BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
The best cleanser for your skin and why you need it now
by Jo Boyden
on May 21 2021
We all know it – cleansing is the first AND most important stage of any skincare routine. After all, if we don’t cleanse away the day's makeup and grime, how is our beloved moisturiser supposed to penetrate our skin for optimum benefit? And then there is the problem of clogged pores resulting in pesky pimples and acne too!
So we’ve established that cleansing is a necessity, but are we doing it right? While the actual process of cleansing may seem simple, with so many options, choosing the right cleanser for your skin isn’t always as straightforward!
There are foam cleansers, oil cleansers, balm cleansers, cream cleansers, cleansing lotions, and micellar water! And each type of cleanser works slightly differently and is targeted towards specific skin types and concerns! Did you know certain formulations are better for sensitive skin while others are targeted to be real acne fighters? Well, we are here to dish the dirt by breaking down the 6 main cleansing categories. After all, finding the right cleanser for your specific skin’s needs can be a real game changer, I am a testament to that!
Foaming Cleansers
Foaming cleansers create a foamy lather (hence the name), and are ideal for removing oil, layers of makeup, and even hard-to-wash-off product. They are designed to deep clean the skin by getting rid of excess oil and sebum as well as work to effectively unclog pores, helping to keep your skin clean and refreshed. As they foam, they draw out oil and as a result can be a little on the drying side, though some are formulated with oils or emollients to provide a more moisturising experience.
Who are they for?
In general, foaming cleansers are great for mature, oily and acne-prone skin, specifically because of their pore penetrating capabilities. If you want to get rid of acne or excess oil/sebum, you need a cleanser that can go deep in your pores and get rid of the debris without too much effort.
Also perfect for those that love to use a “foaming” type cleanser and like to wash off with water.
Try: Pevonia Micro Retinol Foaming Cleanser. It thoroughly cleanses, brightens and smooths skin with the added benefit of anti-ageing superstars retinol and hyaluronic acid. Perfect for those with advanced signs of ageing, sun damage, uneven skin tone and dark spots. Not recommended however for sensitive skin.
“How much do I love this! I think this has guzumped my present foaming cleanser! Fresh, firming yet doesn't feel like your skin is too tight.” Leah
Gel Cleansers
Gel cleansers have a very different texture from the light and airy one of a traditional foaming cleanser, instead, they have a thicker, gel consistency which provides a small amount of foam (if any) when mixed with water, and a milder, lighter cleansing experience. However, the milder cleanse doesn’t mean it’s inefficient! Quite the contrary. It simply means it cleans out the skin and pores, however not quite as deeply as a foaming cleanser but as a result does so without leaving the skin feeling stripped.
Who are they for?
They are ideal for normal to combination/oily skin.
Try: Pevonia’s Phyto Gel Cleanser. It’s lightweight gel to foaming formulation which gently but deeply cleanses the skin and regulates excess oiliness without causing dryness that many gel or foaming cleansers can.
“The best cleanser! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! I love the way my skin felt after the first time I used it. I have sensitive acne-prone skin and this cleanser works like a dream!” Dionne
Cream Cleansers
Cream Cleansers are typically gentler on the skin than any other cleansers, are usually thicker and creamy and offer deep moisturising as they contain moisturising ingredients. Skin is cleansed gently without stripping the skin’s natural oils and therefore won’t cause dryness as a result.
Who are they for?
These cleansers are best for those with sensitive or dry skin as they cleanse the skin but leave it feeling calm, comfortable and softened. Also recommended for normal skin types.
Try: Phytomer Doux Visage Velvet Cleansing Cream. This ultra-gentle and hydrating cleansing cream not only gently and effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup without drying skin, but will also soften and brighten your complexion after the very first application.
“Fantastic cleansing cream. I've used this for years and I love it. I have sensitive skin and have to be careful of what I use. This works wonderfully and I've never had an issue. Cleans gently without stripping face of moisture. Highly recommend.” Kate
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a water-based, non-soap cleanser. When oil and dirt is mixed with a surfactant (cleansing agent), the surfactant molecules arrange themselves into tiny clusters called micelles.
Essentially, it's oil suspended in a water-like cleanser that helps to remove make-up and dirt more easily than a regular cleanser.
Who are they for?
This type of cleanser is best for sensitive or dry skin.
Try: Vie Collection Micellar Water. It’s a gentle cleanser which purifies, conditions and effectively removes makeup in one easy step. Skin is calm cleansed and revitalized.
“I love that I can clean and moisturize my face in one step, I don't have to compromise, An efficient cleanser while hydrating my skin.” Millie
Cleansing Lotions
Cleansing lotions, like your traditional cleansers are formulated to remove impurities, makeup and pollution from skin, thereby allowing it to breathe. These lotions provide the most effective way to purify the skin and improve its overall health, shine and appearance. You can either use a cleansing lotion alone as your cleaner or as a next step after cleansing skin for a double cleanse and thoroughly clean, refreshed skin.
Who are they for?
All skin types. Anyone who loves to double cleanse.
Try: Phytomer Rose Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion. An all-in-one makeup remover and toner. Quick, effective, pleasant to use. Alcohol-free and infinitely gentle, this lotion removes makeup and tones without leaving an oily film. The skin is left velvety clean.
“This is fantastic, I use it to clean my entire face including removing my mascara. It removes any residual makeup or sweat from my skin & does not irritate my sensitive skin. Love it, can't lie without this.” Lauren
Cleansing Oils
Cleansing Oils are another great way to remove makeup and grime from the skin. They work on an ‘oil attracts oil’ basis, absorbing impurities while nourishing your complexion.
When they are massaged into the skin, the 'good' oils in the cleanser work to dissolve any 'bad' oils that build up on the skin's surface. The cleansing oil binds to these impurities, which are then drawn out and washed away with water. Skin is then replenished with clean, nourishing oils that help balance the skin’s natural oils leaving it soft and moisturised.
Cleansing oils are great for removing stubborn or waterproof makeup and suitable for all skin types since they gentle on the skin, are formulated with nourishing ingredients and designed to be rinseable with water so therefore not leave any oily residue.
Try: ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil. It quite literally melts away makeup and impurities without stripping moisture. When combined with water the oil transforms to a milky white formula that feels gentle on the face and helps maintain a balanced, hydrated and smoothed complexion.
“Leaves skin feeling really clean. Takes makeup off easy with just one application. Great product!” Marise
Triple-duty cleansers
And finally there is a new cleanser taking centre stage. Hybrid cleansers which offer the combination of gel, oil and foam!
Try: We love Pevonia’s NEW CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. 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.
Who is it for?
This cleansing wonder is 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
The best way to protect your skin from blue light damage
by Jo Boyden
on May 07 2021
Blue light damage, we’ve all heard if it, I’ve personally blogged about it, but what’s the best bet for protecting our skin from it?First, to recap. Blue light damage IS a problem. It’s caused by our digital devices (as well as the sun) and having read a scary statistic the other day – the average person in their lifetime will spend 17 years on their phone – it’s something we need to take seriously.Blue light from electronics is linked to a number of issues, from digital eye damage, to sleep deprivation (and lack of sleep never did anyone any good) and then there is the adverse effect it has on our skin! Why spend all that time, energy and money on skincare only to have the good undone by our devices? As quickly as a collagen cream can replenish our skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles, overexposure to “screen time” can actually prompt the formation of free radicals which break down collagen causing fine lines and wrinkles! And that’s not all! Excessive blue light can cause inflammation, leading to redness and dark spots, as well as hyperpigmentation, particularly in those with darker skin.Let’s face it though, we aren’t going to give up scrolling on our phone or our love of Netflix at night, nor can those of us who work, simply shutdown our laptops and say no more! But what we can do is a number of steps to help protect our skin and reduce the effects that blue light damage can cause. Look for key ingredients in your skincareLayer your products with skin protecting ingredients including iron oxide and antioxidants, they will all significantly aid in protecting your skin from too much screen time. Iron OxideLook for products with formulations that contain iron, this is because iron oxide helps neutralize and repair blue light damage. Try ELES Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20.AntioxidantsProducts that contain antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress, which is one of the negative effects of blue light. By applying topical products containing vitamin C and E you can assist in counteracting the damaging effects of blue light. Try Medicalia C Serum with Oxyzomes which protects and infuses the antioxidant deep within our skin for maximum anti-free radical benefits and collagen-boosting effects. We also love Pevonia’s stem Cells Phyto-Elite range, rich in vitamins C, E, Marine Collagen and Retinol! It deeply repairs any damage caused to the skin, effectively minimising the most common signs of premature ageing.Wear a BB CreamIn the same way that physical sunscreens can help act as a barrier for the skin against blue light, so can products that contain light-reflecting pigment, like BB cream, which has been proven to reduce the effects of blue light by 80 per cent. Luminous skin and (partial) blue light protection in one! Our favourite and one of BC’s best-sellers is the ELES Age-Defying BB Cream 30. It is your multi-tasking wonder cream, because this product simply put does it all! It’s your moisturiser, primer, foundation and SPF in one! Don’t forgo your SPF, everIt’s important to protect our skin in the same way we would from the sun, so wearing an SPF daily year-round is a must (you should be doing this anyway!)Sunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide. A new favourite of the team at BC is Medicalia’s new Sunscreen SPF 30 with Blue Light Shield. A true triple threat, it contains an exclusive mineral formula including both zinc and iron oxides to shield skin from harmful sun rays, blue light and pollution! It delivers all-natural protection with the addition of zinc oxide which acts to form a protective seal over the skin to reflect blue light away. It rubs into skin seamlessly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue behind. And even better, the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones. So worth the investment in my books! Protect your eyes with a good eye creamBlue light harms the delicate skin around your eyes so an eye cream is essential. This is because eye creams are different to your daily moisturisers and serums as they are formulated with specific active ingredients to nurture and repair the fragile eye area – the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies and up to 1/10 thinner than the rest of the skin on our face! Their main objective is to target specific eye concerns – crow’s feet, under eye bags and dark circles, delivering brightening and anti-ageing ingredients in a mild, gentle and safe dose.We highly recommend Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream. Enriched with the best antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients including; encapsulated high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Botox-like peptides, fatty acids, vitamin c and vitamin B3, this silky cream is inspired by eye-rejuvenating Botox and hyaluronic acid injections to effectively fight signs of ageing and fatigue. Suitable for everyone even those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.There are also other ways you can aid your skin including, avoiding screen time an hour before bed, eating a well-rounded diet rich in anti-oxidant and fatty-acid foods and purchasing blue light blockers and filters, you just need to make sure you start incorporating all these factors into your daily routine!
You’ve not experienced glowing skin until you’ve tried this
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 23 2021
Just as we are told to keep up our daily intake of fresh fruit and veggies, thanks to the multitude of vitamins they contain, it’s equally as important to apply vitamins topically to our skin for optimum skin health. While vitamin E helps increase nutrient levels and inflammation and vitamin A is a real wrinkle fighter, it is wonder ingredient - vitamin C that receives all the beauty buzz and for very good reason.Recommended by every beauty expert as a go-to ingredient in your beauty arsenal, this notorious glow-getter not only radially brightens skin, lessening hyperpigmentation, it also increases collagen production (which diminishes with age) and protects skin against pollution and sun damage by effectively neutralising free radicals (which can wreak havoc by harming healthy skin cells as well as promoting premature ageing – we are talking fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and more…eek!)So if you suffer from hyperpigmentation or your skin is literally lacking life and needs some serious brightening, vitamin c should be your go-to. We promise you when we say you haven’t experienced glowing skin until you have a vitamin c rich routine, and these 5 BC favourites will help you achieve just that. For those who need the perfect pick-me upPevonia Vitamin C ComplexeFor the ultimate skin brightening boost, this product is a must! 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! For those with maturing skin concernsVie Collection Vita C SolutionWe can’t recommend this skin-smoothing serum enough! It provides rapid revitalising for maturing skin, brightening and enhancing skin tone like never before with boosted (10%) vitamin C to truly promote a healthy, beautiful glow. For those with blemish-prone skinPhytomer White Lumination Brightening Serum This ultra-light serum which visibly lights up the complexion helps reduce the appearance of blemishes to achieve an even tone and skin that literally glows from within! For a flawless baseELES Cosmetics Luminous CC Cream 20The ultimate skin correcting cream, ELES’s Luminous CC not only adapts to skin tones for a flawless foundation, its skin nourishing and brightening ingredients help even tone and diminish imperfections too. It’s not one of ELES Cosmetic’s best-sellers for nothing! One for the eyes….Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye GelIf you love the feeling of a cooling eye gel to soothe and depuff your peepers, this product is the one for you. Anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C is the star ingredient in this eye gel. The skin saviour coupled with hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo Biloba is a sure thing for cooling tired eyes and effectively decongesting and de-puffing them in one swift application.
Suffering from hyperpigmentation? 4 things you need to be doing now
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 05 2021
You may not know it but hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as dark spots, is a very common skin concern. The condition most commonly occurs due to overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin, which is why it’s often exacerbated during the sunny summer months (thank you sunshine!) However, it can also occur due to inflammation caused from conditions like acne, just want you don’t need, and while hyperpigmentation can be hard to avoid for some, you can definitely help reduce its severity by following a few key steps and we are here to tell you what; Choose your skincare wisely If you aren’t already invest in skincare specifically designed to target hyperpigmentation. There are 4 key ingredients to look out for. The first being Vitamin C. Vitamin C can not only help heal blemishes it can also help reduce hyperpigmentation and give your skin an all out glow. Once you add a daily dose of vitamin c to your skincare routine you can start seeing noticeable improvements in a matter of weeks.Here at BC, we love Pevonia’s “C” Complexe. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid work together to hydrate, correct photo damage and drench your skin with repairing antioxidants for a revitalized, youthful glow. It’s really good stuff and I’m testament to that!AHA’s such as glycolic and lactic acid and BHA’s such as Salicylic acid are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging and brightening skin and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck and chest.I personally love Pevonia’s Renewing Glycocides Cream with UV protection! It combines Glycolic acid and Hyaluronic Acid to dramatically improve skin’s texture.Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is another go-to ingredient for hyperpigmentation. It works by going deep beneath your skin, encouraging cell turnover and bringing healthier, newer skin cells to the surface!Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing cream is a must in the fight against Hyperpigmentation! Formulated with retinol and Glycolic and Lactic Acid (yes!) it’s an excellent resurfacing and lightening cream for photodamaged skin. Just be sure to introduce it slowly and apply before bed. To learn more about retinol click here. Exfoliate And once or twice a week! This will help shed the hyperpigmented cells and speed up healing. Really!The most effective exfoliators for managing hyperpigmentation are either chemical or enzymatic exfoliators though as they penetrate more deeply into the skin than physical exfoliators and don’t contain grains which can in some cases create inflammation by scrubbing which can lead to additional pigmentation! Eek!Try Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes! It’s a beautifully gentle exfoliant that uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating the skin. Ideal for even the most sensitive and reactive skin, it eliminates impurities by gentle exfoliating away dead skin cells to reveal a refined skin texture and more luminous complexion. Slip, slop, slap Wear sunscreen and be religious about it. Applying your SPF is not only the best way to prevent premature ageing but it will also dramatically decrease your chances of getting hyperpigmentation as well as reducing it.I highly recommend Vie Collection’s Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF30, this amazing daily cream is formulated with two high-tech ingredients that act against dark spots, free radicals and UV rays. After daily use dark spots become less visible and skin more unified. Eat a diet rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids can effectively help reduce skin darkening. So be sure to introduce avocados, oranges, grapes, cherries, broccoli and bell peppers into your daily diet, as well as foods with beta-carotene (orange colour) like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots and seafood rich in copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Such a diet works by encouraging production of melanin, reduction of free radicals and support of cell turnover, the three things that help grow healthy, happy skin and diminish dark spots! Drink herbal Turn your morning cuppa into a mug of green tea! We know green tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, but did you know as a result it can help reduce both skin inflammation and melanin production in one.
Fed up of tired, puffy eyes? Here’s what you need
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 04 2020
Did you hit the snooze button one too many times this morning? Because yup we’ve hit that crazy busy, exhausting time of year again, or have allergies left you looking like you just pulled an all-nighter? Well, you can get rid of those tired eyes in a flash with the help of some of our favourite eye products. What’s more, they are firm favourites of you, our BC customers too! Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream When I’m tired, which let's face it is ALL. OF. THE. TIME. Right now, unbeknownst to me (thank you, kids, for the heads up!) I’m a shocker for rubbing my eyes! The thing is I’m already in the know that doing so can cause tiny blood vessels to break resulting in dark circles under my eyes, and yup I suffer most mornings from said dark circles and under eye bags. Ergh.My solution? Vie Collection’s Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. Yes a mouthful to say, but a product that does exactly what it says. It’s a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles! Seriously!“This is a wonderful eye cream, it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened my dark circles, and even smoothed my wrinkles! It’s truly a fabulous eye cream that is well worth the price tag.” Lisa M (BC customer) Pevonia MyOxy Caviar® Timeless Eye Contour Ok, so this is another great love of mine. We are talking luxury in a bottle. Optimum results but yes you’d want to expect that from the price tag. No jokes when I say this product, packed with anti-ageing eyecare goodies including; Marine Collagen Polypeptides; Caviar Extract; and Escutox® - the natural alternative to Botox - quite literally takes 10 years off your eyes. I’ve been using it for around 6 months now and have seen a noticeable decrease in wrinkles, plus it has smoothed the skin around my eye zone and reduces my puffiness daily too! “This product is really awesome! It erased the wrinkles around my eyes and gave them a brighter look.” Kylie O, BC Customer Pevonia C Evolutive Eye Gel If you prefer the feeling of a cooling eye gel to soothe and depuff your peepers, this product is the one for you. Anti-ageing dynamo Vitamin C is the star ingredient in this eye gel. The skin saviour coupled with hyaluronic acid and Ginkgo Biloba is a sure thing for cooling tired eyes and effectively decongesting and de-puffing them in one swift application. “I had a problem with puffy old looking eyes and was hoping that this gel would do the job as I was hating the way my eyes looked and I'll tell you, this gel worked INSTANTLY on me! It's a very good de-puffer for sure!” Suzette, BC Customer Phytomer Expertise Age Contour Youth Eye Cream Phytomer definitely nails the names of their products! This eye cream is and does what it says! It quite literally takes years off your eyes by lessening those pesky crow’s feet and firming your eye contours so they actually look smoother and more open! And who doesn’t want brighter, younger-looking eyes? Oh and if that wasn’t enough it does help with lightening dark circles too!“This eye cream seems to do it all; takes care of dryness, puffiness and lines. My eyes seem to "pop" more than they were before using it. At 52 my eyes want to withdraw, but this cream brings them back out and you have to love that.” Vicky D, BC Customer ELES Dual Action Concealer This anti-aging concealer actually helps to gradually improve skin's texture while concealing those obvious under eye dark circles. Its moisturising formula provides continuous hydration as well as a natural longwearing finish meaning it lasts for hours without seeping into fine lines and wrinkles! “This concealer is perfection. It goes on smooth, doesn't crease, and covers dark circles completely. The concealer lasts forever because you don't need to use a lot to get full coverage.” Marwa Yates, BC Customer Gemstone Facial Rollers Jade rollers are all the trend right now thanks to the multitude of medicinal benefits they bring. But we’ve gone one step further! We’ve created 5 facial rollers all made from gemstones! From rejuvenating jade to calm and soothing rose quartz, detoxifying Obsidian to purifying amethyst. Introduce one of these into your daily soothing self-care ritual and reap the results. The roller will, not only help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles around the eyes, if used correctly it can dramatically reduce puffiness by moving excess fluid around your eyes towards your lymph nodes where it filters out the toxins. Cool right? To find out more about the rollers and how to use them click here.
13 skincare habits that are ageing you
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 16 2020
Let's face it, we are all on the quest to radiant, youthful skin and many of us will invest both time and money perfecting our daily beauty routine, but there are still a number of mistakes or bad habits should I say, that we are likely doing daily that can and will make us look older than our years! Eek.So read on to find out what they are, and if you are currently committing any of them, you know to stop now! Not updating your skincare as your skin changes You might have been loyal to the same moisturiser for many years but sadly the skincare you've used in your 20's really won't cut it in your 30's, 40's and beyond. This is because as we age our skin's needs dramatically change. Skin becomes thinner, drier, more sensitive, and loses elasticity as collagen and elastin start to deplete, while fine lines and wrinkles start to form. Therefore anti-ageing skincare rich in ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and vitamin C become essential. For more info on this read about the top 5 skincare ingredients as recommended by the experts and adjust your products accordingly. Going to bed with makeup on Well here's one you've heard many a time before! Right? From a few too many wines to being just plain old exhausted, sometimes it hard to peel yourself off your bed to go and remove your makeup but remove your makeup you must!Cleansing your face especially at night to remove not only your makeup but any remnants of the days sweat, dirt and grime is imperative for healthy skin. Not removing your makeup means your skin is unable to regenerate effectively while you sleep, pores clog, and fatigue (ageing!) signs start to appear. For a fantastic makeup remover which effectively melts away makeup and grime with minimum effort try Phytomer's Doux Contour Eye and Lip Waterproof Makeup Remover. Combining the effectiveness of an oil (a trio of oils in fact) and the gentleness of a lotion, this ultra-hydrating makeup remover, eradicates even the most stubborn of lips and eye makeup fast!To read more about sleeping in makeup and what it really does to our skin click here. Skipping on your moisturiser It's that time of the month and a few pesky pimples have reared their ugly head, or you are often prone to adult acne or simply suffer from oily skin, so think it best to lay off the moisturiser which must be exacerbating the issue right? Wrong.While you are likely not alone in thinking lathering up on moisturiser seems counterproductive, everyone, no matter what your skin type or concern, needs to apply a moisturiser daily! This is because moisturiser maintains skin hydration throughout the day and therefore assists in fighting premature fine lines and wrinkles too. In fact, applying moisturiser will greatly reduce your chance of developing extreme dryness, skin sensitivity, or oiliness! Why? Dehydrated skin can lead to issues like inflammation, premature skin ageing, and even breakouts. When your skin becomes dry, your body responds by making more oil! And we all know excess oil can clog pores leading to more of those darn pesky pimples.When searching for the right moisturiser for your skin type they do tend to be categorised by skin concern so you just need to research and find the right one for your skin's needs. Just be sure to opt for lighter moisturisers by day, especially in the warmer months, and richer creams at night.For oily skin types, we highly recommend Phytomer's Oligopur Hydra Matifying Control Cream. It's an ultra-light cream that controls oil and breakthrough shine throughout the day. No shine, no greasy feeling, no heaving feeling!If your skin is prone to pimples try Phytomer Acnipure Blemish Solution Fluid, it's a lightweight gel-cream that fights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. It also helps eliminate shine, diminishes the appearance of blemishes, and prevents future breakouts!! Wearing SPF only during the summer Hands down the no. 1 contributor to skin ageing is skipping your SPF.Yes, it's easy to remember to apply it when you're headed to the beach, or out and about on holiday, but so many of us skip this vital step in our everyday lives and not because we are necessarily lazy but because we don't understand the long term affect not wearing it will have on our skin! Being exposed to UV rays will make your skin age quicker, creating fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and more...Applying sunscreen daily all through the year will assist in keeping skin looking younger. Just remember the higher the factor the better especially in the warmer months. Thinking that the SPF in your makeup is enough to protect your skin Unless your makeup has an SPF factor of 30 or above it's unlikely to ward off premature ageing if worn alone. This is because the majority of makeup will protect against UVB rays but won't block UVA rays which is what causes skin damage. Layering your skin with a high factor SPF moisturiser and then foundation will give you the best chance of maintaining skin's youthful appearance, but if you are in love with your daily moisturiser which doesn't contain sun protection, still use it and then apply a lightweight SPF like the ELES Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50. Not only does it protect skin against the sun’s harmful rays, it also helps prevent discolouration while diminishing existing dark spots and calming and brightening your complexion at the same time!Still be sure you use a foundation with SPF for that extra protection and coverage though, as chances are when you apply sunscreen, you'll skip vital spots that you won't do with your foundation. The ELES best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF15 is an institution. It's a silky, mineral-enriched liquid formula with broad spectrum sun protection that literally glides on to skin and sets to a soft powder finish. Loved by everyone who tries it you won't be disappointed! Focusing only on Wrinkles While we are all concerned about fine lines and wrinkles as we age, dark spots and pigmentation can actually give our complexion a dull, devitalised and in turn much older appearance too! In fact, dark spots and uneven skin tone can make us look 10 years older! So if you suffer from hyperpigmentation ensure you introduce products specifically to help with this like concern. We promise it'll positively impact your complexion and protect your skin too. Try Vie Collection's Mela White Radiance Brightening Essense, a triple-action daily cream that effectively acts against dark spots, free radicals, and UV. The results will speak for themselves. Rubbing Your Eyes The area around your eyes is the most delicate on your face, fact. When we are tired it's easy to fall into the trap of rubbing our eyes, or when applying eye makeup with precision. We've all been guilty of pulling at our eyes I'm sure, but tugging, rubbing or pulling at your eye area can cause tiny blood vessles to break resulting in dark circles that make you look tired All. Of. The. Time. Instead, start applying an anti-ageing eye cream morning and night pronto! I am currently loving Vie Collection's Chrono Eyes Puffiness-Dark Circles Wrinkles Cream. It's a beautifully fine cream enriched with moisturising ingredients to nourish the eye area while reversing puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles! Seriously! Ignoring Your Neck and decolletage Oh, the forgotten area! And the area of your skin which can actually age you the most! Exposed to sunlight just as much as your face, if your neck and decolletage aren't cared for daily or protected with SPF, they can end up crepey and wrinkly so much earlier than they should! Whatever you do for your face you should do for your neck and decolletage too.There are neck and chest specific products you can use, I personally use Pevonia's Age Correction Rapid Restore Neck and Chest religiously, it's a 2 in 1 serum and cream which hydrates, nourishes refines and brightens skin for a more youthful appearance while smoothing wrinkles too! But there is also nothing wrong with using your daily moisturiser or a hydrating body cream instead! Just start doing it now! Avoiding exfoliators It's not just fine lines and wrinkles that make you look older, having a dull uneven skin tone can easily add years to your face as well!As we age our skin's natural ability to shed dead cells declines, so without weekly exfoliation skin can become uneven, dull and lacklustre. This is why exfoliation is so imperative, and not a step that should be ignored. Many people are scared of exfoliation because they think their skin is too sensitive, and it will just aggravate an existing issue, but that's where natural enzyme exfoliators can be the answer.Both Phytomer's Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes and Pevonia's Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream are formulated with natural enzymes which basically melt away dead cells so no scrubbing is needed. Just remember removing dead skin cells helps your skin properly absorb moisturiser which in turn keeps fine lines and dehydration at bay, as well as brightening skins radiance. Now, who wouldn't want that!! Or simply going overboard with exfoliating If you tend to sway the other way and love to exfoliate your skin a little too much i'm here to tell you stop it now! Over exfoliating can actually slow cell turnover, cause chronic skin irritation and inflammation which can lead to accelerated ageing. Stick to exfoliation once a week for the best results. If you ilke to use an exfoliator with grains or microbeads but skin tends to be a little on the sensitive side give Pevonia's Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser a go. it’s great for those who love physical exfoliators with granules but want to steer clear of facial scrubs which could be a little harsh on the skin. It gently polishes your complexion with its unique creamy yet granular texture, formulated with jojoba beads, saponaria and chamomile, revealing a softer, smoother and brighter complexion every time! And in the month of September if you purchase Pevonia Vitamin C Complexe (the perfect skin-brightening summer serum) you'll receive a full size Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser for FREE Not drinking enough water As I'm sitting here writing this, I can hold my hands up and say today so far I've only drunk 2 glasses of water when I should have in fact consumed at least a litre by now! Yes, it's fact, water, or lack of should I say is a real skin ager!! And I know I must practice what a preach! The thing is I do, but some days I will admit it's easy to forget! And when I do, I get cross with myself as I can see it in my skin! It's drier, duller and devitalised. This is because drinking 'enough' water helps the body to flush out toxins while increasing blood flow to the skin which gives it an even tone and dewy appearance! And dewy skin equals youthful skin after all!Not a huge fan of water? Try a good herbal tea instead. Extreme water temperatures How many of us are guilty of indulging in a hot shower or simply washing our faces with water set to a high temp. But really for best and healthy results we should be washing with lukewarm water. This is because extreme water temperatures will strip healthy natural oils from your skin quickly, making it dry and therefore age much faster. Water that's too hot can also dilate your capillaries leading to spider veins. Not getting enough sleep....when you could get more If I had a dollar for every time I said to my husband I must get to bed early tonight because I need more sleep and am fed up of looking old and tired, I'd be a rich woman. While they say practice what you preach, I am a testament that not getting enough sleep (when I could indeed fit in another 1-2 hours a night (darn netflix!) literally does age you.Poor sleep is quite literally to blame for premature ageing, dermatitis, eczema, acne, loss of collagen and more! Scary right? So let's make a pact and try for that 8 hours + we really do need nightly.Now be sure to follow our advice to be sure you slow down the signs of ageing naturally!
Skin Envy? 13 things people with flawless skin do daily
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 13 2020
Waking up to a flawless skin can be easier than you think….if you live by a few simple steps that is. In fact, you are likely already doing some of them, you know the drill, drink plenty of water, get 9 hours of blissful sleep a night (yeah sure!), always wear your SPF and eat a whole lot of leafy veggies and fresh fruit, but what other things are women doing to ensure their best skin yet? From the products you really need in your skincare routine to a few lifestyle changes, here is the list of things people with flawless skin do every day;They use the right products for their skin's needsFirst things first, it’s important to understand your skin and its specific needs so you purchase products accordingly. From dry, devitalised skin to an acne-prone complexion, sensitive skin to premature aging, we all have a skin type. If you aren’t sure how to determine this, why not visit your local salon for a consultation, after all, achieving great skin is not about piling on the products, it’s about finding what will work best for you.They address their skin’s needs dailyJust to confuse things, while we might be a particular skin type, our complexions can alter daily dependant on a number of factors; how much sleep we’ve had, how healthy or unhealthy we’ve been, whether we are hormonal, to name a few, so it’s important to address our skin’s needs every day and slightly adjust our skincare routine accordingly. I know what my skin needs and have my skincare routine down pat but some days I’ll change my serum from my Pevonia C Complex to a hyaluronic rich concentrate because I know my skin needs that extra burst of hydration (I am personally in love with Pevonia’s Age Correction Intensifier Collagen & Myoxy Caviar), or at night I might opt to add in a nurturing face oil if my skin is feeling a little dry and devitalised, like Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate, my skin is always soft and glowy the morning after!They follow the double cleanse crazeThe key to healthy skin is not only in your choice of skincare but in the way you remove the day’s build-up of grime and impurities too! Cleansing once will eradicate daily dirt and makeup, but if you double cleanse you’ll be ensuring your cleanest skin yet!The double cleanse method works on the principle that you firstly use a cleansing oil (we LOVE the ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil) or micellar water (if you are a lover of micellar water you simply must try Vie Collection’s Micellar water for face, eyes and lips), they will break down makeup, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin. Then follow with a water-based cleanser, which will clean much deeper into the pores, removing any remaining sweat, bacteria and dead skin cells. The deeper cleanse will also allow your serum and moisturiser, as well as other night time leave-on products, to penetrate into your skin working their magic much more efficiently, giving your skin cells the best chance at regenerating for a plumper more youthful complexion by morning!They use a toner!Our skin tends to be naturally acidic, but the alkaline in cleansers can alter this, meaning skin has to work overtime to restore its balance. By using a toner daily after cleansing, will not only ensure any remnants (if there are any after your double cleanse that is!) are removed from your face but it’ll also restore your pH balance of your skin. They use serum dailyThese anti-aging and targeted elixirs are an imperative step in your daily skincare routine! Apply before your moisturiser for more targeted results. To learn more about why you need a serum and the best anti-ageing serums for every skin type click here. They exfoliate once a weekA good weekly exfoliation will break up dead surface skin cells and reveal a fresh glowy complexion every time, just remember though, too much exfoliation can be counterproductive!If your skin is a little on the sensitive side, exfoliation is still important just be sure to opt for a super gentle formula – we LOVE Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, it gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture. But if granules scare you, we also highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.They understand what ingredients they need for their skinIt’s important to learn about your skin’s specific needs and then buy products to target those needs. By understanding what ingredients to look out for will honestly better your skin in the long run. To read about the top 5 ingredients as recommended by the experts click here. They love a good facial massageGiving yourself a weekly facial (or even better visiting your favourite salon or spa) can do wonders for your skin. It helps to not only release tension but also increase circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage for optimum skin detox. They practice calming techniquesStress is not only bad for your health but your skin too. Unfortunately, cortisol (the stress hormone) has the ability to break down collagen in the skin, the higher the stress, the more cortisol is produced and over time the skin’s ability to rebuild collagen will significantly decrease. So when you are feeling anxious or stressed try your hand at yoga or meditation or simply unwind to relaxation music. They stay activeWe all know exercise is of course great for our health and mental wellbeing but do we all practice what we preach? While exercise has been proven to help control weight, reduce risk of heart diseases, help our body manage blood sugar and insulin levels, decrease pain, and even delay the ageing of our cells! It can also improve our skin! This is because it helps to increase oxygen and blood flow to the skin. This neutralizes the free radicals that damage our skin. Exercise helps to cleanse the skin from the inside, which then radiates on the out! They eat healthilyWe’ve all heard of the saying we are what we eat right? Well what you ingest can definitely reflect on your skin. Just as you should look for specific ingredients to put on your face, make sure you eat specific ingredients too! For example blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins that strengthen the skin’s collagen matrix. They stay out of the sunWe all know wearing SPF daily is a necessity but those who really look after their skin have been known to credit being sun savvy as helping to keep skin radiant. We are talking minimal direct sun exposure. They ensure sunnies and hats are worn religiously, some even carry an umbrella!NB. The rays of the sun are an important source of vitamin D so it is still advisable to expose yourself to sunlight in the earlier hours of the day for at least 10 minutes. They take vitamin c every day.If you want to encourage flawless skin every day, ingesting vitamin c is a must (as is it to use topically!)Vitamin C aids to prevent ageing signs as well as enhance overall complexion, increasing collagen production and generally brightening skin. Most will take a vitamin C supplement as well as eat vitamin c rich foods including citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, kale and kiwis!
5 ways to effectively reduce your pores
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 03 2020
If you suffer from uneven skin tone or your enlarged pores appear to be a permanent feature on your face, we feel you.Believe it or not, many of us are as obsessed with our pore size, as we are with skin ageing! But why is it some of us suffer from large pores? And how can you shrink them fast?As we age, our body produces less Elastin and Collagen and without these two, our skin becomes much less supple and starts to sag. It’s the collagen in our skin which actually strengthens the walls of our pores, making them tighter, so when this breaks down with age our pores become enlarged! And to make matters worse, when these enlarged pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, blackhead and whiteheads may form. When bacteria comes in contact with these two, a pimple is born! So something which we thought was associated with teenage years can return to haunt us when we hit our 30’s and 40’s +!While your pore size is genetic (thank you parents!) and therefore you can’t alter its structure, the good news is there are a number of tips and treatments you can live by, which will help not only reduce pore size but leave you with smooth and even skin too! Introduce an exfoliating cleanser And not just any old exfoliator, one formulated with AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) such as Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid, and/or BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) such as Salicylic acid. These are the holy grail of ingredients when it comes to penetrating and cleaning out your clogged pores, and clogged pores look bigger, fact. So by unblocking them you are already halfway there in terms of reducing their size.While all four acids exfoliate on a cellular level, Glycolic, Citric and Lactic works on a more surface level to brighten and smooth your skin, whereas Salicylic Acid penetrates much deeper to effectively remove dead skin cells clogged in pores.For those who are more prone to pimples, we highly recommend Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. Formulated with both Citric and Salicylic Acid, it delivers intensive cleansing for problematic skin, gently removing impurities and rendering skin clear, clean and smooth.For those with enlarged pores we are loving Vie Colletion’s Renewing Exfoliating Cream. Designed to make the skin look renewed, radiant and youthful (yes please!) it smoothes away roughness while dramatically reducing large pores appearance! Use a skin primer A good skin primer will become your lifeline if you are prone to oily skin. Not only will it stop your foundation from sliding off your face quite literally, it’ll keep your base smooth while reducing the appearance of pores (and fine lines!)I’ve tried many a primer in my time but as a sufferer of oily skin and pores on the, let’s say slightly larger side! My go-to is the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It’s oil-free (of course), perfectly lightweight and seems to combat shine almost instantly. It contains a natural Dermat Complex which enables it to absorb oil and effectively reduce pore size in one hit. Wear sunscreen daily You hear this time and time again but we are serious. Do it. The number one cause of premature skin ageing is the sun. The less we wear sunscreen the sooner our collagen will break down causing skin to sag and pores to expand! Whether you choose to use a daily moisturiser or foundation with SPF is up to you, but using a sunscreen is paramount.We are in love with ELES Cosmetics’ best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, Free of pore-clogging oils, this silky, mineral-enriched liquid foundation with broad-spectrum sun protection, glides on velvety smooth but sets to a soft powder finish. It's ideal for all skin types even those with really oily skin and perfects your complexion while protecting against future damage. Opt for a pore perfecting moisturiser Yes it’s a thing! If you aren’t already using one, you simply must now. Formulated to quite literally refine pores for a smoother, flawless complexion free of shine you won’t believe the results. Our go-to is Pevonia’s Age Correction Micro-Pores Refine Cream. It’s a mattifying treatment cream which reduces oil production and pore size, while providing long-lasting hydration at the same time. Give retinol a go Hailed THE anti-ageing ingredient of the skincare world, retinol is known to not only slow down the signs of ageing (as a result of its ability to increase your skin’s collagen production) but also simultaneously decrease oil production which leads to smoother skin, fewer breakouts and tighter pores!If you haven’t before now, introducing a retinol cream at night will be a game changer for your skin, just be sure to opt for a more gentle retinol cream and slowly introduce it into your skincare routine as some can be a little sensitive to it at first, but the wait is soo worth it we promise!We highly recommend the Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream. Combining Retinol with Glycolic and Lactic Acids (ah yes those two faithful pore perfecting acids again!) it is a must for resurfacing and regenerating skin for a smoother brighter appearance! To understand more about retinol read our guide to the best anti-ageing ingredient.
Spending more time on multiple devices? The Best Eye creams for screen-tired eyes
by Jo Boyden
on May 15 2020
Staring at a screen more than ever since #lockdown? Eyes looking tired? And dark circles more apparent? Increased time in front of your laptop and on your phone can reap havoc with your precious peepers, but why exactly is this and what can you do to help prevent it?
Why does screen time impact our eyes?
More time in front of multiple screens means an increase in our exposure to harmful high-energy blue light waves. Blue light, if you aren’t aware, is a colour in the “visible light” spectrum” that can be seen by, and therefore have an adverse effect on, our eyes.
Spending just two consecutive hours on a digital device can cause eyestrain or fatigue while overexposure to this blue light also suppresses the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, therefore disrupting our normal sleep pattern. And we all know poor sleep can lead to premature ageing, especially around the delicate eye area!
What can you do to prevent it?
There are multiple ways you can aid your eyes including, avoiding screen time an hour before bed, eating a well-rounded diet rich in anti-oxidant and fatty-acid foods and purchasing blue light filters, but if you really want to show them the love, introduce an eye cream into your beauty routine both morning and night.
Eye creams are different to your daily moisturisers and serums as they are formulated with specific active ingredients to nurture and repair the fragile area around the eyes – the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies and up to 1/10 thinner than the rest of the skin on our face! Their main objective is to target specific eye concerns – crow’s feet, under eye bags and dark circles, delivering brightening and anti-ageing ingredients in a mild, gentle and safe dose.
Here are 4 favourite eye creams to tackle your eye fatigue that are definitely worthy of your investment;
Vie Collection Chrono Eyes Puffiness – Dark Circles Wrinkle Cream
Enriched with the best nourishing ingredients including; encapsulated high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Botox-like peptides, fatty acids, vitamin c and vitamin B3, this silky cream is inspired by eye-rejuvenating Botox and hyaluronic acid injections to effectively fight signs of ageing and fatigue. Suitable for everyone even those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
“This is a wonderful eye cream, it gives immediate gratification thanks to a pearlescent finish that instantly brightens the eye area and it has definitely calmed my puffiness, lightened by dark circles and even smoothed my wrinkles! It’s truly a fabulous eye cream that is well worth the price tag”. Lisa M
Phytomer Pionniere XMF Reset Eye Fluid
Formulated with 2 specific biotechnological breakthrough ingredients, marine sugar Oligofurcellaran and blue micro alga, this light and fine eye fluid promises to restore youthful eye radiance in just seven days! From the first week dark circles and puffiness are less visible, eyelids are lifted and wrinkles start to fade.
“Since using this product I have definitely seen results! It's been about a month now and I can honestly say I've noticed that the fine lines around my eyes have faded and my dark circles are so much less obvious. Amazing stuff!” Joanne W
Phytomer Expertise Age Contour Youth Eye Cream
This high performance cream formula corrects crow’s feet while firming up the eye’s contours. Anti-ageing ingredients including fatty acids and moisturising shea butter effectively smooth out wrinkles and brighten eyes while dark circles are lightened and puffiness reduced. Skin appears rejuvenated and younger with every use.
“This eye cream seems to do it all; takes care of dryness, puffiness, and lines. My eyes seem to "pop" more than they were before using it. At 52 my eyes want to withdraw, but this cream brings them back out and you have to love that.” Vicky D
Pevonia Evolutive Eye Cream
This anti-ageing eye cream deeply nourishes and renews the delicate under eye area in multiple ways. Formulated with a powerful blend of anti-agers including hyaluronic acid, vitamin A and glycolic acid, it firms, smooths and hydrates dry, crepey skin.
“This is the best eye cream I ever used. I absolutely love the texture, not too light but not heavy either. Keeps my eye contour hydrated all day and I actually stopped using a concealer around my eyes as I simply don't need it anymore! I started to have really deep wrinkles around my eyes-tried so many different creams-but the wrinkles just kept getting deeper and I always had a dry looking eye contour at the end of the day. Well after using this cream for let’s say a week I saw a huge improvement in my eye contour! Highly recommend this cream!” Demi
Botox not an option right now? Natural alternatives that actually work!
by Jo Boyden
on May 14 2020
Feel like you’ve aged 10 years in 8 weeks thanks to #isolife? Botox wearing off? The furrowed frown making a comeback? Every Botox and filler fan knows that injectables require regular maintenance but with cosmetic institutes and beauty salons still closed due to lockdown, your next appointment is likely looking a while away.While there is no serum or moisturiser that can magically make wrinkles disappear in 10 days quite like Botox, there are homecare alternatives which do deliver smoother, firmer and plumper skin in next to no time, and what’s more, they are safer, natural and needle free!So read on to discover our top four alternatives and worry about the return of the wrinkles no more! Medicalia Retinol & “C” Care CreamAside from Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, Retinol has long been worshipped by beauty professionals as the hero ingredient in the fight against wrinkles! Some even say nothing fights the signs of ageing better! Designed to stimulate your skin’s own production of hyaluronic acid and collagen which depletes with age, as well as improve its overall texture, Medicalia’s Retinol & “C” Care Cream delivers potent retinol deep within the skin to enhance cellular performance. Micro Retinol micro particles, combined with anti-agers Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Elastin peptides tighten, revitalise, resurface and rehydrate skin!“This is the best product for aging skin I have ever found.” HeatherPevonia Power Repair Hyaluronic Acid Hydra SerumUnfortunately as we age, our production of collagen (which keeps skin firm), elastin (which keeps skin supple) and hyaluronic acid (which keeps skin hydrated) decreases! This unique de-ageing serum features one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus extract which relaxes harsh wrinkles similar to that of Botox), to deliver immediate skin soothing results and deep hydration. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, apply it to a tired, lacklustre complexion for an instantly brighter, plumper and firmer face! You won’t be disappointed!“I have just started using this serum and the results are already noticeable. My skin is so much more youthful! Smoother, plumper and visibly radiant! I couldn’t recommend more highly!!” Marie CVie Collection Time Control Deep Wrinkles EGF CreamInspired by the professional benefits of EGF (Epidermal growth factor) injections to combat deep wrinkles, loss of elasticity and devitalization, this deeply nourishing cream - formulated with powerful cosmetic ingredients including EGF-like peptides and pro-collagen peptides - visibly reverses lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, lack of density and sagging of the face.“I have been using this firming cream for a month now and I can honestly say it has reduced the appearance of even my deepest wrinkles! I was even asked if I’d had botox the other day! Winning!” - Anne KPevonia Myoxy-Caviar Timeless Repair SerumFormulated with a high concentration of age-defying Caviar and Escutox® (Hibiscus Esculentus Blend) this standout serum immediately increases skins plumpness and softens and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. Skin's texture and elasticity is noticeably improved, resulting in a tighter, finer, resurfaced complexion and an unequivocal youthful radiance.“I LOVE this stuff. Pricey yes but I noticed a dramatic decrease in my wrinkles as well as a smoother texture in a matter of weeks.” Tanya L
Maintain healthy skin: How to create a salon style facial at home
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 01 2020
For some, a trip to a favourite salon or spa is pure indulgence, for others, it’s a part of their everyday life, but now with the enforced closures of all salons and spas as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, this luxury, for the foreseeable future at least, is sadly no longer an option.This, however, does not mean you have to compromise what your therapist has worked so hard to achieve for your skin! Whilst you can’t recreate what a professional can do in the salon, you can take your at-home skincare routine to the next level by giving yourself a full facial experience - it will not only be good for your skin but your wellbeing too!So read on and follow these 9 simple steps on how to master a salon-like facial and achieve healthy, radiant skin. Step 1 - PrepTo begin your spa-at-home facial, fill a bowl with hot water and soak some face cloths. Take one face cloth and while it’s warm and damp place over your face for 30 seconds to allow it to loosen any dirt or oil that’s trapped in the skin.If you are wearing any eye makeup, gently remove this by soaking or spritzing two cotton pads with eye makeup remover then place them over both eyes leaving them for a minute to allow the product to work its magic and remove any stubborn eyeliner or mascara, then gently wipe away ensuring not to drag the delicate skin. Step 2 – Double cleanseThe benefit of following a deep double cleansing ritual is that it not only removes toxins and impurities, it also primes your pores to better absorb all products to follow, leaving you with a brighter more radiant complexion.To start the double cleanse, opt for a cleansing oil. We LOVE the ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil! The oil in the product attracts the dirt, make-up, and oil on the skin surface literally melting it away. Because it’s water-soluble, when you wash off the cleansing oil you will wash away all the makeup and skin oils. This ensures your second cleanse with your normal cleanser thoroughly cleans your skin.Next take your everyday cleanser, or an appropriate cleanser for your specific skin type and cleanse your face for 30 seconds working the product into your skin in light circular motions from top to bottom or vice versa. We recommend a non-foaming milky or cream cleanser for dry and sensitive skin and a foaming or gel cleanser for oily complexions or for those with acne-prone skin.Wash off and remove excess cleanser with a facecloth. Step 3 - ExfoliateNext, gently exfoliate your skin for up to 60 seconds. Ensure you use the correct product for your skin type. If you have very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin you need to steer clear of abrasive exfoliators and scrubs which contain microbeads. We LOVE the Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft, gentle exfoliant for even the most sensitive of skin types, as it uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin. After application skin is fresh, glowy and silky smooth.For those with sensitive to normal skin we, (and many of our customers) highly recommend the Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. It gently polishes your skin with its unique creamy, granular texture formulated with Jojoba Beads, Saponaria, and Chamomile. Skin resurfaces smoother, softer and cleaner every time.And if your skin tends to be on the oily end of the spectrum or you are prone to blackheads or acne, the Vie Collection Renewing Exfoliating Cream is the exfoliator for you! It gently imitates the spectacular effects of dermatological peeling and microdermabrasion. Designed to make the skin look renewed, radiant and youthful, it smooths away roughness, reduces large pored appearance and reveals completely smooth, luminous skin.Remove exfoliator from skin – you can use one of your warm, damp face cloths or rinse and then pat dry. Step 4 – SteamAfter cleansing and exfoliating, next comes the steam. It helps the pores to open and makes skin further absorbent for the products to follow.There are several ways you can steam your skin. The simplest involves wetting a facecloth with warm water and placing it on your face and neck for five minutes. But if you have the time and the means, there are much better options for this important step.If you are lucky enough to have a facial steamer on hand you’re readily armed, if not, simply heat some water in a pan on your stove (to recreate a salon-style experience add aromatic essential oils like lavender to the water, or simply add a mix of dried flowers or even plain sliced lemon.) After letting it simmer for a few minutes, pour the water into a large bowl, place your face over the bowl ensuring you do not touch the water and drape a towel over your head and the bowl so the steam is unable to escape. Stay put for a few minutes.If you want to skip the steam you can add an extra boost of hydration by spritzing on a facial mist. A facial mist with an invigorating scent can help perk up your senses and prep your skin for the rest of your DIY facial experience. Step 5 – MassageDon’t overlook the benefits of a massage! While it’s definitely not quite the same doing it on yourself you can still have a lot of fun with it while reaping in the multiple benefits. This step is essential to increase both blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, leading to brighter, healthier skin.Typically in the salon, your therapist would have a customised ampoule which she would work deeply into your skin to target a specific concern. At home, you can use a massage cream for the face or a face oil. I absolutely adore Pevonia’s Vitaminic Concentrate. The luxurious oil literally drenches the skin combatting dehydration while immersing you in a sea of calm with its amazing mandarin scent.To commence the massage dampen your palms and take a small amount of your chosen product. Starting with the middle of your forehead work the product towards the temples with circular motions. Then massage along the sides of your nose and cheeks. Lastly massage lips, chin, and jawline not forgetting to massage your neck! After 5-10 minutes of massage time, remove any excess product with a warm, damp face cloth or if you’d prefer, wash your face with water. Step 6 – MaskNo facial is complete without a mask! They are a great stand-in if you're used to getting regular facials as they give your skin an extra nourishing boost with whatever ingredients you feel you need at the moment.If you want to address more than one skin issue you can use multiple masks, applying them to the different zones of your face. For oily or blemish-prone skin, a mud, clay or charcoal mask will work best as it’ll soak up the extra oil that clogs up your pores like Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask. Formulated with the finest micronized charcoal, this purifying mask rids skin of toxins and lifts debris out of pores, leaving the complexion smoother and pores minimized.For dry skin, you need a hydrating mask, try Phytomer’s Hydrasea Thirst-Relief Rehydrating Mask. It feeds the skin with ultimate nourishment so you can literally feel your complexion tighten and plump in nearly an instant. The end result is youthfully restored skin.If your skin tends to be sensitive, a soothing cream mask enriched with nurturing ingredients is a must. Try Phytomer’s Accept Desensitizing Mask. It smooths on skin to calm, heal, soften and hydrate the complexion and boosts the skins defence system to reduce inflammation and redness.And if you are simply concerned about skin ageing, your go-to should be the Pevonia Ageless Skin Collagen Mask – my personal favourite! it instills skin with collagen polypeptides, Vitamin A, Green Tea and Mandarin Orange Extract to repair fine lines and wrinkles, encourage healthy cell turn over and effectively increase your skin's overall radiance.A good face mask also prepares and primes the skin, expanding pores to allow ingredients to penetrate deeply, so after mask application and removal (use lukewarm water to remove all traces of the facial mask, pat dry), it’s the perfect time to apply your favourite serum and then moisturiser. Step 7 – ToneIf you haven’t yet incorporated toner into your skin care routine, now is the time. Toning is a very important part of the routine as it helps clean and close the pores as well as brighten the skin and restore its balance.With a cotton pad, gently apply a toner which is best suited to your skin type all over face and neck, removing any excess face mask. Step 8 – SerumNow that your skin is in a more receptive state, you’re going to want to give it a good dose of nourishment by adding a serum into the routine. Apply your chosen serum for your specific needs and let the antioxidants and peptides work its way deep into your skin for immediate skin therapy. Step 9 – MoisturiseAny skin-pampering session requires replenishment so finish your treatment with moisturiser to seal in all the benefits of your facial!This last and essential step to your home facial will rehydrate your skin and retain any moisture loss. Just as your therapist would, choose the perfect moisturiser for your particular needs. If your skin is lacking radiance and lustre, one of my all-time favourite moisturisers is the Phytomer Hydra Continue Radiance Energizing Cream. This lightweight cream rich with vitamins gives an “invigorating boost” effect to the skin, transforming dull, devitalized skin into a brighter, firmer more youthful complexion.If you are dealing with acne-prone skin try Pevonia’s Problematic Skincare Cream. This light-textured and oil-free moisturiser is formulated with Glycolic Acid, Calendula and Panthenol to combat blemishes, prevent pore clogging and soothe, hydrate and desensitize the skin.And if you are simply focused on skin aging, we can’t get enough of our best-selling Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream. Combining Marine Collagen and Squalane, this rich, deeply nourishing cream softens fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing vital nutrients.Simply apply your chosen product all over your face and gently massage, letting it absorb into your skin.Finish by applying eye cream to the delicate under-eye area. My personal favourite at the moment is the Phytomer Pionniere XMF Reset Eye Fluid. It has visibly reduced my dark circles and puffiness as well as fading wrinkles! Just remember even if you only have 10 minutes to take care of yourself and put yourself first, make it really count. We recommend indulging in this DIY facial once a week to maintain healthy skin until you can return to your salon or spa for a full facial treatment….
Team Beauty Collective’s most LOVED products
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 10 2020
Skincare is definitely the area to invest in when it comes to your beauty routine. I’m not just talking about investing your hard-earned money, but time and patience as well, especially when it comes to creating a routine that will actually work and provide you with the results you are seeking.But where do you really start? After all, when it comes to skincare shopping, it's so easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options especially with constant new releases and new trends taking centre stage!Luckily at Beauty Collective HQ we have the fortune to trial many of our products so I turned to my trustee work colleagues to find out which ones they really can’t live without, so I can, in turn, share our favourite finds with you.Whether you are looking for a cream to target a specific skin concern or you are just after some inspiration as now is the time to upgrade, we have you covered with these beauty heroes the team at BC can’t get enough of.PEVONIA MICRO-RETINOL SERUMI’m completely in love with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol line. I noticed the most dramatic change to my skin and it just keeps getting better. My favourite product in the line is the Micro-Retinol Serum; it gives my skin a glow and seems to make the pores disappear. I’ve noticed a great improvement to firmness, moisture levels, skin texture and a reduction in hyper-pigmentation. What more could I want? I¹ve used Retinol based products before but this is the line I find really works, and it feels and smells great too!- Liane Scior, Director of Marketing & Education PHYTOMER PIONNIERE XMF RADIANCE RETEXTURISING SERUMFor many years my absolute can’t live without product was the Pevonia Marine Collagen Concentrate (I am still totally in LOVE with this product and use it all the time) but more recently I discovered Phytomer’s Pionniere XMF Radiance Retexturing Serum and have been blown away with the results.It’s a luxurious, lightweight textured serum which feels amazing on application and leaves my skin smooth, soft, supple and visibly radiant (no jokes!) Also, I swear it has diminished some of my more noticeable fine lines in a matter of weeks. All hail this serum!- Jo Boyden, PR & Marketing Manager MEDICALIA SUNSCREEN SPF 30Wearing sunscreen daily is a non-negotiable step in my morning routine and Medicalia’s Sunscreen SPF 30 will be my forever go-to! I’ve tried many sunscreens in my time but none as gorgeously lightweight and non-greasy as this one. It’s also lightly tinted, has the perfect texture to apply before makeup, and as well as keeping my skin protected it actually also feels noticeably hydrated and doesn’t clog my pores like so many sunscreens do! If you are looking for an amazing everyday sunscreen, this is one you must try! - Taryn Gray, Brand Co-ordinator PEVONIA CLARIFYL SPOT TREATMENT Even though I’m in my early 30s my skin still gets easily irritated and spots appear! I’m so glad I discovered this perfect product – Pevonia’s Spot Treatment. On application, it immediately takes away the redness in my skin and after a few days, there’s no trace of pimple marks at all! Amazing.- Elaine Palapag, Social Media and e-Marketing Co-ordinator PEVONIA RS2 CREAM My favourite product is the Pevonia RS2 Cream.I suffer from Rosacea so my skin used to be very reactive, sensitive and red. Since using this, my skin feels a lot calmer and my complexion has noticeably improved over time. I wish I’d used this product years ago as nothing I used before seemed to help. I now apply the entire RS2 line daily and my skin feels pretty good for an old guy!- Rainer Scior, Managing Director PHYTOMER HYDRACONTINUE 12H MOISTURISING FLASH GELWarning - Addictive Product - Hydracontinue 12H Moisturising Flash Gel, is exactly that! It’s like a glass of water for my skin. The super soft gel hydrates my skin from morning till evening and when applied absorbs so quickly I can't even tell it’s on. It’s so great for when I’ve been working in air-con, central heating or not drinking enough water and has definitely helped lessen my creapy fine lines and wrinkles. I love it!- Kellie Deveney, Business & Training Manager PEVONIA EASY GLIDE SHAVING EMULSIONI am really loving Pevonia’s Easy-Glide Shaving Emulsion because it delivers a velvety-smooth shaving experience with ease. After applying it, my skin feels smoother and so refreshed, without any irritation whatsoever!- Jonathan, Web/Graphic Designer PEVONIA OPTIMAL C COMPLEXI have a deep Love for the Pevonia’s Optimal C Complex. It’s a combination of pure Vitamin C and Hyluronic acid. The Vitamin C works to visibly brighten my skin when it feels devitalised and Hyluronic Acid drenches my skin in moisture, hydrating it for the entire day. I apply this beautiful concentrate underneath my reactive care cream morning and night for "optimal" results....- Laura Leva, Customer Service VIE COLLECTION RENEWING EXFOLIATING CREAMFresh, silky-smooth skin is what you get from the Vie Collection’s Renewing Exfoliating Cream. With double exfoliating action from beads and enzymes, my skin is left ultra-smooth and beaming bright! I can visibly see a big difference in my dark spots and the effect it has on wiping out my pesky blackheads. I am honestly in LOVE with it!- Keshmi Chand, Account Manager PEVONIA SOOTHING SENSITIVE SKIN CREAMPevonia’s Soothing Sensitive Skin Cream is by far my favourite product – it satisfies exactly what my skin craves. The cream isn’t heavy or thick but light and smooth, which absorbs immediately into my skin. My skin feels stronger, smoother and looks calm and hydrated. Dehydration is a key concern of mine especially during the chilly months and the Sensitive Skin Cream works it magic throughout the year.- Jimmy Lovett , Operations Manager PEVONIA HYDRATING SUNSCREENPevonia’s Hydrating Sunscreen is definitely one of my favourites! Whenever I am out and about this deeply hydrating SPF 30 is my sparring partner. I always make sure that I apply the right amount to my face and arms and truth be told, the day after I’ve been to the beach or wakeboarding, my skin is never sore from all that sun. Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen is one of the most effective sunscreens I have used!- Aaron Tan Lu, Web Developer / Digital Marketing Specialist PEVONIA AFTER SUN SOOTHING GELThe Pevonia After Sun Soothing Gel is hands down the best after sun skincare product. It's the only thing I've ever used that actually works to replenish moisture after a full day of sun exposure plus it really sooths my skin. Couldn’t speak more highly of this miracle in a bottle!- May Scior, Assistant to Managing Director
Retinol – your guide to THE BEST anti-ageing ingredient
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 10 2020
From reducing the appearance of fine lines to preventing wrinkles, correcting hyperpigmentation to unclogging pores and clearing acne, Retinol is THE Holy Grail of the skincare world and therefore the ingredient we should all be incorporating into our skincare routine! Yes, even those with sensitive skin!Few, however, understand this powerhouse ingredient and many have their concerns, after all, retinol is very active so if used incorrectly can be known to cause the skin to react! So it is essential to understand how and when to use it.If previous experience has left your skin looking red and dry or you haven’t tried retinol before because you’ve been too scared, Beauty Collective has a trusted solution that we promise will work for you. But before unveiling our top 4 retinol products, here are a few necessary tips you should abide by; Introduce the product slowly – apply it only at night, one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application. Retinols are best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive. Ensure you wear sunscreen during the day when using retinol (you should be wearing sunscreen everyday whatever the reason though!) Allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (this could take up to 30 minutes) before layering any other products. Just make sure to use any acne-fighting products (i.e. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acid) on the nights you don’t use your retinol product. Give the product time to work its magic. This could take a few months but the results WILL be worth it. We promise! Prepare for the inevitable adjustment period your skin will go through before you see the results you want. Because retinol causes the skin to shed cells faster than normal, you’ll likely experience a few weeks of change to your skin including some flakiness and dryness. Retinol is NOT recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. To get started, depending on your skin type, here are our recommendations; If you are susceptible to oily or blemished skin and want to reap in the multiple benefits of retinol while keeping acne at bay, we highly recommend Vie Collection’s Retinopur Intensive Retinol Mask. Formulated with retinol and other targeted ingredients including Kaolin – a white clay which not only helps draw out impurities as well as absorb excess oils, it adapts to all kinds of skin even the most sensitive and reactive. Within a month you’ll notice a visibly clearer and mattified complexion, pores will be tightened, skin texture refined and smoother! Taking advantage of the powerful benefits of Micro- Retinol®, Glycolic, and Lactic Acid, Medicalia’s L Retinol Smoothing Cream is a must for those with photo-damaged skin. This resurfacing and lightening cream provides a stabilized, deeply absorbing Retinol for optimized regeneration and resurfacing while lightening and reducing accumulated keratin for smoother and brighter skin.For those with advanced signs of aging - wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, and uneven skin tone or dark spots, Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Moisturiser is your go-to! This powerhouse product (and range!) is the perfect all-rounder! Formulated with Retinol, Hyaluronic, Squalane, and Marine Collagen, it deeply hydrates, smooths, brightens and firms! Best results when used in conjunction with Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Essential Serum.If your skin is prone to sensitivity and irritation but you really want to give retinol a try, you need to pick your product with care. Vie Collection - Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid will be a great solution for you! While retinol is the main ingredient, it is encapsulated therefore limits tolerance risks and boosts the effectiveness of the retinol which is released gradually. Just remember to introduce it very slowly, 2 nights the first week, 3 nights the second week and so on.What to learn more about retinol and what it is? Check out our blog.
Face Fixers - Non-invasive Botox and filler alternatives
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 05 2019
We’ve all heard of Botox and dermal fillers, let’s face it (pardon the pun!) with the ever-increasing gen-Z idolisation of the likes of the Jenner-Kardashian clan or the millions of social media ‘influencers’ all with their perfectly plumped lips and ‘smooth as a babies bottom’ skin, these procedures have today become commonplace. But if you’re like me and needles are a formative no-go, or Botox has been a consideration but you’d rather search for topical skincare solutions before taking the plunge, we are here to inform you that there are excellent alternatives, and these days, thanks to the advancement in both technology and skincare ingredients, these said alternatives can seriously achieve similar smoothing and plumping results. You can take our word for it!Okay, so you are unlikely to see life-changing results overnight (even Botox takes a week to have effect don’t you know) but these non-invasive topical alternatives give you more control over the change in your appearance (no poker-face in sight), provide a much more natural look, plus you will achieve outstanding on-going results when used as part of your daily skincare routine.So if you’re looking for a painless, subtle and (relatively) cheaper solution, here are our top 5 topical treatment alternatives;Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamCombining Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane this best-selling rich moisturiser softens fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing vital nutrients.“I love this daily face cream....I use it morning and night! My skin looks and feels amazing. I'm 52 and am told constantly that I look so young....I give Pevonia products the credit!” Linda Vie Collection Concentrate de Vie Youth ElixirFormulated with three advanced ingredients selected for their ability to correct visible signs of ageing, this elixir offers complete and incomparable action to reduce wrinkles, improve firmness and reveal skin's radiance.“I have been using this product for the past two years and have noticed a remarkable difference in my skin. My facial lines are significantly less noticeable!” Sarah P Pevonia MyOxy Caviar Timeless Repair CreamA restorative treatment cream for visibly younger-looking skin, it features an advanced, triple-action formula – caviar, pearl and Escutox – the natural equivalent to Botox – combined with Retinol to correct and prevent signs of premature ageing. Enjoy increased oxygenation, greater cellular activity, improved blood circulation, increased suppleness, improved elasticity, extreme hydration and fewer visible wrinkles!“I love this product, I saw a noticeable difference within 2 weeks, wrinkles less noticeable and my skin seemed to look younger and smoother.” Dianna K Phytomer Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth CreamXMF, a 100% natural advanced ingredient with exceptional youth preserving properties is featured in this luxurious and comfortable “second skin” cream. It instantly smoothes wrinkles and plumps the skin. In just one hour, wrinkles are visibly diminished.“This creams big claim to fame is a purported reduction in wrinkles in just one hour. I'm in my early 30s so I don't have any deep creases, but I do have fine lines and I can tell you for certain this helps to smooth them out. And it feels AMAZING. The texture is pure luxury.” KK Medicalia Retinol & C Care CreamThis creams innovative ‘age-reversing’ Micro-Retinol® technology normalizes mitosis, boosts cellular performance, and restructures skin layers for visible rejuvenation. Skin appears dense and supple with a smoothed surface and diminished wrinkles resulting in brighter, more youthful looking complexion.“This is the best product for aging skin I have found.” Heather
LIKE & WIN these Beauty Collective favourites. Join our raffle now!
by Jo Boyden
on Oct 01 2019
Beauty Collective is a multi-brand e-commerce and beauty education site - your one-stop professional beauty shop. We are passionate about our products and want our customers to be too. We offer products that provide visible results, from the latest cutting edge discoveries to the best in traditional formulations, NOT tested on animals.Like us on Facebook and Instagram for your chance to win one of Beauty Collective’s highest rated products!a Rafflecopter giveaway3 Prizes will be given away per week for 4 weeks and we will update this blog with the prizes each week. Read on to see what you can win this week:WEEK 1Pevonia Discovery Best Sellers KitELES Baked Finishing Powder in Diffused LightVie Collection Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin MaskWEEK 2Phytomer Citylife Starter KitELES Cosmetics Luminous Defence Brightening Day ProtectionMedicalia Sunscreen SPF 30WEEK 3Vie Collection Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid ConcentrateELES Mineral Powder FoundationPevonia Ageless Skin Collagen Mask WEEK 4Medicalia C Serum with OxyzomesELES Age Defying BB Cream 30Phytomer Age Solution Starter Kit Terms and ConditionsLike & Win BeautyCollectiveNo purchase necessary to enter or win.Acknowledgment1. By participating in the giveaway, entrants acknowledge that they have read and understood these Terms and Conditions; and agree to be bound by them. Entries must be submitted in accordance with these Terms and Conditions to be valid.2. By joining this campaign, entrants agree to be added to Beauty Collective's mailing list.Promotional Period3. The giveaway commences on October 1st 2019 and entries close on October 31st 2019.Eligibility4. This giveaway is only open to Australian residents. Eligible Entrants can only enter the giveaway once each week by filling out the form.5. The promotion is only open to “Eligible Entrants”. Subject to these Terms and Conditions, an Eligible Entrant is a person who is (a) a current Australian resident (b) who is over 18 years or older at the time of entry; (c) has obtained permission to enter this promotion from a parent/legal guardian if under 18 years of age at the time of entry (d) submits their entry into this promotion in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.6. Employees, managers and directors of the Promoter and its related companies and suppliers and agencies involved in this promotion are not Eligible Entrants, nor are their immediate families.Winner Selection and Notification7. The winners of the prize draw will be the entrants who are selected by Beauty Collective Australia every week.8. The winners will be notified by the promoter with their contact email address.Prizes9. The prize is subject to the terms and conditions of “the prize suppliers”. The Promoter is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage suffered by any winner as the result of the conduct of “the prize suppliers”.10. The winner will receive 1 of 12 prizes that will be raffled during the 4 week Like & Win campaign.
RUNWAY TO REALITY: The most sought after spring makeup trends decoded
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 19 2019
Good bye winter, hello spring! And what better way to bring in the new season than with a makeup overhaul! From ‘lit-from-within’ skin to all out bronzed beauty, groomed brows to bright lips, we share our favourite four makeup trends straight off the runway and explain how you too can achieve these sought after looks this spring. “Lit-from-within” Glow If your preference is minimal makeup on the daily then this will be the perfect trend for you to adopt! While luminous glowing skin is always on trend, the ‘lit-from-within’ glow is what’s creating all the hype this season. Simple to achieve, this look is all about skin first, makeup second - from skincare that’ll make up your complexion gleam, to makeup that’ll let your natural self shine through (we are talking freckles, beauty marks, the lot!)Boost skin with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic to oxygenate and deeply nourish the skin from inside out. We recommend both the Vie Collection - Mesoforce Hydra Revitalizing Cream and Medicalia - "C" Serum with Oxyzomes. Add a drop of face oil to your foundation to amp up your skin's natural glow. We are in love with the Phytomer - Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil. And softly highlight your forehead and cheekbones with a touch of liquid cream illuminator favoured by makeup artists over the classic powder highlighters. Try ELES Stick Illuminator for the perfect natural sheen. Brushed Brows From the overdone insta-brow to the unkempt bushy brow, this season takes us on a different path – softly perfected brows. A fluffier, feathered texture achieved by brushing the hairs upward. We recommend using the ELES Precision Brow Pencil. Use the bush end to brush up your brows, then the pencil end to create hair light strokes to subtly fill in any sparse areas. Keep the rest of your makeup pretty low key so that your brows are the star! Bronzed Beauty This season bronzer is back baby! After putting in on the back burner it returns with conviction! We are talking all out bronzed goddess. Reach for champagne gold and metallic hues and couple with bronzed illuminator and peachy eyes synonymous with tropical summer evenings. To achieve this look try the ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam, the ELES Liquid Illuminator in Bronze and the ELES Mineral Matte Eyeshadow in Terra Peach. Loud Lips We are talking bright highly pigmented lips. From corals to neon pinks to fiery reds, the bolder the better. Whatever ‘bright’ tickles your fancy it’ll be on trend so go on give it a go and breathe some life into your makeup bag and look! This season we are lusting after the new ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in Sorbet.
7 reasons your skin is dehydrated and how to fix it
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 22 2019
Winter, darn winter! Yes it’s the time of year that your skin can look and feel seriously parched, think lack-lustre, inflamed, or just plain devitalized. Chances are your skin is simply dehydrated and in need of some serious moisture boosting love! And let’s not forget, even those with oily skin can be suffering from dehydration too! After all just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean you are immune to external factors and lifestyle choices that deplete your skin’s water content. Dehydration is in fact characterised by a lack of water not oil.Luckily dehydrated skin can be relieved with a combination of lifestyle changes and topical treatments. Below are 7 reasons you could be battling dehydrated skin and our recommendations for how to fix it. Water intake Yes we all know that the number one way to counteract dehydration is to drink plenty of water! But there is the when and the how! This water intake actually needs to commence as soon as you awaken from blissful slumber! It is suggested that drinking approximately 2 glasses of water first thing is hands down the most ideal way to bring back your hydration levels, after all you’ve not replenished fluid levels for a number of hours over night. Not enough ‘quality’ sleep Remember this as you will! Poor sleep leads to dehydration, dehydration causes poor sleep. Eek we have ourselves a vicious cycle here. Firstly before bed, prise that mobile phone out of your fingers (sooo guilty here!) and put it down! I don’t need to tell you the impact screen time has on you, secondly drink a glass of water prior to sleep, yes you may think bad idea as surely you’ll be up in the night stumbling to the bathroom but believe me your skin (and all other vital organs) will lap up that glass of water and you’ll be able to notice the difference in the morning! Finally turn off the light and get that precious shut eye as apparently those that sleep for an average of six hours a night are up to 59% more likely to be dehydrated that someone who sleeps for say 8 hours. That’ll be me then. Pass me a glass of water someone! Too much caffeine & alcohol I’m not saying go cold turkey or anything as like me I love a good cuppa and won’t say no to a glass of vino in an evening, but if dehydration could be something you are suffering from, significantly reducing your intake of both caffeine and alcohol will dramatically benefit your skin. And for every coffee or alcoholic beverage to do indulge in, drink a glass of water! Your skincare regime or lack of While it is necessary to hydrate your skin from the inside out it’s also very important to hydrate your skin at the surface level too. One of the best ways to achieve this is with a topical treatment to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.a) Use A Hyaluronic Acid SerumHyaluronic acid is the number one go to ingredient for effectively replenishing dehydrated skin, it helps bind and retain moisture, keeping skin soft and subtle and plump! We are in love with the Vie Collection Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid Concentrateb) Apply a rich moisturiser at nightWe all naturally lose moisture while we sleep so using a rich nourishing moisturiser prior to bed will stand your skin in good stead. We highly recommend both the Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream which is rich in both Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen the perfect combination to replenish devitalised skin. As well as the Phytomer Hydrasea Night Plumping Rich Cream, which provides optimum skin hydration during the night. From the very first use, the skin appears drenched in moisture!c) Don’t use harsh face Scrub but do exfoliate!As dead skin builds up, it can diminish the absorption of important skincare essentials like your serum and moisturiser, exfoliation is therefore an important skincare step in aiding the recovery of dehydrated skin, however be sure to use a gentle exfoliating cleanser and once or twice a week only. Hot water Hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils and those natural oils are what protect your skin against water loss by forming a barrier.Believe me I know how indulgent a simple hot bath or shower feels especially on a cold morning or evening but you will thank me by telling you to turn down that heat and opt for a more lukewarm temp. Your daily diet We already know that what you eat can impact your skin but did you know that our skin is reliant on essential fatty acids, think oily fish, nuts, and fresh green veggies to battle dehydration? So next time you decide to ‘diet’ consider how it might affect your complexion especially if you are depriving yourself of good fats. Heating/Air conditioning As much as many of us have become reliant on heating or revised cycle air con in the cold months, both can dramatically disrupt the natural moisture balance in your skin. Now while it’s highly unlikely we’d be prepared to suffer the consequence of not turning the heating on, brrrrr, just make sure you balance your day with fresh air and if your skin is feeling particularly dry, keep on hand a spritz to add a burst of rehydration when needed.Most of us understand the negative impact of dehydration on our overall health but who knew it could wreak havoc with our skin!
Dermatologists Share Their Advice for Great Skin
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 26 2019
Here at Beauty Collective HQ, we constantly receive a smorgasbord of questions from our customers, and while we are brimming with great tips, rituals and product recommendations, we too often seek advice from our esteemed suppliers and dermatologists alike. To learn about the skin-care tips these pros live by, read on…Use any downtime to do a skin treatment“I keep extra beauty treatments in my car in a little bag. When I'm in bad traffic (at a red light of course), I apply serum, an eye mask, teeth whitening strips, eyebrow gel, and more!" -Francesca Fusco, dermatologist.Ok, while we don’t recommend performing facials when in the car! We do agree that having the right products in the right places (think by the bed or by the hand basin) may encourage you to apply some of those products we often forget such as a good anti-ageing hand cream and a gorgeous eye and lip balm. We love Phytomer - Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream for a daily dose of hydrating marine oils.Practice a facial massage to fight wrinkles"Many people (myself included) frown and scrunch their faces at night, leading to frown lines and crow’s feet. To relax my face, I do facial acupressure for a few minutes at bedtime. Press above your inner eyebrows, temples, and next to your nostrils, holding for 10 seconds each." –Jessica Wu, dermatologist.We agree there is nothing better for smoothing tension wrinkles than a soothing massage and we are all addicted to the Rosee Soin from Phytomer. It’s a heavenly dry oil that rejuvenates your skin, calms your senses and leaves skin super soft and hydrated. A few drops massaged onto a cleansed skin at night (you can do this while watching your favourite TV series) will smooth out any stress lines you’ve earned that day.Hydrate your skin from the inside out—and outside in"Despite what you hear all the time, the amount of water you drink daily doesn't translate into proper skin hydration. It's vital to hydrate your skin from the outside in with serums, creams, and hydrating mists." –Dendy Engelman, dermatologist.It’s very true and never so true as in Winter when artificial heating and a more sedentary lifestyle can leave our skin parched and thirsty. Our go-to for deep hydration is the Vie Collection - Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate. It attracts and binds water to the skin keeping it super soft and super supple. The perfect skin drink.Avoid hot showers that can be drying"I never wash my face with hot water–it is too harsh. Only tepid water at the sink." -Elizabeth Tanzi, clinical professor of dermatology.Gentle cleansing of the skin with warm (not hot) water is not only better for managing your skin’s natural pH but will also prevent moisture loss on a grand scale. To remove makeup and the days grime at night we all reach for the ELES - Transformation Cleansing Oil. It emulsifies foundation and binds impurities that can be washed away in water and leaves the skin balanced and soft and ready for your serums and creams.Apply sunscreen to your neck, chest, and hands first"Apply sunscreen to the neck, chest, and hands before the face–these areas age faster and are harder to improve than the face. We often forget to apply sunscreen there even though they're exposed as much as the face." –Doris Day, dermatologist.We absolutely agree with this one! Sunscreen is your bestie when it comes to anti-ageing skin care. Our favourite is the Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 30. It’s lightweight and totally reliable and comes in a generous 150ml tube so there’s no excuse for leaving out your neck, chest and hands!Don't ever rub your eyes"If you rub your eyes like you are scrubbing a pot, your eyes will look black like a pot! When you're taking off eye makeup, gently wipe off mascara as if you're touching an egg." –Jeanine Downie, dermatologist.Very true and we agree that a good product to remove your eye makeup will mean you don’t have to rub, it will do all the work for you! Our go-to is Phytomer - Micellar Water Eye Makeup Removal Solution. It’s strong enough to remove waterproof makeup but gentle enough for even the most sensitive eyes.Let your lips guide your skin care routine."One tip to know when your skin is ready for seriously creamy moisturizers: Your lips feel dry first, so you know the humidity has dropped, and it's time for more moisture." –Ellen Marmur, dermatologist.Lips are a great indicator for hydration levels and we look after ours with Phytomer - Youth Contour Reviving Wrinkle Correction Cream –Eye and Lip. Not only does this wonderful multi-tasker protect our precious lips but also our delicate eye contours.Check the menu for skin-saving fatty acids"Your diet has a huge impact on your skin. Avoid starchy vegetables and refined carbohydrates like white bread and rice and instead opt for foods high in omega 3's and fatty acids like avocados and salmon to help give you that youthful glow." –Whitney Bowe, dermatologist.Fatty Acids are also a great addition to topical skin care and Phytomer - Hydracontinue Radiance Energizing Cream contains Buckthorn Pulp extract which is super-rich in Omega-7, a very rare essential fatty acid that stimulates cell metabolism and increases cell vitality.
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 03 2019
Just a few miles from the gorgeous Manly Beach in Sydney, our Beauty Collective Head Office is full of high-tech dermaceutical solutions, from powerful medical-based skin care to advanced cellulite products. And something you may not realise is that we are not just a retail supplier, we are one of Australia’s leading salon and spa suppliers and educators in the beauty industry. So what do our team use on their skin and why are some products the universal favourites with us and our clients? We share our “big guns” in the battle against skin ageing…Medicalia L-Retinol Smoothing CreamFormulated with Micro-Retinol® which works so much better than regular retinol, this fast-acting cream gives you astonishing visible results. It makes pores almost invisible, softens lines and wrinkles and fades hyperpigmentation. It uses Biomimetic technology, which is a fancy way of saying that it goes through a process that makes the formula almost identical to the oils and moisture produced by your skin, so it literally melts into the skin. Not a product to use year round as it has an exfoliating action and over-use can cause irritation, but perfect as a Winter treatment. Just use a small quantity each night (or alternate nights if you find it too stimulating) and enjoy smoother skin for months after.Phytomer Pioneer XMF CreamThere truly is no other cream on the market like this! It has won numerous International awards and is Phytomer’s No 1 seller. Often hailed as the professional version of Crème De La Mer. On the surface of the skin, it creates a biofilm for an instant smoothing effect and within the skin, it binds to the fibres in the dermis to densify them. Imagine your face is a cushion and this cream is the extra stuffing! We also are in love with the light silky texture of the cream, neither too rich or too light and the heavenly, soft aroma.Phytomer Celluli AttackHead and shoulders above the rest, this IS the best cellulite product on the market today. Most cellulite products use Green Coffee Extract to stimulate lipolysis (breakdown of fats), this formula uses Pepper Slimactiv which is 8 times stronger. And how is this for technology? Pepper Slimactiv is incorporated in a vectorized capsule that propels at high speed to the fat cells, avoiding any loss of ingredient on the way and is also combined with a signal peptide that enables it to exclusively target adipocytes and attack them with more power. Take that Cellulite! All you need to do is smooth it over cellulite areas, no need for massaging and within a month you begin to see results. We should probably point out that Phytomer has been the undisputable leader of cellulite treatment products in Europe since 1994!Vie Collection Chrono EyesNot sure about you but at Beauty Collective, we believe products should be multi-functional. So when we use an eye cream not only should it help prevent skin ageing it should also smooth fine lines, reduce dark circles and deal with unwanted eye puffiness. When this product came onto the market we switched over to it with no loyalty at all to our previously adored eye products. With a botox-like peptide to inhibit muscle action, low and high molecule hyaluronic which acts like a filler and vitamin C, B3 and Phytosterols to stimulate the circulation to deal with puffiness and dark circles can you really blame us? Now the top seller in the Vie Collection line here in Oz we feel sure we are not biased.Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 30Last but certainly not least the biggest seller in our skin care arsenal is the Medicala Sunscreen. The MOST important anti-ageing product we should all be using is a broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) sunblock. We have discovered the only reason some don’t use sunblock despite knowing how important it is, is because they can’t stand the texture or smell. No more excuses, this feels like a lightweight moisturiser and smells divine. It won’t make your eyes water or cause itchiness and it’s loaded with anti-ageing goodies. Finally, it comes in a generous 150ml bottle! Very slightly tinted (though most of the tint disappears once it’s absorbed) it leaves your skin looking smoother and calmer. What’s not to love?
The one product that’ll give you compliment-worthy skin
by Jo Boyden
on May 27 2019
A really, really good face serum (or concentrate, solution or fluid as you may know it) is, hands down, the most important step in your skincare routine (after SPF, of course!). However many of us have no idea what a serum does and why we should shell out the extra dollars to get one!The thing is serums often contain a high percentage of active ingredients that are designed to address specific skin issues or concerns. They are potent, effective, and fast acting! And because they have a thin consistency, they’re able to easily penetrate the skin, giving you noticeable results pretty quickly. There is also a serum literally for every single skin type or skin concern which means you can get one for your individual needs and reap in the benefits.Convinced yet? Below I’ve outlined our favourite six serums for six different concerns. Now go and get layering!ANTI-ACNEVie Collection Acnipur Blemish Solution FluidThis is the best if you are suffering from a blemish breakout! It literally flights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. With regular use not only does it miraculously improve unwanted blemishes, it will actually prevent future breakouts! ANTI-AGEINGMedicalia Retinol ConcentrateHailed the anti-ageing wonder serum, this retinol concentrate is designed to normalize and boost cellular performance with Micro-Retinol technology. Ideal for all mature skin types or as preventative care, the serum helps improve elasticity, plump the skin and diminish the look of wrinkles, resulting in a brighter, more evenly toned complexion. PIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTSPhytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining SerumThis serum does it all! It actually diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots with a formulation infused with alpha hydroxyl acids and glycolic acid. Skin really does immerge younger and healthier.DEHYDRATIONPhytomer Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturising Polarized Water SerumThe ultimate serum to combat dehydration! It has an ultra-moisturising (although lightweight) texture which immediately melts into the skin to quench its thirst! Softer and suppler, the skin reveals a radiant complexion and looks visibly more beautiful. DULLNESSPhytomer Souffle Marin Energising Oxygenising SerumIf your skin is looking a little dull and lifeless this should be your go-to! It literally coats the skin in pure oxygen, providing the cells with vivid rejuvenation. Formulated with marine extracts, this serum also protects against environmental pollution and free radical damage. An invigorating, moisturizing blend, it leads to fresher, more youthful skin and an overall increase in radiance. SENSITIVITY Phytomer Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with OligomerSensitive skin? Suffering from facial redness? We swear by this product! It helps calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin instantly. It contains anti-inflammatory Phycosaccharide to reduce stinging sensations Infused with OLIGOMER® to deliver an optimum dose of trace elements & minerals fortifies the epidermis & prevents cellular fatigue Restores calm & soft skin.
Cloudless skin: Why you want it and how to achieve it
by Jo Boyden
on May 01 2019
By now we’ve all heard of the k-beauty craze ‘glass skin’ but there is a new kid on the block, the latest k-beauty trend you have to try and it’s known as ‘Cloudless skin’.What is cloudless skin?The name speaks for itself – think of the purity and flawlessness of a bright blue cloudless sky and that is what this trend aims to achieve! To emulate the skin of a young child, you know the nearly transparent, radiant, blemish and pore-free skin, free of environmental damage. Yes please!But while creating the appearance of truly perfect, pore-free skin may seem next to impossible, there are steps you can take to give you the best possible chance.How do you achieve it?So now you know what it is, how exactly do you achieve cloudless skin I hear you say! Well sadly it won’t happen overnight, in short it’s all down to a strict diet and skincare routine to which you are devout – no faltering. A healthy, nutritious diet and skincare routine which will protect against four major skin concerns - dullness, clogged pores, irritation and environmental damage. Diet Gorge (literally) on dark, leafy greens, consume plenty of whole grains daily (I am personally loving whole oats rich in antioxidants, buckwheat which is packed with magnesium, iron, B vitamins and fibre! And quinoa which has more vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fats and fibre than more other whole grains!) And try to avoid sugar where possible (so definitely no more muffins, cakes, bread, chai lattes etc…) Dullness Opt for gentle exfoliation 2-3 times a week instead of using harsher, gritty scrubs once a week. Choose exfoliators which will provide the skin with a dose of hydration as well as sloughing away those unwanted dead skin cells. Do be sure not to overdo it though as exfoliation can cause irritation and dryness which will not aid in achieving the cloudless skin trend! We highly recommend Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes, it’s a soft gentle exfoliant for even the most sensitive of skin, which uses enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing the skin. It truly does erase the dullness that may hamper your glow, revealing a luminous, smooth complexion. Clogged pores It’s all about double cleansing baby! This will ensure that all those pore-clogging impurities, as well as excess oil and dirt, are fully removed from your skin. The technique is exactly how it sounds – start by using an oil-based cleanser - we LOVE the ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil - then follow with a water-based cleanser – we highly recommend Phytomer’s Doux Visage Velvet Cleansing Cream and Micellar Water from Vie Collection.Also applying a mask once a week will really help to de-clog skin and benefit the overall health of your skin. Our favourite is Phytomer’s Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask it’s totally no drying, has a cream-foam texture and after only a few weeks of use, pores will be visibly tightened. Irritation Keep inflammation to a minimum by using deeply nourishing, soothing products. We are loving Phytomer’s Douceur Intemporelle Restorative Shield Cream. It’s essential to maintain a healthy pH balance so be sure to use non-stripping toners too! Environmental damage Use skin specific products rich in anti-oxidants. These fight free radical damage. We are obsessed with Phytomer’s Citadine Citylife Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. It not only sweeps away toxic microparticles and repairs damage caused by pollution, but it also provides an ultra-moisturising facial experience!Finally, religiously wear high factor SPF – not just when you’re heading to the beach but daily! Give ELES’s Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection SPF 50 a try, you won’t regret it!
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