We are forever on the quest to achieving that perfect makeup look and hey experimenting on the way can be fun, but with the many tips and techniques being sold to us on the daily it’s hard to know if you’re acing your makeup or simply making mistakes. Well, we are here to help! Below are 10 of the most common makeup mistakes being made every day and how to well simply get it right! Pulling the area around your eye to make the perfect wing Yes yes, even I used to do this and then I learnt how BAD it was for my eyes, think skin ageing and fine lines due to the breakdown of elasticity! And let’s not forget you can easily end up with a horribly uneven line. And so now this; I use a post-it note! Yes, you heard that right, however you could, in theory, use any piece of folded paper, card or similar to achieve the same effect. Now no more cotton buds and re-application, I nail the perfect winged eye every single day (love me a winged eye!) Applying your lippie to dry lips This is a definite no no, as your lipstick won’t apply evenly, it’ll seep into your lip lines making your lips appear VERY dry and in some cases, they’ll even look a little on the crusty side, attractive right?! Instead, be sure to ‘prep’ your lips. Some people love to apply a little foundation to the lips as they believe it helps hold the lipstick in place for longer (much like the effect of a lip primer) but I personally think this dries out your lips even more! Instead, use a chapstick or lip balm and let it soak in. After a few minutes blot any excess and apply your favourite lipstick colour. See how it glides on effortlessly and evenly, will last longer and there won’t be a crusty lip in sight! Testing foundation shades on the back of your hand Yes, many do this but are they walking away with the correct shade for their complexion? The back of your hands tends to be darker than the skin on your face so it’s best to trial a few shades on both your jawline and neck. Just remember though your face tends to get much more sun exposure than your neck so you really want to find a foundation shade that matches both areas when blended into the skin. Applying your makeup with the wrong tools The key to natural-looking makeup lies in mastering the art of blending. Makeup that isn’t blended well can look heavy and imperfect. Get yourself armed with a few good brushes and a BeautyBlender, these tools will stand you in good stead and the beauty blender will enable you to reach every contour of your face. It is meant to be used damp, allowing for a flawless application and ensuring that makeup never looks heavy! Applying the wrong shade of eyeliner to your lower lash line Let’s face it black is the most popular eyeliner shade on the market but is it a one size fits all? No! If like me, you have a light complexion and blonde hair it’s actually advisable to use a brown liner, at least on the bottom lash line. Black can end up looking quite harsh and instead of opening up your eyes (after all who doesn’t want large doll-like eyes!) it can make them look smaller. It’s also a great idea to follow with a nude pencil or what’s known as a Waterline Liner. This will help open up your eyes and make them look wider! Incorrect lip liner application We all want to achieve bigger, luscious lips, but the worst thing you can do is draw a sharp line around your lips with lip liner to outline them. A lip liner is meant to define your lips, not just create a border around them! Instead, simply draw a soft outline and then use the lip liner to blend and fill in your lips, this will also act as an adhesive to help your lipstick stay in place for longer! Overloading on foundation powder Face powder, when used correctly and frugally can be a fantastic makeup staple (I have been I’m in love with the ELES Mineral Powder Foundation for years!) however, no matter your skin type, too much face powder can actually age you! That’s right, it can highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of helping to conceal them! It’s best to use it sparingly – on your t-zone, or for quick touch-up’s, just make sure you opt for a lightweight powder! Sporting statement lips and dramatic eyeshadow together Who doesn’t love a beautiful bold lip? But if you are sporting dramatic eyes keep your lips nude or neutral to balance things out. And if you’re feeling the statement lips vibe, keep your eye makeup natural. Experimenting with makeup colours can be so much fun but remember the “less is more” rule to avoid looking overdone! Applying your blush incorrectly A blush applied correctly will help elongate your face, give you high cheekbones and make your face appear slimmer. However, apply it incorrectly and you could either wind up looking like a clown or someone suffering from rosacea. To nail it, using an angled blush brush, lightly apply a complementary shade of blush to the apples of your cheeks then sweep upwards towards your temples and ears. Forgetting a vital step – prepping your skin If you haven’t prepped your skin with your faithful moisturiser before applying your foundation, chances are your skin will look and feel dry. Plus makeup tends to stick to dry areas on the skin making it appear patchy. It’ll even seep into fine lines and wrinkles accentuating them! For best results apply your moisturiser, wait five minutes for it so properly absorb and then move onto your foundation.

[caption id="attachment_2945" align="alignnone" width="830"] Celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee[/caption]Here at Beauty Collective, we are always bursting with great skincare tips and makeup tricks, but just like you, we love learning (and trailing) the beauty hacks from some of the world’s most renowned makeup artists. Curious to find out what our top 9 favourites are? Read on and use as you will! For flawless foundation coverage Oh, hail the BeautyBlender! “If you look in any makeup artist’s kit, it’s almost guaranteed you will find a BeautyBlender. This revolutionary makeup sponge’s shape allows you to reach every contour of your face. It is meant to be used damp, allowing for a flawless application and ensuring that makeup never looks heavy.” Liane Scior, Creator ELES Cosmetics Mastering the under-eye concealer application Warm your concealer on your hand before applying. "I swipe concealer onto the back of my hand first, then tap it on under the eyes," Sir John says. "This thins out the consistency a little so it looks more lived-in, more like a second skin." Sir John, Celebrity Makeup Artist to Beyoncé To perfect the natural looking glow “Dip your make-up brush into a little bit of water before you apply highlighter to your face. The smooth, creamy formula glides across the skin like a liquid highlight but sets like a powder and captures the light beautifully. A gorgeous highlight can instantly lift dull looking skin for a natural looking glow!" Charlotte Tilbury, Celebrity Makeup ArtistWhat's more, a damp brush ensures you won't pick up too much product, it’ll simply create an effortless touch of shimmer, we know as we’ve given this a go! For natural looking brows “Instead of brushing your brows up and away before you start filling them in, brush them down. When you fill in your brows this way, you’re able to clearly see the maximum shape of your eyebrow and the highest point of your arch. Try it this way and you’ll avoid the overdrawn, pencilled-in look”. Kate Lee, Celebrity Makeup Artist Achieving longer lasting mascara “If your mascara is dried out, but not yet expired, add a few eye or saline drops into the tube and it’s ready to go again”. Rae Morris, World Renowned Makeup Artist and Author No more under-eye mascara smudging To clean up shadow fall out and mascara smudge under the eyes, “Use a plain sponge and makeup primer instead of makeup remover. This picks up the shadow and leaves the concealer.” Monika Blunder, Celebrity Makeup Artist For the perfect lip application every time “Apply a lip balm on while doing the rest of your make up, and when it comes time to do your lips, wipe it off and apply your lipstick as normal. It’s also not good to apply a layer of foundation on your lips before applying lipstick, or you’ll end up with a big ugly white crust around your mouth.” Rae Morris, World Renowned Makeup Artist and Author For stand out lips “Any time I'm putting a bright lip on anyone, I always buff a little concealer around the mouth with a loose shadow brush, by doing this, the area around the mouth acts like a frame for your lipstick—really showcasing that colour and not letting it feather.” Kirin Bhatty, Celebrity Makeup Artist To settle and set your makeup “To keep your skin looking like skin and not like makeup, finish with a mist. I always use a mist because it helps settle the makeup, making your skin look less makeupy." Afton Williams, Film Makeup Artist

It’s the first step to your skincare routine and the step which creates the foundation for all other skincare products that follow so nailing it is imperative! But many are under the false impression that cleansing involves a little soap, water, a 10-second lather and voila, all the days’ makeup and remnants are removed and your face is thoroughly cleansed and good to go. Oh, how wrong they are! Below we have outlined ten things you need to know about cleansing, follow these and you’re on the path to healthy, clear and radiant skin in next to no time!DO work out what the right cleanser is for your skin type and stick to itFinding a cleanser to target your particular skin concern is a game-changer, whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin, aging skin or something in between there is a cleanser out there for everyone. But understanding the difference between cream and foaming gel cleansers will also stand you in good stead. Cream cleansers are typically gentle on the skin and more moisturising. Gel cleansers tend to provide a much deeper cleanse however as they foam they draw out oil, reduce excess oil production and as a result can be a little on the drying side so tend to work better for those with oily or combination skin types.DON’T wash your face with hot waterNo sireee, hot water can cause skin inflammation and irritation by upsetting the skin barrier function, stick to lukewarm water for best results.DO cleanse your face both morning and nightA lot of us tend to skimp on the morning cleanse, after all, we removed the previous day's makeup and grime the night before and all we’ve done is sleep, right? Correct! Alas what many don’t know is that while we sleep we still release impurities which wind up sitting on the surface of our skin, plus if you’re like me you would have layered your skin with goodies the night before so it’s important that any remnants are removed in the morning especially is you’ve applied potent ingredients like retinol or glycolic acid which can cause sun sensitivity.DON’T forget to cleanse your chin and neck too!Often forgotten (guilty as charged!) our jawline and neck are just as prone to dirt and grime as your face so make sure you pay them some cleansing attention too!DO double cleanseWe’ve all heard of the saying “double cleanse” but is it really necessary? The simple answer is yes! But only in the evening as over-cleansing in the morning can result in the destruction of the skin’s barrier function. One cleanse at night will indeed remove the day's makeup and grime but adding a second cleanse into your routine will work deeper, thoroughly cleansing pore and removing dead skin cells.DON’T use a generic bar soapThese soaps can dramatically alter the natural pH balance of your skin which can send your skin into overdrive – think blemish breakout!DO deep cleanse weeklyIntroducing a deep exfoliating cleanse once a week can work wonders for your skin as it encourages cell turnover, ultimately resulting in brighter, more radiant skin.DON’T use a flannelDaily use of flannels or face cloths as many might call them, although popular can actually irritate the skin if they are too harsh (scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier) plus they can foster bacteria if not washed meticulously every day which can lead to pesky pimples! Best to stick to your loyal fingertips to cleanse effectively with no erm side effects!DO pat dry with a soft towelDrying your face correctly after cleansing is important! Be sure not to rub your face with a “crispy” towel (yup we’ve all had those from time to time!) rubbing can actually age skin, be sure you just gently pat dry, pay particular attention to the delicate eye area.DON’T be lazy and use just face wipesYes they are quick, easy and can be effective for some plus let’s face (pardon the pun!) it after a big night out quick and easy is what we want and hey at least you aren’t going to bed with your makeup on right? But it’s important to know that many face wipes contain alcohol and other harsh ingredients that will strip your skin.The current 5 best-selling cleansers on Beauty Collective;Phytomer Perfect Visage Gentle Cleansing MilkPhytomer Accept Neutralizing CleanserELES Transformation Cleansing OilMedicalia Gentle CleanserPhytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream

Skincare isn’t one size fits all, everyone has a different skin type and different skincare needs. Some people like having an extensive skincare routine, and others want something quick and easy. Whatever your skincare routine is there are times when your skin needs nothing more than rebalancing.What is rebalancing?It’s focusing on the skin’s oil and moisture levels to find perfect harmony, what we call a “normal” skin. By doing this skin becomes more tolerant, less dry or oily and generally happier.Why Pevonia Essential Line is the perfect antidote to unbalanced skin.The essential lines; Dry, Sensitive and Combination are based on Essential Oils in perfect percentages to achieve optimum rebalancing. Essential oils are whole, complete plant compounds. They contain the life force of the plant, which not only makes them beneficial but also powerful!Here’s how they work…DRY SKIN LINEIt is commonly misconstrued that dry and dehydrated skin are one and the same, this is not accurate. Dry skin can also be dehydrated, but dehydrated skin is not necessarily dry skin. When your skin is dehydrated it needs more water, when your skin is dry it needs more oil.Pevonia Dry Skin Line contains hydrating Hyaluronic Acid as well is nourishing Micronized Vitamin E and Pear Seed Extract and the Essential Oils of Rose and Ylang Ylang to stimulate the skin’s oil production.SENSITIVE SKIN LINEThose with sensitive skin must choose products that contain ingredients that calm, soothe, heal, reduce redness and moisturise.Pevonia Sensitive Skin Line contains calming, soothing ingredients like Allantoin and Azulene to control sensitivity with healing ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile and Propolis to help repair and reduce redness and the discomfort felt with sensitive skin, but it is the exquisite French Rose essential oil that is gold in this collection, not only does it dramatically sooth the skin it balances the oil and moisture levels offering stronger protection against the elements.COMBINATION SKIN LINETreating and understanding combination skin can be confusing; nevertheless, being consistent with a clear, concise regimen will balance and hydrate this misunderstood skin type.The important thing to remember is Combination skin requires products that normalize skin deficiencies while combating dryness and dehydration.Pevonia's normal to combination skin line contains some of the most effective essential oils such as: Grapefruit, Rosemary Oil and Lemon Grass Oil for balancing skin's oily secretions. These oils literally “sedate” the oil glands. Add to this healing Arnica, Hazel Nut Oil and Vitamin E and the results are tightened pores, balanced, toned and refreshed skin.So if your skin is feeling less than “normal” or you are suffering from ingredient overload, it might be time to strip back your routine and enjoy the powerful rebalancing powers of the Pevonia Essential Lines.SPECIAL OFFERFor the month of July, purchase a Pevonia Essential Line Cream; Dry, Sensitive or Combination and Receive a Full Size matching Cleanser FREE!

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.

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?

On the days I have little or next to no time to do my makeup (thank you kids!), or when I simply want less coverage than a foundation but need more skincare benefits than my tinted moisturiser offers, a BB Cream is my go-to!BB Creams, Beauty Balms, Blemish Balms…whatever you might know them as, few products can nourish, protect, conceal and correct all in one go, than a single tube of BB Cream!This versatile skincare and makeup hybrid is a lightweight moisturiser, foundation, sunscreen, primer and corrector in one, the ultimate multi-tasker! So you can literally condense your morning routine in to as little as a few minutes, and not only are they time savers but money savers too!What’s more BB creams are great: When you travel No longer must you ram a million skincare and makeup items into your ever-so-small cosmetic bag, if you are armed with a BB cream you’ll have your moisturiser, primer, sunscreen, concealer and foundation covered! When you don’t feel like wearing a lot of makeup If you want to give your skin a break from a full face of makeup but still want some coverage and protection, BB cream is the way to go When you’re suffering from a blemish breakout. Let’s face it, some days our skin just doesn’t look its best and needs a little bit of makeup loving to conceal those blemishes, but we don’t want to further aggravate it with pore clogging products! Reach for the BB (also known as a Blemish Balm!)! It’ll actually help to strengthen and protect your skin! When you’re in a rush No time to apply your moisturiser, primer, concealer and foundation? But not a chance you are leaving the house with a ‘naked’ face? BB is your answer. When you want to sport the no makeup, makeup look Who doesn’t love the idea of a no makeup makeup look while actually wearing makeup for that flawless finish? A BB is the perfect way to get the look. Finish with a coat of mascara and a bit of cream blush and you’ll be good to go! When you want to hit the beach You are planning to hit the beach but need coverage that will not only conceal flaws, but also look totally natural while providing high factor SPF. Say no more. Now you know the benefits of using a BB Cream, why not give it a try? I am personally in love with the ELES Age Defying BB Cream 30 it is jam packed with benefits and really does make my skin appear flawless and luminous, what more could a gal ask for!

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.

I know, there are probably more than a million ways to slow down facial ageing! But even after more than 20 years in the beauty industry and believing I’d heard it all before, it was these four things I learnt at the school of hard knocks.The first is one may have more impact than you realised…GLASSESYes you read right, my advice is to invest in great glasses—both sun and vision.Sunglasses — Look for those with more opaque lenses and both UVA and UVB protection. They’ll keep you from squinting, which will help you avoid wrinkles, but they will also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun-induced discoloration better known as Melasma or Hyper-Pigmentation. I discovered this when I treated myself to a big pair of Jackie O glasses. After four weeks my hyperpigmentation began to fade! Remember, the bigger the frame, the better.And when it comes to vision, it might interest you to know that as it deteriorates, other muscles in your eye area, particularly those beneath the crow’s feet, pitch in to help you focus which makes lines around the eyes a lot worse. I avoided upgrading my glasses for far too long (let’s face it, it’s a huge hassle) when I finally did, not only did the world become a lot clearer but the constant squinting and watery eyes that lead to deep lines and lots of headaches began to soften and disappear.TOO MUCH SUGAR AND NOT ENOUGH OMEGA 3Don’t just think about your waistline when you’re tempted by processed treats, think about your skin too.You know that refined carbohydrates and added sugars are at the top of every nutritionist's don’t-eat list, but dermatologists avoid them too. They lead to wrinkles through a process called glycation—eating refined carbs and sugars creates a quick spike in blood sugar, and when those sugar molecules link up with the collagen in your body (which normally gives skin its elasticity), it leads to stiffness in your skin.Eat more of these instead: Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, and colourful fruits and vegetables. The fats can also help lower inflammation, which calms redness-inducing issues like acne and rosacea but also dramatically reduces your chances of inflamm-ageing. Not sure what Inflamm-ageing is? Read more hereUSE RETINOLIt really is a game changer and it is the one thing all dermatologists, plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons agree you should do to prevent premature skin ageing (other than wear sunscreen).The list of their anti-ageing benefits is huge but to name a few: Retinol increases collagen production, helps make your pores appear smaller and boosts cell turnover to even out discoloration and brighten your skin tone. As far as I know it’s the only ingredient that is such a great anti-ageing multi-tasker.Our favourites are the Medicalia Retinol and C Care Cream and Retinol Concentrate. This is a medical skin care line recommended by Doctors worldwide and head and shoulders above some of the low % cosmeceutical lines on the market.Just remember these important tips: Give it a chance, you won’t see the benefits in a week or even a month, it takes about 3 months to see the true benefits of retinol and when you do it will have been worth your persistence. If you have sensitive skin, wean yourself onto the products, start with a small amount every other night or even twice a week before building up to every night. Apply before bed; never in the morning. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and more likely to burn, yes always, and don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. Less is more. You only need a pea-sized amount for your whole face. Keep them outside the bony ring around your eyes. The skin inside is delicate and if the retinol irritates your eyes you’ll rub them and that can lead to under-eye bags. Take my word for it! SUNSCREEN BLIND SPOTSThere are two overlooked places that often miss the sunscreen and that is the décolletage and hands. The two places that are first to show signs of ageing. Hands can develop sunspots and wrinkles and they are so hard to treat once established.It is particularly important to apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands while you’re driving, because car windshields and mirrors don’t block UVA rays. For your chest, sunscreen should extend all the way down to your bra line and don’t forget the sides of the neck.Our “go to” sunscreen is the Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 30. It’s both a physical and chemical block so the texture and feel is more like a gorgeous moisturiser, and the subtle tint makes your skin look airbrushed and even.Obviously a good diet and exercise, plenty of sleep and water will have the greatest impact on how you age, and of course genetics, but these are four easy fixes that make a huge impact so worth a share in my book!

Still suffering from blemish-prone skin but feel you’re too old to be getting spots? Unsure how you should best deal with it? We hear you and are here to help!Adult spots (or acne as it’s referred to) can actually affect up to 50% of us, but before tackling your issue, it’s important firstly to understand why and how they are formed.What causes blemishes?Blemished prone skin can be triggered by a number of factors from diet to stress, genetics to hormones, a reaction to topical products or environmental factors, however the spots themselves are the result of an over production of sebum (oil) which can mix with dead skin cells and other grime on the surface of your skin leading to blocked pores.How to best prevent themWhile the dreaded blemishes are unpredictable and sadly part and parcel of everyday life for many, there are a few methods you can adopt to try and prevent them; Stop pores getting clogged by deep cleansing twice daily and using gentle exfoliation. N.B We are talking gentle exfoliation! People often think daily “scrubbing” will prevent blackheads but it can actually increase the shedding of skin cells therefore causing further clogging on the pores! Make sure you use exfoliators that don’t require physical scrubbing. We highly recommend Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. Use non-greasy, non-comedogenic (pore clogging) products or products that do not contain additional ingredients like artificial fragrances and preservatives as these commonly cause skin reactions. Always wash your hands before touching your face, in fact, keep your mitts off your face altogether! Clean your makeup brushes often (we are talking once a week) – makeup brushes naturally accumulate and harbour bacteria and an overload of bacteria can trigger breakouts! Adjust your diet. You want to ensure you include lots of fresh, green leafy vegetables and dramatically reduce the amount of sugar and dairy you may be consuming. Some experts agree in particular that milk may stimulate oil glands thanks to the hormones, creating a breeding ground for blemishes! Eek. Flush toxins by drinking plenty of water Remove makeup before any exercise. We are talking energetic exercise though when you may sweat a little, not walking from your house to the car. How to best treat themWe have all been guilty of over-treating our blemishes! Topical ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if overused can really dry out your skin (yes, we understand you want to dry out the skin and reduce the oil flow) but beware over-dry skin care can actually cause oil production to go into overdrive and in turn produce more clogged pores which equates to more spots! Vicious cycle. Also when used in unison these ingredients can slightly inflame the top layer of skin making it look red and raw! Just what you want, to replace a spot with red, raw skin! No thank you. Instead, opt for professional skincare created specifically to treat blemish prone skin with pure ingredients.A tried and trusted skincare routine will really help with symptoms and keep those pesky pimples under control just be sure to include a face mask into the mix as we promise a good face mask can be a game changer for those with blemish prone skin. We are currently in LOVE with Phytomer’s Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask.Just remember to keep pimples at bay, you only need to apply a face mask once or twice a week for a minimum of 10 minutes. Easy.When your skin is acting up, reaching for your concealer and foundation seems like the only answer as there is no way you’re ready to face the world with the Taj Mahal on your chin in all its glory. But choose wisely, as the wrong foundation can exacerbate blemishes! Consider switching to mineral-based cosmetics. They contain ingredients such as silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide that soak up excess oil without clogging pores, allowing skin to actually breathe freely! Make sure you get your hands on the ELES bestselling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation, it will calm skin with anti-inflammatories, provide natural-looking coverage, and won’t clog pores.You can win the war against pimples, just be sure to follow these simple steps.

You’ve been told to invest in an eye cream but you aren’t sure why you should fork out the extra dollars, after all do you really need to use a separate cream for your eyes? Will your moisturiser not suffice?You could indeed use your moisturiser as an eye cream but it’s definitely not advised and we are here to explain why.In short, eye treatments whether it be creams, gels or serums are specifically formulated to target and care for the delicate area around the eyes, the thinnest layer of skin on our entire bodies! In fact, the skin under our eyes is up to 1/10 thinner than other facial skin so it’s crucial to care delicately for this area to avoid any damage.Like a moisturiser, an eye cream’s main objective is to deliver brightening and anti-ageing ingredients, however in a milder, gentler, safer dose. Moisturisers tend to have a much richer consistency in comparison to their counterpart which if applied under the eyes can prove too much, resulting in irritation, allergic reactions and milia.Eye treatments also tend to be targeted to specific eye concerns – crow’s feet, under eye bags, dark circles instead of the huge array of facials concerns a moisturiser is targeted too, so it actually saves time and money in the long run! Also some ingredients that often appear in eye treatments, not so much face moisturisers (for example Ginkgo Biloba, caffeine…) can offer quick and temporary fixes to problems specific to just the eye area.The bottom line is that eye creams are essentially facial moisturisers that are modified for use on the more delicate skin around the eyes and let’s not forget this skin ages faster than the rest of your face so there is no time like the present to start looking after it correctly!

by: PEVONIA USRetinol, we’ve all heard of it but what exactly is it and what does it do? Read on and learn about the anti-ageing wonder ingredient that works to combat nearly all signs of sun damage and skin ageing.What Is Vitamin A?Vitamin A is one of the best ingredients to treat signs of aging and sun-damaged skin. Vitamin A is an antioxidant vitamin and may be in the form of retinol, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, retinoic acid, retinal, retinaldehyde and beta-carotene.About RetinolRetinol is the most active and skin-friendly form of Vitamin A and is a derivative of Vitamin A obtained through enzymatic conversion from natural Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) and retinol. It is one of the best ingredients for rejuvenated skin as it addresses each of the causes, processes and symptoms of aging and sun-damage. Overall, it promotes a smoother, more even skin tone and texture, and is considered the gold standard in anti-aging.How Retinol WorksRetinol dramatically enhances skin cellular performance and repairs cellular signs of aging. With age, cell reproduction becomes sluggish, resulting in slow, uneven cell renewal and cell turnover. Retinol promotes rapid cell renewal and turnover by helping break down dead skin, and pushing dead cells out faster. This paves the way for newer, plumper skin cells and signals the deeper layers to produce more collagen and elastin to support the “new” skin. In essence, retinol has a resurfacing effect, as it smoothes, firms and evens skin tone.Retinol can also be considered a skin organizer. Dead skin cells in aging or sun-damaged skin become disorganized, much like piles of bricks after a building demolition. Retinol reorganizes skin cells, as if reconstructing the bricks back into a well-constructed brick wall. Retinol does this by normalizing enzymatic activity, which is needed for healthy cell division (mitosis).Retinol addresses the collagen loss, dehydration and uneven pigment production that occur with aging and sun overexposure. Collagen loss causes wrinkles and sagging. When retinol comes in, it strengthens and stimulates collagen production, smoothes lines, plumps the skin and repairs sun damage. Dryness and dehydration that occur give skin a tight, flakey look and feel. Retinol restores moisture balance by maintaining hydration and reducing evaporation of water. This improves elasticity and flexibility, plus increases strong and healthy lipids in the membranes.Additional Benefits of Vitamin AAging and sun damage also cause irregular and uneven production of pigment (melanin). Retinol helps melanocytes (responsible for producing pigment) dispose of trapped melanin.With age skin becomes thinner. Retinol improves the skin density and bolsters the skin barrier by rebuilding the upper layers of the skin (epidermis) with stronger, thicker, healthier cells.As an antioxidant, retinol neutralizes free radicals that damage the skin and cause aging.Studies show that Vitamin A can reduce pH levels to help normalize the skin disrupted by factors that cause inflammation and aging; one more way retinol fights aging.Retinol works optimally within the epidermis, and indirectly benefits the dermis as well to reveal new, smoother, brighter skin.Vitamin A and PevoniaPevonia® uses state-of-the art manufacturing technologies to stabilize retinol, as well as ensure maximum results without the irritation associated with prescription retinoids or retinoic acids. Retinol is in Pevonia’s Timeless Repair Cream, Stem Cells Phyto-Elite® Intensive Cream, lumablanc® Cream and De-Aging Body Balm – Papaya Pineapple.To counteract the light and air sensitivity of retinol, Pevonia developed their Micro-Retinol® that is a much smaller, more stable form of retinol that is skin-friendly, yet effective. For this form of Vitamin A try Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol® line (Micro-Retinol® Essential Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol® Essential Toner, Micro-Retinol® Essential Serum and Micro-Retinol® Essential Moisturizer).Retinyl Palmitate is a pre-formed, ester version of Vitamin A that has antioxidant and emollient properties that can be found in the Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream, Vitaminic Concentrate, Évolutive Eye Cream, Timeless Repair Cream and Timeless Eye Contour.Beta-carotene, the most important precursor of Vitamin A formation, is another skin- friendly source of Vitamin A. This natural carotenoid consists of two retinyl groups, which support healthy cellular functions, growth and metabolism. It also acts as an emollient, which makes it key for dry, aging skin. Beta-carotene is in the following Pevonia products: Dry Skin Lotion, Combination Skin Cleanser, Micro-Retinol® Essential Foaming Cleanser, Micro-Retinol® Essential Moisturizer, De-Aging Saltmousse – Papaya-Pineapple and De-Aging Body Balm – Papaya-Pineapple.Schedule one of these professional Pevonia treatments to experience more of the benefits of Vitamin A: Micro-Retinol® Essential Treatment, Rejuvenating Dry Skin Mask, Stem Cells Phyto-Elite® Intensive Mask, or lumafirm® Body Treatment.Retinol is not to be confused with retinoic acids, retinoids such as Retin-A®, Avita® and Renova®. These dermatologist-prescribed retinoids can cause burning, redness, itching, skin thinning, flaking, even cracking, due to having a different chemical structure than retinol.

Now I'm going to be honest with you, I'm not REALLY that much of a lipstick girl most of the time, mainly because my lips aren’t particularly voluminous and I love drinking too many coffees, however, on occasion I do love using a bright lippy to add a pop of colour to an outfit, whether I’m heading to the local mall, a night out, or a wedding.Not much of a fan of the “matchy-matchy” look, with shoes, bags or lipstick, (let’s face it, it’s a bit predictable), I’ve put together my favourite pairings which are more about careful clashing!BLACK + ORANGE LIPSTICKPaired with a little back dress, orangey red lipstick looks trendy and totally chic. Especially, if the bold lip is the only statement colour you use in your outfit. I used to think burgundy and black look the best together, but it can look a bit gothic and quite aggressive.Try ELES Matte Lipstick in SpicyWHITE + RED LIPSTICKOk I probably should clarify, I don’t mean a bride’s dress, but a typical white cocktail dress, white shirt etc. I personally love pairing mine with a bold red lipstick. It’s feminine yet fierce and perfect all year round.Try ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in True RedRED + BURGUNDY LIPSTICKTraditionally red is paired with red, yikes, way too matchy, matchy! Unless of course you have gorgeous olive, tanned or deep coloured skin and dark eyes. But for us paler princesses I prefer a deep burgundy lipstick, it still falls in the same shade range but creates a much more sophisticated look!Try ELES Moisture Cream Lipstick in BordeauxPINK + DEEPER PINK LIPSTICKIt can be difficult to find the shade of pink that perfectly matches a pink outfit, but once you’ve done it, such combo looks absolutely fabulous. But it’s important to find the perfect shade of pink, the trick is to find the perfect shade to match your pink dress or top and go one or two shades darker on the lips. This look is stunning and so, so pretty.Try ELES Matte Lipstick in Warm Pink or Cool PinkNAVY + NUDENudes are the perfect match for your blue outfits. Pick the best kind of nude lipstick according to your outfit. For instance, a nude brown would look stunning with a royal blue; Nude pinks paired with your navy and teal.Try ELES Matte Lipstick in Bare

What is it about French women? And why do so many of us covet that “casual cool” look that seems to be all about mussed-up hair and very little makeup?When well known Paris-based editorial makeup artist Violette was asked this she summed it up beautifully “In each country, I think there is an idea of what beauty is, but for the French, it’s very particular: What we want is to be ourselves - not a better version of ourselves. We feel like it’s better to get used to something than to try to change it. So we think: What style can I have with this face, and with this hair? That mentality is 100 percent French.” Still, she admits, there are a few local secrets for how to look perfectly imperfect, without ever trying too hard.A HEALTHY ADVANTAGEFrench women do all they can to have amazing skin, and an amazing body, and amazing hair, so they don't have to do too much else! Their skin care routines are long and involved, a double cleanse followed by a toning lotion, serums, masks, and nourishing creams are just the beginning, they also massage their skin regularly to stimulate the cell rejuvenation and give it a natural glow. We love the Phytomer Rosee Soin for this, it’s a delicate rose extract oil that leaves the skin luminous and soft.KEEP THE BASE LIGHTWith beautiful skin, this is of course much easier to do! Rarely will you see a French woman wearing a foundation all over her face, and powder is used so sparingly or not at all! To even out the skin she will pinpoint conceal (using a very small brush) any imperfections and only apply foundation to areas that need balancing such as a red chin. She will use concealer beneath the eyes and then blend all of this carefully with a sponge to ensure a “second skin” result. A great tip from French Makeup Artist Violetta, “do not apply foundation on the nose, it creates an optical illusion that you are wearing no foundation at all”. So if you suffer redness in the nostril creases, apply a long-wear concealer there and not on the bridge of the nose. See our foundations to find your best choice.IT'S ALL ABOUT MODERATIONFrench women understand the adage “you are what you eat” and in spite of their multi-step facial routines they know that if they eat organic as much as possible, and avoid sugar their skin will benefit. They are far less concerned about fat and generally prefer to eat smaller portions of delicious food rather than huge portions of low-fat alternatives.EXERCISE SHOULD BE FUNA decade ago French women turned their pert noses up at any regimented exercise, now the workout trend is picking up a little, however, you’ll never see them get caught up in a hard-core programme. The general consensus is, if it’s not fun we’d rather stick pins up our nails than put our body through torture.NO MORE HAIR DRYERSFrench women are all about amazing texture in their hair and more often than not go for a kind of “lived-in” look. They like to shampoo, condition and finger dry their locks with the certain knowledge that tomorrow, after a night on the pillow, it will look even better.GET A GREAT CUTThey do like hair to be very healthy and shiny, so when they wear it messy, it doesn’t look dry and damaged and resemble fairy floss. They are much more about getting a great (often expensive) haircut and treating the hair at night with oils, serums, and masks than spending a fortune on styling products!A CLASSIC RED LIPIt’s almost as cliché as the beret but French women are all about red lips and they know how to wear it. From true reds to crimsons to scarlets, the red lip is totally French. Red lipstick is a fashion accessory so very little other makeup is worn with it. Hair should be messy, skin perfect, throw on a pair of jeans and heels then all you’ll need is red lippie, because the lipstick makes the statement! Our favourite is ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in True Red, it seems to suit everyone!HIGHLIGHT, DON'T CONTOUR!Most French women have an inherent dislike of brownish shading powders or creams. For French women, contouring is too bold and it changes the shape of the face. Instead, they prefer highlighter to catch the light on the cheeks, the tip of the nose and the cupids bow to make the skin look fresh and dewy.MAKE YOUR SMOKEY EYE A BIT MESSY!The other makeup that is really French is the smoky eye. But unlike the American version which is an artful gradiation of dark to light, the French version is a messy smoky eye that looks a bit “grungy”. Too perfect and too sparkly is the opposite of chic, as far as French women are concerned. They often use just one product, put it all over, and blend it with the finger. Then groom the brows, put on a bit of blush and concealer, and go. Our favourite “French girl” eye product is the ELES Superwear Gel Liner, it stays soft enough to blend out and then sets and stays all day. Just scribble it across the entire lid, “like a kid would,” and smear with an eyeshadow brush.So despite a religious approach to beauty through health and all the effort it takes to look effortless, the French woman doesn’t seem as hard on herself as some of us can be. In France, they call it Je Ne Sais Quoi (which literally translates as ‘whatever!’) – The effortless chic, confidence and assurance allows them to be their best self.Oh and…less is definitely so much more, et voilà!

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!

Let’s face it, we are all on the quest for eternal youth and thankfully there are many things we can adopt to slow down the aging process; wearing sunscreen, eating a diet rich in fruits and veggies, drinking boatloads of water, exercising, using quality skin care, opting for facelifts, botox and fillers even, but did you know you can also cleverly erase years off your face in literally minutes with….makeup!Yes, something as simple as the way you apply your makeup can have a significant effect on how old you look (oh my!) so read on and discover makeup tips that can turn back the clock and make you look younger naturally. PRIME YOUR SKIN Creating a flawless, almost airbrushed complexion really is dependent upon small, refined pores. Reduce pore size with a pore minimizing product. We swear by ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. GO EASY ON FACE POWDER No matter your skin type, too much face powder to hide those blemishes or control oil flow can actually highlight fine lines and wrinkles instead of concealing. It’s best to use it sparingly (and dust off excess powder from brush before application), opt for a light weight pressed powder (we LOVE ELES Mineral Foundation Powder) or simply use a liquid based foundation for a fresher more dewy complexion. We can sing the praises of the ELES HD Luminous Foundation all day long. FAKE YOUR GLOW Lost your glow? Then fake it! A few drops of Liquid Illuminator in your foundation will leave your skin positively luminous. Try ELES Liquid Illuminator. USE A BLUSH And do this daily. A blush applied correctly (with an angled blush brush to lift colour upwards towards your temple) helps elongate your face, gives you high cheekbones (which is synonymous with youth!) and will make it appear slimmer. We recommend ELES Baked Blush for pigmented colour, easy application and a healthy looking finish. INSTANT EYE LIFT Tired eyes? Dark circles? Ensure you are armed with a fabulous concealer! We are obsessed with ELES Liquid Concealer - dark circles literally disappear beneath with one swipe. BRIGTHEN EYES Invest in a nude waterline liner and line your bottom waterline for an instantly wide-eyed effect. We promise you it’s worth the money as one swipe will truly create wider, brighter, and more awake eyes. (The perfect tool when you have a toddler who just lurves waking me up multiple times a night!!) Finish by applying lashings of mascara to your top lashes. SHAPE YOUR BROWS Eyebrows can totally change how your face looks. Crazy right? But true. Fuller, well-shaped brows can and will make you look younger and more awake! This is because it adds structure and lifts above the eye that you lose with age. You can master the ‘perfect brow’ with the right tools – we highly recommend the ELES Precision Brow Pencil, with built-in grooming brush it offers controlled brow filling and lining to quickly and effortlessly impart fuller, natural looking brows.Or if pencils aren’t your thing try ELES Brow Sculpt to fill in, shape, correct and emphasize the natural arch of the brow. Just sweep the light shade through the brows and mimic hair with the dark side for youthful, natural looking brows. DON'T FORGET YOUR LIP GLOSS Lips naturally lose plumpness and volume with age. Steer clear of deep matte lippie shades that’ll make lips appear thinner while weighing down your complexion. Instead be armed with a sheer volumising gloss with built-in lip moisturiser that’ll give volume and plumpness and of course that much desired youthful pout, naturally! We can’t get enough of the ELES Pucker-up Lip Gloss, balmy and ultra-hydrating it’ll re-volumize lips in one swipe.

Its 11am you look in the mirror and you wonder why oh why you look like you’ve just rolled out of bed even though you spent time perfecting your makeup this morning.If this is you, we feel you, and so do many, many others. In fact, this is one of the most common questions we are asked – why doesn’t my makeup last?!In short, excess oil is the number one reason for your makeup breaking down, or simply sliding off your face should we say (thank you pores!) however we are here to tell you how to stop that from happening in 6 simple steps. Hells yeah. PREP YOUR SKIN Whether your skin is dry, oily or somewhere in between, it is essential to create the perfect canvas for your makeup and you can do this by correctly prepping your skin with the right skincare! Don’t full under the false pretence that your skin is oily and therefore doesn’t need hydration, incorrect. Your skin WILL produce more oil if it’s not properly hydrated so a skin specific moisturiser is essential. One of our favourites for oily skin types is Phytomer’s Oligopur Hydra-Matifying Control Cream – it literally does what it says on the bottle. Amazing stuff! Just be sure to give your moisturiser enough time to sink in before applying your foundation though. Five minutes at the minimum. Doing so will definitely help your makeup stay put for longer. PRIME TO PERFECTION Use a mattifying primer to create a barrier between your skin’s oil and your makeup. If you haven’t invested in a primer before, do so now. It’ll change your life! (or your makeup duration should we say!) Our absolute favourite is the ELES Retexturising Face Primer, not only does it help to protect and condition your skin it WILL NOT LET MAKEUP BUDGE. FIND THE RIGHT FOUNDATION FORMULATION Make sure you are using the correct foundation for your skin type. So if you tend to have combination to oily skin a water-based or oil-free formula will be your best friend. We and so many of our customers can’t get enough of the ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation, it glides on smoothly but sets to a matte powder finish on application.If your skin is edging on the dry side opt for more nourishing formulations. We highly recommend the ELES HD Luminous Foundation. MIST IS A MUST A facial mist or ‘setting spray’ can help set makeup so if you’ve never used one before give it a try! BLOT BLOT BLOT Rather than reapplying makeup over that layer of shine, blot away excess oil using a makeup sponge, blotting sheets or a beauty blender! Used to apply foundation, a beauty blender can literally double up as a blotting cushion for the face, and its shape will enable you to get into every crevice to soak up that unwanted oil. DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE You heard me, and we all do it! But really try to be conscious to not touch your face! Not only can it spread bacteria (not good for those pesky pimples!) the warmth from your hands literally breaks down makeup! Eek.

With the addition of two new brands of skin care to the Beauty Collective site; Phytomer and Vie Collection, we wanted to share with you why WE chose marine skin care and why you should too! A mind-blowing fact is that seawater and blood have a nearly identical chemical makeup including mineral and trace element levels. And the concentration of each mineral present is very similar. Seawater is so close to the body’s internal environment that if white blood cells were removed from the body and placed in a sterile diluted seawater solution, they could maintain normal cell function. We all know the human body needs replenishment of minerals, such as zinc, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium on a daily basis and because seawater contains the body’s ideal balance of minerals, it is the perfect medium to restore these levels. So we, humans have an incredible affinity with the ocean. Not only can seawater provide a great way to supplement minerals in human cells, it also provides the perfect growing environment for algae. As marine plants grow in the sea, they absorb the very same nutrients that are needed by the human body. So it’s no wonder researchers have studied the relationship between human skin and various seaweed species, and have found ways to use marine extracts to improve multiple skin conditions. This is especially true for seaweed that grows in areas with large tide changes, such as the Brittany region of France where Phytomer and Vie Collection are created. At different times of the day, these seaweeds are protected by seawater, but during low tide, they are exposed to UV rays, pollution, wind and bacteria—the same aggressors our skin is exposed to! In order to defend themselves against these aggressors, the seaweed develops “skin like” qualities to maintain hydration levels, protecting itself from UV-induced free radicals and withstanding cold temperatures, to name just a few. Perfectly preserved algae or seaweed can be used to create high-quality, potent ingredients. State-of-the-art manufacturing methods can isolate and extract specific molecules from seaweed. These molecules can then be concentrated into an ideal potency to help balance various skin conditions. For instance, a peptide extracted from Chlorella vulgaris, a single-cell green algae, stimulates the product of four types of dermal collagen and elastin. Another seaweed, Laminaria digitata, retains water in its plant tissue—much like your skin holds water—and even during low tide, it stays plump and moisturized. The future of marine ingredients Now there is a new buzzword in the skin care industry: biotechnology. Marine biotechnology uses micro-algae as “factories” to produce cosmetic ingredients that provide powerful results. For example, one of the latest discoveries is a special type of sugar that is produced for skin care using this science. Fifteen minutes after applying a product containing this sugar, wrinkles are visibly smoother and skin is lifted. After one month of daily use, the sugar improves the production of collagen and elastin in the skin to help restore a youthful appearance. Because of all these incredible factors and the fact we can now create ingredients so sustainably, marine skin care is truly the future of the professional skin care industry, and what’s more, is it is totally organic!

Have you heard of the term before? It’s as scary as it sounds! It relates to chronic, long-term, inflammation that negatively affects our body and has been linked to numerous diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, macular (vision) degeneration and now, skin ageing! As if we don’t have enough to worry about!How does it affect the skin?There are two types of skin ageing, internal and external. Internal ageing affects the density of the skin, thinning it as we age and results in lines and wrinkles.External factors such as UV exposure, poor lifestyle, or injury, cause inflammatory reactions in the skin, as well as oxidative damage. This oxidative stress injures cell membrane proteins and fats, and the genetic blueprint of the cell (DNA), which cause premature ageing and can even increase skin cancer risk.And what about age spots? These result from oxidative stress (free radicals) on the pigment-forming cells within the skin, leading to many inflammatory and immune reactions in the cell, which eventually causes tissue damage. A solution: ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs)These are fats that our bodies can’t create for themselves so we need to acquire them through diet. They include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. EFAs are important for the cell membrane’s structure and function and can cause positive changes both outside and inside the cell. They also play a very important role in your body’s natural inflammatory response.However, not all omegas are equal! For example, too much of the omega-6 called arachidonic acid that you’d find in grain-fed beef, chicken, eggs, and pork, can lead to a higher chance of developing inflammation than a diet that contains equal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. When we achieve this ratio, our bodies are better able to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.EFAs also very important when it comes to how our bodies control inflammation. So when you have an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, it can help to reduce the production of substances that are known to promote inflammation.From a skincare perspective, when our skin becomes irritated, this triggers the release of chemicals that can cause inflammatory damage and destruction of the skin’s support proteins including collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles. EFAs reduce this inflammation. They also help maintain your skin’s barrier function to prevent water loss and protect your body from microorganisms that can cause infection and disease, control the growth of collagen and elastin, increase the skin’s resistance to sunburn, and promote tissue repair. All this leads not only to enhanced skin function but also to healthier appearance!Unfortunately, a typical western diet is lower in fish and other foods rich in omega-3’s, so it increases the risk of various inflamm-ageing related conditions. While making the proper dietary changes can be helpful in reducing inflamm-ageing, supplementing with a fish oil containing 1000-2000mg of combined EPA and DHA can really help.So eating a healthy diet and supplementing with a fish oil supplement can definitely reduce the risk of inflamm-ageing, and add to this few simple preventative skin care ingredients such as anti-oxidants and sun protection and it can go a long way for the health of your skin!To help prevent inflamm-ageing we recommend incorporating Vitamin C into your skin regimen and using the best possible sun protection you can find.Our favourites; Vie Collection - Vita C Concentrated Solution and Phytomer - Sun Solution Sunscreen SPF 30 Face & Sensitive Areas.

It’s back!! As demonstrated on the world’s fashion runways, monotone makeup is once again taking centre stage and we are loving it! Why? Because it’s simple to master, can be customised to your style, and is perfect for those, like me, with limited time (I call it the ‘lazy look’!) because you don’t have to think about what eyeshadow or blusher colour you need to match with your lipstick!If you aren’t all too familiar with the term monotone or monochromatic makeup, we are referring to a look which features one colour worn in multiple ways – on your lips, eyes and cheeks – to create a full face makeover. What’s more you can take this look from bold berry hues to soft subtle pinks depending on your mood!Follow our simple guide, choose the hue for you and flaunt this year’s biggest makeup trend! Berry Beauty To nail this trend, you’ll need to play with the intensity of your chosen hue. If you’re using a punchy colour on your cheeks, keep the lips and eyes pared back. Also remember less is more when opting for bold shades so if you’re going with a deep berry on your lips use a wash of berry colour on the eyes and cheeks. Keep Mascara and eyeliner minimal and don’t overdo your brows! Radiant Red Red eyes may seem trés risky, but if you get it right can be a shop stopper! Just remember to stick to glossy textures or if your preference is powder shadow, make sure you keep your skin glossy! Matte on matte = no go. Do add mascara to this look, as a bit of depth is needed to balance out a bold lip. Pretty in Pink When it comes to pink, opt for a highly pigmented shadow and apply it over the whole eyelid. Glossy or cream textures work well as they catch the light. Since eyeshadow can be bold and bright, keep lips painted a pinkish nude tint. A soft pink blush will strike the perfect balance between eyes and lips. Complete with mascara but don’t overdo it!Naturally NudeNaturally, 'nude' can range from pinky, peachy to browny-nude, whatever your choice soft nude lips paired with natural eyes and a flush of blush, makes for a simple monotone look perfect for every-day wear. To recreate the monotone look we are obsessing over (see image) we recommend using Mineral Matte Eyeshadow in Terra Peach for eyes, Baked Blush in Rose Gold for cheeks and Matte Lipstick in Peach Echo coupled with Pucker Up Lip Gloss in Air Kiss for lips.

It’s a reality. And if you thought that hormones were a nightmare to contend with now the air we breathe every day is causing our skin to prematurely age, erupt in breakouts and might even be the cause of annoying skin conditions such as eczema. Pollution is a real problem, so real that the World Health Organisation now considers it a major skin health issue.Sadly, even if you are a beacon of good living: eat a healthy diet, drink your bucket of water each day and exercise like a boss, yet your skin isn’t glowing like an Instagram selfie, you are most likely suffering the effects of toxicity from urban living.Know your enemyOur skin is our largest and most exposed organ and it struggles to cope with the constant onslaught of chemicals in the atmosphere. The end result is skin that becomes sensitive, hyper-pigmented, acne-prone and unbalanced and of course, prematurely aged.So why is pollution your enemy? You’ve no doubt heard of free radicals, these are atoms or molecules that contain unpaired electrons making them unstable and are considered to be associated with a wide range of illness and disease. They can evolve from natural reactions in the body (in food and drink). You can also find them in the air we breathe, the exhaust we inhale, in smoke, industrial waste, pesticides and many other processes in every day life.And sadly free radicals don’t like to be alone, these “Billy no mates” are always on the lookout for friends, they break through cell barriers and steal an electron from our healthy cells. This oxidization process creates another free radical and does untold damage to your skin at a cellular level.Ultimately the result of all this destruction is unhealthy skin cells and unhealthy cells lead to loss of elasticity due to collagen breakdown, unbalanced oil levels and overall dullness that no amount of exfoliating and massage will overcome.Thankfully, as we learn more about free radical damage we are also learning ways to prevent it! One the easiest way is to pack your diet and skin care routine with anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants neutralise free radicals by generously donating a spare electron (friend) before it can steal one from your skin.But there’s more you can do…Firstly, cleansing your skin properly (not aggressively) each night. While pollutants can be like cell munching monsters that stick to the skin like Velcro a great cleanser, used gently will help remove them and still maintain your skin’s natural barriers.While all anti-oxidant ingredients have benefits, research has shown that there are some other ingredient discoveries that used in combination with anti-oxidants yield even better results! Cue PHYTOMERMore than 15 years ago, PHYTOMER discovered the powerful anti-pollution action of Armeria maritima, the only seaside plant that survived the Erika oil tanker disaster, capable of filtering and depolluting the contaminated water. PHYTOMER then launched its first anti-pollution product, Souffle Marin.Since then PHYTOMER researchers have created an advanced solution that comes in the form of an amazing sorbet cream, CITYLIFE Face and Eye Contour Sorbet Cream. CITYLIFE sweeps away toxic micro-particles and repairs skin damage caused by pollution. Its prowess comes not only from its sorbet texture, in perfect affinity with the skin, but also from its high-tech formulation composed of: CITYSAFE complex, a trio of anti-pollution biotech marine sugars. OLIGOMER®, an emblematic ingredient of the brand, providing true mineral replenishment for the skin. And what is great about it, is it’s also, suitable for the eye contour, CITYLIFE re-oxygenates tired eyes while it diffuses mineral water into dehydrated skin.Fast forward to 2018 when they launched another award winning product: CITYLIFE Ultra Cleansing Flash Peel. This is the first of its kind, a pollution defense deep cleanser. Power packed with a high concentration of exfoliating enzymes, it leaves the skin healthy, purified and with an incredible glow.So, the long and the short of it is: pollution bad, antioxidants good. Until we find a way to remove these nasties from our environment, it’s essential to maintain a good skincare regime that protects your skin from chemicals in the air and prevents them harming your health. Urban living will always be full of things to stress you out, but, thankfully, damaged skin doesn’t have to be one of them.Now, where did I put that glass of red?