Village Blog
Ultimate beauty report
This is the Ultimate Beauty Report. Predicted by the beauty queen herself, Kylie Jenner, we've realised, we've educated ourselves, and we have grown. Ironically, you can read how crazy contouring is dead, and why it's ok to embrace those rebellious skin days. This, is the ultimate 2018 Beauty report... We've all been there, the beauty-hole, the Pandora's box - but for beauty trends. First you're just reading a simple article on how to dry body brush, then you're reading all about lymphatic drainage, and a few minutes later, you're on i-herb attempting to buy a kilogram of pure aztec clay shipped from some place I have never heard about. Been there, done that, got the credit card statement. The key message here: Education. We all do our research. We know how to read the back of our skincare products, and know every acid under the sun from hyaluronic to niacinamide. No quick marketing scheme can buy us out that fast. Our average Mecca shopper is a beauty guru in their own right, with an abundance of resources at our polished fingertips. So first, lets talk beauty news. Not that this should be in any way, shape or form a "trend", I must highlight the continuation and expansion of inclusivity within the beauty industry. In my opinion, it is far more superior than any superficial trend. What's the point of a trend if everyone is not included? The average beauty consumer as mentioned primarily is becoming infinitely more aware of the ethos behind brands (big or small) and their marketing - companies are often coming under intense, multi-faceted scrutiny for launching anything other than the best in terms of shade ranges and formulations. Our standards, and desires, are higher than ever - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. One of the biggest wrong doings of 2018 was the launch of Tarte Shape Tape Foundation, which was set to be one of the biggest drops ever, however it is safe to say everyone was bitterly disappointed, albeit enraged at the dismal shade range. 50 shades of white, anyone? This can be juxtaposed with one of the most successful brands of 2018 - the launch of Rihanna's own Fenty Beauty- released September 2017. It made it's mark in 2018 with an absolute bang. The music mogul turned her eye to the world of make-up and no one was disappointed! With an astonishing 50 shades of foundation, an equally stunning array of cream matchsticks (all in varying undertones, naturally) and the infamous universal Fenty Gloss, Rihanna paved the way for minimal powder, ultra glow and the return of the GLOSS - all whilst being one of the most dynamic and inclusive brands of the year. This too was made manifest in her Savage X Fenty lingerie line - but that’s a whole other story. Inclusivity continued with the Make -Up Forever launching an impressive 60 shades of foundation and there were many other collaborations with youtubers Alissa Ashley for NYX and Jackie Aina with Too Faced. Congratulations. Now we have our morale, lets talk face. Blush is for more than just the apples of your cheeks. Galliano has made a come back with using blush as a bronzer, not just in your conventual coral to bronze hues, but with sunflower yellows to cobalt blues, the graphic eye has transitioned to the sunset cheek. Although it is an avant-garde look for the runway, it has been re-incarnated to bright blush in orange-tones for the day - think statement eye but for your cheeks. Cute. That being said, less is more. It's no longer about that dreaded contour, mascara, false eyelashes, pencilled in brows plus eyegel. Plus white creamy sticks 'highlighting' the outside of your eyebrow. Big no. So, I'll ask you once, step away from the powder -the baking is to be kept strictly in the kitchen. I must admit, I never liked these trends as you can probably tell, but I'm glad we are no longer painting ourselves brand new faces. We have Facetune for that now- if that’s your vibe. Anyhow, there has been a divergence from the "insta-brow" and liquid lipstick combination. Additionally, the copious amount of setting powders and matte formulations that flooded the market a season or two ago are being replaced with more sheer, lightweight, luminous and glowy products - bye bye baking, say hello to cream blush, highlighter, eyeshadow and so much more! Glossier and Milk make-up are endemic of this "your face but better" mantra, and continue to reign supreme when it comes to some of the most beautiful cream products on the market in addition to Hourglass, Chantecaille and Becca. A noteworthy improvement to Glossier's Wowder, Skin Tint and Stretch Concealer, their previous, minimal shade range has now be improved to twelve shades - it is an improvement, but I am eager to see an expansion in the future. If Rihanna can do it, you can do it. With this everpresent trend of 'glow', sometimes its hard not to still feel oily. Sometimes, even an extra layer of coverage (me). These two new products have gotten everyone talking. Rae Morris' 'Invisible Powder' - literally, an invisible powder blurs pores and keeps you sweat free for yonks. No. Baking. Required. Then, the Kosa's new facial tint has the coverage of a foundation, goes on in an oil-based blend, and looks like your skin. But better. This dynamic duo is the ultimate buildable coverage with a natural finish to achieve the above trend: Looking like yourself. Thanks to Rihanna, there is a huge return of the glossy lip made. There's no better illustration than consumers veering away from Kylie Cosmetics infamous liquid lipsticks, that skyrocketed to her 900M worth. The gloss creates a more refined, clean finish. Lets not draw ourselves false lips, shall we. But, gloss isn't just for lips, it's been used on the eyelids to create a chic look - want to level up? Pair it with slicked back hair and a fresh face for a wet look. This leading-edge come editorial aesthetic is best left for the photo shoots and catwalks - its creases like crazy! If you know how to wear it, please notify us immediately. The power of negative space is not just on a photograph, but on your face also. Yes, freshness is extremely in, minimal make-up indeed, but, do you dare to go bare? It's swept its way from 2018 into 2019, recently with Paloma Elsesser for Unconditional Magazine. Here, its paired with a black, thick wing, but feel free to add into a graphic eye or a blue lid of any hue - 2018's greatest and boldest eye moves. This brings us onto our next trend of monochromatic make-up looks. It’s turned into a classic staple, as you would match a black bag with black shoes - it's impossible to get wrong. Products that work for more than one facial region - even better! Use your lipstick as your blush! As always, everyone's favourite warm-toned eyes are omnipresent, with the launch of several successful palettes: such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam palette and the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette - pair this with feathered brows, and it’s a match made in heaven. Let us know here what you think 2019's biggest beauty trends will be! Published on 31/03/2019 by Leonie Henzell CEO beauty's got soul.
Read moreExpiration Dates of Beauty products
When is it time to give your beauty products the boot? Expiration dates aren't just for milk, ladies and gents! We have now Marie Kondo'd our top #shelfies with products that don’t bring us joy, but, did you remember to check those pesky expiry dates at the back? These bad boys don’t last forever. Yes, beauty products also have expiry dates, and just like the food in your pantry, they too have ideal storage temperatures. Lets start off with expiry dates. It's normally listed on the product itself, but sometimes is written only on the outer packaging also - so beware! You're looking for a tiny little open jar with a number, normally 12, listed as "12M". I'm sure your eyes have skimmed passed it a few times and dismissed it (like me!). This means, the product from opening is A- Okay to use for the next 12 months, and after that timeframe- well, who knows what might be growing in there (sorry!). As soon as you've opened a product, it begins to oxidise, hence, is less effective. Unfortunately, just a part of life. Picture this, you've cut into an apple, and after a while it starts turning brown. Your beauty products are the same - just a very, very expensive apple. Storage of beauty products is another thing we don’t look out for all that closely, it gets thrown in the draw and that’s about it. But just like how butter needs to live in the fridge, or your daily probiotic needs to be stored in a cool, dark place - so do some of your beauty products. These labels will be written generally on the outermost packaging, and, have straightforward instructions like "store under 30 degrees" and so forth. You can expect to see this with Retinols or Vitamin C creams. As for your chemical exfoliants, they would want to stay out of direct sunlight, otherwise the formulation is broken down at a rapid rate, and is less effective. These would say something like "keep out of direct sunlight" - you get the gist. But my beauty babes, don’t stress. Now you know! If you don’t remember how long you've had it for, it's safer to throw it out. Say goodbye to that Naked palette you’ve had since you were eighteen. Have fun reading your labels, beauties! Published on 17/05/19 by Leonie Henzell CEO beauty's got soul
Read moreReal babes never burn
How to take care of your skin BEFORE you get burnt Feeling a little peachy there? The days of slip, slop, slap are over. Now, we consecutively sleek and slide. We've got our broad-rimmed hats and striped togs covered but that sun still seems to steep through and are still leaving us rouge (with rage, naturally). Little confused why you're still burning up this summer? Us too. My fellow Aussie women are reported to be ageing twenty years faster than women in the US due to the effects of the sun down under. We are all made extremely aware of the harsh realities that sun damage can bring, but the question that keeps popping up is: Physical or a Chemical Sunscreen - what should you be using? Physical Sunscreen can be defined exactly how it sounds - a physical layer or 'blocker' to the skin against UVA and UVB rays - think Bondi Rescue white zinc situation in it's more classical form. Don’t worry - you wont be heading to the beach with stripes across your face. Although physical sunscreen formulations tend to be thicker and may leave a white-ish cast on the skin (it can look a little bit chalky under make up for daily use), the naturally broad spectrum formulation deflects heat and energy off and away from the skin so it's suitable for sufferer of eczema, rosacea and redness. Added bonus - no waiting time is needed and it has a long shelf life. It starts protecting your skin as soon as its applied - it's that easy! However, it does rinse of easily in water or with those inevitable summer sweats, so make sure you apply thoroughly. That being said, they're jam packed with active mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which sit on top of the skin, deflecting UV rays. For my acne-sufferers (like myself), it is less likely to clog your pores - an absolute win for blemish-prone skin! Chemical Sunscreen is absorbed into the pores, hence, the UV rays are transformed into heat that is then released from the skin - it's known as a chemical absorber. So, for my hot-skinned friends that get a little itchy and dry, this guy will exasperate those irritations due to the added heat. The higher the SPF, the higher the irritation for sensitive skin types with an increased chance of rosacea and redness. Further, you’ve got to wait ten minutes before jumping in the sun, that way it can do it's thing and start protecting. The formulations tend to be much thinner and easily spreadable, so feel free to play chemist at home (please proceed with caution!) and mix in additional UV-fighting treatments such as a peptide or enzyme. Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon base) compounds like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and oxtinoxate - but, please note these have been banned in Hawaii due to it's risks of coral depletion from its "wipe-away" formulation - it comes off pretty easy when in the water! After a long day in the sun, we recommended relaxing with this, the scent will get you in the mood for a chilled evening ahead. Thank me later. Remember! If you're tanning - your skin is in a state of trauma, that peachy glow is best kept to your blush. 11-3, stay under a tree, and reapply a shot glass (35ml) worth of sunscreen to cover your body. Reapply regularly (every two hours) or after swimming/ towelling - it doesn’t matter what kind of complexion you have, the sun is no-ones friend. Purchase a sunscreen that protects against all sort of rays - UVA protecting your skin from ageing (preventing those fine lines and wrinkles) and UVB preventing all burning, frying and all coral tones from happening. SPF is a measurement of time, SPF 50 means it takes 50 times longer for your skin to burn, whereas 30 refers to 30 times longer for your skin to burn. Happy sunscreening! Published by 18/04/2019 by Leonie Henzell CEO beauty's got soul
Read moreExtra Eye-care
THE OH-SO EXTRA EYE CARE ROUTINE WE CAN'T GET OVER Self-Care Sunday is my middle name, after a long week its paramount to take some time out for yourself. What could possibly force you to chill out besides some shut-eye? The second closest thing to it - eye care routines. This sequence is as extra as they come, and does not force you to leave the comfort of your beckoning sheets. No dermal fillers, no at home micro-needling, only some ice- cool magical. First comes a little prep - we're going back to basics, but a solid sleep will get you on the right track. We like using these silk eyemasks, the silk is gentle on the eye area, whilst blocking out all forms of light. Perfect for a quick arvo nanna-nap. To start your routine off, lets set the vibe. We recommend burning this bad boy to keep you zenned out. Next, we de-puff. Say goodbye to jade-rollers, and hello to the Foreo Iris. It looks a little odd on your top shelf, but this little buddy does the hard work for you. Just click the button and continue with upwards motions. Its so gentle that it won't damage the eye area, but strong enough to depuff and get your skin glowing. Why stop there, just do your whole face - who says you can't. Lastly, we gently pat (not rub, this isn't the grout in your kitchen) Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream along your undereye circles working right into the small fine lines and creases under your lashline and swoop it out to the corners of your eye. Don’t forget, the tops of your eyeballs need some loving too, feel free to place a few more dots on the outer corners of your eyes, working your way in for some added hydration. Think brighten, lighten, fresh finish. A little goes a long way. Want some extra added bonus points? Wearing your sunglasses in winter (not even joking). Leave spoons in your freezer for some at-home de-pudding magic (if you don’t have any Skyn Iceland Firming Gels on hand). Drink more water, sleep more, eat less salt and drinking less coffee (I know, what a good joke, but seriously, it works). Lastly, stick to cream-based products and then remove those cream beauties with micellar water. Job done. You'll be looking and feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed in no time! Published on 11/05/2019 by Leonie Henzell CEO beauty's got soul.
Read moreTreat Your Body Right
Why you should treat your body like your face? After a long-day in the office, nothing can cure a case of the ‘over-it’ then a face mask and some sub-par reality TV. We’ve all been there. But what I don’t understand is a face mask always seems to make us feel better – but why doesn’t a good ol’ scrub? We live in a time where we have exaggerated routines that we refuse to let become monotonous, the everchanging landscape of the beauty industry. But why, I ask, does it end at the face? What I will never understand is the concept of having extensive skincare regime, but then not treating your body in the same manor. After hundreds of dollars on serums and chemical exfoliants galore, tedious ten step Korean skincare regimes and at home LED light therapy treatments – why don’t we treat the rest of our body the same way? It may not be at the forefront of everyone’s faces, but when did our legs and arms and tummies get pushed to the back of the beauty-full crew? For myself, my self-care is not limited to the neck up. My self-care Sundays go a little like this: I always start with dry body brushing – you can read how to do this here. Not only does it promote lymphatic drainage and get your blood flowing, it’s an inexpensive way to slough off those dead skin cells and invigorate your system again (even better in the morning). In order to feel ‘ready’ for the day, I must do a full body routine – not just the face. The best way is to get clean. A sulphate free body wash is best as it doesn’t strip the natural oils off the skin. If you’re a morning showerer, this one is best, otherwise, this one will get you ready to sleep like a baby. Try to avoid long, hot showers no matter how delicious they may be – it will dry you out like crazy. Next, you’ve got to shave the right way. It’s best to wait after you’ve been in the shower for a few minutes, you skin would have softened, and you’ll be ready to go. Apply shaving cream and take it slow. Then, I moisturise head to toe. Don't forget your shoulders, back, tummy, and backs of your legs – there’s more than your calves and hands! If you’re looking for an added boost of moister – add a few drops of body oil in there. If you don’t have any handy, organic coconut oil will do the trick with its smoothing, calming and moisturising qualities.! It’ll work wonders on any ingrown hairs. As we have our daily routine, weekly routine, and monthly routine for our faces, this is how to create it for the rest of your body too. This can change person to person, from exfoliating once a week or three times a week (please no more than this!) or once every two weeks – it’s up to you! My non-negotiable tip is to check yourself once a month for moles and changing freckles, unfortunately it’s not all fun and games. Keep yourself in check and up to date and learn about your own body. Lastly, I hydrate from head to toe – after the shower is perfect whilst the skin is still moist, it’ll be extra absorbent! If I’m feeling a little pasty, I might throw on a bit of gradual tanner (which I never wash off – whoops!) and call it a day. Excessive? Maybe a little – let me know your thoughts on our latest Instagram post! Published on 11/05/2018 by Leonie Henzell CEO beauty's got soul
Read moreWhat is a BB Cream and a CC Cream? Please Explain...
What is a BB Cream and a CC Cream? Please Explain... Say goodbye to the quintessential tinted moisturiser that we all know and love, the dynasty of facial coverages has been passed on to our alphabetical allies’ BB and CC Creams. The question is, what is the difference? Foundations in 2018 despite a number of new releases are on the dramatic decline, with beauty consumers sticking to lightweight formulations and sheer finishing’s, the rise of the barely there look is here to stay. Your face, but better. This is where foundation meets skincare, CC and BB, our graded friends are here to stay along with sunshine drops, glow solutions and D Bonzi peptide creams. This is, however, what these little beauties will do to you, our big beauty-full gang. BB Creams No more playing chemist at home, these potions of skincare goodness come readily packaged. Heavier than a moisturiser, but lighter than a foundation, this is where skincare and makeup are affixed. It may be called a Beauty Balm, but there is absolutely nothing balm like about it. Think moisturiser but with a bonus touch – like mixing a peptide in with your sunscreen, this is the exact same – just with a bit of pigment. The main selling point is that there is an additional SPF inserted in the formulations to prevent ageing, along with some skin -perfecting booster ingredients. It works similarly to stand alone serums – but with pigmentation. Similarly, to a quality moisturiser, it’s a primer, foundation and moisturiser in one – the ultimate triple threat. Smoothing your completion out, evening out the tone and boosting your level of hydration whilst being breathable unlike classical foundations – you can definitely see why these are on the rapid rise. That being said, in Asia they tend to be thicker, with higher levels of zinc oxide for your sun protecting needs, with a foundation like feel in terms of texture. Whereas Western BB Creams are more lightweight, luminous with a sheer appearance for a light layered look for those days you want to quickly throw something on. CC Creams Our Colour Correcting offspring from our BB beautiful SPF meets a new foundation solution. With all of the same benefits as a BB Cream, this guy is a little more concentrated with addressing issues like redness. It is absolutely fantastic for acne due to its light finish, but also conceals dark spots, hides acne, and adds radiance to sallow skin. Further, its boosted with Vitamin C and E goodies! An insider tip: You can use your CC Cream as a colour correcting primer for a flawless finish. Despite the formulation being more pigmented and higher coverage, fixing all tonal mishaps that might be going on your pretty little face – it is a lot lighter than a BB Cream. CC’s have a ‘whipped’ finish – feeling light, breathable, fluffy and easier to work into the skin, unlike BB creams which act have a similar consistency to a moisturiser (sometimes thicker depending on your formulation of choice). It’s light-deflecting components will give a dewy, luminous finish. Lighter coverage than BB but has more hidden goodies, it is incredible for a faux summer glow. Published on 21/04/19 by Leonie Henzell CEO of beauty's got soul
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