BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
How to get flawless photo-filter skin naturally
by Jo Boyden
on May 27 2022
We are all on the pursuit of perfect skin - that youthful, radiant and smooth complexion, and with the many amazing-photo-editing apps available today our skin can look that good in photos, but is it possible to get filter-effect flawless skin naturally too?While achieving our desired complexion isn’t as easy in ‘real life’, it is of course possible you just need to be armed with the right products and follow a few essential tips, so keep scrolling as we count them down! Just as face filter apps can make you look flawless even on bad days, we promise you these tips can too! Cleanse and exfoliate Or better still you can combine the two in one! After all you want to create the perfect canvas so ensuring that your skin is clean and smooth is imperative!It’s best to use a mild exfoliating cleanser to ensure any dead skin cells are removed from your face. This will also ensure your makeup is in no way “cakey” when you apply. Try Phytomer’s best-settling Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a silky soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive skin, which uses natural enzymes to gently eliminate dead skin cells without any scrubbing, evening out your complexion for effortless makeup application! Make sure skin is moisturised While your skin is still damp after cleansing, apply your face cream to lock in moisture. This will ensure your skin is smooth, soft and supple!If your skin is dry and dehydrated opt for a nourishing cream rich in hyaluronic and wait for it to fully absorb.On the other hand, if you tend to have an oily complexion make sure you chose a mattifying moisturiser to help keep your foundation in place. We love Pevonia’s Mattifying Oily Skin Cream. It hydrates, refines, mattifies and visibly controls excess oiliness for an attractive matte yet glowy complexion. Never forget to prime! While your moisturiser will help hydrate your skin to eliminate rough patches, you should still apply a primer before your foundation. Why? Because makeup primers are the one product that have the power to literally make your makeup stay put all day long, as well as smooth the way for better foundation!We LOVE ELES Cosmetics 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! Find the perfect foundation You need to choose your base wisely. Remember you want a foundation that will deliver enough coverage but not overdo it. Foundation that is too heavy can look caked on. Eek.For that filter-effect flawless finish you can achieve in photos, choosing the right foundation finish is key. A matte foundation is usually your best bet because it reflects less light, which makes pores less obvious and gives your skin a smoother look. It also cuts down on shine, so your makeup will look smooth and flawless as long as possible. Try ELES Cosmetics best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. It’s a silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation that glides on beautifully and sets to a soft, powder finish. Oh and it has broad spectrum sun protection too!if your skin is very dry though you might want to opt for a dewier finish.As well as choosing the right type of foundation for your skin, make sure you select the right colour too! For more information on how to choose the right foundation for your skin type click here. Use the right application tools How you apply your foundation is key to filter-effect skin. A beauty blender will allow you to seamlessly blend your choice of base into your skin to create the illusion of a flawless complexion, good enough for a magazine cover! The sponge is strangely soothing on your skin too! Don’t forget your concealer! Nothing takes the years off more than a great under-eye concealer. To create the illusion of younger, photo-filtered eyes apply the ELES Dual Action Concealer. packed with collagen and vitamins C & E, it not only conceals fine lines and dark circles, it smooths, brightens and treats them too! Apply beneath the eyes and pat into the skin to look as though you’ve just slept 10 hours. Apply a little powder A “setting" powder will help your foundation to look airbrushed all day long.Use a lightweight, translucent formula, and apply it with a large, fluffy brush that will deposit a light layer.Just remember if you have dry skin you don’t want to exacerbate it so be sure not to apply the powder all over your face but instead dust it on your T-zone, or forehead, nose, and chin, which is most prone to getting shiny. Add a little instant radiance to finish For that soft filtered finish sweep the ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused Light over skin. It’s the compact of miracles I tell you and will totally transform your skin in seconds! It acts itself like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow”! The microfine powder’s jet milled pigments bring a soft-focus finish for a blurring effect over imperfections and fine lines. The deeper tones in the powder enhance contours, while the highlight softly strobe and reflect away imperfections to make skin look professionally retouched and simply sublime every time!For the month of May when you purchase the powder, you’ll receive a Duo Fibre brush for FREE.
The best beauty products on BC according to YOU
by Jo Boyden
on May 20 2022
As part of the team at BC, I’m blessed to work with some of the best brands in the skincare business, and yes, I know I’m biased but for very good reason! After all, if something is worth investing in, it’s your skincare right? But don’t let me tell you what we think you should invest in, instead, we’ve rounded up the best-sellers across makeup, skincare and body care, the best products on BC, according to you! Want to find out what made the cut? Keep scrolling… Best-selling foundationELES Cosmetics Liquid Powder Mineral FoundationOne of the original products from cosmetics brand ELES, the Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation has been a favourite of celebrities, beauty editors, bloggers and our customers for years. Coming in 10 different shades, this silky matte foundation will quickly become a firm favourite of yours too if it isn’t already! Not only does it provide a beautifully, soft, subtle matte finish (it glides on as a silky liquid but sets as a soft powder finish), it’s also mineral-enriched (so great for your skin) and provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for!“I've been using this foundation for years and I can't live without it. The texture and the way it makes my skin feel is amazing. It gives such even, natural and flawless coverage. It's seriously the best foundation I've ever used.” - Sia P Best-selling blusherELES Baked BlushThis silky, soft, highly pigmented blush with slight sheen will quickly become a daily go-to product in your make-up arsenal. We love that it gives a subtle healthy flush with even the smallest application. If you’re undecided which shade to try, ‘Bouquet’ is the most popular and for good reason.“This is a beautiful blush. Depending on the look you want to achieve, it can add the perfect subtle glow to your complexion of more intense colour should you want. It has a lovely soft, satin finish” - Zoe T Best-selling lip productELES Colour BalmThis high shine balm (with the payoff of a sheer lipstick) provides just the right amount of pigment for that perfect pout! Available in 6 gorgeous shades and formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe, it provides lips with long-lasting hydration and glowing colour in a single sweep.“Great colour payoff while keeping the lips hydrated. 5/5 stars!” - Cassy M Best-selling serumPevonia Optimal C ComplexeIt’s not hard to see why this glow-giving complexion booster has made the best sellers cut! Powerhouses Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing your complexion while also effectively correcting photo-damage! Not only does it also have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too! Definitely a no-brainer when it comes to the search of the best beauty products for your daily skincare ritual.“This is a beautiful serum. You only require two pumps and the coverage is excellent. Radiant looking skin instantaneously. Definitely worth the investment.” Deborah W Best-selling moisturiserPevonia Power Repair Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamMy personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 favourite of many customers not just in Australia but around the globe, the Marine Collagen Cream isn’t a BC bestseller for nothing! It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and leaves skin super soft, supple and gorgeously glowy (like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture.) Also, thanks to its outstanding formulation of skin friendly ingredients including hydration hero Hyaluronic Acid, and anti-ageing holy grail Marine Collagen, plus Squalane and Glycerin, this superstar cream plumps, smooths and deeply nourishes skin for optimal radiance.“I absolutely love this cream. It is a day cream and a night cream and it helps with puffiness, lines, blemishes, skin tone, you name it! Totally amazing ❤️” - Ana Hall For more on our best-selling moisturisers as per skin condition click here.Best-selling face oilPevonia Vitaminic ConcentrateIf you’re concerned about premature ageing, dehydration and excessive dryness this 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 anti-oxidant 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!“This is beautiful and everything it promises. My skin absorbs it really quickly, there's no greasy finish, just a glow.” Melinda A Best-selling cleanserPevonia CleanRefresh Foaming Oil CleanserA fairly new product to the BC fold but none the less it’s become a firm favourite fast! And if it’s not on your radar already, this outstanding cleanser should be now and here’s why…It’s a truly innovative, triple duty oil cleanser with a gel like consistency which features an advanced lipid-rich, alcohol-free, soap-free exclusive formula which transforms into a luscious, foaming cleanser on application (when mixed with water). It acts like a super magnet entrapping pollutants, impurities and bacteria to leave skin radiantly refreshed, soft and supple after every application. What’s more its suitable for all skin types, but especially great for those suffering from dry skin because of its perfect blend of foaming surfactants, skin-friendly oils and soothing, nourishing ingredients.“I recently started using this cleanser and now I am a complete convert and will never look back. I LOVE it. I thoroughly enjoy the cleansing experience it brings as well as the amazing results after only a few applications. Beautifully cleansed, clear, smooth and healthy-looking skin every day! Yay!” Jo Best-selling exfoliatorPhytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural EnzymesWhether you are a suffering from sensitive skin, are dealing will a dull lack lustre complexion or are prone to acne, we all need to exfoliate! We just need to be careful what type of exfoliator we use as many (but not all!) physical exfoliators can exacerbate skin irritations.Cue Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s no surprise that this formidable exfoliator is one of your most loved products since it’s seriously soft, silky, subtle scented and ideal for all skin types! It eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever) and naturally encourages cell turnover. The result? Beautifully luminous and youthful skin after every use – no jokes!“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can't use those exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs...this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It's the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sarah R Best-selling body moisturiserPevonia Dry Oil Body MoisturiserNot only a BC best-seller but a Pevonia global sensation too, this body beauty feels like silk on application! Despite being a dry “oil” it leaves no greasy residue at all because it absorbs immediately into the skin, quite literally nourishing every inch of your body. Formulated with Lavender and Chamomile the scent is heaven, and it renders skin beautifully soft and supple with a radiant healthy glow. It will not disappoint, and the many customer reviews speak for themselves! “This is amazing, I feel like I have been to a day spa when I put it on, luxury & pampering at home! It smells divine. Feels like silk, not too greasy, goes on easy, love this product ;-)” Lisa C Best overallELES Cosmetics Age Defying BB Cream 30Part primer, part highlighter, and part foundation, it’s easy to see why this skin-perfecting, multi-tasking miracle cream has become one of your makeup must-haves!We love that it creates a truly natural, radiant finish with even the smallest application, seamlessly obscuring any imperfections. And thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane, a multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines.If you’re not a huge fan of foundation but need a base this will become your daily go-to!Absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my Face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.” Krystle W
The best makeup tips and products to calm and conceal rosacea
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 08 2022
Suffering from rosacea? Need advice on how to counteract and conceal it? No worries, we are here to help!While we’ve already talked about the best skincare solutions for rosacea flareups it’s time to talk makeup. Choosing the right products, like your skincare, is paramount as certain cosmetics can exacerbate an already chronic condition, just want you don’t need! But the idea of going makeup free isn’t an option – we know. Good news is, it’s possible to perfectly conceal the facial redness caused by rosacea and we are here to tell you how. Mineral makeup is hands down the best choice for those suffering with rosacea. Why? Because the products don’t contain potentially irritating ingredients. They also contain innovative formulas specifically created to colour-correct redness.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! Before applying foundation, always use a primer first! Primers are amazing tools that not only create a smooth canvas for your foundation, but they also have the ability to literally prevent your makeup sliding right off your face, especially if your skin tends to be on the oily side. What’s more, they also create a barrier between your skin and your makeup preventing any further irritation. We highly recommend ELES Retexture Crème Face Primer. It’s a deeply soothing liquid-cream made with Aloe Vera leaf extract, Roman Chamomile, Witch Hazel, Calendula, Mallow Flower and Centaurea Cyanus Flower extract, that smooths, soothes, hydrates, retexturizes and refines, so foundation applies effortlessly and endures impeccably for hours! Set your foundation in place with a powder. This will help your makeup wear beautifully throughout the day, so redness stays covered–phew! It’s also a good idea to apply with a brush rather than a sponge which tends to harbour bacteria more. We love ELES Mineral Powder Foundation. Highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, this lightweight powder easily adjusts from sheer to richer, more opaque coverage while effectively camouflaging imperfections. 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 those products. Skin needs to breath and too many products can lead to further inflammation. Opt for multi-tasting products like colour correctors and breathable foundations. Our go-to for concealing rosacea is a good colour corrector which will help visually correct redness and even out skin tone too! Using one with UV protection will also help shield your sensitive skin from exposure that can aggravate rosacea. Try ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 to instantly conceal redness! This lightweight, oil-free colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection, multi-tasks like no other! It not only brightens, hydrates and keeps oiliness at bay for over 12 hours, it has a cutting-edge colour correcting system that visibly calms the most inflamed skin too. Photo-luminescent diamond and an optically transparent polymer work together to “bounce” light from the skin, instantly concealing redness and visibly smoothing the skin’s surface.
9 tips to improve hooded eyes naturally
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 30 2022
Dealing with hooded crepey eyelids? Is the skin above your eyes suddenly sagging and you need natural solutions to fix this because surgery just isn’t an option right now? We’ve got you! While sadly surgery is the only way to totally correct this condition, there are a number of steps you can take to improve your sagging eyelids naturally, so read on as we count them down.Firstly though, what exactly are hooded eyelids? And why are you the one dealing with them!?“Hooded crepy eyelids”, “droopy eyelids” “baggy eyelids” or dermatochalasis as it is technically referred to, are when the skin above the eye sags and hangs over the eye. The excess skin occurs between the brow and the upper lash line and in some situations can affect your eyesight.They are caused by a number of factors including genetics (thanks parents!), allergies, dehydrated and nutrient deprived skin and….age, this is because as we get older the collagen and elastin in our skin (which keeps it smooth, supple and youthful) starts to diminish, decreasing firmness and elasticity as well as weakening skin tissue, making it unable to support the weight of our eyelid skin.So what can you do to improve this, before heading down the surgery route? Lots! Look for eye creams and treatments that contain collagen and elastin We love Pevonia’s Lumafirm Eye Contour Lift & Glow! Rich in Marine Collagen, Marine Elastin and super hydrator – hyaluronic, this powerhouse product provides powerful anti-ageing benefits to the very delicate eye area – visibly soothing puffiness, reducing signs of fatigue and diminishing crepey eyelids. Use products rich in retinol Retinol you say? Yes, don’t be scared of this superhero ingredient. Indeed, you need to apply with caution, and start off introducing it to your daily skin ritual slowly, but retinol works on both the upper and lower eyelids to improve the skin barrier function and increase the collagen content of the skin! This increase in collagen tightens the skin and visibly reduces any fines lines and sagginess of the eyelids. Yess!Try Pevonia’s Micro Retinol Line. The 4 outstanding products in the line contain all-natural retinol, sourced from green leafy vegetables. To create each product, Pevonia have used 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 a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol® 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. Lay two chilled cucumber slices over your eye lids every day for 20 minutes Yes, this old wives tale actually works! Cucumbers contain ascorbic and caffeic acids, both of which reduce saggy eyelids. They decrease inflammation and naturally tighten skin too!Also, if you wear makeup, opt for a remover formulated with cucumber like Pevonia’s Eye Makeup Remover. It’s beautifully calming and decongesting, soothing and calming sensitive eyes while effectively removing makeup without pressure or friction. Boil two Chamomile tea bags, cool them and place them over eyelids every morning You might not have heard this one before, but Chamomile is a natural anti-inflammatory so it’s great for strengthening skin and reducing puffiness, swelling and skin irritation around the eyes. As with your cool cucumbers, you can apply two chamomile tea bags to your eye lids. Firstly though, you’ll need to actually make the tea! Place two tea bags into a cup with the boiling water. Next cool them in the fridge for 30 minutes until nice and chilled and then place over your eyes for 20-30 minutes. Do this every morning when you make your cup of tea of coffee and reap in the results! Eat grapes if you aren’t already doing so! A bowl a day will do! Grapes are not only delicious, but they also offer a multitude of benefits! One of them is helping counteract drooping eyelids! How? You may ask! Grapes are full of resveratrol, a natural element that slows cell ageing, so eating more grapes while it won’t necessarily improve your already hooded eyelids it will help slow down skin ageing, preventing excess fine lines and further skin slackening and sagging. Keep skin hydrated and drink plenty of water!! Yes, that old piece of advice! You know those 2 litres (8 cups) of water you are supposed to drink a day for optimum skin health? Yes! do it! Reel in on the smoking If you smoke and you are worried about your baggy eye lids, try to give it up! Tobacco smoke can affect the tissues around the eyes. It can cause puffiness and disorders of the eyelids, such as irritation and inflammation! Get enough shut eye That’s right lack of sleep as we know can affect our eyes. Who hasn’t woken up with saggy, puffy eyes of a morning when they haven’t had enough sleep? It’s time to make sleep a priority. I know easier said than done for some, but I also know myself that I need to practice what I preach, and if I wanted to, I could put down that book or turn off the tv or close my laptop an hour before I actually do each night! Make sure you slip, slop, slap every. single. day, all year around Just as you want to protect your face and body against sun damage you need to remember to protect your eyes too! You might have concerns about applying sunscreen to your delicate eye zone, but don’t! Most sunscreen is safe to use on and around your eyelid region (just don’t accidentally put it in your eyes of course!!)Also wear your sunglasses religiously! After all, you want to protect those sensitive peepers of yours as much as possible. Blue light omitted from our devices can also negatively impact your eye area. So put down those devices! To learn more about blue light damage and how it affects your eyes, click here.If the idea of going under the knife terrifies you, try these solutions first.
Skin and the city – how to minimise the impact of city living on our skin!
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 18 2022
We all know about the importance of protecting our skin against the sun, hey I preach about it enough! But for those of us who live in urban areas, what about protecting our skin against pollution? That’s right, as well the adverse effect pollution has on both our environment and long-term health, it can also damage our skin! There are however measures we can take to reduce the impact of city living on our skin and we are here to tell you want they are so keep reading…Firstly, exactly how does pollution affect our skin?Pollution – anything from exhaust fumes to smoke to dust and more, can not only leave your skin feeling irritated, oily and grimy but it can also seep into pores weakening the skin’s delicate barrier. It can break down collagen (the protein that keeps our skin healthy and supple!) and oxidize the lipid layer in the skin, damaging skin-barrier function, resulting in dehydration, sensitivity, uneven skin tone, dullness, acne, and premature aging! Eek! What can we do to protect our skin against pollution? Invest in a skincare program specially designed to improve the impact of pollution on our skin. Until we find a way to remove these nasties from our environment, it’s essential to maintain a good skincare regime that protects our skin from chemicals in the air and prevents them harming your health. Urban living will always be full of things to stress you out, but, thankfully, damaged skin doesn’t have to be one of them!The great news is French marine skincare brand Phytomer have created an outstanding awards-winning collection of products designed to repair and revive urban skin syndrome called CITYLIFE.All three products in the collection effectively re-oxygenate and diffuse mineral water into dull, devitalized and dehydrated skin. CITYLIFE Face and Eye Contour Sorbet CreamYes! An outstanding moisturiser for both face and eyes, it’s formulated in a refreshing sorbet texture and is just what you need to reoxygenate tired skin. A combination of three marine sugars creates 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 signs of fatigue, dark spots and a dull complexion. CITYLIFE not only sweeps away toxic micro particles but provides an ultra-moisturising facial experience too!CITYLIFE Ultra Cleansing Flash PeelThis is the first of its kind, a pollution defence deep cleanser power packed with a high concentration of exfoliating enzymes, it leaves the skin healthy, purified and with an incredible glow.CITYLIFE Radiance Reviving MaskThis unique cream-mousse mask instantly counters all the effects of pollution - dehydration, signs of fatigue, dark spots and dull complexion. 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! No more tired, lacklustre skin. What’s more day after day, pores are visibly tightened too! As always, sunscreen is essential Always be prepared with your daily dose of sunscreen! Just like the sun, pollution is always there so opt for a sunscreen that’s affective at protecting against both!Phytomer Algodefence SPF 20 Multi-Protective Wrinkle Cream is a clever sun protection and wrinkle corrector in one! and is formulated with anti-aging and marine ingredients to provide a complete action against pollution, free radicals and UV rays! Genius. Diet and lifestyle are also powerful ways to address the effects of pollution on our skin. Easier said than done I know but reducing stress in your everyday life as well as getting enough shut eye can really help. Upping the intake of antioxidant rich food such as green leafy veggies, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and nuts are a must, as these help fight free radicals from within.Also cutting down on alcohol, processed meats, sugar, fried foods, and refined flour will make a difference.
How to improve uneven skin texture
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 17 2022
Prone to dealing with uneven, bumpy or rough skin? Want to know why?You’re not alone. Although it might not be as talked about as skin conditions like dehydration, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea to name but a few, uneven skin texture is just as common! From large pores, skin laxity, acne scarring, dryness, sun damage and more, here is everything you need to know about this skin condition and how to remedy it according to the BC pros. What causes uneven skin texture exactly?There are a number of factors that can play a role in the cause of uneven skin texture but most commonly it can be the result of dryness or a build-up of excess dead cells on the surface of the skin. This can make skin feel bumpy or rough. In addition, everything from unprotected sun exposure, dehydration, environmental and digital pollution (Blue light rays emitted from our digital devices), seasonal changes as well as natural skin ageing can all affect our skin texture too! Eek. How to get rid of itThe good news is there are certain ways to remedy uneven skin texture! You do need to be religious about it though! Exfoliate to smooth uneven skin out If skin-cell build-up is the issue, remedying the situation could be as simple as sloughing those dead cells away. To improve skin’s texture and ensure its smoothness once again, it’s essential to exfoliate your skin, no question….and do it properly! Exfoliation is imperative because it ensures the removal of any dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface, exfoliation also penetrates deeper into the skin than your daily cleanser, providing skin with a thorough deep cleanse. Just make sure you're exfoliating twice a week with a dedicated exfoliator. The key is to find an exfoliant that isn’t too harsh on your skin since abrasive exfoliants can cause micro-tears and excess oil production! We love Pevonia’s Best-selling Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser! And use a Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush, specifically targeting the areas that feel uneven.A Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush has many amazing benefits but most importantly it effectively works together with your cleanser to really remove 99.5% of dead skin cell build up on the skin’s surface, preventing further skin problems such as uneven skin texture. It also de-congests clogged pores clearing dirt, oil and sweat and debris and in turn banishing breakouts! And an added bonus is it stimulates circulation and oxygenates the skin resulting in a healthy, radiant complexion. Drink water and lots of it! Yes, yes, we know! We’ve heard it a million times before, but drinking enough water daily is imperative for your skin’s health. In fact, improving skin texture can be as simple as staying hydrated throughout the day since the moisture effectively assists skin in both looking and feeling smoother.Well nourishing skin also tends to lessen the appearance of dryness and dullness which are common symptoms of uneven skin texture. Introduce Vitamin C into your skincare routine Adding Vitamin C to your skincare routine has a multitude of benefits, one being the improvement in your skin texture! It provides a powerful antioxidant to both repair and defend your skin from free radical (environmental) damage (that can lead to uneven skin) while also boosting brightness, reducing the appearance of fine lines, reducing pigmentation, scar tissue and age spots too! So yes, if you want to both help and avoid more skin texture problems in the future, Vitamin C is key!We love Pevonia’s Vitamin C Complexe, Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too! Use a daily moisturiser rich in humectants If the skin is dry, it’s important to moisturise every day, morning and night with moisturisers that contain humectants – we’re talking ingredients such as Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid.Humectants are moisturising ingredients that work by drawing water from the atmosphere to hydrate and soften the skin!Try Pevonia’s Best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. It’s one of my personal long-time favourites and does wonders for the skin! Rich in Hyaluronic, Glycerin, Marine Collagen and more skin loving goodies, its rich but not too heavy, deeply nourishing and easily absorbs into the skin leaving skin super soft and smoother after every application.And this month (March 2022) if you purchase this hero product, you’ll receive Pevonia’s Hydrating Cleanser and Lotion 50ml for FREE!! Apply a face oil nightly Our skin naturally loses moisture throughout the day. This annoyingly can contribute to signs of aging as well as dryness (which as we now know is one of the main causes of uneven skin texture!) Facial Oils act as amazing moisture barriers for the skin, this means they have the ability to lock moisture into cells, preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere while sealing natural hydrators to improve skin texture. Yes!!We highly recommend Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate, It’s a phenomenal soothing, silky, antioxidant oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma that is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast absorbing and radically combats premature ageing, dehydration and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you will wake up to smooth, supple and seriously glowy skin by morning. Be religious with your sunscreen! Since uneven skin texture is often caused by sun damage, be sure to wear sunscreen every.single.day, no acceptation. Sunscreen doesn’t only help protect your skin from sunburn and premature ageing but will prevent pore enlargement and dark spots too!
How to rescue your post-summer skin
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 04 2022
Ah summer! My favourite season! With it comes lighter evenings, warmer weather, blue skies, beach days, this list goes on! I must admit I love all things synonymous with the warmest months of the year, even the humidity doesn’t phase me that much, but the one pet peeve I do have is the toll it can take on my skin!While summer might seem like a distant memory thanks to good old La Niña currently raining on our parade! Our skin will still be suffering the consequences of the past hot, humid months. And while it might only be the first day of autumn today (it definitely feels like it all of a sudden!) it’s never too soon to rescue that post summer skin of ours. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, inflammation, hyperpigmentation or some other sun-induced skin condition, now is the time to put yourself thought beauty rehab and we are here to tell you how! Read on as we count down 6 post summer skincare concerns and how to solve them! Skincare Concern – DEHYDRATION AND DRYNESS Our skin can easily become dehydrated in the summer months even if we are religious about moisturising, this is because hot weather increases water loss from our body, which can cause skin to feel itchy, irritated and dry.SOLUTIONMake sure to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Drink plenty of water (your skin will thank you for it), eat a diet high in collagen-rich foods such as fish, eggs, garlic, citrus fruits and berries and make sure you add a rich oil or deeply nourishing night treatment into your daily skincare routine. Look for formulas with powerhouse ingredients such as ceramides, collagen, retinol, and hyaluronic acid to help increase moisture and restore your skin to its once heavenly glow! We highly recommend Pevonia Micro Retinol Essential Moisturiser. It uses glycerin, retinol, hyaluronic, marine collagen and many other skin nourishing and anti-ageing ingredients to protect and cocoon the skin. It literally drenches the skin with hydration, so you wake up to glowy, beautifully renewed by morning. Want to know more about retinol and when and how to apply it? Click here. Skincare concern – BREAKOUTS AND PIMPLES Summer heat tends to mean more sweat, more oil and speedier skin cell production too. When dead skin cells mix with this excess oil and sweat, acne breakouts can occur!SOLUTIONEating a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, can do wonders for skin. They can serve to regulate the skin's oil production, improve balanced hydration and subdue breakouts!Also treating mild to moderate acne with topical treatments is a must. We love Medicalia’s Clarifying Cream. This powerhouse blend of effective actives: Glycolic and Salicylic Acid, Sorbitol, and other soothing and protective ingredients, works to prevent hyperkeratinization while controlling bacteria and promoting a healthier, and more hydrated complexion. Skincare concern – ENLARGED PORES After a few months of being hot and sweaty and continuously applying sunscreen all summer long, there is a good chance your pores might be clogged. This is because you’ve undergone months of accumulating oil, makeup, sweat, and dirt, and being exposed to environmental impurities can negatively affect your complexion. So make sure you invest in a good cleansing mask to help draw out impurities and minimize pore size!SOLUTIONUsing products containing retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids and salicylic will improve cell turnover to minimize the look of your pores. Try Pevonia’s Micro-Pores Bio-Active Mask. It is exceptional for those with enlarged pores and oily skin. Formulated to control sebum production, it visibly minimizes pores, delivers a more matte complexion while hydrating and soothing skin for a younger looking and more even-toned complexion. Skincare concern – DARK SPOTS By now you’ll likely have noticed any additional freckles or dark spots you maybe have accumulated over summer months. Dark spots occur when your skin produces excess melanin stimulated by the sun! Anyone can develop them on their skin and unfortunately once you get them even the tiniest of dark spots will keep growing! So, it’s best to get ahead now and start to treat them!SOLUTIONTo help counteract this sun damage, it is important to not only prioritise SPF but Vitamin C too – the must-have treatment for dark spots!!Vitamin C when applied topically not only boosts our skin’s natural tolerance to the sun, but it is able to help control the formation of pigmentation as well as significantly lightening its appearance too! Make sure you’re armed with a great vitamin C serum and use it daily! I can’t speak more highly of Pevonia’s “C” Complex with Oxyzomes. The citrus scent is divine and just two pumps equals radiant looking skin instantaneously. Oh, and it feels a-mazing too thanks to its combination of vitamin c and hydrating dynamo hyaluronic which quite literally drenches skin with repairing antioxidants. Heaven. Skincare concern – LOSS OF ELASTICITY We all know too much sun, can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, leading to loss of elasticity and even premature aging. Eek!SOLUTIONMake sure you add a skin firming moisturiser into your everyday routine like Pevonia’s Age Correction Firming Marine Elastin Cream. Formulated with Hyaluronic acid and elastin, it delivers powerful repairing and tightening benefits, visibly increasing moisture while improving elasticity. When used in unison with Age Correction Intensifier Elastin and Sorghum, this power pair have outstanding results!What’s more for the month of March 2022, when you purchase this cream, you’ll receive a 50ml Hydrating Cleanser and Lotion for FREE! Skincare concern – REDNESS AND BROKEN CAPILLARIES Sun exposure can aggravate skin redness and increased heat and humidity can bring on facial flushing and exacerbate skin condition rosacea, this is because heat dilates blood vessels.SOLUTIONWhile there is currently no cure for rosacea and facial redness sufferers, you can effectively manage your symptoms by a combination of lifestyle changes, and specific skincare products. Phew! You’ll want to introduce an effective skincare program, such as Pevonia’s best-selling RS2 line. The entire range will help soothe the skin as well as successfully alleviate symptoms but our go-to is the RS2 serum. Soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients work deeply to strengthen capillaries, control blotchiness and restore calmness. Follow this with Pevonia’s RS2 Care Cream for a deeply nourishing protective blanket. Heaven.And remember just because autumn is here and the sun might be hiding behind a thick band of cloud, it doesn’t mean those powerful UV rays can’t penetrate and damage our skin! Keep up the daily sunscreen. It’s imperative!
Calm and conceal ultra-sensitive skin with these top-rated beauty buys
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 25 2022
If you’re prone to sensitive skin or simply suffering from sudden skin irritabilities, you wouldn’t be alone. When it comes to sensitive skin there can, unfortunately, be many internal and external factors that are triggers, so it’s a good idea to look at your lifestyle as well as rethink your skincare routine. By opting for natural products formulated with soothing, calming and nurturing ingredients such as chamomile, calendula, aloe, lavender, propolis and more, you can overcome common skin sensitivities, and we are here to share 5 products that’ll help you do so. Products the BC experts swear by but also the ones loved by BC customers too. Pevonia Soothing Propolis ConcentrateSerums are essential in any skincare routine because they deliver vital active ingredients to the dermis quickly. Think of a serum as the secret weapon for treating skin issues like discoloration, dullness, fine lines, acne and skin sensitivities!For a truly nurturing, soothing serum Pevonia’s antibacterial Soothing Propolis Concentrate should be your go-to. It literally bathes skin in calming lavender and healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France, decongesting, enriching, alleviating and strengthening fragile skin.“I have problems with adult acne as well as having sensitive skin. This product helped calm my skin down as well as reduce my acne and made my skin feel really soft again.” Laura L Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural EnzymesSensitive skin still needs exfoliation, but you should approach with caution! You want to avoid scrubbing or using mechanical methods of exfoliation as these will only irritate your skin further and can lead to additional redness. Instead use natural enzyme exfoliators. Enzymes are a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as they provide a gentle way to both exfoliate and brighten.Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes is the ideal gentle exfoliant for even the most sensitive skin. It is a seriously soft, silky and subtly scented and it eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever!), encouraging cell turnover and revealing a refined skin texture and luminous youthful complexion! The velvety vegetable-based formula also contains vitamin E to neutralize damaging free radicals.“I have the most sensitive skin, so I can't use those exfoliants that contain microbeads or scrubs...this is a great alternative. It sloughs off all of the dead skin cells without ever irritating my skin! I use it once a week at the minimum, and it keeps my face glowing and smooth. It's the most wonderful exfoliant ever!” Sarah R Pevonia Sensitive Skin starter packWhen your skin is sensitive and reacts to anything and everything, you really need a skincare solution that will gently soothe, calm and property desensitize! Pevonia’s Sensitive Skin starter pack contains not one, but three skincare essentials: Pevonia’s bestselling Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream, Sensitive Skin Cleanser and Sensitive Skin Lotion! The trio calm and control hypersensitivity. Skin nurturing ingredients including propolis, calendula and aloe alleviate and harmoniously correct skin’s blotchiness and irritability.“I have super sensitive skin and these products have a beautiful calming, hydrating effect on my skin.” Tania T ELES Mineral Powder FoundationEven if you are suffering from skin sensitivities, you’ll still likely want to wear makeup especially if you want to conceal any blemishes! The thing is many makeup products can exacerbate an already irritated complexion so you’re best to keep things simple (less is more) and opt for mineral makeup! Mineral makeup is free of irritants like talc and chemical dyes (making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin that's prone to irritation, itching, dryness, and redness). It allows your skin to breath freely and won’t clog it up with chemicals and artificial colours, perfumes, or preservatives! Phew.As a sufferer of want for a better word ‘flushed skin’ I personally LOVE the best-selling ELES Mineral Powder Foundation! It’s one of my all-time favourites. It’s one of the most natural-looking, if not THE most natural-looking foundations I have in fact ever tried and being in the industry for 20 years I’ve tried many! It contains zero chemical nasties, instead, it’s packed with skin loving ingredients including vitamins A & E, can be used as a buildable foundation from natural sheer to polished opaque (dependant on what you need) and it’s highly compatible with common skin sensitivities, working wonders at camouflaging facial redness while protecting skin against ultraviolet damage too!“This is the first powder I have tried which has not had a drying effect on my skin. It is so gentle and comforting on my sensitive skin, leaving a soft silky veil over my face. It is also the most natural looking foundation I have ever tried. Coverage can be built with ease and creates the illusion of naturally flawless skin. I don't think I could ever use another powder again, definitely a convert.” Katherine B ELES Luminous CC Cream 20If it’s facial redness which you are prone to, using a colour corrector can be a game-changer! Rather than covering up the redness with a thick layer of concealer followed by your foundation, a colour corrector will help visually correct redness and even out skin tone too! Using a colour corrector with UV protection will also help shield your sensitive skin from exposure that can aggravate it!The ELES Luminous CC Cream SPF 20 is outstanding. It’s a lightweight, oil-free, colour correcting cream with broad spectrum protection that really does multi-task like no other! And while it’s technically not a foundation, the full coverage pigments cover redness—be it from rosacea, pimples, irritation, you name it—so well that you very well may be able to get away without wearing any other makeup. What’s more it’s multi-mineral complex helps to condition skin and provide antioxidant protection, while Hydra-Extend provides instant, long term moisture retention and 72 hour hydration, reducing TEWL and strengthening skins barrier function!“I’m loving my new CC Cream! I was recommended it by a friend as I suffer from facial redness and sensitive skin and this product does an amazing job at colour correcting so the redness is beautifully concealed but my skin feels calm with a nice natural glow at the same time. Would highly recommend it.” Sarah M
From bold brows to skin ageing – the 12 best beauty tips for all ages
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 12 2022
Beauty is forever evolving and as a result has changed a lot in the 21 years I’ve been working in the industry. As I’ve witnessed, beauty trends can come and go, but many beauty tips are ageless, and having had the fortune to work with countless makeup artists, skincare experts, dermatologists, estheticians and more, over the years I have compiled a plethora of both skincare and makeup tips that the professionals swear by, and these are my top 12! The 12 pieces of beauty wisdom, which have impacted the way I personally care for my skin, and remain part of my everyday beauty routine! Prime your skin! Finding that perfect makeup primer and using it religiously is key when it comes to preventing your makeup from literally sliding off your face. Makeup primers are the one product that have the power to literally make your makeup stay put all day long!Simply apply it after you’ve cleansed and moisturised your skin, prior to your foundation and you’ll be good to go!We LOVE the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking flawless! Genius! Go easy with powder foundation My skin tends to sit on the dryer side, but it doesn’t stop me from loving my powder compact. Contrary to popular belief, that those of us with dry skin should never use a powder base you can, BUT it definitely depends on what type of powder you are using!Yes, if you slather your face in powder it can visibly age you (no thanks) showing up fine lines and wrinkles as the product seeps into those unsightly areas. But if you use a translucent mineral powder and in moderation it can actually do wonders for your skin, creating a beautifully smooth and natural base without feeling like you have any makeup on! Also, a good powder compact is great for soaking up oil and eliminating shine (which those of us with dry skin can get too!) but again you don’t want to go overboard and actually clog pores in turn causing skin to produce even more oil!I LOVE ELES’s Mineral Powder Foundation. The particles tend to absorb moisture, preventing shine and the Powder Foundation enables you to adjust your coverage from a translucent powder to a buildable coverage foundation with a richer, more opaque finish. 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 and the formula allows skin to breath freely (so not pore clogging in sight!) The way you apply your makeup is almost as important as the products you use. We’ve all heard it before, touch your face with your hands and you’ll likely cause a breakout so it comes as no surprise that you might well have heard that it’s best not to use your fingers to apply your makeup since even the oil and bacteria on your fingers can irritate skin. Instead, use a damp Beautyblender. It is the least irritating way to apply your product and honestly provides the most effective results! Not only is the sponge strangely soothing on your skin, but it also provides a more natural-looking coverage. Makeup brushes are another option but just beware that the brush bristles can irritate your sensitive skin, therefore opt for brush bristles made from taklon, a “green” and allergy free synthetic fibre. Its smooth synthetic fibres do not absorb or trap pigment making it easy to keep clean! Open up your 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, more awake eyes. And remember to always finish by applying lashings of mascara to your top lashes. Don’t forget your brows No matter our age, we all love a good foundation, will often use bronzer for that healthy glow, and mascara is a given if we want our eyes to stand out, but many of us are guilty of ignoring our brows. The thing is creating perfect brows can completely transform your face and make you look 10 years younger, seriously! but you need to know how.Just as the hair on our heads can thin with age, so do our eyebrows, so to look younger, we want to create instantly fake fullness and to do this we need to fill them in with the perfect brow pencil! 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. Read more on how to create perfect brows. Choose skincare wisely Before choosing your skincare products, you really need to understand your skin. From facial redness to all our rosacea, acne prone skin to dry, there are products out there to suit every skin type and concern formulated with specific ingredients to calm, sooth, smooth, hydrate and more!Also, anti-ageing skincare, while not as fast as the effects of Botox, really can slow down ageing if you select the right products. So choosing serums and creams formulated with one or more of the top 5 skincare ingredients will have your skin looking smoother, firmer and plumper in next to no time. Use eye cream daily…if you don’t already With more time spent in the sun over the warmer months, it’s important to understand that you’ll be at higher risk of developing fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. To minimise this, make sure you incorporate an eye cream or gel into your daily skincare routine. Eye treatments whether it be creams, gels or serums are specifically formulated to target and care for the delicate area around the eyes, the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies! In fact, the skin under our eyes is up to 1/10 thinner than other facial skin so it’s crucial to care delicately for this area to avoid any damage.Like a moisturiser, an eye cream’s main objective is to deliver brightening and anti-ageing ingredients, however in a milder, gentler, safer dose. Eye treatments also tend to be targeted to specific eye concerns – crow’s feet, under eye bags, dark circles and more.We highly recommend Pevonia’s “C” Evolutive Eye Gel to hydrate and protect our eyes. This soothing and cooling gel with high-tech time-release spherulites delivers protective and decongesting benefits to the delicate eye zone all day long. Always cleanse skin before bed! Sleeping with a face full of makeup and the days remnants of oil and grime can and will result in skin irritability and breakouts. Makeup not only traps dead skin cells it also blocks our pores and when pores are blocked the skin can’t breathe and therefore regenerate. Also, at night is when our skin switches from “protect” to “repair” mode which means it’s time to recover, skin regeneration is accelerated, and the production of collagen increased. So, make sure you commit to removing every inch of makeup before hitting the hay. For more on sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here. Get serious about sunscreen, it’s THE best anti-ageing tool there is The sun is THE no. 1 cause of premature ageing (amongst other serious issues) so you need to get serious about sunscreen from an early age! I’m talking about religiously applying it daily even when it’s cloudy! Just as you use a cleanser to wash your face, apply a sunscreen to protect your face! The harmful UV rays from the sun causes proteins in our skin to deteriorate, leading to the loss of our youthful appearance over time but a good sunscreen can help to prevent this!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! 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 starting from a young age. This means applying a lip cream daily. We are huge advocates for Pevonia’s LipRenew Plump & De-Age treatment which deeply moisturises and volumizes 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. Make sure you exfoliate you skin Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a build up of dead, dull skin (which in turn can lead to skin irritation and acne!) Exfoliating helps to clear skin of debris and speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing hyperpigmentation too! So if you’re not already a lover exfoliation it’s time to get onto it! Once or twice weekly with an exfoliator dependant on your skin type is perfect. For more on the beautifying benefits of exfoliation click here. Adapt your skincare dependant on the season & your skins needs Unfortunately, skincare isn’t a one size fits all. And over time our skin can change dramatically depending on our circumstances, from our lifestyle to the environment, our daily diet, to the stress we might be under! Also, with a change in season comes a change in our skin too so what worked for your skin weeks ago might now need some tweaking! You just need to recognise what your skin now needs and adapt your skincare to these needs.
This is the most important step in your skincare routine
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 25 2022
You might assume that moisturising is the most important part of your daily skincare ritual, but you’d be wrong! While keeping your skin nourished is paramount to a healthy complexion, cleansing, and I mean thoroughly cleansing, is in fact the first and most vital step. And sadly no, a quick swipe with a make-up wipe will not suffice! Instead, we all need to purify our skin every day, no matter what our skin type, especially in the evening and here’s why….Every day our skin is ageing and cleansing before bed is the only way to lessen the impact of external factors associated with the ageing process and to stimulate the internal processes that fight it!Research proves that physiological changes in the skin happen overnight. Like many of our organs, our skin can tell night from day. Evidence exists linking circadian clocks to cell cycle (cells dividing to replenish dead ones) and DNA repair, the natural process by which a cell regularly detoxifies itself.In addition, the skin needs oxygen to repair itself and sleeping with dirty skin or a face full of makeup deprives it of this vital nutrient. It also slows down the natural exfoliating process, which can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. Not to mention the problem of clogged pores resulting in pesky pimples and acne too!Add to this the fact that nocturnal blood flow in the skin is higher when you sleep and when blood flow is increased so is absorption and penetration of ingredients. So again, if you aren’t washing, any skincare you might be applying (like your moisturiser or serums, will amount to nothing. They won’t be able to penetrate the skin and in turn help fight ageing!In a nutshell, if you don’t wash your face before bed it’s a missed opportunity to do something great for your skin and to wake up with smoother, softer, clearer complexion by morning.So now we understand why cleansing is important, let’s find the best cleanser for our skin type! To remove eye makeup…PHYTOMER MICELLAR WATER – EYE MAKEUP REMOVAL SOLUTIONThis mild cleanser for sensitive eyes is so very gentle yet highly effective, even on waterproof makeup! A single application removes all traces of eye makeup while soothing the area and conditioning the lids and lashes. For all skin types…PHYTOMER PERFECT VISAGE – GENTLE CLEANSING MILKThe creamy texture melts on your skin to gently remove makeup and impurities without disturbing the skin’s protective barrier. For combination and oily skin…PHYTOMER OLIGOPUR – PURIFYING CLEANSING GELA lightly foaming, velvety soft gel which eliminates impurities and excess sebum. Skin is cleansed and purified. For tired lacklustre skin…PHYTOMER CYFOLIA ORGANIC RADIANCE CLEANSING CREAMA rich, velvety cleansing cream formulated with organic orange water, oligomer, organic vegetal oils and cyfolia algae, which literally melts on contact with the skin to gently cleanse and remove makeup, oil and impurities!Like a burst of radiance to the complexion, skin is soft, supple and glowing after every cleanse! For dehydrated and devitalised skin…PEVONIA HYDRATING CLEANSERCombining hydration sensation Hyaluronic with anti-ageing duo Marine Collagen and Marine Elastin, this creamy textured nourishing cleanser, hydrates skin, preserving skin’s moisture while effectively removing skin impurities without residue. The result? Perfectly cleansed, beautifully refreshed, soft and smooth skin after every wash! For the ultra-sensitive…PHYTOMER ACCEPT – Soothing Cleansing Milk 250mlThe most gentle way to remove makeup and calm the epidermis. This makeup remover instantly cleanses, tones and soothes the most sensitive skin. A great multi-tasking cleanser…PEVONIA CLEANREFRESH FOAMING OIL CLEANSERThis truly innovative, triple duty cleanser is a hybrid which offers the combination of a gel, oil and foam! Featuring an advanced lipid-rich, alcohol-free, soap-free exclusive formula, it transforms from a gel like consistency to a luscious, foaming cleanser on application (which mixed with water). It acts like a super magnet entrapping pollutants, impurities and bacteria to leave skin radiantly refreshed and seriously soft.
Loose skin? How to avoid turkey neck
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 18 2022
It’s never too early to start looking after the skin on your neck and if it’s still in great shape then wonderful, however I urge you to start right now! The good news is it’s never too late, some daily habits can help slow down further skin ageing and make your neck look a whole lot better in as little as a week.Some of these tips might seem obvious but do you follow them? Daily? Really?? Moisturising: don’t neglect your neck! Sadly your face moisturiser might not be enough for this delicate area, the skin is thin, tissue paper thin and has fewer oil glands than the skin on your face, and this means a compromised skin barrier. Moisture, and loads of it, is vital for keeping the tissue supple and elastic as well as preserving the skin’s natural collagen and elastin.We recommend Phytomer Parfait Neck and Decollete Renewing Care. It contains a miraculous ingredient called Glasswort Oil: a green seaside plant present in warm areas. Its Latin name, Salicornia, means “salt antler”, pointing to its toleration of salt. It is a halophilic species, meaning that it can survive in very high salinity when submerged during high tide – without becoming dehydrated. Scientists at PHYTOMER have discovered that Glasswort possesses carrying and regulating membrane channels, which allow it to control water evaporation in order to prevent dehydration.Following the principle of marine biomimicry, at PHYTOMER, these channels are used to stimulate the production of aquaporins, proteins that transport water and urea in the skin’s cells. Glasswort oil reinforces the role of our own natural moisturizing factors to reveal smooth, soft and supple skin. Exfoliate the neck once a week Exfoliate the neck and chest area at least once a week to keep the skin free of ingrained dirt and dead skin cells. This area is delicate, so avoid products that contain sharp particles, and use a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant. This encourages cell turnover.We recommend Vegetal Exfoliant: a grain free, enzyme exfoliant that contains papain. Super gentle yet very effective this product eliminates dry dead skin cells and purifies the tissue. Not only does your neck skin look more vibrant and fresh it also aids the penetration of the actives in your neck cream. Lighten up! Fine lines and wrinkles can be ageing, but when coupled with hyper-pigmentation can make you look 20 years older!Not convinced? which looks better?So lighten your neck and chest area with nature’s latest skin brighteners.To remove any existing sun damage and prevent freckles and hyper-pigment of the chest area we recommend White Lumination Complexion Recovery. With Sea Lily extract, and Dictyopteris (algae) and Vitamin C, this marvel reduces pigmentation and brightens the skin. It also contains UVA and UVB sun filters. Use sunscreen A recent study revealed that older skin that hadn’t been exposed to the sun had about 3,800 genetic mutations whereas skin that had been exposed had around 10,000 mutations in the same genes (meaning the ageing process had happened more quickly). Sounds like a good argument for sun protection!We recommend Sun Solutions Sunscreen SPF30 High Protection, thanks to its UVA and UVB sun filters, this ultra-light, non-sticky cream offers effective protection. In addition to UVA and UVB filters it also contains Vegetal Coral Extract with a super powerful moisturizing capacity and OLIGOMER®, Phytomers own patented ingredient that delivers an optimum dose of trace elements and minerals, fortifies the epidermis and prevents cellular fatigue. Diet Keep your nutrition rich in anti-oxidants, especially Omega-3 acids, which are present in fish. These do wonders for skin rejuvenation by boosting collagen production. In addition stock up on anti-oxidants such as Pomegranates, acai berries, blueberries and green tea to protect your skin from ageing free radicals. Sleep on the right pillow This one is obvious right? The more scrunched up the skin the more those wrinkles will take hold. The perfect pillow supports the neck yet allows the head to remain in line with the body, so ditch the reading pillow when you put down the book! Do neck exercises Lastly, give your neck an exercise workout. Keeping your neck muscles toned will help to prevent sagging skin and wrinkles. Below are six neck exercises to get you started.Six exercises to prevent turkey neck: Jut out your chin and move your lower jaw forward. Repeat ten times. Look straight ahead. Now look up to the ceiling and hold for five seconds. Slowly return to your starting position. Repeat 20 times. Form an ‘O’ with your mouth. Pull down the sides of your mouth until you feel the muscles underneath your neck working. Repeat this three times in quick succession. Build up to 20 sets of threes. With your mouth open, pronounce the vowels A to U without closing your mouth at any time. Repeat ten times, three times in a row. Press the tip of your tongue against your palate for a few seconds and release. Do this throughout the day. Make circles with your tongue when your mouth is closed, first in one direction then the other. Repeat often. Place your lower lip over the top lip and hold for a few seconds. Repeat ten times. Finally, keep your chin up (no really!). If your chin is permanently tucked into your chest you are more likely to develop permanent creases in your neck, as well as putting your neck more at risk of injury.
BC’s top 5 Phytomer products for summer
by Jo Boyden
on Jan 18 2022
Keeping your skin looking good in summer can be such a challenge! Extreme temps contribute to a number of pesky conditions that lead so many of us wanting to pack our bags and set off for cooler climates.We asked the team at Phytomer Australia headquarters to recommend their top 5 summer skin challenges and solutions and this is what they came up with…Challenge One: Excessive Oiliness and Open PoresSolution: Marine Scrub Creamy ExfoliantThis nifty product is just like a scrub and mask in one, allowing you to use it several times a week in summer to keep skin fresh and refined; it polishes off the dry dead skin cells that adhere more easily to the skin when it’s oily and Chondrus crispus oil and OLIGOMER moisturize and strengthen the skin. Challenge Two: DehydrationSolution: Hydra Continue 12H Moisturising Flash GelApply this gorgeous cooling gel beneath your moisturiser for lasting hydration. It literally “plumps” the skin with dewy moisture that lasts all day. Challenge Three: Redness!Solution: Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with OligomerLike liquid ice on the skin this gentle serum, sooths, cools, strengthens and replenishes heat irritated skin. Apply at night to do its thing while you sleep and wake with normalised calm skin.Challenge Four: Dry Body SkinSolution: Oleocreme Ultra-Moisturizing Body MilkI know, on a hot day the last thing you feel like doing is applying sticky cream all over your body however this one isn’t sticky and sinks into the skin long before you have the lid back on! It leaves the skin feeling velvety soft and as a bonus it smells exquisite!Challenge: Puffy Eyes and Dry Lips (yes it’s two but who’s counting?)Solution: Youth Contour Smoothing Eye and Lip CreamThis is a favourite and no wonder, it’s the ultimate multi-tasking and lets face it, we all love to save time! This marvel increases the circulation flushing away puffiness and dark circles yet moisturises deeply to repair the skin, apply around the eyes and over lips for the softest peepers and kisses you’ve ever experienced!Want to know more about Phytomer products? Check out https://beautycollective.com.au/Brand-Phytomer
Worried about wrinkles? How to minimise their appearance
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 23 2021
Starting to see signs of ageing on your face? Worried about wrinkles but not loving the idea of Botox or fillers? We hear you! Injectables are definitely not for everyone, nor are they a necessity thanks to the number of natural ways you can ward off or even minimise your wrinkles. Read on as we reveal what they are and pave the way to smooth, plump and radiant skin for as long as humanly possible! Wear sunscreen Yes, the NO.1 when it comes to premature ageing IS the sun and its harmful rays, so to overcome this rather hefty issue, wearing sunscreen, and wearing it religiously, day in day out is key. Nothing will warn away those wrinkles like a good sunscreen. Stay hydrated You and your skin need proper hydration to help defend against facial lines. As well as topical treatments, you need to hydrate your skin from within. You know the drill, drink your 8 glasses of water a day, skin cells need water or they will dehydrate and essential anti-ageing nutrients cannot be delivered to your system.Also including omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and mackerel in your daily diet, will really aid in skin health and hydration too! Apply topical vitamin C If there’s one particular vitamin that needs little to no introduction, it’s vitamin C. Recommended by every beauty expert as a go-to ingredient in your beauty arsenal, the antioxidant powerhouse is known to help with your skin’s collagen production, tackle visible signs of ageing, brighten your complexion, lessen hyperpigmentation and shield skin from free radical damage! Amazing right?Try Pevonia’s Vitamin C Complexe. This product is a-mazing for that perfect pick-me-up. Vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid, work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. Not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too! Moisturise A good anti-ageing, wrinkle fighting moisturiser will not only make skin feel more hydrated, it will also nourish and plump the skin making wrinkles less visible.Choose a daily and nightly moisturiser with high doses of collagen, retinol, hyaluronic acid and peptides that work to reverse the ageing process.Retinol is by far the most proven and effective way of bettering signs of ageing such as uneven pigmentation, roughness, and wrinkling. And one of the best wrinkle skincare ranges is Pevonia’s Micro Retinol line.Just be sure to start introducing it slowly and at night-time and get yourself in the know with this miracle ingredient. Exfoliate Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a build-up of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation so you want to be getting in on it stat!One of the best exfoliators for all skin types is Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes! It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive of skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. I promise you when I say it’ll make your skin appear fresher and younger! Give yourself a facial massage Massaging your face for just one minute per day can help combat those unsightly wrinkles. How? Because facial massage promotes oxygen and blood flow in our skin. Not only does this result in reducing puffiness, it will also increase collagen production, which prevents the formation of wrinkles too!For more information on the benefits of facial massage click here. Be aware of blue light damage from your electronic devices I’ve already preached about the damaging effects of the sun when it comes to premature ageing, but another cause of concern is our own electronic devices! Which let’s face it we all spend far too long going from mobile to laptop to tv every day! Did you even know though that this over excessive so called “screen time” can lead to skin damage? In fact, overexposure can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen and cause inflammation, leading to redness, dark spots, and early onset wrinkles. What’s more, blue light has the ability to penetrate skin much more deeply that UV rays causing even more havoc and long-term damage! Scary right?So what should you do to protect your skin? Obviously reducing screen time is the best bet but if your job and lifestyle won’t really allow it, next best step is to apply a topical protective treatment like Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. It’s an everyday sunscreen with contains an exclusive mineral formula to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution. It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. Eat antioxidant rich food The diet you eat can visibly reflect on your skin, so instead of doubling down on the sugary treats that are in abundance this season, opt for antioxidant rich foods such as berries, leafy greens and whole grains. Add green tea to your daily diet too, which also provides natural antioxidants. Exercise daily We all know the numerous benefits of exercise but did you know how important it is for slowing down skin ageing too? Daily exercise increases the delivery of nutrients to skin's cells and provides optimum conditions for collagen production, in turn warding off early wrinkles and fine lines! Stop stressing Easier said than done for some of us I know but high levels of stress can prematurely age you! If life can sometimes seem like a little much, try and take 5 minutes out to simply listen to music, practice mindfulness, do some deep breathing exercises or meditate. Proven to induce a state of relaxation, all methods can decrease stress and anxiety and change mindset in minutes. Get your beauty sleep Haven’t we all heard this a million times! But sadly, it’s true. The quality and length of sleep you receive every night can have a profound impact on your skin’s overall health. When we sleep our bodies recharge. Not only do our bodies recharge, our skin does too. During sleep, we heal, restore and eliminate toxins from the skin and with enough sleep, our bodies are able to produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid – the molecules that give the skin its youthful glow and elasticity.. Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would! Eek.Also, how you sleep can have a huge effect on your skin’s appearance! If you are a lover of sleeping on your front you might want to reconsider this position! When you sleep on your front, your skin is pushed up against the pillow for hours at a time which can reinforce lines, especially around the eyes, forehead and lips. The best way to prevent these wrinkles is by sleeping on your back. You can also reduce damage by using a silk pillowcase which allows for more movement, or a memory foam pillow which doesn’t compress the skin as much.
The top 5 makeup questions answered by the BC experts
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 22 2021
From makeup must-haves to choosing your foundation, with the plethora of makeup advice out there, it can often get confusing when knowing what is right from wrong, so we compiled the top 5 makeup questions everyone asks and put it to the BC experts for their professional answers. Read on for five solutions to the most common beauty queries of 2021. How do I stop my makeup from looking patchy? If you are prone to dry skin you’re more likely to experience the problem of patchy looking makeup because dry skin has more texture so makeup can more easily settle into the fine creases. The solution? Make sure you exfoliate regularly to remove any dead cells and debris and smooth skin texture. Depending on your skin type, once or twice a week will suffice.It’s essential to hydrate skin with a nourishing moisturiser prior to applying your base too. Another consideration is to review the type of foundation you are wearing too. Which takes me to the next question…. How do I choose the right foundation for my skin? Your skin tone and texture changes throughout the year, so no one foundation is likely to work all year round.Foundation creates the illusion of a flawless complexion. First, you need to determine your skin type, then what type of coverage you want to achieve: sheer, medium, or full. And finally, decide on the finish: matte, natural, or dewy.For more help with choosing the right foundation formula for your skin type click here. Should I apply my concealer before or after by foundation? This one is a little controversial as different makeup professionals will offer a different answer, but at BC we like to apply our foundation first to create an even base, and then add concealer to areas that still need it after. By starting with the foundation coverage, you may be pleasantly surprised at how little concealer you actually need to get the finish you are looking for. And remember less is more when it comes to makeup. Should you apply concealer first and then foundation you are likely to use more product than you actually need, and more product can result in cakey looking skin! Eek. Why won’t my makeup last? In short excess oil is the no. 1 reason for your makeup simply sliding off your face by mid-morning. Unfortunately, when the oils of your skin interact with your makeup, they begin breaking your makeup down. That doesn’t mean you should ever consider skipping on your moisturiser though! Your skin can actually produce more oil when it’s not properly hydrated! Eek. Instead try using a lightweight cream, followed by a mattifying primer (as they can help create a barrier between your skin’s oils and makeup) and opt for a foundation with a long-lasting formulation.For 6 simple steps as well as the best products to help encourage long lasting makeup click here. How do I keep my lipstick from coming off? Lipstick is one of those essential makeup products that can really change your look and add colour to your face, but it can also be a challenge if not applied properly, when I say challenge I mean lipstick on your teeth, down your chin or simply non-existent after only a short amount of time! For some essential tricks to keep your lip hue in place all day—no smearing, blurring, fading, feathering, or cracking, click here.
Travel essentials you’ll need this holiday season
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 17 2021
Heading off on that much deserved holiday but not sure what products to pack in your beauty bag because isn’t everything essential?We all know when it comes to packing, less is always more so instead of bringing everything and the kitchen sink, it’s best to pack lightly by choosing multitasking makeup products, convenient packaging and travel sized skincare essentials, and at BC we have you covered!Read on for our go-to list of beauty must-haves to keep your skin healthy and glowing and your suitcase light this holiday season! ELES Age Defying BB Cream SPF 30Holidays are a great time to refine your makeup regimen to the bare essentials. A full face of foundation isn’t something any of us would want when we are spending days on the beach, relaxing by the pool or simply hanging out at home on staycation for that matter! But if you’re like me you won’t want to totally forgo makeup either! Instead, opt for a multi-tasking BB Cream! We LOVE ELES’s best-selling Age Defying BB Cream 30. Not only does it contain high factor SPF, but this tinted cream melts into the skin to cover blemishes for a unified dewy, and visibly radiant complexion too! What’s more, it has the added skincare benefits of hyaluronic, vitamin e, squalane and a multi-mineral complex too! Plus, it feels like you aren’t wearing makeup either! Amazing stuff. ELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused LightWe are all on the quest for those multi-tasking miracle products, and this product is just that! Your bronzer, highlighter, and foundation powder combined into one clever compact that you can simply swipe all over for your healthiest, natural looking glow! Yess!It’s a palette of gorgeous glowing warm tones that acts like a photo filter on your skin, subtle enough for daily wear, yet gives you that truly “lit from within glow” in seconds. I LOVE it and so do so many! ELES Cosmetics Custom PaletteJust as the name suggests this palette is fully customised which means you get to call the shots by selecting whichever product shades you want to insert, from a great selection outlined online. You need to pick a powder foundation, a blush and two eye shadows, all the products I live in (aside from my faithful mascara of course), and they come presented in a very sleek compact, perfect for on the go! What’s more the soft, powder formulas deliver rich, velvety, blendable colour that lasts all day! Pevonia Ultra Hydration Gift PackIf your skin is feeling a tad parched (it is the silly season after all) and could do with a serious boost of hydration, then this is the pack you’ll want to well pack! Featuring not one, but three Pevonia best-sellers (and my favourites too!) the products in this pack provide skin with the ultimate in hydration and skin-smoothing results. Including a free Ageless Skin Mask, Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream, and a Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum, you will be blown away by the results after just a few applications. Use the mask once a week, and the serum and cream daily morning and night and reap the benefits.For more convenient gift packs with travel friendly sizes click here. We have a pack for every skin type and concern! And for our discounted Christmas gifts sets full of our best sellers, click here. Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserWhile your sunscreen is an essential on holiday (wear it religiously!) don’t let it accumulate on your skin or clog your pores. You still need to gently exfoliate for fresh and healthy skin. For the perfect all-rounder exfoliator for all skin types, we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile, it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single use!To learn all about the beautifying benefits of exfoliation and which other exfoliators might be best for your skin this season click here.
The best way to treat dark spots on your face
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 24 2021
If you find yourself suddenly susceptible to dark spots on your skin do not distress! Dark spots, or otherwise known as age spots, sun spots, brown spots or hyperpigmentation, is a common condition but one that can be helped by following a few simple steps! So, if your dark spots are bothering you and you want to know how to treat them read on.Firstly though, what exactly are dark spots and why have you started to get them you might ask?Dark spots are patches of skin that become darker in colour to your normal surrounding skin. This occurs when your skin produces excess melanin or the melanin clusters in certain areas of your body. Melanin, if you don’t already know, is a type of pigment that gives colour to your skin, hair and eyes. Dark spots are usually caused by a number of different factors such as acne scarring, genetics, hormones, age and most commonly sun damage. They become especially prolific in the warmer months due to increase in sun exposure. In other words, increased melanin production is stimulated by the sun!Anyone can develop dark spots on their skin, but certain factors can increase your risks including, being over 40 years of age, having light hair and fair skin, frequent exposure to the sun and history of sunburn! If like me you have ticked all of the above, you may well already be susceptible or could have a few dark spots to look forward to eeek! And remember even tiny dark spots will keep growing! So, let's get ahead now and start to treat them or try our hardest to prevent them from ever forming!So what’s the best way to treat dark spots? Don’t become slack with your sunscreen! Sunscreen! Here we are again preaching about the importance of sunscreen! And here is another reason to wear this superhero product. Sun exposure doesn’t only increase melanin production, UV exposure makes discoloration darker too — so slather on that sunscreen on every. single. day to make sure your dark spots don’t become darker, as well as prevent getting new ones from forming!For the best lightweight daily SPF, my personal go-to is ELES Cosmetics’ Luminous Defence Brightening Day protection SPF 50. It’s lovely and light (none of this thick white greasy emulsion!) plus not only does it protect skin against the sun’s harmful rays, it also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots, all whilst calming and brightening your complexion too! Just what the doctor ordered!Another favourite of some of the girls at BC includes Vie Collection’s Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF 30. This amazing daily cream is formulated with two high-tech ingredients that act against dark spots, free radicals and UV rays. After daily use, dark spots become less visible and skin more unified.And if you want to protect skin from UV rays as well as blue light damage, try Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield. 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 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! Exfoliate Ah, the many benefits of exfoliation! A good weekly exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells, lighten dark spots and reveal a fresh glowy complexion instead! For the perfect all-rounder exfoliator for all skin types, we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile, it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single use!To learn all about the beautifying benefits of exfoliation and which other exfoliators might be best for your skin this spring click here. Wear skincare rich in Vitamin C In the warmer months, when the sun is shining, UVB radiation is at its strongest, so it’s important to not only prioritise SPF but Vitamin C in our skincare too! Vitamin C when applied topically not only boosts our skin’s natural tolerance to the sun, but it is able to help control the formation of pigmentation as well as significantly lightening its appearance too! So it’s a must-have treatment for dark spots!!Make sure therefore, you are armed with a great vitamin C serum or cream. I can’t speak more highly of Pevonia’s “C” Complex with Oxyzomes. The citrus scent is divine and just two pumps equals radiant looking skin instantaneously. Oh, and it feels a-mazing too thanks to its combination of vitamin c and hydrating powerhouse hyaluronic which quite literally drenches skin with repairing antioxidants. Heaven. Add Glycolic Acid to your skincare routine AHA Glycolic Acid is a chemical exfoliator that fights both skin breakouts and wrinkles by declogging, resurfacing and brightening the skin. In addition, this skincare saint is known for reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone so it’s one of the best treatments for dark spots on the face!I love Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream. It combines Glycolic acid with hero ingredient Hyaluronic Acid to dramatically improve skin’s texture. Try using Retinol at night Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is another go-to ingredient to help in the quest against dark spots and the sooner you start using it in your skincare routine the better. In addition to encouraging cell turnover and exfoliating away minor discolorations, this amazing ingredient also helps to prevent future dark spots through a photoprotective antioxidant. Just be sure to apply it at night, since it may induce heightened sun sensitivity, and ease it in slowly.Try Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream. It’s a must in the fight against dark spots! Formulated with retinol and Glycolic and Lactic Acid (yes!) it’s an excellent resurfacing and lightening cream for photodamaged skin. Just be sure to introduce it slowly and apply before bed. To learn more about retinol click here. And at the end of the day remember prevention with sunscreen is key!
How to get airbrushed-looking skin naturally
by Jo Boyden
on Nov 05 2021
Let’s face it… we all want it! Perfect skin, All. Of. The. Time, and with little evidence of makeup too! And sure, what with the likes of #facetuning every one of us can achieve a beautifully airbrushed complexion in our photos, but what about looking airbrushed the natural way, without the likes of apps?Armed with a few miracle makeup items you indeed can! Here’s how; STEP ONE: THE SKIN PREPPevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserThe key to nailing your makeup actually lies in the prep you do beforehand. For flawless airbrushed-looking skin you must start with a smooth, clean, flake-free canvas. Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser that will thoroughly cleanse skin as well as remove any build-up of excess oil and dead skin cells. Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile, Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single use!STEP TWO: THE MULTI-TASKERELES Age Defying BB Cream 30Loaded with Goji Berries, Minerals, Vitamins and Sun Protection this wonder base and ELES Cosmetics best-seller, is your skin care, primer, base and sunscreen in one! Skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step!! Simply apply to cleansed skin for the silkiest and most undetectable coverage ever! STEP THREE: THE PERFECTORELES Dual Action ConcealerNothing takes the years off your face more than a great under-eye concealer and this is no exception! It not only covers dark circles, it smooths, brightens, depuffs and treats them too! Plus, its medium coverage formula provides continuous hydration and a natural longwearing finish. Select a shade lighter than your foundation and apply it beneath the eyes or wherever you see darkness. Pat into your skin with your finger to look as though you’ve just had 10 hours of blissful slumber.Make sure you always apply your concealer after foundation because then you really get a much-desired brightening effect.STEP FOUR: THE AIRBRUSHERELES Baked Finishing Powder - Diffused LightA compact full of miracles! Sweep over the skin for a soft airbrushed finish to any base. The glow-giving powder contains light-reflecting pigments to make skin look impossibly fresh and flawless while the gorgeous warm tones act like a photo filter on your skin. Sublime skin every time! STEP FIVE: THE YOUTH ENHANCERELES Baked BlushFor a pop of colour that makes skin look fresh, dewy and youthful try this! Six gorgeous shades multi-task as blush, eye shadow and when applied with a damp brush can even work as a matte lip colour!N.B if you tend to have a fair complexion, go for a lighter, more muted version of the blush shade you’d like to use! If you have darker skin, try a stronger, deeper version.
5 skincare essentials for glowing spring skin
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 29 2021
Halfway through spring but your skin isn’t looking it’s best? Want to achieve that healthy spring glow but not sure where to start? We’ve got you! Unfortunately, with spring comes a change in our skin thanks to an increase in temperature, sun exposure and humidity levels so it’s important to up the ante when it comes to your skincare! Below are five of our favourite beauty buys to achieve your healthiest skin this spring! We promise you’ll love them too! Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating CleanserMany people avoid exfoliation during the winter months because they feel it can dry out their skin, but as the weather warms up and the humidity increases, it’s a good time to exfoliate at least once a week if not more, to brighten a dull lacklustre complexion. A good weekly exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells and reveal a fresh glowy complexion instead! For the perfect all-rounder exfoliator for all skin types we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile, it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion after every single use!To learn all about the beautifying benefits of exfoliation and which other exfoliators might be best for your skin this spring click here. Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing CreamAs the weather continues to warm up, it’s time to be rid of our richer creams and reach for a lightweight moisturiser instead! Something that will absorb quickly and keep pores clear. And remember even oily skin needs daily moisturising! Why? Because without daily hydration it can produce even more oil to compensate!I highly suggest you give Phytomer’s Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream a go! Perfect for all skin types, it’s a beautifully light yet deeply nourishing cream that provides skin with that ‘invigorating boost’ for fresh, moisturized skin all day long. Rich in hyaluronic and vitamins, it really will transform skin from lacklustre to soft, supple, and visibly radiant. ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50We get it, no one likes slathering on sunscreen, but it is THE most important step in your daily routine, and we don’t need to remind you why! Sunscreen IS essential all year round, but with more time out and about in spring, it really is time to find that SPF favourite and use it religiously.My personal go-to in spring is ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. It’s lovely and light (none of this thick white greasy emulsion!) plus not only does it protect skin against the sun’s harmful rays, it also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots, all whilst calming and brightening your complexion too! Pevonia “C” ComplexeIn the warmer months, when the sun is shining, UVB radiation is at its strongest, so it’s important to not only prioritise SPF but Vitamin C in our skincare too! Vitamin C when applied topically not only boosts our skin’s natural tolerance to the sun, but it is able to help control the formation of pigmentation as well as significantly lightening its appearance too! So make sure you are armed with a great vitamin C serum or cream. I can’t speak more highly of Pevonia’s “C” Complexe with Oxyzomes. The citrus scent is divine and just two pumps equals radiant looking skin instantaneously. Oh and it feels a-mazing too thanks to it’s combination of vitamin c and hydrating powerhouse hyaluronic which quite literally drenches skin with repairing antioxidants. Heaven. Phytomer Night Recharge Youth Enhancing CreamDon’t forget a good night-time ritual that includes a nurturing night-time cream! Looking after your skin before bed will have a profound effect by morning. My go-to for spring is Phytomer’s beautiful silky, lightweight Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream. It literally cocoons my skin in nourishing hydration and really does restore youthful vitality by morning. One of my personal all time favourites!
5 makeup products that’ll seriously benefit your skin
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 27 2021
When it comes to maintaining healthy skin there are those non-negotiable steps that shouldn’t be skimped on….You know the drill, follow a daily skincare routine, drink all the water, do an ample amount of exercise and get plenty of shut eye to name a few, yet when it comes to covering up any facial flaws from blemishes to redness, or simply not being game to go makeup-free, we are quick to slap on that thick layer of concealer, foundation, blush, bronzer and more…in turn clogging pores and reversing the good we’ve done! This is because our makeup choices can sometimes have a less desirable effect on our skin, often causing blemishes and skin irritations! And doesn’t it seem crazy to spend so much time and money perfecting our morning skincare ritual, using the best of the best for our specific skincare needs, only to undo all the good by applying makeup that’s full of toxic ingredients on top!Luckily, here at BC, we are spoilt with an abundance of skin nurturing makeup essentials! Products that not only create the illusion of flawless skin, but actually do good for our skin too! From foundations that provide both breathable coverage and anti-ageing benefits, to illuminators that will also work to hydrate the skin. Read on for our top 5 recommendations, also known as ‘skincare makeup’, and why our customers keep buying them over and over too! ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15Foundation, in the past, has always been categorised as makeup, a short term ‘fix’ or superficial layer to conceal flaws and help create the illusion of perfect skin. But who says your foundation can’t have long-term skin benefits like your skincare products? After all shouldn’t your foundation enhance your complexion not mask it? Well ELES’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation does just this! Not only is it formulated with anti-inflammatory zinc as well as Vitamins A, C and E, it allows skin to “breathe freely” whilst shielding against age aggressors. It’s free of heavy fillers and pore-clogging ingredients (phew!) and the skin-safe formula contains no chemical ‘nasties’ or potential irritants, such as fragrance, talc, oil and dyes.If you are a lover of liquid foundation but after something silky and light, then you should invest in this beauty! Not only does it provide a flawless, soft, subtle powder finish, it also provides broad spectrum sun protection! Honestly what more could you ask for!“This is the best foundation I have ever used! Firstly, it's mineral makeup so it doesn't clog your skin. Secondly. the coverage is amazing, and it makes your skin look and feel like velvet - honestly the best I have ever used. I have been using this for years and just love it. I get compliments on my makeup all the time.” Sia P ELES Luminous CC Cream 20Colour correcting and broad-spectrum protection in one, the ELES Luminous CC Cream 20 is amazing for everyone but especially those with facial redness or hyperpigmentation as it adapts to your skin tone so it will darken and lighten as needed to blend and conceal!Its multi-Mineral Complex helps to condition skin and provide antioxidant protection while skin nourishing and brightening ingredients help balance your complexion and fight free radicals for a more even, youthful glow!“I just recently purchased the luminous cc cream and I’m very satisfied. The coverage is perfect for my mature skin, and having oily skin I find this cc cream controls it.” Adele K ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30Not to be mistaken for its sister – the CC Cream, BB Creams or otherwise known as beauty balms, are infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow, and let me tell you the ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 is no exception! Multi-faceted it really packs a punch as it quite literally primes, tints, nourishes, protects, evens out skin tone, and helps to strengthen skin on contact. So if you are a busy mum on the go like me, this is for you! It’s your sunscreen, primer, and foundation in one! It's skin caring and skin perfecting in one simple step!! What’s more, thanks to its skin-loving ingredients including Vitamin E, Goji berry, Squalane; its multi-mineral complex, and age defying peptides, over time it will help to promote cell health, strengthen elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore that natural glow you once donned! Yessss!“Absolutely love this product. I used it years ago, tried others but nothing compares. Such a beautiful feel on your skin and the perfect amount of glowy/dewy coverage. I love the spf included, I don’t need to use any other product but this on my Face of a morning. Perfect for aging skin when you want a lighter coverage that makes your skin look younger.” Krystle W ELES Dual Action ConcealerPacked with collagen, vitamins C & E, hyaluronic, Tetrapeptide 5 and Matrixyl® Synthe 6™, this anti-aging concealer not only conceals fine lines and dark circles, it smooths, brightens, depuffs and treats them too, all whilst helping gradually improve skin's texture and elasticity around the eyes! Eyes look beautifully refreshed and radiant. Its medium coverage formula provides continuous hydration and a natural longwearing finish. Apply beneath the eyes and pat into the skin to look as though you’ve just slept 10 hours.“I love this product, been using it for 2 years. You only need the littlest amount to hide dark under eyes reduce the look of wrinkles around your nose and mouth. I always have to have it.” Josephine P ELES Mineral Eyeshadows Let’s face it our delicate eye area is just as important as our skin, in fact it’s the first area to show signs of ageing so surely, we want to treat it to good products as we do our complexion! I love a good eye shadow to take my eyes from awake to stand out and the ELES Mineral Shadows have become a firm favourite (and no not just because I biased!) Ingeniously blended with real minerals and vitamins, each individual eye shadow is free of oils, fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate skin. Also free of talc so colour is fresh, clear and incredibly vibrant! The shadows sweep over eyelids without creasing or fading, while reflecting light away from bruises and dark circles, as well as fine lines.They can be applied dry for soft, low-key shadings, or wet for more vibrant effects and come available in a range of matte and pearlized shades in single inserts or a trio compact so you can mix and match colours.“These eye shadows just blend so easily and remain in place for hours without creasing or flaking. They are light enough to use for a sheer wash of colour but are so easy to build for a strong look. The hard part is deciding which colours i want/need/have to have next.” Naomi F
5 ways to look fresh faced everyday
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 15 2021
Wouldn’t we all love to wake to a fresh face every day? You know that perky looking, glowy skin we once donned many a year ago. Unfortunately, due to daily stresses, lack of sleep, environmental factors and more, our skin can look far from fresh and youthful! And instead, tired, dull and lacklustre. Urgh.The good news is however, that armed with a few key products and some insider tips, you can fake that fresh faced look daily! Firm and tighten your face with a supercharged serum It’ll leave your skin feeling super soft with a dewy, plumped appearance!Ok I have to admit I’m obsessed with my serums. And will not go a day without applying one before my moisturiser. They are the perfect skin booster, and in my eyes a complete necessity to your daily skincare routine, why? Because they help lock in moisture, working deep into your dermis thanks to their ability to penetrate the layers of the skin and work their magic. But also, because they tend to perform above and beyond many regular skincare products, due to their higher concentration of targeted active ingredients. To find out more about why you need a serum in your life click here.I have tried many a serum in my time, and while there are very few I don’t love, the two that stand out personally for me are Pevonia’s Age Correction Intensifier Collagen & MyOxy Caviar and Pevonia’s Vitamin C Complex.Pevonia’s Age Correction Intensifier Collagen & MyOxy Caviar is packed with anti-ageing and rehydrating goodness including collagen and hyaluronic acid that effectively nourish and oxygenate skin, repair cells, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles! Outstanding stuff.And when my skin needs a boost of radiance Pevonia’s C Complex becomes my other trusty go-to. Superhero glow-getter Vitamin C comes together with hydrating and anti-ageing powerhouse hyaluronic acid to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourish and correct photo-damage! The citrus scent is simply heavenly, and it feels amazingly refreshing on application! But more importantly, the results speak for themselves! Radiant looking skin instantly. It’s the perfect morning pick-me-up! Seriously. Choose a multi-tasking moisturiser When skin is looking far from fresh, you really need to up the ante with your moisturiser. Look for moisturisers formulated with ingredients that will both refresh and brighten your complexion. Some ingredients to look out for include;Hyaluronic Acid (plumpness and firmness)Vitamin C (skin tone and brightness)Alpha Hydroxy Acids (fine lines, wrinkles, smoothness)Retinol (fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture)Marine Collagen (hydration, strength, elasticity)Peptides (skin texture and fine lines)As many of you will already know I have personally been in love with Pevonia’s Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream for years now! As have millions of others (since it is Pevonia’s global best-seller and for good reason!) Formulated with anti-ageing wonder ingredients marine collagen and hyaluronic, it’s a deeply nourishing, yet fine cream that feels amazing on application and really does leave skin radiant, super soft and supple, like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture! I apply it every morning without fail!If I feel my skin is looking a little dull and needs that extra bit of pizzazz, I will up my night-time routine and turn to Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream before bed. It’s rich in AHA Glycolic, the super acid which dissolves the ‘glue’ that holds dead skins cells together. As the dead skin cells shed, the new smoother, brighter and younger looking skin underneath is revealed, so yes I do wake up to radiant, glowing skin as a result! Apply a de-puffing eye gel or serum An eye gel or serum will really help you refresh your tired eyes as well as improve with fine lines and wrinkles! Just look for products with key ingredients such as Green coffee, Vitamin C and Ginko Biloba, as they will help shrink capillaries and stimulate lymphatic drainage.Pevonia’s C Evolutive Eye Gel is a personal favourite of mine when it comes to tired, puffy eyes. Formulated with anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C and skin saviours hyaluronic acid and Ginko Biloba it’ll have your peepers decongested and depuffed in one swift application! Lift and open your eyes by curling your eye lashes This can be really effective and makes sleepy eyes look all the more awake. Then apply two coats of mascara to lock in curls.For more tips on how to master bright, wide-awake eyes, click here. Buff highlighter into cheekbones for that lit from within glow If your skin is dull you need a little dose of liquid glow in the shape of an illuminator or highlighter! 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. Try ELES’s Stick Illuminator. I personally can’t get enough of it!You can also freshen the look of your skin instantly with more makeup you just need to follow a few key tips.
Makeup tips for acne prone skin
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 24 2021
Has your skin been feeling the effects of the last however many weeks thanks to the likes of lockdown, home-schooling and working from home!? Or are you simply prone to pesky pimples and adult acne?Whatever your situation we are here to tell you that when armed with the right makeup products and tips on how to best apply, you can effectively conceal those blemishes and feel confident in your skin! Simply read on as we reveal the top 7 makeup tips for acne prone skin according to the pros at BC. Use a primerFirst things first, before you can start to conceal your blemish prone skin you need to prep your face with a primer. A primer is an amazing must-have when it comes to prolonging the wear of your foundation, and let’s face it acne-prone skin tends to be on the oily side and the last thing you’ll want is for your foundation to slide right off your face by lunchtime! No sireee. Primers also add a ‘blurring effect’ to your skin to give the illusion of a smoother complexion. Phew!Just be sure to look for primers that will hydrate, soothe or replenish your skin and if your complexion tends to be oily as well as acne prone, be sure to pick a mattifying primer as it’ll help to combat the excess oil and shine and reduce the appearance of pore size. Try ELES’s Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s a light-textured oil free face primer which combats shine, absorbs excess oil, reduces the appearance of large open pores, promotes antiseptic properties which is great for blemish and breakout prone skin, and it really does keep your foundation looking flawless all day long! This is a great primer – I've been using it for a few years now. It helps keep my foundation looking amazing all day. It's mattifying but won't dry your skin. Sia PapageorgiouDo not cake on your makeup! Remember less is more so keep makeup simpleWearing multiple products from concealer to foundation to blush to illuminator can cause over stimulation so it’s best to keep things simple! Use a skin-friendly breathable foundation and opt for a concealer with some yellow tones to help colour correct any redness.Be sure to always use your foundation first, then apply concealer to affected areas only. This will ensure a smoother even base and a more natural finish but be sure to keep every layer light though – the secret to successful makeup for blemish prone skin! Less product to block the skin causing heat!Mineral makeup will be your best friend, and I know we are biased, but ELES Cosmetics is simply the best and the reviews speak volumes! Choose your foundation wiselySlathering thick foundation all over your face to hide pesky pimples and blemishes can be tempting we know, but it will only end up drawing attention to the bumps on your face as well as exacerbating your condition, so you need to choose your foundation wisely!You really need to navigate the ingredients in a foundation plus it’s best to steer clear of oil-based makeup, as excess oil production is a key cause of blemishes so oil-free formulas will be your best friend! Also avoid skin irritants like alcohol and fragrance which can be found in many a foundation. We recommend opting for a mineral formula every time. These contain no chemical nasties and will allow your skin to breathe freely. Try best-selling ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. “I love love love this product. It has a velvety feel as it glides on your skin and finishes with a plumping matte finish. It always covers my blemishes and gives great coverage without over doing it. Would not use any other foundation!!” Kassey Newell If your acne seems particularly sensitive to makeup, you might want to consider swapping out your love of liquid formulas for powder. Powder will control oil and help your makeup last longer. Just be sure you choose the right sort of powder though as cakey makeup will just highlight your blemishes even more. Foundations with nylon and kaolin give skin a blurred, airbrushed effect. Try ELES Mineral Powder Foundation. “I’m a bit of a powder lover when it comes to foundations as I find liquid formulations a little too much. I have however become more sceptical as I get older as a few power compacts I have tried have enhanced my fine lines. However not this one! It’s amazing! The coverage is just perfect! It looks so natural, in fact like I’m not wearing foundation at all, yet it completely hides my imperfections. I’m in my late 40’s but would recommend this product to anyone, any age whether you are simply looking for a translucent powder, a foundation to conceal your blemishes, or a wonderful base for ageing skin. It has become my daily go-to!” Melissa B Protect your skin with natural SPFWe all know wearing sun protection is a daily necessity, but we understand that if you suffer from blemishes the last thing you feel like doing is smothering your skin in oily sunscreen! Cue mineral makeup rich in zinc oxide! Zinc oxide, which is an anti-inflammatory was once used to treat acne and when mixed with other subtle ingredients, can give you everything from sun protection to coverage. Mineral-based makeup with zinc alone or combined with titanium dioxide provides a good, balanced UV protection and ‘natural’ coverage for those who have acne.ELES Cosmetics range of foundations have an SPF of 15 and above and feel like you aren’t wearing sunscreen at all! Genius. Use the right makeup toolsThe way you apply your makeup is almost as important as the products you use.We’ve all heard it before, touch your face with your hands and you’ll likely cause a breakout so it comes as no surprise that you might well have heard that it’s best not to use your fingers to apply your makeup since even the oil and bacteria on your fingers can irritate skin, also hand heat can add more warmth to an already warm, aggravated complexion. Instead, use a damp Beautyblender. It is the least irritating way to apply your product and honestly provides the most effective results! Not only is the sponge strangely soothing on your skin, but it also provides a more natural-looking coverage. Makeup brushes are another option but just beware that the brush bristles can irritate your sensitive skin, therefore opt for brush bristles made from taklon, a “green” and allergy free synthetic fibre. Its smooth synthetic fibres do not absorb or trap pigment making it easy to keep clean! And make sure you wash those tools!It’s easy to forget about our washing our brushes and makeup sponges but by keeping them clean you’ll ensure you won’t be using grubby, bacteria-filled tools all the time! Eek. Besides bacteria, both makeup brushes and sponges also accumulate dead skin cells and oil which can clog your pores leading to further skin irritation and pesky pimples! Also if you apply your makeup with a dirty bush the end result can be a streaky and patchy complexion! Clean brushes definitely make for a smoother makeup application and healthier skin! Always remove makeup before bedSleeping with a face full of makeup can and will result in skin irritability and breakouts. Makeup not only traps dead skin cells it also blocks our pores and when pores are blocked the skin can’t breathe and therefore regenerate so make sure you commit to removing every inch of makeup before hitting the hay. For more on sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here. To learn more about acne, what type your suffer from and how to best treat it click here.
Australia's leading distributor of professional skincare and makeup.
3/14 Roseberry Street, Balgowlah, NSW 2093 Australia
Phone +61 2 9948 1667
ABN 12 127 758 338