Skincare is definitely the area to invest in when it comes to your beauty routine. I’m not just talking about investing your hard-earned money, but time and patience as well, especially when it comes to creating a routine that will actually work and provide you with the results you are seeking.But where do you really start? After all, when it comes to skincare shopping, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options especially with constant new releases and new trends taking centre stage!Luckily at Beauty Collective HQ we have the fortune to trial many of our products so I turned to my trustee work colleagues to find out which ones they really can’t live without, so I can, in turn, share our favourite finds with you.Whether you are looking for a cream to target a specific skin concern or you are just after some inspiration as now is the time to upgrade, we have you covered with these beauty heroes the team at BC can’t get enough of.PEVONIA MICRO-RETINOL SERUMI’m completely in love with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol line. I noticed the most dramatic change to my skin and it just keeps getting better. My favourite product in the line is the Micro-Retinol Serum; it gives my skin a glow and seems to make the pores disappear. I’ve noticed a great improvement to firmness, moisture levels, skin texture and a reduction in hyper-pigmentation. What more could I want? I¹ve used Retinol based products before but this is the line I find really works, and it feels and smells great too!- Liane Scior, Director of Marketing & Education PHYTOMER PIONNIERE XMF RADIANCE RETEXTURISING SERUMFor many years my absolute can’t live without product was the Pevonia Marine Collagen Concentrate (I am still totally in LOVE with this product and use it all the time) but more recently I discovered Phytomer’s Pionniere XMF Radiance Retexturing Serum and have been blown away with the results.It’s a luxurious, lightweight textured serum which feels amazing on application and leaves my skin smooth, soft, supple and visibly radiant (no jokes!) Also, I swear it has diminished some of my more noticeable fine lines in a matter of weeks. All hail this serum!- Jo Boyden, PR & Marketing Manager MEDICALIA SUNSCREEN SPF 30Wearing sunscreen daily is a non-negotiable step in my morning routine and Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 30 will be my forever go-to! I’ve tried many sunscreens in my time but none as gorgeously lightweight and non-greasy as this one. It’s also lightly tinted, has the perfect texture to apply before makeup, and as well as keeping my skin protected it actually also feels noticeably hydrated and doesn’t clog my pores like so many sunscreens do! If you are looking for an amazing everyday sunscreen, this is one you must try! - Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator PEVONIA CLARIFYL SPOT TREATMENT Even though I’m in my early 30s my skin still gets easily irritated and spots appear! I’m so glad I discovered this perfect product – Pevonia’s Spot Treatment. On application, it immediately takes away the redness in my skin and after a few days, there’s no trace of pimple marks at all! Amazing.- Elaine Palapag, Social Media and e-Marketing Co-ordinator PEVONIA RS2 CREAM My favourite product is the Pevonia RS2 Cream.I suffer from Rosacea so my skin used to be very reactive, sensitive and red. Since using this, my skin feels a lot calmer and my complexion has noticeably improved over time. I wish I’d used this product years ago as nothing I used before seemed to help. I now apply the entire RS2 line daily and my skin feels pretty good for an old guy!- Rainer Scior, Managing Director PHYTOMER HYDRACONTINUE 12H MOISTURISING FLASH GELWarning - Addictive Product - Hydracontinue 12H Moisturising Flash Gel, is exactly that! It’s like a glass of water for my skin. The super soft gel hydrates my skin from morning till evening and when applied absorbs so quickly I can't even tell it’s on. It’s so great for when I’ve been working in air-con, central heating or not drinking enough water and has definitely helped lessen my creapy fine lines and wrinkles. I love it!- Kellie Deveney, Business & Training Manager PEVONIA EASY GLIDE SHAVING EMULSIONI am really loving Pevonia’s Easy-Glide Shaving Emulsion because it delivers a velvety-smooth shaving experience with ease. After applying it, my skin feels smoother and so refreshed, without any irritation whatsoever!- Jonathan, Web/Graphic Designer PEVONIA OPTIMAL C COMPLEXI have a deep Love for the Pevonia’s Optimal C Complex. It’s a combination of pure Vitamin C and Hyluronic acid. The Vitamin C works to visibly brighten my skin when it feels devitalised and Hyluronic Acid drenches my skin in moisture, hydrating it for the entire day. I apply this beautiful concentrate underneath my reactive care cream morning and night for "optimal" results....- Laura Leva, Customer Service VIE COLLECTION RENEWING EXFOLIATING CREAMFresh, silky-smooth skin is what you get from the Vie Collection’s Renewing Exfoliating Cream. With double exfoliating action from beads and enzymes, my skin is left ultra-smooth and beaming bright! I can visibly see a big difference in my dark spots and the effect it has on wiping out my pesky blackheads. I am honestly in LOVE with it!- Keshmi Chand, Account Manager PEVONIA SOOTHING SENSITIVE SKIN CREAMPevonia’s Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream is by far my favourite product – it satisfies exactly what my skin craves. The cream isn’t heavy or thick but light and smooth, which absorbs immediately into my skin. My skin feels stronger, smoother and looks calm and hydrated. Dehydration is a key concern of mine especially during the chilly months and the Sensitive Skin Cream works it magic throughout the year.- Jimmy Lovett , Operations Manager PEVONIA HYDRATING SUNSCREENPevonia’s Hydrating Sunscreen is definitely one of my favourites! Whenever I am out and about this deeply hydrating SPF 30 is my sparring partner. I always make sure that I apply the right amount to my face and arms and truth be told, the day after I’ve been to the beach or wakeboarding, my skin is never sore from all that sun. Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen is one of the most effective sunscreens I have used!- Aaron Tan Lu, Web Developer / Digital Marketing Specialist PEVONIA AFTER SUN SOOTHING GELThe Pevonia After Sun Soothing Gel is hands down the best after sun skincare product. It's the only thing I've ever used that actually works to replenish moisture after a full day of sun exposure plus it really sooths my skin. Couldn’t speak more highly of this miracle in a bottle!- May Scior, Assistant to Managing Director

We’ve all heard of Botox and dermal fillers, let’s face it (pardon the pun!) with the ever-increasing gen-Z idolisation of the likes of the Jenner-Kardashian clan or the millions of social media ‘influencers’ all with their perfectly plumped lips and ‘smooth as a babies bottom’ skin, these procedures have today become commonplace. But if you’re like me and needles are a formative no-go, or Botox has been a consideration but you’d rather search for topical skincare solutions before taking the plunge, we are here to inform you that there are excellent alternatives, and these days, thanks to the advancement in both technology and skincare ingredients, these said alternatives can seriously achieve similar smoothing and plumping results. You can take our word for it!Okay, so you are unlikely to see life-changing results overnight (even Botox takes a week to have effect don’t you know) but these non-invasive topical alternatives give you more control over the change in your appearance (no poker-face in sight), provide a much more natural look, plus you will achieve outstanding on-going results when used as part of your daily skincare routine.So if you’re looking for a painless, subtle and (relatively) cheaper solution, here are our top 5 topical treatment alternatives;Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamCombining Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane this best-selling rich moisturiser softens fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing vital nutrients.“I love this daily face cream....I use it morning and night! My skin looks and feels amazing. I'm 52 and am told constantly that I look so young....I give Pevonia products the credit!” Linda Vie Collection Concentrate de Vie Youth ElixirFormulated with three advanced ingredients selected for their ability to correct visible signs of ageing, this elixir offers complete and incomparable action to reduce wrinkles, improve firmness and reveal skin's radiance.“I have been using this product for the past two years and have noticed a remarkable difference in my skin. My facial lines are significantly less noticeable!” Sarah P Pevonia MyOxy Caviar Timeless Repair CreamA restorative treatment cream for visibly younger-looking skin, it features an advanced, triple-action formula – caviar, pearl and Escutox – the natural equivalent to Botox – combined with Retinol to correct and prevent signs of premature ageing. Enjoy increased oxygenation, greater cellular activity, improved blood circulation, increased suppleness, improved elasticity, extreme hydration and fewer visible wrinkles!“I love this product, I saw a noticeable difference within 2 weeks, wrinkles less noticeable and my skin seemed to look younger and smoother.” Dianna K Phytomer Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth CreamXMF, a 100% natural advanced ingredient with exceptional youth preserving properties is featured in this luxurious and comfortable “second skin” cream. It instantly smoothes wrinkles and plumps the skin. In just one hour, wrinkles are visibly diminished.“This creams big claim to fame is a purported reduction in wrinkles in just one hour. I'm in my early 30s so I don't have any deep creases, but I do have fine lines and I can tell you for certain this helps to smooth them out. And it feels AMAZING. The texture is pure luxury.” KK Medicalia Retinol & C Care CreamThis creams innovative ‘age-reversing’ Micro-Retinol® technology normalizes mitosis, boosts cellular performance, and restructures skin layers for visible rejuvenation. Skin appears dense and supple with a smoothed surface and diminished wrinkles resulting in brighter, more youthful looking complexion.“This is the best product for aging skin I have found.” Heather

If you think fillers and BotoxTM are the only way to reduce wrinkles, think again! The latest craze to hit the beauty sphere is skincare ingredient Stem Cells.Dermatologists are now turning to Stem Cells to smooth wrinkles, as well as improve cell turnover and the skin’s overall appearance! You heard right, Stem Cells, the same ones used to treat Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancer, are now being used in the form of creams, serums, and even cleansers. Except there’s one major difference here: These stems cells are usually derived from plants, yet they work similarly to human stem cells and may offer amazing benefits for your skin. What stem cells are and how they work Human stem cells are unique because of their ability to divide. In certain organs, they can even become specialized to repair and replace damaged tissues. Plant stem cells serve similar functions.Both plant and human stem cells contain proteins and amino acids that signal the body’s cells to rejuvenate. In addition, they contain peptides, which are skincare powerhouse ingredients for collagen formation. They are the building blocks for cell rejuvenation and have antioxidant properties that nourish skin cells thereby promoting cell turnover. This can result in fewer lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture and tone, and younger, better-looking skin! Now, who doesn’t want that!So in a nutshell, Stem Cells have the potential to; repair skin cells, protect skin from external factors, create a more youthful look, enter the skin’s cellular level as well as deliver moisture and reparative agents to where they need to go. I’ll have me some of that I hear you say….Enter Stem Cells Phyto-Elite™ from Pevonia. This innovative line features two stem cell sources, Argan Tree and European Comfrey Root, which are proven to work five to ten times higher than other plant stem cells currently available. Each product in the collection enables maximum absorbency and faster repair activity, plus additional anti-oxidant, protective, and anti-aging benefits for the skin.Featuring a Multi-Active Foaming Cleanser, an Intensive Serum, and an Intensive Cream, the skincare collection sets a new benchmark in cellular regeneration by getting to the root cause of skin ageing, to say this is one of the skincare industry’s greatest innovations is definitely an understatement!

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

We all know about ‘light rays’ such as UVA and UVB and how damaging they can be, but very few are aware of another harmful ‘light’ taking centre stage! A light that is not only emitted from sunlight but scarily also from all our devices - now labelled the silent anti-agers of our generation! This light is known as ‘blue light’.Research has shown that blue light can damage our skin, accelerate the visible signs of ageing and even cause dark under eye circles. Eek! And with the amount of time we spend on our phones, computers, tablets…we really should be doing something about it and we are here to tell you what! How exactly does blue light affect our skin?We are all guilty of staring, bleary-eyed at our screens (hell I’m doing it now as I type!), having that last minute flick through facebook or late night scroll on instagram, in fact with the amount of time we spend on our devices, we are now getting significantly more blue light exposure than we get from the sun alone! Blue light also has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin compared with both UVA and UVB light - it can penetrate all the way to our dermis where our collagen and elastin live! Terrifying!Not only does that extra 10 minutes watching our favourite Netflix show eat into our precious zen time, it can also disrupt our natural circadian rhythm (our handy internal body clock which tells us when it’s time to be sleepy as well as time to wake up!) Our circadian rhythm is actually very important when it comes to many aspects of our well-being, ranging from metabolism to immune system function to most importantly good quality sleep!Sleeping is our body’s time to recharge as well as repair skin cells, however this blue light is known to be impacting the natural repair process overnight leading to an accumulation of skin damage – premature ageing, discolouration, inflammation, weakening of the skin’s surface, as well as dark under eye circles. How can we prevent blue light from damaging our skin?While we aren’t likely to give up our evening Netflix binge, switch off our mobile phones or give Facebook the heave-ho, we can do many a thing to reduce our exposure and in turn the effect of blue light on our skin; Switch your mobile to ‘night shift’ mode every evening Avoid devices as much as possible an hour before bedtime (read a good old fashioned book instead!) Instead of holding your mobile to your ear opt for hands-free every time. Purchase blue light filters for your devices Make sure you have a well-rounded diet with plenty of anti-oxidant and fatty-acid rich food to reduce or protect against inflammation. Try using makeup containing iron oxide, this can help neutralize and repair blue light damage Use targeted skincare products religiously. Antioxidant-rich creams and serums are really important to battle off cell-disrupting free radicals and inflammation generated by light pollution. We are obsessed with Phytomer’s Souffle Marine Energizing Oxygenating Serum – specifically formulated to protect against environmental pollution and free radical damage Scared? You should be! No, on a serious note, first port of call, if you're not using targeted products to protect yourself you need to start, ASAP.