BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Want to reduce the appearance of your wrinkles? These are the best alternatives to injectables
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 02 2024
If you’re worried about wrinkles but the idea of putting filler in your face or using injectables is definite no no, you’ve come to the right place! We believe in ageing naturally, but of course also want to look young for as long as possible too! This is where the steps you take and the products you use are imperative. No point in putting creams on your face that are formulated with ingredients that aren’t going to have an impact on ageing. At Beauty Collective skincare is our passion, and we have hundreds of products to help reduce wrinkles and keep ageing at bay! Keep reading for our top tips for battling fine lines, and of course the best natural solutions - the products we swear by when it comes to prolonging our youth! Stay hydrated Yes, you already know this, but we can’t emphasize it enough, before you even think about what you put on your skin, you need to keep skin hydrated from within – it really is the foundation of youth!Why?Because ample hydration plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines while promoting a radiant complexion.How?Drink plenty of water throughout the day (8 glasses is sufficient) and incorporate herbal teas and water rich foods like cucumber and watermelon into your daily diet.Also apply nourishing and hydrating skincare rich in hyaluronic acid. Thanks to its sponge like effect, Hyaluronic acid has the ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in moisture, in other words, one gram of hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to six litres of water! Crazy right? Making it THE super hydrator of the skincare world, especially more recently as advancement in technical innovation has changed it for the better! Now, thanks to its molecular structure Hyaluronic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate to instantly deliver supple, dewy skin in a matter of seconds! In fact, it literally binds moisture to skin cells to keep skin smooth, firm, plump, and undeniably radiant! The extra moisture also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!Try: Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. It features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the skincare market, combined with a powerful duo of marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract for optimum anti-ageing results. It penetrates deeply into the skin delivering smoother, softer, plumper, firming and brighter skin! What’s more it’s ideal for all skin types! Nourish with antioxidants Ah antioxidants, nature's defence against ageing as the experts say!Why?Antioxidants fight skin damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution which cause visible signs of ageing!!They can dramatically slow skin ageing, lessen UV radiation damage and decrease the breakdown of collagen.How?Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark leafy greens, and green tea in your diet, as well as apply antioxidants to your skin! The best antioxidant in skincare to help fight ageing is vitamin C. This antioxidant powerhouse is known to help with your skin’s collagen production, tackle visible signs of ageing, brighten your complexion, lessen hyperpigmentation and shield skin from free radical damage! Amazing right?Try: Pevonia C Complexe with Oxyzomes. This product is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too! Protect with sunscreen The ultimate shield against UV damage!Why?UV rays omitted from the sun and also our devices can accelerate skin ageing causing winkles and fine lines.How? Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days, all year around!Try; Medicalia – Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. If you’re a little reluctant to wear your sunscreen because quite frankly its smell and greasy texture puts you off, you are going to love this lightweight emulsion! This everyday sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution. It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It also rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones! Incorporate retinol The ultimate ingredient for skin renewal! In fact, it is hailed as the holy grail of the skincare world.Why?Retinol offers a multitude of benefits. From stimulating collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation, reducing large pores and clearing acne. Retinol also has the ability to speed cell turnover making cells function like that of a child! How?Apply gentle retinol products topically to your skin. It is best to introduce retinol products slowly – apply it only at night, one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application. Retinols are best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive and should be used in conjunction with sunscreen in the day (although you should be using SPF daily, round around anyway!).When applying your retinol cream, allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (this could take up to 30 minutes) before layering any other products. Just make sure to use any acne-fighting products (i.e. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acid) on the nights you don’t use your retinol product.Prepare for the inevitable adjustment period your skin will go through before you see the results you want. Because retinol causes the skin to shed cells faster than normal, you’ll likely experience a few weeks of change to your skin including some flakiness and dryness.And finally, give the product time to work its magic. This could take a few months but the results WILL be worth it. We promise!Try: Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser. For those with advanced signs of aging – wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, and uneven skin tone or dark spots, Pevonia’s Micro Retinol Essential Moisturiser should be your go-to! This powerhouse product (and range!) is the perfect all-rounder! Formulated with Retinol, Hyaluronic, Squalane, and Marine Collagen, it deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms! Best results when used in conjunction with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Serum. Massage skin for circulation And revel in the benefits!Why?Facial massage improves blood circulation, promoting a healthy glow and reducing tension.How?Incorporate a gentle facial massage using your fingertips or a facial roller into your daily skincare routine.To learn more about the many benefits of facial massage click here.Try: BC Jade facial roller. 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 turnover!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.To learn more about jade rollers and why they are the perfect additional to your skincare routine click here. Eat healthy fats for skin elasticity Feed your skin with goodness!Why?Omega-3 fatty acids support skin elasticity, reducing the look of sagging and wrinkles.How?Include sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and avocados into your daily diet. Stay active Exercise for younger radiant skinWhy?Regular exercise releases endorphins and improves blood flow, delivering essential nutrients to the skin and promoting a youthful complexion.How?It doesn’t have to be about boot camps and hitting the gym 6 days a week! Find activities you enjoy and make them part of your daily routine. We are talking anything from walking, jogging, yoga, Pilates or even dancing! Get enough sleep Beauty sleep is real!Why?Lack of sleep can lead to premature aging and increased stress, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles.How?Everyone is different but you need to aim for a minimum of 7 years of sleep a night. If you have trouble getting to sleep try incorporating relaxation techniques before bed and remember to put down any devices at least an hour before bedtime!! Manage your stress Reduce the impact of how your skin ages.Why?Chronic stress can accelerate the ageing process and contribute to the formation of wrinkles.How?Practice stress-relieving activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness.Try; Apps like Calm and Headspace.
Want more youthful eyes? The best eye cream ingredients
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 26 2024
If you’ve recently noticed that your eyes are beginning to show obvious signs of ageing and it's starting to concern you, it's time you thought about investing in a good quality eye cream. You might be wondering where to start though, since let’s face it, there are many eye creams, gels, serums and treatments on the market, and you don’t want to fork out for something and not see results right? This is why, when it comes to eye creams, the right ingredients can make all the difference, especially when it comes to addressing specific concerns around your delicate eye area.Whether you are battling dark circles, puffiness perhaps? Or it’s the fine lines and wrinkles that are concerning you, below is a list of the best ingredients you’ll want to look out for when making your eye cream purchase. Firstly though, why is an eye cream so important? Will a moisturiser not suffice?Eye treatments whether it be creams, gels or serums are specifically formulated to target and care for the delicate area around the eyes, the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies! In fact, the skin under our eyes is up to 1/10 thinner than other facial skin so it’s crucial to care delicately for this area to avoid any damage.Like a moisturiser, an eye cream’s main objective is to deliver brightening and anti-ageing ingredients, however in a milder, gentler, safer dose. Moisturisers tend to have a much richer consistency in comparison to their counterpart which if applied under the eyes can prove too much, resulting in irritation, allergic reactions and milia.Eye creams also tend to be targeted to specific eye concerns such as crow’s feet, under eye bags and dark circles.The bottom line is that eye creams are essentially facial moisturisers that are modified for use on the more delicate skin around the eyes this includes the use of specific ingredients. Here are the ones you should be looking out for…. Hyaluronic Acid A truly powerhouse ingredient for hydration, hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.For more on hyaluronic acid and the reasons why you should use this ingredient under your eyes click here Retinol Known for its anti-ageing properties, retinol helps stimulate collagen production and promote cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Just be sure to start with a lower concentration of retinol and gradually increase to avoid any irritation as the eye area is sensitive. Collagen This powerhouse protein helps improve elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines, making those crow’s feet less noticeable! Vitamin C A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C brightens dark circles, helps with collagen synthesis, and protects the skin from environmental damage. Niacinamide (Vit B3) Niacinamide helps improve the elasticity of the skin, reduces inflammation, and brightens the under-eye area. Caffeine Caffeine constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark circles. It also has antioxidant properties. Caviar Caviar extract is as close as we'll come to a time machine for those fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes. Eye treatment formulated with caviar have powerful anti-ageing effects by tightening fibres in the skin while replenishing them with key nutrients. Peptides Peptides stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Ceramides Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and addressing dryness around the eyes. Green Tea Green tea is rich in antioxidants that soothe and protect the delicate eye area. Licorice With anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, licorice extract can help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Our top eye treatment recommendations; Pevonia Age Correction Eye ContourThis power repair eye contour gives tired, ageing eyes the burst of hydration they need! Deeply nourishing and decongesting thanks to its combination of marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, green tea and marine elastin, it targets signs of fatigue, visibly reducing puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. What more could you want?“Reduces wrinkles and firms eyelids. It’s also cool and soothing to eye area. No oily film to interfere with applying eye makeup. Have seen reduction in fine lines in crow’s feet area.” Laura L, BC customer Pevonia MyOxy Caviar® Timeless Eye ContourThis eye cream is luxury in a bottle. It provides optimum results but yes, you’d want to expect that from the price tag! Packed with all the best anti-ageing eyecare ingredients including; Marine Collagen, Caviar Extract; Niacinamide, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol and Escutox® – the natural alternative to Botox. This eye cream quite literally takes 10 years off your eyes. We are talking less puffy peepers, smoother skin around the eyes, noticeable decrease in wrinkles in next to no time!“This product is really awesome! It erased the wrinkles around my eyes and gave them a brighter look.” Kylie O, BC CustomerPevonia C Evolutive Eye GelIf 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, hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo Biloba work together to deliver not only decongesting and brightening benefits but they also affectively target dark circles and wrinkles too! The results speak for themselves. Renewed, rejuvenated, refreshed and visibly brighter eye contour with visible reduction in wrinkles.“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
Acne - your most asked questions answered by the BC experts
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 19 2024
From stress inducing activities (hello school holidays) to overindulging (another cheese platter anyone?) the December/January holiday season (or silly season as we like to call it!) are rife with potential triggers that can lead to acne flare ups! That’s why this time of year is when we, at BC, get inundated with your questions about acne.Whether acne is something you’ve lived with for many years, or it’s decided to crop up now as an unwelcome adult guest, acne is one of the most common skin woes and we are here to help! We've listed the most frequently asked questions about acne and tapped into the wisdom of our skincare experts to get you the best possible answers. Keep scrolling to find out what they are… Q: Why am I getting acne as an adult, I thought acne was for teenagers?Sadly acne isn't only reserved for awkward high school years. Several factors can contribute to acne in adults. These include;hormonal changes: This often occurs during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause. Hormonal imbalances can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and breakouts.Stress: High stress levels can wreak havoc on your skin. Stress triggers the release of certain hormones, such as cortisol, which can stimulate oil production and contribute to acne. Additionally, stress may lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits, like poor sleep and an imbalanced diet, which can further exacerbate skin issues.Diet: While the link between specific foods and acne isn't universally agreed upon, some people find that certain dietary factors such as high-glycemic foods and dairy products can impact their skin and increase the risk of acne.Skincare and makeup products: The products you use on your skin could be a culprit. Some ingredients in skincare or makeup products may clog pores or irritate the skin, leading to breakouts. Ensure the products you are using are of good quality and are suitable for your specific skin type too!Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as smog or certain chemicals, can contribute to skin issues. Additionally, humidity may increase the likelihood of acne. Not good news this time of year!Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a role in your skin's characteristics including its susceptibility to acne! If your parents or close relatives had acne, you might be more prone to it as well. Thanks parents!Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that include acne. If you suspect your medication might be contributing to your acne, it's best to have a chat with your GP.Over-cleansing or products that are too harsh for your skin: Sometimes, the desire to combat acne can lead to over-cleansing or the use of products which you think will help but are in fact too harsh for your skin! This can strip the skin of its natural oils, prompting it to produce even more oil in response. More oil produced equals more breakouts! Q: Can I blame overindulging in chocolate for my breakouts?Sorry to all you chocoholics out there but the link between chocolate and acne isn’t actually crystal clear. It's more about your overall diet, which does include sugar (and dairy too) so if you’ve been hitting the cheese board like me this silly season, or indulging in too many sweet treats, this definitely could be impacting your skin. Remember everything in moderation! And instead try to indulge in foods such as almonds, blueberries and avocados as they are among a range of foods which may help to reduce and prevent inflammation. Q: How can I get rid of my pimples overnight?Some spot treatments can work wonders at reducing, and in some cases eliminating, unwanted blemishes overnight. This is because they encourage rapid healing by controlling bacteria, reducing inflammation and diminishing the follicular accumulation of keratin.For the most effective results look for spot treatments formulated with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. We highly recommend Phytomers Oligopur Blemish Target Gel as the best spot treatment! It targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimples and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion by morning. Q: Can following a specific skincare routine really help my acne? Absolutely! Consistency is key. A gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser, and targeted treatments can help keep acne at bay.Also, don't forget sunscreen – it's like armour for your skin, yes even for those of us with acne! And I know it sounds counterintuitive, slathering sunscreen all over acne flareups but believe me when I say avoiding sunscreen can worsen the appearance of acne, and if the skin gets sunburnt, the symptoms of acne can be painfully exasperated.Just be sure to choose your sunscreen wisely. Using the right sunscreen can prevent and heal acne, soothe the skin, keep dark spots and clogged pores at bay, all while protecting from harmful UV rays.We love Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. Q: Can I wear makeup if I have acne prone skin?Absolutely! But you must be careful with what you use! Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas. Mineral makeup can be a game-changer as it doesn’t contain any chemical nasties or additional oils, nor will it aggravate skin or clog pores. Genius! Here at BC from the staff to the experts we all love ELES Cosmetics Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. And for more translucent coverage the ELES Mineral Foundation Powder. Both products are perfect for those with skin sensitives, are free of any chemical nasties, provide effortless and natural coverage and most importantly will allow your skin to breathe freely (so no pore clogging in sight) plus you'll feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all! What more could you ask for?For more information on makeup for acne prone skin, including the best makeup tips click here. My pimples really need popping, is it ok to do so?No! Experts cringe at the thought of DIY extractions. Popping pimples can lead to scarring and more inflammation. Let it be, and consider a spot treatment instead. Are all pimples the same?Nope! From blackheads and whiteheads to cystic acne, the acne family can get a little confusing! And each type of pimple or acne requires a slightly different approach too! To understand more about the type of acne you could be suffering from click here. Could stress and lack of sleep being affecting my skin?Yes sir-eee. Lack of sleep and high stress levels can trigger hormonal imbalances leading to breakouts. Try to prioritise self-care, practice relaxation techniques and try to get to bed earlier if you can for ample beauty sleep. If you struggle with getting to sleep make sure you turn off devices an hour before bedtime and instead listen to some soothing sounds. We love listening to the ambient relaxation playlist on Spotify.
What the team at BC have on their beauty Wishlist this year
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 12 2024
As beauty lovers, here at BC we are always on the lookout for exciting and innovative products and ingredients. Whether it’s the latest skincare launch or that limited edition makeup palette we’ve had our eye on, there is always something new to covet. Keep reading as we reveal the products team BC have on our Wishlist’s for 2024! Naturys Antiage Multi-Peptide SerumWe have kickstarted the year with a glow by adding a radiance-boosting serum to our wishlist! And what better a serum than this new one from Naturys! Experts rave about Naturys’s vegan formulations so to be honest we are excited to trial the entire collection, but this particular product was our initial pick! Formulated with hyaluronic acid, an ingredient my dry skin LOVES, this product packs a punch when it comes to hydration but thanks to its additional combination of nourishing and anti-ageing ingredients including an array of peptides and vitamin C, it promises to leave your skin softer, smoother and visibly radiant too. Now that’s what we are talking about!Pevonia De-stress Escape Aromatic OilThis is one of those products we didn’t realise we were missing from our routine until we tried it - and now we’re never going back. This nourishing facial oil is the perfect way to end the day and believe me when I say it’ll work wonders for your skin (and for your psyche too!) It features a blend of premium and delicate natural oils to effectively reduce skin dryness and dehydration while promoting a feeling of increased wellbeing and utter relaxation! Want to wake up to dewy skin in the morning then try this!ELES Youth Recovery Sheet MaskWho hasn’t tried a sheet mask, after all they’ve been a popular skincare trend for some time now and for good reason! They provide a quick, easy and refreshing boost to your skin, and this one is a top pick of ours for 2024. It’s a professional strength mask (so think results!) made with 100% pure cotton and drenched with the highest percentage of natural, active ingredients on the market for optimum results. No more tired, lacklustre skin! What’s more, the ELES sheet masks are vegan, cruelty free, fragrance free and sulphate free too! So why not add this sheet mask to your wishlist too and treat yourself and your skin to a spa day at home!Naturys Anti-Age Retinol BoosterWe could all do with retinol in our lives as our skin gets older! After all, when it comes to reducing the visible signs of ageing, retinol is the “super-ingredient” every beauty professional hails as the holy grail of the skincare world! Why? Because it offers a multitude of benefits; From reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation, reducing large pores and clearing acne. Retinol also has the ability to speed cell turnover making cells function like that of a child!Want to know our favourite vegan-friendly retinol serum right now? And top of our wishlish for 2024? It's this beauty! The new Naturys Anti-Age Retinol Booster! This retinol serum is also formulated with bakuchiol, and both ingredients work together to effectively enrich skin with a microdose of daily regenerating strength! The formulation also visibly reduces the signs of time, improves texture and tones skin.Concerned about giving retinol a go? Don’t be, you just need to know how to use your retinol products correctly! For more information on retinol click here.ELES Age Defying BB CreamWe're yet to recommend these multi-purpose creams to someone who doesn't fall in love with them as much as us! Your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen and foundation in one, the ELES Age-Defying BB cream SPF 30 is a multi-tasking makeup miracle, suitable for all skin types! A big call I know, but it’s not BC’s best-seller for nothing!This BB Cream primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! What’s more, you’ll feel as though you aren’t even wearing makeup, no easy feat for a foundation or any product with SPF for that matter!Pevonia C Complex with OxyzomesAsk anyone with beautifully radiant skin what their secret is and they’ll likely tell you they’re using Vitamin C! Recommended by every beauty expert, Vitamin C is THE go-to ingredient to dramatically brighten skin, that’s why this Pevonia beauty is on our wishlist! It is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied, skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!ELES Dual Action ConcealerDark under eye circles appears to be a problem for the majority of us here at BC and this concealer is a must-have for covering up those dark circles as well as blemishes and imperfections. It's creamy, blendable, and has the ultimate natural-looking finish. It’s also an anti-ageing concealer rich in marine collagen, caffeine, vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and peptides which help to gradually improve skin's texture, depuff, smooth, brighten and improve elasticity around the eyes.Medicalia Sunscreen SPF40 with Blue Light ShieldIf you’re going to invest in one product that’s going to save you money in the long run, it has to be an SPF. While sunscreen won’t just help future-proof your face by slowing down the signs of ageing, there’s also not much point investing in other skincare products if you don’t have the fundamentals of your skincare routine down pat. This one is a firm favourite on our wishlist thanks to its hydrating properties that allow us to wear it as a moisturiser/sunscreen hybrid on lazy days without leaving any white cast or oily residue. Also, did we mention it sits perfectly under makeup.What’s more it helps protect skin from not only UV rays but also blue light damage caused by our devices, which so many of us spend far too long in front of every day. Blue light from electronics is linked to a number of issues, from digital eye damage, to sleep deprivation (and lack of sleep never did anyone any good) and then there is the adverse effect it has on our skin! Why spend all that time, energy and money on skincare only to have the good undone by our devices? As quickly as a collagen cream can replenish our skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles, overexposure to “screen time” can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen causing fine lines and wrinkles! And that’s not all! Excessive blue light can cause inflammation, leading to redness and dark spots, as well as hyperpigmentation, particularly in those with darker skin.Let’s face it though, we aren’t going to give up scrolling on our phone or our love of Netflix at night, nor can those of us who work, simply shutdown our laptops and say no more! But what we can do is use Medicalias sunscreen SPF 40 with blue light shield. The beauty wishlist is a testament to our never-ending love affair with all things skincare and makeup! It’s a collection of our most coveted products that we can’t wait to incorporate into our daily routines if we haven’t already. Whether it’s the promise of glowing skin or a perfectly natural and flawless makeup routine, these products are on our beauty wishlists for very good reason.
How to contour like a PRO: Your step by step guide
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 04 2024
Facial contouring – we’ve likely all heard about it, after all it’s a technique that makeup artists have been using for years now! This is because contouring has the ability to totally transform your face! Adding depth and dimension to your features and bone structure like nothing else. We are talking chiselled cheekbones and sculpted jawlines! But surely this makeup technique is reserved only for professionals, right? Especially since it can look somewhat intimidating! The thing is we can all sculpt those cheekbones of ours like any seasoned artist, we just need to learn how!Keep reading for our simple step by step guide on how to contour like a pro and achieve perfectly chiselled features in under 5 minutes without the need for surgery!Step 1: Gather your toolsFirst things first, make sure you have the right tools at your disposal. You'll need a bronzer (the bronzer you use to contour should be only slightly darker than your skin tone. You can use any kind of formulation you like, though we do recommend a powder for beginners like the ELES Mineral Sheer Bronzer in Rio De Janeiro), a highlighter (the colour you choose for highlighting, should generally have a light shimmer finish, we love the ELES Stick Illuminator), tapered powder and blending brushes, a beauty blender sponge and a translucent powder.Step 2: Start with a fresh canvas Begin with a clean, moisturised face. Apply your foundation as you normally would to create an even base. Allow it to settle into your skin for a few minutes. Step 3: Identify your face shapeUnderstanding your face shape is crucial for targeted contouring. Whether you have a round, oval, square, heart, or diamond-shaped face, each requires specific contouring techniques. Identify yours to tailor your approach accordingly.The model we've chosen for this demonstration has a lovely round face, we've exaggerated the effect so you can see more clearly the placement of the product, however a lighter effect is recommended. Step 4: Define with contour shades Take your contour shade (bronzer) and using a tapered powder brush apply directly beneath the cheekbones, from the earlobes fading to the corners of the mouth. Step 5: Contour your nose (optional) If you want to refine your nose shape, use a smaller brush, like a small tapered blending brush to contour the sides.Apply a light application of your chosen bronzer directly down the outer contours of the nose and up towards the brow. Keep it subtle and build up the intensity gradually. Less is often more when it comes to nose contouring.Follow with a blended line sweeping across the eye contour crease to the outer eye and up towards the temples. Step 6: Highlight strategic areas Now it's time for your highlighter! Apply to areas you want to bring forward. This typically includes the centre of the forehead, bridge of the nose, under the eyes in an inverted triangle shape, tops of the cheekbones, and the chin.Start by taking a small amount of the ELES Stick Illuminator and apply in patting movements to the centre of the forehead above the nose and sweeping down the centre of the nose.N.B Remember the secret to a professional-looking contour is seamless blending. Use a damp blending sponge and blend in upward and outward motions to avoid harsh lines.Apply more highlighter under the eyes, to the inner cheeks beside the nose and down under the nose on the upper lip. Step 7: Add a pop of colour (optional)For an extra touch, apply a light dusting of blush to the apples of your cheeks. This adds a healthy flush and will complement your contoured features.Step 8: Set with translucent powder To lock in your hard work and prevent any smudging, set your contour with a light dusting of translucent powder. This step is especially important if you're using cream or liquid products.Voila! You’ve just contoured like a professional! Just remember practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless. The key is to experiment and find what works for your unique features.CONTOURING GUIDE FOR DIFFERENT FACE SHAPES
These were the top 10 beauty buys on BC in 2023 and your reviews prove it!
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 28 2023
Another year, another count down of the best-selling products on BC, this time for 2023! From the cult classics that keep coming up year after year, to new product launches, the top 10 beauty buys range from true skincare saviours to makeup must-haves. Keep reading as we reveal them all, and with your reviews to prove their worth too! ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15I personally LOVE this gem of a product and since it’s the no.1 best seller on BC, our customers clearly feel the same! If you are a lover of matte foundations but after something soft, subtle and natural looking, then you should invest in this beauty! Not only does it provide a flawless, smooth, powder finish, it’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for!5/5✭“Amazing foundation! So easy to apply with fingertips and has great coverage whilst looking natural and not settling into lines. Excellent match for my skin colour with smooth luminous finish that’s perfect for my late 40’s skin needs.” Clarissa5/5✭“I have been using this product for 10 years+ and cannot fault it. It is light, silky and even though my skin is oil based it does not leave it clogged like many other foundations I have used previously.I absolutely recommend anyone to try it to see how beautiful it is to wear.” Debrah5/5✭“This is the best foundation I have ever used! Firstly, it's mineral makeup so it doesn't clog your skin. Secondly the coverage is amazing and it makes your skin look and feel like velvet - honestly the best I have ever used. I have been using this for years and just love it. I get compliments on my makeup all the time.” Sia P Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream Pevonia’s global best-selling product, is once again at the top of Beauty Collectives best-selling list for another year and for every good reason! It is deeply nourishing (without feeling heavy or oily), feels amazing on application, and is formulated with the best anti-ageing and hydrating ingredients including hyaluronic acid, marine collagen, squalane and glycerin, to plump, smooth and deeply nourish skin for optimal radiance. I swear I have less visible lines and wrinkles thanks to this superstar cream and our customers agree too.5/5✭“I love this daily face cream….I use it morning and night! My skin looks and feels amazing. I’m 52 and am told constantly that I look so young….I give Pevonia products the credit. Linda5/5✭“This cream is amazing! After about 3 weeks of using it, I noticed that the lines around my eyes were softer, the red sun damage on my cheeks was lessening and the general quality of my skin was improving. I will continue to use this product indefinitely.” Sara5/5✭“I absolutely love this cream. It is a day cream and a night cream and it helps with puffiness, lines, blemishes, skin tone, you name it! Totally amazing ❤” AnaELES Age Defying BB Cream 30Another product I’m a huge advocate for! This time it’s this multifaceted wonder cream from ELES Cosmetics. It has the perfect light, dewy coverage and literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects (thanks to its SPF of 30) and evens out skin tone all in one! for a truly natural and flawless finish, plus it feels like you aren’t wearing makeup at all! Honestly, if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this product is one you should seriously consider too! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one!What’s more, thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned!5/5✭“I absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.” Krystle W5/5✭“This product is so beautiful for older skin. It covers really well yet allows the skin to breath. It’s pearlescent finish makes the skin glow. I am really happy with my purchase and recommend it to others without reservation.” Judith5/5✭“I’ve been using ELES BB Cream for 5 years and have not strayed. I love the coverage (you only need a little) and the dewy complexion it gives my skin! Highly recommend this product!” Joanne Pevonia RS2 Care CreamIf you suffer from ultra-sensitive or rosacea prone skin, this could well be your new go-to cream like so many of our customers! Rich in licorice root extract (also known as nature’s cortisone) this beautifully nurturing cream is soothing like ice on sensitive skin. Formulated with Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, it provides skin with vaso-constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits! No wonder our customers love it!5/5✭“I love this cream, the best one around. It is cool and refreshing. It does not make me break out, which many creams do. I have super sensitive skin and this is one of the few products that my skin loves.” Jackie5/5✭“I have paid out a lot of money on products for my rosacea- this time I have hit the jackpot! After years of frustration and not wanting to go down the laser path I have found this cream and I can truly say it has helped my skin. It is calmer with less redness and flare ups.” Sharon 5/5✭“I have rosacea and my skin can be sensitive so have been using this care cream for some time now. I have tried some others but have moved back to this one as it keeps my rosacea calm and my skin hydrated. I love it.” Margaret Pevonia Hydrating CleanserEveryone needs a good daily cleanser in their skincare collection and this cleanser is the one that keeps topping our best-sellers list year after year. Why? Because its anti-ageing and deeply nourishing! Creamy textured, it's formulated with marine collagen, marine elastin and other natural nourishing and nurturing ingredients that hydrate and gently but deeply cleanses the skin removing impurities without any residue.5/5✭“Best Cleanser Ever. Creamy, non-irritating cleanser. I’ve been using Pevonia for years and my skin feels great.” Kelly5/5✭“The best way for younger looking skin.Just a few pumps will clean your face and your face will feel silky smooth. Does not leave your skin feeling dry.” Sarah5/5✭“I love this cleanser and so does my skin. I have tried others but keep coming back to the Power Repair. Even my rosecea loves it.” Robyn Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20I know I’m biased but I really do love all the foundations from ELES Cosmetics, but this one has to be my favourite go-to for the summer season! It is sooo nourishing, dewy and light on the skin, and provides the perfect natural sun-kissed glow. It’s also rich in Vitamins A & E and SPF to condition and protect skin. Looking for effortless coverage that leaves skin with a natural radiance glow, this is it!5/5✭“This tint is the best thing EVER for summer days - really sheer but it just evens out your skin tone and gives it a lovely glow. It stays in place and seems to be incredibly sweat resistant and also doesn't wipe off on clothes or settle into pores. Miracle!” Jenni5/5✭“This is a beautiful sheer tinted moisturizer, with SPF. It looks and feels like skin. I love the Natural Glow. it is perfect for mature skin making it look a little dewy and more youthful.” Christina5/5✭“Seriously the best foundation I've ever used. My skin reacts to a lot of chemicals/make-up but never to this one. Goes on beautifully and the tint shades are perfect. :)” Leah Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Cream There 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!5/5✭“I love this day cream. The lemon grass smells divine. It is not heavy or oily. It soaks in beautifully and makes my combination skin hydrated yet controls the oil flow and reduces congestion.” Nikita5/5✭“What’s not to love about this product? It provides just enough moisture for my combination skin, absorbs quickly, doesn't pill under makeup, doesn't cause me to breakout and the cherry on top....it smells AMAZING! The ingredient list is very clean so I know I'm providing some great nutrients to my skin.” Dyan5/5✭“The Pevonia Combination Cream is fantastic for my skin. Controls the oil in my skin, extra light and feels smooth and soft. I have always suffered with hormonal skin along my shin line and now I am finally happy with the results from using Pevonia combination range.” SashaPevonia C Evolutive Eye GelThis eye gel is the perfect morning pick-me-up for tired, ageing eyes. Or customers think so too! Formulated with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Ginkgo Biloba, this powerhouse product really packs a punch. The three potent ingredients work together to deliver not only decongesting and brightening benefits but they also affectively target dark circles and wrinkles. The results speak for themselves. Renewed, rejuvenated, refreshed and visibly brighter eye contour with visible reduction in wrinkles. Enough reasons to make you see why its on the top 10 best-sellers for 2023?5/5✭“I have been using this for 15 yrs and best eye gel for keeping the wrinkles at bay” Isabelle5/5✭“I love this eye gel, i have been using it for years and it is non-greasy and soothing on the skin. It also reduces puffiness straight away and you can put make-up on without having to wait. I would highly recommend this product”. Jane5/5✭“Have totally fallen in love with this product! It's cooling around the eyes without that tight feeling you sometimes get with other gel eye creams. Definitely reduced puffiness around the eyes. Highly recommend!” Miriam Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion This all-in-one alcohol-free cleanser, toner and makeup remover, is beautifully gentle and wonderful to use. It perfectly balances your skin’s pH after thoroughly removing any last traces of dirt, grime, makeup and impurities left behind after cleansing. And does so without leaving an oily film or a dry, harsh feeling like other toners can! And when added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can have major positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores too! Want silky soft and supple skin? Add this must-have into your beauty routine.5/5✭“This is fantastic, I use it to clean my entire face including removing my mascara. It removes any residual makeup or sweat from my skin & does not irritate my sensitive skin. Love it, can’t lie without this.” Lauren5/5✭“Holy Grail Toner! I have tried so many toners at basically every price point and this toner is my all-time favourite. There’s just something in this toner that truly leaves my skin better for use. Even after it dries off my skin does not feel tight or dry. If you’re in the market for a new toner I highly highly recommend giving this one a try.” Barbara5/5✭“This is the best toner I have used so far. I have sensitive skin and have been breaking out recently due to pregnancy hormones. This has really helped keep my skin clean and refreshed. I use it in the morning and at night. It does not dry out my skin like other toners can. Love the smell also.” AngelaPhytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymes Exfoliation is important for everyone, even those with the most sensitive of skin, but finding the right exfoliator to suit can be tricky. We therefore aren’t at all surprised that Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant has been in the top 10 for a number of years now! It is a seriously soft, silky and subtly scented exfoliant for all skin types, as it eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever!) This formidable exfoliator encourages cell turnover, revealing beautifully luminous and youthful skin after every use – no jokes! So if you aren’t a lover of physical exfoliators (the ones with the bits!) the Vegetal Exfoliant is for you! 5/5✭“I bought this after reading the reviews and it makes my skin glow and feel silky. Totally worth it!!” Justine5/5✭“I have been using this product for over ten years because of my very sensitive skin. It isn’t gritty, which keeps my skin from getting irritated, and it very gently removes dead dull skin. Always leaves my skin glowing and even toned with no redness or irritation. I usually follow with Phytomer’s deeply hydrating Hydracontinue mask and it is like having baby skin again. Highly recommend!” Laura5/5✭“Love this Vegetal Exfoliant, after using it twice a week I notice more clear skin without irritation or redness.I have very sensitive skin and are wary of exfoliants since most of them have chemical ingredients. No redness but fresh looking skin. My favourite exfoliant now.” Phoenix
The best cruelty-free vegan beauty buys on BC according to the experts
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 22 2023
We are all aware of what we eat but do we all consider what we really put on our skin every day? If you are concerned about animal welfare you might well have gone vegan and the chances are you’ll be looking for cruelty-free, vegan skincare options too, the problem is actually finding products that provide the healthy balance between affordability, good quality, cruelty-free and vegan!Well you need look no further! BC has you covered! With a multitude of excellent vegan alternatives from Pevonia, Phytomer and Medicalia, as well as an entire new collection from organic and vegan skincare brand Naturys, you can now indulge in outstanding quality, guilt-free beauty buys forevermore! Keep scrolling as we count down our go-tos. Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling CreamNatural, luxury skincare brand Pevonia is renowned worldwide for its commitment to the environment using the purest most natural ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging too, but this brand also has a vast array of the best vegan products and one of our favourites is the Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream. This mini facial in a jar will seriously do wonders for your skin! Combining natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes, it gently melts away impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins revealing silky soft, smooth and glowing skin instead! Simply apply it all over face like you would a face mask, wet your fingers with warm water and work the peeling cream gently, leave it for 2 minutes to let it work its magic, then remove! Voila gorgeous glowy, smooth, soft as a baby's bottom skin!Naturys Moisturising Hydra Serum 24HExperts rave about Naturys’s vegan formulations as well as their commitment to being cruelty-free, but what’s more is how goood the products actually are! If you want glowing skin but don’t want to break the bank then you need to get your hands on this beauty. It’s a rich moisturising gel serum formulated with a multitude of amazing ingredients from hyaluronic acid and panthenol to vine sap, celery stem cells and peptides and it leaves skin softer, smoother and visibly radiant after every application. Yes!Phytomer Hydracontinue Radiance Energising CreamLeaders in marine based beauty, Phytomer has adopted strict standards when it comes to their products' quality, efficacy and sustainability. One of their products we are loving is the Hydracontinue Radiance Energising Cream because who doesn’t love a good radiance boosting product and better still vegan too? What more could you ask for! This beautifully nourishing but lightweight cream is both energising and radiance inducing.Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing CreamEveryone needs a good night cream and this is one of the best! It’s at nighttime, while we sleep, that our skin goes into repair mode and this beautiful cream literally envelopes the skin in deeply nourishing hydration ensuring skin restores its youthful glowy vitality by morning. We all love it!Naturys Anti-Age No Age Rich CreamWorried about wrinkles? Want to invest in a quality, vegan cream? This should be your new go-to. It's rich, creamy, perfectly nourishing and is formulated with peptides and hyarluonic acid for intense hydration! What's more you'll start noticing after only a few applications that skin is plumped and toned.It’s a new favourite with a reasonable price tag.Pevonia Bright Skin Green Apple MaskAnother natural, cruelty-free and vegan friendly must have, this glow-giving mask not only tightens and brightens skin, but it’s formulated with green apple and green tea to help boost energy too! Expect to wake up with plumped, firmed, glowing skin.Naturys Anti-Age Retinol BoosterWe could all do with retinol in our lives as our skin gets older!After all, when it comes to reducing the visible signs of ageing, retinol is the “super-ingredient” every beauty professional hails as the holy grail of the skincare world! Why? Because it offers a multitude of benefits; From reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation, reducing large pores and clearing acne. Retinol also has the ability to speed cell turnover making cells function like that of a child!Want to know our favourite vegan-friendly retinol serum right now? The new Naturys Anti-Age Retinol Booster! This retinol serum is also formulated with bakuchiol, and both ingredients work together to effectively enrich skin with a microdose of daily regenerating strength! The formulation also visibly reduces the signs of time, improves texture and tones skin.Concerned about giving retinol a go? Don’t be, you just need to know how to use your retinol products correctly! For more information on retinol click here.Pevonia C Complexe with OxyzomesAsk anyone with beautifully radiant skin what their secret is and they’ll likely tell you they’re using Vitamin C! Recommended by every beauty expert, Vitamin C is THE go-to ingredient to dramatically brighten skin and this Pevonia beauty is one of our go-tos! It is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied, skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!Phytomer Cyfolia Organic Eye Contour Radiance Smoothing Eye CreamWhen we are talking skincare and vegan, we need to make sure we include a great eye cream! Especially since our eyes are the first area on our face to show signs of ageing. And let's face it, looking after our eyes is just as important as the rest of our skin! The experts at BC highly recommend Phytomer's new Cyfolia Organic Eye Contour Radiance Smoothing Eye Cream. It provides eyes with a dual smoothing and revitalizing effect in a silky, cocooning cream texture suitable for the delicate eye area (of course!) and after just a short amount of time you will love the results this eye cream provides! Wrinkles are visibly reduced and signs of fatigue (which I most certainly suffer from!) fade away. What’s better, is that its suitable for those with very sensitive eyes too.Naturys Deep Purifying SerumIf you’ve got oily to combination skin, you simply must give this purifying serum a try. Highly recommend its formulated with niacinamide, bakuchiol with vitamin c and is enriched with olive oil microcapsules that melt when in contact with the skin. It also helps correct overproduction of sebum, enlarged pores, acne and skin prone to redness. It's seriously good stuff.Medicalia Gentle CreamGot sensitive skin and trying to find a great vegan moisturiser alternative? Then give this beauty a try. With so many nurturing natural ingredients including ceramides, phospholipids, green tea, and chamomile, this cream gently yet effectively infuses the skin with antioxidant, nourishing, soothing, and hydrating benefits. It’s ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive, dry and rosacea prone skin since it radically reduces skin discomfort by desensitizing, shielding, and lowering trans-epidermal water loss!
Dark circles: 13 tips to reduce them
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 07 2023
Dark undereye circles, who hasn’t woken up many a morning to those frustrating, unwanted rings under their eyes! This common skin concern is in fact a persistent complaint for many, woman and men, but what exactly causes them and is it possible to reduce or even get rid of dark circles all together? In short, Yes! And we are here to tell you how. Keep reading as we explain what dark circles actually are, as well as reveal the best methods to bid farewell to those pesky shadows and restore a bright, refreshed appearance to your delicate eye area. What causes dark circles?Before diving into solutions to get rid of those dark circles of yours, it's important to understand what it is that actually causes them.As we get older, our skin becomes thinner. This is the result of a decrease in fat and collagen production (which maintains our skin’s elasticity) As this occurs, the dark blood vessels beneath our skin become more visible, causing the area below our eyes to darken.Dark under eye circles can also be the cause of lack of sleep (which unfortunately increases with age too!) as well as dehydration, allergies, poor blood circulation and insufficient toxin drainage! How to get rid of dark circles Get your beauty sleep! One of the most common contributors to dark circles is lack of sleep so you need to ensure you are getting enough beauty slumber! Without it the oxygen in the eyes decreases which makes blood vessels dilate. Deoxygenating or dilated blood vessels become darker in colour and show more readily through the skin. This, in turn, causes dark circles!Try to aim for 7-9 hours per night and establish a consistent sleep routine, this means going to bed at a reasonable time and trying to stick with that time every night. Also consider using blackout curtains to create a dark and conducive sleeping environment. Keep hydrated Dehydration can exacerbate the appearance of dark circles, so make sure you're keeping hydrated. Set yourself a goal of eight glasses of water a day, more if possible, to keep your skin and body sufficiently hydrated. I personally love herbal teas too as a good alternative. Prop yourself up at night Easier said than done but propping yourself on a few pillows might not be comfortable for all, but by elevating your head with a couple of extra pillows can prevent fluid from collecting under your eyes at night. This may also help with puffiness. Use a cold compress You can effectively constrict blood vessels, as well as reduce puffiness with a cold compress. Whether it's applying chilled cucumber, metal spoons or a cold tea bag to each eye, the coolness can help diminish the appearance of dark circles. Really! Give yourself a mini facial massage with a gemstone facial roller By doing so you’ll help improve circulation, and remove toxins from the delicate eye area, significantly improving dark circles and under eye bags. Giving yourself a mini facial massage will also reduce inflammation, refresh the skin and tone your face! In fact gemstone rollers offer a multitude of other benefits for your skin too. Click here to find out more. Invest in an eye cream or eye gel specifically formulated to target dark circles Look for ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which can help brighten the under-eye area and promote collagen production.We love;Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle CreamThis outstanding eye cream draws its inspiration from the eye rejuvenating hyaluronic acid injections carried out in aesthetic doctors practices! It’s suitable for everyone, even those with super sensitive eyes and it does exactly what the bottle says! It attacks puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles with a powerful burst of encapsulated high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, injectables-like peptide, fatty acids, vitamin c and niacinamide for exceptional results. Medicalia Eye Gel Oxy CThis little beauty is formulated with clever time-release sphérulites drenched with Hyaluronic Acid; stabilized Vitamin C; and Marine Collagen Peptides and is effective at eliminating dark circles as it alleviates eye contour stress and fatigue. Genius! Pevonia’s C Evolutive Eye GelFor mornings when your eyes are looking dark and puffy, reaching for this cooling eye gel will do wonders for reviving this delectate area! it’s a personal favourite of mine and highly recommended by the BC Pros. It’s a wonderful, cooling gel, formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C, skin saviours’ hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo biloba, as well as green coffee to effectively smooth wrinkles which radically reducing dark circles and puffiness. I can hand on heart vouch for this!Also by using a tapping motion with your finger which you apply it can help get rid of any fluid that’s accumulated under the delicate eye area. Reduce screen time Yes, we know you are guilty of scrolling your phone once too often during the day, or sitting for hours in the zone watching your favourite Netflix show by night, but did you know the blue light rays omitted from your devices can actually exacerbate dark circles. So try to cut down a little on screen time or give your eyes constant breaks throughout the day. Adjust your diet a diet that lacks a high level of healthy nutrients can contribute to your dark circles. So make sure you eat foods rich in vitamin E which can help to fight enzymes that break down skin elasticity. Vitamin E also fights free radicals which causes wrinkles and ageing. It also helps to remove blemishes and dark circles. Foods like almond, peanuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, and broccoli are good! Cut down on caffeine I’m sure many of us love our daily coffee, some will be reliant on more than one, but the bad news is, caffeine or caffeinated drinks cause dehydration that worsens under-eye rings so try to cut down on the caffeine intake a little if you are noticing dark circles are becoming a reoccurrence. Stress less Yes that’s right, stress is a contributor to those dark circles of yours! So try to stress less! Easier said than done when you are trying to juggle so many balls, however, try to introduce a little me time into your life, time for you to relax and unwind. Read a book perhaps, listen to soothing music or even practice yoga or meditation every day. Every little helps you and those dark circles of yours! Be aware of how much alcohol you are consuming Alcohol consumption affects our appearance and our eyes so try to drink a little less! We are not saying you need to forgo your much loved glass of wine, what we are saying is everything in moderation. Don’t over expose your eyes to sun! This can definitely affect your eyes! Instead always protect your peepers from the sun by wearing sunglasses and opt for a protective hat too! Use a good concealer! When it comes to camouflaging dark under eye circles, a concealer is by far your best bet. A good undereye concealer can give you complete coverage as well as make you look bright-eyed in seconds! Choose a shade lighter than your natural skin tone (as this will help brighten the area) but also opt for a “peachy” tone as this will counteract the blueish tinge of the shadows.Try ELES Dual Action Concealer. This is my personal secret weapon for concealing my dark under eye circles and helping me look like I’ve had 8 hours of blissful slumber as opposed to only 5! It’s formulated with a myriad of anti-ageing wonder ingredients including Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Vitamins C & E, Collagen and more! And it 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! It’s seriously good stuff. Simply apply with a small concealer brush and then finish with a powder to set the concealer so it doesn’t crease.For the most brightening effect, apply your concealer in a “V” or upside-down triangle shape beneath your eye. Swipe it directly under the eye, but bring it down to a point on your cheek beside your nostril and fill in the entire area.
Party ready makeup – get the look
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 30 2023
It's that time of the year again – the silly season as we like to call it! The season of fun and festivities, and, of course, Christmas get togethers and parties!To look your best, and stand out from the crowd of course! You’ll need to nail that party ready makeup look, we are talking skin that glows and eyes that shimmer and pop. Want to achieve our go-to look? Keep reading for the ultimate step by step guide. Step 1. Pre party prepBefore we jump into creating the perfect party ready makeup look, let's talk skin prep. You’ll need to thoroughly cleanse your skin first with your choice of cleanser, next apply your much-loved moisturiser, (make sure you let it soak in) then it’s time to prime. Think of it as the canvas for your masterpiece. A smooth base will ensure your makeup lasts all day or all night long!Step 2. Apply your foundationNow it’s time for your makeup! Starting with foundation. Not sure which foundation to use. Click here for the best foundation for your skin type.For skin that glows we love the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint. Work a small amount into your fingertips to warm the product and press into the skin all over the face, keep patting and pressing until the product is evenly dispersed then lightly blend into the face with your fingers until you have an even coverage.If you are more of a matte lover though (but still want to achieve a radiant base), we highly recommend the ELES Foundation Stick or Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation.Step 3: Touch up skin where necessary with a concealerYou’ll want to use concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles you may have. Apply a small amount to areas where needed or under eyes with fingertips or a small concealer brush gently blending. Try ELES Dual Action Concealer my personal secret weapon for concealing dark under eyes.Step 4: Set with PowderOnce you’ve finished applying your base it’s a good idea to set the products with a translucent setting powder like ELES Mineral Powder Foundation to prevent shine. Step 5: Bronzer and Blush Now it’s time for you to add some colour!We are loving the ELES Party Ready Makeup Palette! It really is perfect for creating a party ready look. It features a bronzer, blush and two shimmer eyeshadow shades.Firstly take your bronzer to add contour to your face. Using a large fluffy powder brush apply to the cheekbones, under the jawline and along the perimeter of the forehead, blend well for a natural sun kissed look. Follow with the Blush, applying it to the apples of your cheeks for that beautifully flushed finish. Step 6: Highlight For a truly lit from within look, this is a step you won't want to miss! Highlighter can also be used to accentuate and "lift" bone structure. It's amazing!Apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid's bow. We recommend the ELES Stick Illuminator.Step 7: All about the eyesNow it’s time to accentuate those eyes. You’ll want to take the ELES Party Ready Palette again using the two shimmer shadows.Firstly apply the pinky/peach shade all over the eyelid. Next, apply the gold shade on the base of your eyelid carefully blending up towards the eye crease and below the lower lash line to create a natural smoky eye. Finish by applying a little of this shade to the inner corners of your eyes with your fingertip.Step 8: Add eyeliner for definitionEyeliner shapes and defines eyes and makes eyelashes look thicker. Take a bronze shade eye liner and apply it to the upper lash line as well as a little to your bottom waterline. This will help eyes to pop. We love ELES Superwear Gel Liner in Baroque. It is super smooth and longwearing so stays put all day long without smudging! Just what you need from an eyeliner! Step 9: Finish with lashings of mascaraAnd finally to finish off the eyes, apply several coats of Lush Mascara in Black to the top and bottom lashes. Work from the base of the lashes wiggling the wand slowly up the lashes for extra volume. Step 10: Define your browsFor some, your eyebrows can be an afterthought, but by defining and shaping them you can completely transform your face and give the appearance of an instant eye lift too! Start by brushing your eyebrows so the hairs are sitting naturally, then use a soft, waxy brow pencil like the ELES Precision Brow Pencil to shape and fill in your brows using short, hair-like strokes. Next, define and ‘lift’ brows by using a white eyeliner as a brow highlighter. Line below and above your eyebrows and smudge it out with a sponge or fingertip. You can also opt to use a highlighter if you don’t have a white liner on hand. Read more on how to create the perfect brows. Step 11: Complete the look by focusing on your lipsTo complete the look, it's time to focus on your lips. Apply lipstick to the lips with a lip brush to create definition in the outer edges, blot the lips with tissue, then reapply from the tube directly to the lips. Blot again for a soft matte finish. Use a lipstick colour of your choice, one that complements your overall look. Bold or neutral shades can work depending on your preference. You can add a little gloss too as desired. And voila! You're ready to shine!
These are the Christmas Gift Sets on our beauty wishlist
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 23 2023
Christmas is coming! And what better time to treat loved ones (and yourself too of course!) than to exquisite gift sets, packed with much-needed skincare essentials!But with 25 Christmas gift sets to choose from at Beauty Collective, we understand it can be difficult to know, let alone choose, which gift sets you should add to your beauty Wishlist! That’s why we are here to help! We've narrowed down our firm favourites and have categorized them too, so you’ll know which are best for your skin’s specific needs. What’s more, when you purchase a skincare gift set from Beauty Collective this Christmas season, you’ll save up to 40%!Happy shopping! Pevonia Age Correction Collagen Gift Set A must for dehydrated, ageing skinYou can fast track to radiant skin with this skincare Christmas gift set packed with all my favourite anti-ageing essentials! In my opinion it really is the ultimate Christmas gift for skincare lovers!Featuring not one, but four of Pevonia’s best-sellers (and my favourites too!) the products in this pack provide skin with the ultimate in hydration and skin-smoothing results thanks to its multitude of hero ingredients from collagen to caviar.Including a free Age Correction Hydrating Toner, a free Age Correction Hydrating Cleanser, an Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream, and an Age Correction Intensifier Collagen & MyOxy Caviar, you will be blown away by the results after just a few applications. Use daily morning and night and reap the benefits! Pevonia Micro Retinol Skin Refining Gift Set The best for Sun damaged, photo ageing, dull and devitalised skinWe’ve all heard that retinol is one of THE anti-ageing beauty heroes, but have you tried it yet?This skincare Christmas gift set contains four retinol must-haves; a free Micro-Retinol Essential Foaming Cleanser, a free Micro-Retinol Essential Toner, a Micro-Retinol Essential Serum and a Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser (all full size products), which will quite literally brighten, refine, and visibly perfect your complexion. Just be sure to ease into it, use only at night, and stick with it to see optimum results. If you have concerns about using retinol products, you can read more about this holy grail ingredient and the best-selling Pevonia Micro-Retinol line here. Phytomer CYFOLIA Organic Radiance Ritual Gift Set Perfect for all ages concerned with dull, devitalised skinYou can really gift the gift of glowing skin with this Cyfolia Organic gift! It features two outstanding products, the CYFOLIA ORGANIC Radiance Hydra-Comforting Cream and the CYFOLIA ORGANIC Radiance Exfoliating Cream, to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise your complexion promoting optimum radiance and skin rejuvenation. Oh and the products are certified organic too which we love. Pevonia Sensitive Skin Gift Pack A must-have for sensitive and rosacea-prone skinIf you suffer from super sensitive skin or if you are prone to facial flushing or rosacea, this skincare Christmas gift set is for you!Featuring a free Sensitive Skin Cleanser, a free Sensitive Skin Lotion, and a Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream (all 50ml) presented in a gorgeous rose gold cosmetics bag, the products work together to effectively desensitize and decongest skin while also effectively relieving rosacea discomfort. Sore, red, or irritated skin no more! Honestly this pack is the salvation for seriously sensitive skin. You can trust us! Pevonia Eye Care Solutions Gift Set Ideal for anyone concerned with premature eye ageingIf ageing eyes is a concern of yours then this is the gift set for you! Packed with not one, but three essential eye care products; the Evolutive Eye Cream, the 'C' Evolutive Eye Gel and the Eye Makeup Remover, to cool, calm, smooth and protect the delicate eye area, you’ll really notice a huge difference to ageing eyes in next to no time! Use the eye gel by morning, the eye makeup remover to cleanse in the evening, and the eye cream before bed, and reap the radical results right from the get-go. We are talking younger looking, radiant eyes. Seriously. ELES Limited Edition Party-Ready Palette The perfect face & eye palette to create that stand-out party ready makeup lookWhy wait to Christmas to receive this Christmas makeup set when the party season is already upon us!Created to add some festive glam and sparkle to any complexion, this sleek and convenient compact featuring a bronzer, blush and two seasonally appropriate shimmering eye shades, will take your party look to new heights. Oh, and it’s super handy to have in your handbag for those little touch-ups when you are out on the town too! We love the versatility it provides and what's more the feather-light formulas of each of the products are enriched with natural skin-caring ingredients including vitamins A, C & E to help condition and protect skin! Oh and they are richly pigmented and silky smooth to apply too! What more could you ask? Pevonia Spa Therapy Gift Set The ultimate antidote if you’re tired, stressed and in need of some serious TLCWe love our skincare essentials but let’s not forget a bit of indulgence for our bodies too!This gift set provides the ideal collection of products to create a truly relaxing spa experience in the comfort of your own home!Including a free Bath & Shower Gel Anti-Stress, a free best-selling Dry Oil Body Moisturiser, an exquisite anti-stress massage oil and our mineral-enriched, pure Marine Magnesium, this collection of pampering products will have you feeling relaxed, de-stressed and free of tension within no time!To shop all BC Christmas beauty gift sets click here.
Sensitive skin? The best skincare and makeup routine for you
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 16 2023
If you’re one of many with sensitive skin, you’ll understand the struggle when it comes to finding the perfect skincare and makeup routine that won't lead to redness, inflammation, and discomfort.Sensitive skin requires a gentle approach, and a carefully curated daily routine with products designed to calm, soothe and protect can help you achieve that coveted healthy glow without irritation. Keep reading as we discuss the best skincare and makeup routine, specifically tailored just for your sensitive skin. Skincare routine for sensitive skin Identify your skin concerns First things first, understanding your specific skin concerns is crucial for tailoring your skincare routine. Sensitive skin can manifest in various ways, including dryness, redness, itchiness, and irritation. Know your triggers Specific ingredients and environmental factors can trigger skin sensitivity. Everything from fragrances and preservatives in soaps, beauty products and laundry detergents to the cold, sun and wind can cause skin irritation. Learn to know which are your triggers.To learn more about why you could be suffering from sensitive skin click here. Always choose gentle products with calming ingredients Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic products to minimize the risk of irritation. And always check the ingredients. You want your skincare products to be formulated with ingredients that soothe and nourish sensitive skin, such as aloe vera, chamomile, calendula and ceramides. These natural extracts have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sensitive skin and reduce redness. Gentle Cleansing Now it's time to start your routine! Begin with your gentle cleanser designed for sensitive skin, which means it’ll be free from alcohol and harsh ingredients. Remember cleansing should be a soothing experience, not one that leaves your skin feeling tight and irritated!Try: Medicalia Gentle cleanser. Formulated with a unique natural blend of soothing Green Tea, Chamomile, and Oat Amino Acids, it beautifully cleanses skin both thoroughly and gently while preserving the skin barrier and reducing symptoms of inflammation too!“This cleanser is perfect for my super sensitive skin. Love it. Have been using for years.” Jane Hydration is key Keeping your skin well hydrated is crucial for sensitive skin (as it is with all skin types!) Just be sure to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that provides optimal hydration without clogging pores.Try: Phytomer Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream. It’s an outstanding comforting cream with a beautifully light consistency which literally rescues skin by strengthening its protective barrier. It soothes, calms and comforts skin, conveniently remedying red patches.“I LOVE this cream. It feels wonderful when applied and I've noticed how much smoother and more radiant my sensitive skin is. Highly recommend!” Jo G Don’t forget your soothing serum Serums are essential in any skincare routine because they deliver vital active ingredients to the dermis quickly. Think of a serum as the secret weapon for treating skin issues like discolouration, dullness, fine lines, acne and of course skin sensitivities!Try: Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate. For a truly nurturing, soothing serum this should be your go-to. It literally bathes skin in calming lavender and healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France, decongesting, enriching, alleviating and strengthening fragile skin.“Truly Amazing. I knew this was the best healing treatment for my face when I ran out of it for a couple of weeks, something I'll never do again. Keeps my ultra-sensitive complexion creamy and cool. Love Propolis — and it smells divine!” Susanna V Formulations that include hyaluronic acid can also be game-changing as it attracts and retains moisture keeping skin nourished, plum, soothed and supple.Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum“I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Mary C Wear sunscreen every. single. day Protecting your sensitive skin from the sun's harmful UV rays is imperative so sun protection is non-negotiable, especially since UV rays can exacerbate sensitivity leading to redness and irritation.Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and you’re best to go for physical sunscreens like zinc or titanium dioxide. Fragrance-free formulas and those that are free of ingredients like phthalates and parabens will also reduce your exposure to formulas that might irritate your skin. Be sure to reapply if you are outside for a long period of time!Try: Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield.“Love this product it gives all day sun protection doesn’t mark clothing and gives my skin a healthy glow I’m hooked!” Jan C Exfoliate skin but don’t over-exfoliate! Exfoliation is essential, even for those of us with sensitive skin. This is because exfoliating can promote cell regeneration, unclog pores and improve skin texture. The problem is, that exfoliation can come with risks of irritation, inflammation and dryness, so it is essential to choose the right exfoliators!Then there is also the issue of over-exfoliation, which can strip the skin's natural barrier leading to increased sensitivity. So if you have sensitive skin, start by limiting its use to only once a week and use a gentle exfoliator with mild exfoliating agents like fruit acids or enzymes.For more on exfoliation and sensitive skin and what to do click here. Stay consistent And finally, consistency is key when it comes to caring for your sensitive skin. Once you’ve found what works, stick to it and daily.Aside from your skincare routine, there are also other things you can do to help calm your sensitive skin. Stress less, sleep more and watch what you eat. Certain foods and drinks can contribute to your skin's sensitivities. Limit spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, and feast on a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin health from within. Makeup tips for sensitive skinNow you’ve got your skincare routine down pat, it's time to master your makeup! Check ingredients As with your skincare routine, make sure you opt for "non-comedogenic" makeup to prevent pore-clogging and potential breakouts. You’ll also want to invest in fragrance free formulas as artificial scents can be a common trigger for sensitivity. Mineral Makeup is best. Clean makeup brushes regularly We all know dirty brushes can harbour bacteria which in turn can further irritate already irritated skin! Make sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly!To learn more about how often you should clean and replace your makeup brushes click here. Less is more Yes, we want to conceal sensitive skin whether it be facial redness or unwanted blemishes, but just remember less is always more!Simply minimise the number of makeup layers you apply to your face to reduce the risk of irritation and if you’re suffering from facial redness, try using a multi-tasking CC cream.Unlike tinted moisturisers, foundations and even BB Creams, these miracle formulas are colour correcting. So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover the redness, the CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, subtly illuminating the skin. This means less coverage is required if any at all. In fact, men can and do use CC Creams to even out their skin tone as it doesn’t look like makeup.Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20, you’ll be so glad you did!“I’m loving my new CC Cream! I was recommended it by a friend as I suffer from facial redness and sensitive skin and this product does an amazing job at colour correcting so the redness is beautifully concealed but my skin feels calm with a nice natural glow at the same time. Would highly recommend it.” Sarah MIf colour correction isn’t something you need make sure you go for a breathable, lightweight liquid formula.Try; best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. It’s silky, mineral-enriched and provides skin with broad spectrum sun protection. Its liquid formulation glides beautifully onto sensitive skin setting as a soft, powder finish, however it does not clog skin! Brilliant stuff. “The ELES liquid to powder is PHENOMENAL. I will never try another foundation. The foundation smooths over your skin so easily, providing good medium coverage, evening out skin tone, its completely non-irritating, and doesn't clog my skin.” Lucy G Patch test It’s always a good idea to patch test any new makeup products when it comes to sensitive or reactive skin, before applying all over your face! Remove makeup before bed And finally, always remember to remove your makeup before bed no matter how lazy you might be feeling! Use a gentle, fragrance-free makeup remover or micellar water. Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, so it needs to be free of any pore clogging dirt and grime!
Clear skin? 10 steps to reduce acne
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 09 2023
Whether you are battling occasional breakouts or dealing with persistent acne, we understand how frustrating having problematic skin can be, especially when all you want is a clear glowing complexion, is that really too much to ask? While acne is a common skin concern, it doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to radically reduce it! Keep reading as we reveal our 10 top tips… Cleanse twice daily Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your skin. Be sure to cleanse both morning and night, but we picky with what products you use. You don’t want to choose a harsh cleaner that’ll strip your skin of its natural oils as this can lead to an increase in oil production and in turn more potential breakouts! Eek. You want to look for gentle formulations rich in ingredients such as salicylic acid or lactic acid as they can help prevent the buildup of sebum (which can contribute to acne.)Try Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser. With a balanced blend of lactic and salicylic acid the gentle cleanser works quickly and effectively to eliminate toxins, impurities, surface bacteria, and make-up. It’s ideal for inflamed, sensitive, acne prone and oily skin types.“I have problem skin & after using this product my face is clear & people have commented on the changes.” Laurie Exfoliate weekly, but be sure to be gentle Incorporating a mild exfoliant into your skincare routine can do wonders in the fight against acne. Exfoliating will help to remove any dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin which can clog pores and lead to breakouts!Just remember over exfoliating can have the adverse effect and actually irritate your skin so make sure to exfoliate just once a week to start and use a gentle exfoliator.Try 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.“Gentle on the skin and worked well even for my acne prone skin.” OliveIf you do love a granular scrub though opt for a gentle version like Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile,it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, removing dead skin cells, impurities and toxins to reveal instant radiance and softer, smoother skin too! You’ll love the immediate gratification you’ll get from this formidable favourite of ours.“This is the best exfoliating cleanser I have ever used. I'm so impressed with the results, my skin feels so much smoother and cleaner.” Chloe Never skip your moisturiser Even though sometimes applying moisturiser to oily, acne prone skin can seem counterintuitive, it is essential as you want to steer clear of a damaged skin barrier! With no moisture at all, your skin would become dehydrated and begin to over-compensate by producing more oil! Something you definitely don’t need when it comes to oily, blemish and acne prone skin!Instead look for lightweight, oil-free moisturisers that won’t feel heavy on your skin.Try: Phytomer Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid. This lightweight gel-cream works amazingly on problematic skin reducing overall breakoutsThe formula also helps eliminate shine for a clean, matte complexion. With regular use, this acne treatment not only helps diminish the appearance of existing blemishes, but it prevents future breakouts too!“This fluid is almost like a serum but lighter in texture. I use it after I wash my face morning and night. I have noticed a reduction in breakouts on my skin and also a more mattifying appearance on my skin”. Alyssa Spot treat with care For targeted acne treatment, use spot treatments. These can help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. Remember to use them sparingly and only on active breakouts to avoid drying out your skin.Try: Phytomer’s’ Oligopur Blemish Target Gel, it’s a phenomenal spot treatment which targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimple and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion.This is the best product to fight pimples! I couldn't get my chin to clear up and w/in a few days of using phytomer my chin was clear again! Joanne Never skip on sunscreen Some acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so protecting your skin is crucial to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The Sun, heat and humidity can also cause oil glands to become overactive, which in turn can lead to acne breakouts! To prevent these breakouts choose and oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen and apply it liberally daily! Be aware of what you are eating What you eat can have a huge impact your skin's health so it’s imperative if you are suffering from acne to Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your intake of processed foods and sugary treats. Consuming foods high in antioxidants and vitamins can help promote clear, radiant skin too!Try;Fatty fish such as salmon and tunaYellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoesSpinach, kale and other dark green and leafy vegetablesTomatoesBlueberriesAvocadoswhole-wheat breadbrown ricequinoaSoybeans Reduce your stress levels Sounds easier said than done I know, we all have those days, weeks, months even where we are super stressed but said stress can lead to acne flare ups!This is because stress-related hormone CRH can bind to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Excess oil production can then cause pimples. So, if you keep breaking out and just can’t understand why, stress might be to blame, so try to relax!Try; listening to relaxation music or meditate. Also, something as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath every evening can really help. Exercise is also imperative! While exercising will increase blood flow, helping nourish skin cells and keeping them vital, it has also been accountable for reducing stress-related acne. Keep your phone clean! And your pillowcase too! Yup, a sudden breakout can be from something as simple as your phone or pillowcase (well anything that touches your face really that could be hosts for harmful bacteria!) And anytime you hold your phone to your face or lie on your pillowcase you are spreading the bacteria to your skin. So, if you haven’t done so for a while, try sanitizing your phone screen and wash that pillowcase of yours more often, it could make a big difference to your skin. Hydrate inside and out We all need to stay hydrated every single day, after all our bodies can’t operate effectively without water, but when I say stay hydrated, I mean drive plenty of water and drink it throughout the day, 8 glasses minimum!Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin as it helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking plump and radiant. When it comes to makeup, go mineral Makeup can be a real trigger for pesky pimples. Especially if it’s full of pore clogging ingredients and oils. If you have acne, you are likely going to want to try and conceal but you don’t want to exacerbate it! This is where mineral makeup will become your best friend! Each product in the ELES Mineral Makeup range is free of skin irritants and pore clogging nasties and instead are rich in skin nourishing and nurturing ingredients that will not only allow the skin to breathe freely but will help to improve its condition too!To learn more about the best makeup and tips for acne click here. By following these ten essential steps and maintaining a consistent skincare routine specifically designed to help acne prone skin, you can take proactive steps toward n reducing acne and achieving the clean, radiant skin you’ve always wanted!
Crow’s feet: How to improve its appearance
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 03 2023
We’ve all heard of crow’s feet, many of us over the age of 40 have likely encountered them, but how do you reduce their appearance, or prevent them from forming in the first place?If you are on the lookout for natural ways to treat crow’s feet around your eyes, look no further! We've put together a list of top tips and natural remedies to help you treat your crow’s feet effectively, without the use of harsh products or invasive procedures (the idea of fillers terrifies me!) Keep reading as we reveal them all! Firstly what are crow’s feet? A common skincare concern, crow’s feet (otherwise known as expression lines) are fine lines and wrinkles that form on the outer corners of your eyes as you age. As the skin around our eyes is exceptionally delicate (and thin!) crow’s feet can start to form fairly early for some due to constant muscle use in this area, as well as a gradual reduction in skin's elasticity. What causes crow’s feet?Crow’s feet are caused by a combination of factors, including ageing (due to a decrease in skin's collagen and elastin production), sun exposure, and repetitive facial expressions. Diet and your genetics can also be contributing factors. How do you get rid of crow’s feet?While it’s impossible to stop your eyes from ageing, there are a number of natural ways to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and maintain a more youthful looking eye area. Here’s how; Hydration is key As we age the skin around our eyes becomes dryer, thinner and loses its elasticity which leads to fine lines and wrinkles! And unfortunately the dryer this delicate area, the more visible those unwanted wrinkles are!Keeping your delicate eye area well-hydrated can help plump up the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines. Use a hydrating eye cream or serum specifically formulated to target fine lines and crow's feet.Try Pevonia Age Correction Eye Contour. This power repair eye contour gives tired, ageing eyes the burst of hydration they need! Deeply nourishing thanks to its combination of marine collagen and marine elastin hyaluronic acid, it targets signs of fatigue, visibly reducing puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. What more could you want?“Reduces wrinkles and firms eyelids. It’s also cool and soothing to eye area. No oily film to interfere with applying eye makeup. Have seen reduction in fine lines in crow’s feet area.” Laura L Exfoliate Shedding dead skin and revealing a younger, healthier layer of skin beneath helps reduce the appearance of crow's feet, fine lines, and surface wrinkles. Stronger forms of AHAs may also help boost your skin's collagen production, thereby providing additional crow's feet treatment. Get enough sleep. When you don't get enough sleep, your skin can become dull and wrinkled and wrinkles around your eyes can become increasingly more obvious. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep minimum each night. Apply cucumbers over your eyes I’ve talked about this before and for good reason. Cucumber slices are known for their cooling and soothing properties. Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness and refresh the delicate skin around your eyes. Apply Green tea bags as an eye compress Green tea isn't just for drinking; it's also a potent antioxidant that can work wonders topically for your skin. Brew some green tea, let it cool, then soak a clean cloth in the tea and gently place it over your closed eyes for 15 minutes. The antioxidants in green tea can help reduce inflammation and promote smoother, firmer skin. Apply chamomile tea bags for soothing relief And finally as with green tea bags, chamomile tea bags can really help the eye area when applied topically. Chamomile is renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply place two chamomile tea bags in hot water, let them cool, then place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. This can help reduce puffiness and inflammation, giving your eyes a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. Manage stress Stress can also contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation. How do you prevent crow's feet from forming in the first place?There are several lifestyle choices you can make to help fight the formation of crow’s feet. Wear sunglasses The delicate skin around our eyes is particularly susceptible to UV damage as it is thinner and more prone to wrinkling. By wearing sunglasses daily, you create a shield against the sun's harmful UV rays, protecting this sensitive area from sun exposure and thereby reducing the risk of developing crow's feet.Wearing sunglasses can also help to reduce squinting, one of the main contributors to crow's feet. Apply sunscreen every. single. day Wearing sunglasses isn’t the only thing to help shield your delicate eye area from sun damage. Actually wearing sunscreen daily is imperative too!The sun is hands down the no. 1 cause of premature ageing and therefore crow’s feet, and by wearing sunscreen religiously you can help prevent it! Go gentle on the delicate eye area Treat your eye area with the utmost care. Avoid harsh rubbing or tugging as this can damage your delicate eye area causing the tissue around your eyes to thin, making it more fragile and therefore be more susceptible to wrinkles. Practice eye exercises Performing simple eye exercises such as gentle massage can help improve blood circulation and reduce tension around the eyes potentially minimizing wrinkle formation. Incorporate retinol into your daily skincare routine Incorporating a retinol-based eye cream into your skincare routine can work wonders for your skin. Retinol helps boost collagen production and encourages cell turnover, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Drink plenty of water every single day Say no more. Water is life. We all know drinking plenty of water has an outstanding effect onour skin's health, so drink, drink, drink! Apply eye masks Treat yourself to some nourishing eye masks infused with hydrating and collagen-boosting ingredients. These can provide an instant plumping and brightening effect, giving your under-eye area a refreshed appearance. Eat a healthy diet If you’re looking for a simple solution for how to prevent crow’s feet, try to eat more of the following foods. Fish rich in omega-3s essential fatty acids such as salmon Avocados Nuts and seeds Extra virgin olive oil Berries Green leafy vegetables Foods high in antioxidants can help fight free radicals and pollution that contribute to lines and wrinkles. Avoid smoking Smoking it’s just bad for your health, it can seriously affect your skin's appearance too! This is because smoking can accelerate the ageing process quite significantly and contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Get yourself some reading glasses as soon as you need them! As we age, our vision can become impaired which causes us to squint, especially when we are trying to read or scroll through at our devices. Squinting is actually one of the main causes of crow’s feet, eek, so if you notice your eye sight deteriorating slightly go get your eyes tested immediately.Just remember, while crow's feet are a natural part of the aging process, taking care of your skin and following these tips can help minimize their appearance and promote a more youthful, radiant eye area.
What is multi-masking and is it right for your skin?
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 27 2023
Ever wondered why a certain skincare product works wonders for your friend but leaves your skin looking far from flawless? Well, the answer lies in our skin type. You might have dry skin, while your friend’s is naturally oily. But then sometimes you might find that different areas of your face suddenly have different needs. Perhaps your cheeks are dry, but you’re experiencing pimples on your forehead and chin. Then what? It is a good idea to use your rich, dry skin moisturiser on your oily T-zone?! This is where skincare trend “multi-masking” could be your go to! Multi-masking is all about customising your skincare routine to target specific areas of face. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn all there is to know about multi-masking and whether it’s right for your skin. What exactly is multi-masking? Think of multi-masking as the art of using different face masks on various parts of your skin simultaneously to help combat a variety of skin concerns. Its like creating a tailored treatment for your skin addressing those different concerns at the same time.So if your forehead is oily but your cheeks are dry and then you’re experiencing pesky pimples on your chin and nose, multi-masking could be the perfect remedy. Is multi-masking right for you? While multi-masking can be a game-changer for some, it might not be for everyone. Here are a few things to consider; Identify your skin concerns Take a closer look at your skin and pinpoint the specific areas that need attention. If you have multiple skin concerns, multi-masking will likely be a great option for you. Choose the right mask for the right areas of your face Face masks are designed to target specific areas of concern and therefore each face mask depending on that concern will be formulated with different key ingredients. You need to be sure you select masks that cater to your skin's individual needs. Whether it's hydration, exfoliation, oil or blemish control, there's a mask out there for you, just choose wisely!For areas of your face suffering from dry skin, you’ll best to use a hydrating mask. Oily T-zone, apply a purifying mask to that area. Certain areas of your skin looking dull and devitalised, applying a brightening mask will do wonders for your skin!For oily skin areas with enlarged pores we recommend Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Bio-Active Mask. The exceptional mask has been uniquely formulated to control sebum production and help reveal a matte complexion with a more even-toned, visibly minimized pores and younger-looking skin.If certain areas of your skin are dealing with breakouts try Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask is the perfect antidote for congested, dull skin. It neutralises pollutants, draws out impurities and leaves skin glowing with pure freshness!For dry skin, we love a super hydrating mask like Pevonia’s Ageless Skin Collagen Mask, it combats dehydration in just 10 minutes. The rich texture is a soothing balm as your skin literally drinks in the moisture leaving it both dewy and hydrated.And if skin is a little dull Pevonia’s Brightening Green Apple Mask is the best! It’s a clay-based mask to deep cleanse the pores and beautifully brighten skin tone! Patch test new masks first Before slathering different masks all over your face, it's crucial to do a patch test first. This will help you determine if your skin reacts well to the ingredients in each mask. Don’t overdo it While multi-masking can be both effective and fun! Don’t go overboard and over apply! Applying too many products at once can overwhelm your skin and lead to irritation. Its best to stick to 3 masks maximum at once. What are the benefits of multi-masking? By targeting different areas of your face with specific treatments, you can address multiple concerns simultaneously. It's like giving your skin a tailored spa treatment, leaving you with a refreshed, rejuvenated, and glowing complexion all over. How do you apply the masks? Using a brush or your fingers, carefully and evenly apply each mask to the appropriate area of your face. Then sit back and relax for 10 minutes while the masks work their magic. Remove with lukewarm water. For more on why you should incorporate face masks into your skincare routine, as well as the many benefits, click here.What’s more, for the month of October, 2023, when you purchase a Pevonia Face Mask, you’ll receive a Mask Brush for FREE.
Say goodbye to dull skin: How Lactic Acid revives your glow
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 19 2023
If you've been on a quest to transform your dull skin into a gorgeously glowing complexion but have yet to see results, it could be due to the skincare products you are using.When it comes to reviving your skin's radiance you need to make sure you are using products rich in certain essential ingredients. We all know that vitamin C has the ability to dramatically brighten your complexion, but if you really want to achieve that much coveted healthy skin glow, the secret weapon so many of us aren’t familiar with is Lactic Acid. What is Lactic Acid?Don’t let the word acid scare you! Yes, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), but this potent ingredient is derived from milk and is one of the gentlest AHAs there is. In fact, lactic acid is suitable for dry and sensitive skin.A natural exfoliant, lactic acid can breathe life into your lacklustre complexion. It works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, revealing the fresh, radiant skin underneath, the reason why it’s a favourite among those looking for a gentle yet effective exfoliation solution. Why your skin will love lactic acidLactic acid is a multitasker, here’s how it works it magic!Exfoliation without irritationLactic acid gently exfoliates the top layer of your skin, unclogging pores and sloughing away dead skin cells sitting on your skins surface. The result? Smoother, brighter skin without the redness and irritation that some other exfoliants can cause.Boosts hydrationUnlike some exfoliants that can leave your skin feeling stripped and dry, lactic acid actually has a moisturizing effect. It helps your skin retain moisture, which is key for maintaining a healthy glow.Fades dark spotsWhether you're dealing with sun spots, age spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Lactic Acid is a hero at fading these pesky dark spots and promoting a more even skin tone.Softens fine linesReady for a little wrinkle-smoothing action? Another impressive feat of lactic acid is its ability to stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a plumper, more youthful look.How to incorporate lactic acid into your skincare routineReady to add this skin-loving ingredient to your skincare routine? Here's how:Choose wiselyLook for lactic acid in the form of serums, toners, or moisturisers. Pick products that suit your skin type and concerns.Patch testAs with any new skincare product, especially one with active ingredients, it's a good idea to do a patch test before slathering it all over your face. Apply a small amount to a small area of your skin to make sure your skin agrees with it.Start slowlyIf you're new to lactic acid, start with a lower concentration and gradually work your way up. This gives your skin time to adjust and reduces the risk of irritation.Use at nightSince lactic acid can make your skin a bit more sensitive to the sun, it's best to use it at night. Make sure to follow up with a good sunscreen during the day to protect your newly revitalized skin.Follow up with hydrationAfter using lactic acid, be sure to hydrate your skin with a nourishing moisturiser to keep it plump and supple. Our favourite products rich in lactic acidPhytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining SerumInfused with both lactic acid and glycolic acid, this lightweight serum is a must for reducing the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots.Medicalia Clarifying CleanserWith a balanced blend of lactic and salicylic acid the gentle cleanser works quickly and effectively to eliminate toxins, impurities, surface bacteria, and make-up. It’s ideal for inflamed, sensitive, acne prone and oily skin types.Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing CreamThe ultimate anti-ageing night cream, Medicalia's L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must have for photodamaged skin. Formulated with micro-retinol®, glycolic, and lactic acid, it effectively lightens, brightens and smooths skin. Lacid acid is indeed a game-changer when it comes to your skin. Its ability to gently exfoliate, brighten and hydrate the skin makes it a must have for anyone looking to revive their natural glow. By incorporating lactic acid into your routine a few times a week, you'll be amazed at the transformation, trust me!
The best makeup tips for sensitive skin
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 12 2023
If you suffer from sensitive skin, you’ll know that makeup can be somewhat of a challenge! After all you don’t want to spend your hard-earned dollars purchasing products that are only going to exacerbate your already compromised complexion!Unfortunately when it comes to sensitive skin, choosing the right makeup products for your skin’s specific needs, as well as adopting gentle preparation and application techniques, are imperative! To help guide you, below we reveal the top 9 makeup tips for sensitive skin sufferers and the best makeup products for you to try too! Products that will both help conceal and sooth your sensitive skin without any irritation. Sound good? Keep reading! Understand your skin Before you even consider your makeup, you need to really understand your skin. As well as being sensitive, is it dry? Oily? Combination perhaps? Do you have any specific skin conditions like rosacea or eczema? Are their certain ingredients that cause your skin to flair up? Understanding your skins unique needs will help you choose the right products. Check ingredients When selecting makeup products for sensitive skin, read labels carefully. You want to avoid highly fragranced products which are very likely to cause a negative reaction with sensitive skin. Also avoid, drying alcohols, witch hazel, citrus and products that contain a high % of essential oils. Another problem can be preservatives, particularly methylisothiazolinone and methylcholorisothiazoline which are often used to replace parabens, these are known sensitisers when used in leave on products.Instead look for terms like “fragrance-free” and “hypoallergenic”. This means that the makeup has been tested and proven to be less likely to cause irritation. Also check the label for ”non-comedogenic”. Non-comedogenic makeup is less likely to clog your pores, which can lead to breakouts.Mineral makeup will be your because bet, because its fragrance-free, hypoallergic and non-comedogenic and it tends to be packed with soothing, skin loving ingredients instead of ingredients that can cause irritation. Choose the right shade When it comes to choosing colours avoid products that are too yellow. Red skin and yellow makeup = orange complexion. Neutral shades are best for you and will help reduce the redness harmoniously. Patch test your products Before applying any new product to your face we recommend patch testing first to check for any allergic reactions or irritation. Either apply the product on an area like the back of your wrist or by apply a very small amount to your jawline. Make sure your skin is properly prepped Before diving into makeup, it’s imperative to start with a clean canvas. Use a gentle, sensitive skin cleanser to remove any impurities. Next, it’s time to moisturise. Sensitive skin can be on the dry side too, so it’s important to add nourishment. Opt for a moisturiser specifically designed to sooth and hydrate sensitive skin, this will lock in hydration and create a smooth base for the makeup to follow! We are loving Phytomer's Douceur Marine Soothing Moisturising Cream. It is beautifully silky in texture, soothing on the skin and visibly reduces skin redness. What’s more, its deeply hydrating without feeling greasy or heavy.Take only the size of a pea and pat the product into the skin to allow it to absorb slowly and naturally. You should also add a sunscreen with high SPF for a layer of added protection, this will help prevent sun damage and premature skin ageing like fines lines and wrinkles. We recommend: ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50 It’s time to prime All hail the makeup primer! This product will really be your best friend. A makeup primer will not only help create longer lasting makeup, but it will create a barrier between your skin and makeup reducing the risk of irritation too! Choose a gentle formula. We love ELES Retexturizing Face PrimerTo learn more about primers and just how good they are click here. Go light If you use foundation, go for a breathable, lightweight liquid formula. We love the best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. It's silky, mineral-enriched and provides skin with broad spectrum sun protection. It liquid formulated glides beautifully onto sensitive skin setting as a soft, powder finish, however it does not clog skin! Brilliant stuff.Another option is to look for multi-tasking products that treat, conceal and even tone in one. A tall ask? Not when it comes to CC Creams! These miracle formulas are colour correcting. So instead of applying a thick layer of opaque makeup to cover redness, the CC Cream’s Photonic Crystal Technology “offsets” redness, wrinkles and other skin imperfections, subtly illuminating the skin. This means less coverage is required, better for your sensitive skin! Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream 20, you’ll be so glad you did!To add colour or depth to your skin, you can incorporate a blush or bronzer too. You’re best to just choose mineral formulations once again, but make sure you choose powder over cream base. Cream-based products can sometimes clog pores or cause unnecessary irritation. Less is always more It's better to start with a light layer of makeup and build up coverage as needed than to apply too much makeup at once. Too much makeup can irritate sensitive skin and clog your pores. Remove your makeup at the end of the day. It's imperative to remove any makeup from your skin at the end of the day. Leaving impurities in the skin while you sleep will lead to more sensitivity! Allow your skin to perform its natural repair and regeneration at night by removing all your makeup and the day’s pollutants and you’ll wake up to a much calmer skin. While it may be tempting to coat your skin in rich and protective creams and oils, it’s better to drench it with lightweight moisture that will encourage better cell regeneration and protein rebuilding.We adore Phytomer's Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream. Perfectly silky and soothing it literally envelopes your skin in nourishment and comfort and helps boost your skin's renewal as you sleep so you’ll wake up to calmer, plumper skin by morning. Obsessed.
Ceramides: Everything you need to know
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 05 2023
If you’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about ceramides but wondering what they actually are you’ve come to the right place.Unlike your hero ingredients hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin c, collagen and more, ceramides are the unsung heroes of the skincare world, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and protected! Whether you have dry skin, sensitive skin or just want to maintain your skins natural glow, ceramides will be a valuable addition to your skincare arsenal. But before we talk about the best ceramide skincare, we need to understand what ceramides actually are and how they will help your skin. What are ceramides?Ceramides are natural lipids (fats) found naturally in high concentration in the cell membranes within our epidermis (the top 5 layers of our skin), however, ceramides are especially concentrated in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis.) Think of this layer as your skin’s protective barrier. How do ceramides help our skin? Barrier protection Ceramides help to protect and strengthen your skins barrier, shielding it from external aggressors such as harsh weather conditions, bacteria and pollutants. This helps reduce skin redness, irritation and sensitivity. Moisture retention Ceramides help your skin hold onto moisture. They act like little sponges, preventing water loss and keeping your skin hydrated and plump. Skin Conditions If you suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, ceramides can be especially beneficial. They help repair the damaged skin barrier, reducing inflammation and irritation. Anti-Ageing As we age, ceramide levels in our skin dramatically decrease, leading to dryness and fine lines. Using ceramide-infused products can help counteract these effects, leaving your skin looking more youthful.Using skincare rich in ceramides, or products formulated with ingredients that stimulate ceramide production can help counteract these effects. These products can help improve skin health, boost hydration, protect against harmful UV rays, rejuvenate skin and boost barrier function. Just remember no ceramides? Nothing to keep all those hydrating ingredients from evaporating from the skin.You'll usually find ceramides in moisturisers, but you also can find them as a key ingredient in cleansers, serums, and other skin-care products too! Here are our top five ceramide rich skincare favourites. Ceramide skincarePevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin CreamAlthough light and gentle on the skin, this ceramide moisturiser is one of the most nurturing and nourishing moisturisers for dry skin! It literally diminishes dry and flaky skin while combatting fine lines and wrinkles for a truly rejuvenated experience.Pevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateThis beautiful concentrate has a heavenly scent and silky lightweight formulation including the perfect blend of ceramides and replenishing oils that restore barrier function and hydration. Got dry skin? This is the ultimate night oil for you! You’ll wake to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin every morning.Pevonia Collagen MaskThis super hydrating mask combats dehydration in just 10 minutes. This is because ceramides and polypeptides work together to restore hydration at a cellular level.And for the month of October 2023 when you purchase this mask, you’ll receive a free mask brush for precision application!Pevonia CleanRefresh™ Foaming Oil CleanserSuitable for all skin types but especially recommended for dry skin, this innovative, triple duty oil cleanser features an advanced lipid rich, alcohol-free, soap-free, exclusive formula which transforms into a luxurious, foamy cleanser for a truly luxurious cleansing experience.Pevonia Marine Collagen CreamThis Pevonia global best-seller and beautiful ceramide cream, deeply nourishes and rejuvenates skin, replenishing vital nutrients while softening fine lines and wrinkles. It’s so good!
These are the products with the most five-star reviews on BC
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 22 2023
From a tinted moisturiser to a brightening serum, a multi-tasking bb cream and more, these are the beauty products our customers are loving, and their five-star reviews prove it! ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 This silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A, C & E, provides skin with both antioxidant and SPF protection. It glides on to skin beautifully, setting to a soft, powder finish, leaving a truly flawless finish.Reviewers love that it provides such a natural, flawless coverage that lasts all day too! Amazing results and good or your skin, what more could you ask?Customer review;“This foundation is heavenly! Every foundation I've ever tried has always been wrong for me, making me too oily, too dry, breakout, slide off my face, etc . Eles liquid to powder is PHENOMENAL. I will never try another foundation. The foundation smooths over your skin so easily, providing good medium coverage, evening out skin tone, completely non-irritating, and doesn't clog my skin. The colour I have is such a perfect match for me - and I look like I'm wearing nothing at all when I have it on. It is also the most long lasting foundation I've ever found. I've used other powder minerals which are far too drying for me - this is not - it's the perfect balance between controlling shine without drying.“ Lucy G Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream This best-selling collagen cream rejuvenates skin cells while softening fine lines and wrinkles and replenishing vital nutrients.Customer review:“This is by far my favorite moisturizing cream. I received a sample of this with another Pevonia order and immediately purchased the full size. I have combination, acne-prone skin that leans toward the dryer side and can be quite sensitive to certain products. This cream never EVER irritates my skin, no matter how stressed or damaged it is. It is incredibly soothing and feels wonderful on. It is also quite hydrating without being greasy and absorbs into the skin really well. I'm able to use it morning and night with great results. My skin looks healthy and smooth thanks to this product!“ Sonya R ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 A multi-tasking wonder cream, this best-selling BB with SPF 30, literally primes, tints, nourishes, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen and protect skin on contact, Genius!Customer review:“Absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my Face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.“ Krystle W Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser Creamy and gentle on the skin, this exfoliator will help unclog and diminish large pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, and brighten and even out your skin tone so it looks radiant and youthful. Reviewers love how gentle and effective it is with many seeing results within the first few uses!Customer review:“I love this cleanser! I have never been able to exfoliate with anything else as it has just been too harsh for my skin. This gentle exfoliating cleansers is exactly that! Leaves my skin feeling beautiful and soft and definitely makes a noticeable difference in my texture. I use once a week and it has been a game changer for my skin.“ Stacey Harrison Pevonia Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream Formulated with some of the best natural ingredients to counteract dry skin including pear seed extract, hyaluronic acid, collagen, shea butter and squalane, this is a deeply nourishing and skin-smoothing cream which diminishes dry and flaky skin while combatting fine lines and wrinkles for a truly rejuvenated, hydrated appearance! Really!Customer review:“I've been a long-term user of this product, it's amazing for my dry skin. Smooth, silky and leaves no residue, absorbs quickly and moisturizes skin pretty much all day. Absolutely love it!“ Marina P Pevonia Age Correction Firming Marine Elastin Cream Formulated with Hyaluronic acid and elastin, this firming cream delivers powerful repairing and tightening benefits, visibly increasing moisture while improving elasticity.Customer review:“This cream is absolutely wonderful. It is the perfect combination of nourishing, moisturising and firming for my aging face while not being at all heavy. This is the third time I have purchased this product and am so glad I found it.“ Sheryl Harrison Pevonia RS2 Care Cream Formulated with calming, skin-caring ingredients including Green Tea, Licorice, and Chamomile, this beautifully textured, nourishing cream is soothing like ice on seriously sensitive skin. It provides skin with vaso constricting, repairing, and hydrating benefits to effectively reduce redness and inflammation, even the chronic inflammation associated with Rosacea. Reviewers love the great results for rosacea prone skin but also love its natural signature scent of French Rose. It’s one heavenly product so not hard to see why it’s loved by so many!Customer review:“I have paid out a lot of money on products for my rosacea- this time I have hit the jackpot! After years of frustration and not wanting to go down the laser path I have found this cream and I can truly say it has helped my skin. It is calmer with less redness and flare ups.“ Sharon E Pevonia Hydrating Cleanser Thanks to its outstanding combination of marine collagen, marine elastin, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this nourishing, creamy textured cleanser thoroughly removes skin impurities and excess oil without any residue, all whilst helping to preserve your skin’s moisture too!Customer review:“Beautiful product. A little goes a long way and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Lovely as a night time cleanser to wash away the day.“ Nicole W Pevonia C Complex with Oxyzomes The citrus scent is divine and just two pumps of this creamy serum equals radiant looking skin instantly. Oh, and it feels a-mazing too thanks to its combination of vitamin c and hydrating dynamo hyaluronic which quite literally drenches skin with repairing antioxidants.Customer review: “This is a beautiful serum. You only require two pumps and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment.“ Deborah W ELES Mineral Sheet Tint SPF 20 This lightweight, mineral-enriched, tinted cream is rich in Vitamins A & E and SPF to condition and protect skin. It imparts a sheet natural radiance, as it nourishes, moisturises and corrects skin.Customer review:“This is a beautiful sheer tinted moisturizer, with SPF. It looks and feels like skin. I love the Natural Glow. it is perfect for mature skin making it look a little dewy and more youthful.“ Christina
Skincare essentials for your next flight
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 22 2023
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or are about to set off on your next getaway since school holidays are nearly here, you’ll likely know that travelling can take a toll on your skin. Long flights, changing climates and recycled cabin air (eek) can leave your complexion looking dull and drab and your skin dehydrated. However if you arm yourself with the right skincare essentials in preparation for your next flight, you can save your skin and step off the plane looking as radiant as ever! Keep reading as we count down 6 skincare essentials that’ll keep your skin glowing even at 30,000 feet! Water Sure it might not be a skincare product as such but remember when it comes to looking after your skin on your next fight, the first and most crucial rule is to stay hydrated! Airplane cabins are notorious for their dry air which can sap the moisture from your skin like nothing else! So before you even board the plane make sure you’re well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and continue to do so throughout the flight! Cleanser As soon as you get settled into your seat it’s a good idea to start your skincare routine to ensure your skin is clean and ready to absorb moisture! After all keeping your skin clean and fresh is essential, even when you’re on the move. Invest in a travel-sized cleanser that fits snugly into your in-flight toiletry bag. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, whether it’s a cream, gel, or foam formula. Cleansing your face will remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup that can clog up skin on a long-haul flight! Try Pevonia CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. Suitable for all skin types (but especially recommended for that dry, parched skin travelling can leave us with) this cleanser is an oil cleanser, that feels like gel and when mixed with water transforms into a beautiful foaming lather that in turn delivers a truly luxurious cleansing experience! It’s lipid rich, alcohol-free and soap free. What more could you want! Nourishing and cleansing in one. Can’t be bothered to get out of your seat, then try Phytomer's best selling Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion. No water needed! Simply apply this alcohol-free and infinitely gentle cleansing lotion with a cotton pad to remove the days makeup and grime and enjoy beautiful fresh, cleansed skin. If your favourite cleanser doesn’t come in travel size, you could try decanting it, or why not opt for a travel friendly kit instead? We are loving Pevonia’s range of travel friendly skincare kits. Hydrating Serum Applying a hydrating serum to your skin after cleansing will make a huge difference. Serums are lightweight, nourishing and help lock in moisture so no more moistures being sapped from your skin thanks to the cabin air! We recommend Phytomer Hydra continue 22h moisture flash Gel. If you do a lot of flying, this should become your go-to to restore hydration in skin both before, during and after flights. This beautiful light textured gel is like giving your skin its own glass of water to keep hydrated and the results are also immediate. Multi-tasking moisturiser Moisturising is the secret to keeping your skin plump and radiant throughout the flight. You don’t want anything too rich, instead opt for a moisturiser in a lightweight formula that will both hydrate and brighten your skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides and vitamin c to replenish moisture and keep your skin looking visibly radiant too. We are loving Phytomer's Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream. It’s a beautifully nourishing but lightweight cream with a velvety finish. The products name definitely reflects the results, as this subtly scented moisturiser is both energising and radiance inducing that’s for sure! Facial mist On a long-haul flight believe me when I say a facial mist will become your new best friend. They are the perfect product (and travel companion!) to give your complexion a quick boost, replenishing tired, dry or tight skin within seconds, any time of day! We can’t get enough of Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist. As well as Hyaluronic Acid, it’s formulated with a blend of ultra-calming Chamomile, Aloe, Green Tea and aromatic essential oils, making this powerhouse product ideal for all skin types, especially dehydrated, irritated, and ageing skin! However should your skin be on the sensitive side, a little itchy or irritated even, it will work its magic to calm, nurture and alleviate too. Its soo good. Sheet Masks Perfect for travel, sheet masks are a great way to provide your skin with a big boost of hydration, nourishment and other skincare benefits, plus they are so quick and easy to use (unlike most cream masks). We love ELES Sheet Masks. You can choose from a calming and soothing sheet mask, a hydrating and brightening sheet mask or if you are worried about ageing try the youth recovery sheet mask. You’ll love the way your skin laps up the moisture from the mask and leaves if feeling cool, calm, deeply nourished and visibly refreshed. Not familiar with sheet masks? For everything you need to know click here.
11 expert tips to reduce facial redness for good
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 15 2023
If you’re tired of dealing with facial redness, especially when it seems to pop up at the most inconvenient of times, we feel you! Whether its due to having sensitive or reactive skin, because you suffer from rosacea perhaps, or as a result of hormonal hot flushes, we’ve got you covered with these 11 game-changing ways to radically reduce facial redness for good! Firstly though, what causes facial redness exactly?Facial redness can be the cause of a number of reasons. From as named above – sensitive and reactive skin, rosacea symptoms, hormonal changes, sun burnt skin even.There are many reasons you might be suffering from a red face these can include;Hormonal changesRosaceaEczemaDermatitisSunburnSensitive and reactive skinAlcohol intolerance The best ways to reduce your red skin; Gentle cleansing is key Start with the basics – choose a mild, hydrating cleanser. Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to increased redness and irritation. Cleanse with care, using lukewarm water to avoid shocking your skin.Try: Pevonia Sensitive Skin Cleanser. This beautifully light-textured cleanser gently removes accumulated impurities, while diffusing redness and irritation. Formulated with Chamomile and Calendula it delivers soothing, calming and desensitizing benefits to your delicate skin. Cool off with a cold compress When your face is feeling particularly fiery, try a cold compress. A soft cloth soaked in cold water can work wonders to calm redness and soothe your skin. Stay hydrated When it comes to facial redness water is your best friend. Staying hydrated helps maintain your skin's natural moisture balance. It's like giving your skin a drink of water from the inside out.You’ll also want to up the anti when it comes to nourishing your skin topically. Make sure you moisturise twice a day and add a hydrating serum into your daily routine too.Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. Featuring one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the skincare market, its honestly like a burst of nourishment for the skin. And combined with a powerful duo of marine collagen and hibiscus esculentus extract it also provides optimum anti-ageing results. It penetrates deeply into the skin delivering smoother, calmer, softer, plumper, firmer and brighter skin! What’s more it’s ideal for all skin types! Wear mineral makeup WE totally understand that when you suffer from rosacea or skin redness you aren’t likely to forego makeup altogether. You do need to let your skin breath freely to reduce irritation though so its essential to opt for mineral makeup that will allow just this. Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog your pores.Try: ELES Mineral Powder Foundation. As a sufferer of want for a better word ‘flushed skin’ I personally LOVE the best-selling ELES Mineral Powder Foundation! It’s one of my all-time favourites. It’s one of the most natural-looking, if not THE most natural-looking foundations I have in fact ever tried and being in the industry for 20 years I’ve tried many! It contains zero chemical nasties, instead, it’s packed with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, can be used as a buildable foundation from natural sheer to polished opaque (dependant on what you need) and it’s highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, working wonders at camouflaging facial redness while protecting skin against ultraviolet damage too!Another good option is to try a colour corrector which will help visually correct redness and even out skin tone at the same time. Using one with UV protection will also help shield your sensitive skin from exposure that can aggravate skin sensitivities.Try: ELES Luminous CC Cream SPF 20. It’s a game changer when it comes to colour correcting red skin! It’s a lightweight, oil-free, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection that really does multi-task like no other! And while it’s technically not a foundation, the full coverage pigments cover facial redness—be it from rosacea, pimples, irritation, you name it—so well that you very well may be able to get away without wearing any other makeup. Be sunscreen savvy Sunscreen isn't just for sunny days. UV rays can exacerbate redness and inflammation. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it religiously, even on cloudy days.Try: ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. We understand that so many sunscreens feel greasy, don’t smell great or simply don’t sit well on our skin, and then there are those thick white sunscreens that look like a paste when applied too, the last thing you want to be worried about when your skin is already a little on the sensitive side. That’s why we love ELES Luminous Defence. It’s not greasy but instead silky soft, the scent isn’t unpleasant, and it applies beautifully to my skin. And thanks to its formulation its helps nourish and restore skins luminosity too, not to mention it’s high SPF of 50. Wear a soothing mask If your skin redness is potentially caused by dryness or inflammation a natural face mask or sheet mask specifically formulated to cool and calm skin can work wonders.Try: ELES Calming and Soothing Sheet Mask. Incorporating natural botanicals it soothes and reduces inflammation. Like a cool balm, this calming mask reduces redness and heat and restores a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. Manage your stress Easier said than done I know! Especially if you are juggling life, kids, work….but stress can be a big trigger for facial redness so its important to incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. Try meditation, yoga or simply taking time out for yourself to relax and unwind whether that’s going for walks, reading a book or simply having time out in from of the tv. I highly recommend the app Headspace for meditation. And for some soothing sounds try ambient relaxation music on Spotify. Bliss. Choose your skincare products wisely Check the ingredients list of the skincare products you purchase. You want to steer clear of products containing alcohol or fragrances which can exacerbate redness and instead opt for products specifically targeted for sensitive skin which include soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, green tea or niacinamide. These can help cool and calm any inflammation as well as reduce your facial redness. Consider topical creams If you know that the redness on your skin is caused by rosacea, you can also look to certain skincare ranges to treat your symptoms.Try: Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 line. It can help soothe the skin as well as successfully elevating the symptoms. Revise your diet Underlying facial redness can actually be related to what you eat so making simple changes to your diet can make all the difference. We recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, which includes green leafy vegetables, fish, essential oils, and low-glycemic fruits. Try to give simple sugars, grains, non-organic meats, dairy, and high-glycemic fruits a miss..and avoid triggers such as spicy foods, citrus, tomato, chocolate, and cinnamon. Make lifestyle changes While facial redness can be a frustrating problem, the cause can often be more than skin deep. This means that the solution can require certain lifestyle changes in addition to the steps mentioned above. Try decreasing sun exposure, don’t go walking in the wind! If you smoke, don’t! Stop drinking all the hot drinks and make sure you drink cold water when ever you are exercising. Remember to be patient and consistent when managing facial redness and don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results.
What is a chemical peel and what does it do for your skin?
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 08 2023
If you’re reading this, you’ve likely heard of the term “chemical peel” but are probably wondering what a chemical peel actually is? As well as how it can benefit your skin. And we totally understand how the words “chemical peel” might make your run for the hills, after all how is applying chemicals to your face even a thing? Believe me though, when I say there are so many benefits to chemical peels, oh, and they are perfectly safe to use at home too! Keep reading as we reveal all there is to know about these transformative treatments and how a chemical peel might truly be what’s best for your skin. What is a chemical peel?A chemical peel is a skincare product or procedure that involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin. This solution is specifically formulated to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). As the name suggests, it "peels" away the damaged or dead skin cells, revealing smoother, healthier skin underneath.Chemical peels are used to effectively treat a number of skin concerns including fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. What does a chemical peel do for your skin? Chemical peels have a multitude of benefits. These include;Deep exfoliationThe primary purpose of a chemical peel is to exfoliate the skin. It removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and encourages cellular turnover.Getting rid of acne and acne scaringChemical peels can help manage acne by reducing the appearance of pimples and preventing new breakouts. They also fade acne scars over time.Reducing hyperpigmentationPeels can lighten and even out skin tone by targeting hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.Reducing wrinklesChemical peels stimulate collagen production, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They're often used for anti-aging purposes.Improving skin textureIf you struggle with rough or uneven skin texture, chemical peels can help create much smoother skin.Helping facial redness and rosaceaFor those with redness or rosacea, certain types of chemical peels can help calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness.Brightening skin toneSuffer from dull skin? Chemical peels can help with this too! Revealing a brighter, radiant complexion.Enhancing the absorption of other skin care productsMuch like exfoliators, chemical peels unclog pores, this enables skincare products to fully absorb into your skin, penetrating to the deeper levels for optimum results. So if you have a specific skin concern like hyperpigmentation or acne? There’s a chemical peel out there with your name and solution on it!How do chemical peels work?Chemical peels work through a process called chemical exfoliation. Here's a breakdown of the key steps: Cleansing - Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any makeup, dirt, and oils. This step ensures that the chemical solution can penetrate evenly. Application - The chemical solution is applied to your skin, typically with a brush or cotton pad. The type and strength of the solution used depend on your skin type and the desired results. Contact time - The solution is left on your skin for a specific amount of time. Timing can be crucial, as it dictates the depth of the peel. Neutralization - After the appropriate time has elapsed, the chemical peel is neutralized to stop the exfoliation process. Recover - Your skin will naturally shed the damaged outer layer over the next few days to reveal fresh, rejuvenated skin underneath. Types of chemical peelsThese are actually a few types of chemical peels and these depend on their depth and the specific concerns they address. They include superficial peels (ideal for mild exfoliation and improving skin texture), medium peels (they penetrate a little deeper than superficial peels and so are good for dealing with pigmentation issues and wrinkles) and finally deep peels (as the name suggests these particular peels are intense, should only be performed by a professional and tend to be used to address more severe signs of skin ageing and issues such a deep set wrinkles and scaring.)Want to try a peel but still a little scared? Start at home with a more gentle option.We highly recommend Vie Collection Night Peel Progressive Resurfacing Cream. It’s an ultra-soft night version of the chemical peel! Its a modern balm with a creamy texture that offers complete exfoliation to the skin, helping to brighten, refine and improve smoothness for a younger-looking complexion. Its formula is enriched with glycolic acid and citric acids and has a progressive diffusion to act continuously all through the night. Each morning the complexion appears more luminous and even. After one month the skin looks renewed. Seriously.If you love the idea of what a chemical peel can do for your skin but the idea still terrifies you, why not try an enzyme peel first? It’s a natural, gentler alterative. Enzyme peels work by stimulating the production of collagen, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell regeneration. They also contain antioxidants that help improve your skin's complexion.Enzyme peels are composed of fruit enzymes that digest dead skin cells while simultaneously nourishing the skin to reveal a brighter, healthier complexion. The best part of enzyme peels is they are gentle enough for sensitive skin, require zero downtime, and yield immediate results.Try Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream. Papaya and Pineapple have been selected for their enzyme peeling action, an action that gently digests away impurities, sebum, toxins and the dead skin cells, instead of abrading or burning them off. So it’s gentle, really gentle, and it’s effective too! Nothing makes skin feel cleaner, lighter or more purified than this jar of goodness and it’s easy to use; simply apply a thin layer on cleansed skin, wet the fingertips with warm water, this will help to “wake up” the enzymes, then leave them to do their thing for 5-10 minutes, then rinse away. What you are left with is skin that looks reborn and with a lustrous sheen.
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