BC Skin Journal

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Beauty Collective - Hyperpigmentation

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

by Jo Boyden on Mar 05 2021
You may not know it but hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as dark spots, is a very common skin concern. The condition most commonly occurs due to overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, which is why it’s often exacerbated during the sunny summer months (thank you sunshine!) However, it can also occur due to inflammation caused from conditions like acne, just want you don’t need, and while hyperpigmentation can be hard to avoid for some, you can definitely help reduce its severity by following a few key steps and we are here to tell you what; Choose your skincare wisely If you aren’t already invest in skincare specifically designed to target hyperpigmentation. There are 4 key ingredients to look out for. The first being Vitamin C. Vitamin C can not only help heal blemishes it can also help reduce hyperpigmentation and give your skin an all out glow. Once you add a daily dose of vitamin c to your skincare routine you can start seeing noticeable improvements in a matter of weeks.Here at BC, we love Pevonia’s “C” Complexe. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid work together to hydrate, correct photo damage and drench your skin with repairing antioxidants for a revitalized, youthful glow. It’s really good stuff and I’m testament to that!AHA’s such as glycolic and lactic acid and BHA’s such as Salicylic acid are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging and brightening skin and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck and chest.I personally love Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream with UV protection! It combines Glycolic acid and Hyaluronic Acid to dramatically improve skin’s texture.Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is another go-to ingredient for hyperpigmentation. It works by going deep beneath your skin, encouraging cell turnover and bringing healthier, newer skin cells to the surface!Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing cream is a must in the fight against Hyperpigmentation! Formulated with retinol and Glycolic and Lactic Acid (yes!) it’s an excellent resurfacing and lightening cream for photodamaged skin. Just be sure to introduce it slowly and apply before bed. To learn more about retinol click here. Exfoliate And once or twice a week! This will help shed the hyperpigmented cells and speed up healing. Really!The most effective exfoliators for managing hyperpigmentation are either chemical or enzymatic exfoliators though as they penetrate more deeply into the skin than physical exfoliators and don’t contain grains which can in some cases create inflammation by scrubbing which can lead to additional pigmentation! Eek!Try Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes! It’s a beautifully gentle exfoliant that uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating the skin. Ideal for even the most sensitive and reactive skin, it eliminates impurities by gentle exfoliating away dead skin cells to reveal a refined skin texture and more luminous complexion. Slip, slop, slap Wear sunscreen and be religious about it. Applying your SPF is not only the best way to prevent premature ageing but it will also dramatically decrease your chances of getting hyperpigmentation as well as reducing it.I highly recommend Vie Collection’s Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF30, this amazing daily cream is formulated with two high-tech ingredients that act against dark spots, free radicals and UV rays. After daily use dark spots become less visible and skin more unified. Eat a diet rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids can effectively help reduce skin darkening. So be sure to introduce avocados, oranges, grapes, cherries, broccoli and bell peppers into your daily diet, as well as foods with beta-carotene (orange colour) like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots and seafood rich in copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Such a diet works by encouraging production of melanin, reduction of free radicals and support of cell turnover, the three things that help grow healthy, happy skin and diminish dark spots! Drink herbal Turn your morning cuppa into a mug of green tea! We know green tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, but did you know as a result it can help reduce both skin inflammation and melanin production in one.
Beauty Collective - Pevonia Skincare

Which skincare range is right for me? Discover Pevonia

by Jo Boyden on Feb 24 2021
Last week my good friend entrusted me to order her lots of skincare goodies from BC based on my expert advice. I’ve been encouraging her to turn to professional skincare for years for many a reason, and finally, since her current skincare wasn’t providing her with the results she’d hoped, she said it was time. That and turning 40 …!She had her heart set on Pevonia, partly because I’m a huge advocate but also because she loved the idea of all-natural, cruelty-free skincare that actually delivers. But with so many products in the collection she wasn’t sure what the right products or range was for her, a question the BC team have been asked many a time before.The amazing thing about Pevonia is that there is a range that caters for pretty must all skin types and concerns, from anti-ageing to anti-acne, hydration to skin brightening, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and more. So read on to find out more on each of Pevonia’s key skincare ranges and discover the best for you and your skin's needs. Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed in investing in a range that provides optimum results every time. The Essentials – Dry Skin LineWho’s it for?Those suffering from dry and dehydrated skin.What does it do?Dry skin often lacks lustre and vitality. This effective program provides your skin with immediate nourishment and protection. Formulated with super nourishing ingredients including hyaluronic acid, pear seed extract, royal jelly, rose, ylang ylang and vitamins A, E & C, it visibly renders skin rejuvenated with increased suppleness and elasticity.Products in the range;Dry Skin Cleanser, Dry Skin Lotion, Vitaminic Concentrate, Rejuvenating Dry Skin CreamBC’s pick: Vitaminic Concentrate“This soothing, silky oil has the most amazing mandarin aroma and is honestly worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats my dryness. Every time I apply at night, I wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin in the morning.”The Essentials – Combination Skin LineWho’s it for?Those who tend to suffer from both dry and oily skin at the same time.What does it do?This range normalizes an oily T-zone while combatting dehydration at the same time. Formulated with ingredients such as Grapefruit, Rosemary Oil, Arnica and Lemon Grass Oil it delivers a wonderfully balanced and toned complexion with tightened pores.Products in the range;Combination Skin Cleanser, Combination Skin Lotion, Combination Skin CreamBC’s pick: Combination Skin Cream“I love this product. Before discovering it I always suffered from hormonal skin with blemishes and shine. Not anymore! It’s beautifully light, absorbs quickly, keeps my oily skin under control, and doesn’t cause me to breakout! Plus, it smells simply divine!”The Essentials – Sensitive Skin LineWho’s it for?Those whose skin reacts to anything and everything. Sensitivity, irritability, blotchiness…What does it do?It effectively calms and controls hypersensitivity. Formulated with ultra-gentle ingredients such a propolis, shea butter, bisabolol, allantoin, chamomile and neroli oil, it alleviates and harmoniously corrects irritability, redness, and blotchiness.Products in the range;Sensitive Skin Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Lotion, Soothing Propolis Concentrate, Soothing Sensitive Skin CreamBC’s pick: Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream“This is by far my favorite Pevonia product. The cream isn’t heavy but light and smooth, which absorbs immediately into my skin. My skin feels stronger, smoother, calmer and hydrated. Both sensitivity and dehydration is a key concern of mine and the Sensitive Skin Cream works it magic throughout the year. Nothing I have used in the past compares to it.”Power Repair Age Correction LineWho’s it for?Caters for all ages, specifically those concerned with premature ageing, fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.What does it do?Pevonia’s global best-selling range and for good reason. It provides your skin with a truly effective youth-prolonging system to strengthen, smooth and rejuvenate skin. Prevents and visibly repairs fine lines and wrinkles.Products in the range;Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Toner, Marine Collagen Cream, Firming Marine Elastin Cream, Micro-Pores Refine Cream, Micro-Pore Bio Active Mask, Intensifier – Collagen & Myoxy Caviar, Intensifier Elastin & Sorghum, Eye ContourBC’s pick: Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream“My absolute can’t live without product is the Marine Collagen Cream. I use this both morning and night religiously! It’s a gorgeous rich yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and leaves my skin soft, supple, and like it’s just had a boost of moisture! Lastly, it has the most luxurious texture yet doesn’t leave my skin greasy and smells gorgeous! In a nutshell, it’s everything I look for in a moisturiser.”Stem Cells LineWho’s it for?If you are looking to combat ageing, this is the collection for you!What does it do?Using plant stem cell technology Pevonia developed a process to reverse not only the signs of ageing, but also the skin’s ageing cycle too! Each product works deeply within the skin to radically reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and intensely hydrating your complexion!Products in the range;Multi-Active Foaming Cleanser, Intensive Cream, Intensive Serum, Intensive Body CorrectorBC’s pick: Intensive Cream“Nature’s answer to Botox! I absolutely adore this product, packed with Argan and Comfrey Stem Cells perfect for dramatically plumping and smoothing out my fine lines and Royal Jelly a powerful collagen booster. This lightweight super formula leaves my skin feeling silky smooth, young and beautiful. I love knowing that I’ve given my skin a distinct advantage in preventative aging.”Caviar LineWho’s it for?Looking to counteract wrinkles? Look no further.What does it do?This range is loaded with anti-ageing superstar ingredients including Caviar, Pearl, Vitamins and Escutox (natural botox) to improve firmness and elasticity while effectively decreasing wrinkle breadth.Products in the range;Timeless Balm Cleanser, Timeless Repair Lotion, Timeless Repair Serum, Timeless Repair Cream, Timeless Eye Contour.BC’s pick: Timeless Repair Serum“I LOVE this product! It’s pricey yes, and a huge investment, but I noticed a dramatic decrease in my wrinkles as well as a smoother texture in a matter of weeks. Coupled with the Timeless repair Cream I continue to see amazing results. My skin looks and feels healthy and hydrated, smoother and more toned!”Micro-Retinol LineWho’s it for?Concerned about hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture as well as ageing? Then this is the line for you.What does it do?This easy to use 4 step range keeps skin looking porcelain-smooth and youthfully radiant. Featuring Pevonia exclusive Micro-Retinol technology, it allows immediate and easy absorption as well as targeted delivery within the deeper epidermal layers, rapidly re-stabilizing the skin’s normal function. It smooths wrinkles, “densifies” the skin, strengthens elasticity, increases moisture, evens skin tone and pigmentation, provides radiance and glow and rejuvenates overall skin appearance. Impressive hey?Products in the range;Essential Foaming Cleanser, Essential Toner, Essential Moisturiser, Essential SerumBC’s pick: “I’m completely in love with the Micro-Retinol line. I noticed the most dramatic change to my skin after the very first treatment and over time my skin just keeps getting better. My favourite product in the line is the Micro-Retinol Serum; it gives my skin a glow and seems to make the pores disappear. Ive noticed a great improvement to firmness, moisture levels, skin texture and a reduction in hyper-pigmentation. What more could I want? I¹ve used Retinol based products before but find them irritating and unpleasant to use, this line however feels great, smells great and works!Problematic skin and Acne LineWho’s it for?Those prone to blemished skin and acneWhat does it do?It effectively deals with intense skin problems such as acne by controlling bacteria and preventing inflammation while calming and soothing irritated skin.Products in the range;Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser, Spot Treatment, Problematic Skin Care CreamBC’s pick: Spot Treatment“Even though I’m approaching my 30s my skin still gets easily irritated and spots appear. I’m so glad I discovered this Spot Treatment! It immediately takes away the redness in my skin and when using on specific spots, they always disappear within a few days after application.” RS2 Rosacea LineWho’s it for?For those suffering from facial redness and rosaceaWhat does it do?Formulated with some of the most nurturing and desensitising ingredients including French Rose, Licorice, and Green Tea, each of the four products in the collection visibly reduces redness and blotchiness while soothing any irritations.Products in the range;RS2 Gentle Cleanser, RS2 Gentle Lotion, RS2 Care Cream, RS2 ConcentrateBC’s pick: RS2 Care Cream“I suffer from Rosacea so my skin is very reactive, sensitive and red. Since using this, my skin feels so much calmer and has seriously improved over time. I wish I’d had this product years ago as nothing I used before seemed to help. I now use the entire RS2 line and my skin feels pretty great for an oldie.”Special LineWho’s it for?For those with dull, devitalized skin which needs a serious pick me up.What does it do?Seasonal changes, lifestyle variances, pollution and other key factors visibly affect our skin’s texture. You can invigorate your skin with these skin specific products for specialised care. Thoroughly desquamating toxins and boosting overall skin health, your complexion resurfaces luminous and revived.Products in the range;Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, “C” Complexe, Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream, Renewing Glycocides CreamBC’s pick: “C” ComplexeMy fave Pevonia product is the “C” Complex Concentrate. I love that it's hydrating, collagen stimulating and extremely brightening in one! Makes me look like I've had a great night's sleep after just one application.
Beauty Collective - Best products 2020

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

by Jo Boyden on Feb 17 2021
Ever wondered what everyone else is buying when it comes to skincare and make-up must-haves on BC?When a product achieves best-selling status it’s usually a sign that it’s a well-loved and proven effective product, as well as being the most-shopped. So whether you are shopping BC and looking for recommendations or are simply wondering if your favourite product made the cut, here we count down the best-selling beauty buys from 2020. From super serums to everyday moisturisers, there is something on the list for everyone. The soothing serum Pevonia Soothing Propolis ConcentrateIf you’re a sufferer of reactive or sensitive skin this could be your go-to! It’s a beautiful rich gel-like serum formulated with calming lavender and soothing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France to soothe, nourish and decongest irritable skin with its antibacterial and healing powers. The calming cream Phytomer Douceur Marine Velvety Soothing CreamAn absolute dream for sensitive skin, this luxurious, melt-away cream is rich in marine ingredients which act to reduce redness and calm uncomfortable skin while strengthening the skin’s natural defences against stress, weather and pollution. The hydrating cleanser Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser If you are concerned about premature ageing, skin’s a little on the dry side and you love yourself a creamy cleanser, then you are simply going to love this! It removes daily grime effortlessly but what’s more it replenishes skin’s moisture by combining deeply nourishing and anti-ageing duo, marine collagen and elastin. The creamy exfoliator Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserIf you’re looking for proof that fellow BC shoppers are serious about exfoliation (not just cleansing and moisturising!), Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliator is ranked #7 on the list. This creamy exfoliator is a game-changer for those with sensitive skin….well for anyone really! It very gently polishes away dead skin, impurities, and toxins with jojoba beads, Saponaria, and chamomile to reveal a beautifully smooth and brightened complexion. The balancing cream Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin CreamThere is nothing not to love about this product if your complexion tends to lean towards the shiny, oily, hormonal side. This extra light yet nourishing moisturiser feels smooth and soft on application but effectively controls oil and shine while reducing congestion! Oh, and it smells pretty fab too! The multi-tasking beauty balm ELES Cosmetics Age Defying BB Cream 30Not to be mistaken for its sister - the CC Cream, BB Creams or otherwise known as beauty balms, are infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow, and let me tell you this BB Cream is no exception! Multi-faceted it really packs a punch as it quite literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen skin on contact. So if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this is for you! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one! The redness-be-gone calming cream Pevonia RS2 CreamFormulated with soothing, sensitive skin loving ingredients including Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, this beautifully textured, nourishing cream provides your skin vaso constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to effectively reduce redness and inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associated with Rosacea. We love the great results for rosacea prone skin but also love its natural signature scent of French Rose. It’s one heavenly product! The super sensitive comforting cream Pevonia Soothing Sensitive Skin CreamThis cream will quite literally calm and control hypersensitivity. Formulated with soothing and healing propolis, aloe, shea butter, and chamomile it alleviates and harmoniously corrects skin’s blotchiness and irritability. The formidable foundation ELES Cosmetics Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation Especially great for those with oily or combination skin but also fab for those that love a matt finish that isn’t heavy, this foundation literally glides onto skin effortlessly thanks to its silky liquid formulation yet sets to a soft powder finish. It looks natural on application yet covers up blemishes beautifully, and its SPF and skin-loving ingredients mean it not only conceals skin but protects it throughout the day too! The global best-seller Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamTo keep skin soft, supple and free of fine lines (seriously) we are forever in love with Pevonia’s no.1 global best-seller!This moisturiser has an international, star status for good reason! It is deeply nourishing without feeling heavy or oily, it’s formulated with marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, two anti-ageing wonder ingredients and the results speak for themselves – radiant, plumped skin after every application. Say no more.Want to know more? Head to the products pages to read all of the amazing reviews!
Beauty Collective - beauty trick

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

by Jo Boyden on Feb 10 2021
Holidays are over, schools are back and the daily juggle of work, kids, well life, in general has you once again looking like you haven’t slept for days. Fear not, while 9 hours of blissful slumber might be something of yesteryear you can fake a seriously good night's sleep if you are armed with a few key products! So read on to learn about our top beauty tips that’ll have you looking fabulously fresh in next to no time and with minimal effort….we promise! Breath life back into tired eyes First things first, after cleansing your skin, applying a soothing and cooling eye gel immediately to your undereye area is a must. Just look for products with key ingredients such as Green coffee, Vitamin C and Ginko Biloba, as they will help shrink capillaries and stimulate lymphatic drainage.Pevonia’s C Evolutive Eye Gel is a personal favourite of mine when it comes to tired, puffy eyes. Formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C and skin saviours hyaluronic acid and Ginko biloba it’ll have your peepers decongested and depuffed in one swift application! Invest in a gemstone roller From rejuvenating jade to calm and soothing rose quartz, detoxifying Obsidian to purifying amethyst, we highly recommend introducing one of these rollers into your morning ritual. As well as their many medicinal benefits, they have the ability to dramatically reduce puffiness by removing excess fluid around the eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out toxins! So clever! To find out more click here. Use a collagen-boosting serum Lack of sleep has the ability to cause your body to produce the stress hormone cortisol which in turn breaks down collagen and leads to premature ageing (great!) so make sure you start your morning skincare routine armed with a collagen-boosting serum AND moisturiser to nourish and restore stressed and dehydrated skin.Pevonia’s best-selling Age Correction Intensifier Collagen and MyOxy Caviar and Marine Collagen Cream are both a must. Not only are they loved by so many around the world, but they have also been a staple of mine for years and I’d highly recommend the duo to everyone. Used in unison they effectively nourish and oxygenate skin, repair cells, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. You can thank me later. Be armed with a good concealer With exhaustion comes black undereye circles and red bloodshot eyes so you need to reduce the darkness and brighten the area at the same time. The best way to do this is arm yourself with a really good concealer specifically for the delicate eye area. Simply dot the concealer using your pinky finger (the warmth of your fingers will help the concealer to melt into your skin creating a smooth, natural application). My go-to concealer is the ELES Dual Action Concealer. Its an anti-ageing wonder rich in Vitamins E & C, caffeine, collagen, hyaluronic acid and Tetrapeptide 5 which works to depuff, smooth, brighten and conceal the eyes, neutralizing dark circles. Its moisturising formula also provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! Bonus! Line the eyes with nude You do not want to exacerbate the look of blood shot eyes, so steer clear of lining eyes with dark eyeliners especially on the bottom lash line. Instead transform tired eyes by applying a white or nude liner to the bottom lash line AKA your waterline. Here at BC, we love the ELES Waterline liner. Using a white or nude eyeliner extends the whites of your eyes making them look bigger and in turn more awake. Don’t forget your eyeshadow You’ve lined your eyes with a good waterliner pencil but another true hero to creating wide-awake eyes is eyeshadow! A nude shadow palette with just a few shades will be your new best friend. Check out the new ELES Naturals Collection Eyeshadow Trios, with a choice of four palettes in gorgeous neutral shades there is an option to suit everyone.Start by applying the lightest shade (the white or nude) from your chosen palette over your entire lid all the way to the inner corner using a base shadow brush. You really need this light shadow as it’ll help open up your eyes and really make them ‘pop’. Next, use a tapered blending brush to apply the medium shade into your crease (the curve above your eyelid) blending from the outer corners inwards. Using the same brush, now apply the darkest shade to the outer corner of your eyelid. Applying this darker shadow slightly beyond your crease is the key to adding real dimension to your eyes. Bronze and blush for a healthy glow. We all know lack of sleep can have us looking a little on the pasty side even if we are donning a bit of a tan! To instantly enhance said pasty skin apply a good bronzer for that much-needed healthy look, as well as a little rouge blush on the apples of your cheeks. We love the ELES Baked Bronzer and Blushes. These super-fine powders are baked to a lightweight, silky and subtle pearl finish that imparts a brilliantly radiant glow. Add a little colour to your lips We might not all be a fan of the red lip all year round, but a little rouge lip colour to perk up pale lips will go a long way in transforming a tired, sallow complexion. If lipstick isn’t your thing, opt for a little gloss instead. I apply my ELES Colour Balm in Siren every single day. It combines the payoff of a sheer lipstick with the superior shine of a gloss. You won’t be disappointed! So go forth and try these top tips and enjoy never being told you look tired again!
Beauty Collective - Wellness Rituals

The wellness rituals you should be doing daily

by Jo Boyden on Dec 22 2020
A stressful, hectic life is routine in my household this time of year, as I’m sure it is for many! Throw a pandemic into the mix and a growing number of covid cases in some states and the anxiety levels will be arising.So with the holiday season nearly upon us and the potential of another lockdown looming for some, post-Christmas will definitely be time to decompress and get a little self-loving back into our lives.From the importance of establishing a good skincare routine to the impact exercise can have on our mental health, these self-care rituals should be something we all adopt daily; Give yourself a facial My morning and night-time skincare routine is something I have (for as long as I can remember anyway!) always taken pleasure in, even when I’m time poor, which let's face it with young kids and now a puppy thrown in for good measure is….always! It should be a daily routine we all enjoy with all the benefits skincare brings, and incorporating a little facial ritual (which is easy to do) will really help nurture both your skin and psych. For a detailed account on how to perfect a salon-style wellbeing facial at home click here. Meditate for better quality of sleep I love company, would tout myself as a social butterfly and am seldom alone, but I do ensure for my mental wellbeing that I have at least 5 minutes a day to myself because the rest of the time it’s go, go, go! I love a bubble bath (we’ll get to that later!) but I couldn’t imagine not having my nightly 5-minute meditation ritual, which my little ones are now doing before their bedtime too! It’s my way to wind down and calm my mind before bed and has vastly improved my quality of sleep too (because prior to committing to my bedtime meditation I was guilty of sitting staring at a screen until at least 11.30 pm at night and we all know how this can interfere with our circadian rhythm (our natural, internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.)Meditation has a whole heap of benefits from reducing stress and negative emotions to increasing self-awareness, creativity, and patience. So if you haven’t already and are keen to give it a try, I recommend both the Headspace and Calm apps. They have a range of guided meditations for an array of concerns such as sleep deprivation, anxiety, stress and productivity. It might take you a few goes before you start to relax into it and feel a change, but believe me when I stay stick with it as you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t give it a go before now! Practice calming techniques Aside from meditation, practicing other calming techniques can be highly beneficial to both your psych and skin too! This is because stress, while bad of course for your health, is not good for your skin either! Unfortunately, cortisol (the stress hormone) has the ability to break down collagen in the skin resulting in premature ageing (great!) But practicing, for example yoga, or even putting on some soothing sounds can have a significant impact on reducing that cortisol flow! Phew. Indulge in a therapeutic bath So when I said I ensure I give myself 5 minutes of alone time a day for my night-time meditation ritual, I also try and give myself 15 minutes once or twice a week (daily is amazing if you have the time!) to indulge in a therapeutic bath. Little instantly reduces stress quite like sinking into a relaxing, remineralizing bath. Add the soothing sounds of spa music, a candle here and there, and a destressing bath foam or detoxifying salts and you’ve got yourself an at-home spa experience. I am loving Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath. It’s a lightly foaming, ultra-relaxing fragranced bath enriched with Oligomer – a partially sodium reduced seawater concentrate that contains all of the remineralizing properties of seawater – to strengthen and restore the skin while releasing all pent-up tension in the body. Amazing stuff right? Stay active Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a huge difference to not only our mental well-being, but our body and skin too! And no you don’t need to take up F45 or swim the ocean blue, just a moderate walk can be all you need. Daily exercise has been proven to help control weight, reduce risk of heart diseases, help our body manage blood sugar and insulin levels, decrease pain, and even delay the ageing of our cells! Exercise can also help increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin neutralizing the free radicals that damage it! And we all know exercising releases endorphins, the happy hormones! And who doesn’t want to feel pleasure, happiness and love on the daily! Have a little, or a whole lot less screen time This one’s not so much a ritual, more a necessity if we’re talking self-care and want to truly unwind this impending holiday season.Sadly, screen time (thanks to the blue light it emits) has an adverse effect on our skin, body and mind, and what with the multiple devices available at our fingertips, I’d say there was barely one of us who wasn’t guilty of spending too much time glued to one of them at some point in the day. Spending just two consecutive hours on a digital device can cause eyestrain or fatigue, while overexposure to this blue light also suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, therefore disrupting our normal sleep pattern. And we all know poor sleep can lead to premature ageing. Eek.Use this opportunity to read a good book and perhaps discover a passion perhaps you didn’t know you had! Give yourself a mini massage! And finally..try and incorporate a mini massage into your daily life. Yes, yes I might be asking a bit much you say but I’m talking anything from a relaxing hand or foot massage which we can do ourselves in next to no time, to a back or shoulder massage if you have a willing family member or even a handheld massage machine! A massage no matter how big or small can elevate aches and pains, reduce tension, and evoke relaxation and calm.For an indulgent hand massage which we can easily do ourselves (and lets face it with all the hand sanitizer drying out our skin at the moment, applying hand cream has become a bit of a necessity) my hand cream of choice is Phytomer’s Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream, the name says it all. I love to follow this with a spritz of my Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturiser. It’s one of Pevonia’s global best-sellers and for good reason! It literally revitalizes and nourishes every inch of skin with a combination of lavender, chamomile, and squalene.When my feet are feeling fatigued Pevonia’s Tension Relief Gel is my go-to and if my legs are sore and achy massaging Phytomer’s Cryotonic Soothing Leg Gel is a must! So go on, give these a go and reap the rewards.
Beauty Collective - gemstone rollers

What’s the deal with gemstone facial rollers? Understanding the benefits

by Jo Boyden on Dec 17 2020
In 2018 “jade rollers” became all the rage in the world of beauty, beloved by beauty bloggers and skincare experts alike. Fast forward a few years and a few developments and the latest trend to take centre stage is “gemstone rollers”, an array of facial rollers made of semi-precious stones including; amethyst, obsidian, rose quartz, jade and more. But what exactly is the benefit of these rollers? And will they really make a difference to your skin? The answer is yes and we are here to tell you how and why.Often touted as an “anti-aging tool, gemstone rollers offer a multitude of benefits which ultimately results in better skin when used regularly and correctly. Not only do they feel amazing on your face, but by rolling them across your cheeks, chin and forehead, you’ll slowly open up pathways, improving lymphatic flow, clearing toxins, decreasing puffiness, stimulating collagen production, reducing fine lines and more! They even have the ability to release tension which many people carry in their jaws!Adding a gemstone roller to your daily skincare routine will become your most soothing self-care ritual (you’ll be amazed at how calming it can make you feel) but sadly there is no one size fits all. Just as with crystals, each roller has its own specific advantages, so you need to look at the individual properties of the gemstone and go for the one(s) which calls to you the most! Jade Facial Roller Best for toning and defining skin Ideal for those concerned with wrinkles and loose skin, jade helps raise the immunity of the skin. It’s known for its ability to help tone and firm skin cells, stimulate collagen production, increase elasticity, calm puffiness and promote cell turn over! Physically, this crystal has more resistance on skin than rose quartz and amethyst, so while it’s not as silky and glass-like in texture, it is better for achieving firming and lifting results including smoothing wrinkles, sculpting muscle, and tightening loose skin. It’s best to use this roller in the morning since jade has a revitalising energy that helps skin to feel fresh and invigorated. Jade Facial Smooth and Textured Roller Best for toning, defining and rejuvenating skin Just as with its counterpart this roller is best for those wishing to tone and firm their skin. The two different roller ends pose their own benefits. The smooth end helps to aid in lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness, while the textured end stimulates the blood circulation and helps increase oxygen in the skin cells and collagen in the dermis. Again, this roller is best used in the morning, since it has a revitalising energy that helps skin to feel fresh and invigorated. Rose Quartz Facial Roller Best for soothing and calming skin The ultimate beauty stone, known as the “crystal of Venus” (the goddess of love and beauty), Rose Quartz delivers inner healing and clears complexity. This ‘emotional healer’ is great for reducing and releasing impurities and stress in the skin. It’s best for detoxifying while soothing and calming sensitive skin. But also has great properties that increase circulation to the skin, promoting collagen production. Rose quartz also happens to have inherent minerals- silicium, magnesium, iron, sodium and oxygen - that skin can topically borrow and benefit from when rolling and thanks to the stone staying very cool it is ideal for those suffering from a sensitive or inflamed complexion.Obsidian Facial Roller Best for detoxifying and balancing skin Unlike the other stones, Black Obsidian naturally retains warmth and is great to use on congested, blemish prone skin. With consistent use it brings imbalances to the surface so that they can be released, this is because the warmth of the obsidian encourages stimulation of the lymphatic system and circulation. The Obsidian Facial Roller also helps to tighten pore and balance your skin tone and leaves skin feeling purified and refreshed. To warm our Black Obsidian Roller, we recommend placing it in a glass of warm water for a minute or two before use. Amethyst Facial Roller Best for purifying blemish-prone skin Amethysts are powerful and protective stones that have the ability to soothe away day-to-day stresses. They emit infrared rays which slightly raises skin temperature increasing circulation. This enables the body to produce cortisol which calms inflammation and redness and nourishes skin cells with oxygen and nutrients to keep them healthy and encourage regeneration. Thanks to its negative-charge, amethyst also draws out positively charged toxins and free radicals to cleanse and detoxify skin. These detoxifying powers mean that amethyst helps to prevent bacteria growth and tighten pores, so is recommended for blemish-prone skin. Now you’ve selected the gemstone roller or rollers that sound right for your skin's needs but how exactly do you use it now and how often? We recommend cleansing your skin first, then applying a small amount of a light oil or serum with the roller. Starting at the chin, use broad, long strokes horizontally to the hairline - you should apply slight pressure but not so that it is "pulling" your skin. Then, from the nose, gently roll towards the ear - smoothing the skin under the eyes. Moving up, use the small end of the roller around the corner of the eye, rolling to the temples. Last up, place the roller above the eyebrow and push up towards the hairline. You can also finish by rolling horizontally from the middle of the forehead out towards the temples. For optimum results, you can use a roller everyday, but we would recommend using it after cleansing your face and neck. You can actually use it up to twice a day, but one should be plenty. If there is however a day where you feel like your skin is especially puffy, then morning and evening should work wonders! Finally, you need to remember to regularly clean your roller since it’s a facial tool and can easily spread bacteria. Ideally, it’s best to clean them with warm water and soap as you would any other beauty tool, pat try and then store in a clean, dry place. But for a more spiritual clean, you can wash the roller in salt water. Salt is considered cleansing and will help draw negative energies out of the roller so they don’t transfer back to your skin.
Beauty Collective - Fed up of tired puffy eyes

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

by Jo Boyden on Dec 04 2020
Did you hit the snooze button one too many times this morning? Because yup we’ve hit that crazy busy, exhausting time of year again, or have allergies left you looking like you just pulled an all-nighter? Well, you can get rid of those tired eyes in a flash with the help of some of our favourite eye products. What’s more, they are firm favourites of you, our BC customers too! Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream When I’m tired, which let's face it is ALL. OF. THE. TIME. Right now, unbeknownst to me (thank you, kids, for the heads up!) I’m a shocker for rubbing my eyes! The thing is I’m already in the know that doing so can cause tiny blood vessels to break resulting in dark circles under my eyes, and yup I suffer most mornings from said dark circles and under eye bags. Ergh.My solution? Vie Collection’s Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. Yes a mouthful to say, but a product that does exactly what it says. It’s a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously!“This is a wonderful eye cream, it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! It’s truly a fabulous eye cream that is well worth the price tag.” Lisa M (BC customer) Pevonia MyOxy Caviar® Timeless Eye Contour Ok, so this is another great love of mine. We are talking luxury in a bottle. Optimum results but yes you’d want to expect that from the price tag. No jokes when I say this product, packed with anti-ageing eyecare goodies including; Marine Collagen Polypeptides; Caviar Extract; and Escutox® - the natural alternative to Botox - quite literally takes 10 years off your eyes. I’ve been using it for around 6 months now and have seen a noticeable decrease in wrinkles, plus it has smoothed the skin around my eye zone and reduces my puffiness daily too! “This product is really awesome! It erased the wrinkles around my eyes and gave them a brighter look.” Kylie O, BC Customer Pevonia C Evolutive Eye Gel If you prefer the feeling of a cooling eye gel to soothe and depuff your peepers, this product is the one for you. Anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C is the star ingredient in this eye gel. The skin saviour coupled with hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo Biloba is a sure thing for cooling tired eyes and effectively decongesting and de-puffing them in one swift application. “I had a problem with puffy old looking eyes and was hoping that this gel would do the job as I was hating the way my eyes looked and I'll tell you, this gel worked INSTANTLY on me! It's a very good de-puffer for sure!” Suzette, BC Customer Phytomer Expertise Age Contour Youth Eye Cream Phytomer definitely nails the names of their products! This eye cream is and does what it says! It quite literally takes years off your eyes by lessening those pesky crow’s feet and firming your eye contours so they actually look smoother and more open! And who doesn’t want brighter, younger-looking eyes? Oh and if that wasn’t enough it does help with lightening dark circles too!“This eye cream seems to do it all; takes care of dryness, puffiness and lines. My eyes seem to "pop" more than they were before using it. At 52 my eyes want to withdraw, but this cream brings them back out and you have to love that.” Vicky D, BC Customer ELES Dual Action Concealer This anti-aging concealer actually helps to gradually improve skin's texture while concealing those obvious under eye dark circles. Its moisturising formula provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! “This concealer is perfection. It goes on smooth, doesn't crease, and covers dark circles completely. The concealer lasts forever because you don't need to use a lot to get full coverage.” Marwa Yates, BC Customer Gemstone Facial Rollers Jade rollers are all the trend right now thanks to the multitude of medicinal benefits they bring. But we’ve gone one step further! We’ve created 5 facial rollers all made from gemstones! From rejuvenating jade to calm and soothing rose quartz, detoxifying Obsidian to purifying amethyst. Introduce one of these into your daily soothing self-care ritual and reap the results. The roller will, not only help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles around the eyes, if used correctly it can dramatically reduce puffiness by moving excess fluid around your eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out the toxins. Cool right? To find out more about the rollers and how to use them click here.
Cure for ultra-healthy radiant skin

Is your skin lacking life? Try this cure for ultra-healthy radiant skin

by Jo Boyden on Nov 10 2020
Is your skin suffering from sensitivity thanks to the constant change in weather? Or are you simply fed up with looking in the mirror and seeing dull, devitalised skin staring back at you? That once radiant complexion you donned in your younger years has diminished even though you swear you are doing all the right things to try and maintain that healthy glow?The good news? There is an almost effortless way to get back that healthy glow of yesteryear and it doesn’t involve the green leaf diet, 2 litres of water a day, or the 9 hours of blissful, undisturbed slumber a night! (please) Cue Phytomer’s NEW Cyfolia range.Using the purest, most effective organic ingredients, the clever scientists at Phytomer have developed an all-natural, all-vegan 3 step program, three essential products to get your glow back, and some….If you are in search of deep hydration, radiance, AND relief I’m telling you this range is for you!The CYFOLIA ORGANIC Radiance Moisturising range provides skin with all the exceptional skincare benefits of CYFOLIA algae, a breakthrough ingredient native to Brittany, France, nicknamed ‘rainbow algae’. Grown and harvested by hand, it is sustainably harvested to limit waste and encourage regrowth and it’s iridescent fronds (or branches if you prefer) have optimal light diffusion which in turn enhances skin with reflective properties that create an intensely radiant or quite simply put “lit from within’ appearance to your complexion, and who doesn’t want that?What's more, the range is certified organic and free of artificial colour & fragrance with packaging made from sugarcane!All three products (a cleanser, exfoliator and moisturiser) work hand in hand to achieve an ultra-healthy complexion while seriously soothing sensitive skin;The super-soft, velvety and creamy Cyfolia Radiance Cleansing Cream is 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 envelope the skin with a beautiful, fresh fragrance. And on application, this rich cleansing cream quite literally melts into skin to very gently (but also very effectively!) remove makeup, oil, and any impurities.Coupled with exfoliating once a week with the Cyfolia Radiance Exfoliating Cream (featuring two organic gentle exfoliants – argan kernels and pomegranate seeds), the results speak for themselves. Goodbye dull, devitalized skin!And finally, the Cyfolia Hydra-Comforting Radiance Cream (the name says it all really) will become your daily go-to. Thanks to cyfolia algae, orange water, oligomer, and seaside flower, it is super hydrating, soothing, calming, and brightening all rolled into one beautifully silky cream to promote optimal radiance when it’s most needed.Trust me when I say I’ve tried many a product in my 20 years in the industry but this range is one that really has my attention! I might well have only been using the range for 3 weeks but my slightly sensitive, hormonal, and lack-lustre skin is now smooth, calm, and visibly radiant. And who doesn’t love a good compliment especially when it’s about the appearance of your skin, or how young you look! Makes my job all worthwhile!
Ten pick-me-ups to boost your skin and mood

Skin out of sorts? Ten pick-me-ups to boost your skin and mood

by Jo Boyden on Nov 04 2020
Has the current cold snap and grey skies got you down? Experiencing a mild case of the blues? If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, chances are your skin is looking it too. From brightening serums that’ll help maintain your spring glow, to soothing salt baths to relax your mind and body, we’ve put together our current top ten beauty pick-me-ups, so scroll on to discover what they are and why you need them in your life right now. Phytomer Oligomer Well-Being Sensation Moisturising Shower Gel Start your day off right with this mineral-enriched delicately scented body wash which combines Oligomer, a seawater concentrate to cleanse, moisturise and lift up your spirits in one single step. This clever shower gel delivers an optimum dose of trace elements and minerals from the sea to strengthen the epidermis and effectively eliminate (and prevent!) fatigue – all the benefits of a dip in the ocean in the comfort of my own home! “C” Evolutive Eye Gel If I’m feeling (and looking!) exhausted with a distinct lack of energy, I dab this cooling and rejuvenating gel around my eyes first thing. It works against dark circles, puffiness, and fatigue to immediately deliver visibly refreshed and rejuvenated peepers. And hey it’s a lot easier to feel energised if you look it too! Pevonia Dry Oil Body Moisturiser For a little extra energy and a spring in your step, indulge your body in the numerous benefits of this botanically infused body oil. The formula pairs soothing and calming lavender and chamomile oils with squalane oil, safflower oil, aloe oil, and macadamia nut oil, for a superstar combination that synergise to deliver a replenishing veil rendering your body silky soft, calm and ready for whatever the day throws at you. Vitamin C Complexe For the ultimate skin brightening boost, this is a must! Vitamin c and hyaluronic acid work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, hydrating, and correcting photo-damage. And not only does its amazing aroma put a smile on my face, on application my skin looks instantly brighter and more dewy too! Hyalouronic Acid Hydra Serum When your dry, devitalized skin is in need of a quick perk up, a hyaluronic acid-rich product will be your best friend. We are in love with Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. It delivers the ultimate hydrating and skin-smoothing results thanks to its key ingredients; hyaluronic acid (it features one of the highest concentrations on the market), marine collagen, and hibiscus esculentus extract. Pevonia Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser When your complexion is looking a little meh and a number of pesky pimples are forming on your face, kick start your skin (and your day!) with this energy-boosting blend of grapefruit and citric acid. The fresh foaming wash will put the pizazz back into your skin rendering it radiantly refreshed and bacteria-free. Pevonia Phyto Aromatic Mist A great pick-,me-up after a tiring day, this facial mist is a bouquet in a bottle. With beautiful scents of French rose, Chamomile, and Calendula, not only will it invigorate your senses, but it will also hydrate, calm, and re-balance a troubled complexion too. Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Minerals Relaxing Bath Nothing helps me relax and calm my mind quite like an indulgent evening seawater bath. For a truly unparalleled stress-relief experience pour in this oligomer rich sea salt product and enjoy sinking into serenity as the day's tension drifts away. This soothing body experience will also nurture and nourish your skin. For optimal results, follow with Phytomer’s Oligomer Well-being Strengthening Moisturising Body Cream. Pevonia De-Ageing Saltmouse Papaya-Pineapple When my energy levels are low, you can bet my skin is feeling it too. This aromatic exfoliant transports you to a tropical paradise as you inhale in the scrumptious scents of pineapple and papaya, and as the salt dissolves, negative ions are quickly absorbed for a truly energizing and skin smoothing experience. Pevonia Bright Skin Green Apple Mask This glow-giving mask not only tightens and brightens skin, but it's formulated with….yes, green apple and green tea to help boost energy too! Expect to wake up with plumped, firmed, glowing skin.
6 beauty tips celebrity makeup artists swear by

6 beauty tips celebrity makeup artists swear by

by Jo Boyden on Nov 02 2020
Highly skilled makeup professionals can make anyone look pore-less, glamourous, and red carpet ready, so read on to learn about their top tips and how to incorporate them into your daily makeup routine. Spend more time prepping your skin Every makeup routine should start with well-prepped skin, after all, you don’t just want to look like you’re wearing makeup but look great in the makeup you are wearing. And spending an extra 10 minutes means a fresher face in the end!If skin is dull, dry, or fatigued incorporate a super-hydrating serum rich in hyaluronic acid underneath your moisturiser – to give mature complexions a healthy sheen. Just remember quenching the skin before applying makeup really will help boost brightness.Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum Go for a gradual layered approach when it comes to your base application The ‘overdone’ look never did anyone any favours so instead of slathering on that matte foundation you’ve been faithful to for years opt for a gradual layered approach which will build both colour and coverage which looks natural. Using more products but less of it will achieve the best result. Start with a primer or tinted cream like your BB’s or CC – for a sheer base that’ll correct skin undertones while brightening your complexion.Switching to a radiance-boosting liquid foundation or even applying illuminator over your base will immediately restore a little radiance to your skin. You can apply it over your primer, BB or CC if/where you feel you need extra coverage.Just remember, you want your makeup to look like an extension of yourself, a somewhat better version, rather than a separate mask and illuminating or light reflecting products will help achieve that more youthful glow every time. If you simply love your matte foundation and aren’t ready for change, just mix it with moisturizer to lighten your coverage and achieve a more dewy effect.Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 and ELES Stick Illuminator Apply your bronzer and blush to the right areas of your face A natural, healthy look can be achieved by applying both bronzer and blush to your face, but where you apply it can have a huge impact! For that subtle lift, apply blush high up on your cheeks, along the upper cheekbones rather than on the apples. Then subtly sculpt your face with bronzer by applying it in a big 3 shape on either side of the face, curving from your forehead to the tops of your cheekbones and under the jawline. Then blend.Try: ELES Baked Blush followed by ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam for a healthy glow with a touch of sheer radiance. Love your liner A good eyeliner is imperative to making eyes pop. A black gel pencil in the waterline top and bottom will give eyes shape and expression without looking overdone. Follow with a waterline pencil on the lower lash line to really open eyes up. It’ll also act as an instant freshener when eyes are red and/or tired.Try: ELES Superwear Gel Liner for super smooth easy lining, followed by ELES Waterline Liner for stand out eyes. Fill and extend eyebrows for bigger eyes Your brows can completely change how your face looks, and fuller, well shaped brows will add immediate dimension and help to sculpt the face making you look younger and more awake!Actually filling in your eyebrows from the top of the brow and elongating it gives eyes a more youthful look. For longevity it’s best to build up your brows with a combo of brow pencil then set with a powder shadow one shade lighter than brows.Try ELES Precision Brow pencil and ELES Brow Sculpt Match your lipliner to your lip colour Even if your lips tend to be on the paler side you should match your lip liner to the colour of your lips, not your darker (or lighter!) lipstick shade. A natural-toned liner will make it easier to correct shape (especially if your top lip is uneven or has lost definition so fades into skin) as well as add fullness.Try: ELES Long Wear Lipliner Want more makeup tips? Check out Celebrity Makeup Artists Best Beauty Hacks
Beauty collective - licorice

Could Licorice Be The Answer To Your Skin Care Woes?

by Jo Boyden on Oct 20 2020
If I mention licorice to you, you probably picture that black sweet goodness that comes in a bag and leaves your tongue blue. However, did you know that licorice is a wonderful skincare herb?Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), a leafy green plant which yields small blue flowers, also grows long tap roots which can extend down well over a metre. It is these roots which yield the characteristic flavour we know as licorice.But did you know that Licorice has been also been used for thousands of years to treat skin ailments?This fascinating herb is a firm favourite of the skin care industry because it contains various cosmeceutical compounds, including glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and liquiritin, that do some remarkable things.Glycyrrhizin Glycyrrhizin helps to reduce inflammation because it mimics cortisol in our bodies. Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is released in our body in response to stress. So, when you think of all those skin conditions that require the use of a topical steroid cream; eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis to name a few, a natural alternative such as licorice is an exciting prospect.Glabridin Licorice also contains a compound called glabridin which is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds with biological activities comparable to the human hormone oestrogen. It is well known that oestrogen stimulates the body to make collagen and hyaluronic acid – two essential components of the skin which form an important part of the connective tissue and keep our skin looking young.This is also proven! Studies have found that topical application of phytoestrogens was found to reduce the depth of wrinkles and increase general tone and hydration of the skin.But glabridin does more than just providing anti-ageing properties! It also helps to reduce hyper-pigmentation and prevents UV-B induced pigmentation.What’s not to love about Glabridin!Liquiritin By now you’re probably thinking – what more can this miracle herb do for my skin?! Well, bear with me because I’m not finished.Licorice also contains a compound called liquiritin. This chemical is particularly useful for treating melasma. Unlike glabridin, it doesn’t prevent it so much as it fades the existing patches. Put them together and you have a very effective lighting ingredient that is more effective than previous chemical ingredients.So, to sum it up, not only is licorice anti-inflammatory but it also contains compounds that enhance skin penetration, provide skin lightening properties, and treat melasma. And I've only covered three of the main constituents of licorice, there are many more!Here are some of our favourite Licorice rich products and why we think they are worth a try!Pevonia RS2 CollectionThe RS2 line; Cleanser, Lotion, Concentrate, and Cream are rich in licorice extract and work in harmony to reduce inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associate with Rosacea, to balance the oil and moisture levels in the skin and to even the skin colour. We love the great results for sensitive skin but also love the natural signature scent of French Rose Extract in this heavenly line!Pevonia Lumablanc CreamA water-based lotion that is applied at night to brighten, whiten, and lighten the skin. It’s ideal for mature skin with sun-spots, skin suffering from Chloasma or Melasma, or for fading the hyper-pigmenation that occurs after skin trauma. It uses a Pevonia exclusive retinol delivery technology which means it gets down deep into the skin where it’s needed to fade those pesky patches.ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50+It’s so light you can barely feel it on your skin but it offers an abundance of benefits including the highest level of UVA and UVB sun protection. Licorice Extract of course to help reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen formation, and fade dark patches. It also contains peptides and Lotus Flower Extract to help elevate hydration give the skin a great glow!
13 skincare mistakes habits that are ageing you

13 skincare habits that are ageing you

by Jo Boyden on Sep 16 2020
Let's face it, we are all on the quest to radiant, youthful skin and many of us will invest both time and money perfecting our daily beauty routine, but there are still a number of mistakes or bad habits should I say, that we are likely doing daily that can and will make us look older than our years! Eek.So read on to find out what they are, and if you are currently committing any of them, you know to stop now! Not updating your skincare as your skin changes You might have been loyal to the same moisturiser for many years but sadly the skincare you've used in your 20's really won't cut it in your 30's, 40's and beyond. This is because as we age our skin's needs dramatically change. Skin becomes thinner, drier, more sensitive, and loses elasticity as collagen and elastin start to deplete, while fine lines and wrinkles start to form. Therefore anti-ageing skincare rich in ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin C become essential. For more info on this read about the top 5 skincare ingredients as recommended by the experts and adjust your products accordingly. Going to bed with makeup on Well here's one you've heard many a time before! Right? From a few too many wines to being just plain old exhausted, sometimes it hard to peel yourself off your bed to go and remove your makeup but remove your makeup you must!Cleansing your face especially at night to remove not only your makeup but any remnants of the days sweat, dirt and grime is imperative for healthy skin. Not removing your makeup means your skin is unable to regenerate effectively while you sleep, pores clog, and fatigue (ageing!) signs start to appear. For a fantastic makeup remover which effectively melts away makeup and grime with minimum effort try Phytomer's Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover. Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, this ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast!To read more about sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here. Skipping on your moisturiser It's that time of the month and a few pesky pimples have reared their ugly head, or you are often prone to adult acne or simply suffer from oily skin, so think it best to lay off the moisturiser which must be exacerbating the issue right? Wrong.While you are likely not alone in thinking lathering up on moisturiser seems counterproductive, everyone, no matter what your skin type or concern, needs to apply a moisturiser daily! This is because moisturiser maintains skin hydration throughout the day and therefore assists in fighting premature fine lines and wrinkles too. In fact, applying moisturiser will greatly reduce your chance of developing extreme dryness, skin sensitivity, or oiliness! Why? Dehydrated skin can lead to issues like inflammation, premature skin ageing, and even breakouts. When your skin becomes dry, your body responds by making more oil! And we all know excess oil can clog pores leading to more of those darn pesky pimples.When searching for the right moisturiser for your skin type they do tend to be categorised by skin concern so you just need to research and find the right one for your skin's needs. Just be sure to opt for lighter moisturisers by day, especially in the warmer months, and richer creams at night.For oily skin types, we highly recommend Phytomer's Oligopur Hydra Matifying Control Cream. It's an ultra-light cream that controls oil and breakthrough shine throughout the day. No shine, no greasy feeling, no heaving feeling!If your skin is prone to pimples try Phytomer Acnipure Blemish Solution Fluid, it's a lightweight gel-cream that fights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. It also helps eliminate shine, diminishes the appearance of blemishes, and prevents future breakouts!! Wearing SPF only during the summer Hands down the no. 1 contributor to skin ageing is skipping your SPF.Yes, it's easy to remember to apply it when you're headed to the beach, or out and about on holiday, but so many of us skip this vital step in our everyday lives and not because we are necessarily lazy but because we don't understand the long term affect not wearing it will have on our skin! Being exposed to UV rays will make your skin age quicker, creating fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and more...Applying sunscreen daily all through the year will assist in keeping skin looking younger. Just remember the higher the factor the better especially in the warmer months. Thinking that the SPF in your makeup is enough to protect your skin Unless your makeup has an SPF factor of 30 or above it's unlikely to ward off premature ageing if worn alone. This is because the majority of makeup will protect against UVB rays but won't block UVA rays which is what causes skin damage. Layering your skin with a high factor SPF moisturiser and then foundation will give you the best chance of maintaining skin's youthful appearance, but if you are in love with your daily moisturiser which doesn't contain sun protection, still use it and then apply a lightweight SPF like the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. Not only does it protect skin against the sun’s harmful rays, it also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots and calming and brightening your complexion at the same time!Still be sure you use a foundation with SPF for that extra protection and coverage though, as chances are when you apply sunscreen, you'll skip vital spots that you won't do with your foundation. The ELES best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF15 is an institution. It's a silky, mineral-enriched liquid formula with broad spectrum sun protection that literally glides on to skin and sets to a soft powder finish. Loved by everyone who tries it you won't be disappointed! Focusing only on Wrinkles While we are all concerned about fine lines and wrinkles as we age, dark spots and pigmentation can actually give our complexion a dull, devitalised and in turn much older appearance too! In fact, dark spots and uneven skin tone can make us look 10 years older! So if you suffer from hyperpigmentation ensure you introduce products specifically to help with this like concern. We promise it'll positively impact your complexion and protect your skin too. Try Vie Collection's Mela White Radiance Brightening Essense, a triple-action daily cream that effectively acts against dark spots, free radicals, and UV. The results will speak for themselves. Rubbing Your Eyes The area around your eyes is the most delicate on your face, fact. When we are tired it's easy to fall into the trap of rubbing our eyes, or when applying eye makeup with precision. We've all been guilty of pulling at our eyes I'm sure, but tugging, rubbing or pulling at your eye area can cause tiny blood vessles to break resulting in dark circles that make you look tired All. Of. The. Time. Instead, start applying an anti-ageing eye cream morning and night pronto! I am currently loving Vie Collection's Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. It's a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles! Seriously! Ignoring Your Neck and decolletage Oh, the forgotten area! And the area of your skin which can actually age you the most! Exposed to sunlight just as much as your face, if your neck and decolletage aren't cared for daily or protected with SPF, they can end up crepey and wrinkly so much earlier than they should! Whatever you do for your face you should do for your neck and decolletage too.There are neck and chest specific products you can use, I personally use Pevonia's Age Correction Rapid Restore Neck and Chest religiously, it's a 2 in 1 serum and cream which hydrates, nourishes refines and brightens skin for a more youthful appearance while smoothing wrinkles too! But there is also nothing wrong with using your daily moisturiser or a hydrating body cream instead! Just start doing it now! Avoiding exfoliators It's not just fine lines and wrinkles that make you look older, having a dull uneven skin tone can easily add years to your face as well!As we age our skin's natural ability to shed dead cells declines, so without weekly exfoliation skin can become uneven, dull and lacklustre. This is why exfoliation is so imperative, and not a step that should be ignored. Many people are scared of exfoliation because they think their skin is too sensitive, and it will just aggravate an existing issue, but that's where natural enzyme exfoliators can be the answer.Both Phytomer's Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes and Pevonia's Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream are formulated with natural enzymes which basically melt away dead cells so no scrubbing is needed. Just remember removing dead skin cells helps your skin properly absorb moisturiser which in turn keeps fine lines and dehydration at bay, as well as brightening skins radiance. Now, who wouldn't want that!! Or simply going overboard with exfoliating If you tend to sway the other way and love to exfoliate your skin a little too much i'm here to tell you stop it now! Over exfoliating can actually slow cell turnover, cause chronic skin irritation and inflammation which can lead to accelerated ageing. Stick to exfoliation once a week for the best results. If you ilke to use an exfoliator with grains or microbeads but skin tends to be a little on the sensitive side give Pevonia's Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser a go. it’s great for those who love physical exfoliators with granules but want to steer clear of facial scrubs which could be a little harsh on the skin. It gently polishes your complexion with its unique creamy yet granular texture, formulated with jojoba beads, saponaria and chamomile, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion every time! And in the month of September if you purchase Pevonia Vitamin C Complexe (the perfect skin-brightening summer serum) you'll receive a full size Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser for FREE Not drinking enough water As I'm sitting here writing this, I can hold my hands up and say today so far I've only drunk 2 glasses of water when I should have in fact consumed at least a litre by now! Yes, it's fact, water, or lack of should I say is a real skin ager!! And I know I must practice what a preach! The thing is I do, but some days I will admit it's easy to forget! And when I do, I get cross with myself as I can see it in my skin! It's drier, duller and devitalised. This is because drinking 'enough' water helps the body to flush out toxins while increasing blood flow to the skin which gives it an even tone and dewy appearance! And dewy skin equals youthful skin after all!Not a huge fan of water? Try a good herbal tea instead. Extreme water temperatures How many of us are guilty of indulging in a hot shower or simply washing our faces with water set to a high temp. But really for best and healthy results we should be washing with lukewarm water. This is because extreme water temperatures will strip healthy natural oils from your skin quickly, making it dry and therefore age much faster. Water that's too hot can also dilate your capillaries leading to spider veins. Not getting enough sleep....when you could get more If I had a dollar for every time I said to my husband I must get to bed early tonight because I need more sleep and am fed up of looking old and tired, I'd be a rich woman. While they say practice what you preach, I am a testament that not getting enough sleep (when I could indeed fit in another 1-2 hours a night (darn netflix!) literally does age you.Poor sleep is quite literally to blame for premature ageing, dermatitis, eczema, acne, loss of collagen and more! Scary right? So let's make a pact and try for that 8 hours + we really do need nightly.Now be sure to follow our advice to be sure you slow down the signs of ageing naturally!
8 expert tips for the ultimate spring skincare routine

8 expert tips for the ultimate spring skincare routine

by Jo Boyden on Sep 09 2020
Spring is well and truly in the air, but with a change in season, comes a change in our skincare concerns, so it is important to now adjust your daily routine just as you would your wardrobe. From switching up your diet, upping your exercise and updating your skincare products, it’s time to put some pizzazz back into your skin after the cold, winter months.Not sure where to start though? We've got you covered. Read on for the best skincare tips and products on how to achieve truly radiant spring skin, as recommended by the beauty experts at BC.1. Exfoliate away dry winter skinPolish away post winter dullness to reveal a layer of fresh new skin. It's best to opt for gentle exfoliators and fruit peels that you can use once or twice a week. Follow with a moisturising mask as this will also aid your skin's recovery.I love Pevonia's Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it's great for those who love physical exfoliators with granules but want to steer clear of facial scrubs which could be a little harsh on the skin. It gently polishes your complexion with its unique creamy yet granular texture, formulated with jojoba beads, saponaria and chamomile, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion every time! However, if your preference is for an exfoliator free of microbeads or grains, one of my absolute favourites is the Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It combines natural vegetable enzymes with vitamin E to eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins without scrubbing the skin. I promise you your skin will be smooth, soft and radiant after one application!Follow with one of my go to masks Pevonia's Ageless Skin Collagen Mask. Formulated with collagen, squalane and shea butter, it deeply penetrates the skin for outstanding hydrating and skin-plumping results.2. Go lighter with your moisturiserIn winter, we tend to reach for the richer, heavier creams in hope they'll combat our dry, dehydrated skin, but swapping your daily moisturiser for something a little lighter is key for spring, this is because our skin retains more water during the warmer months so heavier formulations can lead to clogged pores and pesky pimples!It's important though to find the right balance between nourishing and light lotions or creams to complement your daily regime and boost your spring glow. We recommend a hyaluronic acid or water-based formula to add dewiness to your complexion but not over saturate your skin. This is because they help achieve hydration from within the skin as opposed to just sealing in moisturiser from the outside. Pevonia's Age Defying Marine Collagen Cream is one of my all-time favourites. It's light and silky and you can feel and see it immediately replenishing moisture on application restoring supple, soft and glowy skin every time!3. Up the SPFWhile a moisturiser with an SPF 30 is fine for winter, upping your SPF factor to 50 can make a huge difference in spring as we are exposed to higher UV rays in the warmer months. By using a high factor sunscreen daily, you will not only decrease your risk of skin cancer but also increase your change for healthier, smoother and more youthful skin.My go-to in the spring and summer months is ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50, not only does it protect skin against the sun's harmful rays it's also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots, all whilst calming and brightening your complexion!Or why not, like me, double up and use SPF in both your skincare and makeup! I can't recommend enough the ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 (which also happens to be a best-seller on BC!) it's a lightweight, oil-free, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection which quite literally diminishes imperfections, while brightening skin in one fell swoop!4. Prioritise Vitamin CIn 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. Two pumps and radiant looking skin instantaneously.BONUS: In the month of September if you purchase this product, you'll receive a FREE full size Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser too!5. Use eye cream daily...if you don't alreadyWith more time spent in the sun over the warmer months, it's important to understand you're be at higher risk of developing fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. To minimise this, make sure you incorporate an eye cream or gel into your daily skincare routine. We highly recommend Pevonia's “C” Evolutive Eye Gel to hydrate and protect our eyes. This soothing and cooling gel with high-tech time-release spherulites delivers protective and decongesting benefits to the delicate eye zone all day long.What’s more it's made with an outstanding trio of ingredients including Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Ginkgo Biloba so perfect for spring skin.6. Add pore perfecting and mattifying products to your routineFor many, the transition into spring can leave you with more shine and oil production then you bargained for. Therefore, your spring skincare line-up should include products that will help your skin shine the right way, by mattifying areas of your face that could become overly oily. Try introducing a primer to keep makeup in place throughout the day. ELES's Pore Perfecting Face Primer is an oil free primer which combats shine, absorbs excess oil and reduces the appearance of my pores! As a result, my foundation is a breeze to apply and remains fresh and flawless throughout the day! So, if your skin tends to be on the oily side give this product a go!7. Transition to a lighter foundationIt's best to steer clear of the thicker, heavier foundations you might have been accustomed to over winter as the heat and humidity bought about by the warmer months can lead to sweat and clogged skin, potentially causing breakouts. Switching to lighter products like a BB Cream or mineral powder foundation will balance out the extra oil production and leave your skin looking healthier.I can't get enough of ELES's best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral foundation. It's light silky formulation quite literally glides onto your skin and then sets to a soft powder finish, providing beautifully natural coverage with no shine!If however your skin tends to be more on the drier side and it's more of a dewy glow you're hoping for try ELES's Mineral Sheet Tint you won't be disappointed!8. Facial mists will be your friendAs the weather heats up and skin dries out, make sure you are armed with a good hydrating facial mist. They not only cool the skin but keep it hydrated throughout the day. We love the convenient Pevonia Phyto Aromatic Mist, it's a must-have for its calming and nourishing properties.
Beauty COllective - Spring ready

Spring ready? 5 body prep tips for the sunny season

by Jo Boyden on Sep 08 2020
Spring is finally here! Hallelujah! But the change of season does mean it's time to get our bodies prepped for the warmer months ahead as it's away with the heavy jumpers and long trousers and out with the skirts, shorts, and swimmers!During the winter months many of us I'm sure have been guilty of neglecting our bodies just a little which includes not buffing, exfoliating or moisturising sufficiently. After all, we've been covered from head to toe for many months now, so skin texture is likely on the dry, scaley, and what's for lack of a better word – lumpy side! Yes, that smooth, supple skin we once donned, may be a thing of the past but with a few key products and a little love, we can have it back to its former glory in next to no time. So read on to find out what steps you need to take to perfect your body, and the products that really will work for you this season. Try dry body brushing Ever tried dry body brushing? I'm a firm believer in it! But, in order to notice its impact on your skin, you need to do it daily. Regular body brushing stimulates blood flow and circulation and helps the body detoxify itself. As a result, it helps to tighten the skin and reduce cellulite! Give it a whirl before you have a shower or bath by simply brushing your body in upward movements towards your heart. Give your skin a perfecting polish Yes, it's time to get your buffing cloth out, load it with a healthy dose of body scrub, and give your body a much needed and well-deserved skin polish! After all, a good old fashioned scrub is your ticket to smooth, spring skin.Apply your scrub to wet skin (use warm water) and gently massage all over the body in a circular motion. Then rinse and clean thoroughly with gentle shower gel. By exfoliating the skin it will eliminate any dead skin cells as well as dry flakey skin, making way for silky smooth skin.I've personally tried many a body scrub in my time but can not go past Pevonia's Silky Skin Body Scrub. I'm not lying when I say after just one application my skin is so silky soft and smooth. Moisturise daily Using a good body moisturiser, lotion on dry oil can help heal dry skin as well as protect it from seasonal factors. Applying your body cream after your shower or bath is the best time as your skin is still moist and the product is able to trap some of that water still on your body and use it to further hydrate your skin. Hands down my favourite body moisturiser (and a global best seller!) is Pevonia's Dry Oil Body Moisturiser. It literally feels like silk on application, is not greasy at all (despite it being an 'oil') and absorbs immediately, quite literally nourishing every inch of your body. Formulated with Lavender and Chamomile the scent it heaven and it renders skin soft, supple with a healthy glow. This product does not disappoint, and the reviews speak for themselves.If you are however more of a cream lover, I also highly recommend for spring Phytomer's Oleocreme Ultra-moisturising Body Milk, its an ideal combination of the comfort of a cream and the lightness of a body milk, and its “anti-thirst” formula means it is super hydrating but not too rich! Plus it absorbs very quickly making way for smooth, visibly plumped skin. Slather on the anti-cellulite cream Truth be told while there is no ‘quick fix’ when it comes to cellulite, if you are armed with a good topical anti-cellulite treatment and are vigilant about its daily application, you can significantly reduce your cellulite’s appearance. After trialing many anti-cellulite creams in my time, my firm favourite is definitely Phytomer's Resurfaslim Peel and Slim Cream, and for good reason. It took me about 10 days of religious application morning and night, to notice a real change in my skin. By 4 weeks I felt slimmer, and my cellulite had definitely reduced! Especially the appearance of dimpling around my upper thighs! I have my next bottle at the ready and can't wait to see the results in a month's time! Get your glow on If you've neglected to exfoliate, moisturise and buff your body over the winter months I'm betting that your skin hasn't had a tan for a while either. With the pins making an appearance once again it's time to get your glow on with a good self-tanner! Just be sure to steer clear of spray and mousse self-tans though as these can be slightly drying for the skin. Instead, try a nourishing self-tanning cream. It will not only create that natural spring glow but also nourish your dry post-winter skin.Try Phytomer's Sun Radiance Self Tanning Cream, it's white satin texture makes it so easy to apply without leaving any streaks, it quickly absorbs into the skin and within a few hours, you'll have the most perfect long-lasting natural tan! I promise!Follow these steps and you'll well and truly be beach body ready!
9 things you need to stop doing to your skin now

9 things you need to stop doing to your skin now!

by Jo Boyden on Aug 19 2020
You might well think you are following protocol and doing all the right things for your skin – applying SPF daily, using the best products for your specific needs, drinking your two litres of water a day, exercising but not too excessively, getting enough shut-eye… the list goes on, yet still, your skin isn’t where you want it to be, but why? Most of us spend each day taking the right steps, all the while damaging our skin without even realising it! Read on to find out nine things you might be doing which could well be impacting your skin’s overall health; Touching your face If COVID-19 has taught me one thing, it’s to be vigilant about touch! And I have to admit I did not realise just HOW often I touched my face!! Eek.Each time you touch your face, you're exposing your skin to bacteria, so repeatedly touching it with your fingertips, resting your face on your hands, or simply rubbing your head can introduce dirt directly to the skin and in some cases cause pesky pimples and worse! So try to be more wary of your actions, and thoroughly clean your face with a good cleanser at the end of every day! Hitting the pantry at night! Yes it happens to the best of us! You’ve been healthy all week, diligently consuming your super foods but this evening you caved and hit the panty for those sugared treats, surely it’s not that big a deal? Unfortuantely it can be! This is because consuming sugar affects our bodies' collagen stores. Collagen is the magical protein that our bodies produce which helps our skin to remain supple and well, simply look younger. Unfortunately the sugary foods we consume break down both the collagen and elastin in our skin, causing dullness and wrinkles over time, so if it’s possible, it’s best to cut down sugar intake where you can, especially at night, which happens to be the worst possible time! There goes my late night feasts. Going to sleep with makeup on I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of having one too many in our time, or simply hopping into bed exhausted only to realise you haven’t removed your makeup and have little to no energy to get back up to cleanse your face, so to bed with a full face of makeup we go! But I can’t stress enough how failing to remove makeup at the end of every day is a major missed opportunity for your skin to be able to regenerate while you sleep! Not removing your makeup means the skin ceases to breathe freely, pores clog and fatigue signs start to appear. Two of my favourite makeup removers, which both effectively and effortlessly melts away the day's makeup and grime, are Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover and ELES Cosmetic’s Transformation Cleansing Oil.Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, Phytomer’s ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast! While the ELES Transformation Oil literally melts away makeup with jojoba oil, safflower oil, olive oil, squalene and vitamin E! What’s more for the month of August when you purchase the Transformation Cleansing Oil, you’ll receive a set of 3 muslin cleansing cloths (for swift and easy removal) for Free!To read more about sleeping in makeup – what it really does to our skin click here. Not getting enough shut-eye If you are like me and one for being guilty of going to bed too late, or simply not getting enough sleep (we are talking the recommended 8 hours a night) know that your skin WILL suffer. This is because it affects the moisture levels in your skin, depleting them, as well as lowering your complexions pH levels, and when your skin’s pH levels drop, they create an imbalance which means your skin isn’t able to produce the moisture it needs, resulting in dry, lacklustre skin. It can also create unnecessary redness, leave skin uneven and even trigger breakouts. To understand more about what really happens to your skin while you sleep click here. Having a hot shower Ok, so no one in winter is going to say no to a hot shower right? It’s one of life’s little luxuries but it does come at a cost to your skin believe it or not. Unfortunately, hot water can strip the skin of its essential moisture and deplete its natural protective barrier which can lead to impairments in the skin’s moisture. We know you aren’t going to stop having those steamy showers of a morning but try and turn the heat down a little, limit shower time and ensure you replenish skin immediately after with a good hydrating moisturiser! I’m currently loving Phytomer’s Hydra Original Thirst Relief Melting Cream, it’s deliciously rich and delivers intense and lasting hydration to my skin! Not frequently changing your bedding We are accustomed to washing our clothes after every wear but why is it at the end of every day, we fall into bed without giving our sheets a second thought? Unfortunately clogged pores can occur when we don't wash our bedding weekly. This in turn can lead to blemishes and breakouts. Why? Because there is a build up of bacteria and oil on our sheets, especially pillowcases caused by sweat, saliva and dead skin cells. Yuck. Over exfoliating You are doing as you think is right and exfoliating your skin once or twice a week but could you be over exfoliating? Using exfoliators with AHA’s and BHA’s when it’s not necessary can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dry. If you notice you are developing dry patches or flaky skin you could well be over-doing it. This is why it's important to use the correct exfoliator for your skin type and always follow exfoliation with hydrating and moisturising creams. Spending too much time in front of a screen I know I speak for so many of us when it comes to too much screen time these days. Whether it be our laptop, tv, iphone or ipad, screen time does effect our skin and here’s why; All devices (now labeled the silent anti-agers of our generation!) emit ‘blue light’. This light creates a free radical that damages our DNA, by penetrating all the way to the dermis where our collagen and elastin live causing loss of firmness, increase in visible lines as well as inflammation and dark spots! Scary stuff. Your best defence? Try to cut down your time and use targeted skincare and makeup products!Using products containing iron oxide can help neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try Pevonia's Youth Renew Tinted Moisturiser or ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.The skin naturally contains antioxidants. These are quickly damaged and depleted when exposed to free radicals. By applying a topical antioxidant containing Vitamins C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effecting of blue light. Try Medicalia's C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within the skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects.I also love Pevonia's Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream. It is rich in Vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing. And if you purchase this cream in the month of August, you'll receive the full size matching Stem Cells Foaming Cleanser for Free! Using dirty makeup brushes Your makeup tools are meant to be washed. Besides bacteria, both brushes and sponges also accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores leading to skin irritation and pesky pimples! Also if you apply your makeup with a dirty bush the end result can be a streaky and patchy complexion! Clean brushes definitely make for a smoother makeup application so get cleaning them at least once a week! For “green” and allergy-free brushes, opt for taklon bristle brushes, this smooth synthetic fibre is ideal for makeup application as it does not absorb or trap pigment, making it so much easier to keep clean too!
skin envy

Skin Envy? 13 things people with flawless skin do daily

by Jo Boyden on Aug 13 2020
Waking up to a flawless skin can be easier than you think….if you live by a few simple steps that is. In fact, you are likely already doing some of them, you know the drill, drink plenty of water, get 9 hours of blissful sleep a night (yeah sure!), always wear your SPF and eat a whole lot of leafy veggies and fresh fruit, but what other things are women doing to ensure their best skin yet? From the products you really need in your skincare routine to a few lifestyle changes, here is the list of things people with flawless skin do every day;They use the right products for their skin's needsFirst things first, it’s important to understand your skin and its specific needs so you purchase products accordingly. From dry, devitalised skin to an acne-prone complexion, sensitive skin to premature aging, we all have a skin type. If you aren’t sure how to determine this, why not visit your local salon for a consultation, after all, achieving great skin is not about piling on the products, it’s about finding what will work best for you.They address their skin’s needs dailyJust to confuse things, while we might be a particular skin type, our complexions can alter daily dependant on a number of factors; how much sleep we’ve had, how healthy or unhealthy we’ve been, whether we are hormonal, to name a few, so it’s important to address our skin’s needs every day and slightly adjust our skincare routine accordingly. I know what my skin needs and have my skincare routine down pat but some days I’ll change my serum from my Pevonia C Complex to a hyaluronic rich concentrate because I know my skin needs that extra burst of hydration (I am personally in love with Pevonia’s Age Correction Intensifier Collagen & Myoxy Caviar), or at night I might opt to add in a nurturing face oil if my skin is feeling a little dry and devitalised, like Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate, my skin is always soft and glowy the morning after!They follow the double cleanse crazeThe key to healthy skin is not only in your choice of skincare but in the way you remove the day’s build-up of grime and impurities too! Cleansing once will eradicate daily dirt and makeup, but if you double cleanse you’ll be ensuring 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 by morning!They use a toner!Our skin tends to be naturally acidic, but the alkaline in cleansers can alter this, meaning skin has to work overtime to restore its balance. By using a toner daily after cleansing, will not only ensure any remnants (if there are any after your double cleanse that is!) are removed from your face but it’ll also restore your pH balance of your skin. They use serum dailyThese anti-aging and targeted elixirs are an imperative step in your daily skincare routine! Apply before your moisturiser for more targeted results. To learn more about why you need a serum and the best anti-ageing serums for every skin type click here. They exfoliate once a weekA good weekly exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells and reveal a fresh glowy complexion every time, just remember though, too much exfoliation can be counterproductive!If your skin is a little on the sensitive side, exfoliation is still important just be sure to opt for a super gentle formula – 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.They understand what ingredients they need for their skinIt’s important to learn about your skin’s specific needs and then buy products to target those needs. By understanding what ingredients to look out for will honestly better your skin in the long run. To read about the top 5 ingredients as recommended by the experts click here. They love a good facial massageGiving yourself a weekly facial (or even better visiting your favourite salon or spa) can do wonders for your skin. It helps to not only release tension but also increase circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage for optimum skin detox. They practice calming techniquesStress is not only bad for your health but your skin too. Unfortunately, cortisol (the stress hormone) has the ability to break down collagen in the skin, the higher the stress, the more cortisol is produced and over time the skin’s ability to rebuild collagen will significantly decrease. So when you are feeling anxious or stressed try your hand at yoga or meditation or simply unwind to relaxation music. They stay activeWe all know exercise is of course great for our health and mental wellbeing but do we all practice what we preach? While exercise has been proven to help control weight, reduce risk of heart diseases, help our body manage blood sugar and insulin levels, decrease pain, and even delay the ageing of our cells! It can also improve our skin! This is because it helps to increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin. This neutralizes the free radicals that damage our skin. Exercise helps to cleanse the skin from the inside, which then radiates on the out! They eat healthilyWe’ve all heard of the saying we are what we eat right? Well what you ingest can definitely reflect on your skin. Just as you should look for specific ingredients to put on your face, make sure you eat specific ingredients too! For example blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins that strengthen the skin’s collagen matrix. They stay out of the sunWe all know wearing SPF daily is a necessity but those who really look after their skin have been known to credit being sun savvy as helping to keep skin radiant. We are talking minimal direct sun exposure. They ensure sunnies and hats are worn religiously, some even carry an umbrella!NB. The rays of the sun are an important source of vitamin D so it is still advisable to expose yourself to sunlight in the earlier hours of the day for at least 10 minutes. They take vitamin c every day.If you want to encourage flawless skin every day, ingesting vitamin c is a must (as is it to use topically!)Vitamin C aids to prevent ageing signs as well as enhance overall complexion, increasing collagen production and generally brightening skin. Most will take a vitamin C supplement as well as eat vitamin c rich foods including citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, kale and kiwis!
Beautiful, youthful skin fast? Try this skincare collection NOW

Beautiful, youthful skin fast? Try this skincare collection NOW

by Jo Boyden on Aug 11 2020
I’m sure we’ve all heard of “stem cells” right? The so called “special” cells in our body which unlike blood, muscle or nerve cells have the ability to self-renew and repair. Clever right?But did you know these cells are now being used in the form of creams, serums and even cleansers? Thanks to their ability to fight wrinkles and improve skin turnover and appearance!But if the idea of slathering some other person’s stem cells all over your face in the name of beauty, creeps you out, we get it. That’s why the clever folk at Pevonia introduced an alternative into their skincare, the next best thing - plant stem cells. Praised for their skin-regenerating abilities, they work similarly to human stem cells and may offer amazing benefits for your skin too!Both plant and human stem cells contain proteins and amino acids that signal the body’s cells to rejuvenate. In addition, they contain peptides, which are skincare powerhouse ingredients for collagen formation. They are the building blocks for cell rejuvenation and have antioxidant properties that nourish skin cells thereby promoting cell turnover. In fact plant stem cells actually have stronger antioxidant properties than human cells! This can result in fewer lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture and tone, and younger, better-looking skin! Now, who doesn’t want that!Cue Pevonia’s Stem Cells Phyto Elite Line, hailed for its ability to stimulate the reversal of the ageing cycle of the skin, the line, powered by two ground-breaking plant cell sources – the reparative Moroccan Argan Tree and European Comfrey Root – works deep within the skin to radically reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and deeply hydrating the skin at a rapid rate!Whether you are looking to introduce a new anti-ageing cleanser, serum or moisturiser into your daily routine, this line has it all!What’s better in the month of August if you purchase a Stem Cells Moisturiser or Stem Cells Serum you’ll receive the full size cleanser for FREE.But before you see for yourself what all the stem cells hype is really about, read on to see what some of our customers have to say first;“This is a top of the line serum. I love Pevonia Botanica's products and this one is no exception. It leaves the skin rejuvenated and looking more youthful. I use this along with their Cleanser and Intensive Cream. It's an excellent regimen if you're looking for the best.” Amber L Excellent Product. The serum goes on light and spreads easily with a few wisps of my fingertips. It works wonderfully with the stem cell moisturiser. This line of Pevonia products is my favourite one as a long time Pevonia user. Diana R Excellent product! I love it, have used the serum, cream and cleanser for some time and it has made a wonderful improvement to my skin. Jacqueline C “I love this cleanser! It has a wonderful luxurious foaming consistency and smells divine. My skin feels nourished and luminous after use, not dry like some cleansers, and i have been using it in conjunction with the serum and moisturiser for a few months now and can definitely seem fantastic results! Skin is more supple, fine lines have lessened. I'm hooked!” Joanna B “I have never really had a skin care routine that I stuck to until now. Cleansers felt squeaky and made my skin feel drier, and moisturisers just felt like they sat on the surface of my skin and didn’t give any moisture to my aging skin. Now I can’t wait to get home each night and use my Stem Cell Foaming Cleanser and then the most hydrating and moisturising Stem Cell Intensive Cream to feel fresh, clean and youthful. I have finally found a brand that lives up to its marketing and promotional statements, thank you Pevonia”. Jennifer.
shrink pores fast

5 ways to effectively reduce your pores

by Jo Boyden on Aug 03 2020
If you suffer from uneven skin tone or your enlarged pores appear to be a permanent feature on your face, we feel you.Believe it or not, many of us are as obsessed with our pore size, as we are with skin ageing! But why is it some of us suffer from large pores? And how can you shrink them fast?As we age, our body produces less Elastin and Collagen and without these two, our skin becomes much less supple and starts to sag. It’s the collagen in our skin which actually strengthens the walls of our pores, making them tighter, so when this breaks down with age our pores become enlarged! And to make matters worse, when these enlarged pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, blackhead and whiteheads may form. When bacteria comes in contact with these two, a pimple is born! So something which we thought was associated with teenage years can return to haunt us when we hit our 30’s and 40’s +!While your pore size is genetic (thank you parents!) and therefore you can’t alter its structure, the good news is there are a number of tips and treatments you can live by, which will help not only reduce pore size but leave you with smooth and even skin too! Introduce an exfoliating cleanser And not just any old exfoliator, one formulated with AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) such as Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, and/or BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) such as Salicylic acid. These are the holy grail of ingredients when it comes to penetrating and cleaning out your clogged pores, and clogged pores look bigger, fact. So by unblocking them you are already halfway there in terms of reducing their size.While all four acids exfoliate on a cellular level, Glycolic, Citric and Lactic works on a more surface level to brighten and smooth your skin, whereas Salicylic Acid penetrates much deeper to effectively remove dead skin cells clogged in pores.For those who are more prone to pimples, we highly recommend Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with both Citric and Salicylic Acid, it delivers intensive cleansing for problematic skin, gently removing impurities and rendering skin clear, clean and smooth.For those with enlarged pores we are loving Vie Colletion’s Renewing Exfoliating Cream. Designed to make the skin look renewed, radiant and youthful (yes please!) it smoothes away roughness while dramatically reducing large pores appearance! Use a skin primer A good skin primer will become your lifeline if you are prone to oily skin. Not only will it stop your foundation from sliding off your face quite literally, it’ll keep your base smooth while reducing the appearance of pores (and fine lines!)I’ve tried many a primer in my time but as a sufferer of oily skin and pores on the, let’s say slightly larger side! My go-to is the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s oil-free (of course), perfectly lightweight and seems to combat shine almost instantly. It contains a natural Dermat Complex which enables it to absorb oil and effectively reduce pore size in one hit. Wear sunscreen daily You hear this time and time again but we are serious. Do it. The number one cause of premature skin ageing is the sun. The less we wear sunscreen the sooner our collagen will break down causing skin to sag and pores to expand! Whether you choose to use a daily moisturiser or foundation with SPF is up to you, but using a sunscreen is paramount.We are in love with ELES Cosmetics’ best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, Free of pore-clogging oils, this silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation with broad-spectrum sun protection, glides on velvety smooth but sets to a soft powder finish. It's ideal for all skin types even those with really oily skin and perfects your complexion while protecting against future damage. Opt for a pore perfecting moisturiser Yes it’s a thing! If you aren’t already using one, you simply must now. Formulated to quite literally refine pores for a smoother, flawless complexion free of shine you won’t believe the results. Our go-to is Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Refine Cream. It’s a mattifying treatment cream which reduces oil production and pore size, while providing long-lasting hydration at the same time. Give retinol a go Hailed THE anti-ageing ingredient of the skincare world, retinol is known to not only slow down the signs of ageing (as a result of its ability to increase your skin’s collagen production) but also simultaneously decrease oil production which leads to smoother skin, fewer breakouts and tighter pores!If you haven’t before now, introducing a retinol cream at night will be a game changer for your skin, just be sure to opt for a more gentle retinol cream and slowly introduce it into your skincare routine as some can be a little sensitive to it at first, but the wait is soo worth it we promise!We highly recommend the Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream. Combining Retinol with Glycolic and Lactic Acids (ah yes those two faithful pore perfecting acids again!) it is a must for resurfacing and regenerating skin for a smoother brighter appearance! To understand more about retinol read our guide to the best anti-ageing ingredient.
The stretchmark cream you need to know about

Stretchmarks: Why we get them and how to prevent or fade them

by Jo Boyden on Aug 03 2020
We’ve all heard of the dreaded stretch marks! Whether they started to appear during adolescent growth spurts or they pop up throughout pregnancy, the majority of us ladies will fall victim to these scars at some stage in life! Whether you embrace them or dislike them greatly, stretch marks are very normal! But why do we get them? And what can we do to prevent or reduce them?Stretch marks develop when our skin quite literally stretches (or shrinks!) at a rapid pace, causing the collagen and elastin (which our bodies naturally produce) in the dermis, to tear or ‘rupture’. As it heals we are left with a scar known as a stretch mark. Unfortunately, while there is no way to permanently get rid of these marks, there are effective treatments you can use to either help prevent them from appearing in the first place or to soften the severity of pre-existing marks.The first thing you need to know when choosing the treatment are its ingredients. Similar to skincare, there are a number of key ingredients to look out for, which will help improve or reduce the appearance of stretch marks; Hyaluronic Acid (which plumps the lines), retinol (which resurfaces and strengthens the skin) and elastin.When I found out I was pregnant I have to admit I did worry about the toll it would take on my body, namely stretch marks, so I got to moisturising both my stomach and thighs religiously every day, morning and night. I tried a few different creams as recommended by close friends and professionals alike, but the one cream that became my firm favourite was the Medicalia Stretchmark Guard Cream. I really liked its light and non-greasy texture, yet loved how it felt deeply nourishing. It’s formulated with Retinyl Palmitate, which is effective in boosting collagen fibre production in your skin – yes please we could all do with as much collagen as possible as we age!), Marine Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E! It’s 100% safe to use in pregnancy and I can honestly say I am a testament that this stuff really does work! Having been prone to a few stretch marks in my time, especially when I was younger and went through growth spurts, I thought it was a given I’d get at least a few more, even if I stuck with my vigilant body care routine! But not one stretchmark formed on my stomach! For me, it’s the best product to prevent stretch marks but it’s also a game-changer when it comes to helping heal them once they’ve formed too!With regards to the technicalities, Medicalia’s Stretchmark Guard Cream effectively prevents stretchmark formation while smoothing pre-exisiting marks as well as other skin damage! It renews skin cells and boosts hydration for levels of stronger, smoother and suppler skin. All hail Medicalia’s Stretchmark Guard cream I say!
5 products that will bring your dry skin back to life

5 products that will bring your dry skin back to life

by Jo Boyden on Aug 03 2020
If you’re like me, or the ‘old’ me should I say! You’re one of many who suffer from dry skin. I’m talking dry, dehydrated and lacklustre, only made worse in the winter months thanks to the cooler, windy, weather, and constant need for indoor heating which let’s face it sucks the life out of our already devitalised complexions!So if you need to breathe some life back into your dry, lifeless skin, these products, I personally promise, will be a lifesaver, what’s more, they come highly recommended by our customers and the BC experts too! Pevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin CreamFormulated with some of the best natural ingredients to counteract dry skin including pear seed extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen and Shea Butter, this deeply nourishing and skin smoothing cream diminishes dry and flaky skin while combatting fine lines and wrinkles for a truly rejuvenated, hydrated appearance. “I have tried numerous products whose purpose is to hydrate and soften dry skin but this is the only product that I have found that actually accomplishes this goal. I have used this product for nearly five years and have no plans to use any other product than this in the future. Actually, I love the entire Pevonia Dry Skin line of products!” Sarah S Pevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateIf you don’t have a nightly skincare ritual, start now by introducing Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. You will thank me later. This soothing, silky oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma, is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats 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 cleansing and it is absorbed right away. It is a dry oil and is just wonderful.” Amelia G Phytomer Nutritionelle Dry Skin Rescue CreamSalvation 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 hydratfusion, 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. “This is glorious. My skin feels so soft and plump after I use it.” Lisa DHyaluronic Acid Hydra SerumLiquid gold! The powerhouse serum packs a punch as it delivers a burst of hydration to seriously thirsty skin. Formulated with one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%) combined with marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract, it eliminates dryness almost instantly while maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. It leaves the skin’s texture softer, plumper, and firmer while looking healthier, luminous, and supple. “I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Marie C Vie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin MaskTaking its inspiration from mesotherapy – a technique which uses injections of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts to deeply rejuvenate and nourish your skin – this mask, rich in vitamins and hyaluronic acid, visibly revitalizes for a more radiant, smoothed and plumped complexion. “My skin was feeling patchy with the changing seasons, but after one application of this mask it felt better moisturised and fresher. Dry, flaky patches were soothed and smoothed. I’ve used it once or twice a week since and my skin tends to feel plump and fresh for a good 4 days after using the mask. Very gentle and soothing.” A McBride
skincare favourites

Team BC’s skincare must-haves for winter

by Jo Boyden on Jul 15 2020
We’ve all heard that just as you alter your wardrobe to suit the season, you should update your skincare to compensate for the change in weather, and for good reason - cold days, zero humidity and artificial heating can put undue stress on our skin in the cool winter months, leading to a dry, lifeless or super sensitive complexion.So if you aren’t already, now is the time to introduce a number of winter skin saviours into your daily routine. Read on to find out what products the BC pro’s highly recommend to ensure your skin glows through the cold months ahead. Vitaminic ConcentrateBy integrating an oil into your nighttime routine during winter will strengthen your skin’s barrier, locking in hydration, preventing moisture loss and rendering skin plump and oh so glowy (seriously!) Oils are for everyone, so don’t be scared to use them. For many years now I have turned to my faithful friend Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate during the winter months and I can honestly say it’s a game-changer for my skin. It’s a luxurious dry oil (so absorbs very fast!) with a mandarin aroma which is to die for, and it radically combats excessive dryness, dehydration, and premature aging all in one!Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream & Intensifier Collagen and Myoxy CaviarIf Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t already feature in your daily skincare routine, now is a great time to start! It really is a year-round essential, but is hands down my most-loved skincare ‘must’ during the winter period. This is because hyaluronic is the don when it comes to hydration – and dehydration is the no. 1 skincare issue during the cooler months!My ‘cannot live without’ this season is Pevonia’s Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. It combines both hyaluronic acid with marine collagen in a rich silky cream to infuse skin with moisture replenishing vital nutrients. Love love love it!Use in conjunction with the Intensifier and you will reap the rewards. No more dry, lacklustre skin! Just radiant, moisture-rich skin instead. Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing CreamWinter is the perfect time to introduce a nourishing night cream! Skin cells do their greatest renewal and repair whist we sleep, so applying much needed hydration at night is encouraged to maximise absorption and to enhance your skin barrier. In the winter months I use Phytomer’s Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream religiously because my skin demands that extra layer of rich moisturiser. The cream literally cocoons my skin in nourishing hydration and really does restore youthful vitality by morning. I simply love how my skin looks and feels when I wake up so why would I ever turn to another product when I’ve found my one! Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural EnzymesIt may be the last thing on your mind when you have dry, itchy or sensitive skin but there are huge benefits to exfoliating your skin during winter. Not only does it slough off those dry, dead skin cells but it also helps you regenerate new ones! Just be sure to opt for a chemical (don’t let the name scare you) as opposed to physical exfoliant though. Physical – the kind that use granules to physically scrub off dead skin cells – can be too harsh for already vulnerable winter skin and in turn result in further dryness. No thanks! Instead use an exfoliator formulated with AHA’s, BHA’s or natural enzymes which gently dissolve the top layer of your dead skin. My winter go-to is the Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes, it’s a soft and gentle exfoliant formulated with natural enzymes that encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. I use it twice a week and my skin is always smooth, soft and visibly luminous after! Give it a go, I promise your skin will thank you! Phytomer Algodefense SPF 20 Multi-Protective Wrinkle CreamI am a stickler for sunscreen and for good reason. Along with a few other key ingredients SPF is hands down THE most important anti-ager. Most will reach for a sunscreen automatically during the warmer months but it’s just as important to shield skin from harmful UV’s during winter. In the summer I like to use a lightweight moisturiser with higher spf for my face, however for winter I have used started using the Phytomer Algodefense SPF 20 Multi-Protective Wrinkle Cream and I’m in LOVE. It is nurturing and hydrating as well as protecting! And my skin is all the more better for it! It’s rediscovered its radiance. At the top of my go-to list for winter skincare now! Phytomer Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand CreamA good hand cream is an absolute essential for me in winter and hey why shouldn’t we look after our hands as we do our face and body? The thing is before I discovered Phytomer’s Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream I hated the feel of wearing hand cream and I’d want to wash my hands immediately after I’d applied it, so instead I used to bear the brunt of dry cracked skin! Not anymore! My favourite hand cream (and I’ve tried many) absorbs into skin immediately and intensely nourishes, soothes and softens my dry, damaged hands. I take it everywhere I go! Pevonia Dry Oil Body MoisturiserDuring the winter months I, like many, can be very guilty of neglecting areas of my body which I religiously attend to in summer! But it’s important to maintain routines all year around after all your body skin loses moisture just like your face! You know that tight itchy feeling we all experience all too often in winter?Now, if you’re not one for applying rich body moisturisers I hear you. Yes richer formulations containing ingredients such a shea butter can be very nourishing and beneficial for your skin, but a dry body oil to ensure your skin doesn’t become dry and flaky can be just as effective and make a huge difference too! Pevonia’s Dry Oil Body Moisturiser is my go-to. It quite literally indulges my skin without an oily or greasy feeling. It is incredibly nourishing but absorbs immediately which I LOVE and my skin feels silky-soft after every application.I think it’s best to apply it straight out of the shower or bath while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Plus it’ll restore any moisture lost from standing under that super-hot water we all love to indulge in!