The Difference Between Dry & Dehydrated Skin
Although they’re often confused as the same thing, dehydrated skin and dry skin are actually different skin concerns. While dehydrated skin lacks water and is a temporary skin condition, dry skin lacks natural oils and is a skin type. Read on to understand more about the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and how to treat each one. What is dry skin? Dry skin lacks oil in the stratum corneum - the skin’s outer layer. If you have a dry skin type, your skin produces less of its natural oil (sebum) than other skin types. Your skin needs a healthy balance of sebum to function at its best; oil helps hold moisture into the skin and keep it soft and smooth. When the skin doesn’t produce enough oil, it loses the capacity to hold onto moisture and dry skin is the result. The skin barrier is also more susceptible to sensitivity and damage without a sufficient layer of protective oils. Signs of dry skin include: Rough or itchy skin Flaky skin Redness and irritation Skin feels tight Small, fine wrinkles Thin, fragile skin Those with dry skin types are also prone to inflammatory and excessively dry skin concerns like atopic dermatitis (eczema) characterised by redness, cracking and inflammation. How to look after dry skin Caring for dry skin means focusing on products that help counteract the natural lack of oil on the skin’s surface. This is why oil-based skin care is a great choice for dry skin types. The right blends of plant oils can make a big difference for a dry, flaky complexion as they supplement the sebum your skin isn’t producing. Some of the best plant oils for dry skin include; Jojoba: With a molecular structure close to your skin’s natural sebum, jojoba is readily accepted by the skin and is an ideal facial oil. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, restore balance, and promote hydration. Avocado: Rich in antioxidant, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties, avocado oil promotes skin hydration, soothes and fights free radical damage. Rosehip: Packed with omega-6’s and omega-3’s fatty acids, rosehip is revered for its moisturising and regenerative properties for dry, itchy, damaged skin. It’s also rapidly absorbed and creates a protective barrier on the skin to guard against moisture loss. It’s also important to avoid products with strong ingredients that remove moisture and oil leaving skin dry, flaky and tight. For example; Benzoyl peroxide Salicylic acid Alcohol Witch hazel Sodium lauryl sulfate For dry skin we recommend 24k Gold Nourishing Oil One of our best sellers and an excellent moisturiser for dry skin, 24k Gold Nourishing Oil helps to address dryness, dehydration, ageing, fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and decolletage. Non-greasy, it contains a blend of rosehip, coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil plus the anti-ageing, antioxidant power of 24k gold flakes. What is dehydrated skin? While dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water and, unlike dry skin (which is a skin type), dehydration is a temporary skin condition that can happen to all skin types. Even oily ones! Signs of a dehydrated face include; Skin feeling tight and uncomfortable - even after moisturising Redness Congestion An oily, shiny complexion Inflammation Fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced Dehydration caused by external factors, for example weather, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol or not enough water. How to look after dehydrated skin Using dehydrated skin products with ingredients that replenish the skin’s water content is key for treating thirsty skin. The best ingredient to beat dehydration is hyaluronic acid. It delivers a mega hit of moisture to the skin thanks to its ability to hold 1000 times its weight in hydration! A humectant ingredient, hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the air to the skin, plumping and rehydrating cells from the inside out. Using a serum containing hyaluronic acid is the quickest way to deliver moisture to a thirsty complexion as serums are quickly and deeply absorbed into the skin. For dehydrated skin we recommend Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum This water-based serum is your ultimate skin hydrator! Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is like a big drink of water for your skin containing triple action Hyaluronic Acid which increases hydration by 25% within 2 hours. The serum also contains aloe vera, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and allantoin which work together to improve skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. The hydrating serum isn’t a moisturiser and needs to be followed by a moisturiser or face oil on top to lock in the hydration for best results. We recommend following with 24K Gold Nourishing Oil or Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil. Take a holistic approach to treating dehydrated skin Tackling dehydration isn’t only about using the right dehydrated skin products. For the best results, you may need to make lifestyle changes too. For example, eating more water-rich foods and less salty ones (salt dehydrates the skin) and drinking more water and less alcohol. To view more skincare options for dry vs dehydrated skin click through to the Dehydration shop by concern or Dryness shop by concern. You might also like to read: The Different Skin Types Why Skin Gets Oily And How To Stop It What Causes Dry Skin
How to Get Rid of Redness From Acne
We step you through how to get rid of redness from acne with a skincare routine designed to help fade red marks left behind by pimples. Why red acne scars happen Acne often leaves red and/or brownish dark spots behind. The red acne marks are known as Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) and the brownish marks are Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) The red acne marks are the result of damaged or dilated capillaries near the surface of the skin due to the inflammation caused by breakouts. On the other hand, the brown marks are caused by an excess production of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour) also triggered by acne inflammation. External factors, mainly sun exposure, can exacerbate the appearance of both PIE and PIH. Unlike some acne scars that change the texture of the skin’s surface, red acne scars are usually flat and textureless. Will red acne scars go away? Yes, these marks are temporary so they will fade over time. However, there are a few things you can do to speed up the turnover of skin cells so they fade faster. What ingredients help with red marks Working out how to get rid of redness from acne means choosing skincare ingredients that help lighten discolouration and exfoliate the skin. Niacinamide Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is definitely one to look for on the ingredients list for skincare to tackle red acne scars. A potent antioxidant, niacinamide helps repair damage and encourages the production of new skin cells. It helps with reducing redness, inflammation, and evening out the appearance of acne marks. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science showed the topical application of niacinamide offered significant improvements in the appearance of skin discoloration while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide really is a fantastic all-rounder. In addition to minimising red acne scars, it can balance oil production, neutralise free radical activity, target ageing concerns, and increase skin hydration. Non-irritating, niacinamide is generally well tolerated by all skin types, even sensitive skin. We recommend Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum This serum offers the super skincare combination of hyaluronic acid (a super hydrator!) and niacinamide which work in tandem to hydrate, heal and improve the appearance of skin tone. Pomegranate extract The extract of the gorgeous pomegranate fruit offers significant benefits for reducing red acne scars. It’s brimming with Vitamin C (a key ingredient to tackle red acne scars) which helps to lighten marks and promote skin regeneration. Pomegranate extract has been shown to boost blood circulation to speed up wound healing and the repair of damaged tissue. Rich in plant polyphenols (micronutrients packed with antioxidants) the extract also works to neutralise free radical activity to protect skin from external aggressors such as UV damage. We recommend: Pomegranate Brightening Serum This purifying brightening serum helps improve dull, uneven skin tone and skin discolouration including red acne scars. Alongside pomegranate extract, the serum contains potent skin brighteners; bearberry extract, ethyl ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Kakadu plum, and Liquorice extract. Pomegranate Brightening Serum is ideal for most skin types. Glycolic and Lactic Acid (Gentle chemical exfoliants) Glycolic and lactic acid are gentle chemical exfoliants that can help speed up the rate at which red patches fade. Chemical exfoliants work to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface by dissolving the 'glue' that holds them together to reveal the fresher, brighter skin beneath. Over time, skin tone becomes smoother and the appearance of acne-related red marks may be minimised. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum With the 10% Fruit Acid Combination (BHA’s), 5% Glycolic Acid (AHA) and 5% Lactic Acid (AHA) this regenerative charcoal serum speeds up the cell renewal process, helping to minimise the appearance of red acne scars and promote a soft and smooth complexion. Skin care routine for getting rid of red marks Find out how to get rid of red acne scars with our step-by-step routine for reducing the appearance of post-breakout redness. Step 1: Cleanser The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening 100ml A gentle cream cleanser ideal for all skin types wanting to address acne red marks, hyperpigmentation, dullness and uneven skin tone. With key lightening ingredients Kakadu Plum plus other plant extracts to calm and protect this antioxidant-rich cleanser balances and brightens skin for an illuminated, even complexion. How to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening Use the cleanser in your morning and evening routine. At night, we recommend a double cleanse. If you wear non-tubular mascara, we also suggest using an eye makeup remover first. Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Step 2: Exfoliation The frequency for exfoliation after cleansing (usually 1 - 3 times a week) will depend on your skin type and the product you use. Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum (chemical exfoliation) How to use the Detoxifying Exfoliating Serum Using the dropper, apply a pea-sized amount to your charcoal brush or fingers and massage into freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the under eye area. Leave for 5-10 minutes before wetting the charcoal brush or fingers and massage around the face to remove any softened dead skin cells before washing off. Gentle Foliants (Chemical and physical exfoliation) The Gentle Foliants formulations are a combination of both chemical and physical exfoliation. You’ll find an option for all skin types including: Hydrating and Ageless Volcanic Sand Gentle-Foliant (All skin types) Rose and Bamboo Gentle-Foliant (Dry, sensitive, and mature skin) Fresh Sea and Salty Sand Gentle-Foliant (Oily and combination skin) How to use the Gentle Foliants Apply a pea-sized amount of the product to damp, cleansed skin. In small, circular motions, very gently apply the exfoliant to skin. Massage around your face to remove build-up and allow enzymes to deeply cleanse pores. Don’t apply too much pressure. Leave on for 2–5 minutes and rinse with cool water or with your dampened esmi Face Mitt If you have any questions about the right choice of exfoliant for your skin type or how often you should use it, reach out to our team of skin care experts. Step 3: Skin Treat Serums How to get rid of pimple marks as quickly as possible? With the right combination of serums! Using Pomegranate Brightening Serum and Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum can help speed up the improvement of acne redness. We suggest using the Hydrating Serum in your morning routine and Brightening Serum in your evening routine. How to use Pomegranate Brightening Serum and Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Use the dropper to apply an amount smaller than a pearl on cleansed skin and gently massage in. Allow the serum to absorb before applying other products. Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum can be applied around the eye area. If you have sensitive skin, start by using the Pomegranate Brightening Serum every second night for 2 weeks, gradually increasing to every night. Follow the serum application with a Skin Treat Facial Oil or Skin Mylck moisturising lotion and Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 in your morning routine. Visit our Pigmentation Shop by Concern for more product recommendations and to learn more about treating scarring and pigmentation.
Face Serum & Why You Should Have One
What is a face serum? Your skin’s superhero! Formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients, serums deliver a potent hit of ingredients quickly and deeply into the skin. We take a look at how and why to incorporate a serum into your routine to help improve everything from dehydration and hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles What does a serum do for your face? What sets face serum apart from other products in your skincare routine? They’re the fastest, most potent way to deliver the active ingredients your skin needs to help correct skin concerns. The small molecular structure of a serum - they’re usually water based - allows it to penetrate the skin more deeply than other products. A cream-based moisturiser, for example, sits on the top layer of skin. A serum, on the other hand, absorbs more rapidly and deeply into the skin. Serums aren’t designed to take the place of your moisturiser, they work together as a skin saving team. The serum delivers a potent hit of active ingredients and your moisturiser works to lock those nutrients in. We’ll cover more on exactly how to use serum in your routine in a moment! What does face serum do? Serums are designed to target a host of different skin concerns. They’re formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants including vitamin A, C, and E. Some heavy hitting anti-ageing serums contain high doses of topical retinoids (Vitamin A). You can also find concentrated levels of omega 3, 6 and 9 in serums formulated with a combination of water and oil based ingredients. Here are a few key ingredients to look out for in a face serum to target some everyday skin complaints: Dehydration: Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Dullness: Vitamin C Fine lines and wrinkles: Peptides, retinol, and Vitamin C Redness and irritation: Niacinamide, linoleic acid (omega 6 fatty acid), Vitamin E Oily skin and congestion: Vitamin B and hyaluronic acid Our recommendations from the esmi Skin Minerals range of serums to address some of the most common concerns: Dehydration: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The ultimate skin hydrator for all skin types, this quick-absorbing serum fights dehydration for more hydrated, plumper, repaired skin. “Love this product. Makes my skin feel so soft and hydrated. I'm addicted! I've noticed a dramatic difference in my skins texture.” Tia Hyperpigmentation and dullness: Pomegranate Brightening Serum Ideal for most skin types to improve the look of pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin and enhance skin's luminosity and clarity. “Have definitely noticed a difference in my skin texture and appearance! I used to have really bad discoloration and acne scars and this product has made me confident enough to not feel like I need to cover up the discoloration with makeup anymore! Others have commented on how much nicer my skin looks and I definitely feel it, as well. Would highly recommend!!” Abygail Redness and inflammation: Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Suitable for all skin types to treat red, puffy or acne inflamed skin it’s ideal to use after laser, IPL or diathermy treatment. “Love this one! Really helps with evening my skin tone and lessening my rosacea in my cheeks. I use this at night before bed and in the morning any acne spots are noticeably reduced. Would recommend!” - Tara How to use a face serum If you’ve asked yourself “What is face serum?” you’ve probably wondered when and how to use a face serum too. Let’s find out! Apply face serum after the cleansing step in your routine and while skin is still a little damp to encourage absorption. Drop a pearl sized amount of serum from the dropper onto your fingertips. Serums are potent so a little goes a long way. Massage into cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area. Allow the serum to fully absorb into the skin. Follow with a moisturising lotion or face oil (morning and evening) and then sunscreen (morning). A moisturiser works to seal the active ingredients of the serum into the skin. It’s important to use both a serum and moisturiser for the best results. Should you use face serum everyday? Many serums can be used twice a day (morning and evening) for the best results. The exception here may be a serum containing a high concentration of retinol (Vitamin A) which is usually recommended to apply at night. Always wear sunscreen the following day as retinol products make skin extremely photosensitive. If you’re using multiple serums to treat different skin concerns - dehydration and hyperpigmentation, for example - you could apply one serum in the evening and the other in the morning. Do I need a face serum? What is a face serum going to do for your skin? Plenty. You can move your skin results forward in leaps and bounds by incorporating a serum. They’re designed to intensify the strength of your skincare regimen and compliment your other products in addressing your skincare concerns. Depending on the ingredients they’re formulated with, face serums can provide antioxidant protection against free radical damage, boost hydration, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyperpigmentation and dullness can also be improved with the addition of a face serum. No matter your skin type or concern, you’ll see speedier results and a significant improvement in the overall health of your skin with a serum. Hopefully we’ve answered your “What is a face serum” question here! If you’d like to learn more view our range of skin serums for every skin concern in the Skin Treats category page. Alternatively, book your free skin consultation with one of our skin care team for expert guidance on incorporating a serum into your skincare routine. You Might Also Like To Read: Meet Hyaluronic Acid - Your Skin’s Super Hydrator How To Revive Dull Skin Supercharge Your Skincare Routine With Vitamin C
Key Places to Apply Highlighter
Wondering where to apply highlighter? Wonder no more. Our foolproof cheat sheet covers the 5 key places to apply highlighter. You’ll be on your way to glow pro in no time. Why does highlighter deserve a spot in your makeup bag anyway? Highlighter adds a subtle, oh-so-shimmery radiance to the skin and while gently accentuating your features. Here’s the key lesson of highlighting school; any feature you highlight comes forward on your face. It’s essentially the opposite of contouring, which makes things recede. Keep that in mind as you make your way through the steps below - you might skip any features you’d prefer to down play. Choosing a Highlighter Before we dive into how to apply highlighter, you need to decide what type of product to use - powder, cream, or liquid. If you’re a highlighter beginner, we suggest choosing a powder. The application is easier to control, quicker than a cream or liquid, the colour is super buildable and powder suits all skin types. Powders are also less precise than cream or liquid highlighters, which really gives you that all-over shimmer radiance. If you haven’t already met our Unicorn Champagne Highlighter, now is the time to get acquainted! Perfect beginners and experts, this silky ombré powder highlighter builds from a soft champagne dayglow to a warm champagne sparkle. Universally flattering, the richly-pigmented champagne shade suits every complexion allowing you to build and sculpt until the highlight level is just right for cheeks, brow bone, nose and eyes. Where to Apply Highlighter Highlighter is the final step in your makeup routine. Think of it as the radiant cherry on top! Work through the steps in your usual routine - primer, foundation / BB cream, powder, blush and/ or bronzer - then use a setting spray to set the look. Now we’re ready to answer the question you came here asking “Where does highlighter go?” Grab a soft, fan-shaped makeup brush (ideal for highlighter) and let’s do this! Step 1: Highlight Cheekbones You want to add highlighter to the high points of the cheeks where the light typically reflects on the skin. Load your brush with a powder highlighter, tap off the excess, then apply to the top of the cheekbones. Use small, circular buffing motions to blend in with your blush and bronzer to tie it all together. Step 2: Highlight the Bridge of Your Nose Depending on your nose shape, highlighting along the bridge can be flattering. It makes your nose appear longer and slimmer. Use a smaller fluffy makeup brush for this step. Tilt your head down and starting at the top of the bridge (between your eyes) take the highlighter down your nose, stopping before the tip. You can add a very subtle touch of highlighter to the tip to give your nose a slightly lifted effect. Don’t go overboard though. It’s a quick slip into Rudolph territory! Step 3: Highlight the Inner Corners of Your Eyes Highlighter is so pretty to apply to your inner eye area. It really brightens and wakes up your eyes for an I-got-8-hours-of-solid-beauty-sleep effect. Press a clean finger into the powder and dab gently into your inner eye area. Step 4: Highlight Cupid’s Bow How to use highlighter on your mouth? By highlighting your Cupid’s Bow. This gives the illusion of a fuller and more defined top lip. Switching back to your fan-shaped makeup brush, lightly dust the highlighter onto your Cupid’s Bow. Step 5: Highlight the Centre of Your Forehead Why highlight the centre of your forehead? It adds dimension and helps illuminate your entire face. Also, if you’ve gone a little overboard with a bronzer, your face can look quite flat. Highlighting can accentuate your forehead and help counteract your enthusiastic bronzer use. Simply dust highlighter in the shape of an inverted triangle in the centre of your forehead and blend. Click through to purchase PONi’s Unicorn Champagne Highlighter.
Pimple Mapping for Treating Acne
Face mapping could help you uncover the root cause of acne, blemishes, and pimples based on where they appear. We share the basics of skin mapping to connect breakouts with potential health or lifestyle causes. Easy pimple face chart included! Can face mapping reveal the cause of your acne? Face mapping is the practice of analysing where breakouts are appearing on your face to help identify what is causing them. Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, face mapping is based on the idea that your skin - which is your body’s largest organ - reflects your inner health. Skin mapping splits your face into different zones. Each zone has a corresponding internal health or lifestyle issue which may be the trigger of acne in that area. For example, breakouts popping up in your forehead zone are linked to sleep disturbance and diet/ digestive issues. While acne face mapping may help to understand why acne is presenting, acne should be treated depending on skin type as discussed in our Guide to Getting Rid of Acne. Let’s take a look at the pimple face map zones in more detail plus a handy pimple face chart. Pimples on Forehead Cause: Acne spots on the forehead may be linked to diet, stress and irregular sleep. According to Chinese face mapping, the forehead zone is linked to digestive health. The pimples on your forehead could be telling you to take a closer look at your diet. Certain foods could be causing digestive issues which are triggering acne. Lack of sleep and high stress levels may also show up as pimple clusters in this zone. Solution: Keep a healthy sleep cycle to make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night. To sort out any dietary issues, try keeping a daily food diary. This can help to see if breakouts correspond with eating certain foods. T-Zone and Chin Acne Cause: T-zone and chin acne is sometimes known as hormonal acne. Acne along your jaw, chin, and t-zone is understood to be related to hormonal changes. It’s common to break out in these areas during puberty, pregnancy, or your menstrual cycle. Solution: Steer clear of comedogenic products (those that clog pores) and any harsh cleansers and alcohol-based toners that strip the skin of moisture and oil. This triggers the skin to produce even more oil and in turn, more breakouts. Pimples on Cheeks Cause: Pimples on cheeks are often caused by pollution or bacteria. Have stubborn pimples on your cheeks that won’t go away? These breakouts may be caused by a dirty mobile phone screen or pillowcase. Phone screens accumulate a crazy amount of bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Pressing the phone against your face transfers bacteria directly to your cheeks. It’s the same for your pillowcases too! Solution: Disinfect your phone regularly with a wipe or spray and change your pillowcases each week. It’s not just your phone and bedding. Anything that comes in contact with your face should be cleaned regularly to avoid spreading bacteria. It’s also important to cleanse your skin properly before bed to remove all traces of makeup and impurities - including bacteria. We recommend The Uncomplicated Cleanser. This best seller is the ideal simple, gentle cleaner for all skin types. Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Don’t forget to double cleanse in the evening to remove all traces on makeup, sunscreen, and debris. If you need support to treat acne, reach out to the esmi Skin Team. We’re here to support you on your journey to healthy, happy skin!
The Best Cleanser for Your Skin Type
We step you through how to choose a cleanser right for your skin type and skin concerns from The Uncomplicated Cleanser range. Find the cleanser to achieve your healthiest skin ever. The Best Cleanser for Your Skin Type 4 quick tips for choosing the right cleanser. Know your skin type and concerns. This helps you choose a cleanser with active ingredients to achieve your skin goals. Look for a gentle formula that offers hydrating ingredients and maintains oil balance. Avoid harsh ingredients that strip and dry the skin. For example, sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance and SD alcohol 40. Be open to switching up your cleanser depending on changing skin concerns. Why Knowing Your Skin Type is Key When choosing from different types of cleansers, the key to making the right selection is knowing your skin type and skin concerns. Dry skin Indicators: Flaky, dry patches, dullness, skin may feel itchy and tight. Skin goals: Improve moisture retention and hydration. Oily skin Indicators: Large pores, shiny skin, prone to congestion and acne. Skin goals: Keep pores clear of debris, target acne and congestion, and regulate oil production. Combination skin Indicators: Oily T-zone prone to shine and congestion while cheeks and outer area of your face are dry and flaky. Skin goals: Target excessive oil and congestion in t-zone while keeping other areas hydrated. Sensitive skin Indicators: Reactive, red, easily irritated, dry, and prone to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea or eczema. Skin goals: Strengthen the skin barrier, protect, keep skin hydrated and moisturised. Normal (lucky you!) Indicators: A good balance of moisture, small pores and an even, usually blemish-free skin tone. Skin goals: Hydrate and protect. Stuck on what your skin type is? The Different Skin Types can help you work it out. Target Skin Concerns When figuring out how to choose a cleanser, in addition to your skin type, you’ll probably have specific skin concerns to address. Many skin concerns are common to certain skin types. For example, acne (skin concern) is common for people with oily skin (skin type). Skin concerns include; Dehydration: This is a very common skin concern that can happen to all skin types. Dehydrated skin is lacking water and symptoms include flaky, rough skin, congestion, uneven skin tone, dullness, and excess oil. Hyperpigmentation: Symptoms include sunspots, age spots, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from scarring and melasma - also known as “the mask of pregnancy”. Fine lines and wrinkles: Signs of ageing are coming to all of us eventually, no matter our skin type! The good news is, there’s plenty you can do to slow or prevent the premature signs of ageing. Congestion: Congested skin is oily and has a bumpy, uneven texture. It may appear ‘dirty’ (although it isn’t) when blackheads are present. Combination and oily skin types are the most likely candidates for congestion. Dullness: Skin appears lacklustre, flat, and without a healthy glow. A few reasons for dull skin include dehydration, buildup of dead cells on the surface, and ageing. Dry skin types are prone to experiencing dullness. Breakouts: While breakouts are usually linked to oily or combination skin, they can show up on all skin types. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, can trigger acne for those who previously had no real breakout concerns. Redness: Sensitive skin types and those with inflammatory acne are usually the most prone to experiencing skin redness. Persistent redness and intense, hot flushing can also be a sign of rosacea. Choosing a Cleanser for Your Needs Now you’re clear on your skin type and concerns, let’s take a look at The Uncomplicated Cleanser range and match the right cleanser to your skin goals. The different types of cleansers include: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Suited to: All skin types Our best selling Uncomplicated Cleanser is perfect for all skin types. The gentle cream cleanser balances skin and won’t leave it dry or tight, just clean, calm, and supple. The formulation focuses on cleansing while supporting skin hydration and maintaining a healthy oil/moisture balance. It gently removes all traces of makeup, dirt, excess oil, and other impurities with a double cleanse while calming and protecting skin. An ideal face wash for normal skin types. Key ingredients to cleanse while maintaining hydrated, calm, and balanced skin; Aloe vera: Hydrating and calming for skin with very gentle exfoliant properties. Green tea extract: Anti-inflammatory to soothe and calm redness while antioxidant properties protect the skin from free radical damage. Stearic acid: Emollient properties minimise water loss while cleansing. Capric triglyceride: Reduce skin dryness by minimising moisture loss. The different types of cleansers in our range are based on this gentle cleansing formula plus specific active ingredients to target individual skin concerns. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Redness Suited to: Sensitive skin prone to redness and inflammation. If you’re wondering “What face wash should I use for sensitive skin?” this is the one! This gentle cream cleanser cools inflammation, balances skin and delivers an improvement in redness while gently removing impurities. Key redness-reducing ingredient: Tasmanian Mountain Pepper extract In addition to aloe vera and green tea extract, this formulation includes Tasmanian Mountain Pepper extract. This natural extract is ideal for sensitive skin types experiencing redness and inflammation, helping to minimise redness and cools hot, angry skin. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing Suited to: All skin types dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. This gentle cream cleanser addresses ageing concerns for all skin types, promoting elasticity, suppleness, and moisture while balancing skin for a more youthful-looking complexion. Plumps, hydrates and softens skin while gently removing impurities. Key anti-ageing ingredient: Peptides This formulation includes peptides to stimulate the production of both collagen and elastin. The result is firmer, tauter looking skin with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides also help even out skin tone and repair damage. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Brightening Suited to: All skin types prone to dullness, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. This brightening, antioxidant-rich cleanser balances and brightens skin for a more illuminated, even complexion while gently lifting away impurities. Signs of pigmentation, including age spots and dark patches, and dullness are minimised for a brighter complexion. Key brightening ingredient: Kakadu Plum extract (rich in Vitamin C) Kakadu Plum is a native Australian botanical containing the highest levels of vitamin C found in nature. This super antioxidant brightens hyperpigmentation, blemishes and smooths uneven skin tone. Kakadu Plum also contains antioxidants gallic acid for restoring the skin’s natural barrier and ellagic acid to improve firmness and elasticity. The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal Suited to: Oily and combination skin types prone to acne, congestion, and large pores. Which face wash is best for acne and oily skin? The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal. Detoxify and purify congested, oily skin with this gentle cleanser. Helps to draw out acne-forming bacteria and other impurities from deep within pores, refreshing and refining skin texture. Key detoxifying ingredient: Activated charcoal Activated charcoal is a master skin detoxifier. Toxins cling to charcoal, extracting dirt and oil build-up from clogged pores without irritating skin. It also fights breakouts by reducing excess oil and regulating sebum production. How to use The Uncomplicated Cleanser Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Use in the morning and at night - don’t forget to double cleanse in the PM after wearing foundation. We recommend using an eye makeup remover first if you have a non-tubular mascara. View The Uncomplicated Cleanser range and add a targeted cleanser to your skin routine today. If you need any help with how to choose a cleanser for your skin type, chat with an esmi skincare expert online.
The Complete Guide to Cream Cleansers
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about cream cleansers right here. What is cream cleanser, how to use one, their benefits, suited skin types, and best ingredients. We cover it all (and more!) in our complete guide to cream cleansers. How to Use Cream Cleansers How to Use Our Cleansers: Dampen skin with lukewarm water. Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands. Then, massage gently into the skin with an upward motion. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. Cream Cleanser vs Gel or Oil What is cream cleanser? A cream cleanser has a thicker, creamy texture and is formulated with ingredients to help the skin retain moisture, like plant-based oils. Sometimes called cleansing “milks” or “lotions” cream cleansers are gentle - they cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. They’re suited to all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin. What are the benefits of a cream cleanser vs gel or oil cleansers? Other types of cleansers include gel and oil cleansers. Like the name suggests, gel cleansers have a gel-like consistency and are usually clear. They’re designed for oily, breakout-prone skin, in particular, to offer a deep clean for pores and remove excess oil. Their deep cleaning action certainly works to get your skin ‘squeaky clean’ but in the process, some gel cleansers can strip skin of its natural oils. If your skin is feeling tight and dry after washing your face, it’s not a good sign. Stripping the skin of oil triggers it to produce even more and, over time, leaves the skin barrier compromised. When your skin barrier isn’t functioning at its healthiest, you’ll experience excessive dryness, irritation, itchiness, and sensitivity. Then, there are oil cleansers. The oils in these cleansers bind to surface debris to remove it from the skin. Oil cleansers are gentler for the skin than gels, but not all skin types will be compatible for this type of cleanser. While they can be a good option for a 'first cleanse', especially if you wear heavy makeup, oil cleansers cleansers aren’t well suited for the second cleanse in a double cleansing routine. A cream cleanser is not only gentle on the skin, it’s suitable for all skin types - from oily, acne prone to sensitive. It helps maintain the skin’s important oil / water balance and cleanser won’t disrupt the skin’s delicate pH balance. What to Look For in a Cream Cleanser Best ingredients in a cream cleanser We’ve answered the question what is a cream cleanser - now let’s explore the ingredients you’ll want to look for in a cream cleanser formulation. Aloe vera Containing mostly (95%) water, aloe vera is hydrating and calming for skin. It also has excellent cleansing and very gentle exfoliant properties. Green tea extract Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with the ability to soothe and calm redness. Stearic acid Helps cleanse debris from the skin while its emollient properties protect skin's surface against water loss. Capric triglyceride Helps to reduce skin dryness by minimising moisture loss by creating a barrier on the skin's surface. Active ingredients to target specific concerns Your cleanser can also include active ingredients to help target specific skin concerns. A couple of the best actives and what they address include: Dullness and hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C and pomegranate extract are excellent skin brighteners. Congestion, excess oil, and acne bacteria: Activated charcoal helps to draw out impurities and Tasmanian Mountain Pepper extract has natural antibacterial properties. Redness and inflammation: Tasmanian Mountain Pepper extract is an anti-inflammatory and aloe vera calms skin. Fine lines and wrinkles: Peptides encourage the production of collagen for a firmer looking complexion. Ingredients to avoid in a cleanser To avoid stripping and congesting the skin, steer clear of these ingredients in cleansers: Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES): Causes skin irritation and dryness. Mineral oil or petrolatum derived ingredients: These can ‘suffocate’ skin and lead to congestion and dullness. Isopropyl myristate or isopropyl palmitate: Known to clog pores. Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can cause irritation. SD alcohol 40: Drying for many skin types. Is a cream cleanser the right choice for you? Cream cleansers are an ideal choice for dry, sensitive, and mature skin and dry skin. If you’re dealing with a chronic inflammatory skin condition like rosacea, a cream cleanser is your best bet. Oily, acne-prone, and congested skin types will also benefit from a cream cleanser. Especially one formulated with active ingredients like activated charcoal to help detoxify and deeply cleanse pores. How to Use Cream Cleanser Using a cream cleanser is the first step in both your morning and evening routine for glowing skin. How to use cream cleanser in your morning routine Step 1: Dampen skin with lukewarm water Step 2: Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. While skin is still damp, apply your serum, then moisturiser or face oil, and finally, sunscreen. Cleansing your skin with a cream cleanser in the morning has several benefits. It removes product residue from night time products plus any bacteria which found its way onto your face overnight. It also gives you a lovely clean base to apply your day time products and boost their absorption. How to use cream cleanser in your evening routine (double cleanse) Step 1: Dampen skin with lukewarm water. Step 2: Apply a pearl-sized amount of the cleanser to damp hands and massage gently into skin with an upward motion. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Then repeat step 2 for a double cleanse. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with esmi's Microfibre Facial Cleansing Mitt. While skin is still damp, apply your evening serum, moisturiser / face oil or face mask if you’re doing an overnight treatment. Don’t skip the extra cleanse in your evening routine when using a cream cleanser. A double cleanse makes sure everything that settles into your pores during the day is washed away. Any sweat, natural oils, debris, pollution, makeup, and sunscreen left on your skin can lead to congestion and breakouts. What to Expect from a Cream Cleanser It’s pretty simple really! Using a cream cleanser you can expect your skin to feel clean, supple, and hydrated not dry, tight or itchy. Switching to a cream cleanser because you’ve been dealing with dryness, dullness or breakouts? You should start to see an improvement in these symptoms in 2 - 4 weeks of consistent use twice a day. In general, you’ll experience a difference in your skin immediately in terms of it feeling more supple and nourished. No more uncomfortable post-cleanse tightness. esmi offers a range of cream cleansers suited to different skin types and skin concerns. View The Uncomplicated Cleanser range.
Q + A with Renèe Barendregt
“I remember waking up one morning and couldn’t believe how smooth and glowy my skin looked.” We just love down-to-earth mumma and influencer, Renèe Barendregt! Funny, personal, and 1000 percent relatable, her Instagram is an honest peek at motherhood and family life with her 2 little boys, Harry and Sonny. One busy mumma, Adelaide-based Renèe is also the creator of unisex children’s clothing label Honey and co-host of The Mum’s Edit podcast. Renèe initially started her Insta account to document her pregnancy with Harry who was born with gastroschisis - a birth defect where the bowel and/or other organs grow on the outside of the body in the womb. Today, Harry is a happy 4 year old who, along with little brother Sonny, delivers plenty of “chaos on the daily” for Renèe’s almost 50k strong tribe of followers. We think you’ll enjoy our chat and skincare spotlight with this gorgeous mum! Renèe shares her biggest skin challenges (so many mums will relate!) which at one point got so bad she was self-conscious about leaving the house. She also shares the one person she’d love to meet and what she wished she knew a decade ago! What was your biggest skin challenge prior to using esmi? Random, big red hormonal breakouts, dryness and redness. What changed after starting with esmi? Less breakouts. Less redness around my nose and cheeks. My makeup now goes on so nicely because my skin is properly looked after and hydrated. I also feel so confident without makeup on now, when my skin would go through “bad” stages I never would have dreamt of leaving the house without it. What made you want to try esmi for the first time? I felt as if I was at a loss, I remember sending a video to my sister of my skin and saying I didn’t want to leave the house. She told me she had been using esmi for a few weeks and that she had already seen such a positive change in her skin. I emailed esmi for a skin consult that day! What specific results can you share? My complexion has completely changed. I remember waking up one morning and couldn’t believe how smooth and glowy my skin looked. I sent a video to my sister that day too, haha. What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying esmi? If you are feeling overwhelmed by skincare like I was, esmi is your answer. I can’t believe how amazing the team was with my initial skin consult. After trying so many other brands, I felt that the team at esmi genuinely cared for my skin concerns and wanted me to get the best outcome for my skin after trying esmi. What esmi product can you not live without? I would have to say the Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie! The difference that made to my complexion is actually unreal! What did you wish you knew 10 years ago? In my late teens and early 20s, I was so worried about “growing up” and having kids and that my “life would be over”. But, if I knew how amazing my life with my boys would be 10 years ago I would have known that even though challenging, it would be the best time of my life! If you could meet anyone, man or woman, living or dead, who would you want to meet? Perhaps my dad's dad. He passed away when my dad was young. Whenever I see pictures of him I wonder who he would’ve been. I’m presuming a lot like my dad who I adore! Check out Renèe’s favourite esmi Skin Treats! Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie This anti redness serum cools and heals damaged, red skin with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hydrating properties. esmi Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Broad-spectrum SPF 30 enriched with antioxidant protection, this silky smooth, daily sunscreen protects against UV damage and fights the first signs of ageing. Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The ultimate skin hydrator! This quick-absorbing hydrating serum fights dehydration to help plump skin, minimise lines, and boost radiance. We have a caring and dedicated esmi Skin Service team available 7 days a week to reach out to. Book your complimentary skin consultation today!
Q + A with Brooke Iseppi
“Self-care has helped me feel myself again after so many months of focusing on my little one!” Brooke Iseppi’s Instagram feed chronicles family life with her 3 stunning daughters, Isabella, Mia, and Quinn - her “3 queens.” With close to 1 million followers, Brooke is one of the most popular Aussie influencers on Instagram. Brooke simply glows. But, like so many mummas, finding time to take care of her skin and fit self-care into her day wasn’t always easy. After having her youngest daughter Quinn, Brooke wanted to step up her skincare routine and rediscover her “me time”. She turned to esmi Skin Minerals (hooray!) to tackle her skin concerns. We had a quick chat with this glowing mumma about her esmi experience. What made you want to try esmi for the first time? A few of my girlfriends had started using it and we're seeing great results so of course, I had to jump on the bandwagon! What specific results can you share? After having my youngest daughter last year, I really let myself go. My skin was very dull, congested and overall didn’t look good. After 2-3 months using esmi products, my skin looks so much brighter and healthier! Also allowing myself a few minutes twice a day for some self-care has helped me feel myself again after so many months of focusing on my little one! What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying esmi? It’s 100% worth it! My skin has never looked or felt this good! Who is someone you look up to and why? My Mama Bear - she's everything I hope to be and more. She is the most selfless, strong-willed, caring person I have ever met, not to mention the best ‘Lollie’ to my girls! What is your favourite thing about being a woman? Being able to grow life - it still blows my mind how amazing a woman’s body is and what it is capable of! We have a caring and dedicated esmi Skin Service team available 7 days a week to reach out to. Book your complimentary skin consultation today!
Q + A with Madalin Giorgetta
With her program Work It with MG, fitness influencer and self-love queen, Madalin Giorgetta introduced the world to a unique non-diet health and fitness app. Madalin is all about workouts that give you those feel-good endorphins, eating food that delights you and cultivating body acceptance and self-love. She’s shunned the toxic diet culture and obsessive fitness routines. We just love her refreshing, real approach to fitness! With more than 800k followers, Madalin’s Instagram is a hub of self-love, healthy fitness, honesty and fun times. She also loves taking care of her skin - which is pretty evident from her glow! We’re delighted to share our chat with Madalin about her results with esmi Skin Minerals. Here's what Madalin had to say! What made you want to try esmi for the first time? I’ve seen esmi all over the front page of my Instagram, and become curious about this Aussie skincare brand that everyone was gushing about. I jumped on the website and read the reviews and was convinced I need to try them! What specific results can you share? I’ve specifically noticed my skin has become brighter and any uneven skin tone has faded. My skin used to feel dry for a few hours after I applied my skincare routine, and I’ve noticed it hasn’t been feeling dry or tight throughout the day. Must be the effects of the Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask! What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying esmi? I would say jump online and read the reviews, definitely sold me. It’s helpful as you can read what people recommend based on their skin concerns and purchase what would be most suitable for you. What esmi product can you not live without? The Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask, it’s so luxe and feels divine, every time I put it on I feel like I’m treating myself. Not only is it ultra-hydrating but it also makes my skin look brighter. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would learn to be organised! I try every year and say to myself ‘this will be the year’, I buy a diary, write in it for two weeks and then I’m back to scribbling to-do lists in the notes section of my phone. Not my strong suit. Meet the Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask De-stress dry skin and slow cellular ageing with colloidal gold, free-radical fighting green tea extract, and a nourishing oil complex to renew, repair and protect. Ideal for dry skin types in need of nourishment to reduce fine lines, inflammation, uneven skin tone and heal damaged skin.
Q + A with Alex Centomo
One of our favourite self-love and body positivity advocates, beautiful mumma Alex Centomo is a Canadian beauty, fashion, lifestyle influencer. Welcoming her son Arkie last year, Alex has been super open and honest about her body and mental health journey during pregnancy and postpartum with her million Instagram followers. And they love her for it! She’s empowering new mums to embrace their bodies, focus on self-love and opening up the conversations on the realities of motherhood. Like so many women, Alex experienced big changes in her skin during pregnancy and postpartum. She also suffers from rosacea. Incorporating esmi Skin Minerals products into her routine has helped Alex calm and balance her skin. Enjoy our chat with Alex! What specific results can you share after using esmi? I've been using esmi skincare for a few weeks now and have noticed a significant difference in the texture and quality of my skin! Going through pregnancy and postpartum comes with a lot of hormone changes, and mix that in with the crazy changes in weather here in Montreal, my skin was all over the place. I finally feel like I'm at a place of balance and I'm super happy with the results! What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying esmi? Go for it! I love how they have so many different products that target different skin qualities. You can find something that fits your skin needs perfectly. HUGE bonus that they're vegan! What esmi product can you not live without? Definitely the Uncomplicated Cleanser with Anti-Redness! I suffer from rosacea and this product has really helped with that a lot. It's also not drying which I really like now that my skin is noticeably aging! What are some ways that you practice self-care in such a busy, demanding world? I take time every day to relax all my senses. Wearing comfortable clothing, listening to or watching something soothing, tasting something enjoyable, and smelling either a calming candle or essential oil! What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? I feel like the challenges that social media and technology bring will be tough for the next generation of women. I grew up in the 90s without any technology other than TV and that was limited to weekends. I feel like women now deal with a lot online. Everything is so quick and so easily at our fingertips, it's a blessing and a curse. A blessing because we can make anything of ourselves and really push to achieve goals that didn't exist for women a few years ago. But a curse because it's easier to compare ourselves and absorb almost too much information. We need reminders to disconnect once in a while to recharge.
Q + A with Sheree Nelson
I get compliments on how my skin has that 'glow’ Not afraid to say it how it is, WA based influencer mamma Sheree (Ree) Nelson started her Instagram account for fun. It was her way of ‘getting out there’ and creating friendships online - her community has since grown to almost 40k. With warmth and honesty, Ree shares all things motherhood, health, beauty, and fashion. Ree’s intention for 2021 is to focus on self-love and do more of the things that make her feel good! We’re thrilled esmi is part of her skincare routine and has helped boost her skin confidence. With combination skin, Ree knows the struggle of dealing with skin that’s oily and breaking out one day and dry and irritated the next! We had a chat with Ree on her skin challenges and why self-care is everything in her busy world! What was your biggest skin challenge prior to using esmi? Prior to using esmi, I was at a loss as I was spending so much money on skincare that did not agree with my skin! I would say I have combination skin. It would go from being oily with constant breakouts or days where it would be dry and irritated. There was so much in-between which was frustrating. How did that challenge make you feel? It made me feel frustrated as all a girl wants is nice skin, am I right!? If my skin was not looking nice then my makeup would not sit well. I started to feel a bit self-conscious. All I've ever wanted was to be able to wear no makeup and have my skin glowing and feeling amazing! What changed after starting with esmi? The first initial change I noticed was my skin balanced out and I no longer had days of feeling dry or oily. I no longer have random breakouts (unless it's that time, haha) but I feel more confident in my skin. I can actually wear no makeup and I get compliments on how my skin has that 'glow.' What are some ways that you practice self-care in such a busy, demanding world? Being a mum, working part-time and influencing I never have much time left over in my day. But, I have learnt to put myself first as it's so important to look after yourself! Self-care to me isn't just treating yourself to getting your hair done, nails or putting on a face mask. It's really appreciating those times you have to yourself to go for a walk, read a book and really connect with yourself on a whole other level. I really appreciate the time where my daughter is in bed and I finally get to sit down and take in everything. What is something that people don’t know about you? Something that shocks people is that although I am incredibly confident online - I can talk about anything and everything to my followers on my stories which get thousands of views - when it comes to in-person, I am shy as anything. It's something I've been trying to work on as to some people I come across as being rude but in reality I can be socially awkward (unless I have a drink, haha.) What did you wish you knew 10 years ago? You do you! I wish I knew that it's okay to be yourself and to put yourself first. Don't rely on other people to make you happy and to make sure you always put yourself first...PERIOD! There is so much pressure from society that you have to be a type of person and have to have your life sorted by a certain age. This is, in fact, totally incorrect as I look at my life and how far I have come at 26 and still have no idea what the hell I'm doing. I'm only just figuring out what I want to achieve, what big goals I want to accomplish and I am still so young. My life is in no way sorted but I am so thankful for my family and my beautiful daughter.
Q + A with Loni Jane
“Hydration and dewy plumpness, that is always the goal for me.” Loni Jane thrives on vibrant, simple healthy living across all aspects of her life. Mum of 2, author of Feel the Lean, and all-round glowing goddess, Loni believes in a sustainable lifestyle without fad diets, quick fixes, calorie restriction or excessive exercise. Real, relatable, and brimming with knowledge on plant-fueled eating, Loni inspires her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers to take a step (or leap!) towards living their healthiest, most authentic lives. She also loves her skincare routine and sees it as a vital part of self-care in her daily routine. Enjoy our chat with Loni! What made you want to try esmi for the first time? The beautiful glass bottles hehe. There is something so classic and classy about glass cosmetics. Also, the clean ingredients and they are cruelty-free! What esmi product can you not live without? I would have to say the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum hands down. My skin just drinks it up and gives me such a plump dewy feel. It’s good any time of the day, a great base for anything you're putting on. What specific results can you share? Overall results would be hydration and dewy plumpness, that is always the goal for me but it's not always simple to get! but using the combo of the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, then the Probiotic Skin Mylck then finishing with a touch of the 24k Gold Nourishing Oil. These three steps reap wonderful dewy results. What are some ways that you practice self-care in such a busy, demanding world? I think just by caring about yourself and putting your health and wellness as a priority just as you would your meetings, phone calls, bills, job, kids, partnerships or family. even if you literally have to put in time with yourself then book it in. I literally say to my partner "I've got a 30-minute appointment in the bathroom, do not disturb" haha. I tell the kids too and they know that this is my time I need to look after me. I love to light up a candle, put some music on, run a bubble salt bath, start with some skin brushing to get the blood flowing and get into my beauty self-care routine. I can tell you I emerge from that bathroom a new woman! Also, in the morning, as soon as I get up I wash my face and apply my skincare, let it soak in while I'm getting the family ready and then my skin base is ready for some natural makeup and the day ahead. What is something that people don’t know about you? Mmm maybe that I'm a twin to a brother that was born first and is 7 foot tall, has dark skin, brown eyes and brown hair. It's wild to think how different we are but shared the same blood, time of conception and womb!
Q + A with Kylie Camps
“I love having make-up free days now. My skin feels soft and hydrated.” Kylie Camps is one incredible mum, owner of The Kind Parenting Company, sleep consultant, podcast host, and parenting influencer. Kylie’s podcast and Instagram are spaces dedicated entirely to making a difference in women’s lives by focusing on taking small, positive actions each day. She pours energy, curiosity, truth, and #mumlife tips into her social posts and podcast episodes. When she turned 30, Kylie made a pact to really focus on taking care of her skin and esmi Skin Minerals has been part of her routine for years. She’s achieved healthier, softer skin with esmi and we’re delighted to share our chat with Kylie on skincare, self-care, and more. Best piece of advice you give yourself for 2021: 100% my focus right now is to really practice self-compassion. 2020 was a strange year for all. For me personally it had a lot of positive moments and lessons but I have also been moving through a divorce and all that entails, with two kids. It is a LOT! So self-compassion for doing my best and my best can look different each day. What is something that people don’t know about you? Probably the fact that despite liking a tidy house and getting ready most days, my car is messy, really messy!! You’ll find all sorts of things in my car! What did you wish you knew 10 years ago? How much motherhood would change me. What is your favourite thing about being a woman? The fluidity of being feminine, the energy and ability we have to be super soft and nurturing one moment and then focused and effective in the next. The friendships with other women too, female friendship is magic. If you could meet anyone that you look up to, man or woman, living or dead, who would you want to meet? Brene Brown for sure, the work she has done to uncover and share the importance of vulnerability, shame, resilience and worthiness is life-changing. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I really admire the strength and grace of really great yogis. Whenever I see someone really fluid in handstands, I think “I want to do that”. The opposite end of that is I really admire mathematically-minded thinkers, I can’t imagine being excited by numbers but I do appreciate that trait in others and often wish I was naturally inclined to be that way! What was your biggest skin challenge prior to using esmi? My biggest challenge with my skin was the fact it was often dry. I felt like I needed a really heavy moisturiser to hydrate but then it had implications of clogged pores etc. What changed after starting with esmi? The most notable change is that people often ask about my skincare regime! Which I think is a big compliment!! My skin texture has improved, my makeup sits well on my skin and I love having make-up free days now. My skin feels soft and hydrated. What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying esmi? Over the years I have had countless people thank me for putting them onto esmi and the most common thing I hear is “It actually works”. I’ve had people stop me in Coles before to tell me how much they love the range. Our skin is so important, we can’t take it off - we need to look after it. If you are on the fence about trying the esmi range, I strongly suggest you speak with the esmi skin consultants to chat about your own specific skin concerns and goals. You can work out a plan tailored to you. Try it for a few weeks and I bet you see and feel a difference. What esmi product can you not live without? 24k Gold Nourishing Oil, the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Skin Treat and the Bamboo Rose Gentle-Foliant ...oh and the Hydrating Booster Mask! What are some ways that you practice self-care in such a busy, demanding world? Self-care can mean different things on different days for me. Sometimes self-care is pushing through a hard workout or a bath with a face mask. Other times self-care is making hard phone calls and having boundaries. Life can get busy and self-care can fall off the priority list for many so I love my skincare routine, it is a constant easy way to look after me. A moment of peace and self-care can go a long way on a busy day!
Q + A with Milly Bannister
“Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.” Milly Bannister is the virtual big sister and real-talk bff you always wanted! The Founder and Director of GRLKND - a female-empowerment and education organisation - Milly is on a mission to help young women self-direct their mental health journeys. She’s here to hold your hand through your journey towards personal power! Milly is also a digital media expert, podcaster, mentor, and influencer with a huge Instagram following. Super relatable, fun, and not afraid to get deep, Milly shares her own challenges and gems of advice on her Insta starting conversations around self-confidence, compassion, and mental health. What a treat to chat with Milly! We got the lowdown on the advice she’ll be following for 2021, what she wishes she knew 10 years ago, and her favourite esmi Skin Treat. Best piece of advice you give yourself for 2021 Focus on what you can control and let go of the rest. Find resources and ideas in the least-likely places. Take yourself and your business seriously and don’t be afraid to ask for help, you sweet fool. What did you wish you knew 10 years ago? 10 years ago I was a 14-year-old - wow, I just want to give her a hug, firstly. And then tell her that everything gets really good. Go see a therapist through Headspace Australia. Join the GRLKND community. Spend less time worrying and comparing and more time living present moment to present moment. What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? I feel so heartbroken for the generation growing up online, scrolling more and exercising their childlike sense of play and wonder less. So much so, I founded a charity to improve youth collective mental health literacy, in a world that very much tells us that we're never quite good enough to feel peace, happiness, confidence or self-compassion. What specific results can you share after using esmi? My favourite product has to be the Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum with a callout ingredient of hyaluronic acid meaning my skin gets a big drink of water. Sometimes I get random dry patches that not even pawpaw ointment can fix, but somehow, this little skin treat does. If you could only use 1-2 skincare/beauty products for the rest of your life, what would they be? Rough! 1-2!? Gosh, if I had to dwindle my multi-step skin and beauty routine down to 2 items, it would definitely include a soft, multi-action cleanser and a hydrating + exfoliation moisturiser with SPF. Is that cheating? What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying esmi? Slide fast into esmi's Instagram DMs! They're able to offer skin specialist/ product advice based on your unique skin type & concerns. Check out Milly’s favourite esmi Skin Treat: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is the ultimate skin hydrator! This quick-absorbing hydrating serum fights dehydration to help plump skin, minimise lines, and boost radiance. Perfect for all skin types and ages, this hyaluronic serum hydrates from the inside out, restores, repairs and reveals healthy skin with a hydrated glow. We have a caring and dedicated esmi Skin Service team available 7 days a week to reach out to. Book your complimentary skin consultation today!
Q + A with Laura Jade Stone
Laura Jade Stone’s passion for styling outfits has made her one of the biggest luxury fashion and lifestyle influencers in Australia. She shares her beautifully curated mix of cool, sultry, casual, and elegant looks for almost a million IG followers. This woman is pure inspo for how to put together pieces and shake yourself out of a fashion rut! Radiant, healthy skin is the best accessory for any outfit and Laura loves esmi Skin Minerals to turn up her glow. We had a quick chat with this fashionista to get a peek inside her skincare routine. Laura Jade Stone answers our Qs... What was your biggest skin challenge prior to using esmi? I have combination skin - so it tends to break out quite a bit and is hard to keep clear. What specific results can you share since using esmi? My skin just feels extremely hydrated since I've been using the Skin Treat Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum. I also adore the Probiotic Skin Mylck morning and night. It gives my skin a great hydrated glow without breaking me out. I also love to pop the hydrating serum on before applying my makeup, my foundation just goes on so well. What have been some of your favourite Esmi products so far? I've been using the Probiotic Skin Mylck plus Hydration daily and using the Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask. So far these are my absolute faves and a part of my daily skin routine. What is something that people don’t know about you? Hmm maybe that I'm an extremely bad cook hahaha... although I hate to admit it. What is your favourite thing about being a woman? Everything. Being a woman is incredible and I think women supporting other women is an amazing force.
Learning to Love the Skin You're In
Learning to love the skin you’re in… Are we overcomplicating it? Let’s explore. Have you ever met that person that just seems to have a bounce in their step? You know the one we’re talking about… They’ve got the social energy of a golden retriever, their skin looks like they just swam in the deep waters of the Swiss Alps* and they just exude confidence! And you’re left thinking…. How can I get that?! Well, we have just the trick for you! *No plane ticket to Switzerland required. The truth is, we all deserve to feel great physically, mentally, spiritually & even socially. YOU deserve to feel good in the skin you’re in. Before we get to the good stuff, let’s just remember this very important perspective. The art of self-love is a JOURNEY, not a destination. We are all LEARNING. And the person we mentioned above, she LEARNED ways in which they could feel and live the way they do. They made a decision to lean in, prioritise their worth and STOP COMPARING! I’m not sure if you’ve figured this out yet, but the skin we’re in isn’t going anywhere. You are you. (light bulb!) And no one else on the planet can do it better than you. Physical changes, money, success and fame may change the exterior of you. But they are not going to directly change (for the better) the love you have for yourself. There’s a reason why the rich and famous share in interviews that a budding career and loads of money, really doesn’t give you happiness. Becoming famous, didn’t increase the love they had for themselves and really, it has usually done quite the opposite for them. It’s time to stop being so hard on yourself - don’t worry, we got you. So, how do we learn to love the skin we’re in? Glad you asked! Let’s dive in. Step 1: Stop! First and foremost, let’s stop the negativity: STOP comparing ourselves to others. Where they are in their journey, is not reflective of where you are in yours. STOP people-pleasing. Yep, we’ve ALL been there! Live your life through your eyes, not of those around you. It’s like needing glasses... Yep, go with me. Without them, is like seeing yourself through others eyes - it’s blurry, distorted, not in focus. With them, you’re seeing yourself through your own eyes - it’s clear, contextualised and you can focus! You’re seeing the ACTUAL picture. So, put those glasses on and see yourself for who you really are! STOP and take time to reflect. If we’re going to learn to love the skin we’re in, we need to first find those things that are important to us. What gives you excitement, joy, love, purpose, passion, happiness, and health? Write them down! This way, you will have them laid out in front of you, ready to set action within each area. Step 2: Set Now that we've STOPPED it's time to set ourselves up with new habits and routines, to create time for ourselves and get the 'self-love boat' going. Positives It’s time to find the positives in who we are. The world we’re in and the environment around us. What are the things you love about who you are? (No, this is not arrogant unless you’re updating your Facebook status to reflect your finding’s). Is it your ability to see the good in everyone? Is it your smile? Is it your heart for the environment? And then, to your world. The free country you may be blessed enough to live in? The fact you have access to clean running water? The feeling of sunshine on your face? Jot them down and watch the positivity flow. Priorities What is important to you? What are the aspects of your life you wish to devote time and energy to? Family, religion, the environment, helping others, your career, living a healthy life etc. It’s important to focus on what these are so you can invest time into those things that matter most to YOU. Practices What are the practical things you want to do in your life that you feel will increase your enjoyment of it? Time invested in YOU. Regular time for things like family/friends, meditation, learning how to eat healthier, exercise, taking more time for rest, regular pamper time at home with good skincare (We know who we would pick!). The list is endless and different for everyone! So get yours going. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, here are some of our favourites! Get up 20 mins earlier than you would for some ‘me time’ Do a quick morning yoga flow or go for a quick walk - get that body moving! Guided or silent meditation while sipping on a sleep tea before bed Develop a good skin care routine to start and end each day (chat with our skin service team to help you with this!) Set a weekly date night - with your friends or significant other Take a class - learn a new skill or just have some fun! Pamper night once a week - face mask, hair mask, bath, however you do pamper! (We love the hyaluronic hydrating booster mask for a pamper night in!) Digital detox - maybe it’s from 5pm at night until 5am the next morning, maybe it’s one day a week with no screens - you do you! Step 3: Start! Aaaaandddd GO! Start looking over everything you just put down and putting it into practice, DAILY. Spending time to discover these things, and starting to invest your time and energy into them IS learning to love the skin you’re in. You’re practising self-love. And giving value to who you are. So maybe it’s really not as complicated as we once thought? STOP listening to outside voices of dictation of how you should be living your life. SET yourself up for the freedom to live unapologetically who you are! START loving the skin you’re in. Get living beautiful people. Not sure where to start? Reach out to our team of skin experts for a complimentary skin consultation. We’d so love to hear from you.
Q + A with Erin Barnett
“Always clean your skin before bed. No matter how tired or busy you are.” Former Love Island and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! contestant Erin Barnett is known and loved for her honest, no-nonsense personality. Erin’s most powerful social message? She wants women who deal with endometriosis and PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) to know they’re not alone. Erin shares her personal experience and challenges with endometriosis, including her surgery journey, to her half a million Instagram followers. She’s on a mission to raise awareness of this common, yet complex and often debilitating, condition. Gorgeous Erin is also a fan of esmi Skin Minerals (yay!) and we’re excited to share our Q+A with her today! What was your biggest skin challenge prior to using esmi? Dry & oily skin. Can never seem to find a happy medium between them both. How did that challenge make you feel? Exhausted from trialling 100s of different products. What made you want to try esmi for the first time? The ingredients in Esmi products seemed too good to be true. Had to try it out myself. What are some ways that you practice self-care in such a busy, demanding world? ALWAYS clean your skin before bed. No matter how tired or busy you are. Everyone has 5 minutes before bed to cleanse their face. What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? Hmmm, Maybe body confidence insecurities driven by social media. Meet the esmi Intensive Eye Serum Erin calls her “FOREVER skin care product” Brightening Eye Serum helps revive and illuminate tired eyes with a unique blend of plankton extract, active ingredients, and peptides. This intensive eye serum acts on common signs of tiredness and ageing in the delicate skin area: dark circles, eye bags, and wrinkles to promote a brighter, tighter and more youthful eye area. Brightening Eye Serum is cruelty-free and vegan too! Are you dealing with dry and oily skin like Erin? Try esmi Acai Balancing Face Oil! A lightweight face oil brimming with superfood ingredients to increase elasticity and hydration, reduce redness and regulate oil. Ideal for all skin types, especially oily skin with balance concerns, this nourishing oil can replace moisturiser to improve tone, calm and hydrate while regulating oil flow.
Q+ A with Lorinska
“My favourite thing in the world is motherhood.” Glam mumma Lorinska found fame with Netflix series Yummy Mummies. She’s built her empire Instagram sharing all things motherhood, family life, and pregnancy. Lorinska is a big believer in self-care and doing those lil’ things that make yourself feel extra spesh. Especially while juggling the demands of motherhood and during pregnancy when life and hormones can get pretty crazy. It’s one of the reasons she loves esmi Skin Minerals! There are so many pregnancy safe options to nourish your skin while expecting and breastfeeding. We chat to this unstoppable mum about her self-care routine, skin care, her go-to guilty pleasure treat, and more. What is your favourite thing about being a woman? There are many things I LOVE about being a woman but my favourite thing in the world is motherhood. Being able to carry my two girls for 9 months- a tad longer as I bonded with each in utero - and then watching them be born was an experience that was priceless! What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? I believe we are breaking glass ceilings (putting BIG cracks in them), and doing many things right. That’s why the needle has moved. Yes, I think women have areas to improve and I also strongly believe culture and organisations also have huge steps to take as well. Therefore, let's each do our part along the way. What would you say to somebody on the fence about trying esmi? I really don’t know where to begin..actually, yes I do...head over to esmi Skin Minerals and meet the beautiful people who have achieved amazing results with esmi Skin Minerals. It will blow your mind! The products are ideal for all skin types, the cleansers deeply cleanse, giving you soft and supple skin. It won’t strip the skin of good oils and bacteria but it also prepares your skin perfectly for other products you may use. Let me tell you, fence-sitting will not protect your skin, so give it ago, you’ll love it! What are some ways that you practice self-care in such a busy, demanding world? I just wrote something about this on my Instagram page the other day. I get up at 5:30am every morning and literally skip out my door as I head over to Hot Pilates. I have always loved pilates. It’s my go-to, I truly unwind and disconnect (even though I’m getting a crazy workout) in order for myself to reconnect with my family and work. What is something that people don’t know about you? I hold my fork in my right hand and knife in my left (however I am not left-handed) and I vacuum my house when I get up in the morning and after the girls head to bed.
