfoliate at least once a week if not more, to brighten a dull lacklustre complexion. A good weekly exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells and reveal a fresh glowy complexion instead! For the perfect all-rounder exfoliator for all skin types we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile, it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single use!To learn all about the beautifying benefits of exfoliation and which other exfoliators might be best for your skin this spring click here. Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing CreamAs the weather continues to warm up, it’s time to be rid of our richer creams and reach for a lightweight moisturiser instead! Something that will absorb quickly and keep pores clear. And remember even oily skin needs daily moisturising! Why? Because without daily hydration it can produce even more oil to compensate!I highly suggest you give Phytomer’s Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream a go! Perfect for all skin types, it’s a beautifully light yet deeply nourishing cream that provides skin with that ‘invigorating boost’ for fresh, moisturized skin all day long. Rich in hyaluronic and vitamins, it really will transform skin from lacklustre to soft, supple, and visibly radiant. ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50We get it, no one likes slathering on sunscreen, but it is THE most important step in your daily routine, and we don’t need to remind you why! Sunscreen IS essential all year round, but with more time out and about in spring, it really is time to find that SPF favourite and use it religiously.My personal go-to in spring is ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. It’s lovely and light (none of this thick white greasy emulsion!) plus not only does it protect skin against the sun’s harmful rays, it also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots, all whilst calming and brightening your complexion too! Pevonia “C” ComplexeIn the warmer months, when the sun is shining, UVB radiation is at its strongest, so it’s important to not only prioritise SPF but Vitamin C in our skincare too! Vitamin C when applied topically not only boosts our skin’s natural tolerance to the sun, but it is able to help control the formation of pigmentation as well as significantly lightening its appearance too! So make sure you are armed with a great vitamin C serum or cream. I can’t speak more highly of Pevonia’s “C” Complexe with Oxyzomes. The citrus scent is divine and just two pumps equals radiant looking skin instantaneously. Oh and it feels a-mazing too thanks to it’s combination of vitamin c and hydrating powerhouse hyaluronic which quite literally drenches skin with repairing antioxidants. Heaven. Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing CreamDon’t forget a good night-time ritual that includes a nurturing night-time cream! Looking after your skin before bed will have a profound effect by morning. My go-to for spring is Phytomer’s beautiful silky, lightweight Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream. It literally cocoons my skin in nourishing hydration and really does restore youthful vitality by morning. One of my personal all time favourites!
Rejuvenate your skin. The 7 beautifying benefits of exfoliating
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 20 2021
With spring well and truly underway and lockdown over, it’s time to get serious about our skin! We all know the importance of daily cleansing and how much of a necessity moisturising both morning and night is but are we all aware of the numerous benefits of exfoliation, an essential step in our skincare routine but sadly one, that not all of us stick to!It doesn’t matter if you suffer from sensitive skin, a dry complexion or if you’re prone to acne, a good weekly exfoliation is vital! Not only because it’ll get rid of dead surface skin cells but because it’ll also improve the effectiveness of your regular skincare routine so you can experience glowing skin faster! You just need to know which exfoliators are best for your skin type and how often to use them. But first we are here to tell you about 7 benefits of exfoliation, and why you need to make sure it’s part of your regular routine from now one! Exfoliating will give your skin back its radiance! As we age our cell turnover slows down and dead skin cells sitting on our skin’s surface can give us a dull, devitalized complexion! Exfoliating is THE one step in your skincare routine that effectively removes this layer of dead skin, restoring your healthy, vibrant glow. It’s that simple! It smooths your skin tone and texture If you are prone to bumpy skin or dry patches you need to get scrubbing! Exfoliation helps to smooth the skin beautifully and will even out uneven tone and texture for a baby soft complexion! It will enable your moisturiser and serum to better penetrate your skin for optimum results There is little point in splurging on fancy face creams and superlative serums if they are simply going to sit on the surface of your skin! Applying your skincare to a surface of dead skin cells (yuck) is ineffective, that’s because ingredients only work if they can get deep down into the dermis. Often people with dry skin tend to gravitate towards rich, heavy moisturisers not realising that the dryness they feel is in fact a layer of dead skin preventing their moisturiser from absorbing! Regular exfoliating will ensure you are reaping the benefits of your regular skincare routine. So get scrubbing people. It will unblock pores reducing the chances of pimples! If we don’t exfoliate and in turn remove the dead cells sitting on our skin’s surface, in time, our pores can become blocked, which often leads to a breakout, acne or oily skin, even if you aren’t usually susceptible to those skincare conditions! Your makeup won’t be able to sit smoothly on your skin without it Yup. Exfoliating creates a clean, smooth canvas so applying your makeup becomes a breeze, this is because it helps your foundation glide on smoothly instead of sitting atop flaky skin. Plus without that clear canvas, they’ll be no way of avoiding that nasty patchy look! It boosts circulation making skin glow! Exfoliation can also help detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage by removing toxins as well as dead skin cells. The results, a beautiful instant, rosy flush. It stimulates collagen production Exfoliating also helps stimulate collagen synthesis to improve the skin's texture, integrity, and keep the skin looking plump, tight, and young! Yes, it’s THAT important! What exactly is exfoliation?Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. Our bodies actually naturally shed some of these dead cells by itself, but as we age the cycle of new cells to dead cells slows down significantly, therefore speeding up this cycle with weekly exfoliation is paramount to keeping skin young and healthy.There are two types of exfoliation methods - physical and chemical. They share the same goals - clearing dead skin cells, helping speed cell turnover, and leaving skin brighter and smoother - but while acids and skin peels are forms of chemical exfoliation, facial scrubs are forms of physical. How often should I exfoliate?Just once or twice a week depending on your skin type will suffice. As much as exfoliating is good for our skin, over-exfoliating—either by doing it too often or by using an exfoliant that’s too harsh or doesn’t agree with our skin—can lead to adverse reactions such as redness, peeling, and flaking. Just be sure to listen to your skin! What is the best exfoliator for my skin type?With so many exfoliators on the market, it’s hard to know where to begin. Finding one to suit your skin can be tricky but paramount to your skin’s health! Below we’ve listed four of our favourites (and that of our customers!) dependant on your skin type. BLEMISH PRONE SKINTo fight those pesky pimples We LOVE Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, Jojoba Seed Extract and Grapefruit oil, it provides gentle but effective exfoliating action to open and clear pores, combatting acne-causing bacteria! “BEST CLEANSER EVER! I’ve tried so many cleansers with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or a mix of both to help my blemished skin but they are all too drying. This cleanser is by far the best I have ever found. It thoroughly cleans my skin of all makeup and impurities and my skin feels so smooth afterwards. This is a winner!” Shelley SENSITIVE /ROSACEA PRONE SKINIf you are a sufferer of sensitive skin, we highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can't use exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs...this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It's the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sarah R DRY, DULL SKINIf your complexion is dry, dull or devitalized, I’d highly recommend investing in Phytomer’s Cyfolia Radiance Exfoliating Cream! It is amazing and does exactly what the name says! It gently exfoliates skin to reveal a truly radiant complexion! It features two organic exfoliants – argan kernels and pomegranate seeds, as well as Algae, Oligomer and Orange water that work together to immediately clear away rough and dull skin for a visibly softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single application.“I love this product. It does wonders for my dehydrated, dull skin! It has a beautiful texture, is not harsh at all and the results speak for themselves. My skin is so soft and almost glowy after I use it. LOVE” Tina R ALL SKIN TYPESNo matter what your skin type if you are a fan of enzyme exfoliators over physical scrubs you are going to fall in love with Pevonia’s Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream. This little beauty (a mini facial in a jar as I call it!) does wonders for the skin. And no don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently and effectively eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins and it’s so easy to use! Simply apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, wet your fingertips with warm water (this will help to ‘wake up’ the enzymes) and work the peeling cream with gentle massage movements into skin, leave on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse away. Nothing makes skin feel cleaner, softer, smoother and brighter than this jar of goodness!! Trust me.“Absolutely the best product on the market. Perfect for all skin types and ages. Truly amazing. It's gentle and effective, skin is left bright and soft.” Lisa W SHOP ALL EXFOLIATORS.
Prep your skin this spring: 5 body products to firm, tone, smooth and sooth
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 13 2021
I have to admit when it comes to keeping up with my body buffing, exfoliating and moisturising routine I’ve been a little lazy of late! But with lockdown nearing an end for many, and the days heating up thanks to spring, it’s now time to dust off those cobwebs and start prepping our bodies for the warmer months ahead!If like me, that smooth, supple skin you once donned has been replaced with dry, scaley, lumpy and lacklustre skin, eek! Worry not! With a little bit of dedication and a few of our favourite firming and smoothing beauty buys, you’ll have your skin back to its former glory in a matter of weeks! Promise! Just make sure you up the exercise and water intake too! Silky skin body scrub Oh, how I love me an indulgent body scrub and this most certainly is no exception! One of my favourite body products for a number of years now, Pevonia’s Silky Skin Body Scrub does exactly that – gives you seriously silky skin, no jokes! Oh, and its subtle scent is divine thanks to its key ingredients Chamomile, Rosemary, Lemon and Sage.Apply it to wet skin (use warm water) and gently massage all over the body in a circular motion. Then rinse and cleanse thoroughly with a gentle shower gel. By exfoliating the skin, it will eliminate any dead skin cells as well as dry flaky skin, making way for that silky smooth skin everytime. NEW Pevonia Crepe-No-More Body Cream This latest innovation from Pevonia is a necessity for anyone wanting to achieve truly smooth, supple skin. Rich in superfood Longan Fruit, anti-inflammatory actives, plant-based antioxidants, hydrating powerhouse Hyaluronic Acid, firming Marine Collagen and nourishing Shea Butter! it will both firm and tighten the look of skin (yup!) reduce any crepiness and fat accumulations, all while deeply hydrating your skin. Honestly, after every use my skin feels super soft, supple but also looks visibly radiant and I’ve noticed how much firmer it feels in just a few weeks of use!What I will say though is for the best results apply both morning and night and use in unison with dry body brushing – I’m a huge advocate! Just a few minutes each day will stimulate blood flow and circulation, detoxify as well as assist in firming your skin. If you haven’t tried body brushing no worries! Simply brush your body in upward movements towards your heart and then jump in the shower (or bath!) to wash off any excess dead skin cells. Then apply your Crepe-No-More Body Cream to put the moisture back into your skin! Voila!Oh and if you purchase Pevonia’s Crepe-No-More Body Cream in the month of October, the kind folk at BC will give you a Body Brush for FREE! Go on give it a go and thank me later! Phytomer Celluli Attack Concentrate This is my faithful go-to every spring and for good reason! It really is an intensive treatment for cellulite and when used religiously every morning for a minimum of a month you will see results! While it can’t eliminate cellulite completely (can any product really do that) it can and will improve your skin texture significantly. Phytomer Celluli Night Coach Intensive Cellulite Sleeping Mask I love the name of this product and of course the product itself! While Celluli Attack is a liquid consistency, this mask is a light soothing gel formulation which instantly melts into your skin as soon as you apply! It literally ‘coaches’ your skin while you sleep, working deep into the dermis to eliminate fat. Night after Night it visibly improves the appearance of ‘orange peel’ skin (or cellulite dimpling as you might better know!)What’s more for a limited time these two outstanding anti-cellulite products (Celluli Attack and Cellui Night Coach) come together in one duo gift set to provide an intensive two step program for day and night! Phytomer Sun Radiance Self-Tanning Cream If you’ve neglected to exfoliate, moisturise and buff your body over the winter months I’m betting that your skin hasn’t had a tan for a while either. With the pins making an appearance once again it’s time to get your glow on with a good self-tanner! Just be sure to steer clear of spray and mousse self-tans though as these can be slightly drying for the skin. Instead, try a nourishing self-tanning cream like Phytomer’s Sun Radiance. Its white satin texture makes it so easy to apply without leaving any streaks, it quickly absorbs into the skin and within a few hours, you’ll have the most perfect long-lasting natural tan! Result.
10 steps to radically reduce pimples overnight
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 06 2021
Dealing with spots can be frustrating. Just as you think you’ve beaten those blemishes, along pops up more! Well, it is possible to radically reduce their appearance overnight, you just need to follow these 10 simple steps, according to the experts at BC. Use a warm compress then pop ice on your pimpleApply a warm compress to the problem area or steam your face to bring your blemish to the surface. Then use a cold compress or ice, as this will help to decrease inflammation, reducing redness, size and visibility of the spot. Don’t pick that pimpleAs tempting as it can be, and I’m sure we’ve all been there, you should never, ever pick at your pimple as this will only do damage to your skin. Why? Because it can spread the area of bacteria, creating more blemishes and trauma to your skin, which in turn leads to inflammation, infection, and potentially even scarring. Picking your pimple can also result in it taking much longer than usual for it to disappear, rather than overnight like you are wanting!Watch what you eatSadly, there are particular foods that can exacerbate blemishes so if you want your spots to do one, make sure you eliminate them from your diet! Avoid cow’s milk and whey protein as they can be known to aggravate acne and try to stick to a low sugar diet as yes sadly that chocolate bar or delicious cupcake can be a cause of a sudden breakout.Make sure your skincare features the following blemish fighting ingredientsWhile there are 3 key ingredients to look out for when searching for that overnight miracle product; Benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid to help exfoliate and unclog pores Retinol to help boost cell turnover, prompting cells to shed and preventing them from clogging. If you are prone to blemishes and you want to keep them under control, you really need to be armed with skincare featuring 6 key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinol, Charcoal/Clay and Hyaluronic Acid. For more information on the benefits and effects of these ingredients and the best products to use click here.And use a good spot treatment for those pop-up pimples!While there is no way to get rid of a pimple in 5 minutes you can see huge improvements in a matter of hours by immediately treating it with a topical spot treatment rich in Salicylic Acid. Salicylic acid is very potent when it comes to getting rid of blemishes. By applying this spot attacking ingredient directly to the problem area, immediately removes excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, meaning it effectively unclogs pores while simultaneously reducing any infection, swelling and redness.The team at BC can’t recommend the following skin saviours enough. Medicalia spot treatment This potent professional-grade targeted treatment diminishes follicular build-up, controls bacteria, and reduces inflammation with noticeable improvement in skin healing. It infuses skin with high performing ingredients including; Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid Mucor Meihei, Phytic Acid, and Sea Whip to effectively control, combat, and clear blemishes and acne lesions. What’s more it effectively decreases the risk of scarring and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. “This product is fantastic - have used this on random spots which appear and they always go away after using this product for a couple of days in a row. Highly recommended!” Natasha M Phytomer Oligopur Blemish Target GelThis blemish treatment gel dries and corrects, targeting blemishes with precision. It rapidly improves the skin's appearance, significantly reducing spots overnight. “This is an amazing blemish gel! I'm 37 and still get a few monthly breakouts. The Phytomer Blemish Gel works almost overnight, or over the course of the day as you can apply it over make up without worrying that it will show or mess up your foundation or powder. It doesn't dry you out and absorbs quickly.” Leanne Pevonia SpaTeen Blemish-B-GoneCombining both organic Benzoyl Peroxide with organic Salicylic Acid, this spot treatment radically heals blemishes while counteracting bacteria, as well as preventing future breakouts. Phew.“This is the BEST spot treatment that I have ever tried. I use it once at night and once in the morning. It totally took care of my breakouts. I can carry it in my bag with no problems, and it is easy to use. I’m hooked!” Ella W Tie your hair backKeep your hair off your face as the natural oil from your hair can touch your face and worsen the pimple. Make sure you remove your makeup at the end of the day!Whether you’re prone to the odd spot or suffer from all out acne, you’ll soon see that sleeping with a face full of makeup can result in a bigger breakout of blemishes. Eek! Makeup, unfortunately, clogs pores, and when your pores are blocked, your skin can’t breathe, and therefore it can’t regenerate. The oil in your pores builds-up and transform itself into spots. Fact. So make sure you always remove your makeup before bed with a good makeup remover!We love Vie Collection’s Micellar Water. It literally purifies, conditions and cleanses your complexion in one easy step thoroughly removing makeup from your lips, eyes and face. “All makeup removal products I have purchased, has always broke me out. So this is just what I was looking for. This product does leave your facial area's feeling well hydrated, nourished, and well cleansed” SophiaFor more information on sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin, click here. And do use a blemish busting cleanser before bedDon't ignore the power of a good cleanser formulated with some of the 6 key ingredients. Using your cleanser religiously will not only treat the pimples you do have, but prevent future emergencies. We highly recommend thoroughly cleansing your skin with one of these blemish busting cleansers, before zapping that zit with your spot treatment. Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating CleanserExfoliating cleansers are perfect for blemish prone skin, as they help reduce breakouts by removing excess dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser combines Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid with Jojoba, Soapwort, Triclosan and Grapefruit Oil, to gently exfoliate skin’s surface as well as deeply penetrate the pores, decreasing microbe growth and calming inflammation. “I bought this product after being “prescribed” it by my beauty therapist for my mild adult acne. Firstly, the scent is light and non-intrusive, which is a huge plus. I also like that it contains both manual (small grains) chemical (citric acid) exfoliating properties. It helps to make my skin feel clean, smooth and prepared for moisturising. After a week or so I noticed a HUGE improvement in my breakouts.” Leah Medicalia Clarifying CleanserIn general, foaming cleansers are also great for oily and acne-prone skin, specifically because of their pore penetrating capabilities. If you want to get rid of blemishes or excess oil/sebum fast, you need a cleanser that can go deep in your pores and get rid of the debris without too much effort. We LOVE Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser. Specifically created for those with breakout prone and sensitive/oily skin, it’s formulated with both Salicylic and Lactic acids (so we know that’s a good thing!) Its potent foaming suds work very quickly to eliminate surface bacteria, toxins, impurities and makeup while combatting inflammation too! “I have used this cleanser for over 15 years now and it is just awesome! I used to suffer from acne and this cleanser helped no end and without drying my skin out!” Bec Change your pillowcaseI know we all change our pillowcases but do we do it frequently enough? Keeping your pillowcase clean and we are talking about changing it every 3-4 days, is a top beauty secret! This is because they have a build-up of oils, dirt, and sweat from daily use (yuck) which means they can harbor bacteria and in turn become a breeding ground for blemishes, as well as exacerbating them! Go to bed in a relaxed state and get your 8-9 hours of beauty sleep!I’ve said this many a time and for good reason. Stress and lack of sleep induce the hormone cortisol, which triggers our skin to produce more sebum or oil. This increase of oil can then clog pores and in turn not only exacerbate the blemish you are wanting gone by morning but can also lead to even more breakouts.And yes, we know what we are saying isn’t as simple as it sounds, especially when many of us are dealing with work, kids, home-schooling, and lockdown, but from personal experience, I do highly recommend having a relaxing mineral bath before bed. Little instantly reduces stress quite like it. I LOVE 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?Then either meditating for a few minutes, I love the Calm app, OR playing soothing sounds. This can have a profound effect on your mental state, significantly reducing stress and leading to blissful slumber.
6 ingredients you need in your skincare for clear, blemish-free skin
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 01 2021
If you are prone to breakouts and tired of battling them, you may want to consider switching up your skincare routine and introduce products that incorporate these 6 blemish-fighting ingredients into your everyday life. Salicylic AcidWhen it comes to breakouts, salicylic acid should always be your trusty go-to. The most potent ingredient when it comes to battling blemishes and every dermatologist’s go-to, Salicylic is a superstar purifying BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) that’s calming, decongesting and antibacterial. Don’t let the word ‘acid’ put you off though, as even those with sensitive skin can tolerate it. It works by penetrating deep into the skin to exfoliate clogged pores, as well as dissolve oil build-up and dead cells from the skin’s surface!To fight pimples, we suggest using a salicylic acid-based cleanser like Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser which provides pore-clearing benefits in a super gentle lather that won’t dry out the skin, stripping it of moisture. We also love Phytomer’s’ Oligopur Blemish Target Gel, it’s a phenomenal spot treatment which targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! “This is an amazing blemish gel! I'm 37 and still get a few monthly breakouts. The Phytomer Blemish Gel works almost overnight, or over the course of the day as you can apply it over make up without worrying that it will show or mess up your foundation or powder. It doesn't dry you out and absorbs quickly.” Leanne Glycolic AcidA natural exfoliant derived from sugar cane, this glow-giving hero ingredient seems to do it all! Not only is it very effective at exfoliating skin and treating/preventing acne (thanks to its ability to penetrate deep within the skin), it also has the power to reduce fine lines, fade dark spots, increase skin thickness, and even out skin tone and texture! It’s therefore no surprise that you’ll find it in many a product!So, if your skin is looking dull, devitalised and it feels like you are forever battling blemishes, we highly recommend Pevonia’s Problematic Skincare Cream rich in Glycolic Acid. It works amazingly on problematic skin reducing overall breakouts while leaving your complexion soft, supple and pores clog-free! “It works great on my problematic skin reducing overall breakouts. Leaves my skin soft and does not clog my pores.” Tara Benzoyl PeroxideAnother truly effective ingredient for actually treating spots as opposed to preventing them. This is because it actually kills bacteria! It can however be a little drying and irritating which is why it’s best used in specific targeted spot treatments. Pevonia’s SpaTeen Blemish B-Gone combines both organic Benzoyl Peroxide with organic Salicylic Acid to counteract bacteria and well as preventing future breakouts. “This is the BEST spot treatment that I have ever tried. I use it once at night and once in the morning. It totally took care of my breakouts. I can carry it in my bag with no problems, and it is easy to use. I'm hooked!” Ella W Charcoal and clayIt’s tricky to soak up excess oil without over-drying the skin but products containing charcoal and clay do just that! They work by attracting and absorbing dirt and oil. As a lightweight natural ash residue hydrocarbon, charcoal easily pulls toxins out of the skin for a clean, purified, and healthy complexion as it restores a normalized cellular function. Try Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask. Apply once a week to oily and blemish prone skin and watch it work its magic. “I love this mask so much. It feels creamy to apply and then slightly dry’s to touch. It is my new favourite mask, drawing out impurities and clearing any outbreaks.” Lorraine RetinolThe master magician, retinol is the superstar of all ingredients thanks to its multitude of benefits including its ability to increase cell turnover, instructing damaged cells to produce healthier cells faster! As a result, pores are less likely to become blocked so blemishes unlikely to form! We are loving Pevonia’s Micro Retinol Serum. “I ran out of a previous retinol product and gradually my skin started to look awful, dull and dehydrated. I love the Pevonia Power Rich repair moisturizer, so I thought I would try this as well. Literally could see and feel the difference overnight!” Winner! LeahTo find out more about retinol and the right products for you click here. Hyaluronic AcidProbably the most famous skincare ingredient of them all, and renowned as every beauty expert’s ‘must-have’, hyaluronic acid has the ability to instantly deliver supple, dewy skin. It binds moisture to skin cells to keep skin smooth, firm, plump, and undeniably radiant and thanks to its sponge-like effect, every molecule can hold 1,000 times its weight in water so when topically applied it’s like a burst of intense hydration to the skin yet will not clog pores, making it the perfect hydrator for blemish prone skin. Even though when you are suffering from oily blemish prone skin you think applying moisturiser is the last thing you need, it’s actually one of the most important aspects of lessening pesky pimples and all out acne alike! Making sure the epidermis, your skin’s top layer, is hydrated is paramount for your skin’s health. Hyaluronic acid is also different from normal hydrators because it acts like a water magnet and maintains skin’s oil and water balance.We are hands down in awe of Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum, featuring one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the skincare market. “I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Mary C For more information on which type of blemishes you suffer from and how to best treat them click here as well as the best makeup tips for blemish/acne prone skin.
8 of the most loved products on BC and why you’d love them too
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 29 2021
Beauty trends come and go but there are some products that really do stand the test of time. Those products many of us can’t live without. Why? Because they have the ability to transform our skin for the better and in turn have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing, something that is so important especially in today’s climate!Whether it’s your skin smoothing moisturiser, your favourite foundation, or your false lash effect mascara, we all have those favourites we’ve fallen in love with. These are some of our most loved products on BC, adored by our team and our customers alike. ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15I never stop raving about this gem of a product and neither do our customers! If you are a lover of liquid foundation but after something silky and light, then you should invest in this beauty! Not only does it provide a flawless, soft, subtle powder finish, it’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for! “I've been using this foundation for years and I can't live without it. The texture and the way it makes my skin feel is amazing. It gives such even, natural and flawless coverage. It's seriously the best foundation I've ever used”. Sia P ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused LightWe are all on the quest for those multi-tasking miracle products, and this product is just that! Your bronzer, highlighter and foundation powder combined into one clever compact that you can simply swipe all over for your healthiest, natural looking glow! Yess!It’s a palette of gorgeous glowing warm tones that acts like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow” in seconds. I LOVE it and so do so many! “I recently purchased this beautiful product and use it over my SPF with no foundation. It gives my skin a beautiful healthy luminosity without the look of shimmer. It looks like my skin only better.” Christina ELES Luminous BB Cream 30I am a huge advocate for this multifaceted wonder cream! It has the perfect light, dewy coverage and literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects (thanks to its SPF of 30) and evens out skin tone all in one! for a truly natural and flawless finish, plus it feels like you aren’t wearing anything, no easy feat for makeup with SPF that’s for sure! Honestly, if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this product is one you should seriously consider too! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one!What’s more, thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! “I absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.” Krystle W Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamMy personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 global favourite too, the Marine Collagen Cream isn’t Pevonia’s global bestseller for nothing! Formulated with anti-ageing wonder ingredients marine collagen and hyaluronic, It’s a deeply nourishing, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and really does leave skin radiant, super soft and supple, like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture, a feeling that lasts all day! I swear I have less visible lines and wrinkles thanks to this superstar cream! “I love this daily face cream....I use it morning and night! My skin looks and feels amazing. I'm 52 and am told constantly that I look so young....I give Pevonia products the credit. Thank you for making such great skin care products!” LindaPevonia C ComplexeIf your skin needs a boost of radiance this should be your go-to. Instantly brighter, dewier skin and who doesn’t want that right? Superhero glow-getter Vitamin C comes together with hydrating and anti-ageing powerhouse hyaluronic acid to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, 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 instantly. It’s the perfect morning pick-me-up! Seriously. “This is a beautiful serum. You only require two pumps, and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment”. Deborah W Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing LotionThis all-in-one cleanser, makeup remover and toner is quick, effective and wonderful to use. Alcohol-free and infinitely gentle, it thoroughly cleanses the complexion, removes makeup and tones skin without leaving an oily film just a silky soft and supple complexion instead! “Holy Grail Toner! I have tried so many toners at basically every price point and this toner is my all-time favourite. There’s just something in this toner that truly leaves my skin better for use. Even after it dries off my skin does not feel tight or dry. If you’re in the market for a new toner I highly recommend giving this one a try.” Barbara Enzymo Spherides Peeling CreamThis little beauty (a mini facial in a jar as I call it!) will do wonders for your skin, I promise! And no don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently and effectively eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins and it’s so easy to use! Simply apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, wet your fingertips with warm water (this will help to ‘wake up’ the enzymes) and work the peeling cream with gentle massage movements into skin, leave on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse away. Nothing makes skin feel cleaner, softer, smoother and brighter than this jar of goodness!! Trust me. “Absolutely the best product on the market. Perfect for all skin types and ages. Truly amazing. It's gentle and effective, skin is left bright and soft”. Lisa W Pevonia Dry Oil Body MoisturiserHands down my favourite body moisturiser (and another of Pevonia’s global bestsellers), this beauty feels like silk on application, is not greasy at all (despite it being an ‘oil’) and absorbs immediately, quite literally nourishing every inch of your body. Formulated with Lavender and Chamomile the scent is heaven, and it renders skin beautifully soft and supple with a radiant healthy glow. It will not disappoint, and the many customer reviews speak for themselves! “This is amazing, I feel like I have been to a day spa when I put it on, luxury & pampering at home! It smells divine. Feels like silk, not too greasy, goes on easy, love this product ;-)” Lisa C
Why you need a serum: The best anti-ageing serums for every skin type
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 15 2021
I’m a self-proclaimed skincare buff and for good reason. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the industry for 20 years now (oh my!) and as a result, try many an amazing product during this time. But the one product I swear by (aside from my daily moisturiser of course!) and know my skin hugely benefits from, is my serum.Now you might well have your reservations when it comes to serums (or concentrates as otherwise known) because a) how does it really differ from your moisturiser I hear you say and b) because let’s face it keeping up with your daily skincare ritual can be costly and since you are already using a cleanser, exfoliator, moisturiser, eye cream and face oil, surely a serum isn’t necessary as well? Well if you want your skin to live its best life, I’m here to tell you it really will be worth that extra investment, but firstly, it’s important you understand why. So what exactly is serum and what is its purpose?Serums are like a shot for the skin. Firstly they tend to perform above and beyond many regular skincare products, this is because they are developed with a higher concentration of targeted active ingredients. Secondly, the purpose of a serum is to target a specific concern.Most often, serums are clear, gel-based or liquid formulations and are applied before moisturisers to help lock in moisture. Packed with potent anti-ageing ingredients, they have the ability to hydrate more effectively than even the heaviest of creams because the molecules are able to truly penetrate the skin and hydrate on the deepest level, while your cream tends to sit on and nourish the top layers of your skin. Serums do not however replace your moisturiser, but instead boost the effects of your moisturiser. What serum is right for me?There are a multitude of serums out here ranging from anti-ageing to anti-acne, hydration to skin brightening and more, so in order to work out what will be best for you, you need to decipher what it is your skin really needs from the serum. For dry complexions, look for formulas that incorporate hydrating proteins such as hyaluronic acid that attract water to the skin. While ageing, dull or combination skin will benefit from serums with both vitamin C and retinol.Below we have selected our most loved serums for each common skin type and concern so read on to see which could be a game-changer for your complexion! Best serum for photo-damaged and lacklustre skinPevonia Optimal C ComplexTargets: Dullness, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinklesHero Ingredients: Vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen production for younger-looking skin, Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and drenches skin with repairing antioxidants while Chitosan Ascorbate accelerates tissue regeneration.This unique microemulsified gel boosts skins radiance and renders it bright, smooth and revitalized. “This is a beautiful serum. You only require two pumps, and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment.” - Deborah WBest serum for dry, thirsty skinPevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra SerumTargets: Dehydration, lack of suppleness, fine lines and wrinklesHero Ingredients: Features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus extract which relaxes harsh wrinkles similar to that of Botox), to deliver immediate skin soothing results and deep hydrationThe ultimate for seriously thirsty skin, this serum eliminates dryness almost instantly as it quite literally blasts even the most dehydrated of complexions with a surge of moisture, maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. By adding moisture back into your skin, this serum immediately boosts skin’s suppleness and combats ageing in multiple ways thanks to its skin-plumping properties.“I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” - Marie C Best for sensitive and breakout prone skinPevonia Soothing Propolis ConcentrateTargets: Inflammation, rosacea, acneHero Ingredients: Propolis, lavender and vetiver oil to desensitize, decongest, heal and strengthen fragile skin.With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, Pevonia’s Soothing Propolis Concentrate is the perfect elixir for inflamed, sensitive or acne prone skin.“I love this product, I bought it while i was pregnant and had severe hormonal acne and it seemed to calm, soothe and reduce the “angriness” of my skin! Since having baby I have continued to use this product and it has since reduced my pore size and also made my skin more evenly toned. I recommend to anyone who has skin problems as it also contains anti-microbial properties and antibacterial to keep those yukky breakouts to a minimum!” – Melinda L Best serum for mature, ageing skinPevonia MyOxy – Caviar Timeless Repair SerumTargets: Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticityHero Ingredients: Formulated with a high concentration of age-defying Caviar and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus Blend)An all-rounder for tackling advanced signs of ageing Pevonia’s Myoxy Caviar Timeless Repair serum works to immediately increase skins plumpness, softening and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Skin’s texture and elasticity is noticeably improved, resulting in a tighter, finer, resurfaced complexion and an unequivocal youthful radiance.“I LOVE this stuff. Pricey yes but I noticed a dramatic decrease in my wrinkles as well as a smoother texture in a matter of weeks.” - Tanya L Best serum for mature, photo-damaged and hyperpigmented skinMedicalia Retinol ConcentrateTargets: Uneven skin tone, dark spots, lines and wrinkles, sagging skinHero Ingredients: Micro Retinol, Vitamin E, Vitamin CFormulated to amplify results, this serum’s innovative ‘age-reversing’ Micro-Retinol® technology normalizes mitosis, boosts cellular performance, and restructures skin layers for visible rejuvenation. Skin appears dense and supple with a smoothed surface and diminished wrinkles resulting in brighter, more youthful looking complexion.“This is the best product for ageing skin I have found.” - Heather Best serum for oily skin with enlarged poresPevonia Age Correction Intensifier Micro-Pores Bio Active SerumTargets: pore size, oil excess, uneven skin textureHero Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Red Clover and pseudoalteromonas ferment extract; a ground-breaking peptide that contains three skin perfecting amino acids; Glycine, Histidine and LysineDeeply hydrating microemulsified gel with a light texture. Formulated with bio-active breakthrough ingredients that work deep within hair follicles to normalise sebum production, reduce pore size for a matte and even complexion.“This is a wonderful product, it does exactly what it says. It minimises large pores and reduces oily skin around my nose and cheeks. Highly recommend!” - Rhiannon K Best serum for dehydration and signs of ageingPevonia Age Correction Intensifier Collagen and Myoxy caviarTargets: Fine lines, lack of suppleness, damaged skin cellsHero Ingredients: Marine Collagen Polypeptides, Caviar Extract Hibiscus Esculentus extractThis rich silky-smooth gel formula in concentrated Marine Collagen and Myoxy Caviar, has been designed to combat signs of ageing in multiple ways by nourishing, oxygenating and plumping the skin. Luminous skin surfaces as cells are repairs and fine lines and wrinkles diminished.“I absolutely LOVE this serum. It gives my dry skin an instant boost! My skin is immediately hydrated and looks smoother with renewed luminosity.” - Jo BBest New Serum for firming and plumpingPhytomer Structuriste Firming Contour Serum Targets: loose, slackened, uneven skinHero Ingredients: Marine Algae, Squalane, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine, PeonyThis beautifully lightweight milky serum effectively moisturises and improves skin tissue density by smoothing, firming and plumping the skin as well as enhancing the look of facial contours! “I was recommended this serum by a friend and am so glad I was! I’m in my 60’s and have been concerned about my skin getting looser as I age. This serum smells divine and feels light and silky on application and in the month I’ve been using it, it has definitely made a difference to my skin. It is now more supple and visibly firmer too!” wonderful! - Kylie D
7 self-care rituals to help you and your skin indulge in blissful slumber
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 15 2021
The month of September is recognized as Self Care Awareness Month and what better time to practice self-care than now, when so many of us are living through what feels like forever in lockdown!And yes, I hear and echo many of those mum’s (and dad’s!) who are likely thinking self-care? Who has time for that! But self-care can be as simple as getting an extra hour (or minutes even!) of invaluable zzzzz’s! In fact, sleep is probably the most important part of self-care! Why? Because it can improve your mindset, memory, concentration, energy, productivity, and skin too! And we know, no one is choosing to be sleep deprived, the stresses of everyday life can seriously prevent us from getting the amount of sleep we crave, but if it’s possible to try and get our heads down at a reasonable time (I’m talking to myself here too!) and stick to it nightly, it’ll improve your quality of sleep and in turn have a positive impact of your life and complexion too!Below are 7 self-care tips that will help induce sleep as well as seriously benefit your skin. And if they are working for me, I’m pretty sure they’ll work for you too! Get outdoors and get activeSpending time in the great outdoors in nature is paramount to our mental wellbeing, but it is also known to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, lower blood pressure and induce peaceful sleep! If you aren’t already doing so, or are becoming a wee bit complacent in lockdown, as part of your daily self-care routine, try and force yourself to get that 20 minutes plus of exercise daily and release those feel-good endorphins it induces.Eat your way to sleepWe all know eating too close to bedtime can impact the quality of our sleep but so can the foods we eat! Now is the time to make changes to your daily diet and incorporate the following foods and drinks that are known to have sleep promoting properties!Nuts – such as almonds, are a great source of the hormone melatonin which regulates your internal clock and signals your body to prepare for sleep. They are also an excellent source of magnesium which has the ability to reduce inflammation and stress levels, in turn helping to improve sleep quality, especially in those who suffer from insomnia.Dairy – such as a glass of milk or plain yogurt are known sources of the amino acid tryptophan which increases the production of melatonin. A glass of milk before bed has been proven to improve sleep.Bananas – like milk contain tryptophan, and the fruit itself is a modest source of magnesium.Oatmeal & rice – are high in carbs and fibre and have been reported to induce drowsiness when consumed close to bedtime. Additionally, oats are a known source of melatoninChamomile tea – offers a variety of health benefits! From being rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, to boosting your immunity, reducing anxiety and depression! In addition, this popular tea contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that help promote sleepiness.Indulge in a salt infused bubble bathIf you can’t remember the last time you let yourself enjoy a long soak in the bath free from distraction, then now’s the time to treat yourself to a salts-infused bath. Little instantly promotes relaxation quite like taking a remineralizing bath. Ahhhhhh. Begin by creating a spa-like atmosphere so your entire body is relaxed – I’m talking soothing music, burning essential oils, lighting your favourite candle, whatever it takes to set the mood. Next, fill your bath with Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath. This amazing lightly foaming product is 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, helping you drift off into a world of utter relaxation.Create a night-time skincare ritualIt only takes minutes to apply your skincare products before bed but what a difference it will make to your skin! If you want to drift off to peaceful slumber and awake to gorgeous glowy skin these are my personal night-time go-to’s; Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream - Skin cells do their greatest renewal and repair whist we sleep, so applying much needed hydration at night is encouraged to maximise absorption and to enhance your skin barrier. I personally LOVE Phytomer’s Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream and use it religiously because my skin demands that extra layer of rich fluffy moisturiser. The cream literally cocoons my skin in nourishing hydration and really does restore youthful vitality by morning.Pevonia Aromatic Oil – with all the benefits of 4 mood enhancing essential oils – lavender, grapefruit, chamomile and rose, combined with squalane and vitamin e, this soothing and indulgent face oil combats dehydration and dryness while soothing, calming and brightening skin. It also promotes an immediate feeling of increased wellbeing and total relaxation from the moment you apply it! Heaven.Say goodbye to dark undereye circles and bagsIt's not an urban legend — falling short on your zzz's, whether due to insomnia or late nights, can cause circles under your eyes to appear or become more prominent. This happens because lack of sleep tends to cause the blood vessels under the thin skin of the eyes to dilate, creating a dark tint. Not getting enough sleep can also increase stress which too can exacerbate dark circles.Fed up of waking with bulbous bags and black circles under your eyes? Try to get more of the necessary shut-eye, but also apply an eye cream like this beauty before bed and when you wake in the morning;Vie Collection’s Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. Yes, a mouthful to say, but a product that does exactly what it says. It’s a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously! it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! Meditate to clear your mindMeditation is one of the best ways to take care of yourself. I couldn’t imagine not having my nightly 5-minute meditation ritual, which my little one’s love to do 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! Play soothing soundsThis one gets me every time! Not only when I go to bed but when I’m putting my kids to bed and pass out too!! In addition to facilitating quickly falling asleep and improving sleep quality, playing relaxing music before bed can improve sleep efficiency, which means more time that you are in bed is actually spent sleeping. Improved sleep efficiency equals more consistent rest and less waking up during the night. Result!Our family favourite is Relaxing Deep Sleep Music on Mindful Kids! Bliss. For more ideas on how to practice self-care at home, check our team BC’s beauty recommendations.
The top trending beauty hacks that really do work
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 09 2021
From flawless skin to big beautiful lips and everything in between, we are all in pursuit of quick beauty fixes that promise to deliver, but do they really work?Read on to reveal our favourite beauty hacks of all time. You might well have heard of a few before now, but we are here as testament to their success having personally tried, tested and lived by each and every one of them. LIPS – THE PERFECT POUTIf filler isn’t your thing, and the many lip plumping products out there are either short lived or seem to somewhat irritate your skin, you can perfect your pout by simply creating the illusion of plumper lips with a few key steps; Exfoliate Firstly creating a smooth canvas is a necessity to perfecting your pout. The way to achieve this is to start sloughing away any dead skin cells on the surface of your lips by using a gentle lip scrub. Don’t have a lip scrub?No worries, a face scrub such as Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser will suffice! It’ll leave lips silky smooth and lipstick ready! Line those lips Lip liner is used to define the look of your lips but it can also make lips look bigger instantly. Apply before lipstick and use either a neutral shade or match the shade of your lipstick. Begin by applying a fine line just outside your natural lip line starting from the centre of the lips and working out to the corners, keep it light and fine, then blend it inwards. Try ELES Gel Lipliner for ultimate staying power. Apply long lasting lippie Next apply your lipstick, then simply place a tissue over your lips and dust translucent powder onto your lips through the tissue with a brush. Doing so will help set the pigment without dulling the colour and make it instantly longer lasting. Another option is to give a lip stain a go! The ELES Lip Stain imparts lips with long lasting vibrant colour that protects the lips and stays in place for hours even after eating, drinking and kissing! Plump up the volume After applying and setting your chosen lipstick, brush either a little shimmer eyeshadow in an ivory shade or some concealer in light, to the middle of your lips. This creates a 3D effect that makes lips look fuller and no irritation or special products are required! The same goes for your lipgloss – for a little extra lip plumping apply in nude to the centre of your lips.FACE – A FLAWLESS FACEWe are all on the quest of a flawless face and you really can fake it till you make it! A perfect base Skin still feel and look a little dry and patchy even after you’ve completed your morning skincare ritual? You can prevent your foundation from collecting in any flaky spots by simply adding a few drops of face oil directly to your foundation. The oil primes your face enabling the foundation to glide on easily for a seamless finish. Fake your cheekbones Sadly we aren’t all born with striking cheekbones but we can all fake it! All it takes is some simple sculpting. Start by puckering to find the hollows of your cheeks and apply a deep nude blush (my go-to is the ELES Baked Blush in Posey) or contour powder in the sunken area under your cheekbones. Next, apply a peachy blush (try ELES Baked Blush in Bouquet) starting from the apples of your cheeks and moving outwards while lightly blending. Finish by applying illuminator along the top of your cheekbones and under your temples. EYES – AN INSTANT EYE LIFT Big bright eyes Who doesn’t want to achieve brighter instantly awake eyes? Yup I’m talking for all the tired mums out there and some! I promise if you invest in a nude waterliner you’ll never look back. Firstly don’t make the mistake I used to by applying black liner all around your eyes (top and bottom as well as your waterline! This will only make your eyes appear so much smaller than they are. Instead just line the top lashes with black liner and the bottom with brown, applied very lightly just to add eye definition, then apply the waterliner (I use daily ELES’s Waterline Liner) to really open up your eyes. It works a treat. You can thank me later. Thicker lashes Using an eye shadow brush or cotton tip, dust a little powder over your eyelashes between the first and second coats of mascara to plump up your lashes. Translucent powder has grip so it will stick to your lashes in between each coat of mascara making your lashes appear more voluminous.Oh and if your mascara has dried up a little, just add some saline to the tube, this will give it that little moisture it needs for flawless application. Brow perfection Adding definition and shape to your eyebrows can completely transform your face! For an instant eye lift firstly shape your brows. Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil like the ELES Precision Brow Pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. Next define and ‘lift’ brows by using a white eyeliner as a brow highlighter. Line below and above your eyebrows and smudge it out with a sponge or fingertip. You can also opt to use a highlighter if you don’t have a while liner on hand.
Disguise redness fast – tips and tricks from the BC experts
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 08 2021
Whether you suffer from rosacea, are prone to acne, or you are simply just over having a flushed face, you’ll be happy to know that it is possible to cover up nearly any skin imperfection with specific makeup. While adopting a tailored skincare routine is the best way to treat facial redness long-term, the right makeup will conceal your flaws fast, you just need to know what products to use and how to use them!Many of us, when we think of concealing flaws, we think foundation, and the thicker the more likely to hide those imperfections right? But what we don’t often consider is that slathering on foundation can and will only exacerbate certain skin conditions. The less you apply to your skin the less likely it will react! So before making your makeup choices you’ll need to understand what type of facial redness you actually suffer from first, then by following these daily tips from the experts at BC, your redness will be corrected and concealed and your confidence boosted in minutes too! Identify your skin condition Red, flushed and irritated skin can be attributed to a number of factors ranging from heat, alcohol, exercise or embarrassment to underlying skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, dermatitis and more. So your first port of call is to try and establish why you suffer from facial redness. This will then help you to select the right skincare and makeup products to best nurture and conceal your complexion. Get a clean start Prior to commencing your makeup routine, make sure you cleanse and moisturise your face with appropriate products for your specific skin condition. Just remember though, as much as you think your skin might need that soothing surge of moisture, applying too much cream can overdose our skin with actives which can sensitize it. Take only the size of a pea and gently pat the product into the skin to allow it to absorb slowly.If you have rosacea, Pevonia’s RS2 line is an absolute must! Specifically designed for those suffering from rosacea or skin conditions linked to rosacea, the RS2 Cleanser and RS2 Moisturiser will target those problems such as broken capillaries, persistent redness and congestion, desensitizing, soothing and decongesting skin.“I have had mild rosacea for about 10 years, and I've tried many products and I can honestly say that this is the only one I love and trust. It comforts and soothes my skin, reducing redness and leaving my skin wonderfully soft. I've learnt not to experiment with anything else now - this is all that I need.” Michelle W For blemishes and breakouts, we highly recommend Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser and Cream, as they work to effectively combat inflammation while controlling bacteria and acne lesions with Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sorbitol, and other soothing and protective ingredients.“Been using this cleanser for a year now. Keeps my sebaceous filaments in check and has helped control my hormonal acne better than any other cleanser I’ve used.” Sophie H If it’s a flushed face we love Phytomer Accept Soothing Cleansing Milk and Douceur Marine Velvety Soothing Cream. This dream team soothes skin without irritation and acts to reduce redness while calming the sensations of any burning or stinging. Phytomer’s Douceur Marine Velvety Soothing Cream also strengthens the skin's natural defences against environmental aggression (climate, pollution, stress etc.).“After much trial and error, I’ve finally found a moisturizer that protects, softens, and reduces the look of redness on my very sensitive skin. I’ve been using it for a year and still can’t believe how cool, calm, and smooth its made my skin feel. This moisturizer is everything and I would recommend it to anyone who suffers from redness and sensitivities. Thank you Phytomer!” Samantha A Apply an SPF Applying a daily spf is a must. You already know your skin is sensitive, so overexposure to sunlight will only aggravate this, and remember even on cool, cloudy days it is possible for your skin to still burn.If you have rosacea, we are in love with Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. Featuring an ultra-hydrating, non-comedogenic and light textured formula it delivers anti-irritation benefits, hydration, comfort and coolness to sensitive, hyperpigmented and allergy prone skin.For blemishes and breakouts we highly recommend Pevonia’s YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF 30. Lightweight, age-defying and pore refining, it delivers instant radiance while effectively protecting your complexion.“I love how smooth and blemish free this makes my face look. It is the best tinted cream I have tried.” Kylie J If it’s a flushed face we suggest ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50. Formulated with White Lotus Flower extract, it helps calm, repair and brighten skin. “I haven't used this product for long but it feels great going on and leaves my skin feeling soft and bright.” Natalee C Use a primer A makeup primer will help ensure your makeup remains in place all day! And let’s face it we don’t be wanting that makeup to slide off our skin and reveal a flushed complexion or unruly blemishes at any point right? Plus wearing a primer also creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup therefore preventing any further irritation.If you have rosacea, opt for ELES’s Retexturising Face Primer. The lightweight serum helps protect and condition sensitive skin, neutralize imperfections and give foundation a fault-free base.“One word to describe this product? Incredible. I had no idea makeup would stay put on my face so long before this product - just thought it was not possible!I'd tried other primers, and yes they smoothed out my skin, but as for lasting power? Non-existent. I'm never changing from Retexturising Primer ever! The tiniest bit really does go the longest way too. Great value. Great product.” Lucy G For blemishes and breakouts ELES’s Pore Perfecting Face Primer is a must-have! This light-textured, oil free face primer combats shine, absorbs excess oil, reduces the appearance of large open pores, promotes antiseptic properties and keeps foundation looking flawless!“A small amount goes a long way. Helps keep my oil controlled. Also, feels lovely.” Laurie B If it’s a flushed face we can’t get enough of ELES’s Retexture Crème Face Primer, it hydrates, soothes, calms and plumps skin with Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Chamomile Extract, Witch Hazel & Marigold.“Recently Received this Primer and it's now kicked my other primer out of the running for "go to" primer.” Sakura M Use the right tools The way you apply your makeup is almost as important as the products you use.We’ve all heard it before, touch your face with your hands and you’ll likely cause a breakout so it comes as no surprise that you might well have heard that it’s best not to use your fingers to apply your makeup since even the oil and bacteria on your fingers can irritate skin, also hand heat can add more warmth to an already warm, aggravated complexion. Instead use a damp Pro-blender! It is the least irritating way to apply your product and honestly provides the most effective results! Not only is the sponge strangely soothing on your skin, it provides a more natural-looking coverage. Makeup brushes are another option but just beware that the brush bristles can irritate your sensitive skin, therefore opt for brush bristles made from taklon, a “green” and allergy free synthetic fibre. Its smooth synthetic fibres do not absorb or trap pigment making it easy to keep clean! Less is more so keep makeup simple If you have rosacea or are suffering from acne the likelihood is your foundation could be exacerbating your condition and wearing multiple products from concealer to foundation to blush to illuminator can cause over stimulation, so you need to choose wisely - there are a number of amazing products out there that actually work with your skin to correct its colour rather than just conceal it.If you have rosacea, you don’t want to over stimulate the skin by using too many products! So reach for multi-tasking products that treat, prime, conceal and even tone in one. We are talking about CC Creams. Unlike tinted moisturisers, foundations and even BB Creams, these miracle formulas are colour correcting. So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover the redness, the ELES CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, and other skin imperfections, subtly illuminating the skin.“I have only just tried the ELES CC Cream after years of using the Mineral Foundation. I am really enjoying the CC cream! I find it smooths and evens out my pigments and lasts all throughout the day. I also have been mixing it with my Mineral Foundation for nighttime! Great product ELES, thank you!!” Georgina F For blemishes and breakouts excess oil production is a key cause of blemishes so oil-free formulas will be your best friend. Always apply your foundation first, then apply concealer to affected areas only. This will ensure a smoother even base and a more natural finish but be sure to keep every layer light though – the secret to successful makeup for blemish prone skin! Less product to block the skin causing heat! The ELES global best-seller – Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation will be your perfect pick, hypoallergenic and oil-free it allows your skin to breathe freely while providing the sunscreen and anti-oxidant protection ultrasensitive and reactive skin needs.It’s also best to opt for a concealer with some yellow tones to help colour correct redness.“Great product that I have been using for some time. It looks natural on and covers blemishes beautifully.” Kylie J If it’s a flushed face but neither of the above, you have a lot more flexibility with product choice. A CC Cream or Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation are still both great options, but if powder tends to be your go-to try the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation, a firm favourite of mine! The lightweight powder easily adjusts from sheer to richer, more opaque coverage as you build and is highly compatible with common skin sensitivities. It perfectly camouflages imperfections and facial redness and protects against ultraviolet damage too.“This is the only mineral powder foundation I have come across that I can actually use - the others leave my dry skin parched - but not this one. Blends beautifully and provides excellent coverage. Feels light as a feather. I sponge a little extra over my blemishes - covers redness and uneven skin tone without the caked on feeling of foundation and/or concealer, and I also use an eyeshadow brush to apply it to my eyelids as it is a fantastic base for eyeshadow. The packaging is just gorgeous too!” Rebecca V Always remove makeup before bed Sleeping with a face full of makeup can and will result in skin irritability and breakouts. Makeup not only traps dead skin cells it also blocks our pores and when pores are blocked the skin can’t breathe and therefore regenerate so make sure you commit to removing every inch of makeup before hitting the hay.To learn more about sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here.
How to look younger than your years – the top 12 tips of all time
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 08 2021
Although ageing is inevitable there are both simple and less invasive ways to look younger than relying on the likes of Botox or turning to cosmetic surgery. From miracle makeup products to the best anti-ageing skincare routines, a diet high in super foods to daily yoga, if you are searching for a way to look younger than your years try incorporating a few of these beauty habits into your daily life, and we promise they won’t just have you looking fresh faced, they’ll boost your overall energy too! Sound good? Read on…Choose skincare wiselySkincare, while not as fast as the effects of Botox, really can slow down ageing if you select the right products. Choosing serums and creams formulated with one or more of the top 5 skincare ingredients will have your skin looking smoother, firmer and plumper in next to no time.And if you’re missing your Botox appointment because #lockdown, here at BC we have a number of natural alternatives that actually work!Get serious about sunscreenI’m talking about religiously applying it daily. Just as you use a cleanser to wash your face, apply a sunscreen to protect your face! Sun damage is hands down THE most aggressive form of ageing. In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of skin ageing is due to the effects of the sun! It causes proteins in our skin to deteriorate, leading to the loss of our youthful appearance over time. On the bright side this type of ageing can be prevented with proper sun protection, but it needs to be worn even on cool, cloudy days too!Fortunately, there is a myriad of products out there with SPF, from sunscreen to daily moisturisers, foundations and more, and many are now formulated to work with specific skin types, so if you are a sensitive skin sufferer and the idea of slathering on sunscreen scares you, worry no more! Here at BC we have a few firm favourites;Foundation – ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15Daily moisturiser – ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50Sunscreen face & body –Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light ShieldChoose the right makeup baseYou really can disguise the ageing process with makeup but you have to choose carefully. For example face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple (I have been I’m in love with the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation for years!) however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them, so it’s best to use powder sparingly – on your t-zone or as the perfect tool for touch ups.A hydrating or satin-finish liquid foundation will be your best choice, especially as skin gets drier with age. Choose a formula that has hydrating ingredients. Foundations that have sheer coverage and dewy luminous foundations will be your best youth enhancing options especially for those concerned about lines and wrinkles.I am a huge advocate for both the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint and ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 but if you do love a slightly more matte finish the best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 will be your go-to.Illuminate your face with a highlighterBy doing so your skin will look dewy and more youthful. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow for a natural glow that will leave you looking rejuvenated and refreshed. Try ELES Stick Illuminator. I personally can’t get enough of it!Apply bronzer correctlyWe are all on a quest for that healthy youthful glow, especially in the winter months when it’s almost non-existent, but dusting copious amounts of bronzer all over our nose, chin, cheeks and forehead can play up fine lines and large pores as the powder sinks into them. The best way (and the most flattering!) is to apply your bronzer with a bronzer blush to the perimeter of your face in the shape of a number three. Start on your forehead near your temples and loop down to the tops of your cheekbones, then curve out and around again along your jaw.Look after your lipsOften overlooked, lips can really show your age so it’s important to show them as much love as you would your skin. This means applying a lip cream daily. We are huge advocates for Pevonia’s LipRenew Plump & De-Age treatment which deeply moisturises and volumises the lips, blurs imperfections, and, unlike other lip plumpers, also smooths the surrounding skin folds, lines and wrinkles!We also recommend using a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture and get lips lipstick ready, after all applying lipstick to dry, chapped lips is a definite no no, as your lipstick won’t apply evenly, it’ll seep into any lip lines making your lips appear even more dry than they already are.Fill in your browsCreating the perfect brows can completely transform your face and make you look 10 years younger, seriously! but you need to know how.Just as the hair on our heads can thin with age, so do our eyebrows, so to look younger, we want to create instantly fake fullness and to do this we need to fill them in with the perfect brow pencil! Just be sure you don’t overfill the front part of your brow though! This area should have soft hair that graduates into more density. If you overfill this area you can make your eye brows look way too harsh. Read more on how to create perfect brows. Cleanse correctly In the quest for a clear complexion cleansing is a must. But cleansing with conventional, harsh products can simply dry out skin which will age you! Worse, it can make skin over-produce oil so you could be hit with rather a few pesky pimples too!! Teenage acne? No thanks.So be sure to use a cleanser specific to your skin type. Beauty Collective has a myriad of cleansers for every skin type and concern so get searching!Make sure you exfoliateDry, dull skin lacks youthful luminosity, so exfoliating is a necessity! We’re not talking daily though, just once or twice a week depending on your skin type will suffice, as too much exfoliation can be counterproductive.A good weekly exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells and reveal a fresh glowy complexion. If your skin is a little on the sensitive side, exfoliation is still important just be sure to opt for a super gentle formula – we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. But if granules scare you, we also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.Remove remnants of makeup before bedYou know you’re supposed to do it, you’ve been told time and time again but sometimes you just…don’t. But we can’t stress enough that failing to remove makeup at the end of every day is a major missed opportunity for skin to be able to regenerate while you sleep, you see not removing your makeup means the skin ceases to breathe freely, pores clog and fatigue signs start to appear.You also need to remove the days makeup and grime to make way for applying your nightly skincare ritual, and the products aren’t going to work their magic if they can’t effectively seep into the deeper layers of your skin thanks to a wall of makeup in the way!Want to know the full extent on what sleeping in makeup can really do to our skin? Click here. Eat your antioxidantsAntioxidants are SO important when it comes to protecting our DNA from damage – they are the last line of defence against premature ageing. Thankfully our bodies produce antioxidants on their own, but we can definitely strengthen our protection against ageing by eating an antioxidant-rich diet. Multiple studies show that a diet rich in antioxidants can help keep your skin healthy, your immune system strong, your digestive system working smoothly and can also help you look and feel younger longer. Yassssss! So what foods are rich in antioxidants? The favourites in our house include, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, spinach and kale! Get enough shut-eyeI’ve said it before and I’ll say it a hundred times, and we all know it’s the truth, not enough shut-eye can have serious ramifications on our skin! We need to think of sleep as an essential step in our daily skincare routine. Not only will plenty of shut-eye let skin cells regenerate overnight, it will also help prevent dark under-eye circles which can really make us look so much older than we are! And we know, no one is choosing to be sleep deprived, the stresses of everyday life can seriously prevent us from getting the amount of sleep we crave, but if it’s possible to try and get our heads down at a reasonable time (I’m talking to myself here too!) and stick to it nightly, it’ll improve quality of sleep and in turn have a positive impact on our complexion too!For more information on what really happens to your skin while your sleep, click here.
Botox in a bottle? 5 ways to effectively treat your frown lines and wrinkles
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 03 2021
Are the effects of covid playing havoc with your skin thanks to stress? Feel like you are looking 10 years older? And then to make matters worse those furrowed frown lines and forehead wrinkles are reappearing since your Botox is wearing off, but beauty salons and cosmetic institutes are unlikely to reopen any time soon due to lockdown!The thing is you can effectively treat them naturally without the need for cosmetic injectables by following a few simple steps! And thanks to the advancement in both technology and skincare ingredients, there are now a number of excellent alternatives to treating your lines, which can seriously achieve similar smoothing and plumping results to Botox, and while you are unlikely to see life-changing results overnight (even Botox takes a week to have effect don’t you know) these non-invasive topical alternatives give you more control over the change in your appearance (no poker-face in sight), provide a much more natural look, plus you will achieve outstanding on-going results when used as part of your daily skincare routine. Yess!So if you are looking for ways to address those pesky frown lines and wrinkles, keep reading as we reveal 5 simple steps to truly treat them naturally. Treat with topical skincare specifically designed to combat wrinkles In the quest to eliminate the furrowed frown and fine lines, going under the needle reigns supreme, but if you are like me and needles are a formative no-go, or you simply can’t get to your salon because #lockdown, there are pain-free, natural and relatively inexpensive topical solutions that will help reduce those early signs of ageing. For our recommended natural alternatives that actually work, click here. Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of water You and your skin need proper hydration to help defend against facial lines. You know the drill, drink your 8 glasses of water a day, but also eat a diet rich in essential fruits and veggies and omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and mackerel as these will really aid in skin health and hydration. Get enough sleep to allow your skin to recharge Haven’t we all heard this a million times! But sadly, it’s true. The quality and length of sleep you receive every night can have a profound impact on your skin's overall health. When we sleep our bodies recharge. Not only do our bodies recharge, our skin does as well. During sleep, we heal, restore and eliminate toxins from the skin. Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would! Eek.Also, how you sleep can have a huge effect on your skin’s appearance! If you are a lover of sleeping on your front you might want to reconsider this position! When you sleep on your front, your skin is pushed up against the pillow for hours at a time which can reinforce frown lines, especially around the eyes, forehead and lips. The best way to prevent these wrinkles is by sleeping on your back. You can also reduce damage by using a silk pillowcase which allows for more movement, or a memory foam pillow which doesn’t compress the skin as much. Use sunscreen every, single day And no using sunscreen isn’t going to reduce the wrinkles you already have, but it will help prevent you getting more.Ah sunscreen, the product that no one likes to wear but is truly amazing stuff! Why? Because sunscreen can not only protect your skin and help prevent premature skin ageing caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots, it can also actually reverse common signs of photoaging such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation! Genius!I’m not a lover of the feeling of SPF on my face but I can highly recommend Medicalia’s new Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. It not only protects skin against the harmful rays of the sun, but also blue light damage omitted from our devices!! And I’m sure many of us are having a little too much screen time at the moment!I also religiously wear my Age-Defying ELES BB Cream SPF 30 daily. It’s an amazing multi-tasking and benefit-packed cream that primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone and helps to strengthen and protect skin on contact! It’s just perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger with a gorgeous subtle glow.Also wearing sunglasses are imperative! Not only will they stop you from squinting (which doing so repeatedly can equate to wrinkles!) They’ll protect those precious peepers and the delicate skin around them too! Exfoliate your face one to two times a week Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a build-up of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation so you want to be getting in on it!One of my favourite exfoliators is Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture and my skin always looks clearer, brighter and smoother after every use! But if granules scare you, I also LOVE Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It's a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive of skin types and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. I promise you when I say it’ll make your skin appear fresher and younger!
6 Father’s Day grooming gifts Dad will actually use and love!
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 27 2021
With Father’s Day just around the corner and the majority of us unable to plan the usual big family brunch due to lockdown, we are now faced with one of the biggest gift-giving dilemmas! What do you gift Dad to show him your love and appreciation?This year, why not ditch the usual drab and treat Dad to one (or six even) grooming gifts. I’m pretty sure there are a fair few Dads who might be needing that right now!Daily self-care after all is imperative in these times, and what better way than to treat him to a little pampering in the luxury of his own home!So read on to reveal our top 6 last minute grooming picks. Both your man and his skin will thank you later. The dynamic DuoPhytomer Homme Face & Eyes Gift PackThis rather suave gift pack contains two of Phytomer’s best-selling men’s products – Aqua Optimal Face and Eye Soothing Moisturiser and a FREE foaming creamy cleanser - Global Pur Freshness Cleansing Gel. Both products, designed to address the distinct differences in men’s skin, work together to thoroughly cleanse, calm, smooth and soothe. Dad will love the radical results of a brighter more youthful complexion after every use! The soothing miracle maskPhytomer Rasage Perfect Shaving Mask for MenI know many men appear to be using this time in lockdown to grow facial hair but there is something to say for keeping up appearances and I know with the amount of zooms my hubby is on daily, forgoing the daily shave isn’t really an option for him.If your man’s skin tends to be on the more sensitive side this product is a standout. It can be used as a daily shaving foam but also as a weekly face mask if he fancies giving himself a little bit of a full facial. It effectively reduces inflammation and prevents irritation for a smooth and comfortable shave.The new men’s multi-taskerAge Optimal Face & Eyes Wrinkle Smoothing CreamFinally, a skincare product your dad or hubby (my kids love to buy Daddy a present as well as make him some cute craft when it comes to Father’s Day) will love and look forward to using daily! If your hubby (or Dad!) is anything like mine, looking after his skin is likely low on his list of priorities (even with a wife who’s been working in the skincare industry for 20 years!!) When I recently forced said hubby (not under duress of course!) to trial this new product for research reasons (ha!) he promised me he would give it a go and stick to it so he himself could see the results! I am pleased to report that he is loving the product, he IS actually using it day and night and while it’s only been two weeks, both skeptical he and I have seen noticeable results – brighter, smoother, softer skin!Now for a little detail on the product. Instead of your usual creamy moisturiser, this anti-ageing cream has an ultra-refreshing sorbet texture which gives skin an immediate boost while decongesting and intensely hydrating both the skin and the eye contour, so really for the dad that’s been slow to embrace skincare, this is the perfect multi-tasking product. Easy to use, pampering, refreshing, anti-ageing and just right for a dull, tired complexion! Oh, and as an added bonus, the invigorating aquatic and woody fragrance transports you (or him should I say) immediately to the seashore! The complete facial kit and caboodlePevonia Limited Edition At Home Facial KitIf you and/or your kids want to play therapist and treat dad to a full pampering facial or a relaxation massage at home, we have all the products to help you do so! My kids love giving their Dad 5 minute massages! Whether he loves it quite so much I don’t know! And I’m sure they’d love to try their hand at a facial if they could too! Why not go the extra mile this father’s day and turn your home into a spa! Get Dad to relax to some soothing sounds, light some candles and follow these 5 simple steps to indulging him in a heavenly full facial.The must-have massage oilPevonia’s Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-StressIf a therapeutic back and shoulder massage to alleviate Dad’s aches and pains is more what is needed (or more his thing) Pevonia’s Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress will be your perfect go-to product. With its gorgeous aroma and nourishing ingredients, it immediately releases pent up tension and relieves fatigue and muscle cramps.Oh and for fatigued feet and legs, Pevonia’s Tension Relief Gel is a must! It cools, refreshes, stimulates circulation and alleviates tension, heaviness and fatigue in the muscles as well as a heavy sensation in calves and feet. Yes, please!Want to learn about more of our favourite men’s skincare recommendations shop our website now.
8 beauty products to truly treat yourself and your skin this lockdown
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 25 2021
Feeling the lockdown blues? No time to treat yourself because #WFH while also #homeschooling? Or simply feeling in a bit of a funk?Time poor many of us might currently be, but surely, we can all make a little time, morning or night, to treat ourselves? During unsettling times it’s so important to look after our mental wellbeing, and one way to do so is by practicing a little self-care. Putting aside as little as even 5-10 minutes to treat yourself with a little pampering can have a profound effect on your mindset and skin of course! So read on as I reveal 8 beauty treats I am personally loving this looong lockdown. I promise that they will make you, like me, feel all the more better. Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream Something I love to do every few weeks is treat myself to an at-home peel, and I highly recommend you should too because it’ll do wonders for your skin! Do not let the word ‘peel’ put you off though. I naturally have fairly sensitive skin but Pevonia’s Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream works wonders for my complexion and is great for all skin types too. It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes to eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins and in turn reveals smooth, soft and glowing skin every. Single. Time. For those of us who are extremely time poor, this product is like a mini facial in a jar! Don’t just take my word for it though, read all the fabulous reviews too! De-stress Escape Aromatic Oil If both you and your skin are feeling a little stressed you are going to love this product! With all the benefits of 4 mood enhancing essential oils – lavender, grapefruit, chamomile and rose, combined with squalane and vitamin e, this newly released organic must-have not only reduces dryness and dehydration while soothing, calming and brightening skin, it also promotes an immediate feeling of increased wellbeing and relaxation as soon as you apply it! Vitaminic Concentrate Probably one of my favourite products of all time (yes big call I know), Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate works wonders for my skin. Often dry and devitalised all I need is a dose of this before bed and I wake up to beautifully brighter, rejuvenated skin by morning. I LOVE applying it because both its silky texture and mandarin essential oil aroma are heaven, plus it immediately calms me! What’s more, even though it’s an oil, it's fast-absorbing so you know it’s doing great stuff to your skin! Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath Little instantly reduces stress quite like taking a relaxing remineralizing bath, so I do make sure I find the time at least once a week (after bathing and putting the kids to bed!) to indulge in one myself. I love to create a spa-like atmosphere to really set the mood, by lighting my favourite candles, burning some essential oils, and putting on soothing spa sounds on spotify or youtube! Next, I fill the bath with a de-stressing bath foam or detoxifying salts. After having the luxury of trying many a bath products, I have to say Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath is one of my absolute favourites. It’s lightly foaming and enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium-reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater (yess!) –to strengthen and restore the skin and release all pent-up tension. And that it does. Sound good? It really, really is! Phytomer Oligomer Wellbeing Sensation Moisturising Body Cream It’s easy to neglect our bodies during winter, throw in a lockdown and it’s all out forgotten!Give your body a little loving by introducing Phytomer’s Oligomer Wellbeing Sensation Moisturising Body Cream. Phytomer have worked wonders again in creating this amazing cream and the name speaks for itself! It literally melts into skin for an intensive moisturising experience, bathing skin a therapeutic seaside scent (lush) and its rich, soothing texture treats skin to all the benefits found in OLIGOMER® – a pure seawater concentrate that’s rich in minerals and trace elements.We all know that seawater is good for not only our skin but our soul too, thanks to the multitude of miraculous benefits and a treasure trove of skin-loving ingredients it holds! But let’s face it, we aren’t likely to be taking a dip in the ocean any time soon thanks to the cold weather the majority of us are experiencing right now!! Brrrrr so this product really is the next best thing! Pevonia Micro-Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress Never underestimate the power of massage! And yes I know for many of us a trip to our local spa or salon seems a long way off now, but it is possible to give yourself a little shoulder massage or if you live at home with others try and rope them into doing it for you! My little kids have become pros these last few lockdowns and they absolutely love playing therapist! While it’s not as relaxing or comfortable as I might like! It’s fun for all the family. For a therapeutic back and shoulder massage to alleviate aches and pains at the hands of stress, I highly recommend Pevonia’s Micro Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress. It has a gorgeous aroma, is formulated with nourishing ingredients including Safflower, Geranium, and Orange Oils and it immediately releases pent up tension and fatigue. Bliss. Pevonia Tension Relief Gel If your legs and feet are feeling heavy and fatigued, Pevonia’s Tension Relief Gel is a must. It’s anti-inflammatory, cooling, and uplifting all in one and is amazing for relieving tension and tired, aching muscles and sore feet. Pevonia Limited Edition At Home Facial Kit While many of us might not be able to visit our beloved salon for a facial right now, we can try and put aside half an hour a week for an at-home facial ritual. Pevonia’s limited edition at-home facial kit has all the necessities to deep cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and pamper your skin, you just need to follow these 5 simple steps on how to perform the facial.
The truth about rosacea: Debunking the myths
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 20 2021
With the amount of stress many of us are under right now thanks to #lockdown it’s likely those of us who suffer from rosacea have been susceptible to a few facial flair ups. The thing is so many of us (including those who are currently living with rosacea!) Are either blissfully unaware of the skin condition or totally misinformed! Well, we are here to change that and separate fact from fiction by debunking 11 myths about this skin condition. So read on to understand what’s true and false and start establishing whether it might be rosacea you are currently suffering from yourself. “Rosacea is just blushing skin”FALSEIf only this was the case! You would never need to bother applying blush again, would you? Sadly, rosacea is a lot more sinister than facial flushing! Other symptoms include pimple like breakouts, enlarged pores, visible broken blood vessels, and at worse your skin can burn, itch, swell and throb! “It can be triggered by stress”TRUEStress and anxiety can indeed cause rosacea symptoms to worsen, nooooo! So some stress management techniques will be imperative (we could actually all do with some of that right now!) Make sure to get plenty of rest and practice mindfulness as this can really help combat the stress-inducing effects of negative thinking which let’s face it, we all are likely to be having a little of that right now!There are several methods for increasing mindfulness a few of which include, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and yoga. I have to say I am a huge advocate for yoga, which is so easy to do from the comfort of your own home! If you don’t know any yoga moves but would love to give it a try, fear not! There are some great yoga apps and YouTube videos you can follow. And while my kids are being home-schooled, they are loving starting their day with Cosmic Kids Yoga too! Win win for all!And don’t forget to practice deep breathing when you feel anxiety creeping up. “Rosacea can be caused by poor skincare choices”FALSERosacea is in fact a vascular and inflammatory condition and while your choice of skincare isn’t the cause, over cleansing and exfoliating with physical exfoliators can actually worsen symptoms. “It can be triggered by extreme temperatures and sun exposure”TRUEUnfortunately, sun exposure is the most common trigger for rosacea. While we all love long days at the beach, if you suffer from rosacea your skin sadly will pay a price. Not only can sunburn make flare-ups even worse, the heat from the sun can also increase your body temperature which in turn dilates blood vessels and triggers inflammation. So limited sun exposure as well as wearing SPF is the way to go. “Rosacea is contagious”FALSEWhile experts are still trying to determine the exact cause of rosacea, we do know that there is no evidence to say that it's an infectious skin condition. So, fear not, if you, a friend or a family member have rosacea, you can't pass it on by touch, sharing cosmetics, or spending time around each other. Phew. “Your cup of coffee can cause rosacea flare-ups”TRUE & FALSE!It’s ok, calm your farm, you don’t’ have to forgo your morning hit of caffeine just yet as no it isn’t actually your cuppa which is triggering the flare- ups but rather the thermal heat they omit. Cold cup of coffee anyone? “Rosacea is a skin condition for only the over 50’s”FALSEWhile the peak ages for rosacea sufferers are between 30 and 60 years, you can get rosacea at any age! In fact, teenagers as young as 18 have been diagnosed. “Rosacea is caused by alcohol and hot foods”FALSEWhile drinking alcohol and eating a spicy vindaloo can indeed trigger facial flushing, they are certainly not the cause of the condition. In fact, someone who’s never even had a drink in their life can just as easily develop rosacea as someone who enjoys spicy food and wine or two each night!All that said, hot and spicy foods are however rosacea triggers for some, so it’s best to steer clear from things like horseradish dip and hot sauce when you're drinking alcohol as heat dilates the blood vessels in the skin, and since hot foods generate heat, peppers are a big no-no!And while alcohol might feel like a necessity for some (I hear you), sadly that glass of wine or three can potentially worsen your facial redness! While I’m not necessarily saying cut it out completely, you should cut down on the amount consumed while you are experiencing a flare-up. I promise you will notice a difference in your skin. “Rosacea is the same as acne”FALSEOne of the most common signs of rosacea - bumps and pimples, is also one of the most common causes of confusion about the skin condition! Why? Because it’s often mistaken and then misdiagnosed for acne! Unfortunately, while the two share similar symptoms, including pustules and papules and even redness (although in acne it’s isolated to the pimple or lump) acne, has a different underlying cause and needs to be treated very differently. Many ingredients used in acne specific products such as salicylic acid, vitamin A and exfoliators can cause irritation in rosacea-prone skin resulting in dryness, sensitivity and intensifying redness! “Makeup makes rosacea worse”FALSENo one with rosacea wants to be told they can’t wear makeup because it’ll only exaggerate the skin condition. And not when the stress of having to face people without wearing a mask of makeup to conceal symptoms can actually trigger a flare-up! You do however need to be mindful about what you are putting on your face! Ensure you steer clear of chemical formulations and instead sick to a range of ‘breathable’ products formulated with skin nurturing ingredients that are going to enhance your complexion, not clog up your pores and irritate skin even more! Mineral Makeup should be your go-to! And we LOVE ELES Cosmetics Luminous CC Cream 20, rather than covering up your redness with a thick layer of concealer and foundation, this lightweight, oil-free colour correcting cream helps visually correct redness and even out skin tone. What’s more it’s SPF 20 so will also help shield sensitive skin from sun exposure which can aggravate rosacea. To learn about the top 10 makeup tips and products to conceal rosacea click here. “You can totally rid yourself of rosacea”FALSEWhile you can control rosacea so you speak, you, unfortunately, can’t eliminate the skin issue altogether because there is no cure. Skincare can however reduce redness and other associated symptoms keeping the skin condition at bay, you just need to choose your skincare wisely. Opt for products specifically designed to counteract the condition. We highly recommend Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 line - created by world renowned dermatologist, biochemist and a pioneer in advanced organic skincare, Dr. Sylvie Hennessy, the line was designed to specifically treat rosacea. Formulated with the purest, most natural, nurturing ingredients including Green Tea, Chamomile, Liquorice, Allantoin, Vitamin E and Rose Essential Oil all the products in the range help strengthen capillaries, desensitize, decongest, soothe, and hydrate the skin while rendering it evenly toned and visibly calmed! If you are suffering from facial redness and want to understand more about the skin condition and how to combat it, you can read more here.
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