BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Want radiant skin? 8 glow-inducing skin saviours you’ll want to get your hands on
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 09 2022
I’m pretty sure when I say there isn’t a single woman out there who doesn’t want to achieve healthy, radiant skin on the daily. And while makeup can indeed work miracles from concealing pesky pimples to faking sun kissed skin, it won’t give you that constant fresh, healthy glow that the right skincare can! That’s right, to truly master radiant skin you need to make sure you incorporate glow inducing skin saviours into your daily routine and below are six the team at BC (and our customers!) can’t get enough of all year round! THE CLEANSERPhytomer Cyfolia Radiance Cleansing CreamThis rich, velvety cleansing cream formulated with organic orange water, oligomer, organic vegetal oils and cyfolia algae, literally melts on contact with your skin to gently cleanse and remove makeup, oil and impurities!Organic Orange water delivers vitamin C for skin radiance and optimal glow while Cyfolia Algae enhances the glow by providing a reflective effect! Like a burst of radiance to the complexion, skin is soft, supple and glowing after every cleanse!“I love this new cleanser from Phytomer. I’ve been using it for a few months now and can say my skin is definitely softer and more radiant after use and I love the scent too.” Sarah M THE EXFOLIATORPevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserThis is THE perfect all-rounder exfoliator for all skin types. A creamy, granular, exfoliating cream that gently polishes away dry, dead skin cells to reveal instant radiance and softer, smoother skin too! It reduces pore size with regular use, it’s perfect to use in the shower in the mornings and is so gentle you can use it every day if you please! (Although exfoliating is generally recommended 1-2 times weekly!) You can thank us later!“I love this exfoliator, my skin always feels so smooth and hydrated after using it. It also makes my skin look a lot brighter.” Oreilly P THE SERUMPevonia “C” Complexe with OxyzomesVitamin C, hyaluronic and Oxygen work together in this amazing product to enliven dull skin leaving it visibly brighter and more youthful after every single application! It’s a truly powerful anti-oxidant that not only delivers immediate luminosity but protects the skin from premature skin ageing too! Yesss! Oh and if smells and feels amazing too!“This is a beautiful serum. You only require two pumps and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment.” Deborah THE MOISTURISERPhytomer Hydra continue radiance energising creamThanks to its beautifully lightweight texture, this radiance cream helps keep that outer layer of skin perfectly nourished without feeling too heavy. Rich in vitamins, it revitalizes, activates your skin’s cellular activity to promote natural regrowth, hydrates, softens and smooths skin for a radiant youthful appearance.“I am in love with this product, it’s become my go-to moisturiser this summer since it’s silky and light yet keeps my skin moisturised all day long! It has a lovely subtle scent, and the products name definitely reflects the results - it’s energising and radiance inducing that’s for sure!” JoJo B THE EYE CREAMLumafirm Lift & Glow Eye Contour This powerhouse product reveals instant results to the delicate eye zone. it contains a Pevonia exclusive collection of the latest high-tech cosmetic ingredients to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles, diminish dark circles, ease puffiness and brighten the eye area!“Excellent product really lifting the eye area and creating glow throughout the day.” Maria D THE FACE OILPhytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing OilYou can brighten, hydrate and restore your skin's natural lustre with this soothing and replenishing dry oil! Perfectly lightweight, it absorbs into your skin quickly to create a velvety finish without leaving a greasy residue. And it adds a protective barrier over the skin to retain moisture and prevent tight, dry-feeling skin too!“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 THE MASK/TREATMENT CREAMPevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling CreamApply to cleansed skin and leave for 5 minutes then massage with warm wet fingertips to release the skin brightening enzymes. Your skin will emerge fresher and brighter than ever before (no jokes!) and what’s more it smells so good you’ll want to eat it too! (but don’t of course….)“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 THE NIGHT CREAMPevonia Micro Retinol Essential MoisturizerThis light and gentle moisturiser increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen and elastin production (essential for youthful, plump skin), fades hyperpigmentation and helps skin stay hydrated and glowing without irritation. It’s a multi-tasking wonder!You should introduce it slowly though and at night. This is because Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product. To find out more about retinol and this Pevonia’s Micro Retinol range click here.“This is the most beautiful cream I have ever used; light texture, non greasy, non shiny. Changes in my skin are an increased smoothing of lines and crepe-skin areas, softening, hydrating and contouring, and reduced pigmentation. Some results were instantly visible and now after three weeks my skin just keeps improving. It appears luminous and more refined. So, I am going to purchase the whole range. It’s a surprise to see a brighter smoother complexion at my age. (60)” Annie
Caffeine in skincare? The benefits and the products you’ll want to try
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 28 2022
If you are a lover of a morning coffee or are from a tea drinking family like me, you’ll be very familiar with your caffeine and how it helps get you through the day! But are you also familiar with how this hero ingredient (we’re talking green tea, black tea, coffee, green coffee and more) is present in many skin and body products too and for very good reason!Yup that’s right caffeine-infused skin and body care is a thing and has been for a number of years now. But why has caffeine in products become increasingly popular? We are here to unveil the 5 benefits and also the products formulated with caffeine that we are digging right now. It reduces redness Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts small blood vessels and improves circulation which in turn helps reduce redness. Therefore, it’s an important ingredient in skincare for those suffering from rosacea or facial redness. It brightens the skin Just like its ability to ‘brighten your spirits!” Caffeine has the ability to brighten your skin too! Much like Vitamin C, it is packed with antioxidant properties, known to aid skin cells, neutralise free radicals and brighten your complexion. Decreases puffiness Caffeine is a great topical ingredient to improve puffiness and improve circulation in skin. Just as caffeine constricts blood vessels, reducing redness and facial flushing, it can also help decrease inflammation and puffiness. It can help reduce the appearance of cellulite Caffeine is the prime ingredient in many slimming and cellulite creams. This is because it has the ability to draw water out of fatty cells, and increase blood flow, stimulating the removal of fatty acid from the fatty layer of skin and in turn diminishing the appearance of cellulite. It has powerful anti-ageing benefits Caffeine is loaded with powerful antioxidants and when applied topically to your skin, the antioxidants attack free radicals generated from pollution and UV rays, providing temporary protection from premature aging. Free radicals are one of the main causes for fine lines and wrinkles as well as loss of elasticity in your skin. Our caffeine packed product favourites;One of BC’s biggest sellers year on year is the Pevonia RS2 Care Cream. Formulated with Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, it’s a uniquely textured cream which provides your skin vaso-constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits! Skin is visibly calmed, soothed, and completely decongested.Another firm favourite it Pevonia’s Lumafirm Repair Cream - lift and glow. This powerhouse cream works deeply and quickly, infusing your face, neck and décolleté with the best anti-free radicles, the latest generation of repairing peptides, and outstanding lightening actives for visible radiance.Believe it or not some makeup products are also formulated with caffeine! We love ELES Dual Action Concealer. Formulated with a multitude of skin loving ingredients including vitamin C, vitamin e and caffeine, this anti-aging concealer helps to gradually improve skin's texture while neutralizing dark circles and under eye puffiness. Eyes look beautifully refreshed and radiant. Its medium coverage formula provides continuous hydration and a natural longwearing finish.For the ultimate body product this summer, we are loving Pevonia’s Crepe-No-More Body Cream! It does it all! Softens, smooths, firms, tightens, slims and brightens skin! And not only is it rich in caffeine, it is also formulated with anti-ageing powerhouses hyaluronic acid and marine collagen, combined with longan-fruit extract, shea butter and squalane for intense moisturising to dry, ageing and crepey skin. It’s outstanding!As mentioned, caffeine is one of the prime ingredients in slimming and cellulite products and Pevonia’s Smooth & Tone Body Svelt Gel is no exception. Rich in Green Coffee and Seaweed this smoothing gel detoxifies and tones skin by boosting circulation while stimulating your body to perform a natural fat-splitting function: lipolysis. This proven-effective, microemulsified cream works to dramatically improve your skin’s overall texture.
This is the most important step in your skincare routine
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 25 2022
You might assume that moisturising is the most important part of your daily skincare ritual, but you’d be wrong! While keeping your skin nourished is paramount to a healthy complexion, cleansing, and I mean thoroughly cleansing, is in fact the first and most vital step. And sadly no, a quick swipe with a make-up wipe will not suffice! Instead, we all need to purify our skin every day, no matter what our skin type, especially in the evening and here’s why….Every day our skin is ageing and cleansing before bed is the only way to lessen the impact of external factors associated with the ageing process and to stimulate the internal processes that fight it!Research proves that physiological changes in the skin happen overnight. Like many of our organs, our skin can tell night from day. Evidence exists linking circadian clocks to cell cycle (cells dividing to replenish dead ones) and DNA repair, the natural process by which a cell regularly detoxifies itself.In addition, the skin needs oxygen to repair itself and sleeping with dirty skin or a face full of makeup deprives it of this vital nutrient. It also slows down the natural exfoliating process, which can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. Not to mention the problem of clogged pores resulting in pesky pimples and acne too!Add to this the fact that nocturnal blood flow in the skin is higher when you sleep and when blood flow is increased so is absorption and penetration of ingredients. So again, if you aren’t washing, any skincare you might be applying (like your moisturiser or serums, will amount to nothing. They won’t be able to penetrate the skin and in turn help fight ageing!In a nutshell, if you don’t wash your face before bed it’s a missed opportunity to do something great for your skin and to wake up with smoother, softer, clearer complexion by morning.So now we understand why cleansing is important, let’s find the best cleanser for our skin type! To remove eye makeup…PHYTOMER MICELLAR WATER – EYE MAKEUP REMOVAL SOLUTIONThis mild cleanser for sensitive eyes is so very gentle yet highly effective, even on waterproof makeup! A single application removes all traces of eye makeup while soothing the area and conditioning the lids and lashes. For all skin types…PHYTOMER PERFECT VISAGE – GENTLE CLEANSING MILKThe creamy texture melts on your skin to gently remove makeup and impurities without disturbing the skin’s protective barrier. For combination and oily skin…PHYTOMER OLIGOPUR – PURIFYING CLEANSING GELA lightly foaming, velvety soft gel which eliminates impurities and excess sebum. Skin is cleansed and purified. For tired lacklustre skin…PHYTOMER CYFOLIA ORGANIC RADIANCE CLEANSING CREAMA rich, velvety cleansing cream formulated with organic orange water, oligomer, organic vegetal oils and cyfolia algae, which literally melts on contact with the skin to gently cleanse and remove makeup, oil and impurities!Like a burst of radiance to the complexion, skin is soft, supple and glowing after every cleanse! For dehydrated and devitalised skin…PEVONIA HYDRATING CLEANSERCombining hydration sensation Hyaluronic with anti-ageing duo Marine Collagen and Marine Elastin, this creamy textured nourishing cleanser, hydrates skin, preserving skin’s moisture while effectively removing skin impurities without residue. The result? Perfectly cleansed, beautifully refreshed, soft and smooth skin after every wash! For the ultra-sensitive…PHYTOMER ACCEPT – Soothing Cleansing Milk 250mlThe most gentle way to remove makeup and calm the epidermis. This makeup remover instantly cleanses, tones and soothes the most sensitive skin. A great multi-tasking cleanser…PEVONIA CLEANREFRESH FOAMING OIL CLEANSERThis truly innovative, triple duty cleanser is a hybrid which offers the combination of a gel, oil and foam! Featuring an advanced lipid-rich, alcohol-free, soap-free exclusive formula, it transforms from a gel like consistency to a luscious, foaming cleanser on application (which mixed with water). It acts like a super magnet entrapping pollutants, impurities and bacteria to leave skin radiantly refreshed and seriously soft.
Melt-proof makeup - 6 products you’ll wish you were using right now
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 19 2022
Feeling a little over the never-ending humidity? Fed up with your foundation sliding off your face by mid-morning? Or sporting panda eyes by noon? The summer season is never fun for makeup, throw tropical weather front La Nina into the mix and it's far from flawless skin for all! Unless you are armed with the right products that is! That’s right, it doesn’t have to be all makeup doom and gloom, you can feel fresh as a daisy from morning to night donning that perfect “no makeup” makeup look, and we are here to tell you how! So, continue reading as we reveal 6 products, you’ll wish you were using right now. ELES Pore Perfecting Face PrimerFinding that perfect primer and using it religiously is key when it comes to preventing your makeup from literally sliding off your face. Makeup primers are the one product that have the power to literally make your makeup stay put all day long!Simply apply it after you’ve cleansed and moisturised your skin, prior to your foundation and you’ll be good to go!We LOVE the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking flawless! Genius!“This is a great primer – I’ve been using it for a few years now. It helps keep my foundation looking amazing all day. It’s mattifying but won’t dry your skin!” Sia Papageorgiou ELES Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationHumid, hot temps can really exacerbate oil flow in our skin! Which is one of the reasons for slippery makeup! So, if you skin tends to be on the oilier side, it’s best to opt for oil-free formulations.ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation has a long-lasting staying power which is second to none. It’s packed with goodness including an exclusive multi mineral complex as well as vitamins A, C & E and its formula, while it goes on as a silky liquid, sets to a soft powder finish which lasts all day.“This foundation is a revolution in a tube. It smooths over the skin, hides imperfections and evens out skin tone and feels effortlessly light all day long.” Naomi Fry ELES Mineral Powder foundationThe perfect product for any touch-ups, as well as eliminating shine, is a good powder compact and we love ELES’s Mineral Powder Foundation. Unlike other heavier powders which can clog pores and in turn, lead to excess oil production (no thanks!) the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation is a translucent formula which not only looks beautifully natural but allows the skin to breathe freely too. The particles in the powder tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine and what’s more, it’s formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, so it’ll provide antioxidant protection as well as condition skin!“Love this foundation, you can make it as light or heavy as you want. It sits really nice on the skin and doesn’t clog my pores I have combination skin and it lasts all day.” Chrissy V ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30If you aren’t a lover of matte foundations, and like the idea of wearing very little makeup in the steamy summer months but wouldn’t dare to go bare because #blemishes! BB creams are for you! And we can’t recommend the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30 enough! One of ELES’s best sellers and for good reason, it’s a multi-tasking wonder cream which primes, protects, tints, nourishes and evens out skin tone for flawless, completely natural looking coverage.“I have used a few BB creams before and this one by ELES is by far the best. A little bit goes a long way and the coverage is great. I wear it as a foundation, and it looks really natural. I love it!” Jennifer A ELES Lash Fortify Waterproof MascaraJust as your makeup can slide off your face, so can your mascara! And no one likes looking in the mirror at the end of the day and seeing panda eyes staring right back! So a good smudge proof/water resistant mascara with staying power is a must! Try ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara. The ergonomic brush and fortifying formula coats lashes to quickly lengthen, curl, volumize and lock them into place for all day wear. The result is instantly impressive eyes with lashes that are lusciously conditioned and protected all day long!“I have been using this mascara for years. You can be confident that it will stay on all day without smudging. It separates the eyelashes well and colours right to the ends. Easily removed with eye makeup remover. Highly recommend.” Cara F ELES Superwear Gel LinerAnd if you want your eyes to stand out that little bit more, couple ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara with a long lasting eye liner like ELES’s Superwear Gel Liner! It’s not only super smooth to apply thanks to its moisturising and hydrating ingredients, it’s also a long-wearing liner with intense colour pay-off!“Great easy to use eyeliner. Super long lasting and comfortable to wear all day.” Cassy McKenna
Loose skin? How to avoid turkey neck
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 18 2022
It’s never too early to start looking after the skin on your neck and if it’s still in great shape then wonderful, however I urge you to start right now! The good news is it’s never too late, some daily habits can help slow down further skin ageing and make your neck look a whole lot better in as little as a week.Some of these tips might seem obvious but do you follow them? Daily? Really?? Moisturising: don’t neglect your neck! Sadly your face moisturiser might not be enough for this delicate area, the skin is thin, tissue paper thin and has fewer oil glands than the skin on your face, and this means a compromised skin barrier. Moisture, and loads of it, is vital for keeping the tissue supple and elastic as well as preserving the skin’s natural collagen and elastin.We recommend Phytomer Parfait Neck and Decollete Renewing Care. It contains a miraculous ingredient called Glasswort Oil: a green seaside plant present in warm areas. Its Latin name, Salicornia, means “salt antler”, pointing to its toleration of salt. It is a halophilic species, meaning that it can survive in very high salinity when submerged during high tide – without becoming dehydrated. Scientists at PHYTOMER have discovered that Glasswort possesses carrying and regulating membrane channels, which allow it to control water evaporation in order to prevent dehydration.Following the principle of marine biomimicry, at PHYTOMER, these channels are used to stimulate the production of aquaporins, proteins that transport water and urea in the skin’s cells. Glasswort oil reinforces the role of our own natural moisturizing factors to reveal smooth, soft and supple skin. Exfoliate the neck once a week Exfoliate the neck and chest area at least once a week to keep the skin free of ingrained dirt and dead skin cells. This area is delicate, so avoid products that contain sharp particles, and use a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant. This encourages cell turnover.We recommend Vegetal Exfoliant: a grain free, enzyme exfoliant that contains papain. Super gentle yet very effective this product eliminates dry dead skin cells and purifies the tissue. Not only does your neck skin look more vibrant and fresh it also aids the penetration of the actives in your neck cream. Lighten up! Fine lines and wrinkles can be ageing, but when coupled with hyper-pigmentation can make you look 20 years older!Not convinced? which looks better?So lighten your neck and chest area with nature’s latest skin brighteners.To remove any existing sun damage and prevent freckles and hyper-pigment of the chest area we recommend White Lumination Complexion Recovery. With Sea Lily extract, and Dictyopteris (algae) and Vitamin C, this marvel reduces pigmentation and brightens the skin. It also contains UVA and UVB sun filters. Use sunscreen A recent study revealed that older skin that hadn’t been exposed to the sun had about 3,800 genetic mutations whereas skin that had been exposed had around 10,000 mutations in the same genes (meaning the ageing process had happened more quickly). Sounds like a good argument for sun protection!We recommend Sun Solutions Sunscreen SPF30 High Protection, thanks to its UVA and UVB sun filters, this ultra-light, non-sticky cream offers effective protection. In addition to UVA and UVB filters it also contains Vegetal Coral Extract with a super powerful moisturizing capacity and OLIGOMER®, Phytomers own patented ingredient that delivers an optimum dose of trace elements and minerals, fortifies the epidermis and prevents cellular fatigue. Diet Keep your nutrition rich in anti-oxidants, especially Omega-3 acids, which are present in fish. These do wonders for skin rejuvenation by boosting collagen production. In addition stock up on anti-oxidants such as Pomegranates, acai berries, blueberries and green tea to protect your skin from ageing free radicals. Sleep on the right pillow This one is obvious right? The more scrunched up the skin the more those wrinkles will take hold. The perfect pillow supports the neck yet allows the head to remain in line with the body, so ditch the reading pillow when you put down the book! Do neck exercises Lastly, give your neck an exercise workout. Keeping your neck muscles toned will help to prevent sagging skin and wrinkles. Below are six neck exercises to get you started.Six exercises to prevent turkey neck: Jut out your chin and move your lower jaw forward. Repeat ten times. Look straight ahead. Now look up to the ceiling and hold for five seconds. Slowly return to your starting position. Repeat 20 times. Form an ‘O’ with your mouth. Pull down the sides of your mouth until you feel the muscles underneath your neck working. Repeat this three times in quick succession. Build up to 20 sets of threes. With your mouth open, pronounce the vowels A to U without closing your mouth at any time. Repeat ten times, three times in a row. Press the tip of your tongue against your palate for a few seconds and release. Do this throughout the day. Make circles with your tongue when your mouth is closed, first in one direction then the other. Repeat often. Place your lower lip over the top lip and hold for a few seconds. Repeat ten times. Finally, keep your chin up (no really!). If your chin is permanently tucked into your chest you are more likely to develop permanent creases in your neck, as well as putting your neck more at risk of injury.
BC’s top 5 Phytomer products for summer
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 18 2022
Keeping your skin looking good in summer can be such a challenge! Extreme temps contribute to a number of pesky conditions that lead so many of us wanting to pack our bags and set off for cooler climates.We asked the team at Phytomer Australia headquarters to recommend their top 5 summer skin challenges and solutions and this is what they came up with…Challenge One: Excessive Oiliness and Open PoresSolution: Marine Scrub Creamy ExfoliantThis nifty product is just like a scrub and mask in one, allowing you to use it several times a week in summer to keep skin fresh and refined; it polishes off the dry dead skin cells that adhere more easily to the skin when it’s oily and Chondrus crispus oil and OLIGOMER moisturize and strengthen the skin. Challenge Two: DehydrationSolution: Hydra Continue 12H Moisturising Flash GelApply this gorgeous cooling gel beneath your moisturiser for lasting hydration. It literally “plumps” the skin with dewy moisture that lasts all day. Challenge Three: Redness!Solution: Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with OligomerLike liquid ice on the skin this gentle serum, sooths, cools, strengthens and replenishes heat irritated skin. Apply at night to do its thing while you sleep and wake with normalised calm skin.Challenge Four: Dry Body SkinSolution: Oleocreme Ultra-Moisturizing Body MilkI know, on a hot day the last thing you feel like doing is applying sticky cream all over your body however this one isn’t sticky and sinks into the skin long before you have the lid back on! It leaves the skin feeling velvety soft and as a bonus it smells exquisite!Challenge: Puffy Eyes and Dry Lips (yes it’s two but who’s counting?)Solution: Youth Contour Smoothing Eye and Lip CreamThis is a favourite and no wonder, it’s the ultimate multi-tasking and lets face it, we all love to save time! This marvel increases the circulation flushing away puffiness and dark circles yet moisturises deeply to repair the skin, apply around the eyes and over lips for the softest peepers and kisses you’ve ever experienced!Want to know more about Phytomer products? Check out https://beautycollective.com.au/Brand-Phytomer
The Incredible Discovery of Marine Sugars by Phytomer
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 18 2022
You cannot see them with the naked eye yet microscopic organisms represent 90 per cent of underwater life. Only one per cent of them are known to date.Phytomer has been exploring marine life for over 40 years with a true passion and is now inaugurating brand new biotechnological ingredients: marine sugars. These sugars, naturally produced by marine microorganisms, have no earthly equivalent and cannot be copied. They represent a reservoir of unique and inimitable ingredients with unprecedented benefits for the skin!Each marine sugar has specific properties in terms of texture, cellular activation and, for certain ones, powerful and instantaneous surface effects. For example, the XMF (extra marine filler) marine sugar, discovered and produced by Phytomer, creates an invisible natural film on the skin surface that instantly smooths the appearance of wrinkles.To be able to use these marine sugars without tapping into natural resources, Phytomer has developed a biotechnological cultivation program. The program starts by selecting and isolating the microorganism capable of producing the identified marine sugar; then placing it in the bioreactor in optimum conditions that promote the synthesis of its marine sugar.The micro-organism thus becomes a ‘manufacturer’ of advanced molecules in the laboratory. Once synthesised, the marine sugar is then extracted and purified without adding a chemical solvent or alcohol. This very advanced natural production method provides Phytomer laboratories with a high level of purity and optimum quality of active ingredients. As a result Pionnière XMF Perfection Youth Cream, that incorporates XMF marine sugar, provides incredible anti-ageing results! find out more on https://beautycollective.com.au/Brand-Phytomer.
In need of some serious pampering? Transform your bathroom into a spa with Phytomer
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 18 2022
If you're tired, feeling a little blue or in serious need of a break, little compares to taking time out for some much needed pampering. If visiting your local salon or spa isn’t an option though, why not transform your bathroom into a sanctuary? An indulgent spa with BC brand – Phytomer
1 Nurturing bath
As soon as you start running the water, pour OLIGOMER® WELL-BEING SENSATION Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath into it. This balneotherapy treatment at home, fully revitalizes the skin, helps to relieve tension in the body and promotes optimum relaxation. Its Green Tea / Jasmine fragrance is diffused throughout the duration of your bath and leaves a trail of freshness and lightness on your skin.
2 3-in-1 Toning Scrub
Before sinking into your bath, exfoliate your body with TONING BODY SCRUB with Marine Salt Crystals, an excellent ally for exfoliating, moisturizing and revitalizing the skin. To take full advantage the benefits of the exfoliation, warm the scrub in your hands, then massage it onto dry skin using upward circular movements, paying particular attention to rough areas such as heels, knees and elbows.
3 Mask of plenty
Once exfoliated, and before diving into your bath, move on to the face mask stage. Now is the time to enjoy the benefits of steam which opens the pores of your face and enhances the action of the mask. The choice is yours for pampering your face:
HYDRASEA Thirst-Relief Rehydrating Mask: very light and airy “foam effect” cream, which offers double moisturizing to your skin
DOUCEUR MARINE Soothing Cocoon Mask: cocoon texture that soothes and decongests sensitive skin
OLIGOPUR Shine Control Purifying Mask: non-drying texture that purifies, mattifies and absorbs excess sebum
4 A burst of moisture
Just out of the bath, dry yourself thoroughly and moisturize generously with Oleocreme Ultra Moisturizing Body Milk. Moisturize yourself from head to toe with this miracle cream that provides your skin with all the essential ingredients and nutrients to strengthen it, soften it and make it more attractive. Its creamy and velvety texture is absorbed in a stroke, bringing your skin comfort and suppleness. Enveloped in a satiny veil, it is velvety-smooth to the touch.Want to find out more about Phytomer? Visit our website on www.phytomer.com.au
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 top 5 makeup questions answered by the BC experts
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 22 2021
From makeup must-haves to choosing your foundation, with the plethora of makeup advice out there, it can often get confusing when knowing what is right from wrong, so we compiled the top 5 makeup questions everyone asks and put it to the BC experts for their professional answers. Read on for five solutions to the most common beauty queries of 2021. How do I stop my makeup from looking patchy? If you are prone to dry skin you’re more likely to experience the problem of patchy looking makeup because dry skin has more texture so makeup can more easily settle into the fine creases. The solution? Make sure you exfoliate regularly to remove any dead cells and debris and smooth skin texture. Depending on your skin type, once or twice a week will suffice.It’s essential to hydrate skin with a nourishing moisturiser prior to applying your base too. Another consideration is to review the type of foundation you are wearing too. Which takes me to the next question…. How do I choose the right foundation for my skin? Your skin tone and texture changes throughout the year, so no one foundation is likely to work all year round.Foundation creates the illusion of a flawless complexion. First, you need to determine your skin type, then what type of coverage you want to achieve: sheer, medium, or full. And finally, decide on the finish: matte, natural, or dewy.For more help with choosing the right foundation formula for your skin type click here. Should I apply my concealer before or after by foundation? This one is a little controversial as different makeup professionals will offer a different answer, but at BC we like to apply our foundation first to create an even base, and then add concealer to areas that still need it after. By starting with the foundation coverage, you may be pleasantly surprised at how little concealer you actually need to get the finish you are looking for. And remember less is more when it comes to makeup. Should you apply concealer first and then foundation you are likely to use more product than you actually need, and more product can result in cakey looking skin! Eek. Why won’t my makeup last? In short excess oil is the no. 1 reason for your makeup simply sliding off your face by mid-morning. Unfortunately, when the oils of your skin interact with your makeup, they begin breaking your makeup down. That doesn’t mean you should ever consider skipping on your moisturiser though! Your skin can actually produce more oil when it’s not properly hydrated! Eek. Instead try using a lightweight cream, followed by a mattifying primer (as they can help create a barrier between your skin’s oils and makeup) and opt for a foundation with a long-lasting formulation.For 6 simple steps as well as the best products to help encourage long lasting makeup click here. How do I keep my lipstick from coming off? Lipstick is one of those essential makeup products that can really change your look and add colour to your face, but it can also be a challenge if not applied properly, when I say challenge I mean lipstick on your teeth, down your chin or simply non-existent after only a short amount of time! For some essential tricks to keep your lip hue in place all day—no smearing, blurring, fading, feathering, or cracking, click here.
Travel essentials you’ll need this holiday season
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 17 2021
Heading off on that much deserved holiday but not sure what products to pack in your beauty bag because isn’t everything essential?We all know when it comes to packing, less is always more so instead of bringing everything and the kitchen sink, it’s best to pack lightly by choosing multitasking makeup products, convenient packaging and travel sized skincare essentials, and at BC we have you covered!Read on for our go-to list of beauty must-haves to keep your skin healthy and glowing and your suitcase light this holiday season! ELES Age Defying BB Cream SPF 30Holidays are a great time to refine your makeup regimen to the bare essentials. A full face of foundation isn’t something any of us would want when we are spending days on the beach, relaxing by the pool or simply hanging out at home on staycation for that matter! But if you’re like me you won’t want to totally forgo makeup either! Instead, opt for a multi-tasking BB Cream! We LOVE ELES’s best-selling Age Defying BB Cream 30. Not only does it contain high factor SPF, but this tinted cream melts into the skin to cover blemishes for a unified dewy, and visibly radiant complexion too! What’s more, it has the added skincare benefits of hyaluronic, vitamin e, squalane and a multi-mineral complex too! Plus, it feels like you aren’t wearing makeup either! Amazing stuff. 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! ELES Cosmetics Custom PaletteJust as the name suggests this palette is fully customised which means you get to call the shots by selecting whichever product shades you want to insert, from a great selection outlined online. You need to pick a powder foundation, a blush and two eye shadows, all the products I live in (aside from my faithful mascara of course), and they come presented in a very sleek compact, perfect for on the go! What’s more the soft, powder formulas deliver rich, velvety, blendable colour that lasts all day! Pevonia Ultra Hydration Gift PackIf your skin is feeling a tad parched (it is the silly season after all) and could do with a serious boost of hydration, then this is the pack you’ll want to well pack! Featuring not one, but three Pevonia best-sellers (and my favourites too!) the products in this pack provide skin with the ultimate in hydration and skin-smoothing results. Including a free Ageless Skin Mask, Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream, and a Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum, you will be blown away by the results after just a few applications. Use the mask once a week, and the serum and cream daily morning and night and reap the benefits.For more convenient gift packs with travel friendly sizes click here. We have a pack for every skin type and concern! And for our discounted Christmas gifts sets full of our best sellers, click here. Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserWhile your sunscreen is an essential on holiday (wear it religiously!) don’t let it accumulate on your skin or clog your pores. You still need to gently exfoliate for fresh and healthy skin. 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 season click here.
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.
10 of the most common skincare questions answered by the BC pros
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 26 2021
We all have those burning questions we want answered when it comes to looking after our skin the best we can but with the plethora of information out there, thanks to today’s countless number of beauty bloggers, vloggers, editors and influencers alike, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed when it comes to the abundance of beauty advice. From what you should be using to how to best care for your skin concern, the BC experts have answered 10 of the most common skincare questions asked, and not only by our BC customers but the majority of people globally too! Q 1. What products should everyone have in their skincare routine?A. The basic steps of a skin-care routine are a gentle cleanser, an exfoliator, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. But for optimum results it’s a great idea to build in a toner, serum, eye cream, face mask and face oil too! Q 2. What order should I apply my products?A. While skincare is very much a personal choice and depends on your skin type and concern, when it comes to the order of application there is a right way and a wrong way! Applying your skincare products in the proper order will ensure your skin receives the full benefits of each product.Every product is formulated with a number of key ingredients to help our skin but only a very small amount of these ingredients can properly penetrate to the deeper layers of the dermis which is why the order we apply them is paramount! If you don’t apply them in the correct order, you will not see the best results from your skincare routine.Here is the order in which you should apply your products to get the most out of them. And remember to really see a difference in your skin, you should follow this routine both morning and night. It goes without saying that your skincare routine has to start with a clean face. A gentle, natural cleanser that also takes off make-up is definitely your best choice. For more info on cleansing click here. After cleansing it’s a good idea to use a toner or otherwise known as a lotion, but there is a lot of hype around whether a toner is really necessary. It’s a personal choice at the end of the day but today’s toners do everything from protect the skin, to controlling excess oil to adding additional moisturising benefits. In fact, they help prepare the skin so that when you put your moisturizer on, it works even more effectively. An imperative part of any skincare routine is to exfoliate. But an exfoliator should only be used once or twice a week depending on your skin type. Exfoliators are paramount when it comes to keeping your skin silky soft and smooth by buffing away and removing unwanted dead skin cells and debris. They keep pores clean and in turn prevent skin from becoming blocked leading to breakouts! To learn all about the benefits of exfoliating click here. Next comes the serum. Serums may seem a little “extra,” but given how much it does for the skin—from evening skin tone, to brightening your complexion, reducing dark spots to softening the appearance of fine lines—there really isn’t a single reason why you wouldn’t want to incorporate one into your skin care routine. I’m personally obsessed with my serums. To learn more about why you need a serum in your skincare routine as well as the best anti-ageing serums for every skin type click here. Moisturiser. Hydrating your skin is one of the best ways to fend off aging and keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. To really get the maximum effect of a moisturiser, try to find one that not only provides moisture but locks it in too! To read all about the top selling moisturisers on BC click here. An eye cream. The area around the eye is extraordinarily delicate and ages very, very quickly, so treat it with care by incorporating a really good eye cream or gel into your skin care routine. You won’t be sorry you did! Sunscreen. We all know my stance on sunscreen! Protecting your skin from the sun with a good sunscreen should be as vital a part of your skin care regime as washing your face! In fact, it is THE no. 1 preventative skincare for ageing! And we all NEED to be using it daily come rain, hale or shine! Q 3. Should I be using different products for morning and night?A. Obviously, there is no need to apply sunscreen at night but using a face oil nightly before bed (and as the last product in your skincare routine) will do wonders for your skin! Click here for the 6 reasons why you should start using face oils!It’s also a great idea to incorporate a face mask at night, once a week. If you want to know more about why you should use a face mask too, click here. Q 4. Do I really need a separate eye cream or can I use my moisturiser?A. You’ve been told to invest in an eye cream but you aren’t sure why you should fork out the extra dollars, after all do you really need to use a separate cream for your eyes? Will your moisturiser not suffice?You could indeed use your moisturiser as an eye cream but it’s definitely not advised and we are here to explain why.In short, eye treatments whether it be creams, gels or serums are specifically formulated to target and care for the delicate area around the eyes, the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies! In fact, the skin under our eyes is up to 1/10 thinner than other facial skin so it’s crucial to care delicately for this area to avoid any damage.Like a moisturiser, an eye cream’s main objective is to deliver brightening and anti-ageing ingredients, however in a milder, gentler, safer dose. Moisturisers tend to have a much richer consistency in comparison to their counterpart which if applied under the eyes can prove too much, resulting in irritation, allergic reactions and milia.Eye treatments also tend to be targeted to specific eye concerns – crow’s feet, under eye bags, dark circles instead of the huge array of facials concerns a moisturiser is targeted too, so it actually saves time and money in the long run! Also some ingredients that often appear in eye treatments, not so much face moisturisers (for example Ginkgo Biloba, caffeine…) can offer quick and temporary fixes to problems specific to just the eye area.The bottom line is that eye creams are essentially facial moisturisers that are modified for use on the more delicate skin around the eyes and let’s not forget this skin ages faster than the rest of your face so there is no time like the present to start looking after it correctly! Q 5. How often should you exfoliate?A. While there isn’t a hard and fast rule when it comes to exfoliating, generally if you have normal to oily skin exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week is good. However, if you have dry skin 1-2 times a week is advisable. Even those suffering with sensitive or acne prone skin need to exfoliate, you just need to steer clear of physical exfoliators which contain granules which can further irritate the skin, instead opt for enzyme exfoliators. To learn more about exfoliating and then best exfoliators for your skin type click here. Q 6. How can you prevent your skin from ageing?A. Unfortunately, aging skin is a natural part of getting older, but there are some things you can do to help stop your skin from ageing prematurely. First and foremost, apply sunscreen every single day whether it’s sunny, overcast or raining, to protect your skin against harmful sun damage. The sun’s powerful UV rays even have the ability to penetrate glass, so wearing it at all times is best! Sun damage can lead to the formation of wrinkles and dark spots. It is also recommended that you use gentle cleansers to avoid unnecessary dryness or irritation, which can cause the skin to become inflamed.Ensuring you follow a comprehensive skincare routine is also paramount. Make sure you look out for products containing the top 5 skincare ingredients too! Q 7. What age should you start using anti-ageing skincare products/products designed specifically for ageing?A. This is one of the most common skincare questions. Many experts advise that you begin using anti-aging products in your 20s and continue to incorporate them as part of your daily skincare routine. This is because your skin stops producing collagen in your 20s. Resultantly, anti-aging products offer preventative measures against the visible signs of aging. Q 8. How can you get rid of my acne?A. If you are suffering from acne but nothing seems to be improving it, we are here to help. Firstly, though you need to understand which acne you are suffering from and then you can understand how to best treat it. For more information click here. Q 9. Can you use retinol if you have sensitive skin?A. In short, the answer to this is yes! And retinol is one of THE best skincare ingredients going, in fact it's hailed by most of us skincare experts as the Holy Grail of the skincare world! But those with sensitive or easily irritated skin should approach retinol use with caution as it can cause skin irritation if used at the wrong time and incorrectly. For your guide to this superhero ingredient read more here. Q 10. What is the best moisturiser for dry skin?A. There is a multitude of moisturisers on the market targeted at dry skin. When deciding what might be best for you though, it’s important to look at the key ingredients in the cream. You want a deeply nourishing moisturiser for your dry skin so hydrating ingredients are a must. These include;Shea ButterHyaluronic AcidVitamin EGlycerinSqualaneAloePevonia’s Dry Skin Cream is a dream for those parched complexions just turning for a moisturising boost. It is formulated with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe and collagen and counteracts dryness while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles for a rejuvenated, hydrated appearance!If you still have unanswered beauty questions, please search our blog for tips, tricks and expert knowledge when it comes to skin concerns, steps, products, ingredients and more. Also feel free to contact us at Beauty Collective.
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 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
How to get airbrushed-looking skin naturally
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 05 2021
Let’s face it… we all want it! Perfect skin, All. Of. The. Time, and with little evidence of makeup too! And sure, what with the likes of #facetuning every one of us can achieve a beautifully airbrushed complexion in our photos, but what about looking airbrushed the natural way, without the likes of apps?Armed with a few miracle makeup items you indeed can! Here’s how; STEP ONE: THE SKIN PREPPevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserThe key to nailing your makeup actually lies in the prep you do beforehand. For flawless airbrushed-looking skin you must start with a smooth, clean, flake-free canvas. Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser that will thoroughly cleanse skin as well as remove any build-up of excess oil and dead skin cells. Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile, Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single use!STEP TWO: THE MULTI-TASKERELES Age Defying BB Cream 30Loaded with Goji Berries, Minerals, Vitamins and Sun Protection this wonder base and ELES Cosmetics best-seller, is your skin care, primer, base and sunscreen in one! Skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step!! Simply apply to cleansed skin for the silkiest and most undetectable coverage ever! STEP THREE: THE PERFECTORELES Dual Action ConcealerNothing takes the years off your face more than a great under-eye concealer and this is no exception! It not only covers dark circles, it smooths, brightens, depuffs and treats them too! Plus, its medium coverage formula provides continuous hydration and a natural longwearing finish. Select a shade lighter than your foundation and apply it beneath the eyes or wherever you see darkness. Pat into your skin with your finger to look as though you’ve just had 10 hours of blissful slumber.Make sure you always apply your concealer after foundation because then you really get a much-desired brightening effect.STEP FOUR: THE AIRBRUSHERELES Baked Finishing Powder - Diffused LightA compact full of miracles! Sweep over the skin for a soft airbrushed finish to any base. The glow-giving powder contains light-reflecting pigments to make skin look impossibly fresh and flawless while the gorgeous warm tones act like a photo filter on your skin. Sublime skin every time! STEP FIVE: THE YOUTH ENHANCERELES Baked BlushFor a pop of colour that makes skin look fresh, dewy and youthful try this! Six gorgeous shades multi-task as blush, eye shadow and when applied with a damp brush can even work as a matte lip colour!N.B if you tend to have a fair complexion, go for a lighter, more muted version of the blush shade you’d like to use! If you have darker skin, try a stronger, deeper version.
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!
5 makeup products that’ll seriously benefit your skin
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 27 2021
When it comes to maintaining healthy skin there are those non-negotiable steps that shouldn’t be skimped on….You know the drill, follow a daily skincare routine, drink all the water, do an ample amount of exercise and get plenty of shut eye to name a few, yet when it comes to covering up any facial flaws from blemishes to redness, or simply not being game to go makeup-free, we are quick to slap on that thick layer of concealer, foundation, blush, bronzer and more…in turn clogging pores and reversing the good we’ve done! This is because our makeup choices can sometimes have a less desirable effect on our skin, often causing blemishes and skin irritations! And doesn’t it seem crazy to spend so much time and money perfecting our morning skincare ritual, using the best of the best for our specific skincare needs, only to undo all the good by applying makeup that’s full of toxic ingredients on top!Luckily, here at BC, we are spoilt with an abundance of skin nurturing makeup essentials! Products that not only create the illusion of flawless skin, but actually do good for our skin too! From foundations that provide both breathable coverage and anti-ageing benefits, to illuminators that will also work to hydrate the skin. Read on for our top 5 recommendations, also known as ‘skincare makeup’, and why our customers keep buying them over and over too! ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15Foundation, in the past, has always been categorised as makeup, a short term ‘fix’ or superficial layer to conceal flaws and help create the illusion of perfect skin. But who says your foundation can’t have long-term skin benefits like your skincare products? After all shouldn’t your foundation enhance your complexion not mask it? Well ELES’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation does just this! Not only is it formulated with anti-inflammatory zinc as well as Vitamins A, C and E, it allows skin to “breathe freely” whilst shielding against age aggressors. It’s free of heavy fillers and pore-clogging ingredients (phew!) and the skin-safe formula contains no chemical ‘nasties’ or potential irritants, such as fragrance, talc, oil and dyes.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 also provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for!“This is the best foundation I have ever used! Firstly, it's mineral makeup so it doesn't clog your skin. Secondly. the coverage is amazing, and it makes your skin look and feel like velvet - honestly the best I have ever used. I have been using this for years and just love it. I get compliments on my makeup all the time.” Sia P ELES Luminous CC Cream 20Colour correcting and broad-spectrum protection in one, the ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 is amazing for everyone but especially those with facial redness or hyperpigmentation as it adapts to your skin tone so it will darken and lighten as needed to blend and conceal!Its multi-Mineral Complex helps to condition skin and provide antioxidant protection while skin nourishing and brightening ingredients help balance your complexion and fight free radicals for a more even, youthful glow!“I just recently purchased the luminous cc cream and I’m very satisfied. The coverage is perfect for my mature skin, and having oily skin I find this cc cream controls it.” Adele K ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30Not to be mistaken for its sister – the CC Cream, BB Creams or otherwise known as beauty balms, are infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow, and let me tell you the ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 is no exception! Multi-faceted it really packs a punch as it quite literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen skin on contact. So if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this is for you! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one! It's skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step!! 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! Yessss!“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 ELES Dual Action ConcealerPacked with collagen, vitamins C & E, hyaluronic, Tetrapeptide 5 and Matrixyl® Synthe 6™, this anti-aging concealer not only conceals fine lines and dark circles, it smooths, brightens, depuffs and treats them too, all whilst helping gradually improve skin's texture and elasticity around the eyes! Eyes look beautifully refreshed and radiant. Its medium coverage formula provides continuous hydration and a natural longwearing finish. Apply beneath the eyes and pat into the skin to look as though you’ve just slept 10 hours.“I love this product, been using it for 2 years. You only need the littlest amount to hide dark under eyes reduce the look of wrinkles around your nose and mouth. I always have to have it.” Josephine P ELES Mineral Eyeshadows Let’s face it our delicate eye area is just as important as our skin, in fact it’s the first area to show signs of ageing so surely, we want to treat it to good products as we do our complexion! I love a good eye shadow to take my eyes from awake to stand out and the ELES Mineral Shadows have become a firm favourite (and no not just because I biased!) Ingeniously blended with real minerals and vitamins, each individual eye shadow is free of oils, fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate skin. Also free of talc so colour is fresh, clear and incredibly vibrant! The shadows sweep over eyelids without creasing or fading, while reflecting light away from bruises and dark circles, as well as fine lines.They can be applied dry for soft, low-key shadings, or wet for more vibrant effects and come available in a range of matte and pearlized shades in single inserts or a trio compact so you can mix and match colours.“These eye shadows just blend so easily and remain in place for hours without creasing or flaking. They are light enough to use for a sheer wash of colour but are so easy to build for a strong look. The hard part is deciding which colours i want/need/have to have next.” Naomi F
Don’t feel like wearing foundation? 4 alternative skin-perfecting products
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 22 2021
We all have those days when we feel like paring back on the myriad of makeup we wear every day. You know swapping out our foundation for something less ‘full coverage’ so to speak, or even going makeup-free! But then for many of us we still need something to hide those unforgiving flaws or simply to enhance our complexion while making it look naturally flawless of course! Well here at BC we’ve got you covered. Read on for four skin-perfecting products that you can use instead of your foundation, they’ll boost your natural glow too! ELES Retexturizing Face PrimerOften overlooked, a good primer can be a godsend when it comes to achieving flawless skin. We are loving the ELES Retexturizing Face Primer. Not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Want to look like a filtered goodness, try this! ELES Age Defying BB Cream SPF 30If you’re looking to simplify your products because you’re a busy mum on the go like me or for days when you want little coverage a BB Cream is a must. Formulated with skincare benefits that include hydration, anti-ageing properties, and SPF protection, BB Creams are a quick and easy way to effectively even out your skin tone without caking on the makeup!I am a huge advocate for the ELES Luminous BB Cream 30. It primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish and thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned!! What’s more, it really does feel like you aren’t even wearing makeup, no easy feat for a product with SPF for that matter! ELES Luminous CC Cream SPF 20While the idea of going foundation free in hindsight is great, having your imperfections out there for all to see isn’t so much. You know those obvious undereye dark circles, the hyperpigmentation you normally hide, or your rouge complexion thanks to facial flushing. Opting for a CC Cream though is the perfect solution! Plus, if you have rosacea or are suffering from acne the likelihood is your foundation could well have been exacerbating your condition!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 your imperfections, the ELES Luminous CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, and other skin flaws, subtly illuminating the skin. ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused LightWe are all on the quest for those lightweight multi-tasking miracle products, and ELES’s Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light is just that! Your bronzer, highlighter and foundation powder combined into one clever compact that you can lightly brush over your face for beautiful ‘lit from within’ skin in seconds!The glow-giving base contains light-reflecting pigments to make skin look impossibly fresh while the gorgeous warm tones act like a photo filter on your skin.
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.
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