BECCA

As you know, we at Bronzalicious LOVE our BECCA cosmetics! Check out a little interview with BECCA's founder Rebecca Morrice Williams. 

Don't forget, you can purchase BECCA products in salon or at the Boutique Skin Store. 

The Toner

To tone or not to tone, that is the question. It's a hot debate in the beauty world, so Bella Sugar spoke to skin expert Emma Hobson, education manager Asia, Australia and NZ, for The International Dermal Institute, to find out the facts.

"Many people think it’s not important to use a toner and consider it a waste of money. The reason for this misconception is due to the traditional function of an old fashioned toner," she says.

"Toners originally were developed to 'remove' the mineral oil based cleansers. Since mineral oil cannot be washed off the skin and traditional cleansers were tissued off, a toner had to contain SD alcohol to remove the cleanser and mineral oil off the skin's surface. The issue that arose from this is that many people found the SD alcohol irritating and drying to their skin, so avoided using a toner."

So why should we use a toner these days? "New spritz toners were designed with skin function in mind; to boost the moisture content of the skin so reducing dehydration, to calm and freshen the skin with plant botanicals, to even out the skin’s surface porosity — meaning balancing out the dry patches — and to introduce water soluble active ingredients into the skin."

Mystery solved! 

Here are some toners we at Bronzalicious recommend. You can purchase all of these and heaps of other fantastic skin care products at the Boutique Skin Store 

Emergin C lavender toner 

A gentle toner for all skin types, but especially suited for sensitive skin. 

Tones, adjusts pH, calms, soothes. 

Decleor tonifying lotion

A soft pink toner for all skin types, with Lavender and Petit Grain Essential Oils and Orange, Kiwi and Mallow Essential Waters. 

Emergin C pomegrante toner 

An active toner with pomegranate and natural fruit acids. Removes dead skin cells. Tones, brightens complexion. 

Article source: Bella Sugar 

Insight: Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr, Victoria Secret Angel, David Jones Ambassador, Entrepreneur, wife, mum and so much more. Is there anything she can't do? Check out her tips and tricks for great skin and a balanced life. 

What’s your number one beauty obsession?
Every woman wants beautiful, glowing skin. And in my profession, I have no option but to nourish and look after mine. My daily routine involves three basic steps of cleansing (using Kora Foaming Cleanser), toning (Kora Energizing Citrus Mist) and moisturizing (Kora Hydrating Day and Night Cream). I also use Kora Luxurious Rose Hip Oil, as it’s full of essential fatty acids and antioxidant-rich qualities.

What beauty routines do you swear by?
First thing in the morning, I have a glass of warm water with fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice is great for detoxing, alkalizing the body and improving digestion. I also scrub my entire body with a dry brush—it stimulates blood lymph flow, exfoliates your skin, and encourages new cell growth.

Anything else?
I eat fresh, organic produce as much as I can. It’s important to fill your body with nutritious foods—being healthy on the inside really results in healthy, glowing skin.

What’s the one piece of natural beauty advice you’d give people?
What we put on our skin soaks in—use organic.

Skin care aside, how do you keep your skin so luminous?

I drink lots of water. I use lemon and ginger. I believe it’s one of the most beneficial ways to slow the aging process. Also, it is so important to clean your skin every night before bed. They say leaving make up on can cause your skin to age and become wrinkly almost three times faster then usual. It can also lead to break outs and acne.

  

What is your favourite lip colour?

I love a matt-cream red lipstick.

What make up items can’t you live without? 

Organic Priti Nail Polish, $17.95, www.iamnaturalstore.com.au. Two of my favourite colors are Mother of Pearl Peony for a natural finish look and Flamecreeper Red for a fun, vibrant splash of colour. And Utowa Eyelash Curler, $45 www.meccacosmetics.com.au, is a must and the KORA Organics Tinted Day Cream, $59.95, from David Jones or www.koraorganics.com.au

Sources: Body & Soul,  Good & Well NYC. 

Insight: Megan Gale

Megan Gale, model, skincare ambassador, designer and actress and all round beauty is known for her glowing skin and health attitude to life. Here is an insight into her beauty and fitness regime! 

What’s your weekly exercise routine? 
It depends on how busy I am and how much travel is involved. In an ideal world I’d work out four to five times a week and that could be anything depending on what I’m feeling like. I love to exercise outdoors and I’d love to run a couple of times a week, have at least one or two yoga or Pilates classes… It’s really good to mix things up. 



Are you into any particular diets?  
I try and use organic produce as much as possible. It’s hard when you’re on the go staying in hotels, but you adapt as best you can. My summer and winter diets are different. It’s all very healthy and plentiful, but in summer I tend to eat a lot of fruit and graze on dates, nuts and salads. In winter it’s more about roast vegies and organic meats and soups and wholewheat pasta.
 


Do you take any supplements for your skin or hair? 
I take a really strong Omega 3-6-9 capsule, which is great, and I take a little capsule called ArmaForce. It’s got olive leaf and if you’ve got the slightest bit of a cold, it will wipe it out. It’s also really great for skin, nails and hair.



What do you see as your responsibility to women as a role model?

I think it’s about presenting that idea that it’s okay to look after yourself. You shouldn’t feel you are being vain or self-indulgent. It’s about going back to the obvious slogan that ‘you’re worth it’ – you’re worth spending money on, you’re worth pampering and looking after. You’re in this body and this skin for life so look after it.



What does true beauty mean to you? 
Oh gosh… I don’t think someone has to be aesthetically beautiful to be considered truly beautiful. I do believe in that saying, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. If someone is a positive person who shares their positivity and shares loves and an honest, truthful spirit, I think that comes through. 



What’s your relationship to ageing? Are you afraid of it? 
I’m not scared at all! I mean, we’re all going to get older. It’s not something I’m fearful of. My mum hasn’t had any kind of cosmetic enhancement or intervention, and I think she’s ageing beautifully. I don’t really do anything to try and look younger.  I do things to try and look healthier, and those things are pretty basic –live a healthy lifestyle, eat the right foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, don’t smoke, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen. They’re basic things anyone can afford to do.

Source: Vogue.com.au, Sigourney Cantelo.

Puffy eyes, be gone!

We've all had them one time or another, and we're guessing you've all hated them! So we've complied a few remedies for you to help deflate puffy eyes! 

Tea Bag Trick: You would have heard the age old remedy of the cold tea bag, this is not just some old wives' tale. Many experts recommend and suggest the little old tea bag can produce a great de-puffing effect. Wet regular tea bags then leave in the fridge until chilled. Place over eyes for about ten minutes. If the thought of putting teabags on your eyes freaks you out, use the tea water and soak cotton pads and place them on your eyes! If you are out of tea and have a cucumber on hand, this will also give a good de-puff. If all else fails, try frozen peas! 

Doze & De-puff: Make sure you aren't burning the candle at both ends as being tired will not help those puffy eyes! If you are getting enough sleep perhaps try sleeping with your head slightly elevated (2 pillows will do the trick), this will help to reduce excess fluid. 

The Professional Product: If puffy eyes are a common sight then considering investing in an eye gel (store in the fridge for a further soothing effect). We recommend - Bergman Comfort Look Eye Gel (purchase here).

If all else fails, a great flat concealer will help to cover up those troublesome bags and puffiness. Make sure you steer clear of anything that will catch the light. We recommend BECCA Compact Concealer (purchase here). On days that your eyes are particularly puffy, try a statement lip to draw the eye away. 

Non Surgical Cheek Lift

A plump, full high cheek is a hallmark of a beautiful face

Full cheeks and high cheekbones are classic signs of a youthful beautiful face. Sagging and sunken cheeks make your face look older and create a tired look. A Cheek lift is one of the common plastic surgery procedures but the new non-surgical liquid cheek lift can create a beautiful full looking mid face in a matter of minutes!A new and exciting technique using injectable dermal fillers to correct sagging cheeks and sunken cheeks.

A young face should be round and full in the mid face; proper correction of the sagging or sunken cheek should create:

•               A full, round plump cheek high on the cheek bone

•               Correction of the sunken cheek look

•               Lift of the nose to mouth lines or nasal labial fold

•               Lift of the marionette line

•               Lift of the jowl

Check out the video here for an insight into how the procedure is performed! http://youtu.be/UV70myo5zTA 

A guide to buying beauty products online

Be a savvy internet shopper and don't fall for fakes.

Check out Boutique Skin Store for all your skin care needs. Brands such as Decleor, Priori, St Tropez and so many more!

 

Shopping online makes life a breeze. It's fast, efficient and delivered to your door. It's the perfect way to shop, until something goes wrong. Reputable cosmetics houses have recently been inundated with complaints about product efficacy and bad reactions after consumers have unknowingly purchased fake, out-of-date or grey-market products from unauthorised online stockists.

"We recently consoled one consumer who had purchased a fake product from a random website," says Mandy Gray, CEO of cosmetics distribution company True Solutions. "Idebenone, the active ingredient that gives the product its yellow tinge, had been replaced with saffron. The client was devastated, but could not contact the supplier for a refund."

Many companies say complaints of bad reactions, due to formulas with the incorrect balance of active ingredients, have escalated.

"We receive calls from clients who have had reactions from products purchased online and have received little or no support when asking for assistance," says Liane Scior, distributor and director of education and marketing at Pevonia Botanica.

"Many also complain that the products are off, with some expiry dates exceeding one year. I have also had several complaints that these companies boast free shipping, but then you are charged high shipping fees."

But before you go cold turkey on your online shopping addiction, read these helpful hints. Armed with a few smarts, you'll be able to confidently fill your online cart.

Skincare

When purchasing skincare products, in particular cosmeceuticals or anything with highly active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or vitamins A or C, only purchase from the brand's official site. If the brand doesn't sell online, look for its authorised stockist list, which should be on the site. Some brands have initiated their own programs to stamp out the grey and fake markets, by creating an "Authorised Stockist" stamp.

Be wary, too, of purchasing highly active ingredients, even from a legitimate site, without first having your skin diagnosed. You run the risk of reaction if it is the wrong formula for your needs. For instance, slapping on high-percentage vitamin A products without professional advice may lead to burning and other sensitivities.

Anything active should be used with care, so buying it for the first time over the internet is not recommended. Once your skin is used to it, purchasing it online should be fine.

Fragrance

Many luxury brands such as Chanel will never be found online. If you do find them, they are most likely counterfeit, grey-market, secondhand or used. The scent could be spoiled or a poor imitation of the real thing.

Some fragrance houses do supply to legitimate online retailers such as Adore Beauty, but it's still important to do your research. Ask for the batch number and date of manufacture. If it is more than six to 12 months old, don't buy it. Make sure it is still in its box and wrapped in cellophane. If possible, find out how it is stored. A cool, dark warehouse is best for scent longevity.

Remember, too, it is illegal to post fragrance by air. Make sure your online retailer has quality land or sea shipping.

Make-up

Buying make-up online can be a minefield because of the risk of product contamination and infection. Only purchase from the brand's website or authorised stockist. Check the product has never been opened and, where relevant, ensure it is still in its box and cellophane wrapping.

• What if I have bought a fake or bad product? "If you've purchased it from an official stockist, you will be entitled to a refund or credit, as well as assistance in choosing the correct products for your needs," Scior says. "However, if you purchase from an online trader that does not acquire products from the manufacturer, in my experience you will receive little help. In most cases they won't even respond to your complaint. As most of these traders are based overseas, local protection laws will not apply."
• How can I be sure a website is legitimate? "Generally, it's a well-known, reputable brand," says Alice Hampton, communications manager at Estée Lauder and Tom Ford Beauty. "The site will have a large selection of products and its prices will be on a par with what you would pay in store.

"Unfortunately, if the price seems too good to be true, it often is. Most beauty brands list their authorised retailers on their own websites. If in doubt, do a search for a list of retail outlets or purchase direct from the e-commerce agent, so you can ensure you are receiving the genuine product."


Story from BodyandSoul - by Shonagh Walker