BC Skin Journal

BC Blog

5 beauty essentials to take on your upcoming holiday

by Jo Boyden on Jun 21 2023

If like me you’re counting down the days till your much needed trip this upcoming holiday season, you’ll likely have started packing your bags! When it comes to beauty, we’ve got you covered. Instead of packing everything and the kitchen sink, opt for just 4 beauty essentials. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach or exploring a bustling city, these travel-friendly must-haves will keep your skin protected and you looking fresh, flawless and photo ready day after day! SPF As you jet off to sun-drenched destinations (whether it be hot or cold!), protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is paramount. Make sure to pack a high-quality sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. Look for a formula that suits your skin type and offers an SPF of 30 or higher, and don't forget to apply it generously and frequently to protect your skin (we’re not just talking sunburn but premature ageing too!Try: ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30.Holidays are a great time to refine your makeup regimen to the bare essentials, but just slathering your skin in sunscreen might well not suffice! However a full face of foundation isn’t something any of us would want when we are spending days on the beach, relaxing by the pool or simply hanging out at home on staycation for that matter either! Cue a multi-tasking BB Cream! We LOVE ELES’s best-selling Age Defying BB Cream 30. Not only does it contain high factor SPF, but this tinted cream melts into the skin to cover blemishes for a unified dewy, and visibly radiant complexion too! What’s more, it has the added skincare benefits of hyaluronic, vitamin e, squalane and a multi-mineral complex too! Plus, it feels like you aren’t wearing makeup either! Amazing stuff.The even better news is when you buy the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30 in June 2023, you’ll receive a FREE ELES Sheet Mask! Perfect for travel, sheet masks are a great way to provide your skin with a big boost of hydration, nourishment and other skincare benefits and they are so quick and easy to use (unlike most cream masks)Choose from a calming and soothing sheet mask, a hydrating and brightening sheet mask or if you are worried about ageing try our youth recovery sheet mask.Not familiar with sheet masks? For everything you need to know click here. Travel-Sized Cleanser 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 toiletry bag. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type, whether it's a cream, gel, or foam formula. Cleansing your face daily will remove impurities, excess oil, and makeup, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated and ready for the day's adventures!Try: Pevonia Clean Refresh 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. Multi-tasking moisturiser Traveling can take a toll on your skin, causing dryness and dullness. To combat this, opt for a moisturiser that will both hydrate and brighten your skin. Choose a lightweight formula, and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides and vitamin c to replenish moisture and keep your skin looking visibly radiant too.Try: Phytomer 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! Face & Eye compact Less is More When it comes to makeup while traveling. Remember simplicity is key. Pack versatile products that can create various looks with minimal effort. Opt for a compact eye and face palette with neutral shades to effortlessly transition from day to night.Try: ELES Cosmetics Custom PaletteJust as the name suggests this palette is fully customised which means you get to call the shots by selecting whichever product shades you want to insert, from a great selection outlined online. You need to pick a powder foundation, a blush and two eye shadows, all the products I live in (aside from my faithful mascara of course), and they come presented in a very sleek compact, perfect for on the go! What’s more the soft, powder formulas deliver rich, velvety, blendable colour that lasts all day and is good for your skin! 4-in-1 facial mist to refresh skin any time of day Whether you’ll be exploring your own city on a staycation, have a long-haul flight ahead of you, or intend to spend days by the beach, a facial mist will be your 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!Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid HydraMistAs 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.Bon voyage!

Makeup for the over 40’s: How to prep skin for a flawless finish

by Jo Boyden on Jun 15 2023

As we age, our once smooth and plump skin starts to dramatically change, we experience loss of elasticity, increased dryness, fine lines and wrinkles and age spots. Some of us even become more prone to blemishes and breakouts (eek!) But this doesn’t mean we can’t rock a stunning makeup look like we once did! It just means we need to change tactics. Preparing mature skin for makeup requires a somewhat different approach to ensure we can still achieve that much desired flawless and radiance look! Read on as we talk skin prep for the over 40’s, including tips and techniques to help keep makeup looking natural and fresh all day long! Start skin prep with a thorough cleanse Before you begin your makeup routine, it’s crucial that skin is cleansed thoroughly. You want to make sure any impurities, excess oil or residual makeup even, has been removed so that your makeup adheres to your skin better, and lasts longer! Look for a hydrating cleanser specifically designed to target ageing skin, or a gentle creamy cleanser if your skin tends to be on the more sensitive side.We highly recommend Pevonia’s Hydrating CleanserN.B remember regular exfoliation is also important as it can help promote cell turnover and improve the texture of mature skin. Exfoliate once or twice weekly with a gentle exfoliating cleanser. If you have sensitive skin and wish to steer clear of physical exfoliators (exfoliators with the “bits” in them) try a chemical of enzyme exfoliator.We can’t get enough of Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes Hydration, Hydration, Hydration If we are talking makeup application for the over 50’s (over 40’s even) the most imperative step in prepping skin, is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! For that flawless makeup finish we all want to achieve, you need to create the perfect canvas, and you can’t do that if your skin is patchy and parched (which sadly is a thing as we age). Invest in a high-quality serum and moisturiser that will nourish and plumps the skin. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides and antioxidants to boost hydration and combat signs of ageing. Using a gemstone facial roller be extremely beneficial too.Additionally, consider using a hydrating facial mist rich in hyaluronic acid to boost hydration levels throughout the day.We love Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist Don’t forget your sunscreen Next. it’s time for the sunscreen. No matter what your age, sunscreen is a non-negotiable! You can spend all the money in the world on skincare, but if you don’t use it in conjunction with sunscreen you may as well be pouring it down the drain!A great option for sunscreen for mature skin is ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day protection SPF 50. Primer is a must A primer can work wonders for mature skin by filling in fine lines and wrinkles, blurring imperfections, and ensuring longer-lasting makeup. In fact I’d safely save it will become your secret weapon when it comes to prepping mature skin for makeup. Look for a silicone-based primer that offers a smoothing effect without clogging pores. Apply it evenly to your face after moisturizing, focusing on areas prone to fine lines, such as around the eyes and mouth.We LOVE ELES’s range of face primers. For mature skin we highly recommend ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer Choose the Right Foundation Choosing the right foundation for mature skin can make a world of difference. You might well be a fan of matte foundations, but generally heavy matte formulas can settle into creases, accentuating dry patches and fine lines! As we age it’s better to opt for lightweight, hydrating foundations with a dewy or satin finish. Additionally, consider using a colour-correcting foundation to counteract any redness or discoloration like ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 (which has the added bonus of sunscreen!What’s more! For the month of June, when you purchase an ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 or best-selling Age-Defying BB Cream 30 you’ll receive a FREE Sheet Mask. Plus you get to choose from one of three sheet masks specifically designed to counteract ageing – Youth Recovery, Calming and Soothing or Hydrating and Brightening. Concealing and Highlighting A good concealer will be your best friend when it comes to camouflaging dark circles, ages spots or any areas of your face that needs that little bit of extra coverage. To address these issues, choose a creamy, hydrating concealer and make sure it matches your skin tone. Apply it sparingly with a small brush or your fingertips, gently blending it into the skin. Make sure you avoid any excessive tugging or pulling, as it can exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles.Try ELES Dual Action Concealer, you won’t be disappointed!N.B For a youthful, lifted effect, apply a light-reflecting concealer or highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes, brow bone, and cheekbones. Set Makeup with a Finishing Powder To prolong the longevity of your makeup without sacrificing the dewy finish, lightly dust a translucent powder only on areas prone to excess oil, such as the T-zone. Avoid applying it to drier areas, as it can accentuate fine lines. Use a fluffy brush for a light application, ensuring your skin retains its natural radiance.Try ELES NEW Translucent Powder Always add colour for that youthful healthy glow Another sign of ageing is a dull and uneven complexion! Cue the magic of a good blush and/or bronzer. Simple apply a subtle blush shade to the apples of your cheeks for that youthful flushed affect and lightly dust bronzer along your cheekbones and temples to add warmth and dimension.Choose shades that complement your skin tone and always remember less is more! Create mature eyes that pop For your eyes, keep it simple and elegant. Use neutral eyeshadows that enhance your natural beauty. Avoid heavy or overly shimmery shadows, as they can emphasize creases. A soft, smudged eyeliner and a few coats of mascara will define your eyes without overpowering them. Also line the inner rim of your lower lash line or waterline as it’s otherwise known with a white pencil a waterline liner! (We recommend ELES’s Waterline liner). By doing so it’ll immediately open up your eyes as well as make the whites of your eyes look whiter (synonymous with younger looking eyes!)For more on ageing eyes and the best tips and tricks to care for them click here. Complete the look with luscious lips As we age our lips loose their colour and get thinner and dryer too! so you’ll want to be armed with a good hydrating and volumizing lip product like ELES Velvet Satin Lipstick.Choose colours that flatter your complexion and make you feel happy and confident.Remember, the key to flawless makeup is not only the products you use but also the techniques you employ. Be gentle with your skin, blend your products seamlessly and never overdo your makeup.

9 tips for improving your skin’s elasticity

by Jo Boyden on May 24 2023

We are all on the constant quest for youthful and supple skin, after all who doesn’t want to look that little bit younger for a long as possible right? Unfortunately as we age our skin does naturally loose it’s elasticity though (which is what makes it look younger and firmer!) and while there is no stopping this from happening, after all ageing is inevitable, there are several things we can do to improve our skin’s elasticity, and prevent premature ageing. Keep reading as we reveal 9 steps you should follow daily.Firstly though, what exactly is elasticity?Elasticity is our skin’s ability to stretch and then literally bounce to its original shape. It’s what gives our skin that smooth, supple texture.When we’re young, our skin is naturally more elastic, but as we age our production of both elastin and collagen (the proteins responsible for skin elasticity) slows down. This can lead to skin sagging, wrinkles and loss of firmness!What causes our skin to prematurely lose elasticity?Collagen and Elastin begins to decline prematurely due to a number of factors. These include genetics, sun exposure, poor nutrition, pollution and smoking.The good news is that there are a few things you can do to improve your skin’s elasticity, keep reading… Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! And I’m talking the surface of your skin and the water you congest Staying hydrated is crucial for overall skin health, including its elasticity. Drinking enough water helps to keep your skin cells plump and hydrated, which in turn promotes elasticity. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges into your diet.As well as ingesting water to hydrate your skin you also want to hydrate skin topically! The best way to do this is to use skincare products such as moisturisers and serums rich in hydration hero hyaluronic acid! Hyaluronic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate skin to instantly deliver a supple, dewy complexion 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! For everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid and the best hyaluronic acid skincare products, click here. Use skin firming products If you’re worried about ageing and want to improve your skin’s elasticity you need to make sure that your skincare routine incorporates skincare ingredients such as elastin, collagen, peptides, and vitamin c.And we mustn’t forget retinol! Touted the “holy grail of the skincare world” retinol has been shown to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. You can find retinol in many skincare products, from creams to serums to prescription-strength options. Just be sure to start slowly and follow the instructions carefully, as retinol can be irritating to some people's skin.We can’t recommend more highly the Pevonia Micro Retinol collection. The collection utilizes a specialized technology to create micro-particles of retinol that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation and immediate results.Every product in the Micro Retinol Line contains all-natural micro-retinol®, sourced from green leafy vegetables, combined with a powerhouse duo of vitamin C and vitamin E. The addition of vitamins c and e not only ensures micro-retinol’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved.To find out more about the many benefits of retinol, how to use it and the best retinol products click here. Exfoliate Exfoliating has many benefits including removing dead skin cells, clearing up clogged pores, and rejuvenating flaky skin. After long-term exfoliating, it will help to increase collagen production, resulting in better skin elasticity and a minimized appearance of fine lines. Massage skin regularly Massaging your skin helps to stimulate blood flow and collagen production. Because it stimulates the facial muscles, a massage is like a mini-workout for your face. It engorges the muscles with blood to oxygenate the skin cells and gives “tone” to your muscles.Massage your face with your favourite moisturiser or try massaging with a night oil before bed. You can massage with your fingers or better still use a gemstone facial roller. You won’t regret it! Nourish your skin from within with a balanced diet What you put into your body reflects on your skin. Fact. To improve skin elasticity, focus on a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Include foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, avocado and nuts, as they help protect your skin from free radicals that can damage collagen and elastin fibres, crucial for maintaining elasticity! And try to avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, as they can contribute to inflammation and accelerate the aging process. Eek! Sun protection is key We can't stress this enough! Sun damage is one of THE biggest contributors to a loss in skin elasticity. Overexposure to the sun's rays can accelerate collagen breakdown, which leads to loss of skin elasticity and subsequent saggy skin - aghh Make sunscreen (with a broad spectrum of SPF 30 or higher) your best friend, and wear it every. single. day, come rain, hail or shine! Additionally, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to further shield your skin from sun damage. Get moving Exercise does wonders for your overall well-being, and it turns out, it's fantastic for your skin too! Engaging in regular physical activity boosts blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This increased circulation aids in collagen production and supports skin elasticity. So, find an activity you enjoy – whether it's jogging, dancing, or yoga – and make it a part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Get enough zzzz’s We all know that getting enough sleep is important for our overall health, but did you know it can also improve your skin's elasticity? During sleep, our body produces collagen and repairs any damage that's been done to our skin throughout the day. However when we are sleep deprived, our bodies produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that can actually break down collagen!It’s best to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night to give your skin the rest it needs, and consider sleeping on your back to prevent sleep lines and wrinkles caused by constant facial pressure on the pillow. However if you are a dedicated side or tummy sleeper you could invest in a good pillowcase made of silk or satin to reduce friction and prevent those creases while you sleep! Avoid smoking and try to limit alcohol consumption Smoking harms your skin and makes it more susceptible to wrinkles and age spots. Fact. This is because it damages collagen and elastin fibres, leading to accelerated skin ageing and reduced elasticity!So, if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your skin's health. Excessive alcohol consumption can also dehydrate the skin and contribute to premature aging. We aren’t saying quit alcohol, like smoking, moderation is what’s key, so try to limit your alcohol intake and balance it with an increased water consumption.Just remember improving your skin’s elasticity requires consistency! By following these steps and sticking to them daily you’ll notice a positive change to your skin’s texture and firmness in next to no time (it won’t happen overnight though!)

12 ways to shrink your enlarged pores

by Jo Boyden on May 12 2023

Struggling with large pores? Hate the way they can make your skin look dull and lead to blackheads and acne too!? You’re not alone! In fact many of us struggle with this daily skin concern, especially those of us with oily or combination skin. The great news is, there are a number of ways you can shrink the appearance of pore size as well as improve the overall appearance of your skin! Keep reading as we reveal 10 tips for minimizing the size of those pesky pores of yours, and enjoy smoother, clearer skin.Firstly though, why do you have enlarged pores? There are actually a number of causes when it comes to enlarged pores. These include; Genetics Some of us are more prone to having larger pores due to our genetics believe it or not (thanks parents!) Oily skin Excess oil production can lead to clogged pores, making pores appear larger. Age As we get older, our skin loses elasticity, which can cause pores to appear larger. Sun damage Exposure to the sun can cause skin damage, including enlarged pores. Poor skincare habits Not properly cleansing and exfoliating your skin can lead to buildup in your pores, causing them to enlarge. Hormonal changes Fluctuations in hormones, can cause the skin to produce more oil, leading to larger pores. How do you shrink enlarged pores? Keep your skin clean Keeping your skin cleansed is crucial to preventing clogged pores. When pores are clogged, they may appear larger or darker in colour, and swelling or inflammation may start to develop – eek! Be sure to use a gentle cleanser depending on your skin type. For example if your skin is oily, it’s best to opt for foaming cleansers, if your skin tends to be on the sensitive side, there are some amazing sensitive skin cream cleansers for that too! Use your cleanser twice daily to remove any excess oil, dirt and debris from your face.Remember harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing your pores to become larger! Make sure you have exfoliating products in your skincare routine Exfoliators are imperative! Their main purpose is after all to help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA’s) like salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid, and use one to two times a week to keep skin smooth and clear. We highly recommend Pevonia’s new ProCorrective Clear-Control Exfoliator. The name speaks for itself! It’s a superb dual-action cleanser and gentle exfoliant which literally clears skin by delivering a deep clearing of the pores, removing dead cells and surface impurities. Apply a clay mask weekly We all love a mask, a step in your skincare routine which shouldn’t be missed for a number of reasons, but when it comes to shrinking the appearance of pores, clay masks are a must! They can effectively help absorb excess oil and tighten pores by penetrating the epidermis removing stubborn dirt and grime that’s got stuck deep within your pores.Apply a clay mask once a week to help shrink your pores. We love Phytomer Radiance Reviving Mask with Clay. It combines 100% red and white clay with marine sugars and algae to instantly unclog pores as well as counteract dehydration, fatigue, dark spots and dull skin! Want visibly smaller, tighter pores, and radiant skin? This is a must! Use a toner Yes, we all cleanse our skin daily, we know that’s a rule of thumb, but how many of us actually tone our skin, after all what’s the point right? Well I’m here to tell you a toner can be a game changer, especially if you have enlarged pores or oily skin! A good toner can help remove any remaining dirt on your skin that your cleanser has missed and will also help tighten those pores of yours daily. We recommend Phytomer Oligomarine Flawless Skin Tonic. Introduce collagen into your skincare Collagen, the elixir of youth! Or otherwise professionally known as the protein our bodies produce to keep skin young and plump! The thing is as we age, our bodies ability to produce collagen starts to diminish, this in turn makes our pores become looser and larger looking! Eek. By introducing collagen into your skincare routine you can replace loss collagen, which will in turn smooth and tighten the skin making pores appear smaller. And by introducing collagen skincare from an early age (we are talking 20’s – 30’s) you can actually help prevent larger-looking pores caused by the loss of collagen from forming!Want to know why else you should introduce collagen into your skincare routine? Click here. Give retinol a go Retinol, the wonder ingredient that really does it all! From reducing the appearance of large pores by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production, to combatting premature fine lines and wrinkles, it’s really something we should all look to introducing into our daily skincare ritual, especially if we are over 40! Just be sure to introduce your retinol cream slowly though. Use at night, once or twice a week and gradually increase to nightly. Remember it’s best not to use retinol cream in the morning because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays, plus sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product. Also remember while you are using a retinol cream to be diligent about applying your sunscreen in the day (well you should be wearing it daily anyway!)To learn more about the many benefits of retinol click here. Wear sunscreen Sun damage doesn’t only mean fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity, sun damage can also make pores appear larger. Protect your skin from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above, and use it daily!! Use a pore-minimizing primer It can help you fill in your pores and create a smoother surface for your makeup.Try ELES Cosmetics Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s a game changer for those with large pores! It’s oil-free, perfectly lightweight and seems to combat shine almost instantly. It contains a natural Dermat Complex which enables it to absorb oil and effectively reduce pore size in one hit Genius. Avoid heavy makeup Yes, we all want to try and hide those pores, and while makeup might seem the only way, heavy foundations can actually clog your pores making them appear larger! Eek. When it comes to makeup opt for lighter, non-comedogenic products instead, and products ideal for combination to oily skin so it doesn’t slide off your face by mid-morning, revealing those enlarged pores we all love to hate! We can’t recommend mineral makeup enough. Packed with skin nurturing ingredients, mineral foundations enable skin to breath freely while concealing blemishes and large pores. Stay hydrated Drinking plenty of water believe it or not can reduce the appearance of pores! This is because hydrated skin equals plumped skin. Eat a healthy diet A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods can help keep your skin healthy and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to enlarged pores. use a pore perfecting moisturiser When it comes to large pores, the key is to choose a pore-minimizing moisturiser as they work by stimulating and plumping the collagen that surrounds pores.Yes it’s a thing! If you aren’t already using one, you simply must now. Formulated to quite literally refine pores for a smoother, flawless complexion free of shine you won’t believe the results. Our go-to is Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Refine Cream. It’s a mattifying treatment cream which radically reduces oil production and pore size, while providing long-lasting hydration at the same time. Just remember, keeping enlarged pores at bay requires a consistent skincare routine and healthy daily habits. By following these tips, you can (and will!) shrink those pores and improve the overall appearance of your skin in the process too!

The best makeup products for rosacea according to the BC Pros

by Jo Boyden on Apr 06 2023

If you are a long time sufferer of rosacea, have sensitive, reactive skin, or are prone to blemishes and breakouts, you could well be searching for the best makeup products to help conceal your complexion, however with so much information out there (some misinformation) it can be hard to know where to start, and we know too well, when it comes to rosacea and other skin sensitivities the last thing you’ll want to do is exacerbate your condition! The thing is rosacea, even though very common (in fact a recent study has shown that 415 million people may be suffering from rosacea worldwide!) can leave you feeling uncomfortable, frustrated, skin conscious and insecure. The great news is, as well as rosacea skincare, there are a number of makeup products for rosacea that will not only conceal facial redness, but actually help and repair you skin too! Keep reading as we reveal the best makeup products for rosacea, and while we might be biased, our customers swear by each product too! Firstly though there are a few things you need to know when it comes to the best makeup products for rosacea; If you have rosacea you’ll want to use makeup to cover up facial redness and any bumps and blemishes on your face. Look for makeup products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin and no not contain fragrances, preservatives or harsh chemicals. Mineral makeup is best! Formulated with skin loving ingredients and no chemical nasties, ELES Cosmetics has a range of mineral makeup must-have’s perfect for covering up skincare woes including rosacea. The products also allow skin to breath freely so no clogging pores and aggravating irritated skin! When it comes to rosacea, green-tinted products or colour correctors are a great go-to for cancelling out redness. Be aware of rosacea triggers which can cause unwanted facial redness such as spicy foods, hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine. Using the right makeup products will make a big difference in managing rosacea prone skin. Look for gentle, soothing products that aim to reduce redness and inflammation while concealing skin. Remember less is more when it comes to those with skin sensitivities and facial flareups. You don’t want to overdo it when it comes to layering your makeup products. Skin needs to breath and too many products can lead to further inflammation. The best makeup products to cover up facial redness and improve rosacea symptoms; ELES Luminous CC Cream 20CC Creams are designed to help correct skin discolouration. They contain pigments that can help neutralize redness creating a more even skin tone and reducing the appearance of rosacea.The ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 is a lightweight, oil-free colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection (essential as sun exposure can aggravate rosacea) that perfectly counteracts redness, so well so that you can get away without wearing any other makeup. Did I mention it’s formulated with skin soothing, nourishing and brightening ingredients too.“This cream is so light weight and just melts into the skin to colour match my complexion and even my red skin.” Madeleine Mortiss ELES Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationWhen you suffer from sensitive skin or a skin condition such as rosacea, wearing mineral makeup will stand your skin in good stead. Traditional makeup products may contain ingredients that can aggravate rosacea symptoms such as fragrances, preservatives and synthetic dyes. Mineral makeup on the other hand is gentle, non-irritating and can actually help improve the appearance of skin while minimising facial flare-ups.The bestselling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation is packed with skin loving ingredients and provides the perfect base for your face as it works wonders at camouflaging facial redness. It is also highly compatible with common skin sensitivities.“Eles liquid foundation is the most natural looking foundation I have ever tried. It matches by skin tone perfectly and feels comfortable on my skin. It does not dry my skin as other mineral foundations have done in the past and is safe to apply over eczema.” Katherine BarrELES Mineral Powder FoundationHighly compatible with common skin sensitivities, the lightweight powder easily adjusts from sheer to richer, more opaque coverage while effectively camouflaging imperfections.A brilliant foundation for rosacea, this mineral formula is breathable, protective, and heals skin conditions as you wear it. By using a unique aloe vera base, it soothes rosacea flare ups. The coverage lasts longer and feels lighter than other foundations, giving the impression that you are not wearing make-up.“The ELES Mineral Foundation Powder blends beautifully and provides excellent coverage. Feels light as a feather. I sponge a little extra over my blemishes - covers redness and uneven skin tone without the caked on feeling of foundation and/or concealer.: Rebecca Vaughan

Beauty Collective - healthy glowing skin

These are the dos and don’ts for achieving healthy, glowing skin

by Jo Boyden on Mar 23 2023

We all strive for flawless perfect skin, that beautifully youthful and healthy complexion free of blemishes, dark spots and other signs of ageing, but achieving truly healthy skin requires us to pay consistent care and attention to our skin’s needs, and we aren’t just about our morning skincare routine. There are in fact a multitude of steps we should be taking to help our skin daily. Here are the dos and don’ts to keeping skin looking and feeling great day in and day out. DO cleanse skin every day Cleansing skin is a MUST. In fact, cleansing is the most important step in your skincare routine. Cleansing helps to remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin sitting on your skin’s surface which can contribute to the development of skin problems like spots if left! Daily cleansing also helps to balance your skin’s pH levels which can prevent dryness and irritation. Cleansing will also help enhance product absorption! This means those products such as your moisturiser and serum will be able to penetrate your skin much more effectively and provide maximum benefits!To learn more about the importance of cleansing and how a great cleanser will improve your skin tenfold click here. DO hydrate your skin morning and night Everything we do always takes hydration out of our skin. Wearing makeup, applying cleansers, sweating, drinking alcohol, and the sun! all take moisture out of our skin so it’s super important to not only drink water but to use hydrating products daily too! Make sure you invest in quality hydrating moisturisers, serums and cleansers that will replenish skin with moisture and not dry it out more! And for extra efficiency and penetration of active ingredients remember to moisturise while your skin is still damp after your shower. DO apply sunscreen every. single. day. All year round. It’s easy to think why bother with sunscreen on days when it's a little overcast or raining even, but as I’ve preached many a time before, sunscreen isn’t just a summertime skincare product when it’s hot and the sky is blue, the sun is always there and has the ability to penetrate through those clouds no matter how thick they are!It’s important to remember that wearing sunscreen is THE best protection against skin ageing. Oh, and if you are staying indoors, and happen to work next to a window like me, the sun has the ability to penetrate through the glass to your skin too!And then there is the issue of blue light damage. To read all about it click here. But in short, just like the sun, your devices omit harmful ‘blue light’ rays, so it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect skin against them too! DO exercise regularly Exercising regularly is not only important for your body and overall health and wellbeing, it can also improve the health of your skin. Exercise improves blood circulation and oxygenation to the skin, which in turn helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working skin cells. So in short regular exercise will keep your skin more supple and youthful in appearance it also imparts a healthy glow! DO eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains Fruits and veggies contain powerful antioxidants which help protect our skin from free radical damage (triggered by smoke, pollution etc). When free radicals overpower our skin they trigger oxidative stress which can impact our skin presenting in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, dull, uneven skin tone, dark spots and skin sagging – eek! So make sure you eat that rainbow of fruits and veggies each day and keep premature skin ageing away! DO try to get 8 hours of sleep a night We don’t call it ‘beauty sleep’ for nothing! When we sleep our skin repairs itself, producing collagen and the more collagen produced means skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle! If we’re sleep-deprived, not only will we wake with dark under-eye circles and bags, but we are also more likely to experience skin irritation, dehydration, fine lines, and dare I say blemishes! Us adults need a minimum of 7 hours of restful slumber a night, 8 preferred! Just be sure you switch off any electronics an hour or so before a practice some relaxation techniques! DO drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day Water is essential for healthy skin. It flushes out toxins and helps maintain your skin’s elasticity (which keeps it looking younger!) Those who drink more water are less likely to suffer from premature ageing as those who drink little amounts of water daily!Drinking ample amounts of water also helps balance your skin’s oil and water content which in turn helps to prevent excess oil and sebum secretion (meaning fewer clogged pores and less chances of getting spots!)It’s important to remember though that our skin is the last of our organs to receive water and nutrients so plenty of it daily is a must! DO exfoliate your skin at least once a week even if it’s on the sensitive side Weekly exfoliation is a must to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. If the dead skin cells aren’t removed they can get trapped leading to clogged pores and unwanted spots. You might be afraid to exfoliate if your skin is on the sensitive side but that’s ok there are amazing sensitive skin exfoliators out there for you! You just need to steer clear of physical exfoliants and opt for gentle enzyme exfoliators that don’t contain granules. These earth-sourced ingredients essentially dissolve dead skin cells as opposed to physically scrubbing them off.For more on what to do when it comes to exfoliating sensitive skin click here. But DON’T over exfoliate your skin Over-exfoliating skin can strip it of natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. To learn more about the impact of over-exfoliated skin click here. DON’T overload your skin with products From cleansers to exfoliators, serums, moisturisers, masks, oils and more, it is easy to get carried away with skincare and believe that buying and applying all the products will be best for your skin! The problem is overloading it, particularly when you are using too many actives in your products can actually be detrimental and result in dryness, irritation and redness! Instead, listen to your skin! The best approach is to understand your own individual needs rather than just adding layers of products because you are under the misconception that using them all will deliver optimum skin results!Remember if you are prone to sensitive skin simplicity is key, if you have an oily complexion cleansing, toning and a light mattifying moisturiser can be enough, and if your skin tends to be on the dry side, then a serum, moisturiser, mist and face oil to lock moisture in will be beneficial.Also, if you are adding in new steps to your skincare routine, do so one product at a time so that your skin has time to adjust. DON’T overdo your makeup Who doesn’t love wearing a bit of makeup, it can totally transform the way we look and feel after all, but overdoing it is a no no. Not because it might look OTT but because of the effect it can have on your skin. Depending on your skin type, excessive makeup can clog your pores leading to breakouts. Plus the chemicals in some makeup products can dry out your skin leaving it looking dull, dehydrated and depleted. A solution is to use healthy makeup formulations packed with skin loving ingredients like mineral makeup. DON’T use hot water when washing your face or taking a shower Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and in turn cause excessive dryness. Instead, use lukewarm water. DON’T leave your makeup on when going to bed I’m sure we’ve ALL been guilty of going to bed with our makeup on once or even many a time! Especially when we are exhausted after the daily juggle, or perhaps have had one too many and ooh how that bed looks so inviting but removing the day's makeup and grime off your face is a must! In fact not cleansing before bed means your skin is unable to regenerate effectively while you sleep, so pores clog, blemishes become more apparent, and fatigue (ageing!) signs start to appear. DON’T drink too much alcohol Many of us might love a margarita with friends or that big glass of red of an evening but sadly excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate your skin and contribute to wrinkles and other skin issues, so try and limit your weekly alcohol consumption. DON’T smoke Smoking can accelerate the ageing process! It can damage collagen and elastin in your skin which leads to the formation of wrinkles and other signs of ageing. DON’T stress too much Stress can lead to skin problems like acne and eczema so managing stress levels through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing can be essential for skin health.

The biggest beauty trends for 2023 revealed

by Jo Boyden on Jan 20 2023

From cloud skin to cloudless skin, glass skin and skin slugging, we’ve seen a lot of beauty trends come and some go over the last few years, but now we’re bringing to you some of the latest beauty trends predicted to be all the rage this year! Read on as we reveal everything you need to know about the 2023 trends we are loving and are sure you will too! Ceramides to lead the tideIt’s not new, 2022 in fact saw an increase in ceramide rich skincare products, but this super ingredient, which has been the underdog until now, is predicted to hit a new high this year! Why? Because after years of exfoliating acids and anti-ageing retinol, it’s time to reduce skin sensitivities and build up our skin barrier, and ceramides do exactly this! They support a healthy barrier all whilst securing hydration to our skin. Plus, combining ceramides with other nourishing and skin nurturing ingredients such as fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, probiotics and niacinamide leads to intense hydration and optimum skin health.Try;[caption id="attachment_3555" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Ageless Skin Collagen Mask[/caption][caption id="attachment_4722" align="aligncenter" width="200"] CleanRefresh™ Foaming Cleanser[/caption][caption id="attachment_4497" align="aligncenter" width="180"] Pevonia Marine Collagen Cream[/caption]Hyper-glowing skinWhen is glowing skin not in? A look we all want to achieve on the daily I’m sure, however this year’s rendition sees glow-getting skincare coupled with the right highlighter to create almost mirror-like skin. Bronzers will take a small step back as the focus no longer falls on contouring, but high shine. It’s all about hydrating and brightening ingredients to create this much-loved trend. We’re talking skincare enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.Skincare & Makeup hybridsSkincare and makeup hybrids, otherwise known as ‘skincare makeup’ as we like to call it at BC, isn’t exactly new, but this year the industry is ramping up awareness as we focus heavily on skin health not just skin’s appearance. Makeup products are better than ever as they are designed to not only conceal imperfections but actually improve them too. 2023 will see us taking extra steps to protect our skin starting by allowing it to breathe freely even when wearing layers of makeup – makeup formulated with the best skincare ingredients from hyaluronic acid to vitamin c, collagen, ceramides and more!Try;[caption id="attachment_4108" align="aligncenter" width="250"] Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4068" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Retexturizing Face Primer[/caption][caption id="attachment_4686" align="aligncenter" width="250"] ELES Age-Defying BB Cream[/caption]Au Naturale / Barefaced beautyWho doesn’t love a natural look when you are using miracle makeup to hide those flaws! Well this year is predicted to see a big focus around barefaced beauty, not a new trend we know but this year’s interpretation is all about letting your skin breath freely but without having to go makeup free! Base makeup will see a shift from heavier matte foundations to tinted SPF’s, tinted moisturisers, and bb creams, enhanced by highlighters, blush and bronzer to sculpt and define features. Finish the look with subtle dewy lips.Try;[caption id="attachment_4363" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield[/caption][caption id="attachment_4587" align="aligncenter" width="200"] ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20[/caption][caption id="attachment_4747" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Vitaminic Concentrate[/caption]Vinyl lipsThis year sees the move away from matte mouths to satin, glossy and shiny luscious lips. We’re talking a level of gleam glam we haven’t seen before! Lips like latex in bold bright shades.Body beautifyingEverything we’re doing for our face, from masks to serums, exfoliation to sculpting, we’ll be doing for our body this year! it’s time to treat the skin on your body just as well as the skin on your face. We’ve moved further than a body lotion or oils, though to full body exfoliation, body contouring and body sculpting.[caption id="attachment_6184" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Phytomer Morpho Designer - Contouring Crystal Emulsion 150ml[/caption][caption id="attachment_6185" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Pevonia Stem Cells Body Corrector[/caption][caption id="attachment_6186" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Phytomer Celluli Night Coach Intensive Cellulite Sleeping Mask[/caption]

5 Makeup products you’ll need this smouldering, hot summer

by Jo Boyden on Dec 16 2022

Finally, after many months of indifferent weather, the sun is consistently shining, and the temperatures are arising! And while this might put a smile on many a face, the sizzling summer heat can also mean melting makeup! But no one wants their flawless face to have disappeared by lunchtime. Well fear not, by being armed with a few key makeup essentials, you can remain fresh faced from morning to night… ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer Finding that perfect primer and using it religiously is key when it comes to preventing your makeup from literally sliding off your face. Primers not only create a beautifully smooth canvas for your makeup to follow, they also have the ability to enhance the longevity and pigmentation of your makeup too – all while targeting concerns like oily or dry skin.Simply apply your primer after you’ve cleansed and moisturised your skin and prior to your foundation and you’ll be good to go all day long!We LOVE the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking flawless! Genius! ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 In the steamy summer months, it’s often we won’t want to wear much makeup, but the idea of forgoing our foundation all together is a no go! This is where BB Creams are the perfect solution! Thanks to their lightweight formulation they feel like you aren’t wearing makeup at all, but the coverage is smooth and flawless.We can’t get enough of the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30! One of ELES Cosmetics best sellers and for good reason, it’s a multi-tasking wonder cream which primes, protects, tints, nourishes and evens out skin tone for flawless, completely natural looking coverage. Sunscreen and foundation without feeling like you are wearing either. Yes please! ELES Mineral Powder Foundation The perfect product for any touch-ups, as well as eliminating shine, is a good powder compact and we love ELES’s Mineral Powder Foundation. Unlike other heavier powders which can clog pores and in turn, lead to excess oil production (no thanks!) the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation is a translucent formula which not only looks beautifully natural but allows the skin to breathe freely too. The particles in the powder tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine and what’s more, it’s formulated with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, so it’ll provide antioxidant protection as well as condition skin! ELES Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara Just as your makeup can slide off your face, so can your mascara! And no one likes looking in the mirror at the end of the day and seeing panda eyes staring right back! So a good smudge proof/water resistant mascara with staying power is a must! Try ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara. The ergonomic brush and fortifying formula coats lashes to quickly lengthen, curl, volumize and lock them into place for all day wear. The result is instantly impressive eyes with lashes that are lusciously conditioned and protected all day long! ELES Superwear Gel Liner And if you want your eyes to stand out that little bit more, couple ELES’s Lash Fortify Waterproof Mascara with a long lasting eye liner like ELES’s Superwear Gel Liner! It’s not only super smooth to apply thanks to its moisturising and hydrating ingredients, it’s also a long-wearing liner with intense colour pay-off! And It comes in 5 fabulous shades for eyes that pop, too!

AHAs, BHAs and your skin: Everything you need to know

by Jo Boyden on Dec 15 2022

If you are a lover of skincare, you’ve likely heard of AHA and BHAs, but do you know what it is they actually are, what they can do for your skin or what the difference between these exfoliating acids really are? Keep reading for everything you need to know about BHA, AHAs and your skin.What are AHAs and how do they work?AHAs, or otherwise known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, are water-soluble acids derived from fruits and plants. They’re considered a chemical exfoliant, which means that they use chemicals — aka acids or enzymes — to buff away dead skin cells. The most common AHA’s in skincare are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and malic acid and they are typically found in cleansers and exfoliators but can sometimes feature in masks, serums and moisturisers too!AHAs work by breaking down the ‘glue’ that binds dead skin cells to the skin. Because they have a large molecule size, they primarily work on the top layers of the skin, making them particularly beneficial for those with dry, dehydrated or hyperpigmented skin. By removing dead and dry skin cells, AHAs smooth skin texture, brighten skin tone, fade pigmentation, and can also reduce the chance of breakouts from occurring!What are BHA’s and how do they work?The most well-known BHA is salicylic acid – chances are you’ll have heard of this one if you have breakout-prone skin, since it’s found in many spot treatments.Like AHAs, BHAs also work by breaking down the ‘glue’ that binds dull, dead skin to the surface, however they work on a much deeper level than AHAs, penetrating deep into the pores, unclogging and removing dead skin cells, excess sebum and congestion. This is because BHAs are oil-soluble, making them an effective treatment for oily, breakout and acne-prone skin. Because BHAs can penetrate so deep, removing both dead skin cells and excess oil (which when combined can clog pores and lead to breakouts) they are an effective whitehead and blackhead buster. BHAs also act as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, so they work to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the redness and swelling of spots too.What is the difference between AHA’s and BHA’s?Although both of these ingredients are exfoliating acids and work to improve the appearance of skin by exfoliating it, they actually work in different ways. AHA’s work to break down the glue that holds dead skin cells together while BHA’s go deeper into the pores to remove dirt and oil.Are AHAs and BHAs good for all skin types?If you have oily and blemish prone skin, you’re best to choose skincare products formulated with BHA’s. If your skin tends to be on the dry, dehydrated side, AHA’s should be your go to.While these acids can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin, it’s important to remember that both AHAs and BHAs are active ingredients which (if overused) can impact your skin’s natural barrier, cause irritation, and increase skin’s UV sensitivity. For this reason, it’s essential to understand how to use acids properly, what to do if you over exfoliate your skin, and the best AHA and BHA skincare for your skin type.How to use AHA’s and BHA’s properlyAs with most skincare ingredients, especially exfoliants, AHAs and BHAs have their downsides, including possible sun sensitivity, peeling and itching, so you need to be sure not to overuse any products formulated with AHAs and BHA’s and be extra diligent about slathering on your sunscreen…daily, all year round!Before you incorporate AHA and/or BHA products into your daily skincare routine, you need to consider the other skincare products you are using, paying close attention to the ingredient list to avoid irritation since AHAs and BHA’s might not be compatible with them. It is best to steer clear of your retinol cream or serum on a day you are using AHA and BHA rich skincare as the combination may cause excessive skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness. On the other hand AHAs and BHAs can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, to get effective and long lasting results.AHAs and BHAs themselves can be combined. However AHAs such as glycolic acid, tend to be best for dry, dehydrated skin and surface-level skin concerns like acne scaring, whereas BHAs such as salicylic acid, are best for oily, blemish, and acne-prone skin types. You can use both by including skincare products which contain both ingredients, or by alternating your products. Try these AHA skincare favourites;Pevonia Renewing Glycocides CreamIf your skin is looking a tad dull and devitalised and you’re forever coveting that ‘insta-glow’, this product is your answer! Formulated with most renowned AHA glycolic acid combined with hydration hero Hyaluronic Acid, it works to dissolve dead skin cells, improving skin texture and diminishing fine lines too! Skin resurfaces soother, brighter and younger…seriously.Phytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining SerumThis lightweight, refining face serum formulated with a powerful AHA formulation, visibly reduces the appearances of imperfections. It diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots! Try these BHA skincare favourites;Medicalia Clarifying CleanserRich in BHA Salicylic Acid, this cleanser works quickly to eliminate toxins, impurities, surface bacteria, makeup and oil to reveal clearer, brighter skin. Pore size is also visibly reduced!Pevonia Clarifyl Spot TreatmentThis anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, soothing spot treatment combines the best ingredients to combat the war on pimples and provide exceptional, visible results almost overnight! Encouraging rapid healing, it keeps skin follicles clean, clear, and bacteria-free.

Which order should you apply your skincare?

by Jo Boyden on Nov 24 2022

With the ever-growing number of lotions and potions on the market from cleansers to toners, serums to oils, day to night creams and more, it’s no wonder there is confusion around which products are really necessary for our skin, let alone which order you should apply your skincare!Here’s the thing, we all have unique skin needs, dependant on our skin type and concern, so it’s important to create our own skincare ‘cocktail’ based on these specific needs! But if we use the wrong products (not everyone for example can tolerate AHA’s), pair two products together that are formulated with ingredients that don’t ‘gel’, or do not wear our skincare in the correct order, we just won’t see the results we are hoping for, or worse could wind up with blotchy, irritated skin instead. Eek.So to save time, stress and money! We have detailed below the exact order you should apply your skincare so you can get the most out of it! Along with what products and ingredients to use for your skin type and concern too! Cleanser Toner Serum Eye Cream Treatment (eg. Spot) Moisturiser Sunscreen (day) Face Oil (night) Step 1: CLEANSERCleansing daily is essential for skin health and the first step to layering skincare like a pro for optimum results. And despite conflicting views cleansing twice daily is imperative.Firstly, you need to cleanse at night to remove the days dirt, makeup and impurities. Then again in the morning to remove any excess oil and dead cells that are likely to have accumulated on your skin overnight. Without cleansing, your skin will be more prone to breakouts, dehydration, and premature aging. And remember you need a clean, oil and grime free face for all your skincare ingredients to properly absorb into your skin!At night opt for a cleansing oil that literally dissolves makeup (including waterproof!) without stripping your skin then follow with a gentle, creamy cleaner (which you should use in the morning too). For more information on cleansing and how it will improve your skin tenfold click here.Try;ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil - ideal for all skin types it will literally melt away makeup and impurities while maintaining a balanced, hydrated and smoothed complexion.Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk – If you love milky cleansers this is your one! Formulated for all skin types even those with super sensitive skin, it gently removes makeup and residue without disturbing the skin's protective barrier.Phytomer Oligopur Purifying Cleansing Gel – the perfect option for oily skin types this lightly foaming, velvety soft gel cleanser effectively eliminates impurities and excess sebum thoroughly cleansing and purifying the skin.Pevonia CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser – my everyday go to, this lightly foaming luxurious cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but especially recommended for dry skin! It’s lipid rich, alcohol-free and soap-free and feels a-mazing on the skin. Skin is actually clean, hydrated, softer and smoother after every use! Step 2: TONER (or lotion)Ah, the step that everyone skips, but a vital step in optimising the effect of your skincare! Essentially toners help to remove any excess dirt and traces of oil, balance the pH of your skin and prime your skin for ingredients that follow to be better absorbed!Try;Phytomer Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion – Perfect for all skin types this little gem ensures any left over signs of residual makeup or oil is completely removed.Phytomer Oligomarine Flawless Skin Tonic – perfect toner for oily, blemish-prone skin. Pevonia Hydrating Toner – Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Licorice, and Vitamin E, it works to hydrate, revive and fully refresh the skin. Great for anyone with worried about ageing, dehydration or devitalised skin.Medicalia Gentle Toner – wonderful for those prone to rosacea and sensitive skin. Step 3: SERUMSYou might be wondering if you really need a serum in your skincare routine, but I’m here to tell you why you definitely do!Serums are the heavy lifters when it comes to your skincare routine, they are essentially shots of extremely concentrated nutrients, hydrators and antioxidants that will really amp up your skin’s health as soon as you apply it. Serums actually tend to perform above and beyond many regular skincare products because they are formulated with a higher concentration of targeted active ingredients and have the ability to penetrate deeper into the dermis. So if you want your skin to live its best life don’t skip on the serum! To learn more about why you need a serum and the best anti-ageing serums for every skin type, click here.Try;Phytomer Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturising Polarized Water Serum - the ultimate thirst quencher for dehydrated and devitalised skin.Vie Collection Vita C Concentrated Solution – the best for serious skin brightening. Vitamin C promotes a healthy, radiant glow.Phytomer Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid – to diminish the appearance of blemishes and prevent future breakouts.Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate - For seriously sensitive skin that needs calming, soothing and strengthening. Step 4: EYE CAREUnfortunately, the delicate skin around our eyes is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, so this is not a step in your skincare routine that you should ever skip! In fact it’s essential we our eye area the same level of TLC as the rest of our face!This step needs to come before your moisturiser because thinner products can’t penetrate thicker products and eye care products tend to be lighter and thinner than moisturisers to compensate for the fragile eye area.Try;Phytomer Pionniere XMF Reset Eye Fluid – anti-ageing wonder cream, perfect for night-time.Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream – the best to combat eye ageing, dark circles and under eye puffiness.Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye Gel - formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C and skin saviours’ hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo biloba, this gel is perfect is cooling and soothing congested and puffy peepers.Step 5: MOISTURISERA moisturiser not only infuses your skin with hydration but also helps trap in all of the products underneath it to make the ingredients even more effective.In the morning opt for a lighter, gentle moisturiser that will nourish and hydrate skin but not feel heavy or greasy (after all who wants that!) Just make sure you let your moisturiser of choice sink in before applying makeup as you don’t want your makeup to slide off within an hour of application!Try;Phytomer Nutritionnelle Dry Skin Rescue Cream – this is a salvation for even the driest skin, bringing comfort, hydration and protection.Phytomer Oligopur Hydra Matifying Control Cream – ideal for oily, combination or acne-prone skin, this mattifying cream restores clear and perfectly moisturised skin.Pevonia RS2 Care Cream – perfectly soothing, calming and nourishing, this global best-selling cream for sensitive, rosacea and reactive skin types will render skin visibly calmed, soothed, and completely decongested.At night skin goes into repair and regeneration mode so your moisturiser should be packed with skin ingredients to benefit your skincare concerns like hyaluronic acid, lipids, proteins and retinol.Try;Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream – hydrating, nurturing and restorative, this anti-ageing night cream for all skin types is outstanding!Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser – while you should introduce retinol slowly, if you are worried about ageing, this is the ingredient your skin needs. This moisturiser will deeply hydrate, smooth, brighten and firm ageing skin. It’s idea for those with advanced signs of aging and sun damage exhibited by wrinkles, loose and sagging skin and uneven skin tone or dark spots. Really, it’s great for anyone who really want smoother, firmer skin and are not sensitive or acne-prone. Step 6: SUNSCREEN/FACE OILBy day go nowhere without applying your sunscreen, it’s literally your barrier of protection against free-radical damage, the no.1 cause of premature skin ageing!Try;Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield – perfect for all skin types, it’s light-textured, non-greasy, tinted and 'ocean/reef safe' and it delivers powerful sun and blue light protection whilst also combating skin-aging free radicals from UV and infrared radiation!At night you should always use a face oil – the very last step to your skincare routine. This is because the oil takes a while to penetrate and treat the skin, so applying it at night gives it time to do its job. Plus you wouldn’t want a face full of oil in the morning just when you want to apply your makeup!Try;Phytomer Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil – perfect for all skin types this face oil literally does as the bottle says. Enjoy softer, radiant and revitalised skin.Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate - Fast-absorbing, this soothing, silky anti-oxidant oil radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning. While these 6 steps include the basics for your daily skincare routine, you must not forget your exfoliator and face mask, to essentials steps to incorporate into your routine once or twice weekly as well!To find out more about the benefits of exfoliation and the best exfoliant for your skin click here. And for when and why you should use a face mask click here.

6 of the best christmas gift sets for every beauty lover

by Jo Boyden on Nov 10 2022

Finding the perfect Christmas gift when it comes to family and friends is no mean feat, especially with so many gift ideas out there! So instead of spending hours scrolling, why not just keep it simple and opt for a beauty gift set? The perfect idea for any beauty lover (which let’s face it is the majority of women!). Beauty gift sets not only provide an element of surprise and delight, they also have the ability to make the receiver look and feel a million dollars, especially when it’s filled with results driven professional beauty buys like the ones from Beauty Collective!From the best anti-ageing and hydration heroes to a complete line of must-haves for anyone suffering from sensitive skin, at Beauty Collective we have gift sets for skin type and concern! Plus, from full size products to best-selling travel sizes, the gift sets can be used at home as well as on the go! Perfect for the upcoming holiday season! Oh, and all gift sets come with free products too! But with so many options (29 gift sets to be precise!) it may be hard to decide which one to go for so to help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up our top 6...that said all of them are pretty fabulous! BEST FOR THIRSTY SKINPevonia Age Correction Collagen Gift SetThere is no better time for your loved ones (or you!) to try the sublime best-selling products from Pevonia’s Power Repair line. Formulated with marine collagen, elastin peptides and hyaluronic acid, each exquisite product in this gift set not only firms the contours and plumps out fine lines but they provide hours and hours of hydration for better skin health too! Oh, and their heavenly textures and gorgeous natural aromas are also a big bonus!Gift set includes; a FREE Hydrating Cleanser, a FREE Hydrating Toner, Hyalruonic Acid Hydra Serum, Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream (all products are full size)BEST FOR SENSTIVE SKINPevonia RS2 Rosacea Skin Essential Gift SetIf 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 RS2 Gentle Cleanser, a FREE RS2 Gentle Lotion, an RS2 Concentrate and an RS2 Care Skin Cream, all the products work together in perfect unison to effectively desensitize and decongest skin while also effectively relieving rosacea discomfort. Sore, red, or irritated skin no more! Result!BEST FOR FACE & EYE AGEINGVie Collection Chrono Lines Ritual Face & Eyes Gift SetDid somebody say you’ll look 10 years younger after using these products? We kid you not, this best-selling duo – Chrono Lines Ultra Smoothing Cream and Chrono-Eyes Puffiness Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream – in the perfect value for money christmas gift set is a force to be reckoned with! Tackling dehydration, signs of fatigue, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles and crows’ feet, skin will be rendered youthfully restored!BEST FOR ADVANCED AGEINGPevonia Caviar Luxury De-Ageing Gift SetGear up for the best year of your skin’s life with the opulent gift set from Pevonia. Packed with a luxurious array of caviar products including a FREE Myoxy Caviar Timeless Repair Cleanser, a FREE Myoxy Caviar Timeless Repair Lotion 120ml, a Myoxy Caviar Timeless Repair Serum and a Myoxy Caviar Timeless Repair Cream (all full sizes) this ultimate beauty gift set for those who deserve to be spoilt will counteract ageing like no other. Seriously.BEST VALUE FOR MONEYPhytomer Pionniere XMF Luxury Gift SetWith a staggering 65% discount this amazing value for money gift set includes three advanced anti-ageing Phytomer best-sellers – Pionniere XMF Rich Cleansing Cream, FREE Pionniere XMF Supreme Cream and FREE Pionniere XMF Radiance Retexturing Serum - known for their exceptional youth preserving properties! Instantly smooth and plump wrinkles for younger, healthier skin.BEST ALL ROUNDERPevonia Ultra Hydration Gift SetFast track to radiant skin with this skincare Christmas gift set packed with anti-ageing essentials including best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream, super hydrator Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum and a FREE Ageless Skin Collagen Mask (all 50ml) which work in synergy to ensure skin is beautifully nourished and treated day after day. What’s more, the products come in a fab little cosmetics bag for your convenience too.

Beauty Collective - Exfoliation and Sensitive Skin

Exfoliation and sensitive skin, here’s what to do

by Jo Boyden on Nov 04 2022

If you suffer from sensitive skin the idea of exfoliating might scare you. After all you don’t want to exacerbate your already irritated skin, right? The thing is exfoliation should be a crucial part of your regular skincare routine no matter what your skin type or concern. Why? Because it offers a multitude of benefits, from removing dulling dead skin cells, to preventing clogged pores, encouraging cell turnover (so those healthy, new cells can come through) and more! In fact, it’s the one step in your skincare routine which will really help reveal glowy, silky-soft skin! However, before exfoliating your face, you do need to know how often to exfoliate and what exfoliating products will be best suited to your sensitive skin. As experts in skincare, we are here to guide you. Keep reading as we discuss exfoliation and sensitive skin and what it is you should do. Which type of exfoliators are best for sensitive skin?There are three different types of exfoliants – physical (scrubs which contain beads or small grains to manually remove surface debris), chemical (acid exfoliants which chemically dissolve debris) and enzyme (plant or fruit derived exfoliants that generally breaks down the ‘glue’ that hold dead skin cells together shedding old cells).For sensitive skin its essential to avoid scrubbing, this will only irritate already reactive skin and can lead to facial redness. Instead use a mild chemical exfoliator, containing AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) such as citric, glycolic and lactic acid, or enzyme exfoliators. These earth-sourced ingredients essentially dissolve dead skin cells as opposed to physically scrubbing them off.Be a little more cautious with exfoliators formulated with BHA’s (beta hydroxy acids) such as salicylic acid. While salicylic is great for acne prone skin it can be too harsh for those this skin sensitivities. How often should you exfoliate if you have sensitive skin?Once a week is fine, if your skin can tolerate it, increasing to two times can be beneficial but don’t rush it! It’s important to be consistent and go slowly to avoid any additional irritation. After all over-exfoliating can compromise your skin’s natural protective barrier – the surface of your skin which has a protective layer of oils and lipids which helps lock in essential moisture and keeps irritants out! What are the best exfoliating products to use on sensitive skin?Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with natural enzymesWe highly recommend this very gentle enzyme exfoliant. Perfect for for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin types, it uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating skin.“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can’t use exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs…this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It’s the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sarah RPevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling CreamThis mini facial in a jar (literally) will do wonders for all skin types even the most sensitive of skin types. And no don’t let the word ‘peel’ put you off! It combines natural fruit pineapple and papaya enzymes with citric and to gently and effectively eliminate impurities, blackheads, dead cells and toxins and it’s so easy to use! Simply apply a thin layer to cleansed skin, wet your fingertips with warm water (this will help to ‘wake up’ the enzymes) and work the peeling cream with gentle massage movements into skin, leave on for 5 minutes and then thoroughly rinse away. Nothing makes skin feel cleaner, softer, smoother and brighter than this jar of goodness!! Trust me.“Absolutely the best product on the market. Perfect for all skin types and ages. Truly amazing. It’s gentle and effective, skin is left bright and soft.” Lisa W

Beauty Collective - youngest beauty products

These are the newest BC products we’re obsessed with

by Jo Boyden on Nov 04 2022

Whether you are a self-confessed makeup addict, a serious skincare lover, or are simply looking for that new must-have beauty buy, BC has it all! But with our huge range of skincare and makeup products it can be hard to know where to start!Well today we are talking all things new! Keep reading for our round up of BC’s latest launches, 5 products we are obsessing over and genuine game-changers that you should consider buying too!NEW ELES Sheet MasksSheet masks are an easy and effective way to provide your skin with an immediate, big boost of vitamins and moisture. They’re also a fun way to relax and pamper yourself at home! And these are just two of the many sheet mask benefits!The new ELES Sheet Masks comprise of three super effective masks for a number of skin specific needs – “calming and soothing”, “hydrating and brightening” and “youth recovery” (anti-ageing).The face-shaped, serum-soaked sheets - which come one to a pouch, are professional strength so they deliver so much more than a dose of moisture. Made with 100% pure cotton they are literally drenched with the highest percentage of natural, active ingredients on the market and deliver a cocktail of goodness to the skin. Just one application provides intense results like a complete facial treatment! So whether your skin is looking dehydrated and lacklustre, your sensitive skin could do with some serious loving or your worried about wrinkles, there is a sheet mask just for you!NEW Phytomer Oligo 6With 6 powerful vitamin, mineral and prebiotic booster ingredients, this product was always going to pack a punch and boy does it do just that! It is the ultimate go-to concentrate when it comes to reviving tried, dull skin. Thanks to its unique composition of vitamin c, provitamin B5, Vitamins B3 and E, Phytomer’s marine prebiotic complex and OLIGOMER® (seawater concentrate rich in minerals and trace elements), this gel like serum is able to revitalize and awaken the skin with more cellular energy than any other serum we’ve tried! What’s more it’s deeply moisturising so no more dry, devitalized skin! Oh, and did I mention the sea inspired scent? Heaven. Literally apply it to your face every morning and evening and let it work its magic.NEW ELES HD Translucent PowderAll hail translucent powders and this one is our favourite yet! Worn alone or as a final step for any makeup routine, a quick sweep of this powder can make all the difference to your skin and longer-lasting look!It’s a loose setting powder that doubles as a photo filter, blurring the appearance of pores, uneven texture and imperfections for an air-brushed, soft-focus effect on the skin. It provides sheer, natural coverage without any “caking” every time you apply, plus it reduces the appearance of shine too thanks to its formulation of 100% mineral silica powder, perfect for absorbing that unwanted excess oil! And that’s not all! Using silica topically will also improve skin’s elasticity, texture and hydration, reducing visible signs of ageing over time. Oh, and it’s vegan, gluten free, paraben free, sulphate free and talc free! Win, win, win in our books!NEW Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-MistMuch like its predecessor – Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum, this breakthrough beauty is a true hydration hero thanks to its high concentration of hyaluronic acid which literally binds moisture to skin cells instantly delivering suppled, dewy skin a matter of seconds and indeed does this product do just that! Often it takes time to see results when it comes to skincare, but with this product the results are almost instant – brighter, plumper, healthier skin fast! From the moment you spritz it, you can feel it going to work on your skin!As well as Hyaluronic Acid, it’s formulated with a blend of ultra-calming Chamomile, Aloe, Green Tea and aromatic essential oils too! Making this powerhouse product ideal for all skin types, especially dehydrated, irritated, and ageing skin!A true multi-tasker, it can be used; in the morning to revitalise your senses and replenish the moisture your skin has lost overnight applied after your makeup to set it in place for the day spritzed throughout the day to help your skin stay supple and fresh as the perfect pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little sluggish or as a toner to enhance your evening cleanse. What’s more it will actually improve the absorption of your serum and moisturiser optimising the benefits and overall results too!So, if you are after a product that does it all, with undeniably radiant skin as the end result, look no further than Pevonia’s New Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist, you won’t be disappointed I promise!NEW Phytomer Seatonic Stretchmark & Firming OilWhile stretch marks are synonymous with pregnant woman, they can actually happen to anyone at any time! In fact, stretch marks are completely normal, but if you’re looking to treat them or simply help prevent them from forming in the first place, this product is for you!This 2-in-1 treatment has been formulated with the lifting and regenerating benefits of marine and vegetal oils to both firm skin and fight stretch marks! It’s ultra-light dry oily texture leaves skin smoother and softer with a satiny finish while the heavenly scent of orange flower creates a multisensory experience! Day after day, your skin will look firmer and tighter (really!) while stretch marks will become less noticeable.

7 reasons you are suffering from sensitive skin and how to fix it

by Jo Boyden on Sep 02 2022

Whether you’ve always been prone to sensitive skin or have suddenly started to suffer from inflammation, we feel you. Unfortunately, a number of factors can affect our skin and lead to common skin sensitivities but there are steps you can take overcome this!From the weather and our environment to the water and what we eat, read on as we count down 7 sensitive skin triggers and the best products to counteract them! Firstly, though what is sensitive skin exactly?Contrary to popular belief sensitive skin isn’t actually a skin type. Unlike dry, normal, oily and combination skin, sensitive skin is not determined by how much sebum a person's skin produces, in fact those who have dry or oily skin types can also have sensitive skin! Sensitive skin instead refers to a range of conditions, from facial redness, rashes, broken capillaries and inflammation to burning sensations, itchiness and breakouts!And yes, you might be thinking that most people are likely to have at least some sort of skin reaction in their lives whether it be to a product or ingredient for example, those with persistent issues are classified as having sensitive skin. What are the triggers for sensitive skin? and the best way to treat it? The weather Harsh weather conditions be it low temperatures, strong winds and extreme heat can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier compromising our complexion as water escapes and irritants get in! Skin can look and feel irritated from redness and itchiness to inflammation.Solution: While we can’t change the weather (although often wish we could!) you can turn down the heating in the winter and lay of the air conditioning unit in the summer.Also inflamed skin needs calming, so look for products with soothing ingredients like calendula, chamomile aloe and azulene extract.Try; Pevonia’s Sensitive Skin Line. Comprising of a cleanser, lotion, moisturiser and serum, this best-selling collection effectively controls sensitivity, soothes skin irritation and diffusing redness. Over exposure to the sun Ten minutes in the sun and before you know it you are looking and feeling somewhat flushed in the face! This is because UV rays from the sun triggers oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin.Solution: Integrate abroad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher into your daily routine (yes that’s right daily, even in winter!) Fragrance-free and natural sunscreen formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are best, oh and wear a hat too!Try: Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, this smooth, tinted sunscreen contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light AND pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books! Taking hot (not warm) showers We all love a hot shower or indulgent bubble bath, especially on a cold winters night but this luxury can lead to taut, itchy, uncomfortable skin – all common signs of sensitivity.Solution: it’s simple enough switch to lukewarm water or at least turn the heat down! Always use a gentle cleanser and apply a nourishing moisturiser packed with ceramides as soon as you come out.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! Additives in skincare and cosmetics It doesn’t matter what you seem to put on your skin, it reacts! This is because people with sensitive skin typically have a much weaker, thinner and more easily damaged skin barrier making it easier for irritants to penetrate the skin and cause unwanted inflammation!Solution: Don’t overload your skin with multiple products or use skincare with harsh ingredients. Opt for gentle and hypoallergenic formulations specifically designed to address sensitive and reactive skin and always use mineral makeup as it contains no chemical nasties and will allow skin to breath freely.Try; Phytomer Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream. It’s an outstanding comforting cream with a beautifully light consistency which literally rescues skin by strengthening it’s protective barrier. It soothes, calms and comforts skin, conveniently remedying red patches. Alcohol You love a good glass of wine in the evening but have noticed every time you indulge you get a flush face and a rash even? This is because alcohol is a stimulant and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The sulphites used in wine are meant to preserve it, however exposure to sulphites induce a number of adverse reactions including the majority of common skin sensitivities.Solution: Buy preservative free alcohol. Yes, it’s a thing! And for every glass of wine consumed, drink two glasses of water! Specific foods Certain food choices can sadly lead it skin inflammation. It’s best to avoid foods such as peanuts, wheat, eggs, cow's milk, soy and shellfish which are among the most common culprits. The itchiness caused by these foods and subsequent scratching can then lead to flare-ups or worsening of sensitive skin symptoms!Solution: Make sure your daily diet is rich in foods such as anti-inflammatory asparagus, red onion, tomatoes, broccoli, berries, peppers, olives oil and avocado. Pollution Every day, our skin is in contact with atmospheric pollution and more specifically ozone and PM2.5, microscopic fine particles (basically soot). These pollutants can stick to the skin, and the smallest particles may even penetrate down to the epidermal cells causing oxidative stress. The result? people with sensitive skin suffering from inflammatory skin conditions are faced with further inflammation.Solution: Use pollution proof skincare!Try: Phytomer Citadine Citylife Face & Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. A combination of three marine sugars create the active ingredient, CITYSAFE®, to depollute, cleanse and oxygenate the skin. CITYSAFE®, along with blue and red algae’s and Phytomer’s patented seawater concentrate – Oligomer®, reset skin repairing damage caused by pollution. CITYLIFE not only sweeps away toxic micro particles but provides an ultra-moisturising facial experience too!

10 skincare mistakes you could be making and how to fix them

by Jo Boyden on Aug 19 2022

You’re a stickler when it comes to your skincare routine, you eat an antioxidant rich diet, drink plenty of water and make sure you exercise daily, yet still your skin is dull and lifeless, or perhaps you’re finding yourself constantly prone to pesky pimples, or dryness even? If this is you, chances are you could be doing a few things wrong when it comes to your skincare and believe me, you’d not be the first! Keep reading as we count down 10 common skincare mistakes you may well be making and how to fix them! You are overloading your skin From cleansers to exfoliators, serums, moisturisers, masks, oils and more, it is easy to get carried away with skincare and believe that buying and applying all the products will be best for your skin! The problem is overloading it, particularly when you are using too many actives in your products can actually be detrimental and result in dryness, irritation and redness!The fix: Listen to your skin! The best approach is to understand your own individual needs rather than just adding layers of products because you are under the misconception that using them all will deliver optimum skin results! Remember if you are prone to sensitive skin simplicity is key, if you have an oily complexion cleansing, toning and a light mattifying moisturiser can be enough, and if your skin tends to be on the dry side, then a serum, moisturiser, mist and face oil to lock moisture in will be beneficial.Also, if you are adding in new steps to your skincare routine, do so one product at a time so that your skin has time to adjust. You are using toxic ingredients You think you’ve invested in a moisturiser that will deliver beautifully bright and blemish free results but it’s actually packed with toxins that can irritate skin, leading to reactions and more! Sadly, the products you put on your skin aren’t always safe. So many skincare products are formulated with toxic ingredients including Parabens, Phthalates, Triclosan, chemical sunscreen filter and synthetic fragrance.The fix: Choose natural skincare products, they’ll contain zero toxic nasties and always be aware of what you are buying, don’t just fall for the marketing hype! You aren’t updating your skincare as your skin changes with age You might have been loyal to the same moisturiser for many years but sadly the skincare you’ve used in your 20’s really won’t cut it in your 30’s, 40’s and beyond. This is because as we age our skin’s needs dramatically change. Skin becomes thinner, drier, more sensitive, and loses elasticity as collagen and elastin start to deplete, while fine lines and wrinkles start to form.The fix: As you start to age look for anti-ageing skincare rich in ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin C. For more info on this read about the top 5 skincare ingredients as recommended by the experts and adjust your products accordingly. You are skipping your moisturiser because your skin is oily or prone to blemishes It’s that time of the month and a few pesky pimples have reared their ugly head, or you are often prone to adult acne or simply suffer from oily skin, so think it best to lay off the moisturiser which must be exacerbating the issue right? Wrong.The fix: While you are likely not alone in thinking lathering up on moisturiser seems counterproductive, everyone, no matter what your skin type or concern, needs to apply a moisturiser daily! This is because moisturiser maintains skin hydration throughout the day and therefore assists in fighting premature fine lines and wrinkles too. In fact, applying moisturiser will greatly reduce your chance of developing extreme dryness, skin sensitivity, or oiliness! Why? Dehydrated skin can lead to issues like inflammation, premature skin ageing, and even breakouts. When your skin becomes dry, your body responds by making more oil! And we all know excess oil can clog pores leading to more of those darn pesky pimples.When searching for the right moisturiser for your skin type they do tend to be categorised by skin concern so you just need to research and find the right one for your skin’s needs. Just be sure to opt for lighter moisturisers by day, especially in the warmer months, and richer creams at night.For oily skin types, we highly recommend Phytomer’s Oligopur Hydra Matifying Control Cream. It’s an ultra-light cream that controls oil and breakthrough shine throughout the day. No shine, no greasy feeling, no heaving feeling!If your skin is prone to pimples try Phytomer Acnipure Blemish Solution Fluid, it’s a lightweight gel-cream that fights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. It also helps eliminate shine, diminishes the appearance of blemishes, and prevents future breakouts!! You are over exfoliating or not exfoliating enough As we age our skin’s natural ability to shed dead cells declines, our pores can get clogged and skin can become uneven, dull, lacklustre and spotty even! This is why exfoliation is so imperative, and not a step that should be ignored even if you are prone to acne or suffer from sensitive skin!I’m not talking daily exfoliation though! Just once or twice a week depending on your skin type will suffice, as too much exfoliation can be counterproductive! This is because exfoliators, especially physical ones with granules or beads can damage the outer most layer of your skin when overused. One sign of over exfoliating is skin hypersensitivity. This can cause irritation, breakouts, and even a stinging feeling when you apply products! Eek.The fix: Understand your skin and choose your exfoliator accordingly. We highly recommend Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser for blemish prone skin. It combines soapwort, Triclosan, Grapefruit Oil, Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid with Jojoba to gently remove impurities and delivers an intense exfoliating and deep cleansing experience!If your skin is a little on the sensitive side, just be sure to opt for a super gentle formula – I LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. But if granules scare you, I also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. You are not wearing sunscreen daily, all year round It’s easy to think why bother with sunscreen if we are in the middle of winter but as I’ve preached many a time before, sunscreen isn’t just a summertime skincare product, it’s necessary to religiously wear it All. Year. Round. Why? Because it is THE best protection against skin ageing. Oh, and if you are staying indoors, and happen to work next to a window like me, the sun has the ability to penetrate the glass and your skin too!And then there is the issue of blue light damage. To read all about it click here. But in short, just like the sun, your devices omit harmful ‘blue light’ rays, so it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect skin against them too!The fix: Sunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide. A new favourite of mine is Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 30 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! You are taking daily hot showers and baths Who doesn’t love soaking in a boiling bubble bath or indulging in a long hot shower every evening? But do you know how detrimental this actually is for your skin? Hot showers and baths can actually inflame the skin, causing redness, itching, and even peeling. They also can disrupt the skin's natural balance of moisture, robbing you of the natural oils that keep skin healthy. Eek.The Fix: To keep skin happy, healthy and supple, reduce time spent in the shower or bath, keep water to a warm temperature and always apply moisturiser immediately after while skin is still damp. By doing so will prevent damage, dryness, irritation, and itchiness. You are not using your retinol cream correctly We all know retinol is THE no. one ingredient when it comes to combatting skin ageing. The hero ingredient multi tasks like no other. Known for its ability to empower and enhance skin cellular performance it dramatically improves fine lines and wrinkles while repairing sun-damaged and mature skin. It’s also a free radical fighter! Who wouldn’t want to introduce this multitasking miracle ingredient into their daily life! But you need to know how to use it! Using it incorrectly can unfortunately have ramifications.The fix: Because retinol is unstable when exposed to heat and light avoid using it in your morning skincare routine, instead apply before bed. I'll ntroduce it slowly. Apply it only at night, one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application. Also it’s best not to layer your retinol cream with other potent ingredients such as your acids. And finally, give the product time to work its magic. This could take a few months, but the results are worth it. We promise! To learn more about this anti-ageing wonder ingredient click here. You are mixing skincare ingredients that are no compatible I’m certain many of us will have mixed our skincare products without knowing that some ingredients do not complement each other, in fact some combinations can actually counteract each other! These ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, AHA’s and BHA’s are simply better suited on their own and can be detrimental to skin when mixed or layered leading to irritation, redness or just general lack of desired results! (Unless of course they’ve been carefully placed in the same product by the clever scientists!)The fix: Let your retinol, vitamin c, benzoyl peroxide, AHA’s and BHA’s be the star of their own show. This doesn’t mean you can’t use your retinol cream and your vitamin c serum! Just use the serum in the morning and your retinol cream at night!Also focus on the combinations that can be mixed! These include; Hyaluronic acid and most ingredients! SPF and vitamin c, AHA’s and BHA’s, vitamin c and vitamin e, retinol and SPF. You are not cleansing your face before bed I’m sure we’ve ALL been guilty of this once or many a time! Especially when we are exhausted after the daily juggle, or perhaps have had one too many and ooh how that bed looks so inviting but removing the days makeup and grime off your face is a must! In fact not cleansing before bed means your skin is unable to regenerate effectively while you sleep, pores clog, and fatigue (ageing!) signs start to appear.The fix: For a fantastic makeup remover which effectively melts away makeup and grime with minimum effort try Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover. Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, this ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast! And my absolute favourite cleanser at the moment is Pevonia’s new CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. Its oil formulation transforms into a luscious foamy cleanser on application when mixed with water and it leaves skin feeling fantastically refreshed and beautifully clean without the drying effects that other cleansers can leave. Plus its subtle scent is just heavenly. To read more about sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here.

Vitamin C and your skin: Everything you need to know

by Jo Boyden on Aug 12 2022

Ask 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, but that’s not all it does, the notorious glow-getter offers a multitude of other benefits too. Read on as we reveal everything you need to know about this antioxidant powerhouse and why it should be a staple in your daily skincare routine. Firstly though, what exactly is Vitamin C? In short Vitamin C is a nutrient that our body and skin cells need to function and stay healthy. It is a potent antioxidant (the best of the best!) that helps prevent cell damage caused by age-accelerating free radicals, (highly reactive molecules which are produced either from normal essential metabolic processes in our bodies, or from external sources such as pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, medication and industrial chemicals.) So, what exactly does this sought-after ingredient do for your skin? Free radicals can wreak havoc on our skin by harming healthy cells and promoting premature ageing! In fact, they are responsible for breaking down our skin's collagen, resulting in unflattering skin blemishes like wrinkling, dark spots, fine lines and loose, saggy skin.Antioxidants like Vitamin C, interact with and neutralize these free radicals preventing them from causing damage. The body makes some of the antioxidants that it uses to neutralize free radicals but topical antioxidants like Vitamin C dramatically help too! So, just as eating a diet rich in antioxidant food helps your body in fighting off free radicals, topical Vitamin C does the same for your skin by helping to offset daily aggressors like UV damage, air pollution exposure and other premature agers, stress even!But amazingly, this outstanding ingredient’s skin-saving benefits aren’t limited to its antioxidant status. It has plenty more going for it too!Vitamin C is also well known for boosting collagen (the protein hailed for keeping our skin supple and youthful!) through the process of collagen synthesis. In fact, collagen synthesis can’t happen without vitamin C! And although ccollagen is naturally present in our skin, as we age our natural collagen production dramatically slows! Vitamin C applied to the skin in the form of Vitamin C Serum can encourage new collagen to grow. It also helps maintain the collagen you do have and protects the precious protein from damage! Amazing stuff right?By adding vitamin C into your daily skincare routine will also make a noticeable difference to hyperpigmentation, dramatically reducing it in fact. Studies show that vitamin C helps inhibit melanin production — the pigment responsible for skin colour and the appearance of dark spots, this in turn reduces dullness and gives skin that youthful glow we all desire. And if you combine the best vitamin C skincare, such as Vitamin C Serums with your daily Sunscreen in the morning, you’ll be applying a powerful protective layer to help ward off the signs of ageing.Vitamin C skincare will also treat uneven skin, improving skin tone and texture. Plus, it’s an anti-inflammatory so will help reduce skin inflammation and redness too! When should you use vitamin c in your skincare routine? Free radical damage can occur throughout the day so it’s best to apply your Vitamin C serum in the morning. For best results, follow with sunscreen as this will give your skin the best antioxidant defence to protect it from pollutants and free radical damage which as we know can accelerate signs of ageing.When it comes to vitamin C serums apply them after cleansing and before your moisturiser and or SPF. Is Vitamin C safe to us with other active ingredients? The great news is, vitamin c can be safely used with other active ingredients, although using alongside niacinamide may make vitamin C less effective. Is vitamin c for everyone? Vitamin C is a versatile ingredient that can cater to different skin types depending on its formulation. For those with sensitive, reactive skin, certain forms of vitamin C can actually aggravate skin leading to dryness, peeling, and redness so you have to be careful about which products you use.Look for vitamin C serums formulated with a gentle derivative such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, these vitamin C forms are considered more stable and less irritating.So, if you suffer from hyperpigmentation or dark spots or if your skin is lacking life and needs some serious brightening, vitamin c should be your go-to. Here are our favourite Vitamin C products, adored by our customers too! Pevonia Vitamin C Complexe This Vitamin C Serum 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 Radiance Cleansing CreamThis rich, velvety cleanser literally melts on contact with your skin to gently cleanse and remove makeup, oil and impurities! Organic Orange water delivers vitamin C for skin radiance and optimal glow while Cyfolia Algae enhances the glow by providing a reflective effect! Like a burst of radiance to the complexion, skin is soft, supple and glowing after every cleanse!Vie Collection Photo C Bright Radiance MaskThis brilliant brightening mask delivers radiant skin by morning! It will help draw out any build-up of impurities, dirt and pollution, reduce the appearance of dull skin and increase the look of luminosity!Power packed with vitamin c, exfoliating papain, marine minerals and more we promise after the very first application an incredibly radiant and brightened skin appearance will be revealed!Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye GelInstantly say goodbye to dark, puffy eyes with this this nourishing and cooling eye gel formulated with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Ginkgo Biloba. The power trio combine to smooth wrinkles while effectively reducing dark circles and under eye puffiness and thanks to its delivery of decongesting benefits throughout the day, eyes remain beautifully refreshed and rejuvenated morning to night.

Look 10 years younger with these top 10 makeup tips

by Jo Boyden on Jul 07 2022

Ah makeup! My saving grace! Not only can it create the illusion of flawless skin, totally transform our appearance, cover up imperfections and boost our confidence, it can also take years off our face! You just need to arm yourself with the right makeup products and follow these top tips and we’ll have you looking 10 years younger in next to no time! Always moisturise your skin before applying your base I mean it’s a given, no matter what your skin type you should always moisturise your face every morning anyway, but applying a moisturiser before your makeup will not only hydrate your skin but also smooth your skin’s surface for a more even foundation application, and no one wants their makeup to look cakey! Oh! and if you have combination to dry skin, it’ll be next to impossible to create that perfect canvas for your foundation without moisturising first! Choose the right foundation You really can disguise the ageing process and look years younger with makeup, but you have to choose your products carefully. For example face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple (I have been I’m in love with the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation for years!) however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them, so it’s best to use powder sparingly – on your t-zone or as the perfect tool for quick touch ups.Foundations that have sheer to light coverage and a luminous finish will be your best choice especially for older skin or those concerned about fine lines and wrinkles. Dewy liquid foundations tend to be better than matte, also make sure the foundation is formulated with hydrating ingredients.I am a huge advocate for both the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint and ELES Cosmetics best-selling Age Defying BB Cream 30. It primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! What’s more, you’ll feel as though you aren’t even wearing makeup! Use a good under-eye concealer for an instant eye lift Concealer is another amazing staple in your beauty arsenal that can dramatically change your appearance. Used correctly, concealer can brighten a tired complexion, cover up any blemishes, conceal dark under-eye circles and have you looking bright-eyed in seconds! Therefore, to hide those dark circles and puffy tired eyes which can make us look and feel every bit of our age, ensure you are armed with a goood concealer! I’m currently obsessed with the ELES Dual Action Concealer. It honestly gives me an instant eye lift every morning! It’s packed with amazing anti-ageing and eye nurturing ingredients, and on application dark circles and puffiness literally diminish within seconds, oh and any blemishes I might have too! Just be sure to keep concealer from drawing attention to your wrinkles by applying it correctly and selecting the correct shade!Choose a shade that’s lighter than your natural skin tone as this will help brighten your under eye area. And 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. Blend well with a small makeup brush and then finish with a very light dusting of powder to set the concealer so it doesn’t crease. Apply a little bronzer We are all on a quest for that healthy youthful glow, especially in the winter months when it’s almost non-existent, but dusting copious amounts of bronzer all over our nose, chin, cheeks and forehead can play up fine lines and large pores as the powder sinks into them. The best (and the most flattering!) way is to apply your bronzer with a bronzer brush to the perimeter of your face in the shape of a number three. Start on your forehead near your temples and loop down to the tops of your cheekbones, then curve out and around again along your jaw. Illuminate your face with a highlighter Along with freshening up your complexion and giving it a gorgeous glow, highlighter can be used strategically to lift and contour your face, making it appear more youthful. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow. Try ELES Stick Illuminator. I personally can’t get enough of it! Always use a blush Just a few swipes of blush will not only add colour and depth to your cheeks but can make your entire complexion look healthier, and your skin more youthful. It adds an extra glow that bronzer and highlighter just can’t mimic. Just be sure to apply it correctly – use a blush brush and lift colour upwards towards your temple from the apple of your cheek. I’ve been using the ELES Baked Blush for years now and just love its pigmented colour, easy application and the healthy-looking finish it gives me. Keep eye makeup simple As we get older our collagen and elastin decreases and the skin around our delecate eye area tends to thin out and start to droop. Heavy or droopy lids can make eyes look tired so you want to keep eye makeup light but also create the illusion of depth in the lids. To do this brush a wash of light brown shadow into the creases of your eye lids and add a tough of light shimmer shadow to the inner corners of your eyes. Brighten eyes with a waterline eyeliner Investing in a waterline eyeliner will be a game changer for tired eyes. All you need to do is line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create brighter, younger looking eyes. Always use mascara It’s no secret that beautiful eyelashes make you look 10 times prettier, and younger! Curl your eyelashes (With a proper curl, lashes will look longer, thicker and fuller) and always apply lashings of mascara, by doing so eyes will appear larger and more awake, something that is synonymous with youth! Fake full brows Just as the hair on our heads can thin with age, so do our eyebrows! The thing is your brows can completely change how your face looks, and fuller, well shaped brows will add immediate dimension and help to sculpt the face making you look younger and more awake!Actually, filling in your eyebrows from the top of the brow and elongating it gives eyes a more youthful look. Just be sure you don’t overfill the front part of your brow though! This area should have soft hair that graduates into more density. If you overfill this area you can make your eye brows look way too harsh.For longevity it’s best to build up your brows with a combo of brow pencil then set with a powder shadow one shade lighter than brows. Try ELES Precision Brow Pencil and ELES Brow Sculpt. Read more on how to create perfect brows.And for a bonus tip always add a pop of colour to your pout! As we age our lips get drier and thinner. By using a lipliner you can add definition to lips, then follow with a sweep of hydrating lip balm like the ELES Colour Balm as this can make your lips appear plumper and give them a youthful fullness we all desire!

Beauty Collective - younger looking skin

14 steps to youthful skin

by Jo Boyden on Jun 23 2022

We are all on the quest to look forever young, after all why would we invest so much in our daily appearance? But what exactly is the secret to younger looking skin? And no, I’m not talking about the likes of cosmetic surgery or Botox injections, I mean skin that ages naturally and slowly like fine wine….While ageing is inevitable there are a number of steps we can take to keep our skin looking younger, longer! We asked the experts at BC what they are. Read on as we reveal their answers. Invest in a collagen cream stat As we get older, our skin loses its perky plumpness! This is because the collagen that forms in our dermis and keeps our skin youthful starts to diminish! This ‘fountain of youth’ as it’s fondly referred to, therefore needs to be replenished!Taking collagen supplements as well as investing in a good collagen cream will help! They can improve skin elasticity, reduce visible wrinkles, and increase blood flow to the skin!The problem is applying collagen topically is easier said than done. The collagen molecule can’t actually penetrate our skin unless you choose a product with collagen amino acids that are small enough to get to the deeper layer of the dermis to deliver that plumping effect. Cue Pevonia’s best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. Personally, I can’t get enough of it! I swear this jar of anti-ageing goodness has hugely benefited my skin over the years keeping it soft, supple and firm! Give retinol a go Retinol – hailed as the Holy Grail of the skincare world and for very good reason, counteracts ageing like no other! A derivative of Vitamin A, this ‘superhero’ ingredient offers a multitude of benefits including boosting collagen production and erasing dark spots. It can also increase your cell turnover rate making cells function like that of a child! Amazing right? I couldn’t recommend this ingredient more but you do need to be sure to understand how and when to use it first! And which retinol product will be right for you according to your skin type.Try; Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Moisturiser and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about! For those with advanced signs of ageing – wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, and uneven skin tone or dark spots, it will be your go-to night cream! 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!As well as applying your collagen moisturiser and retinol cream, ensuring you use a serum formulated with one of the top 5 skincare ingredients will also stand you in good stead! Ensure your daily diet includes lots of anti-oxidant rich foods Antioxidants are SO important when it comes to protecting our DNA from damage – they are the last line of defence against premature ageing. Thankfully our bodies produce antioxidants on their own, but we can definitely strengthen our protection against ageing by eating an antioxidant-rich diet. Multiple studies show that a diet rich in antioxidants can help keep your skin healthy, your immune system strong, your digestive system working smoothly and can also help you look and feel younger longer. Yassssss!Anti-oxidant Vitamin C, as well as amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body (both which we know are very important for the skin) essential fatty acids and foods rich in sulphur are also imperative!So what foods do we need to consume to help our skin stay younger, longer? Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C. Foods rich in sulphur include beans, cabbage and garlic and foods high in essential fatty acids are salmon, tuna, flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts, plus your everyday staples such as eggs, carrots, avocado and also soy! Yum! Wear sunscreen daily, all year round Surely by now, we all know that the NO. 1 cause of premature skin aging is sun exposure! This is why one of the most important things we can do to slow down premature skin aging is to diligently protect our skin from said sun! Using products with SPF is imperative, not only will it prevent awful sun burn, it’ll also slow down the development of brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles!Fortunately, there is a myriad of products out there with SPF, from sunscreen to daily moisturisers, foundations and more, and many are now formulated to work with specific skin types, so if you are a sensitive skin sufferer and the idea of slathering on sunscreen scares you, worry no more! Here at BC we have a few firm favourites;Foundation – ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15Daily moisturiser – ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50Sunscreen face & body – Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield Don’t forget to look after your neck, chest and hands! While most of us don't forget to look after our face, we often neglect our neck, chest and hands! Even if our face looks young, an aged neck, chest and hands will reveal our real age so it’s time to get serious about these delicate areas!Firstly, be sure you apply sunscreen to the back of your hands and then moisturise them as you would your face daily. Try Phytomer’s Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream.Same goes with your neck and chest. After all, you want to avoid turkey neck the most obvious sign of ageing in that area! Cleanse correctly On the quest for a clear, youthful complexion cleansing is a must. But cleansing with conventional, harsh products can simply dry out skin which will age you! Worse, it can make skin over-produce oil so you could be hit with rather a few pesky pimples too!! Teenage acne? No thanks.So be sure to use a cleanser specific to your skin type. Beauty Collective has a myriad of cleansers for every skin type and concern so get searching! Make sure you exfoliate A good weekly exfoliation is key to preventing dry, dull skin which lacks youthful luminosity. Exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells and reveal a fresh glowy complexion.If your skin is a little on the sensitive side, exfoliation is still important just be sure to opt for a super gentle formula – we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. But if granules scare you, we also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. Give yourself a daily facial massage Facial massage stimulates blood circulation, cell growth and collagen production as well as strengthening muscle memory! It helps in the prevention of fine lines and new wrinkle formation, while at the same time tightening the skin and making it plumper! And there is more! To learn more about the benefits of facial massage click here.Not sure where to start when it comes to facial massage? Look no further. For a step by step simply click here.You can use your fingers or invest in a facial roller which offers a multitude of more benefits!If you opt for a roller here’s how;1) Before you reach for your roller, cleanse and then prep your skin applying your serums and oils. Just be sure not to rub it in completely so that the jade roller can get to work.2) Simply roll outwards and slightly upwards on your face and neck. This is a great treatment to do with a serum or as a final step with your facial oil.And for the month of June, 2022, when you purchase a Pevonia Facial oil on BC you’ll receive a Gemstone Jade Facial Roller for FREE Drink your 8 glasses of water a day Drinking enough water, a day will not only do amazing things for your overall health, it’ll benefit your skin too!Dehydration can sap your skin of moisture and elasticity, leading to sagginess, dryness, and wrinkles, whereas hydrated skin equals plumper skin and plump skin helps hides current signs of ageing so that any wrinkles you already have are minimised! Win, win!And yes, I know we all have days where we don’t drink the necessary amount. The thing is when I don’t, I feel it! I’m tried and sluggish and my skin appears that way too! This is because drinking those 8 glasses or 2 litres of water helps the body to flush out toxins while increasing blood flow to the skin which gives it an even tone and dewy appearance not the dull, devilised skin we all don’t want! Oh and supple, dewy skin equals youthful skin right?If you aren’t a huge fan of water, herbal tea counts!! Get onto it and reap the benefits! Look after your lips Often overlooked, lips can really show your age so it’s important to show them as much love as you would your skin. This means applying a lip cream daily. We are huge advocates for Pevonia’s LipRenew Plump & De-Age treatment which deeply moisturises and volumises the lips, blurs imperfections, and, unlike other lip plumpers, also smooths the surrounding skin folds, lines and wrinkles!We also recommend using a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture and get lips lipstick ready, after all applying lipstick to dry, chapped lips is a definite no no, as your lipstick won’t apply evenly, it’ll seep into any lip lines making your lips appear even more dry than they already are. Choose the right foundation You really can disguise the ageing process and look years younger with makeup, but you have to choose carefully. For example face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple (I have been I’m in love with the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation for years!) however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them, so it’s best to use powder sparingly – on your t-zone or as the perfect tool for touch ups.A hydrating or satin-finish liquid foundation will be your best choice, especially as skin gets drier with age. Choose a formula that has hydrating ingredients. Foundations that have sheer coverage and dewy luminous foundations will be your best youth enhancing options especially for those concerned about lines and wrinkles.I am a huge advocate for both the ELES Mineral Sheer Tint and ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 but if you do love a slightly more matte finish the best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 will be your go-to. Illuminate your face with a highlighter As well as giving your skin a lovely glow, highlighter can be used strategically to lift and contour the face, making it look more youthful.Apply it to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow. Try ELES Stick Illuminator. I personally can’t get enough of it! Never go to bed with makeup on I’ve sure we’ve all been guilty of this one in our time! From a few too many wines to being just plain old exhausted, sometimes it hard to peel yourself off your bed to go and remove your makeup but remove your makeup you must!Cleansing your face especially at night to remove not only your makeup but any remnants of the days sweat, dirt and grime is imperative for healthy skin. Not removing your makeup means your skin is unable to regenerate effectively while you sleep, pores clog, and fatigue (ageing!) signs start to appear. For a fantastic makeup remover which effectively melts away makeup and grime with minimum effort try Phytomer’s Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover. Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, this ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast!To read more about sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here. Go to sleep early and get 8 hours of slumber a night! Getting enough sleep comes with plenty of benefits - improved mood, better concentration and healthier, happier skin to name but a few! Research also suggests that people who go to bed earlier enjoy longer, better quality sleep and better quality sleep equals better skin! Why? Because while we sleep our skin goes into repair mode. Skin cells regenerate, our skin’s blood flow increases, it rebuilds its collagen (which as we know is essential for youthful skin) and repairs damage from any UV exposure.Late nights and lack of sleep on the other hand can show on your skin in fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, swollen or droopy eyelids and dark under eye circles. It can also contribute to acne. Eek. So we need to think of sleep as an essential step in our daily skincare routine. And we know, no one is choosing to be sleep deprived, the stresses of everyday life can seriously prevent us from getting the amount of sleep we crave, but if it’s possible to try and get our heads down at a reasonable time (I’m talking to myself here too!) and stick to it nightly, it’ll improve quality of sleep and in turn have a positive impact on our complexion too!For more information on what really happens to your skin while your sleep, click here.

6 makeup essentials you need this winter

by Jo Boyden on Jun 16 2022

Even though we’ve been blessed with days of blue skies and sunshine these last few weeks, it doesn’t take away from the cold of winter and the havoc this season can play on our skin! Many of us will have noticed a change in our complexions of late! Why? Because with winter comes dull, devitalised skin thanks to both internal and external factors! And yes, while it’s time to make some serious changes with our skincare routine you’ll want to up the ante when it comes to your makeup choices too!Read on a we reveal our top 6 makeup must-haves this winter - nourishing and brightening products suitable for all! THE FOUNDATION - ELES Age Defying BB Cream 20If your skin is dull and lacking life you want to choose a foundation with hydrating and skin brightening benefits. After all your foundation should enhance your complexion, not mask it. This winter change up your foundation for one formulated with hyaluronic and Vitamin A, these key ingredients will help skin appear more hydrated, plumped and healthy!ELES Cosmetics range of foundations are all formulated with these skin boosting ingredients but for dreary devitalised skin a sheer or satin-finish foundation will be your best bet, especially as skin tends to be drier in the cooler, winter months! The ELES Age Defying BB Cream 20 is a multi-tasking miracle! It literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects, blurs and evens out your skin tone for a truly, natural, flawless finish. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients over time it helps 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 oh and it provides skin with the necessary sun protection which is just as imperative in the cooler winter months!THE COVER-UP - ELES Liquid ConcealerTo hide those dark circles, puffy tired eyes and pesky blemishes, ensure you are armed with a fabulous concealer! We are particularly loving the ELES Liquid Concealer this season. Not only is it rich in Vitamins C & E to condition, brighten and protect the skin, it instantly conceals the appearance of darkness and imperfections with one swipe! Oh, and the advanced formula provides a supple, comfortable finish for a more unified skin tone that wears for up to 8 hours.THE BRONZER – ELES Bronzer in Rio De JaneiroWe are all on a quest for that healthy youthful glow, especially in the winter months when it’s almost non-existent, so a bronzer is paramount!While at Beauty Collective we have a few fabulous bronzers we highly recommend you use the ELES Bronzer Rio De Janeiro. It’s formulated with micro-fine minerals which honestly deliver a sheer, healthy, bronzed finish every time! Plus, while you’re wearing it, you know it’s doing you skin good since the vitamins A, C & E are antioxidant vitamins that help to protect cells from free radical damage.Just remember though, dusting copious amounts of bronzer all over our nose, chin, cheeks and forehead can play up fine lines and large pores as the powder sinks into them. The best way (and the most flattering!) is to apply your bronzer with a bronzer brush to the perimeter of your face in the shape of a number three. Start on your forehead near your temples and loop down to the tops of your cheekbones, then curve out and around again along your jaw. THE BLUSH - ELES Baked BlushJust a few swipes of blush will not only add colour and depth to your cheeks but can make your entire complexion look healthier, and your skin more youthful. It adds an extra glow that bronzer and highlighter just can’t mimic. For winter (and all year round really!) we highly recommend the ELES Baked Blush in a shade of your preference – my current favourite is Posey. It adds instant radiance to your cheeks thanks to its highly pigmented formula. Plus, it’s silky smooth and super nourishing, great for dull, dehydrated skin types!Just be sure to apply it correctly – use a Blush Brush and lift colour upwards towards your temple from the apple of your cheek.THE HIGHLIGHTER – ELES Stick IlluminatorIf your skin is dull, you’ll need a little dose of liquid glow in the shape of an illuminator or highlighter! The ELES Stick Illuminator is our go-to. Simply apply to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones and Cupid’s bow for a natural glow that will leave you looking rejuvenated and refreshed. Also, it’s formulated with aloe to help soothe and condition skin and antioxidant Vitamins C & E that help to protect cells from free radical damage. Perfect! THE FINISHING POWDER – Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused LightIf you’re looking for a miracle makeup item that can transform skin from dull to deliciously radiant in a matter of seconds, look no further! The ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light acts like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow” in seconds! The microfine powder’s jet milled pigments bring a soft-focus finish for a blurring effect over imperfections and fine lines. Incredibly light, it never gets chalky, weighs down the skin or even looks like your wearing powder, yet keeps any shine at bay. And all you have to do is apply your morning skincare, then simply dust a light layer all over your face with a makeup brush and watch your skin truly transform.We are all on a quest for that healthy youthful glow, especially in the winter months when it’s almost non-existent, well boy does this product deliver!

10 reasons your skin is dehydrated and how to fix it

by Jo Boyden on Jun 09 2022

Winter, darn winter! Unfortunately, it’s the time of year that your skin can look and feel seriously parched. We’re talking tighter, drier, duller, shiner or just plain devitalized. If that sounds like you, chances are your skin is simply dehydrated and in need of some serious moisture boosting love! And let’s not forget, even those with naturally oily skin can be suffering from dehydration too! After all just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean you are immune to external factors and lifestyle choices that deplete your skin’s water content. Dehydration is in fact characterised by a lack of water not oil!Luckily dehydrated skin can be relieved with a combination of lifestyle changes and topical treatments. Below are 10 reasons you could be battling dehydrated skin and our recommendations for how to fix it. You aren’t drinking your 8 glasses of water a day! Yes, we all know that the number one way to counteract dehydration is to drink plenty of water! But there is the when and the how! This water intake actually needs to commence as soon as you awaken from blissful slumber! It is suggested that drinking approximately 2 glasses of water first thing is hands down the most ideal way to bring back your hydration levels, after all you’ve not replenished fluid levels for a number of hours over night and make sure you drink at least 8 glasses a day. You aren’t getting enough ‘quality’ sleep Remember this as you will! Poor sleep leads to dehydration, dehydration causes poor sleep. Eek we have ourselves a vicious cycle here. Firstly, before bed, prise that mobile phone out of your fingers (sooo guilty here!) and put it down! I don’t need to tell you the impact screen time has on your skin, secondly drink a glass of water prior to sleep, yes you may think bad idea as surely you’ll be up in the night stumbling to the bathroom but believe me your skin (and all other vital organs) will lap up that glass of water and you’ll be able to notice the difference in the morning! Finally turn off the light and get that precious shut eye as apparently those that sleep for an average of six hours a night are up to 59% more likely to be dehydrated that someone who sleeps for say 8 hours. That’ll be me then. Pass me a glass of water someone! You’re consuming too much caffeine & alcohol I’m not saying go cold turkey or anything as like me I love a good cuppa and won’t say no to a glass of vino in an evening, but if dehydration could be something you are suffering from, significantly reducing your intake of both caffeine and alcohol will dramatically benefit your skin. Instead enjoy a cup of herbal tea or a fruit juice!Oh and for every coffee or alcoholic beverage you do indulge in, be sure to drink a glass of water too! You aren’t using the right skincare products Unfortunately, your skin is the last part of your body to receive hydration from water, so it’s important to provide hydration from the outside as well!One of the best ways to achieve this is with a topical treatment to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.The best ingredient to beat dehydration is hyaluronic acid. a) Use A Hyaluronic Acid SerumUsing a serum containing hyaluronic acid is the quickest way to deliver moisture to a thirsty complexion as serums are quickly and deeply absorbed into the skin. Plus, Hyaluronic acid is the number one go to ingredient for effectively replenishing dehydrated skin, it delivers a burst of moisture thanks to its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in hydration! It helps bind and retain moisture and draws moisture from the air to the skin plumping and rehydrating skin cells from inside out. Amazing stuff right? Well we are in love with the Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. This hydration hero is worth its weight in gold. Just a few drops of the super serum will not only help to rejuvenate skin cells but will bind any moisturiser you apply on top like a magnet too!Featuring one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Hibiscus Esculentus extract, it delivers immediate skin soothing results and deep hydration. Plus it quite literally blasts even the most dehydrated of complexions with a surge of moisture, maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. b) Wear a rich, hydrating moisturiser morning and night Moisturising is paramount no matter what your skin type. To battle dehydration we highly recommend both the Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream which is rich in both Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen the perfect combination to replenish devitalised skin. As well as the Phytomer Hydrasea Night Plumping Rich Cream, which provides optimum skin hydration during the night. From the very first use, the skin appears drenched in moisture!c) Apply a nourishing face oil before bedWe all naturally lose moisture while we sleep so using a nourishing face oil prior to bed will stand your skin in good stead! Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate should be your go-to every evening! It’s a dream come true! With its amazing mandarin aroma and rich formulation of vitamin A and E, it drenches skin in antioxidant goodness and hydration, locking in moisture that says! This means you’ll wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin every morning, we promise!d) Don’t use harsh face Scrub but do exfoliate!As dead skin builds up, it can diminish the absorption of important skincare essentials like your serum and moisturiser, exfoliation is therefore an important skincare step in aiding the recovery of dehydrated skin, however be sure to use a gentle exfoliating cleanser and once or twice a week only. You’re showering with water that is way too hot! Hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils fact! and those natural oils are what protect your skin against water loss by forming a barrier. Eek.Believe me I love me a hot bath or shower! Especially on a cold morning or evening, but you will thank me by telling you to turn down that heat and opt for a more lukewarm temp. Your daily diet needs adjusting We already know that what you eat can impact your skin but did you know that our skin is reliant on essential fatty acids like oily fish, nuts, and fresh green veggies to battle dehydration? In addition to nourishing the skin, essential fatty acids also form part of the acid mantle which is the skins protective barrier against environmental damage. They keep the cells moist and reduce the amount of transepidermal water loss giving the appearance of plump skin!In general, when you consume foods that are high in water you can help to add hydration to your skin too! Fruits such as watermelon can increase the level of moisture in your skin. Your heating/air conditioning As much as many of us have become reliant on heating in winter or air con in the warmer months, both can dramatically disrupt the natural moisture balance in your skin. Now while it’s highly unlikely we’d be prepared to suffer the consequence of not turning the heating on, brrrrr, or indulging in the cool aircon air in the sweltering hot months, just make sure you balance your day with fresh air and if your skin is feeling particularly parched, keep on hand a spritz to add a burst of rehydration when needed. The weather Cold, hot, dry, and windy weather can literally suck moisture out of the skin. This is because cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin while hot weather increases water loss from the body due to sweating, leading to dehydration! Sun exposure Too much sun can disrupt your skin and compromise its protective layer. Think of that tight feeling your skin has after a day in the sun. Make sure to always wear your daily sunscreen! Age! Yes, that’s right, as we get older hormone changes cause our skin to lose the ability to produce as much oil and tends to dry out. Oh the joys!

Want smaller pores? Here’s how

by Jo Boyden on Jun 03 2022

You might not think it, but enlarged pores is one of the most common skin concerns and how to reduce them, one of the most googled skincare questions too – in fact How do I reduce the size of my large pores? has almost 3 billion hits! Crazy right? But not really when we are a nation obsessed with pore size!Well, if you are one of the millions, billions even, that need help with your pores, keep reading, as we have the answers. Firstly, though what exactly are pores and what is their purpose?Essentially pores are an opening on the surface of our skin. In fact, they are tiny openings around our hair follicles and oil glands that help sebum (our body’s natural oils) move through the surface of your skin. When the sebum is released to the skins surface it helps keep it naturally moisturised, so while their appearance, if enlarged, can be frustrating, pores are actually helpful for maintaining skin health! What causes enlarged pores?Believe it or not, our pore size is genetically determined (thanks parents!) but, oily skin, sun damage and aging are other factors that can make your pores look bigger. For instance, if oil, toxins, dirt, and makeup collect in the pore, they can weigh it down and stretch it! And as we age the skin around our pores become less elastic as our bodies start to produce less elastin and collagen (the proteins that actually strengthen the walls of our pores making them tighter), so the already stretched pores can stay stretched as well as sag, this in turn can cause pores to expand and therefore become much more visible!Also, when we are hormonal our bodies can produce more oil, this can make pores appear larger than they really are because the excess sebum collects on the skin’s surface magnifying these small openings. How can we shrink our pores?While you can't actually get rid of your pores or change the size of them even – eek! You can minimize their appearance by following a specific skincare routine, making a few lifestyle changes and introducing pore minimizing products and/or treatments. Keep reading to learn more… Choose makeup wisely – opt for mineral formulations Unfortunately, our makeup can make pores seem bigger than they actually are. Products like our powders and foundation can settle into our pores over the course of the day, making them appear larger, so your best bet because, let’s face it we aren’t going to want to forego our miraculous makeup, is to opt for mineral products! A huge benefit of using mineral makeup is that it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores! We love ELES Cosmetics range of mineral formulations. Try the best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation or if you’re a lover of powder foundations we highly recommend the Mineral Powder Foundation. Use a makeup primer A makeup primer not only helps your makeup stay in place all day, but it also smooths and fills the surface of the skin which can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. We love ELES Cosmetics Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s a game changer for those with large pores! It’s oil-free, perfectly lightweight and seems to combat shine almost instantly. It contains a natural Dermat Complex which enables it to absorb oil and effectively reduce pore size in one hit Genius. Cleanse your skin morning and evening If you want to help minimise the appearance of your pores it’s essential to keep your skin clean by cleansing morning and night to remove any excess oil, dirt and makeup. Be mindful of what type of cleanser you choose though as the best ones will get rid of dirt and grime without stripping your skin of moisture. If your skin is oily look for gel-based cleansers like Pevonia’s Phyto-Gel Cleanser. It deeply cleanses the skin with a luxurious foaming consistency. It works by removing the excess and unnecessary oil from the skin’s surface, unclogging pores and ridding it of impurities and surface toxins.If you have a normal to dry complexion, you’ll benefit best from creamy cleansers. Try Phytomer’s Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing Milk, it’s creamy texture melts on your skin to gently remove makeup and impurities without disturbing the skin’s protective barrier.Just remember too much cleansing can actually cause your pores to produce more oil though and we don’t want that! Exfoliating your skin is a necessity Exfoliating 1-3 times a week in order to remove dead cells and unclog pores is a must! Exfoliators with AHA’s and BHA’s (hydroxy acids) such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and salicylic acid are best. These are the holy grail of ingredients when it comes to penetrating and cleaning out your clogged pores, and clogged pores look bigger, fact. So by unblocking them you are already halfway there in terms of reducing their size.While all four acids exfoliate on a cellular level, Glycolic, Citric and Lactic works on a more surface level to brighten and smooth your skin, whereas Salicylic Acid penetrates much deeper to effectively remove dead skin cells clogged in pores. Minimise sun exposure UV radiation breaks down our collagen and elastin, which in turn leads to saggy pores which expands pore size! So minimising your exposure to the sun is a must. Never skip wearing your sunscreen, even on cold, cloudy days Sunscreen is a necessity for everyone no matter your skin type! Overexposure to the sun is not only the cause of premature ageing and cancer even, it can also dry out skin making pores look bigger.You can also choose foundations that contain SPF in them like ELES’s Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15. Make sure you do a weekly face mask Clay masks are best. They can help remove oil, dirt, and dead skin deep inside your pores to make them look smaller. Phytomer’s CityLife Radiance Reviving Mask is our go-to. This unique cream-mousse mask instantly counters dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and enlarged pores. Combining 100% natural red and white clays, blue microalgae, red algae and a comprehensive depolluting complex of 3 marine sugars, it reveals luminosity, radiance and refined pores after just one application! Never fall asleep with your make up Falling asleep with your makeup on is detrimental to your skin, fact. Failing to remove makeup at the end of every day is a major missed opportunity for skin to be able to regenerate while you sleep, you see not removing your makeup means the skin ceases to breathe freely and pores clog. This can make them look larger than life the next day when you awake!That’s why it’s so important to wash your makeup off at night, no matter how tired you are or how late you get home. For added benefit, you can also use a makeup-removing product before cleansing, such as Vie Collection’s Micellar Water. It purifies, conditions and cleanses your complexion in one easy step gently removing makeup from your lips, eyes and face for a fresh and flawless appearance.. Make sure you moisturise daily even if your skin is oily Those who have oily skin tend to suffer from oversized pores. The problem is though that one of the most common mistakes people with oily skin make is to skip out on moisturiser for fear that it will add more oil to their face. Moisturising actually helps your natural sebum penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin though. This not only reduces the appearance of oiliness, but it also helps to condition your skin effectively. Without it, your skin could produce even more oil. And finally use a pore perfecting moisturiser When it comes to large pores, the key is to choose a pore-minimizing moisturiser as they work by stimulating and plumping the collagen that surrounds pores.Yes it’s a thing! If you aren’t already using one, you simply must now. Formulated to quite literally refine pores for a smoother, flawless complexion free of shine you won’t believe the results. Our go-to is Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Refine Cream. It’s a mattifying treatment cream which radically reduces oil production and pore size, while providing long-lasting hydration at the same time.“I have seen the difference in my pores since using the micro pores range, my pores have slowly minimise. The moisturizer is hydrating and mattifying on the skin”. Sally S “I've only started using this cream as I am now in my 40's and need a cream to suit my skin's needs. It really helps to reduce pores (particularly on my nose).” Rhiannon K “It did exactly what it's formulated to do. I saw great improvement in reducing large open pores....Thank u Pevonia.” Anne K

Products

BC Skin Journal

BC Blog

Subscribe to our emails